Category: Industry News

Let’s talk… 1Gbps Internet (and how you can use it).

Posted on by Suhail Dinat

They say time is money.

They say Data is power.

They say the key to success is a good Internet connection.

 

Just kidding. We made the last two up – but they do make sense and, in a post-pandemic world (with far fewer Zombies than we expected), they definitely hit home. For better or worse, we have definitively entered into a new digital age. An era where working from home is as common as a power outage in SA, where businesses require large amounts of easily accessible Data, and where your ability to move faster than a car guard when you hit reverse is as crucial to your organisational success as keeping the lights on.

Fact is that the working world has drastically shifted – seemingly overnight. From international conglomerates to local legacy businesses, successful organisations in 2022 have learned to recognise the importance of embracing this culture shift. Brands today require intelligent solutions which harness the full power of the Internet to maximise efficiency and enable sustainable growth. In doing so, their needs and demands have similarly increased exponentially. Cloud-computing, file sharing, Data exchanging, and pooled resources all play a role in the modern business – and key to this functioning smoothly is a universal need for Connectivity Solutions capable of handling these previously unforeseen demands.

Modern problems require modern solutions. And, as organisational demands have shifted to new levels, so too have the Internet Services available to assist them. Enter Gigabit Internet, which offers serious Connectivity for serious Connectivity needs.

First off – what is it, and why would my business possibly need it?

Much like working from home and wearing a mask in public, the concept of Gigabit Internet would surely have seemed ludicrous just a few short years ago.

However, as businesses have learned first-hand about the negative impact of inadequate bandwidth (think reduced productivity, slow downloads, and the organisational efficiency of Home Affairs), this demand for a serious upgrade capable of handling more advanced needs became increasingly common.

Many moons ago, we used to make do with dial-up Connectivity and speeds measured in Kbps. Today? Gigabit Solutions offer up to 1000 Megabits PER SECOND (1MB = 1000KB). It’s faster, it’s more stable, it offers unprecedented abilities to perform advanced business functions and, most importantly, provides a wealth of intangible benefits such as better performance, the ability for staff to excel, and your organisation to never be limited by Connectivity which won’t cooperate.

To put things into perspective: Imagine the possibilities when you factor in Data Sharing and Communications. When your office or team full of people, each connected simultaneously, can go about their business with essentially no delays. It’s an unprecedented level of efficiency and offers Connectivity capable of standing toe-to-toe with even the most demanding environments – we would classify it as the future of FTTB, but the reality is that this is the present

But, you ask, this seems excessive – do I really need this? In fact, who would?

We get that a lot. If you’re an organisation which transmits a lot of Data, chances are you can benefit immensely from Gigabit Internet. Think media houses who constantly upload to the Cloud. Think a directory or website of services (rhymes with “WeBuyBras”) who perpetually interact with interchangeable Data. Think Crypto and Web Development on a large scale. Think Cloud Services and Backups. Think any mid-to-large organisation who would thrive in a world where things worked faster, safer, and more efficiently. The possibilities are endless, and the benefits? Well, here’s but a few:

  • More reliable Connectivity, less prone to outside interference, outages, and downtime.
  • The ability to handle a large number of users or devices with minimal interference.
  • Facilitates a high dependency on Cloud for maximised productivity.
  • Working with large files or content? You’ll never have issues again.
  • Improved levels of online communication, collaboration and connection.
  • Better, more reliable packet delivery.
  • Room for maximised growth and flexibility.

Sold yet? Here’s the pitch…

You’re probably thinking, “great, you’re offering Pentagon level Line Speeds – but it’ll also cause a National Security Threat to my budget”.

Quite the contrary. In fact, it’s even on promotion. As part of our Big Bandwidth Year End Promo, we’re offering 1Gbps Internet (and the millions of possibilities it presents) marked down from R11 999.00 to R8999.00. That’s unmatched Connectivity available for a monthly rental cheaper than a PS5, iPhone from 2 years ago, or a quarter tank of petrol.

With this, you get:

  • Uncapped Data
  • 8 FREE Concurrent, Uncapped, Outbound Voice Channels.
  • 16 Free Concurrent Inbound Voice Channels
  • 100 FREE Hosted PBX Extensions.
  • 2 Mbps Dedicated Voice VLAN
  • 24/7/365 Support.

It’s enough to turn any business from “staying in the race” to “miles ahead of the rest”. Make no mistake, this is serious Internet for organisations serious about putting their best foot forward and truly embracing the new normal. It’s faster, more powerful, and able to handle more Data – if connectivity solutions were a team of heroes, this one would be Superman.

(Side Note: If you’re Interested in serious Internet but don’t want to go all out, we’ve also reduced our 500Mbps line from R10 499 to R8499).

So… if you’re ready to step into the future of Connectivity (significantly before any of your competition does) and face the dawn of a new era of Internet, look no further. Gigabit Internet is the here, the now and the tomorrow – so let’s give your business the power it deserves.

 

 

 

Introducing… Braintree Gaming!

Posted on by Suhail Dinat

What do you get when you combine innovation, practicality, affordability, simplicity and, well, awesomeness? If your answer involved any combination of the words “Braintree” and “Gaming” (or, in an ideal world, Braintree Gaming), you’re pretty much on the money.

