BULLETIN X3: A New Product For Our Portfolio In 2015 HBP Systems became fully accredited to implement and support Sage X3. This leading software solution from Sage is designed for businesses that are making the transition from medium to large or are already established as an enterprise sized business. The addition of Sage X3 to the existing portfolio of products we offer means that our customers now have the opportunity to maintain their relationship with us as they grow themselves. In the past customers who have outgrown Pegasus Opera 3, Sage 200 or Exchequer have been faced with the inevitability of taking their software solutions elsewhere, but now the option exists to continue to work with HBP. Without your continued support we would never be able to achieve our plan, but together we have every confidence we’ll succeed. [Continued on page 3] Inside Windows 10 - Page 2 Feedback from the IT team after a the latest major OS release. New Products & Services for 2016 Enterprise sector business software, Business mobile phones and more. Understanding the EU Data Legislation Regulation - Page 4 Free white paper available covering a law that will affect the vast majority of businesses operating in the EU. Company Updates - Page 5 Awards, staff changes and initiatives. Staying Safe Online - Page 8 A quick guide to educate the weakest link on your network: the user Product Updates Sage 50, Pegasus Opera Business Cloud, Windows 10 Server, Sophos XG and more. Latest Helpsheets - Page 4 Sage 200, Sage 50, Pegasus Opera & Exchequer. Log All Support Calls Online Now hbp-group.co.uk/customers
Transcript
B U L L E T I N
X3: A New Product For Our Portfolio In 2015 HBP Systems became fully accredited to implement and support Sage X3. This leading software solution from Sage is designed for businesses that are making the transition from medium to large or are already established as an enterprise sized business.The addition of Sage X3 to the existing portfolio of products we offer means that our customers now have the opportunity to maintain their relationship with us as they grow themselves. In the past customers who have outgrown Pegasus Opera 3, Sage 200 or Exchequer have been faced with the inevitability of taking their software solutions elsewhere, but now the option exists to continue to work with HBP.
Without your continued support we would never be able to achieve our plan, but together we have every confidence we’ll succeed.
[Continued on page 3]
InsideWindows 10 - Page 2 Feedback from the IT team after a the latest major OS release.
New Products & Services for 2016 Enterprise sector business software, Business mobile phones and more.
Understanding the EU Data Legislation Regulation - Page 4 Free white paper available covering a law that will affect the vast majority of businesses operating in the EU.
Company Updates - Page 5 Awards, staff changes and initiatives.
Staying Safe Online - Page 8 A quick guide to educate the weakest link on your network: the user
Product Updates Sage 50, Pegasus Opera Business Cloud, Windows 10 Server, Sophos XG and more.
10/10 for Windows. With Windows 10 now released from Microsoft we are happy to report that the feedback so far has been fantastic! Many of our IT engineers have been trialling the software since Microsoft released the Beta version in early 2015 so we have known for a while that people would be impressed, but the responses have been even better than expected.
Within our industry the release of a new operating system has to, of course, be treated with caution and for many months we try our best to advise people to steer clear of upgrading. The reason for this is that many software developers, including Sage, Pegasus and Exchequer, only start their official product testing once the full and final version of the operating system is released. Once that day comes the testing starts and we must wait until we see the green light from each software house.
Without going into features, the reasons to upgrade do start stacking up when you look into the core functionality of Windows 10 compared to Windows 8 and Windows 7. Firstly, the security has been vastly improved, and whilst some of this functionality will be directly tied to the capabilities of your device, it is still a huge step forward in increasing security level whilst as the same time, making things easier for the end user.
The user interface really is a best-of-both worlds from the much loved Windows 7 to the hit-or-miss Windows 8. The blend of the two systems means that this operating system feel
natural and combines all of the best bits of its predecessors.
This experience also translates beautifully into a tablet and, if you are a Windows phone user, mobile too. Microsoft have really started a march on creating a single user platform that can be used at your desk, in a meeting or on the road.
