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Top IT Trends for 2026 for Houston Businesses

As technology continues to expand and evolve, the IT industry adapts to meet the changing needs of businesses. In a diverse city like Houston, businesses are changing and adapting to rising technology each year. Read on to learn more about the top IT trends for 2026 for Houston businesses.

Artificial Intelligence

As in most industries, artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping the way businesses function and how they handle various processes. Especially for technology-centered companies in Houston, IT companies are adapting and integrating AI into many of their processes. While it’s unclear how long AI adoption will last, it will certainly be one of the top IT trends for 2026. IT companies are already integrating AI by automating ticketing processes as well as analyzing data to aid in problem-solving. 

Cloud Computing and Storage

Cloud computing and storage continue to rise in popularity over traditional data storage options. While physical hard drives and storage options are still popular and incredibly useful, cloud storage is convenient and takes up less physical space than traditional servers, making it widely adopted by many companies. 

Preemptive Cybersecurity

Artificial intelligence is used for far more than automation of tasks. AI-driven systems are also useful for identifying patterns, allowing them to preempt and prevent prospective cyber attacks. These tactics will be important to many businesses to prevent the loss of funds, business, or data that comes with cyber attacks.

Outsource with WesTec and Propel Your Business’s Technology Forward

In the new year, many businesses assess their current assets to determine how to best serve their customers. Whether new software or hardware should be implemented, WesTec has you covered to provide your business with the best expert technical advice. Interested in working with WesTec for your IT services solutions? Contact us today to learn more about our services and find a solution that works for your business. Be sure to follow us on Facebook to keep up to date with WesTec Services!

How an IT Consultant Can Help Plan for Company Growth

When planning for company growth, upgrading and expanding your business’ technology is essential; however, it can be difficult to know where to begin. Connecting with an IT consultant helps your company prepare for growth and smoothly evolve. 

Assessing Current Company Conditions

Company growth brings technology challenges, but IT consultants bring expert recommendations that ensure the transition is seamless. WesTec’s IT consultants are experienced in assessing and making recommendations for software and hardware for small to medium-sized businesses that will leave room for growth and enable them to effectively run their business profitably. 

Our IT consultants identify each client’s specific needs and target areas that should be upgraded to accommodate business growth, whether that’s a larger number of employees or an influx of customers.

Recommending Options for Scalable Growth

There is a wide range of upgrades that can be implemented to plan for sizable growth within a company. Whether a more efficient customer management system (CRM) is needed or general hardware needs to be updated, IT consultants can help identify these problem areas and target weaknesses. 

Strengthening Cybersecurity Measures to Prepare for Growth

With company growth comes the need for stronger cybersecurity. While smaller businesses are generally targets of cyberattacks due to weaker security measures, any company is at risk of its data being compromised. Strengthening cybersecurity measures is an essential part of a growth strategy that IT consultants will help your business navigate. This can range from antivirus software to simply updating outdated software or upgrading outdated hardware. 

Putting off updates for computer software puts your business at a greater risk of compromise because updates often come with bug fixes and patches. These fixes could include issues that compromise your cybersecurity. Ensuring your software is regularly updated is essential to increasing your data’s security.

Partner with WesTec for Experienced IT Consultants

WesTec’s IT consultants have years of experience assisting small to medium-sized businesses plan for growth while strengthening their overall business technology systems. Interested in learning more about our services? Contact us on our website today! To learn more IT tips, follow us on Facebook and check out our articles page.

 

How to Choose the Right IT Consultant in Houston

Choosing an IT consultant in Houston that’s best for your business can be a tricky task. There are many different factors to consider, such as cost, expertise, and services offered. Looking to outsource an IT consultant in Houston for your business? Read on to learn more about how to choose the right one!

Expertise and Years in Business

While years in business do not always equal expertise, WesTec has a track record of customer satisfaction for almost thirty years. Choosing an IT consultant who is an expert in your business’ industry is essential to finding the right IT solution. WesTec primarily serves Houston area professional firms with 10 to 100 employees, making us experts in providing IT consulting services for small to medium-sized businesses. 

