Category: Product

Business Fibre: Because Slow Internet is Not an Option

Posted on by Suhail Dinat

You already know we’re in the business of Fibre (if you don’t – which rock have you been living under, and does it have electricity? Because we don’t!). What many don’t realise, however, is that there’s far more to Fibre than endless hours on Netflix or complaining when your Teams call starts buffering. In fact, organisations across the world (especially within the last two years) have rapidly come to understand that, when it comes to staying relevant (and operational) in 2023, Connectivity is King – and the undisputed King of Connectivity has got to be Fibre.

As a business owner, you know that time is money. Every minute you spend waiting for an email to load, a file to upload, or a video to buffer is a minute wasted. Slow internet is not just frustrating, it’s a productivity killer – which is why FTTB has become not so much a want, but a NEED to any organisation hoping to stay afloat in this new era of digitization.

So, that’s the ‘why’ sorted – but let’s back it up a bit and look at the ‘what’.

First things first – what is Business Fibre?

Simply put, FTTB is a high-speed internet connection that uses Fibre optic cables to transmit Data. Unlike traditional copper cables (you know, the ones that guy by the robot used to try and steal), Fibre optic cables use light to carry data, which means they can transmit information much faster and over longer distances. This makes Fibre internet the fastest and most reliable option for businesses. Emails, calls, Cloud Services, file sharing – anything which involves or requires speed, large amounts of information, efficiency and optimised solutions all stand to benefit from an effective FTTB connection. The end result? Productive employees who can work faster, communicate better, and ultimately transition into the consummate modern workforce.

Why Your Business Needs Fibre

The bottom line? If your business relies on the internet for everyday operations, you need Business Fibre. Still not sold? Here are a few reasons why:

  • Speed: Fibre internet can reach speeds of up to 1Gbps (that’s 1000Mbps – which, incidentally, you can get from Vox). This means you can download a 2-hour movie in literally a few seconds – so imagine what it can do with valuable company resources. With FTTB internet, you’ll never have to wait for a file to upload or a website to load again.
  • Reliability: Fibre optic cables are more durable than copper cables and can withstand harsh weather conditions. This means your internet connection will be more stable and less likely to experience downtime – even if Freddy (or whichever Cyclone is passing by) happens to make an appearance.
  • Scalability: Fibre internet can grow as your business does (and often contribute to said growth immensely). As you add more employees and devices, you can easily upgrade your internet speed to keep up with demand.
  • Security: Fibre internet is more secure than traditional internet connections. With Fibre, your data is encrypted and travels through a dedicated line, which means it’s less vulnerable to hacking and cyber-attacks.
  • Cost-effectiveness: While the initial cost of installing FTTB may seem higher than other options, it will save you money in the long run. With faster internet, your employees will be more productive, which means you’ll be able to get more done in less time.

So, it’s faster, it’s safer, it grows as you do, and you can rely on it? Sounds like a win-win (or win-win-win-win) to us. In fact, the only major risk we see is that by NOT enjoying the immeasurable benefits which FTTB has to offer, you fall behind those competitors who’ve taken the leap of faith.

In today’s fast-paced business world, slow internet is not an option. Business Fibre is the fastest and most reliable option for businesses – fact. With its speed, reliability, scalability, security, and cost-effectiveness, FTTB is a no-brainer for any business that relies on the internet for day-to-day operations.

So why settle for slow internet when you can have optimised Business Fibre from Vox? Upgrade your organisational Internet today and see the difference for yourself – you can thank us later.

The risks inherent in an unmanaged Microsoft 365 environment

Posted on by Barry Kemp

Organisations need to rethink their security technology stack and how environments are managed and contained, says Gartner in an analysis of the threat vectors most prominent in 2022. The research firm highlighted how the ‘ever-expanding digital footprint’ of the modern business is increasing risks, opening up vulnerabilities and creating gaps that are wide enough for any hacker to step inside. Security has to be a priority for the business, particularly those using Microsoft 365 environments. Not because they are easy to hack, but because they are so popular. As Quintin van Zyl, Head of Managed Services at Qwerti, points out, it is one of the most powerful and well-known platforms in the world and so it has to remain as secure as possible to mitigate relentless attacks.

