1. Technology Topics & Trends
A non-nerd approach to making
technology work for your office!
Will Cauthen, MBA
QS/1 Data Systems
SCRWA OfficePro 2018

2. Utility and Finance software and services Began in 1977
QS/1 Data Systems
Utility and Finance software and services
Began in 1977
More than 550 employees
Part of the JM Smith Corporation family of companies – $2.5B in annual revenues
SCRWA OfficePro 2018

3. QS/1 Headquarters Spartanburg, SC
SCRWA OfficePro 2018

4. Common Sense Approach to Tech Technology is a TOOL.
Like any tool, you need to be trained on it, and it needs to be cared for properly.
We don’t need to be experts, but we have to take responsibility for our own systems.
SCRWA OfficePro 2018

5. SCRWA OfficePro 2018

6. Hardware
Networking
SCRWA OfficePro 2018

7. The Cloud What the nerds say:
The “Cloud” is a reference to the Internet, which is made up of billions of interconnected computers and servers which allow global access to data, applications, , telephony and much more.
SCRWA OfficePro 2018

8. The Cloud Common Sense: It’s the Internet.
Why do we call it the Cloud?
SCRWA OfficePro 2018

9. The Cloud Checklist Beat up some ISPs.
Look for new options (in this order)
Fiber Optic
Cable
DSL
Look for more than one route.
SCRWA OfficePro 2018

10. Checklist (continued)
The Cloud
Checklist (continued)
Acceptable Use Policy
Beware Phishing/Social Engineering scams
SCRWA OfficePro 2018

11. What is Cloud Computing?
Centralization of computing power that can be shared by many organizations and distributed by the Internet
Computing as a utility
SCRWA OfficePro 2018

12. Scalability & Flexibility Redundancy Mobility Cost Savings
Advantages
Economies of Scale
Scalability & Flexibility
Redundancy
Mobility
Cost Savings
SCRWA OfficePro 2018

13. When it comes to your website: Checklist
Own your own domain.
Yes –
No –
Unify all s under your domain.
Yes -
No -
SCRWA OfficePro 2018

14. SCRWA OfficePro 2018

15. Router What the nerds say:
A router is a hardware device that forwards and directs data packets between multiple networks. It is what connects a network to other networks, or in most cases, the Internet.
SCRWA OfficePro 2018

16. Router
Common Sense
SCRWA OfficePro 2018

17. Router
Common Sense
SCRWA OfficePro 2018

18. Router Checklist: Leave it to the Pros!
Make sure that it is providing all security features possible without conflicting with other devices.
SCRWA OfficePro 2018

19. Firewall What the nerds say:
A firewall is a network security that protects your internal network by managing data traffic (inbound and outbound) and access based on a set of applied rules.
SCRWA OfficePro 2018

20. Firewall Common Sense:
If you heard the term “firewall” used in building construction, what would it be referring to?
SCRWA OfficePro 2018

21. Firewall Common Sense:
SCRWA OfficePro 2018

22. Firewall Checklist: Make sure that you have one!
Let a professional install this device with your direction.
SCRWA OfficePro 2018

23. Switch What the nerds say:
A network switch is a device that uses intelligent packet switching to forward information from one device to another within a single network.
Dumb “switches” were called hubs.
SCRWA OfficePro 2018

24. Switch
Common Sense
SCRWA OfficePro 2018

25. Switch Checklist: Replace old 10/100 switches with Gig switches.
Make sure cabling is orderly.
SCRWA OfficePro 2018

26. …and while we are on networking… (cue the scary music)
SCRWA OfficePro 2018

27. SCRWA OfficePro 2018

28. SCRWA OfficePro 2018

29. SCRWA OfficePro 2018

30. SCRWA OfficePro 2018

31. …instead of those ugly ones…
SCRWA OfficePro 2018

32. SCRWA OfficePro 2018

33. SCRWA OfficePro 2018

34. Network Closet Checklist: Adequately heated and cooled?
Nearly dust-free?
No carpet
No sources of moisture
Physically secure
SCRWA OfficePro 2018