Keeping Windows 10 up to date will also be easier than ever. Rather than significant service packs being released periodically there will more frequent updates that will fix bugs, add new features and provide security updates.
And finally Microsoft tell us that this will be the final operating system they will release. Believe them or not, it certainly appears that Windows 10 is here so a significant amount of time so investing in it will last you. For many users this software will be free if you purchased one of the qualifying versions of Windows 8. With Windows 7 end of life announced for 2020 we will no doubt see people starting to update their operating systems very soon and luckily for them Windows 10 is not only the obvious choice, but also a very good one.
For any more info talk to Oliver Nicoll, our IT Projects Specialist on:
0800 0433 106.
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HBP Systems Receive Top IT Security Award For the second year running we have been successful at the Sophos Partner Awards picking up the Sophos UTM Growth Award – the same award that we won last year! Sophos partners nationwide were nominated for The Sophos UTM Growth Award but Scunthorpe/Hull based HBP Systems led the way for increasing their uptake of the flagship Unified Threat Management solution over 300% year-on-year, which combines multiple security layers to make security easier to deploy and manage.
Speaking on behalf of the company, HBP Systems Operations Director, Tony Pearson was delighted to win the award for the second year running, crediting HBP’s commitment to cyber security. Tony commented:
“Being chosen for this award displays
that HBP Systems are at the cutting edge of cyber security and have
formed a fantastic partnership with
global industry specialists Sophos.”
“The Sophos UTM Growth award identifies HBP Systems as
a growing company who have a strong customer base, which I believe
is down to the development opportunities we offer our staff meaning we can provide a knowledgeable and resourceful service.”
“HBP Systems believe that the Sophos UTM is a market leading IT security product that is a must for any business that wants to protect their IT systems from threats and potential malware and this opinion is backed up by the increasing number of firms who are choosing to adopt the solution.”
Tony PearsonOperations Director
In 2015 our annual event took a break - but it will return this year - with a bang!The format is currently being worked on, reviewing past years’ feedback from our attendees and focusing on the added value we can offer through our contacts and services. We’re looking to develop something new and exciting whilst giving you more of what you like - all with an educational slant.
Tell Us What You’d Like To See?
Send any ideas that you’ve got to: [email protected], call us on 0800 0433 106 or tweet @HBPGroup!
We’ll be updating everyone on the new format and a date will be announced via email and through our normal social media channels - so keep an eye out.
educate Gets A
SHAKE-UP
When does your mobile contract expire?
The X3 Factor!Sage X3 is a browser based ERP solution which manages virtually every element of your business in a single system. It is designed to help businesses manage multiple branches and multiple companies both domestically and internationally.
Sage pride themselves on offering a solution which can be deployed faster and more efficiently than any other ERP system on the market and at HBP we see it as the ideal product to complement our existing solutions.
As a fully accredited Sage X3 partner we are already working with a number of businesses to help review their existing systems and look to create a truly centralised, mobile and flexible software solution that will enable them to move to the next level.
“We’ve had a large number of staff sit through demonstrations of Sage X3 and every single one of them has been blown away by what it can do. It’s really in a league of its own and when our customers are ready to take the step to a larger software package I believe this is going to be a really strong option for them.”
Joanne Dixon
Managing Director
If you would like to know more about Sage X3 we can offer a free review of your existing systems and look at how it could help you. Just give us a call on 0800 0433106 to speak to a member of our team who will organise this for you.
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We Now Offer Mobile PhonesFor Business Users
Pegasus have announced that you are now able to purchase Pegasus Opera 3 as a cloud solution via the Pegasus Business Cloud.The Pegasus Business Cloud offers the opportunity to run Opera 3 through an online platform and pay through a subscription model, starting at just £49 per month. The new solution offers businesses who are still using Opera II the option to upgrade to Opera 3 in a cost effective way.