“One of the biggest challenges is ensuring that environments like Microsoft 365 remain secure,” he adds. “This solution has become incredibly popular and is in use by millions of organisations worldwide, which makes it a target.”

Microsoft Office, just one part of the 365 ecosystem, is currently used by more than one million companies worldwide and holds 46% of the global market, only two percent less than its closest competitor, Google’s G Suite. It is an impressive software solution that offers an equally impressive architecture to the modern organisation as it navigates the complex seas of hybrid working frameworks, global clientele and ongoing uncertainty. However, the risks that walk hand in credit card with the platform must remain top of mind.

st people sign up for the platform with their credit card or they use a vendor that can sign them up instead,” says van Zyl. “Then they set it up, and forget about it. They simply get on with the business of doing business. The problem is, they often neglect to set up the security features and functionality that have to be enabled to ensure that 365 remains a secure system. Microsoft has put a lot of research and development into developing this security, but it’s of little use if nobody enables it.”

The Microsoft 365 Defender Security Research Group is exactly that – a dedicated service using research, development and analysis to identify and protect against the cybersecurity onslaught. The team of more than 8,500 security engineers and researchers monitors more than 24 trillion daily security signals using artificial intelligence and automation, and has blocked more than nine billion endpoint threats and 32 billion email threats. It is a behemoth built to secure and protect. It also won’t do what it needs to do if the entire Microsoft 365 ecosystem isn’t using it properly.

“This situation is further complicated by staff turnover and poor security policies,” says van Zyl. “People may leave, others may not get training, and the result is that security best practice degrades over time. This means that gaps can appear in the security, people can use poor passwords, malicious emails and sites can get through the firewalls, and that the whole organisation is less a smooth unscalable wall and more a sieve.”

These are just some of the most common risks inherent within an unmanaged 365 environment, but there are multiple other elements that can influence how well the business is protected, if at all. To resolve this, companies have to focus on creating an environment that prioritises security throughout every part of the business ecosystem. This includes staff training, policy development, password management, reporting, and awareness. It also should include using a third-party service provider to take on the management of the entire Microsoft 365 ecosystem so that nobody turns off that notification because it’s annoying, or that zero-day exploit goes unnoticed because nobody is aware of it.

“If you don’t ensure that these boxes are ticked, it’s easy for hackers to get hold of someone’s password and use it to access the business, or for your global admin rights to be misused or stolen, opening you up for attack,” concludes van Zyl. “Then, your business is compromised, you lose money, you lose reputation, and you can come up against the regulatory and compliance firing line. It’s not worth it to compromise on security, not anymore.”

A managed Microsoft 365 environment will be honed to secure perfection, leveraging the skillsets and expertise of a trained security team alongside the security features enabled by Microsoft itself. It will ensure that users are managed and trained, that policies are robust, and that holes are found and patched before they become an expensive mistake.

Let’s talk… Vox Connectivity

Posted on by Suhail Dinat

Here we stand in early 2023 – with the world around us vastly different to the one we remember a short few years ago.

The turn of the decade has brought with it a fair few changes. Less electricity, a deep-rooted fear of masks, the ability to tell strangers to back off – it’s a long list, but right at the very top stands the undisputed king of them all (and, with this, one unquestionable truth): the dawn of the Internet is well underway.

Let’s face it: Connectivity is King. In fact, Internet as a whole has become so important, it’s basically a human need right next to food, water, and (of course) Netflix. Think of the world we live in without it. First of all, we’d probably be using pigeons and smoke signals to get our message across (a concept we don’t doubt would NOT fly well with our CEO). We’d communicate less and distance ourselves more. Vox wouldn’t exist, and neither would any of our competitors (although, in those instances, this isn’t necessarily a bad thing) – the world would be infinitely different, and altogether for the worse.