You may not have noticed (on account of it being so subtle) but life has been pretty…. stressful lately. Stressful enough to induce bouts of controller smashing, curse-word abundant fits of rage – assuming, of course, you have a console to start with. Which, you may be surprised to hear, isn’t as common in South Africa as you may think – or should we say wasn’t?

Introducing Gaming by Braintree, which takes the concept of affordable, accessible Gaming and completely redefines it.

You see, back in the day (and by that we mean 2019), taking a break or relieving stress could mean anything from a night out on the town to a day at a spa. Today, things have changed, the world has gone remote, and we’re seeing increased popularity amongst alternate ways of escapism.

With this in mind, Braintree Gaming was born – your platform to doing everything you’ve dreamt of without stressing about the logistics.

Feel like fishing or taking control of Man United? What about saving the president or jumping out a plane? Does this whole pandemic remind you of an apocalypse which needs navigating, or are you just frustrated and seeking pure, unadulterated chaos in whichever open world RPG does it best for you? Imagine a universe where you can be the best footballer in the world and a master assassin in the space of an hour. A world where you can fly, drive or shoot anything you wanted. A world where lockdown and curfew genuinely didn’t exist, and where your superheroes aren’t just real- they’re you.

Well, welcome to the world of Gaming – and we’re glad to have you join our team.

In fact, you wouldn’t be the only one to do so, as studies indicate that as of 2020 there are an estimated 2.7 billion gamers worldwide- the highest number in human history. With an average age of 34, it’s interesting to note that this constitutes both kids and grown-ups accordingly.

A common misconception, however, is that gaming is only for “serious” gamers. The words “noob” and tales of pro-players destroying all challengers are greatly exaggerated. Yes, there is a competitive element should you wish to partake in it, but gaming has never lost its purity in that all it takes to enjoy is a console, the right game, and some free time. Young, old, it’s all good- pick up and play is a thing of the present.

And, for those of you who know you’ll be greeted with eyerolls at the suggestion of a new console (“you’re too old! Grow up!”), here’s some facts to back up your motivation:

  • Studies have shown that not only do action games enhance attention spans, but they also assist with language learning and decision making.
  • Gaming in general has been scientifically proven to overcome bias and cognitive dissonance.
  • Again, studies have shown that regular gameplay can improve overall mental health and have an uplifting effect on moods.
  • More studies (people have really investigated this) indicate that gaming has a positive impact on both cognitive and social skills.
  • Gaming has also been proven to assist with the following:
  • Foundation Skills: achievement drive, self-awareness, critical thinking, and self-confidence.
  • Performance Skills: Perceptual, Motor, Attentional and Timing.
  • Problem Solving: Personal Development, Identity, Creativity, EQ and Self-Esteem.
  • Decision Making: Team Skills, Leadership, Communication, Cohesion and People Management.

(This is where you scream “yeah, science!”).

Look, we’re not saying that a new console will cure the blues, but we are saying that blowing off some steam is an essential part of dealing with today’s external world. And we speak from personal experience when we say that while the concept of gamers may scream spotted pre-teens and Fortnite, the reality is a mix of countries, ages and demographics combining in one of the few truly unbiased, free-to-join examples of multi-culturalism in the world.

However, the economic impact of the world we live in has created a similarly universal need to tighten belts and pinch pennies. In other words? Outright purchasing a console is, to many, an unattainable dream at this stage.

But does using one need to be?

Braintree Gaming was born off the back of Vox Gaming, which you may remember aimed to eradicate issues such as affordability to reach players across the board. Gone are the days where you needed a massive capital outlay to afford a basic console. You can say goodbye to long lines outside Makro on Black Friday, to trying to find a console repair shop at the eleventh hour or wondering which title to buy your introverted nephew.

At Braintree Gaming, we bring you the best of all worlds, with rental options AND option to outright purchase across a variety of consoles and hardware models. Better yet, our unique SLA allows for full repairs and replacement at no extra charge should you be renting from us and require it. It doesn’t stop there. We offer discounted rates on Fibre and Xbox combos, unprecedented access to a wealth of features (such as QoS) designed to enhance gameplay, and a network of Gaming events, tournaments and prize bearing competitions for you to enter (and hopefully win).

No longer do you have to spend an arm and a leg on something which will be obsolete within a short few years. Braintree Gaming is rapidly redefining the concept of a ‘one-stop-shop’ to allow players a simplified experience. Need your Xbox Game Pass? We’ve got you. Looking for a voucher for someone special? You bet you’re covered with us. Need news, information, the latest industry developments, and your informational hub for all things Gaming? Look no further – we’ve got you covered.

The magic of gaming is that anyone can enjoy it. Guys, girls, parents, even grandparents- there’s no age limit to who can have fun – which should, in theory, make this open for all to partake in. Sadly, our country faces many challenges in terms of accessibility and affordability – until now, that is. We rent, we supply, we assist, we support – it’s literally a case of Push Start and you’re good to go.

Yup, it really is that simple- but, then again, isn’t that what gaming is all about?

 

 

Let’s talk… Assessments

Posted on by Suhail Dinat

Ask a business owner, any business owner, about the challenges they face when running their entity, and chances are you’ll receive a list more comprehensive than the Vatican Archives.

Between budgets, resources, staff, expenses, customer services and, and, and… it’s a long, challenging job, one which requires so much meticulous attention to detail that it’s easy for things to fall through the cracks. As such, it can be near impossible to successfully run a business whilst simultaneously keeping an eye on everything at once – why is why regularly conductive assessments are necessary to point out where your immediate attention needs to be.

But, first things first – are we being dramatic, or do all businesses genuinely need Assessments?

The short answer is a definitive yes, as you can’t know where you’re going until you first establish where you are.

Done correctly, an Assessment is an opportunity to understand your business by identifying it’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. Said Assessment can, in turn, create a solid foundation for  growth and allow you to  strategize and refine your approach accordingly.

In fact, we’d go a step further and argue that in order to drive business growth, profitability and customer loyalty, regular  Assessments are mandatory. We aren’t just talking about evaluating your performance metrics and points of difference either – but rather a systemic unpacking of your programmes, software, security, and digital infrastructure to ensure your business adheres to IT best practice. If done correctly, your business may objectively understand where gaps have been formed (both internally and externally) whilst providing you with a framework from which to repair them. This, in turn, allows for a seamless transition from where your organisation currently is to where you’d like it to be.

Enter Assessments by Vox, your gateway to unlocking your businesses true potential…

Our Assessment Portfolio has been systemically designed to help you identify areas of concern whilst providing you with a framework from which to improve. Within said portfolio, each entity further presents a wide array of evaluations which our team of experts are capable of conducting –providing the perfect platform from which to build towards future success. Our range of Assessments are vast, comprehensive and encompasses a variety of virtual, digital, hardware and software related components to ensure no stone is left unturned in our mission to optimise your business potential.

The Portfolio in Question? Glad you asked…Customer Assessments 120722 Op2 | Vox | Let's talk... Assessments

As can be seen above, our range of Free Assessments are designed to focus on a plethora of potential business weak points, so as to encompass the full spectrum of your possible needs. From basic Cyber Security to Firewall, Cloud and Network Assessments to the more in-depth software related issues such as Microsoft and Azure Management, our team of experts are capable of truly unlocking multiple levels of your brands potential risk areas.

Many of the above points are areas which tend to be overlooked, but each play a vital role in determining the success of various business functions. You may not consider Firewall Security a high-priority factor, but did you know that South Africa is the third most targeted country in the world in terms of Cyber Crimes? Or that correct Cloud Cost Management can in fact save your business thousands of Rands every month? Let our team tell you how you may need help before offering a solution tailor made for you – because what good is figuring out what’s wrong without knowing how to fix it?

The best part? These assessments above arecompletely free of charge – all you need to do is reach out and let our team of experts take it from there. There are, however, more comprehensive Paid counterparts – which you can similarly find below:

Customer Assessments 120722 Op1 | Vox | Let's talk... Assessments

We believe that, for any organisation to thrive, transparent communication and collaboration is essential – which is why our Assessments team provides  your business with a platform for consultation.

Rather than pushing blanket solutions which may not be 100% right for your unique needs, we’d prefer to look at your business and understand where you need help before advising you further – so let’s start the conversation and open the door to maximizing your business potential. We repeat: the importance of correctly conducted Assessments cannot be overstated enough, as these are truly your gateway to maximizing and unlocking your full  potential. As you can see, our range of  Assessments are comprehensive and cover all potential painpoints – ensuring that no matter your need, potential vulnerabilities, or areas of improvement, we have a solution and a team of experts willing to provide you with the required guidance.

Interested in hearing more?  Join us on 3 August 2022 at 11h00 for an informative session where we unpack what we can offer your business with our comprehensive free assessment range as illustrated above.

Click here to register.

Let’s talk about the Chip Shortage

Posted on by Suhail Dinat

Unless you’re living under a rock (or communicating via Yeastar), chances are you’ve heard about the global chip shortage that’s sweeping through the world like the wrath of Putin.

When we say chip shortage, we don’t mean that Dorito’s packets are now 90% air, or that Lays is discontinuing their Salt & Vinegar range (although we thank the universe for that one). Instead, we refer to the international shortage on microchips, which is more commonly known as the reason the PC we’re writing this on can function properly.

Let’s break it down.

As a result of the pandemic which shall not be named, many hardware manufacturers around the world had to close their doors. Normally, we wouldn’t cry too much if these were competitors (like the one mentioned above), but in this instance it meant nothing but problems, delays, and a shortage of stock. For most people, that is.

Naturally, the order to stay at home and engage purely with Netflix meant a global increase in laptop sales, router outlays and subscriptions to a website that rhymes with Thorn-Hub, which in turn meant more PC’s, more devices, and more cellphones (as well as more lotion). Under normal circumstances, an increase in demand would mean an increase in supply, but with the financial and economic pressure put on organisations across the board, this wasn’t the case – meaning the world inevitably saw a chip shortage roll about somewhere along 2021 (if only there would be a mask shortage so we could have an excuse not to wear them).

This shortage has impacted everything from laptops to cellphones, routers, and Mark Zuckerberg’s memory card (which is probably why Facebook crashed at one stage). As such, many resellers and manufacturers have found sourcing the chips required to match their output as hard to come by as a Peter Stuyvesant cigarette in Lockdown Level 5 – except this time, there was no RG alternative, and a lack of options means a lack of production.

Even as things stabilise and demand normalises, the industry faces a universal backlog, almost as bad as the one at the Drivers Licensing Department. And, seeing as SA couldn’t even send that machine in for repairs successfully, it’s no surprise that end consumers and business alike found themselves wanting in the chip department.

Cool, we’re with you – but what does this have to do with PBX?

Well, one of our main competitors (you know the one, it starts with Yea and ends with “doesn’t work”) have recently found out the hard way about the advantages of Cloud Solutions over conventional computing. See, our PBX platform (3CX), actually considered the world we live in and adjusted accordingly. We embraced the power of the Cloud to integrate with our technology and provide relevant, tech-savvy, innovative solutions rather than emulate the Nokia business model of “use the old ways until they’re obsolete”

By embracing the power of the Cloud, our devices don’t require either hardware or chips to function.

It works as an off-premises PBX platform (as well as offers significantly more lenient licensing, rules, and regulations), as we grew to realise that Hosted Solutions are key to navigating conventional supply issues. In doing so, we’re today able to gloat about our ability to function independently of issues which cripple other service providers and know full well that our sense of self-satisfaction is truly warranted.

See, to us, the global chip shortage and our ability to navigate it is testament to far more than just our ability to transition to the Cloud. If anything, it’s indicative of a brand with the foresight, vision, and innovative desire to not respond to challenges, but instead circumnavigate them altogether. We also pride ourselves on implementing far fewer limitations on our end consumer than our competitors (for example, all our users have access to video, and we don’t restrict the number of participants in a call. Within reason).

Our takeaway from the whole ordeal? When the chips fell where they may (or, in this case, when the chips just didn’t arrive), it was the innovators who stood in the Clouds and watched. So, while other resellers struggle to get hold of their equipment or complete their installations, wouldn’t you rather rest easy knowing your needs are sorted with 3CX?

 

4 trends to shape SA business in 2022

Posted on by Barry Kemp

To rapidly embrace digital transformation at scale has been one of the defining business moments of the past two years. 2022 will see companies apply all they have learnt in this regard and become even more cloud forward. By doing so, business and technology leaders can maximise the potential of the following four trends to drive growth.

Going hybrid

Of course, hybrid environments are not new. Many companies are already using a combination of on-premises, private, and public cloud solutions. This will accelerate even more next year.

A few smaller businesses aside, no organisation will fully commit to the cloud. There will always be the need to have some infrastructure on-site while the cloud will be leveraged for its high-performance computing capabilities.

For instance, manufacturers will always have equipment running. But even office environments still rely on printers and file servers. Hybrid is a great way to get the best of all worlds.

Normalisation of multi-cloud

Flowing from here, business and technology leaders will realise how important the multi-cloud is to achieving their objectives. Simply relying on one cloud to gain all the promised business value will no longer be sufficient.

This requires companies to select cloud service providers that meet specific strategic requirements. For instance, Provider X might be good at hosting while Provider Y will have more advanced data analysis capabilities. Invariably, this will result in the business having a mesh of cloud providers. Interconnecting these environments will be critical to ensure they can work together as an integrated cloud.

Cloud cost management

And because of this, managing cloud billing becomes a complex undertaking. This will give rise to the emergence of the cloud financial manager. They will oversee how best to contain costs that can quickly escalate if not managed properly.

Given the rise of the multi-cloud, the need for this position will become more critical. And with prices on some services varying significantly between providers, the cloud financial manager can identify what the most cost-effective option would be for the required workload.

This is also where local cloud providers can deliver a compelling value proposition. Offering billing in Rands can bring with it significant cost savings. For example, when the country went into lockdown last year, the Rand weakened against the US Dollar resulting in some cloud providers becoming 30% more expensive overnight.

Containers becoming mainstream

Because of the cloud-rich environment, containers (a form of operating system virtualisation) will gain momentum in South African organisations. Developers mostly use them, but containers will start to become mainstream in 2022 as decision-makers see the value of using them to run micro-services.

Traditional IT will remain, but containers will provide opportunities for more specialised workloads. And because they are so lightweight to run, these will work especially well for Web apps.

The central theme behind these four trends is how the cloud has permeated every facet of the digital business. As we prepare for a new year, the cloud will simply become another business process. How companies unlock the potential of this as well as the related technologies will define how they transform themselves for the new operating environment to come.

Gear up for WAR with Armata!

Posted on by Suhail Dinat

The world of Cyber Security is a virtual battlefield.

Every day newer, more dangerous threats arise – threats which compromise the safety, integrity and freedom of people across the world. This is not something to be underestimated. This is not something to be taken lightly. Every defeat places the lives of innocent men, women and children at risk – and we cannot fail in our mission to protect those who can’t protect themselves.

At Armata, we understand the severity of these threats, and have dedicated our lives towards nullifying them. No longer will the lives and livelihoods of those who have worked hard to build them be prone to attacks. No longer are innocent civilians’ potential targets. We will not waver in the face of this never-ending barrage of digital threats. We will redefine Cyber Security to ensure that our valued customers can sleep peacefully and safely at night.

Our mission? To defend your critical Data.

Our vision? To deliver Cyber Intelligent Solutions which help achieve zero interruption to your business systems whilst maintaining the highest levels of Data protection.

We execute these through the implementation of intelligent technological tactics which adhere to international-standard calibre. Our arsenal is fully equipped with the tools, knowledge and highly trained personnel capable of identifying, nullifying and preventing even the stealthiest of intrusions.

Keep your critical Data Secure and instantly detect or prevent attacks via our adaptive systems, as we at Armata are your own Cyber Defence Force.

…we know what you’re thinking. This sounds great, but what exactly is it?

Powered by Vox, Armata was established to facilitate an independently functioning Cyber Security division which allows for a more focused modus operandi. By following the NIST Cyber Framework, we ensure that your business has a fully fledged defence force which offers protection from all angles. This allows any business or individual to identify, protect, detect, respond and recover to potential threats accordingly.

Our solutions are systemically designed to encompass all potentially compromised business elements. These entail (but are by no means limited to):

  • Email Security: wherein we at Armata streamline, safeguard and store your comms.
  • Network Security: we implement next-generation firewall and managed-firewall services so as to keep your local network, company information and resources both private and secure.
  • Managed DDOS: Also known as a Denial-of-Service attack, this layer of protection safeguards your organisation from threats which may otherwise infiltrate and block your access to Emails, applications and Cloud solutions.
  • Endpoint Security: we understand that a conventional Endpoint solution is no longer sufficient (due to the ever-evolving nature of online threats), which is why we offer this with the added advantage of Endpoint detection and response (EDR).
  • Reporting and Analysing: we provide comprehensive reporting and analysis of your entire cyber environment, thereby providing a real-time understanding of your total environment.

It doesn’t stop there. Armata also offers a wide array of services guaranteed to take your protection and dial it to 100.

  • Our Cyber Security Portal offers an easy-to-use platform; one which allows you to manage cyber risks while tracking your progress (who says risk management needs to be complicated or expensive?)
  • Our Web Vulnerability Assessments take a proactive approach to safeguarding your company site (which, if you consider that there’s a successful web attack every 39 seconds, can’t be underestimated)
  • Our Penetration Testing component helps discover exploitable vulnerabilities and the dangers to your business before a hacker does (why wait until it’s too late to protect your business and information when you can discover chinks in your armour proactively?).
  • Sadly, successful breaches do happen, but with Armata all is by no means lost. Our Incident Response Services help you get back to business quickly with minimal impact, reputational damage and Data loss (in the event of a worst-case scenario).

Our Scalable Pricing Solutions offer products and services on a month-to-month basis, allowing your business to access the highest-level Security at an affordable, more feasible price. Your business can rest easy knowing not only is it safe, but that that safety doesn’t come at an unattainable price due to our ability to scale solutions to suit any budget in a controllable, predictable way.

Ultimately, we understand that the war against Cyber Crimes will never be truly over. This is an ongoing struggle, a perpetual one against a relentless, innovative opponent who will continue to devise new ways of preying on unsuspecting victims.

Your business cannot survive this war alone, which is why Armata is the cavalry in your corner ready, willing and able to come to your aid. We may never truly see the end of this war, but by standing our ground, protecting ourselves and educating those who need to be, we hope to ensure that those nefarious individuals have less targets to aim at – and your organisation will NOT be one of them.

Let’s Talk the Future of Fibre to the Home

Posted on by Suhail Dinat

We’re halfway into the new year, and if there were any doubts as to whether WFH would be a passing phase or permanent part of our working world, we’re pretty sure even the most staunch advocates for keeping things the way they were have accepted it’s permanence.

In fact, if this pandemic has taught us anything, it’s that not only is Home Fibre resilient enough to handle unforeseen demands on its potential, but connectivity has also gone from being a luxury to a necessity. Between remote work, learning, education and entertainment, the increased emphasis on staying-at-home has meant employees and employers alike can’t afford to be disconnected.

Key to that connectivity is, naturally, a Fibre-Based symmetrical connection. Your home network can’t be relying on outdated connectivity methods, and we’ve learned to embrace the security, speed and convenience of said Fibre so much, it’s actually become an economic development tool essential to business success.

But what comes next in the world of FTTH? What can we expect, what do we foresee and what does tomorrow hold?

We’ll attempt to unpack that (and more) below – so let’s get going.

Well, since the onset of Covid-19, almost every single FNO has provided additional value to the customer at little to no extra cost. Not only have line speeds doubled (mostly at entry level), we’ve also seen a wealth of ISP’s completely doing away with lower-end products. The starting point from an entry level perspective for many standard FTTH packages is now 20mg and up. Why, you ask? It’s because of supply and demand – as demand has gone up, so too have the packages offered.

This increased demand for Fibre to the Home has also seen the introduction of higher product packages (from 500mg to even 1 gig lines). Essentially, the pandemic has taken everything we thought we knew about Home Fibre and turned it on its head. Whereas before stay-at-home would have been boredom, a hike in library fines and flat out console wars, 2020 was the age of Netflix, remote businesses, and streaming. No other time in human history could have ushered in an almost universal need for better home connectivity – meaning even the most optimistic wouldn’t have predicted the post-Covid-19 demand for FTTH solutions.

But forget the past – what comes next?

Well, the industry is starting to learn that despite people working from home, they still need business like Fibre services with similar speeds, resiliency, and security. We’re beginning to see the first strains of Fibre to the Home and Business crossovers with the introduction of SSME products, and all signs point to an opportunity for the consolidation of these two resources in times to come.

Also in the pipeline are plans to make Fibre more accessible to lower LSM markets. While this doesn’t mean installing lines in areas where users don’t even have smart devices, it does involve the incorporation of concepts such as pre-paid Fibre (rather than monthly retainers) which allow for more downloads, streaming and Internet for the casual yet lower income user.

The reality is that the adoption of any new technology always comes with a risk. Aside from doubts about long term effectiveness, the shelf-life of any technological innovation is generally relatively short (just ask Apple). The thought of an expensive outlay on something new only to have to upgrade again in a few years is enough to put anyone off making a shift – but this doesn’t apply to Fibre.

In fact, few things offer up the certainty of Fibre-based Internet systems. On the contrary, we believe that these systems are still a long way from reaching their full potential. Not only is Fibre to the Home a sure-fire future-proof solution, it’s the today and tomorrow of private and business connectivity.

We’ve learned that Fibre lines can handle insane demands without having their speeds affected by line capacity. In fact, ISP’s have been ramping up their offerings to step up and meet demand accordingly. To this day, nobody has ever managed to push a Fibre line to its limit – it’s only restricted by your package and bandwidth, but the potential for growth is pretty limitless. The gigabit speeds offered by Fibre are not limited by the line’s capacity. As these devices continue to evolve and speeds inevitably get faster, you’ll see things will ramp up to meet the new demand.

The technology is not going to suddenly become outdated – especially within the next decade (at last). Your speed and experience is really only restricted by the equipment driving it, but whereas conventional forms of connectivity (such as copper) was never designed to transmit large amounts of Data and tend to degrade over longer distances, the low latency features of FTTH means less delays during transfers – making it a perfect tool for communication, distance learning and live collaboration (as well as accessing the Cloud).

While the concept of FTTH is still in its early stages, the technology has been around far longer – and there’s a reason this has been the backbone of communication across the world since its inception. Furthermore, it’s almost impossible to be tampered with by thieves or criminals, meaning Fibre remains the fastest and safest way to transmit Data.

As far as we’re concerned, the future of FTTH started yesterday, and with the digital online revolution we predict only good things to come. Be it the introduction of new, value-added service offerings or improved speeds, packages and bundles, your home or brand is guaranteed to be propelled into tomorrow with ease.

All you need to do is ensure your package measures up.

What is the Future of PBX?

Posted on by Suhail Dinat

By now, you should know all about PBX – but how much do you know about PBX in the Cloud?

The importance of communication to any business cannot be overstated, and any disruption in said communication can have a lasting negative impact on your brand. This is why connectivity is key and why more and more businesses are turning towards the remote, Cloud-based system that is PBX.

In post-Covid times, we’ve all had to adapt. Whether it’s brands to a remote environment or employees to a coffee-table-come-desk, everyone’s had to improvise and overcome so well it’d make Bear Grylls proud. Oh, speaking of adapting… Did you know that PBX and Cloud migration represents the perfect solution for brands (and people) on-the-go in its ability to allow for connectivity regardless of location; or for any organisation seeking streamlined, professional and efficient operations via a unified comms solution?

With a more volatile business world than any in recent history, it’s natural to seek the most progressive technology without spending an arm and a leg. With Cloud PBX, you’re able to do just that, which is why we’re excited to inform you that the future of our communications at Vox is coming in the form of 3CX Cloud.

Yep, we’re moving up, and you can expect better prices, more stability and increased freedom. Amazing how one shift can make a world of difference, right?

But what’s the point of the shift?

Well, with the ever-progressing technological world comes an increased need for digital solutions.

These solutions need to be just that in nature, in that they solve real, tangible brand or customer problems. In addition to this, we believe that our products need to push the boundaries of innovation, and our shift to 3CX represents just this- a step forward into the new, Cloud based tomorrow.

It’s not just rhetoric and adjectives, however, and our shift is actually based on a host of benefits. Some of the key aspects you can enjoy from this move include:

  • Mobility and Expansion:

Your PBX system is your way of staying relevant and adapting to the new today. If you haven’t already relooked at how your staff communicate, you should. With the system comes the freedom of not being restricted by conventional phone systems, allowing for rapid expansion (or scaling, if necessary), complete flexibility and business growth.

  • Ease of Maintenance, Minimal Upkeep:

Unlike old-school, complicated phone systems of yesterday, you don’t need tech support to maintain Cloud PBX. In fact, the system is well-controlled and linked to users’ mobile handsets. It can be as closely supervised as required (down to tracking, monitoring and listening) or adding users, troubleshooting and quantifying useful, hard Data to improve your performance. The bottom line? It can be done remotely. Easy as pie.

  • Whenever, wherever:

One of the biggest challenges of running a modern-day business is being accessible when you can’t be tied down to a desk. With Cloud PBX, it’s business as usual no matter where you are. Connect and interact with your colleagues, employees and customers on the road, at a conference room or on a mountain if need be. Time and location? These things are now flexi. Computers, faxes, a single unified inbox solution or using your PC to access Data remotely – when you move up, your important stuff is always on hand.

But what’s the deal with 3CX specifically?

Well, you should know that the brand and product are the proud recipients of the UC Platform Supplier of the Year, 2020, at the Comms Business Awards in London. That’s global recognition for an International grade product, one which has held up (and toppled) contenders from some of the greatest minds in the tech world.

Aside from that, the platform offers a wealth of benefits so immense, it’s only natural that the next stage of our communications entails expansion into such possibilities.

3CX Cloud is, essentially, a single phone system which can provide everything you need and allow for complete scalability or growth as required. Their functionality far outstrips conventional handsets and presents an out-the-box, unified communication solution compatible with Mac, Windows, Ios or Android respectively. Not only is the tech tried-and-tested, but it’s easy-to-manage, quick to install and affordable to boot.

The platform allows you to work even without power which, considering our current Loadshedding environment, is always a positive. The monthly pricing is competitive and the capabilities extend beyond simply making calls. Video call, share screen, present, or host a totally interactive meeting.

It gets better. You can work remotely through mobile apps and always know who’s calling. Take calls from your browser or enjoy a free video conference. Live chat, migrate with Microsoft 365, manage Facebook messages, send business text messages or cut your Telco costs by 80%.

The future begins today, and it starts with 3CX Cloud. All you need to do is sit back and get ready to start this journey with us.

Safeguard Yourself Against Ransomware

Posted on by Richard Frost

With the current spate of Ransomware attacks (most recently on the Irish Health Service Executive), one can’t help but be concerned. The onset of Covid-19 and increase in work from home users has seen the risk of said attacks multiplying ten-fold, as many people can no longer enjoy the protection of company Firewalls and other systems. And, with the Health Care industry as a whole already overwhelmed by the pandemic, a looming cyber threat is altogether more present as hackers try to take advantage of mass hysteria.

With this in mind, it’s only natural to ask, “what can I do to stop a potential attack?” or “if I am attacked, what happens next?”.

But, first off, let’s understand the impact of a Ransomware attack.

Ransomware is, by definition, a form of malware that encrypts a victim’s files. The attacker then demands a ransom from the victim to restore access to the Data upon payment.

Ransomware can infect a system via a delivery method like a phishing email with a malicious attachment. In fact, around 95% of such attacks begin with an innocent looking email, wherein attackers can gain trust through social engineering before tricking their victim into opening a malicious file that installs the Ransomware. Once installed, the malware goes about encrypting all the files on the systems and then demands a payment to decrypt them. Some companies choose to pay the ransom, some try to gain a decryption key, and some have no choice but to format their systems and restore from a hopefully uncorrupted backup. The sad reality is that ransomware attacks often cost companies in one way or another, with total costs now globally mounting to billions of dollars.

Aside from the financial element of remediating the attack or loss of Data, however, there is also reputational damage and the possibility of a fine should you lose other people’s information through a breach. GDPR fines at some large companies have been in the hundreds of millions. Here in South Africa, with POPIA enforcement coming into effect from 1 July, we too will soon see fines being handed to companies losing users’ data.

So, what can be done to prevent this from happening?

Many companies are now practicing Zero Trust – a concept of no longer trusting anything inside or outside your network and making sure that someone is verified before gaining access to systems.

Deploying Privileged Access Management solutions protects critical assets by controlling access to privileged accounts and verifying the user before allowing access to systems.

A lot of corporates are now investing in technologies like EDR (Endpoint Detection and Response) or MDR (Managed Detection and Response). It continuously monitors the endpoint and gathers Data to block malicious attacks using rules-based automation and analytics. Combine this with an incident response capability or service through the EDR Vendors MDR service or a 3rd party provider.

The US Government is even adopting zero trust strategies and deploying EDR solutions internally to reduce attacks.

How Vox can help:

  • At Vox, we offer Email Security solutions to help prevent a delivery of the malware via Email. Suspected phishing mails are held until verified and either released or deleted.
  • Our EDR platforms, integrated into our SIEM (Security Information and Events Management) platform ensure proactive monitoring of the endpoints and lighting response to a potential breach from our SOC (Security Operations Centre). The EDR will contain the threat whilst allowing investigations into the attack and finally the threat will be eliminated. The EDR Platform allows a role back of the system attacked to a clean version of the system prior to the attack.
  • Combined with our CSIRT (Computer Security Incident Response team) service to deal with potential attacks, Vox offers peace of mind from Ransomware attacks or the fear of being left to deal with the incident on your own.
  • Backup services ensure a clean copy of your Data to assist in restoring servers as a last resort.
  • Another key solution to the prevention or spread of Ransomware is Privileged Account Management (PAM). PAM solutions mitigate risk from Ransomware by implementing a least privilege approach and credential theft protection to stop an attack on the ground zero machine, while privileged credential rotation and isolation block lateral movements and prevent the spread of the attack.

We are moving more towards Zero Trust strategies and are becoming more capable of offering our clients end-to-end services which protect you against Ransomware attacks. So, chat to us and let’s see how we can help you!

Protecting Your Kids Online: A Carte Blanche Follow Up

Posted on by Suhail Dinat

On Sunday May 2, 2021, our Head of Network and Endpoint Security Richard Frost was privileged enough to be part of a segment on Carte Blanche. In it, he discussed the topic of Digital Predators and targeting children online (which can be found here).

Whilst the segment went a long way towards raising awareness around the grim reality that is child sexual abuse online, Richard feared that there weren’t enough solutions presented. Yes, the problem was noted, but how could the public identify and address it? As a father, this weighed heavily on his mind, so much so that it inspired this guide to navigating your kids Internet use.

First off, the hard facts:

A study conducted via the Centre for Cyber Safety and Education assessed the usage of kids between grades 4 and 8, and the results were quite alarming. From the findings, some of the more damning statistics indicated that 40% of the kids surveyed had either connected or chatted with a stranger online. Of those:

  • 53% had revealed their phone number to a stranger.
  • 21% spoke via phone with a stranger.
  • 15% attempted to meet a stranger.
  • 11% met a stranger in their own home, the stranger’s home, a park, mall or restaurant.
  • 30% texted a stranger from their phone.
  • 6% revealed their home address to a stranger.

Scarily, 90% of these kids revealed they have at least one device capable of unmoderated browsing. This indicates a serious problem with potentially devastating consequences, as not only are our kids sitting ducks, but there is a world full of dangerous predators ready, willing and able to take advantage of them.

But what can we, as parents, do about it?

While the above has hopefully grabbed your attention, today’s piece is about solutions, and thankfully there are a variety of behaviour and technological based controls for parents to implement to safeguard their families.

You can start by moderating their airtime and restricting their access between certain hours. Separate them from their devices if they’re meant to be studying or sleeping, and move the family devices to common areas where you can keep an eye on their browsing habits. For toddlers, you can download content in advance and switch off the connection later, and even games or social media should be carefully controlled.

Similarly, it’s relatively easy to regulate your kid’s social media content. Teach your young ones what not to share with the outside world (particularly new people), as predators take advantage of naiveite. Educate them on not revealing private information such as plans, addresses or whereabouts, and maintain an open line of communication so that they’re not afraid to confide in you.  Be open and explain the dangers, and don’t yell if they make a mistake, let them feel like you’re there to listen should anything unwanted occur.

You should also educate your kids on the dangers of adding, accepting or meeting strangers online (again, even when gaming). Remember that it’s easy to change your identity and pretend to be someone else, which is what many people do to gain the trust of their victims. Warn your little ones about the dangers of meeting anyone they don’t know and enforce strict rules around keeping you informed of their whereabouts at all times.

Lastly, set Internet guidelines and disable location services via your apps. Keep an eye out for behavioural changes including sudden secrecy, unexplained gifts or increased alone time. As a parent, you usually instinctively know when your child is upset. However, pay close attention to their behaviour for anything unusual; particularly before, during and after going Online.

Cyber Security Software

Although your first steps should be correcting browsing behaviour, there are several tools designed to protect your kids online which should be considered your primary line of defence.

Our Vox Software is sourced only from award winning, international market leaders. Trusted by consumers the world over, you’ll be configured according to your needs without compromising on security. You can enjoy these solutions on either a monthly or once-off fee structure depending on your budget or add them to existing FTTH/FTTB packages. Our support desk can assist with installation and training, as well as provide an easy “how-to” guide.

The following products can be used to help protect children online:

Kaspersky Safe Kids (offered by Vox):

Compatible with PC, Mac & Mobile, Vox offers our customers the Kaspersky Total Security Solution.

How does it work?

Kaspersky Safe Kids includes an app for your child together with a parent app. This gets connected via your “My Kaspersky” account. Your own mobile app will allow you to see reports and customise settings accordingly, while you can manage your child’s settings and check reports via your “My Kaspersky” account.

How it keeps your kids safe online:

  • The software allows you to block access to adult websites and content.
  • As a parent, you can block harmful YouTube search requests on topics like drugs & alcohol.
  • You can also manage access to games & inappropriate apps as well as your kid’s screen time by device.
  • If required, you can share expert advice and tips from child psychologists on online topics

How it helps you protect your kids in the real world:

  • Kaspersky Safe Kids uses a GPS tracker to locate whereabouts on a real-time, online map.
  • You can define a “safe area” for your kids to stay within, with instant alerts should they move beyond said area.
  • You’ll be notified when a device is low on battery in order to always stay connected.

In your journey to make things safer for your child, the more protection the better. Sadly, predators are real, and any kid can be a victim. As a parent, I strongly believe in all the products and measures stated above, and I pray that these may be of similar assistance to you.

Keep an eye out for our next feature on our soon-to-be-launched product, Digimune, which takes Dark Web safety to a new level.

Until then, stay safe.

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