Cost Factor

Budget is a major factor in determining who to contract as your primary IT consultant. WesTec offers flexible plans to provide managed IT and IT consulting services to Houston area businesses. We’re here to help your business maximize its return on its investment in business technology. Whether you’re looking to overhaul your entire business technology system or install a few simple upgrades, WesTec’s IT consultants are well-versed in providing quality suggestions that meet your budget requirements. 

Services Offered

When choosing an IT consultant in Houston, it’s essential to analyze the services that they offer. WesTec’s goal is to analyze a business’ current technology system and make recommendations for what can be implemented to get the company running profitably in the long term. WesTec Services is intentional in how we conduct assessments. We use each company’s goals, vision, and overall mission to determine what equipment and software will benefit the company long-term.

Partner with WesTec Services to Find the Right IT Consultant for Your Business

WesTec’s team of IT professionals is intentional about what we recommend to our clients and how we approach creating a plan for each business. Every business is different, and in today’s ever-changing technology landscape, we want to recommend lasting solutions. 

Interested in learning more about our IT consulting services? Contact us today on our website and check out our blog page to learn more about what services we offer. Be sure to follow us on Facebook and LinkedIn!

Computer Network Installation Services

Outdated computer systems can cost a business time and money, but it can be difficult to know where to start with an upgrade. WesTec’s computer network installation services provide businesses with professional consulting to assist with the transition to an up-to-date system. Read on to learn more about the computer network installation services we offer.

Complimentary Computer Network Health Check Audit

Before our experts provide consulting and advice for a new computer network system, they’ll perform a computer network health check for your company at no cost. This includes checking for any hidden spyware, malware, or out-of-date programs on your system. Additionally, our professionals will check your backup systems and ensure that all of your business’ data is being properly stored. Finally, our team will give you a detailed report of the vulnerabilities in your computer network with our recommendations to solve these issues. 

IT Consulting

WesTec’s IT consultants will assess your network and provide recommendations based on a number of factors, including your business’ size, industry, and overall needs. With our computer network installation services, your annoying computer struggles will be a thing of the past. Our technicians will ensure that your network runs smoothly and will take out frustrating issues such as slow operating systems or virus-ridden programs. Our IT consultants will recommend equipment and programs within your budget that will ensure that your business no longer experiences downtime due to network problems. 

Stress-Free Installation

One of WesTec’s core values as a company is to take the stress out of IT services for businesses. Our experts will work closely with you and provide you with solutions that suit your business, explaining everything along the way. We know that technology can often be confusing, and we’re here to ensure that we provide you with a stress-free experience, allowing your business to operate smoothly. 

The world of IT is evolving at an unprecedented pace and being driven by the rise of emerging technologies. Businesses that embrace these trends stand to gain a competitive edge, unlocking new possibilities and efficiencies. As we navigate the future of IT, staying informed and adapting to these transformative technologies will be crucial for organizations and individuals alike. Learn about which of our IT services may suit your business’s needs the best. If you have any questions about our IT services, contact us today! Follow us on Facebook to keep up with our latest blogs!

Why Should Your Business Use an IT Consultant?

An IT consultant assists businesses with a variety of technology related problems. They understand that it can be difficult to figure out what computer systems could work best for a business. WesTec offers expert IT consulting to help businesses find a customized solution for their unique needs. Read on to learn more about the benefits of working with an IT consultant.

Expert Knowledge

In a world where technology is always changing and there are constantly new trends, it can be difficult to decide what devices will be beneficial to a business. IT consultants have expert knowledge and are able to give detailed explanations about why each piece of technology recommended would be a good fit. WesTec’s years of experience and specialization in business technology assists any business with finding the right systems to elevate their success.

Customization for a Business’ Needs

No two businesses are exactly alike and their technology systems should reflect that. Different businesses need access to different programs or some may need access to a larger amount of data storage than others. By working with an IT consultant, businesses can take the guesswork out of their technology solutions and be recommended a customized solution for their needs. WesTec’s experts outline solutions in an easy to understand format.

Cost Effective Solutions

If a business isn’t familiar with technology, it can get expensive fast. IT consultants assist in finding a solution that stays on budget and works best for a business. WesTec’s consultants operate with the goal of ensuring each business is running smoothly and successfully. We ensure that we’re using each business’ vision, goals, and strategic plans as an outline to their success.

