My take on Microsoft 365 in 2019

My take on #Microsoft

1. Microsoft365 is the future for Small to Medium businesses. Pretty much every single product Microsoft are producing has M365 at the foundation. In my opinion, I love this – When GSuite, Dropbox, Apple and Android came along they disrupted the IT Market, As a IT Admin or Business owner it felt like we lost control of the data. M365 solves this and still allows users to use whatever device they like, wherever they like!

2. Microsoft Teams – Great product, getting better all the time lots of new improvements. i like to think of it as Whatsapp, File share, Meetings and Skype all rolled into one, easy to use app on any device.

3. Passwords – passwords are the number 1 reason for data theft. We’re moving into a pass-wordless world with Face, Fingerprint and Authentication apps. Much better than typing password in on a smartphone.

4. Windows 7 is End of Life – January 2020.

5. Windows Virtual Desktop is getting released for preview in 4 weeks – I’m really excited about this!! It’s basically your desktop in the cloud on any device. Very Secure!

Every single point I’ve mentioned above is part of Microsoft365. There was one session on Server2019… ONE!

Get in touch if you would like a free site audit Contact Us

Cheers 🙂 William

 

Case Study – Small Hotel Installation

The Request…

Due to the success of the work AGT carried out at the hotel, we were once again approached to carry out work on the hotels brand new expansion project. Situated just 50 metres away from the main hotel, this building required a full technical solution creating from the bottom up.

The Analysis…

With this being a new installation we weren’t forced to use any existing infrastructure, therefore giving us free reign to implement the best, most effective technologies available. This would include a full refurbishment and wiring, wireless network points, VOIP phones, CCTV and a wireless door locking/key-card system.

The Solution…

Working with electricians we helped compose the structure of the cabling throughout the building, forming part of the foundation required for the technologies that were to be installed. Once in place the networks could begin to be built.

As with the parent hotel, access points were installed throughout the new building, once again utilising a VLAN for the wireless connections and VOIP phones that use POE cables to transfer data as well as power.

CCTV with DVR was set up and configured on the network. Part of this configuration allows the CCTV to be checked from anywhere with an internet connection, which enables an excellent element of security.

AGT worked with SALTO Systems to set up and implement the wireless access key-card system for the new building.

The Outcome…

At the end of the project was a plush, technologically advantaged building with full wireless access, a low carbon footprint and exceptional detail right down to the networks chrome faceplates. But what makes this stand out is that this building is unmanned (yet secure) with no server housed on the site. Making this essentially an IT maintenance-free building!

Case Study – Large Hotel Wi-Fi Setup

The Request…

AGT were asked to look at the current Wi-Fi setup at a large Hotel in Lytham St Annes. With Wi-Fi now being a highly demanded requirement of hotel guests, the hotel wanted to ensure that they could suitably accommodate their guests’ requirements and provide a reliable Wi-Fi internet service throughout the entire hotel.

The Analysis…

After the initial site survey it was discovered that the hotel currently had a mixture of wireless networks in place, one of which was starting to fail. Whilst on site it was also noted that the server cabinet and cabling could benefit from being relocated and re-cabled as well as implementing a new EPoS system, so this was also drawn up in the proposed solution.

The Solution…

It was decided that the most efficient course of action would be to roll out a full managed system with multiple Wi-Fi access points throughout the hotel, utilising BT Infinity broadband lines to ensure sufficient bandwidth could accommodate heavy usage by the guests, not just in their rooms but around the hotel as well.

A new web-based EPoS backend server and network was set up on its own VLAN to ensure it had a secure and dedicated workspace. A new network switch was installed and the current till points were re-patched to it.

Setting up the new Wi-Fi system for the hotel could actually be done off-site, meaning all the work could be carried out at the AGT headquarters, then once it had been configured and tested, it could be moved straight into place at the hotel. Thus making the implementation extremely fast with minimal disruption to the hotels day to day working.

The Outcome…

Utilising the many Wi-Fi access points, the hotel guests could now access the internet anywhere within the hotel and the hotels grounds without losing connection. A captive portal (or splash page) was created so that the guests could be authenticated prior to internet access being granted, giving that extra piece of security to the setup of the network.