If you are making the move to the cloud you can reduce your IT infrastructure costs as well as benefiting from the full functionality of Opera.
Business Cloud
We know that one of the many reasons that people love dealing with HBP Systems is that you can receive a wide range of business solutions all under one roof.
This means that you receive a consistent level of support irrespective of product or service from a team that, literally, sits next to each other.
To our portfolio we have now added business mobile phone contracts. This means that whether you’re with O2, EE or Vodafone you can renew your contract with us and we can support you through the length of your contract.
Unlike many mobile providers we are able to provide contracts
and tariffs from the three largest mobile networks in the UK - so we are confident that we can save you money on your bill when it’s time to renew.
As well as offering contracts, we can source new handsets, sim enabled tablets and all of the associated services and add-ons you might require.
To find out how we can save you money, contact Matt Elms before your existing contract runs out:
0800 0433 106.
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Give me a call for a great deal on your business mobile phones. We choose from the best tariffs and the best business handsets.
Latest Help SheetsHelp for your software & IT
Every month we add new resources to the customers repository to help you get the most from your products and services including Sage 50 & 200, Pegasus Opera II & 3, Exchequer, KCPOS & our range of IT products and services.
Sage 200:Foreign Currency Processing
Learn how to add foreign currency payments and receipts.
Pegasus Opera:Using Ledger Views in Opera II & 3
Customise what you see in Opera to increase your efficiency.
Exchequer:User Defined Fields
Add your own labels and information to customise the majority of records.
Sage 50:Posting Customer Refunds
Learn a quick way of posting refunds to customers or returned cheques.
Download These & More Now:hbp-group.co.uk/helpsheets
Sage 200 works in multiple currencies. You can enter foreign currency receipts and payments via the Cash Book, Sales Ledger and Purchase Ledger, although the Nominal Ledger will always refl ect your base currency.
Trading in foreign currencies is simple provided you follow the guidelines below.
The balance and turnover of all foreign currency accounts is maintained in the appropriate ledger for both the operating currency and the base currency equivalent.
Once you set up an operating currency and begin posting transactions, you cannot change to a diff erent currency.
What is the Setup Process?
Set up accounts in the fi nancial modules, and assign a currency number to identify the currency they use. Currency 0 (zero) is always the base currency.
Therefore, if your exchange rate table uses number 2 for US dollars and this is the bank operating currency, you would enter 2 as the currency code.
What is the Operating Process?
Where possible, it is best to conduct monetary transactions in the same currency as the trader, to avoid conversion charges. However, if not, you can enter all of the information required to conduct business using diff erent currencies.
Page 1 / 5Pegasus Opera 3 Help Sheet: Using Ledger Views in OperaII & Opera3
Using Ledger Views in OperaII & Opera3.
Using Sales ledger as an example:1. Navigate to the Views Menu:
2. Select the Create new icon or CTRL+N to create a new View:
The majority of ledgers within Opera have the option called ‘View’ in the main menu list. This option is an easy way to gather useful information regarding the transactions posted for the module you are looking at.
Each module under the Maintenance drop down holds the area in which View reports are specified.
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Sales Ledger > Maintenance > Views
New View SpecificationEach View has the option to specify 5 levels from predefined lists which are available to choose once the View code and View name has been specified.
The example shows setting a report for sales data by Year, Period, Product Code and then the rest of the options available on the sales view.
Each modules’ view options will be slightly different.
Page 1 / 5Exchequer Help Sheet: User Defined Fields
User Defined Fields.
Custom Fields in Exchequer
Custom Fields Account Level:
The majority of records within IRIS Exchequer, such as customers, suppliers, stock, jobs and transactions have user-definable fields and the label of the fields can be customised within system set-up to add more meaning to your business and users. Whilst this offers some flexibility, the fields are free-format, and therefore are not validated in any way, which can lead to important information being missed.