Enhancing Customer Experience with Technology

Outdated technology can lead to computers being slow or a point-of-sale system not being user friendly for both employees and customers. IT consultants can ensure that a business’ overall system is up-to-date and allows businesses to give their customers the best experience possible.

The world of IT is evolving at an unprecedented pace and being driven by the rise of emerging technologies. Businesses that embrace these trends stand to gain a competitive edge, unlocking new possibilities and efficiencies. As we navigate the future of IT, staying informed and adapting to these transformative technologies will be crucial for organizations and individuals alike. Learn about which of our IT services may suit your business’s needs the best. If you have any questions about our IT services, contact us today! Follow us on Facebook to keep up with our latest blogs!

The Importance of Regularly Backing Up Data

Backing up data is important for every business. About 30% of businesses have lost data in the past five years due to an outage. Making sure data is backed up properly and often is crucial for a business’s continued success and seamless operation.

Many businesses report that backing up data is “on their to-do list,” but seldom actually follow through. Backing up data is not something that a business should procrastinate on, especially since today’s hard drives store 500 times the amount of data than hard drives did a decade ago. Losing an immense amount of data can be devastating for a business and may take time to fully recover from.

Backing up data is important, but how often does it need to be done? WesTec recommends backing up data every night and performing a full system restore once a month to ensure a backup system is working.

Many computers have this feature built-in and can be set to automatically backup files at a certain time every day. An optimal time for this may be at the end of the work day when computers are still on and can go into sleep mode when the data backup is complete. If backups are done every night, it is very easy to spot when files become corrupted because it will be front and center the next morning.

A large portion of the time, data loss occurs from a hard drive or software malfunction. While malfunctions are not preventable, and all drives will eventually fail at some point, being prepared by having backup data stored is essential. Data loss can mean loss of business, time, and money.

WesTec offers a free report for small business owners on the health of their network. We will outline three critical checks: the most expensive mistake small business owners often make, six critical security measures, and how to greatly reduce computer crashes. Our IT consultants will offer free advice in this simple report.

Additionally, WesTec offers stress-free data backup and disaster recovery solutions. We will be the liaison between any technology vendors that may be required, taking all of the frustrating communication out of the picture. We offer a variety of data backup solutions. Contact us today and our IT consultants will gladly help find the option that works best for your business.

The world of IT is evolving at an unprecedented pace and being driven by the rise of emerging technologies. Businesses that embrace these trends stand to gain a competitive edge, unlocking new possibilities and efficiencies. As we navigate the future of IT, staying informed and adapting to these transformative technologies will be crucial for organizations and individuals alike. Learn about which of our IT services may suit your business’s needs the best. If you have any questions about our IT services, contact us today! Follow us on Facebook to keep up with our latest blogs!

System Administrator Appreciation Day (July 28th)

When it comes to IT work, it can take a village to keep everything up and running smoothly. There are a lot of important roles and responsibilities in this industry, and should all be recognized for what they contribute. Coming up on July 28th, 2023, we call all IT companies to celebrate and to show appreciation to their system administrators. 

 

What is a System Administrator?

A system administrator or sysadmin, is a technology professional who upholds multi user computing systems to ensure smooth IT operation and performance. They are the ones who monitor the company’s computer systems and internet servers, while installing protective software and troubleshooting hardware. They keep the ball rolling smoothly, creating a functional computing environment. Specific tasks include but are not limited to patching unstable software, performing backup recovery, and identifying cyber security threats. These abilities are crucial and allow other parts of the department to function normally. 

 

How to Celebrate

The system administrator position is consistently evolving at a rigorous pace, meaning that learning and developing never stops for them. To celebrate their commitment to making such a difference in the IT world, try and learn more about what their purpose is and what they do. As the specialized problem solvers they are, they deserve recognition for keeping everyone afloat. Treat these professionals with office cake, ice cream, or a well deserved day off! Order in lunch for the staff in lieu of the special holiday, taking the opportunity to shine that spotlight on your favorite sysadmin. 

 

When it comes to IT, all positions are complex and play a huge role in a company. On July 28th, let us recognize the importance of system administrators and show them our gratitude for their role. 

 

If you have any questions about our IT services, contact us today! Follow us on Facebook to keep up with our latest blogs!