35. Wireless Router What the nerds say:
A device that can serve the function of a traditional router while also serving as a wireless access point for any device that can connect via standards.
SCRWA OfficePro 2018

36. Wireless Router Common Sense
SCRWA OfficePro 2018

37. Wireless Router Do we need one? Secured? Separate Guest Network
SCRWA OfficePro 2018

38. Server What the nerds say:
A computer designed to process requests and deliver data to other (client) computers over a local network or the Internet.
SCRWA OfficePro 2018

39. Server
Common Sense:
SCRWA OfficePro 2018

40. Server Common Sense: Loyal in serving Should be strong & reliable
Needs nearly constant care
SCRWA OfficePro 2018

41. Server Checklist: Are we backing up our data?
How are we backing it up?
Are all shared and critical files being saved to the server?
How old is it?
Any single points of failure?
SCRWA OfficePro 2018

42. Personal Computer What the nerds say:
A general-purpose computer whose size and capabilities make it useful for individuals. In this context, they are “clients” for the network server.
SCRWA OfficePro 2018

43. Personal Computer Common Sense:
SCRWA OfficePro 2018

44. Make sure that the right tools are in your box.
Personal Computer
Make sure that the right tools are in your box.
Have, and be trained on, the right software applications.
SCRWA OfficePro 2018

45. Make sure that each user has the right type of tool box.
Personal Computer
Make sure that each user has the right type of tool box.
Desktop or laptop?
Powerful machine or lightweight?
SCRWA OfficePro 2018

46. Make sure that your tools are secure.
Personal Computer
Make sure that your tools are secure.
Strong passwords
Up-to-date Antivirus
Important data on the server or in the “cloud”
Windows 7 Pro, 8.1 Pro, 10 Pro
SCRWA OfficePro 2018

47. Personal Computer - Accessories Barcode scanners
By using barcode scanners, payments can be taken more quickly, and with less error.
SCRWA OfficePro 2018

48. Personal Computer - Accessories Receipt Printers
Quickly give your customers a hard copy proof of payment.
Reduce risk of fraud.
SCRWA OfficePro 2018

49. Personal Computer - Accessories Document Scanners
Quickly create digital files of images.
Reduce risk of information loss or breach.
SCRWA OfficePro 2018

50. Outsource Printing of bills Offer Bank Draft (ACH) Payments
Billing Efficiency
Outsource Printing of bills
Offer Bank Draft (ACH) Payments
Offer Online Payments
Offer Automated Phone Payments
SCRWA OfficePro 2018

51. Are we “Red Flag Rules” compliant?
Data Security
Are we “Red Flag Rules” compliant?
FTC rules to prevent identity theft
Utilities are second largest source of ID theft.
Social Security numbers, driver’s license, banking info…
SCRWA OfficePro 2018

52. Social Media Important to use Choose carefully Unify your presence
SCRWA OfficePro 2018

53. as of February 17, 2017

54. And now for the sales pitch…
SCRWA OfficePro 2018

55. QS/1 Cloud Software Program
Virtually eliminates the up-front cost for software.
Tiered pricing makes it affordable for any size agency.
No need for expensive servers and constant maintenance and IT expenses
Disaster Recovery - All data is backed up off site at multiple locations.
Simplicity - Monthly fee that’s budget-friendly.
SCRWA OfficePro 2018

56. QS/1 Cloud Software Program
No data is at your office minimizing theft and loss
All you need is a computer and reliable internet access.
Only approved & secured sites can access the data.
SCRWA OfficePro 2018

57. QS/1 Cloud Software Program
Software is always up-to-date with the latest features. QS/1 puts out 2-4 updates a year at no additional cost.
Friendly, helpful and knowledgeable support team with a 95% call answer rate is ready to serve you! (from Spartanburg, South Carolina)
SCRWA OfficePro 2018

58. Questions? Contact: Will Cauthen 800.235.0762 x 7034
SCRWA OfficePro 2018