In fact, it’s safe to say that the Internet has redefined the way we work, play, engage and interact – even altering our behaviour, the things we like, and the way we spend our money.

Think about it…

Thanks to the Internet, introverts can have a social life without having to leave the house (who needs people when you have TikTok and pizza on demand? Speaking of which – Connectivity has made it possible to order pretty much anything online, from groceries to clothes to a pet rock, if that’s your thing (although with that comes the downside of explaining why you just spent R200 on artisanal mustard). Today, anyone can become a self-taught “expert” (provided Wikipedia isn’t your primary source) and instilled a universal culture of barely suppressed procrastination (why do important things when you can get lost in the warm embrace of TikTok?). We wouldn’t have online dating or digital banking. We’d game in isolation and be limited to Anaconda at 8pm on a Sunday (again) while having to binge watch a mixture of Ricky Lake and Steven Seagal.

For better, for worse, our world is defined (or should we say redefined?) by that thing called Connectivity. There are a million ways to use it, and a million reasons to choose it – which, incidentally, also gives customers a million or so motives to get connected with Vox.

All jokes aside, let’s take a look at the real benefits of effective Connectivity – which should help you on your journey to signing up with Vox.

  • Economic growth: Connectivity is essential for economic growth as it facilitates trade, communication, and transportation. With the help of the internet and other digital tools, businesses can reach a global audience, find new markets, and operate more efficiently. This has led to increased competition and innovation, which has in turn, spurred economic growth.
  • Access to information: The internet and other digital tools have made it easier than ever before to access information. People can now learn new things, research different topics, and stay up to date with the latest news and events from all around the world. This has led to increased knowledge and understanding, which has helped to bridge cultural divides and promote greater global cooperation.
  • Social connections: Connectivity also plays a crucial role in building and maintaining social connections. Through social media and other digital platforms, people can connect with each other regardless of their physical location. This has helped to strengthen relationships, foster new friendships, and create new communities.
  • Healthcare: Connectivity is also transforming the healthcare industry by improving the speed and quality of patient care. With the help of telemedicine, patients can now consult with doctors remotely, receive diagnoses and prescriptions, and even undergo treatment from the comfort of their own homes. This has led to improved health outcomes, reduced costs, and greater access to care.
  • Education: Connectivity is also revolutionizing the way we learn and teach. With the help of digital tools, students can access a wealth of educational resources, collaborate with their peers, and learn at their own pace. This has helped to make education more accessible, engaging, and effective.

So, there you have it: a wealth of reasons for us to Connect you. But, you ask, how do we do it? Well, here are your options…

  1. FTTH: As the name suggests, this is Fibre to your Home (naturally). It’s fast, it’s safe, it’s the best – you’ve heard it, we do it, and it’s the bread and butter of our ethos.
  2. FTTB: Like Home Fibre, but better – if your business isn’t getting their Fibre on, you’re already a step behind the competition.
  3. LTE: Fast like Fibre without the cabling, LTE provides a cheaper, more versatile Connectivity solution for users who need speed without the F word.
  4. Satellite: from the mountains to the sea, Satellite is your gateway to getting reliable Internet anywhere, anytime- no matter how remote.
  5. DSL: harken for the days of copper cabling: this is the backbone of old school Connectivity, and many people still swear by it.
  6. In addition to this, we do extenders, protectors, improvers – you name it, we have it.

Long story short, we’re masters of Connectivity for a good reason (actually, for a few good reasons). The only question left? Which reason is the one you need to change your life?

Factors that affect the speed of LTE

Posted on by Theo van Zyl

If you have an LTE router that you use for internet connectivity, you might be wondering if there are any factors that could be slowing your internet speeds. There are factors that affect internet speeds and depending on your needs – whether its watching your favourite movies, streaming the latest songs or browsing the web – each home will demand different data transfer needs.

