July 26, 2024 - This week’s notables

A little late, but in the spirit of a looming Mercury Retrograde...

Infrastructure & Support  

Recent weeks have presented challenges with computer updates, following the Crowdstrike incident and Microsoft's outage. We had our own troubles with a remote access solution we use for providing support to our clients and that some of our clients use themselves, after a weekend update led to issues that persisted throughout the week, with users struggling to make remote connections or start the app. While some functionality has returned, not everyone can use it effectively yet. The issue may stem from the connection protocol, as per the app publisher's status update. We're eager for a fix, since this affects our ability to offer remote helpdesk support.

Regarding helpdesk support, it's an opportune moment to refer to our knowledge base article How to Create a SMART Support Request. Providing enough information upfront ensures technicians can offer a swift resolution when a support request is made.

This week Taylor's invested time in a React JavaScript course. React is popular among top tech companies for its flexibility, cost-efficiency, and smooth data management. It's used by social networks like Facebook and Instagram to handle live data updates and by e-commerce platforms such as Amazon and Shopify to provide dynamic shopping experiences. Entertainment companies like Netflix use React for managing media content efficiently on their TV services, and it is a preferred solution for developing real-time messaging apps. Taylor's advancement showcases how relevant and effective React is in the current technology sector, and we look forward to leveraging it in our own development projects – one such project is functionally complete and requires some minor facelift changes to make it easier to use. This project provides a privately hosted link redirector that makes it easy to create company-branded redirects, with the ability to create one-time links which automatically delete after being viewed; this feature is critical for keeping secrets such as passwords out of email (which creates a major security problem for companies!)

Devices 

In the ever-evolving landscape of IT devices, staying abreast of the latest developments is crucial. HP has recently expanded its portfolio with the introduction of AI-powered PCs, designed to redefine productivity and collaboration for the hybrid workforce. Merging with Poly, HP aims to enhance hybrid work solutions, offering a comprehensive ecosystem of communication devices and digital services. Our other communication device partner, Yealink continues to innovate with its 3rd-Gen MVC Series Microsoft Teams Rooms System, integrating AI to provide a more equitable video conferencing experience. Meanwhile, WatchGuard has fortified its cybersecurity offerings with the release of new Firebox tabletop firewall appliances, ensuring robust protection for remote and distributed businesses. These updates from our partners not only reflect the dynamic nature of IT infrastructure but also demonstrate a shared commitment to advancing technology that empowers today's hybrid work environments.

Operations & Growth

Our team is starting to collaborate with a Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Forrester to revitalize Longview Farm's woodland. The upcoming meeting marks the beginning of our commitment to an eco-friendly approach that will beautify and enrich the local environment. Additionally, our land management team is ready to implement initiatives that reflect our dedication to environmental care and superior operations, promising responsible and progressive growth. Keep an eye out for future announcements as we progress on this exciting path to sustainability.

Information Radiation

A workplace intranet serves as a central hub for enhancing internal communications and the seamless dissemination of information within an organization. It fosters a culture of transparency and inclusion, where employees can easily access company news, resources, and tools in one unified space. Microsoft Viva Connections, integrated within Microsoft Teams, exemplifies this by offering a personalized destination for employees to discover relevant content, engage in meaningful conversations, and connect with colleagues, irrespective of their physical location. It streamlines workflows by bringing together various applications and services into a single interface, reducing the need for multiple logins and improving overall productivity. With features like audience targeting, Viva Connections ensures that information reaches the appropriate departments and individuals, promoting efficient and relevant communication. Moreover, its dashboard provides a centralized, personalized space for actionable tasks, further keeping employees in the flow of work. By leveraging Microsoft Viva Connections, companies can effectively radiate information across their workforce, ensuring everyone stays informed and connected, which is essential in today's dynamic work environments. If you’re interested in leveraging Viva Connections to bring your workforce together, let’s connect and discuss a strategy for your organization!