 

5 Risks of Cloud Computing

 

Cloud computing and storage has increased in popularity. It has many benefits including security and effectiveness, but with time, cloud computing has become vulnerable to many risks. Here are five risks of cloud computing:

 

1.Misconfigured Settings

With many people using cloud computing, there is often a chance for a misab in the settings. A misconfigured setting is when some of the data stored in the cloud is not protected and it becomes breached. This is all because the purpose of the cloud is to make things fast and convenient and sometimes this causes more information to be less restricted. To fix this setting, it is ideal to check the cloud regularly and check the access permissions. 

2. Poor Data Quality 

When all your data is in the cloud, it can make it easier to overlook some information. Not only that, but when you share information via the cloud, it can make the information vulnerable to hackers and getting lost. To ensure the quality of your data, it’s a good idea to separate your data within categories and put security measures in place. 

3. Employee Training

One of the risks when it comes to cloud computing is not properly training employees on the risks. Most of the time, data is stolen due to phishing scams and security breaches. These can be prevented by teaching employees on how to identify scams. 

4. Security Policies 

Insufficient security policies can hurt all data in the cloud. When a security policy is not correct, it puts so many things at risk. To ensure you have adequate policies, it is important to know who can access the cloud, what data should be in the cloud and what to do when a breach occurs. 

5. Choosing the Provider

 

There are many cloud providers out there, and some aren’t the safest when it comes to storing data. Before determining what provider you want to use, make sure to research all providers. 

 

Are you having trouble with cloud computing? Westec Services can help! Feel free to contact us with any questions or concerns. 

Pros and Cons of Machine Learning

 

Machine learning is a type of artificial intelligence that is capable of predicting, detecting and prescribing solutions to many equations. It is mainly used by inserting thousands of images or algorithms into the system, which causes it to recognize the data and know the difference between them. This creates an algorithm that can be used for digital chat bots, voice recognition services and spam detection softwares. But what are the pros and cons of machine learning?

Pros 

When it comes to the pros of machine learning, there are many including prediction, detection and prescription. These complex machines are able to conduct data analysis fast and are more effective than any human. They can predict accurate information that can lead to more health and technological advances. Along with predicting information, machines can also detect this information at a faster rate than humans. They can detect data, images, voices and more. Not only can machines predict and detect information, they can also create solutions for certain algorithms. Scientists believe that machine learning devices can create solutions 100 times faster than humans. Machine learning can be used for many different areas of work or study, especially with the amount of tasks it can perform. 

Cons 

On the other hand, machine learning does have some disadvantages including data privacy and security. Machine learning can conduct many solutions including facial and voice recognition, which can be a problem for some people. When the machine does these types of tasks, many people argue that it is taking vital information from people and storing it internally. When the data is stored, almost anyone can access it, leaving a problem of data security. How to Avoid a Spear-Phishing Attack - WesTec Services

The bottom line is that machine learning is extremely useful. Like other technologies, it has its pros and cons. 

WesTec Services is your one-stop-source for all things IT support & consulting in Houston! Does your business require network installation, backup & disaster recovery, managed services, consulting, and more? We’ve got you covered! Contact us today.

VPNs vs Proxies

 

In the new age of technology, everyone is wanting to protect their data, especially for their business. VPNs and Proxies can both be used as a barrier to protect vital information from being stolen or hacked. But which one is better for you and your business? Here is a breakdown of VPNs vs Proxies:

 

VPNs

A VPN, or Virtual Private Network is an established private service that is used when connected to a public internet network. It provides a user with a different IP address before connecting to the service. It creates a secure connection of different destinations that ensures the privacy of data and information. When using a VPN, it will encrypt any information being sent so it can further be protected. People can easily install a VPN through their computer or an app. Not only that, but certain VPNs give the user the ability to change their location of the IP address. 

Pros and Cons of VPNs

Pros of VPNs include:

  • Encryption of all data
  • Filter everything on the website 
  • Higher security coverage

Cons of VPNs include:

  • Can make connection speed slower
  • Some VPN softwares are expensive

Pros and Cons of Proxies

Pros of proxies include:

  • Cheaper than VPNs
  • Can balance traffic loads without slowing down the connection 
  • Can be used with big companies and servers

Cons of Proxies Include:

  • Less secure than VPNs
  • Some proxies can track certain information including passwords

Proxies

Proxies are simply a barrier between the user and the internet. The proxy acts as a filter when entering data on a website, securing any data that may be at risk. There are many different types of proxies including, forward proxy, reverse proxy, transparent proxy and anonymous proxy. All do the same thing but act upon it in a different way.