In this interview with Groot Ontbyt, Head of Wireless at Vox, Theo van Zyl, outlines how you can better understand these factors and as such, improve and strengthen your LTE connection.

Fibre to the Home: what speeds to I need?

Posted on by Andre Eksteen

With many of us choosing to continue working from home, coupled with kids watching movies, streaming music, playing games and browsing, not only has fibre to the home become a much needed commodity, but its also important to understand how much bandwidth is required by the household.

Listen to Andre van Zyl from Vox, as he briefly explains the key factors required around fibre to be able to effectively work and play from home.*

Speed vs data: what is the difference? A Groot Ontbyt Interview

Posted on by Theo van Zyl

Understanding the difference between internet speed and data usage can be confusing, but knowing the differences can save you a lot of money.

That’s the word from expert and Head of Wireless at Vox, Theo van Zyl, who unpacks the difference is between the two.

The reality of cyber risk – A Groot Ontbyt Interview

Posted on by Ian Meyer

We are living in a digital and connected world more than ever before – whether its working from home, doing online shopping, gaming, online learning or watching movies – the list goes on. But the reality is that we are also a lot more vulnerable from a security point of view and opening ourselves up to cyber breaches.

Listen to Vox Account Manager and expert, Ian Meyer, as he talks about cyber security and gives tips on how to avoid cyber attacks.

How can I improve AND get the most out of my home WiFi coverage? A Groot Ontbyt Interview

Posted on by Theo van Zyl

With South Africans spending more of their time on the internet to carry out a wide variety of activities, and now even increasingly working from home, they need to give more consideration to the WiFi networks in their home. How can one ensure that they get the best optimal Internet connection from their service provider?

Listen to Head of Wireless at Vox, Theo van Zyl, as he discusses how to best work with your ISP in order to get the most out of your home WiFi network.

Let’s talk – Managed Desktop Services by Qwerti!

Posted on by Suhail Dinat

What is an organisation without customers? For many (if not all) businesses, particularly within the IT sphere, the end user represents the most critical support area. After all, what good are a range of products and excellent service if you negate to focus on supporting the people who matter most? Any IT Department will attest to this significance, and emphasise that within their brand offering, catering to the needs of their end user represents their highest priority and key deliverable standard.

In the age of remote/hybrid working and a new digital era, user IT problems often mean stagnation and a complete halt on productivity. It’s little surprise either – when your employees are wholly reliant on technology to perform their job functions, even the tiniest obstacle can have long-reaching ramifications and result in vastly reduced efficiency. As such, IT Departments have their hands full ensuring that troubleshooting is done quickly, effectively, and in such a manner that normal service resumes as soon as possible.

Ultimately, the ability to support your end users quickly (and often remotely) is becoming increasingly critical to organisations across the board.

However, this becomes tricky when you factor in the myriad of variables which can ultimately negatively impact the overall user experience. These vary from volatile office and home networks to hardware performance, software configurations, user training (or lack thereof), and digital proficiency. Even the best IT departments can find themselves hampered by one or a combination of the above factors – making their jobs (and the troubleshooting process as a whole) significantly more difficult. This is further compounded by a need for ensuring that all security is watertight (we’re currently in the midst of a Cyber Security Pandemic), maintaining effective backups (in case of emergency) and otherwise maintaining protocols to prevent further damage occurring.

As time goes on, it becomes abundantly clear that managing employee laptops, desktops and hardware is a stress-inducing, time-consuming job – one which your business should not have to lose sleep over due to the complexities involved.