Case Study – Gift Company Office Move

The Request…

AGT were asked to help accommodate a proposed office relocation for a large company. Where relocations are involved the logistics must be planned down to the last detail, ensuring minimal impact to the business and that any unnecessary downtime doesn’t occur.

The Analysis…

An audit was carried out of the existing office and infrastructure as well as at the proposed new location. This enabled us to clearly identify our involvement as well as highlight any potential problems that may arise or benefits to the business that could be incorporated into the relocation.

The Solution…

With careful planning and liaison with 3rd parties, the preparation stages involved working out the infrastructure requirements at the new office, from the basic cabling and power needs through to the network and phone needs including the procurement of new kit where needed.

It was identified that the business would benefit from some new hardware, with the relocation providing an ideal time to implement this new hardware. This consisted of new, higher specification servers and new VOIP phones.

We arranged for the new site to have three ADSL broadband lines installed, two of the lines to be used for load-balancing and the third line for the SBS/Exchange server. Getting the lines in place prior to the move is essential so that all machines could be plugged in and up and running as soon as they arrive at the new location.

The Outcome…

The relocation was a success. With the infrastructure ready in place at the new location the users were back up and running in no time, along with new virtualised servers running on the network and VOIP phones installed ready to use.

After the work AGT carried out on installation and configuration of the VOIP network, we were granted reseller rights through the VOIP suppliers . Another example of how AGT is constantly building trusted, reliable working relationships within the IT and Data industry.

Case Study – Engineering Company PC Build

The Request…

Engineering businesses rely heavily on graphic and design software, meaning that their hardware needs to be powerful enough to support the necessary software packages in order to function efficiently. AGT were tasked with building an extremely powerful setup capable of flawlessly running the required software and applications.

The Analysis…

Research into the CAD software gave us a minimum hardware requirement needed, but running the software on the minimum required specifications wouldn’t produce the outstanding results that AGT strive towards. So we started with the basics and looked into how we could make a machine that would exceed expectations.

The Solution…

The first step was to see how powerful we could make the machine whilst also keeping within the cost budget of the customer. Having trusted sources and suppliers can be critical in the IT industry and AGT has built solid working relationships with some of the best suppliers available.

We began by sourcing the necessary items of hardware, factoring in compatibility to ensure possible hardware conflicts wouldn’t arise. When building a high powered machine it’s vital to take into consideration the cooling and ventilation of the unit – the more power the machine has and the harder it works, the hotter it gets! Therefore a spacious unit with sufficient cooling is a must.

Obviously when working with graphics and design packages the ability to see your work in great detail is paramount, so for maximum effect we set up three large, High Definition LCD monitors.

The Outcome…

The final result was a high-end machine comprising of technologies such as dual graphics cards, an i7 core processor, an abundance of memory, a solid-state hard drive, modular power supply and multiple HD monitors enabling the user to see their work on a spanned layout.

Server 2003 Migration Time – End of Life in 6 Months!

It’s Time to Migrate away from Server 2003!

Today is the Start of the 6 month countdown to the end of support for Microsoft Windows Server 2003.

The Extended Support End Date is 14th July 2015,

Once this has passed microsoft will stop releasing security, performance and vital updates for the server.

Specialists predict that a staggering 65% of business have yet to create a migration plan.

Now is the perfect time to start planning your server 2003 migration! It takes time to check 3rd party software compatibilty and requirements and with a 6 month dealine looming, We can asses, design, plan and fully migrate you away from Server 2003.

Please Get in touch for a free quote on 01253 808472.

Windows Server 2012 Microsoft Cloud Storage Office 365

 

WiFi Staff Restricted Internet via Draytek 2860, VLANs and Draytek AP-900

Scenario

Would like WiFi across the office with multiple access points.

Would like a Manager SSID with full access

Would like a Staff SSID with Internet Access for one hour between 12-pm.

Draytek 2860n Dashboard

1.

Setup Draytek 2860n with internet access – in my test environment I used a cable from my current network to act as the internet to create a small internal test network if you want to do this see below.

Internet Setup

2

2.

Now that you have internet access we need to create some VLANS and setup your IP range.  I made the MANAGER network 192.168.1.1 with VLAN 0 and the Staff network 192.168.2.1 with VLAN 1.

3

4

3.

Next is to setup the Access Points, Plug them in to Ports 1 and 2 like the diagram above, power them on and make sure the network cable is plugged into any of the LAN to setup the SSIDs. They should show up in the Central AP Management Status Screen. Click onto WLAN Profile once green and edit the default profile.

5

6

4.
Click Finish then Apply to the device – See below!

7

 

 

5.
Next is to the setup the schedule. Please Choose Index No.1 I’ve chosen to Force On the Block at 1pm for 23 Hours. Monday to Friday and Unlimited on Weekends. 

8

 

6.

Finally we need to setup the firewall to work with the schedule to block the internet on VLAN1 (staff.)

9

 

10

 

Remember VLAN1 is set on the 2.1 Range and we are going to block all LAN > WAN traffic here on the 2.1 range, if you have chosen a different range at the Start you need to make sure you choose this range here.

See Below!

11

How To Add Picture Signatures to Office 365 / Exchange Online

Sign into Office 365

Sign into your office 365 account or Exchange online account, or use this handy link! https://portal.microsoftonline.com

Once logged in Hit outlook at the top right hand side.

O365

 

 

Settings in Outlook

Next click the small cog on the right hand side and choose options, then settings on the left hand side this will take you to the signature side.

 

O3651

 

Hosting your signature

This is where you create your signature, if your need to add a picture to your signature like the millions of people out there that do, unfortunaly microsoft dont allow you to upload it just yet. What you can do is host the image elsewhere and copy the html link in.

For example i have hosted a .webp signature at www.agtcs.co.uk/signatures/agt.webp on my website, once you open this link click copy image and the only way to paste it into the signature box is using the keyboard shortcut for paste (Ctrl + V)

Please click the image below to see instructions.

O3652

 

Hope this helps!

How To Add a Hosted Exchange Account to IOS7

1. Go to Settings – then Mail,Contacts, Calendars.

hosted exchange

2. Add Account

hosted exchange add account ios7

 

3. Select Exchange – Microsoft Exchange is a fully synchronised email contacts and calender system. It can be added to multiple devices and benefits from perfect synchronisation including your Microsoft Outlook software at work.

exchange ios 7 hosted exchange

 

4. Next type in your email details provided by us or your IT Manager.

Email Details Hosted Exchange

5. Finally – Please choose which items you would like to synchronise. If you have calendar appointments and contacts on your outlook email at work these will sync across also.

Hosted Exchange

Hotel Wireless Case Study – Grand TwentyTwo

AGT Computer Services provides The Grand Twenty Two Hotel, Lytham with the latest network and hotel wireless equipment.

Company Name: The Grand Twenty Two

Company Size: 25 Staff, Two Hotels, 100 Rooms.

Industry: Hotel, Events, Catering, Cafe and Spa.

Company Website: http://www.the-grand.co.uk/

Grand TwentyTwo Hotel Wireless Installation

 

Problem/Objective for Hotel Wireless

The Grand Twenty Two is an expansion on their current hotel. requests for a full hotel wireless system throughout the hotel so staff and customers would be able to connect via laptops, tablets and smartphones.

Solution

  • DrayTech Fibre Optic Router
  • NetGear ProSafe 20-Access Points Wireless Controller
  • NetGear ProSafe 24 Port Gigabit Switch
  • NetGear DualBand Access Points
  • 800m 21u Data Cabinet
  • 4 Patch Panels
  • AGT Man Hours!

Result

A Full secure wireless system throughout four floors, kitchen and lounging area. It was the Grand Hotels commitment to providing guests with a first class WIFI experience using the highest specification Wireless  and Wired networking solution.

Pre Configuration of the Grand TwentyTwo Hotel Wireless Installation

Cabling for the Grand TwentyTwo Hotel Wireless, CCTV, Door Locks and Fire Alarms

The Grand TwentyTwo Hotel Wireless Case Study