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There are 10 custom fields in Exchequer ranging from:
1. Account level2. Transaction level 3. Transaction line level.
i
Home > Reports > Credit Control & Statements > Statement Run
This option gives you a quick and simple means of posting customer refunds and updating your bank account. Such transactions may include refunds to customers or returned cheques.
Customers > Refund.
Enter the details for your customer refund as follows:
• Bank A/C Ref - Enter the reference of the bank account you want to record the customer refund from.
• Enter your customer’s account reference here.
Does your business hold information about EU citizens? Do you take sufficient precautions to keep that data safe? If you’ve ever been concerned about your business’ approach to data security then it’s time to take action A new EU legislation is expected to be passed in 2016 which will affect virtually every single SME in the UK, and indeed Europe. The legislation will create a single regulatory body that will be responsible for managing data security breaches and handling the necessary fines where they feel they are required.
Ultimately, this means that business
will have to start taking data protection more seriously than ever before. Now this of course starts with great software but extends right through to staff education too.
To help businesses understand exactly what the new legislation is all about we have published a FREE guide entitled “Understanding the EU Data Protection Legislation” which has been authored by global IT security experts Sophos.
If you’d like your FREE copy just head to hbpsystems.co.uk/eudata to download it.
!
Change in EU Data Laws is ComingLearn about what your company needs to do to comply.
WHITE PAPERS FREE Impartial Advice for Businesses
A Guide To Understanding the Upcoming EU Data Protection Requirements & How to Comply
Adoption Process for the Proposal
to Become Law
The process of enacting a Union-wide law is a lengthy one that can take several years. All three European
Union institutions – the European Commission, the European Parliament and the Council of the European
Union – must agree on the legislation before it can become active law. The process is driven by the European
Commission, which is also responsible for proposing new legislation. In the European Parliament, legislative
work on information exchange and data protection is led by the Committee for Civil Liberties, Justice and
Home Aff airs (LIBE). In the Council of the European Union (also called Council of Ministers), that responsibility
falls to the working group DAPIX.
The reformed Data Protection Laws were proposed and amended by the European Commission. In October
2013, after broad consultation, the LIBE Committee published the European Parliament’s position on the
Commission’s draft, which was supported by the Committee with an overwhelming majority and received
the mandate to negotiate with the Council of the European Union. This vote was then confi rmed by the
European Parliament in plenary session on 12 March 2014, again by an overwhelming majority of 621 votes in
favor, 10 against and 22 abstentions. While European Elections will certainly introduce delays and uncertainties,
the amount of legislative work already invested and the near-unanimous vote in favor of this text across all
nationalities and political ideologies are indications that this proposal is here to stay and that the momentum
will continue. The legislation proposal can now take one of several paths before it becomes law, which might
require over a year to go through all the possible steps.
Legislation Submitted
Council Of The EU
Approves
Legislation Approved
Act Developed
Becomes Eff ective 2 Years
After Adoption
Council Of The EU Rejects
Rejected
Approved
Approved
Rejected
Rejected
Parliament Reviews
Position & Approves,
Rejects Or Proposes
Amendments
Proposes Amendments,
Returns To European
Commission
EC Sends Amended
Legislation To Council of
the EU
Council Of EU Approves
Or Rejects
Goes to Conciliation
committee (reps from
Parliament & Council of
the EU)
Adopts Own Position,
Communicates To
European Parliament
A Guide To Understanding the Upcoming EU Data Protection Requirements & How to Comply
Core Elements of Reform
The General Data Protection Regulations reform proposals set a new record with
3,999 amendments2 on its journey toward becoming a law. After the lengthy
review process, the European Parliament demonstrated strong support for the
subject of data protection and the reform in a near-unanimous vote of 621 votes
in favour, 10 against and 22 abstentions in March 2014.3 Even though it now has to
go through a new round of review and approval process with the Council of the
European Union, it is likely that the future legislation will be similar to the proposals
we see today.
Here are some examples of what the proposal says about protecting personal
data.
