Free Open Source Software for Business

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Free Open Source Software

Budgeting for Business

Managing budgets is quite often a crucial part of any business that is woefully overlooked, especially for startups. A key area where budgets are strained is in the software that is used. Most users are familiar with using Windows or Mac along with Office applications and Antivirus software without much regard to costs beyond their initial purchase. However, for businesses, these software costs have a long-term and continuous impact.

Software is Expensive

So when we take a business approach to software where each PC would have a typical Windows operating system, Microsoft Office program, and Antivirus software, we can see how costs can add up quickly across multiple machines. In addition to the initial software costs, you also have ongoing licensing fees and any technical support services you might need beyond software.

Open Source Software as a Business Solution

Open Source Software, like the Linux operating system, is used in billions of computing devices daily. For everything from personal computing to supercomputers. Businesses especially rely heavily on Linux as a foundation to run their systems and the best part is that it’s a free open-source operating system.

Using Open Source Software can serve a variety of needs for many forms of businesses. For the typical office setup described earlier, an alternative free setup would be:

  • Desktop Operating System: Linux Mint
  • Office application: LibreOffice
  • Antivirus: not an absolute requirement for desktop Linux
  • Software costs and licenses: $0

Free Open Source Software is Good

Now the term “Free” is not often associated with quality software products. As mentioned earlier, Linux is used in every aspect of the business. So quality is not something that should be of concern. What is of value is that these free Open Source options have matured to the point where it’s simple, stable, and compatible with other software programs like Microsoft Office. And since much of our daily computing needs center on internet browsers like Chrome, users will feel right at home on an Open Source computer.

Technology is rapidly evolving and developing software solutions that lead to more efficient budgets. This is something that all businesses can gain value from. Contact us for professional technology and support solutions.

 

Why Good Technical Support Specialists are in High Demand

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Why Good Technical Support Specialists are in High Demand

Every company needs to have a good technical support specialist. Many companies want to hire a person to work in-house.

While this seems to make common sense, when it comes to technology, there are things to consider.

The technology landscape changes every year. This is especially true as we enter 2017 and companies are introducing more connected products to the IoT marketplace. Cyber security threats are evolving with the technology. Therefore, the cost to keep in-house tech talent on staff with the skills to handle each new year’s cyber threats and tech management needs is extraordinary.

Most businesses have found that relying on in-house staff is impractical.
Outsourcing IT services is the right solution for most organizations.

When you outsource your tech needs to a qualified Managed Services Provider, (MSP), with talents in every area of IT, you can relax knowing one of the tech support specialists on the team can address whatever maintenance and security needs your organization has and will have.

Your MSP Will:

  • Provide on-call support for all your technology, software, and hardware in the manner most convenient for you and appropriate for the issue (via email, phone or on-site);
  • Make regular on-site visits for specific maintenance issues like hardware and software modifications, cleaning, and repairs;
  • Speed up your system performance, eliminate connection problems, and make data more readily accessible;
  • Evaluate any situation needing repair with an on-site visit;
  • Help you test new hardware and software and communicate with the vendor to make sure it meets your organizational needs;
  • Coordinate employee training sessions for new system introductions or major revamps; and
  • Report to department managers to provide tech updates and reports along with training if necessary;

Many business owners and managers want to hire an in-house tech professional because they worry an outsider won’t understand their company’s specific needs or be able to explain technical issues in a way that management will understand. However, part of a tech support specialist’s job description is to have personality qualities like patience, the ability to simplify complex concepts, and the ability to discern a complete needs picture by asking questions and learning about an organization.

Every tech professional that works with Bluewater has the interpersonal skills you’re seeking. In fact, many got their feet wet with troubleshooting and helpdesk work, which combines tech support with customer service. We all care about the businesses we serve and their goals. As well as understand that technology is an intrinsic part of goals for modern businesses. We will never take your needs, company culture or business processes for granted.

Contact us today to get started.