 

Which One is Better? 

When it comes to which one is better for you, there is no definitive answer. They both successfully protect user identity and information. They both have pros and cons and it is important to do research in order to find the perfect option for you. 

WesTec services can assist you with any IT questions or services. We offer skilled expertise in all technologies and are ready to help. Contact us for any further information on data security and how to protect yourself. 

Data Privacy Laws in the US

 

Today’s technology is constantly changing and evolving, oftentimes leaving our vital personal information at risk of being sold, leaked or taken. But did you know that there are certain laws in place to protect your data? Here is everything you need to know about data privacy laws in the US:

 

US Privacy Act of 1974

The US Privacy Act was passed by congress in 1974. The main purpose of this act is to protect the privacy of individuals and prevent unwanted invasions of their privacy or data from federal companies. This includes the closure of personal information. Some key points of this act include: 

  • All citizens have the right to any data held by the government
  • Citizens can correct or change any data 
  • Sharing information between different federal corporations is prohibited 

FTC Act

The FTC or the Federal Trade Commission Act is another important privacy act in the US. It was first introduced in 1914 and is used to enforce the protection of data and privacy of individuals. This act is also used in court to investigate data violations. Similar to other data privacy laws, the FTC focuses on the use of equality and prevents deceptive acts that may affect commerce. 

HIPAA

Personal medical information is one of the most vital pieces of data that is protected. HIPAA, or Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act protects all forms of medical information. This act sets limits and uses disclosures in order to get medical information private and secure. 

FCRA

Credit scores and anything pertaining to credit card agencies are protected under The Fair Credit Reporting Act. This act’s purpose is to establish fair, equal and private information that credit card agencies might have. This also prevents certain companies from selling your information to other companies. 

 

Having all your information online can be scary, but just know that there are laws in place to protect you and your information. 

Technology can be confusing, and it’s important to know your rights! Have any further questions on internet privacy? Contact WesTec today! And don’t forget to follow us on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn



The Most Common Causes of Data Loss

Data loss can happen to anyone or any business. It can be frustrating, especially when you aren’t aware of why or how it happened. Most data loss happens when you least expect it. It is important to know when your data is at risk of being lost. Here are the most common causes of data loss:

 

Human Error

We all make mistakes one way or another. When data is lost, most of the time it is due to accidentally deleting information or not backing it up. When this happens, some information can be restored through recycle bins or the internal software file. This is frustrating, but can easily be solved by setting up an automatic backup system. 

Viruses 

Viruses are very common, and are often the culprit of data loss. These pesky viruses can enter your system through unsafe links or downloads. Once they get into your system, they can delete any and all of your information. In order to prevent viruses, there are many guard softwares that will protect your devices. Depending on which guard software you have, it will need to be updated regularly to conduct scans and security checks. Without guard software, you can protect your information by paying close attention to certain emails or downloads that may be sent or presented to you. 

Power Outages 

Power outages can happen anytime, and most outages cause data loss. Similar to human error, it can be prevented by constantly saving your information and backing it up. The trickiest part is that you don’t know when a power outage will happen, so it is important to regularly save your data. However, most of the time when a power outage happens, most systems will automatically save, but you should also take precautions in your own hands. 

Hackers 

Recently, hackers are becoming more common when it comes to data loss. Hackers usually enter your system due to poor quality servers, weak firewalls, or using common passwords. There are many ways to prevent hackers such as strong passwords, safe web searches and guard softwares. Unfortunately, information that is stolen from a hacker cannot be restored, which is why it is important to have effective cybersecurity measures. 