Article 305 addresses the security of processing data:
1. The controller and the processor shall implement appropriate technical
and organizational measures to ensure a level of security appropriate to the
risks represented by the processing, taking into account the results of a data
protection impact assessment (pursuant to Article 33), having regard to the
state of the art and the costs of their implementation.
1a. Having regard to the state of the art and the cost of implementation, such a
security policy shall include:
a) the ability to ensure that the integrity of the personal data is validated;
b) the ability to ensure the ongoing confi dentiality, integrity, availability
and resilience of systems and services processing personal data;
c) the ability to restore the availability and access to data in a timely
manner in the event of a physical or technical incident…
2. The measures referred to in paragraph 1 shall at least:
a) ensure that personal data can be accessed only by
authorized personnel for legally authorized purposes;
b) protect personal data stored or transmitted against accidental or
unlawful destruction, accidental loss or alteration, and unauthorized
or unlawful storage, processing, access or disclosure; and
c) ensure the implementation of a security policy with
respect to the processing of personal data.
Put simply, the article requires organizations to implement appropriate security
measures to protect personal data. The article does not specify the technologies
that should be used for those controls, but does reserve in a third paragraph the
right for a “European Data Protection Board” to specify at a future time “what
constitutes state of the art, for specifi c sectors and in specifi c data processing
situations”.
Data Protection
Proposals Terminology
Personal Data
is any information which
directly or indirectly
identifi es n individual. It
may relate to a person’s
private, professional or
public life. It may be a
name, a photo, an email
address, bank details,
his/her posts on social
networks, medical
information or his/her
computer’s IP address.
Data Controllers
decide on the conditions,
purposes and manner in
which personal data are
processed. They may be
individuals, fi rms or public
authorities. Examples of
individuals include doctors,
pharmacists and politicians,
who keep data on their
patients, clients and
constituents.
Data Processors
process personal
information under the
authority of data controllers
but do not take decisions
on conditions, purposes
and means of the
processing (outsourcers).
For example, payroll
companies and market
research companies
may process personal
information on behalf
of others (e.g. other
companies or public
authorities, which would
be data controllers in such
cases). However, if they
decide on conditions,
purposes or act beyond
the instructions of the
controllers, they become
ontrollers for that specifi c
processing activity.
Data Subject
Personal data is used to
identify a natural person.
That person is the “data
subject.”4
A Guide To Understanding the Upcoming EU Data Protection Requirements & How to Comply
EU Data Protection Regulation Proposals
Understanding the Upcoming Data Protection Requirements and How to Comply
A lot has changed since 1995, the last time a major European law was passed on the subject of data protection (the Data Protection Directive 95/46/EC). For example, mobile devices are ubiquitous, and it’s not unusual to carry two or even three at a time. Meanwhile, sensitive company data is moving outside the safety of the traditional corporate security perimeter. Employees email documents to themselves, access data from personal smartphones and tablets, and store data in the cloud.
Major personal data breaches are commonplace today, putting customers at risk of identity theft and fi nancial loss, and businesses at risk of losing customer and investor loyalty. This whitepaper discusses what the new EU-wide General Data Protection Regulation reform proposals will mean to companies globally.
Understanding The EU Data Protection Regulation
For any more information talk to Darren Jacklin, our IT Security Specialist on:
0800 0433 106.
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Online, Extra or Standard? Sage have renamed the existing suite of Sage 200 options and released a whole new variation with Sage 200 Standard. The traditional, on-premise version of Sage 200 is now known as Sage 200 Extra whilst the online version of Sage 200 is known as Sage 200 Extra Online. Added to the product range is Sage 200 Standard, a heavily cut down version of Sage 200 which aims to fill the gap between Sage 50 and Sage 200, offering Sage 50 users the experience of Sage 200 with functionality tailored to small businesses.