The bottom line is that IT Skills are expensive, with costs usually fixed regardless of your staff contingency. Furthermore, the systems required to support said users are usually based in Dollars (or other foreign currency) which, when converted, can set your business significantly more than you may have intended to spend. Couple this with inflation and a perpetually fluctuating exchange rate, and you could vastly overspend on your IT Infrastructure without even intending to – making the process, from top to bottom, a costly, stressful, pain in the IT.

But what if it didn’t need to be? What if there was a service provider who took care of EVERYTHING whilst still saving your brand money?

Enter Qwerti, which allows you to outsource your Desktop Support whilst potentially saving you in excess of 30% on your current IT costs.

Our Managed Desktop offering provides users with the following:

  • Remote and onsite IT support
  • Real-time insights as to the performance of both your network and home connectivity.
  • Periodic Windows updates so as to stay up to date.
  • Antivirus and Anti-Malware

It doesn’t stop there, however. In addition to this, our skilled advisory team ensures that your organisation remains permanently compliant with industry best-practice in terms of performance, security, and redundancy. This leaves you free to focus on your business (and the things that really matter) without having to navigate the hassle that is managing desktop support staff.

We’re able to navigate all the challenges around your business IT on your behalf whilst ensuring you never run over budget. Stay IT Safe and Secure, save big on your expenses, and ensure that you’re able to take your business to new levels without being bogged down by the nitty gritty that is IT management.

Interested? We hope so. Reach out to us or get in touch with your Account Manager today, and let us show you how to reduce your IT support costs.

 

 

A Managed Network Saves Countless Headaches – Both In and Out of Office

Posted on by Dominique Yeates

Why deal with the complications of managing your own network, when there’s a much better option available?

Hybrid work is here to stay. But, while IT teams continue to grapple with managing devices for a distributed workforce, there’s also the issue of ensuring their company network is fit for purpose as far as hardware and software is concerned.

The fact is networks are complicated. And they’re only growing more complicated by the day. An office network already has countless components, all interconnected and dependent on each other for optimal performance. This includes everything from access and connectivity to switches and routers that make up the LAN/WAN, not to mention the firewalls that protect it all. All while maintaining stable Wi-Fi to keep everyone – users and guests – constantly online.

Degradation in service of any one of these components will cause disruption, which in turn results in users experiencing limited or no connectivity. In a networked world, where most of us are dependent on the Internet to work and function, this will absolutely result in a drop in productivity.

A Managed Network Takes ‘Work’ Out of the Equation

Even before hybrid work became the norm, network management has always been complicated. It’s even more so now. Companies returning to the office are returning to a network that has probably had little or no investment for the past three years. In that time, the working world has moved on, and users are more dependent on bandwidth-heavy applications like video conferencing and collaboration.

Now add managing users at home into the mix… Companies – or, rather, IT departments, have no insight into a user’s home connectivity, making it difficult to troubleshoot problems from afar.

There are also several issues contributing to network outages these days. Loadshedding has a massive impact if you don’t have redundant power in place. Even if you do, the cost to run generators these days is, frankly, eye-watering.

Older equipment that hasn’t been refreshed in years is always going to be problematic. Then there’s the possibility of increased cyber-attacks that breach the perimeter security because firmware updates aren’t done, or firewalls aren’t provisioned correctly. Not to mention unskilled users making changes that cause downtime.

Let Qwerti Handle It

Breaking out in a bit of a cold sweat? Here’s the good news – we’ve obviously thought A LOT about this issue, not only within our own environment, but for our customers as well. That’s why we’ve given our Qwerti Managed Network offering a little refresh of its own.

Starting now, not only will you be able to rely on our team of expert technicians to take care of every single network point to keep everything running in tip top shape, but we’re also offering the option of adding an affordable tech-refresh into the mix too.

As every company knows, a tech refresh is key to keeping your network working its best but upgrading hardware can really take a huge chunk out of the CapEx budget.

Which is why we’re offering the opportunity to rent essentials – like new Switches and Access Points – to reduce the cost of ownership and capital outlay for your network hardware. Because your network should always support your business.

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