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A Quick Guide to the Internet of Things

Internet of things, IOT, Office IT, Office Network, Ophtek, user friendlyInternet of Things, IoT, network, office IT, Ophtek, securityOphtek, LLC

Apr 2019

You have may have heard the Internet of Things (IoT) mentioned several times in the media and by colleagues, but what exactly is it?

Thankfully, the good news is that the IoT is a relatively simple concept and, more importantly, it can make a huge difference to your organization’s IT operations. It’s likely that you’re rapidly becoming interested in the IoT the more you hear about it, so wouldn’t it be amazing if you had a quick guide to the ins and outs of the IoT? Well, you’re in luck as that’s exactly what we’ve put together for you.

What is the Internet of Things?

Any business, no matter the size of its operations, needs to use a wide variety of IT devices on a daily basis. Traditionally, the majority of these devices have been connected by cables and controlled directly by the end user or through an onsite IT team with access to the network. The IoT, however, brings a whole new level of accessibility with its revolutionary use of internet connections.

Put simply, the IoT allows users to connect devices to other devices and networks that can accept an internet connection. Sure, it may sound as though this is merely using wireless capabilities and nothing new, but the IoT is significantly different. Connecting to central servers through an internet connection means that your organization’s networks and smart devices can be remotely controlled from any location in the world.

What Can You Do with the Internet of Things?

The accessibility on offer from the IoT is clearly an interesting proposition, but what exactly can your organization use it for? To be honest, it’s a more a case of what you can’t use it for. Let’s take a look at some of the IoT most popular uses:

Remote Working: As long as your employees have an internet connection, they can connect to your organization’s networks and access email, databases and files just as easily as if they were sat in the office at their workstation. This is highly beneficial for employees who are working away on business, but it also opens up a whole new world of remote working which, with studies showing it’s highly beneficial for staff, could seriously increase productivity.

Collecting and Sharing Data: The amount of data in use by businesses is getting bigger and bigger, but monitoring this is becoming more difficult with traditional IT setups. However, IoT devices are so varied and widespread that it’s now possible to collect data on almost any element of business you want. Tracking vehicle data, for example, through the use of IoT trackers can allow you to make use of your vehicles more efficiently.

Enhance the Customer’s Experience: The lifeblood of any organization is the customer base and thanks to the IoT you can understand their needs better than ever before. IoT sensors installed in products such as, for example, refrigeration units can remotely monitory temperature fluctuations and, if necessary, send alerts when temperature thresholds are breached.

The IoT Is Here to Stay.

With over 26 billion IoT devices due to be in use by the end of 2019, the IoT is clearly making a massive impact on the IT landscape. With a number of benefits that can make a significant difference to the way your organization works, it’s time to start embracing the power of the IoT.

For more ways to secure and optimize your business technology, contact your local IT professionals.

Choosing New Keyboards for Your Business

Keyboards, PC Tools, user friendlykeyboards, pc tools, productivityOphtek, LLC

Mar 2018

People take keyboards for granted, but they’re one of the most important PC tools you can invest in. Accordingly, getting the right one is crucial.

There are so many keyboards available in the modern computer landscape that understanding which one you need can be confusing. Thankfully, there’s a keyboard for every scenario, so if you can identify your needs then you should be able to get the correct one. And, with the best possible keyboard available, you’ll soon find that your employees become more productive.

Let’s take a look at what you should be looking for when choosing new keyboards for your business.

The Types of Keyboards Available

The first place you need to start is by understanding the variety of keyboards that are available, so here they are:

Basic: The most familiar keyboard to most computer users, the basic everyday keyboard does exactly what it says on the tin. Providing all the basic features such as function keys, numeric keypads and a QWERTY layout, these are perfect for word processing and data entry.
Portable: Employees on the move may use their smartphone/tablet as their default computer to save size, but touchscreen keyboards are nowhere near as intuitive as physical hardware. And that’s why portable USB keyboards should be the default choice in these scenarios.
Specific Niche: If your organization works in a very specific niche such as video or audio editing, then a specialty keyboard may be the best option to go for. Coming complete with programmable buttons to automate specific functions, specialty keyboards also come with color coded buttons to increase recognition of the most used keys and sections of the keyboard.
Mechanical: For those who type fast with a light touch then mechanical keyboards represent a fine choice. Using mechanical switches and springs, the wear and tear on the keyboard’s components is significantly reduced and increases their lifespan. They’re also sturdier and provide an easier typing experience for those who have to type large amounts of text in a short time.

Keyboard Features to Look Out For

There are myriad options available for improving the typing experience, so make sure you keep an eye out for these features:

Connectivity: Whilst most modern keyboards connect via USB, there are still alternative options which may suit your needs better. Wireless and Bluetooth both provide suitable options for users who need a little more accessibility or, if the need arises, for giving presentations.
Comfort: Many people working with vast amounts of data and typing find that comfort is an essential feature in keyboards. Tapping into this need, keyboard manufacturers have designed a wide range of ergonomic keyboards which seek to provide the required level of comfort. Not only does this prevent wrist and hand strains, but it also increases productivity of employees.
Backlit: Certain employees may find themselves working in environments where light has to be limited e.g. certain hospital departments such as scan rooms demand very little light. However, this doesn’t mean that typing should be a struggle and backlit keyboards solve this problem quickly and effectively.

Naturally, every employee in your organization is going to have unique needs when it comes to using a keyboard, but there’s a solution for everyone out there. Just take note of the above and you should soon have the right keyboard to maximize productivity.