Awards Success 2015 has been a fantastic year for us in terms of Awards. We have been lucky enough to be nominated for seven different awards this year and have walked away with winners prizes at four of them!
As well as the Sophos UTM Growth Award, which we’ve covered elsewhere in this newsletter, we’ve also had success at the Chamber Bridlington and York Coast Awards where we were awarded the Best Business with High Training Award, and at our regional Chamber
Awards we walked away with the People Development Award and our IT Helpdesk Supervisor, Ryan Garlick, was recognised in the Young Person in Business Award. Ryan was unlucky not to win more awards missing out at the national finals for the same award and also
at the Hull Daily Mail Awards for Employee of the Year for which he was nominated.
We are absolutely delighted with our achievements, especially as the awards all recognise our
investments in staff and helping to grow people within our organisation.
HBP Systems sponsor first Digital Awards From start-ups to companies operating on a multinational scale, the competition winners demonstrated how Silicon Valley fever has reached the Humber and businesses are embracing technology and innovation.
It was held at the new C4DI building, a hub for creative industries, which aims to give the tech scene a focal point in Hull.
The winner of the Best Hardware Award was NFire Labs, founded by 19 Year Old entrepreneur Alex Youden who created NFire 1, a modular 3D Printer for consumers and businesses.
HBP Systems help businesses tackle IT and security.
With funding from the Department for Business Innovation and Skills, HBP Systems LTD provided a £30,000 project of support in partnership with North Lincolnshire Council
This programme saw 18 local businesses complete
the programme
from June to September 2015. It focused on disaster recovery, business continuity, and digital resilience, working online, cloud computing, hardware and software skills training.
We delivered the technical support as part of the
business support project offering IT health checks, Microsoft Azure cloud backup solutions and Sophos network security devices.
David Brown from Crownship Training was quoted “The training workshops and technical support with HBP have been very informative and helpful, the Azure Backup has helped us back up all of our files and documents easily and securely and has helped us with another level of disaster recovery. Every member of staff that I have dealt with has been very helpful and offered immediate support”
HBP Systems support Hull Daily Mail Business Awards
After months of anticipation, scores
of entries and hours of judging the Hull Daily Mail Business Awards was hosted at the Mecure Hotel – Grange Park. HBP Systems LTD sponsored the drinks ceremony on the day ensuring all visitors received a beverage on arrival and a pair of HBP Systems LTD Gloves.
The competition saw excellence rewarded in 15 categories at a prestigious ceremony on Thursday, November 19th.
We congratulate all the contestants and award winners including HBP Systems customer EYG Commercial who won two awards on the evening.
2015
Business Awards
George Smith becomes MD @ Kamarin Computers LTD
George Smith has moved over to our sister company, Kamarin Computers as he has been appointed as their Managing Director, allowing Kamarin to take advantage of George’s financial knowledge and corporate experience. George will continue to consult on Sage X3 Projects and we are excited to see the development of Sage X3 as part of our product portfolio.
Tell us about your team on Twitter - We’d love to hear from you...
@HBPSystems
Windows 10 Server OSComing to a computer near you (at some point)
2015 saw the end-of-life for Windows Server 2003... However - there was no birth of the replacement OS that had been promised for the first half of 2015.
With Windows 10 having recently been made available, the non-appearance of a new server was a break with the recent Microsoft tradition that has seen the last three operating system releases have accompanying servers.
The new version, Windows 10 Server OS, has been offered as a preview in the IT industry since October last year.
However, we have already warned users to beware of a switch to Windows 10 for a little while, on the basis that compatibility with business critical systems is as yet unproven. That fear is just as real for the
server software when it arrives, and could continue to be so indefinitely.
Here’s why: industry insiders, warn of a potential issue for businesses with the way future server upgrades will be achieved; by ‘renewal’ of operating systems on an automatic basis. This method would replace the ‘patch’ system we’re familiar with, but could bring with it compatibility issues with whatever legacy systems a business operates. And here there’s a divergence of opinion. Consumers will no doubt like this, since they’ll be able to get on using devices and surfing the web with ease, but
companies will have worries, for example, about potential security issues, and their infrastructure’s ability to handle the upgrade.