 

Have any questions about the right technology services for you or your business? WesTec services can help. Contact us with any questions you may have and follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter

 

Contact Centers: Cloud-Based vs On-Premises

 

Technology is constantly evolving and with that comes the differences between contact centers. More specifically, the difference between cloud based and on-premises contact centers. Both have their pros and cons, but which one is best for your business? Here out the main differences between contact centers: 

 

Cloud Based

Cloud based contact centers are a way for businesses to be in direct contact with customers, anywhere and everywhere. With it being all linked to the cloud, all data and software can be accessed anywhere. This makes communication with clients more effective. More businesses are making the switch to cloud based technology. 

Pros 

The pros of cloud based contact centers include but not limited to:

  • Easier to Scale
  • Speed
  • Better Integration
  • Reliable 
  • Easy Access

On-Premises

More traditionally, on-premises contact centers use hardware-based settings. This means everything including data, software, and infrastructure stays onsite. Although it is more user friendly, this requires lots of maintenance that can become expensive fast. 

Pros 

Even though some might argue that on-site contact centers are outdated or old fashioned, they still have pros that not even cloud based technology can offer. Pros include: 

  • Maximum Control
  • Data is stored Securely 
  • Only Buy Equipment you Need
  • No Monthly Payments 

Differences  

Both options have their advantages, but which one is better for your business? Both cloud based and on-premises contact centers have the potential to grow your business. On-premises centers have the access to create wait music, transfers and call logging. Cloud based can do the same thing, but in a more advanced way such as live call monitoring and click to transfer. 

Setting up the equipment is another main difference between the two. On-premises locations require time to get licensing, wire the hardware and find supporting items to link the equipment to. Cloud based works directly from the data box or even app. 

 

When it comes to cost, on-premises has a one time cost of all equipment needed. This can be expensive, but it is only one payment. It is also important to know that this technology might need more maintenance and upgrades as you go. Cloud based is cheaper at the beginning, but you will need to enroll in a subscription plan. Depending on what company, you could be paying every time a call comes through the line. 



Not sure what technology is better for your business? Westec Services can help! Feel free to contact us for more information or questions you may have.

Virtual Collaboration: How to Improve Remote Work Processes

Due to the recent pandemic, more people are choosing to work remotely. In fact, studies have shown that by the year 2025 more businesses will go fully remote. Although this is good for some businesses, people are voicing their concerns about the decrease of productivity from working from home. Here are some tips to increase productivity by using virtual collaboration when working remotely: 

 

What is Virtual Collaboration?

Virtual collaboration is any effort to collaborate or communicate with others who are not physically present. This includes different applications, instant messaging software, and video calls or conferencing platforms. 

 

Collaboration Software

Collaboration software is one of the most effective tools you can use when working remotely. This allows you to work with one another on different projects in real time. This also helps connect the workplace and builds internal relationships. Popular softwares that help with collaboration are: 

  • Video Chat services such as Zoom or Skype 
  • Instant Messaging
  • Productivity Apps that track tasks or time 

When these softwares are used, workers will have more motivation and remain productive. 

 

Centralize Communication 

Communication is a big part of working remotely, but one issue many people have is finding information for their work or projects. One way to resolve this issue is to invest in a centralized information system that allows for workers to find all the information necessary for their work. Popular systems include Google Drive and RingCentral. This will keep all information secured and accessible for remote workers. 

 

Leadership 

It is no surprise that leaders of businesses or companies are always watched. Workers will usually follow the footsteps of their leaders in many situations, including working remotely. It is a good idea to have leaders also work remotely and do all of their tasks efficiently to motivate employees to do the same. It gives employees the opportunity to work alongside superiors and give them a sense of normalcy. This is also a good time to place employee incentives. By implementing this, employees will have the right motivation to complete their tasks. 

 



Have any questions about the right technology services for you or your business? WesTec services can help. Contact us with any questions you may have and follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter

 

The Dangers of Shadow IT Projects

Cloud computing is one the most beneficial ways for businesses to operate, but still creates online threats. Many threats can appear, but Shadow IT can interfere with devices, technology systems, applications and software. Learn about the dangers of Shadow IT and why is it being used: 

 

What is it?

Shadow IT can be described as projects or networks that are managed by outside providers, without prior approval from the IT department. With cloud database popularity, shadow IT is growing and creates vulnerabilities including data leaks and database violations. 

 

Risks

Now that you know what shadow IT is, what are the risks? The main risk is data leaks. Oftentimes when shadow IT is being used, it prevents certain backups from being performed. This means important data could be lost forever. From sending a document to a personal email, to file sharing on the cloud, this makes it possible for shadow IT to intervene and allow the information to be compromised by outside networks that cannot be monitored by the IT department. 

 

These risks can go beyond simply leaking information. Depending on the network, shadow IT can harm financials, internal communications and errors within the system. When systems have access to this vital information, they can duplicate it and cause harm to your business and result in losing money. 

 

Not all networks who use shadow IT are purposely doing it to cause harm, and most of the time big companies use this to increase productivity. Companies who use this include Google Drive, Dropbox and Microsoft Office. It is important to know that even though shadow IT can be beneficial, it still makes companies vulnerable to internal harm and should be dealt with. 

 

Prevention

It can be determined that shadow IT will not be going away soon, which is why educating employees on this issue will be the best prevention plan. Along with knowing the risks, routinely checking your data will help manage and determine if shadow IT is affecting your business. 

Want to know more about shadow IT? WesTec services can help! Feel free to contact us and check out our services to see how we can assist you. Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter for updates.

Upgrading your Telecom System: Making the Switch to Switchvox

As your business grows, your technology should be growing with it. Some technologies, including phone systems should be upgraded to ensure better service that you and your employees deserve. It is time to upgrade your telecom system into a newer, fast and more efficient system such as Switchvox. Here is why you should make the switch: 

Features

Old fashion telecom systems can be confusing, especially when it comes to all the features, or lack of. When businesses get more clients or traffic, they will need to make calls, take messages and transfer clients. Outdated telecom systems will not be able to perform properly. Switchvox systems on the other hand, make it easier for the user to complete all these tasks without being stressed about pre-existing features. 

 

Save Time and Money

Time is money, especially when dealing with equipment that is essential to your business. Old telecom systems take time to do simple tasks, thus decreasing the time and money you have to grow your business. Switchvox systems work at a fast pace and have a larger capacity to perform basic functions. Not only that but older systems could require recurring maintenance unlike newer systems like the Switchvox that grows as your business grows and allows for more flexibility. 

 

Professional Image

Success is what every business wants and in order to do that, they must act the part. When people look for a company to work for, ideally they want someone that is professional and can get a job done. What says professional about a slow, outdated telecom system? Having a Switchvox system improves communication with potential clients and gives them a sense of professionalism. 

 

Have any questions about the right technology services for you or your business? WesTec services can help. Contact us with any questions you may have and follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter

 

Why You Should Have a Database Management System

Almost every device has a database system, but do you know how to best manage it? Database management systems ensure that your system performs to its highest potential while creating a more effective way of logging data. Here are the top reasons why you should start a management system for your databases: 

 

Greater Than Human Knowledge

Technology is advancing quicker than ever, and is becoming smarter and more useful in the workplace. We as humans cannot comprehend everything that a computer can do, and without databases, there are lots of limitations. That is why having this management system is so important, it can solve problems faster than we can and can store loads of crucial information.

 

Automation

Automation is used to perform tasks repetitively, on a schedule that can be difficult when doing it one by one. Management systems can pre-order information and create internal schedules that can be customized for and by the user. While information increases, an effective automation system should increase efficiency and productivity to ensure the best organization. 

 

Questions 

There are many questions that are asked every second of every day. Most of which are answered due to database management systems. Most systems have an internal spreadsheet of answers that save humans time and energy to go search for them in traditional ways. This is accessible for everyone and is used all the time for us to better manage information.

 

Overwhelmed

Even with these types of systems, we can easily get overwhelmed by the information. However, the management system allows the user to focus on the core information rather than the complexities of the little things. Users can easily track and manage their data and time based on their database. 

Have any questions about the right technology services for you or your business? WesTec services can help. Contact us with any questions you may have and follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter

 

 

Best Video Surveillance Systems for 2022

 

Video surveillance systems are one of the most effective ways for protecting and monitoring a space or business. With loads of surveillance services on the market, it can be hard to choose the best one for you. Here are the top video surveillance systems predicted for 2022.

 

Protection 1

Ranked the highest, Protection 1 video surveillance company offers a wide variety of services for many companies and areas. Each hardware can be customized to your specific liking. They include 24 hour surveillance that is protected, leaving the most accurate video data. This data can be located through their mobile application. Pricing is dependent on what plan is chosen, but the only downside is that you must sign a three year contact with every plan. 

 

Blink by Amazon

Blink by Amazon is a user-friendly and cost effective option for surveillance. Popular for their no monthly fee or contracts, this device is becoming more popular for everyday users. Like other popular companies, they also work through an app, however it requires wifi in order to work. 

 

Alibi Security 

Alibi is a system that is usually paired with an already existing company. This simplys upgrades the performance of the system and is considered a hybrid option. You can pair this with the previous system, IP or analog, without changing the camera itself. It allows you to connect the old device with the new system allowing you to still access the data. For pricing, you must contact an Alibi Security representative. 

 

No matter what surveillance system you decide on, it is important to do research and make sure the system is perfect for you. 

 

Let Westec Services help you decide on and install the best video surveillance system for you or your business. We offer our expertise in all IT issues and are willing to work diligently and professionally for all of our clients. Feel free to contact us and check out the  services we offer. 

Smart Shopping

 

Shopping online has many risks that some shoppers fall victim to. Whether it be personal information stolen, wifi breach or virtual viruses, it is important to know how to become a smart shopper and prevent these risks from becoming a reality. Here are some tips to be a smart shopper: 

 

Know What You’re Buying

Popular smart devices can easily help us and make our lives easier, but it is important to know exactly what you want and what risks might be present. Things to know are: 

 

  • Who makes it?
  • What is its purpose?
  • Do you trust the company?
  • Have you read the reviews?

 

All of these things can prevent negative things from happening and make you more aware of what devices you are potentially bringing into your life or home. 

 

Buy Familiar Brands 

To limit the risks of buying alone, it is a good idea to buy from familiar or well known brands. These top brands are more likely to have stronger security on devices that hackers will have a hard time getting into and less likely to have any security breaches. Also, top brands are constantly updating their system and creating a safer place for the devices. Rarely hackers get into the system but when they do, these big companies are quick to fix it and will most likely send out a message to customers making them aware of the threat. It is important to be able to trust the brand or company and feel confident is how they handle these risks. 

 

 Are you having issues with becoming a smart shopper and protecting your information? Westec services can help!  Schedule a call with one of our professionals today!

 

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Quantum Computing

 

Quantum mechanics are more powerful than ever. Different from the average computer, quantum computing offers an advanced level of algorithms and benefits that continue to develop and transform. Due to their advancements, they are continuing to grow in popularity and change the way we use technology.  

 

 

What is Quantum Computing?

Quantum computing can be described as a unique set of equations and algorithms that are based on quantum mechanics and physics. They have collective properties including interference, superposition and entanglement that perform tasks such as completing calculations. These unique systems are then introduced to computing making it possible to solve many problems and aid in traditional programming methods. 

 

How does it work?

To understand how quantum computing works, it is important to know the certain elements used including qubits. Qubits are the unit measurement for quantum computing. They have potential to do things differently and can hold lots of information. The quantum system has a house or a storage facility that keeps the qubits and keeps them at a temperature above absolute zero. This is to prevent interference that might happen with the signals. Some systems also use a vacuum chamber to stop internal vibrations.  In order to use them in this type of computing, the system must have a method for transferring signals. This is embedded in quantum systems. More common systems include lasers, microwaves and voltage. Then from the transfer stage, it gets sent to a classic computer that can then read and run the desired program. 

 

Benefits

There are multiple benefits when it comes to this specialized hardware. One being optimization. With the help of quantum computing, researchers can use a specific algorithm that cannot be used with average computers. Not only that but it can then create even more complex systems and equations that aid in online traffic within the system, deliveries and energy storage. Another benefit is searching online. With the help of this computing, it can sort through lots of data and present the desired results that classic commuters and algorithms can’t do. 

 

Have any questions about the right technology services for you or your business? WesTec services can help. Contact us with any questions you may have and follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter

Mission: WesTec will be a “turn-key” solution for all of its clients’ business connectivity needs. It will offer efficient and effective solutions, directly and with strategic partners, that create tangible value for its clients at every point of contact. Westec will serve all people and entities with a servant’s heart.

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