That said, there are intriguing features too, like the ability to aggregate storage over a number of servers which ought to help control costs, and a Just Enough Administration feature that will give users permission to perform only specific tasks. Microsoft says this is a feature that will reduce the potential for security breaches as part of a ‘zero trust’ approach to security.
Our advice to businesses is they should take the same cautious approach to new server software when it arrives. We believe newer systems will eventually be a good and measured step forward in new ways – but for your own business make sure every step is onto solid ground and understand the implications for you; the picture’s changing all the time.
For any more info talk to Oliver Nicoll, our IT Projects Specialist on:
0800 0433 106.
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Sophos XG: Next Generation Firewalls and UTMs
In December 2015 Sophos announced the release of their latest and greatest next-gen firewall and UTM platform: Sophos XG Firewall. This new technology includes a feature called Heartbeat which allows for your firewall and endpoint devices to talk to each other and share information about attacks or viruses that may be affecting your network.
Since the release, reviews have been coming in and recently Sophos published some of the results on their blog. Here’s a couple…
First, ESG Lab conducted tests of the Security Heartbeat capability providing synchronized security between a Sophos Next-Gen Firewall (NGFW) and endpoints running Next-Gen Enduser Protection (NGEP).
The ESG Lab tests showed how the Security Heartbeat provided real-time information, allowing the NGFW to isolate an endpoint that had detected malicious and potentially unwanted behaviour.
In another test, the NGFW was able to detect unknown malware by network behaviour, and used the Security Heartbeat to identify the endpoint, user and application. The NGFW isolated the endpoint and change the endpoint’s Heartbeat status to red, notifying the user within one second of the malware detection. Meanwhile, the endpoint stopped and attempted to remove the malware. The whole process took a total of eight seconds, and required no administrator intervention.
Another independent analyst firm, 451 Research, observed that synchronised security is the future
of where the industry needs to go. Sophos’s innovations will put pressure on other midmarket security vendors to follow suit, according to the report by 451 Research’s Eric Ogren:
We think Sophos is onto something good with its regular heartbeat checks between endpoint, network and management software at 15-second intervals, in a move that demonstrates where synchronized security infrastructure needs to go.
If you’re interested in knowing more about Sophos’ solutions and how we can help you to secure your network give us a call on 0800 0433 106.
Sage 50 2016The latest version of Sage 50, v2016, is now available with a host of new features and functionality. Let’s a have a look at some of the enhancements including Sage Drive.
What is Sage Drive? Sage 50 Accounts now offers you more flexible and easier ways to run your business.
Our tried-and-trusted software now goes beyond the desktop, by adding business data to the cloud with Sage Drive. That means your accounts data is easy to access wherever and whenever you need it.
New Features in Sage 50 Accounts:Bank Feeds powered by Yodlee Match payments and receipts quickly and easily giving you a real-time view of your cash position at a glance.
Improved error correction Quickly and easily edit journals, un-allocate credits and payments from an incorrect invoice and track which users have edited transactions.
Surfacing information Analyse data without the need to source it from various parts of the software or create workarounds. New columns and fields mean more efficient data analysis and reduced frustration.
Drill down on aged debtors and creditors Get more control of who owes you money and who you owe money to, without the need to move in and out of different screens.
Streamlined dialogue boxes It’s now easier than ever for you to find the information you need quickly, and work on it effectively, without having to learn or remember what to do.
User interface consistency Customise exactly what you want to see when using the programme and that will be remembered when you log out.
Access to catalogue of add-ons The latest version of Sage 50 Accounts is essential for access to our new and up-coming add-ons to help you customise your business software.
You may have come across a product called PanIntelligence at some of our past events but never really looked into it any further. We think it is one of the most underrated products that we provide and can help users of Sage 200, Exchequer and Pegasus Opera 3 get real value from their data.
PanIntelligence are firm believers that “business intelligence doesn’t need to be complicated” and have built a platform that allows end-users to create their own reports and dashboards in a drag and drop style interface. What’s more all of the information is in real-time so it can help you make up-to-the-second decisions.
The reports and dashboards can be configured to work with any piece of software, so as well as the data you bring in from your accounting software you can also bring in data from any database – your manufacturing software, your website, your bespoke software solution… whatever you want to analyse! Although this doesn’t provide you with a truly integrated solution it is a fantastic way of unifying data from disparate systems in one place and reporting on the data within them.
If you’d like to know more about PanIntelligence we can offer a free 30 day trial for Sage 200 users or show you the solution in action – talk to Steph Pogson on:
0800 0433 106.
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Take Your Reporting To A Whole New Level
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Frustrated
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Multiple versions of the truth
Habitual
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Time pressured
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Duplication of effort
Labour intensive
Internal silos
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Joanne Dixon 40@40In 2015 Joanne Dixon, Managing Director of HBP Systems, turned 40. As she is such a good sport she agreed to answer 40 questions about herself on the HBP Systems blog. Here’s a taster of what we asked her but to read the full list head over to the HBP Systems blog today!
When is Joanne Dixon’s date of birth?
15th October 1975.
Where was Joanne born?
Beverley, East Yorkshire.
How tall is Joanne Dixon?
Joanne is 5 feet
How would Joanne’s team describe her?
Industrious, outgoing and focused.
Did Joanne go to university?
No, she left school at 16 and joined HBP Systems on a YTS Scheme.
How old was Joanne when she became Managing Director?
31 years old.
What music does Joanne listen to?
Pop music in general, but she loves a bit of Bob Marley
What is Joanne’s favourite outfit?
Her Pyjamas
What is Joanne Dixon’s favourite quote?
“Be yourself, everyone else is already taken” – Oscar Wilde
Read the full article plus much more on our blog: hbpsystems.co.uk/blog
The number 1 reason for a virus infection in the network is the lack of education of a user. As hackers become more advanced on infiltrating systems with viruses the end user has to be more aware of the risks they face.
IT professionals have several ways to ensure a user doesn’t get infected by malware but when a user’s computer is infected, you’ve got to ask yourself “what I did do wrong?” and then question why you did it. But the question is, were you educated beforehand or are you relying on your pre-existing IT knowledge hoping that a malicious email or virus infected file never comes knocking at your door?
What is ‘malware’? Malware, short for ‘malicious software’ is the term used to refer to any type of malicious code or program that is used for monitoring and collecting your personal or company information (Spyware) or disrupting or damaging your computer (viruses and worms).
Spyware Collects personal information or interferes with control of your computer, such as installing additional software or redirecting your web browser.
Keyloggers Logs every keystroke you make and then sends that information, including passwords, bank account numbers, and credit card numbers, to scammers for fraudulent use.
Trojans Damages your operating system and may install a ‘backdoor’ through which to send your personal information to another computer for fraudulent purposes.
Viruses & Worms Replicate and hijack your OS (i.e. Windows, Mac or Linux). They can be used to send out spam
or perform other activities and may not even give off any signs of doing so. They can cause your computer to freeze or crash and will use shared files and email address books to spread viruses to other computers from yours.
But is your computer infected?
The following signs may indicate that spyware is on your computer:
• Your web browser starts on a different homepage than normal
• Your computer’s performance is slower than normal
• Random error messages appear, or
• New toolbars and icons have been installed.
Viruses may not be directly identifiable however you should run a full scan using your anti-virus software and follow the instructions to remove it. Anti-virus software should be run at least once a week reducing the risk of been infected by any foreign viruses.
For any more info talk to Darren Jacklin, our IT Security Specialist on:
