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MPR IT SOLUTIONS – OFFICE MOVE

by Nicki Dowsett in General, Helpdesk, Office Move

MPR IT OFFICE MOVE

We are pleased to announce we are almost ready to move into our new offices. As of 1st April 2019 our new address will be:

MPR IT SOLUTIONS
FRASER HOUSE
HENWOOD INDUSTRIAL ESTATE
HENWOOD
ASHFORD
KENT
TN24 8DT

Our telephone numbers will remain the same: 0800 030 20 30

Please ensure you update your records accordingly or should you have any queries please do not hesitate to contact us.

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11Mar

New Office – Server Room

by Nicki Dowsett in Audio Systems, cabinets, Design Inspiration, Engineers, fibre optics, General, IT Support, IT Systems, MPR IT Work, Office Move, Server cabinet, Strcutured cabling, TV Distribution, Wireless networks

New Office – Server Room

As you will probably be aware MPR IT are preparing to move to our new home.  Our new offices will be based at the Henwood Estate in Ashford, and will accommodate our expanding team. We are currently in the process of recruiting for our Technical Help desk and with the extra room we will have there should be no issue for desk space.

The project to refit the new office seems to be running very quickly and we can start to see how the office will be once it is completed.  Our team have worked hard to install structured cabling throughout the entire space for work spaces and AV.  However the cables need to have an endpoint and so this week we are working on the server room.

As you can see before we could consider any installation, we first needed to make the room a clean space.  With walls decorated and new flooring installed our team had the perfect space to work with.  The new space is light and cool – the correct environment for server cabinets.

With the comms cabinet in place the team have been busy connecting the cables in an orderly fashion.  Not only does this mean everything is neat and tidy, it also means that we can identify each individual cable.  Work continues on the server room and we plan to have everything completed in there shortly.

With the end in sight for the project, it is now starting to look like home for MPR IT.  Here is one part of the office space with some furniture starting to go in along with the new carpet. Looks so bright and fresh, we can’t wait to move in.

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Windows 7 Support Ending

by Nicki Dowsett in General, IT Support, IT Systems, Microsoft, Windows 10


Windows 7 Support Ending

Windows 7 software has been available since 2009, and Microsoft will be ending support for this on 14 January 2020.  This means they will no longer provide any updates, patches or general support to the software.  Whilst you will be able to continue to use this version of Windows, you will be vulnerable to security risks.  With the constant threat of Cybercrime, it is vital that you consider the options available to upgrade to Windows 10.

If you are using Windows 7, either on a personal computer or at your business, now is the time to consider upgrading to Windows 10.  However, before you make the move, it is imperative that you consider any 3rd party software programme installed on your pc/laptop and hardware such as printers, scanners etc. as these may not be compatible.  You will also need to consider the hardware resources available, as Windows 10 is a powerful operating system and therefore requires a large amount of RAM installed. Our team of experts can audit all of your software packages (e.g Sage) and hardware (e.g RAM, printers and scanners) to ensure these are compatible and where they may not be.  To upgrade without taking this into consideration, you may find that it becomes time consuming and more costly to rectify the issues.


Why Upgrade to Windows 10?

Windows 10 was released by Microsoft in July 2015, and is now one of the most common used pieces of software on the market.  With many similarities to previous incarnations, it is very user friendly and easy to navigate with a number of enhanced functions.

  • Cortana – Windows 10 comes with Cortana, a voice-activated personal assistant. Cortana can set reminders, inform you of the weather, search the internet and much more.
  • Live tiles – Customisable, live tiles on Windows 10 allows you to have a personalised experience. Just about anything can become a tile, from websites to apps and the tiles can then be resized and moved around as required.
  • Continuum – For a seamless user experience, Continuum lets you carry on working from desktop to tablet and back again. This helps to create a modern, flexible and fluid working style as expected by today’s workforce.
  • OneDrive – OneDrive is Microsoft’s cloud storage service which is built into Windows 10. It lets you sync files across PCs and OneDrive devices.
  • BitLocker – BitLocker helps you keep your files safe while BitLocker Go gives you the same functionality while you’re on the move.  It features:
    • Sign in with face or fingerprint – a fast, secure way to sign in
    • Lost or stolen device – remove confidential business information immediately
    • Windows Information Protection – control how employees use business data
    • Windows Defender Antivirus – protects you against malware threats

Windows 10 combines the Windows you already know and adds great improvements you’ll love. Technologies like InstantGo1 let you boot up and resume quickly. And Windows 10 has more built-in security features than ever to help protect against malicious software.

Contact our team today on 0800 030 20 30 option 2, or email sales@mpr-it.co.uk to discuss the requirements for upgrading to Windows 10.

 

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February Team Member of the Month

by Nicki Dowsett in Team Member of the Month

Team Member of the Month

Each month the team at MPR IT are asked to put forward their nomination for Team Member of the Month and their reasoning behind the decision.

Jim Reet has been voted as the February 2019 winner.  Joining MPR IT Solutions in October 2018, Jim has now won this award twice.  He states that he thoroughly enjoys working with the team, and that every day is different and each day brings a new challenge. 

Winning by just one vote, Jim came out on top of a close battle between 7 employees, here are some of the comments from the team:

Getting on with his role, helping sales & helpdesk with issues

Always available to help even when he has his own work to manage

No matter what he is doing, taking the time out to lend advice and suggest alternative solutions.

Congratulations Jim

About Jim

Jim has been tinkering with computers since he was 14, and has assisted the majority of companies he has worked for with their IT.  In 2006, Jim secured a full time role as an a IT Manager, for a Dover based company. He has since gained experience working at several other companies before finally making the move to MPR as a 3rd Line Support / Projects Engineer

Jim brings to the team a number of area’s of expertise that include:

1) Devops (Linux, automation using Powershell and Bash languages and some Web site administration)
2) MySQL
3) Autotask and AEM (Datto) administration, automation and configuration.
4) ESXi and Hyper-V experience.

Since joining MPR IT, Jim has dealt with at least two large Crypto infections and worked closely with Richard on a large project that includes virtualisation some of equipment, and providing support in specialist environments.  Along with assisting one of our customers to start moving their extremely busy website to Azure. This is all along with the general work we do helping our customers to manage their day to day IT challenges and provide improvements to allow their systems to work as smoothly and efficiently as possible.

 

 

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Update on MPR IT New Office

by Nicki Dowsett in CCTV, Engineers, fibre optics, Fire Alarms, General, IT Systems, Office Move, Strcutured cabling, TV Distribution, Wireless networks

Update on MPR IT New Office

MPR IT Solutions, are getting ready to move to our new offices at the Henwood Estate, Ashford.  Since our last update, work has been coming along nicely.  With plans to move during late Spring we are well on the way to meeting the deadline – or maybe even earlier.

After the initial building works were completed, stage two was the installation of the Structured Cabling network.  The network has been designed and installed by our own qualified and experienced team of Engineers.  Installing the network early on, meant fewer obstacles to work around.  The team were able to make fast headway, and the network installation is complete.

With cables in place, our ceiling has now been installed.  It is now starting to look more like an office and less like a building site.  The tiled ceiling means that cables are hidden nicely away.  However should be ever need access to them in the future we are safe in the knowledge that we can easily reach them.  We have worked with many companies over the last 10 years and it is surprising how this often not considered when designing an office and cable network.

Not content with putting in the ceiling, we have also started on the floor, in the main office and kitchen.

Finally we have also installed a screen that will have multi-uses – CCTV, Team Activity & Target updates as well as general information for the team.

We will keep you updated on our progress as it continues and starts to look more like an office.  Once the floors and decoration are complete, it will soon be ready for us to install workstations and make the move.

If you would like more information on how we can assist your office move, structured cabling or CCTV installation please do not hesitate to contact our sales team on 0800 030 20 30 option 2 or email us sales@mpr-it.co.uk

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Brand New Service: Tech-as-a-Service

by Nicki Dowsett in General, Hardware, IT Systems, Microsoft, Ransomware, Software, Surface, Tech-as-a-service, TV Distribution, Uncategorised

Tech-as-a-Service

MPR IT Solutions provides premier versatile IT solutions and support for businesses in London & the South East. With 10 years in a highly competitive industry, we have a wealth of knowledge and experience. Listening to our clients is key to providing the high quality of support that our clients find invaluable and unmatched.

Feedback from our clients informs us that with the fast-moving pace of technology, ensuring an office has the latest and most efficient hardware, can be both time consuming and costly. After listening to the feedback we have researched the industry to find a superior solution for this predicament. We are now pleased to announce that we are able to offer a new service, called Tech-as-a-Service, through our trusted partner TechData.

Tech-as-a-Service allows you to combine your hardware, software, and services into a single solution. Giving you access to the latest technology, optimising your IT budget, and simplifying your invoicing with simple monthly payments.

The key benefits of using Tech-as-a-Service include:

  • Predictable, lower costs
  • Access to the latest technology and employee experience
  • Unburdened IT and day-to-day management
  • Flexibility to add or remove technology hardware according to demand

Hardware Example:

The one-off total cost for the hardware and labour would be £13,104.00. By using Tech-as-a-Service you can spread the cost over 36 months, including interest you would make monthly payments of £401.00.

Look at how this breakdown can optimise budgets with an affordable and straightforward subscription:

  • £401.00 per Month
  • £92.53 per Week
  • £13.21 per Day
  • £0.62 per Seat per Day

Software Options

In addition to hardware we can also offer software services for your business. Our team of experts regularly review the market leaders in all solutions that we offer and work hard to ensure that we are providing the best services to our clients. Recommended software packages include:

Tech-as-a-Service can offer subscriptions to these packages over 36 months as opposed to making it more cost effective and affordable, meaning your business can benefit to the best products on the market.

To find out more on how Tech-as-a-Service can benefit your company, please contact our Sales Team on 0800 030 20 30 option 2 or email sales@mpr-it.co.uk

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Structured Cabling Installation at new MPR IT Offices

by Nicki Dowsett in Office Move, Strcutured cabling, Wireless networks

Structured Cabling Installation at new MPR IT Offices

MPR IT are getting ready to move to our new offices on the Henwood Estate in Ashford.  We aim to move to our new home in late spring/early summer and work is continuing at a rapid rate.  Now that the dust is settling after the construction/demolition phase, our team of engineers can focus on the next phase – structured cabling and of course the new kitchen.  (We can’t expect the team to work to their full potential without their tea and coffee fixes).

Over the years MPR IT Solutions, has been involved in a number of projects on both new builds and office moves.  The experience we have accrued over the last 10 years has taught us that structured cabling is the lifeline of any new space. The network of structured cabling must be designed from the outset. Without this in place before walls, ceilings and even floors going in it can become extremely costly and can delay the build considerably.

The design of the structured cabling network will ensure that we can maximise the office space to its full potential. The engineers are now busy installing the cabling to ensure that each workstation will have the required cabling in place.  Installing the structured cabling before walls, ceilings and floors are put in means that we can make any alterations easily without damage to new décor. Additionally it means that our team can work quicker without disruption as they can visually see where the structured cabling can be positioned. Just because it wont be seen once the new office is completed it doesn’t mean that it shouldn’t be neat and tidy. From our experience a mess of cables can only mean more problems further down the line if one happens to fail. You will see from the photos that we take pride in the neatness of our cable installations.

We are looking forward to the next stage of the build and will keep you updated on our progress.  If you are considering an office move or refurbishment contact us to discuss your needs.  The earlier MPR IT Solutions are involved for your IT requirements, the earlier we can start to design your network requirements before new walls, ceilings or floors are installed.  Minimising time for the install and avoiding any costs that might arise from needing to make good any disruption to your new office.

 

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January – Team Member of the Month

by Nicki Dowsett in Uncategorised

 Team Member of the Month

Each month the team at MPR IT are asked to put forward their nomination for Team Member of the month and their reasoning behind the decision.

James Thompson has been voted as January 2019 Team Member of the Month. James has been with MPR IT for two months in the role of Senior Installations Engineer. James has been working in IT for six so has a wide range of knowledge to support our well established team.

Winning by just one vote, James came out on top of a close battle between six employees. Some of the comments from his peers include:

“Started the job running, just gets on with it.”
“Brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to MPR.”
“Hard working and efficient.”

Congratulations James

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Register your .UK domain name today

by Nicki Dowsett in Domain Registration, Web Hosting, Websites

Register your .uk Domain Name Today

Many businesses today have an online presence, without one your business can go unnoticed. When a potential customer is looking for a new supplier or product the first place they will turn is most likely the internet.

It is becoming increasingly commonplace to register a variety of different domain names for websites such as: .co.uk, .uk, .com, .net and .co. Whilst you only need one website to promote your business, it is possible to have more than one domain name directed to that website. There are many reasons for this, the most common reason being the ability to secure your brand. By owning the different variations it means that no one else can buy these and create fake platforms. This can prove detrimental to your business profile.

With the registration of a variety of domain names you not only help to avoid scams but also increase your online presence.  You are more likely to appear higher in searches if you have more options for your website to redirect to, ensuring any potential customers looking for your company can find it more easily.

In addition to registering domain names, MPR IT Solutions offers a variety of services for all your IT needs including domain registration and web site hosting packages, this gives you added peace of mind that all your Technical needs can be supported in one place, with no need to contact several companies to identify where any issue may lie.

Did you know that if your company has a UK domain name such as .co.uk or org.uk you could be entitled to registration of the equivalent .uk domain name at no additional cost for the first year? When the .uk extension was released, new domains were reserved for the equivalent UK domains; this means that for every UK domain you own (.co.uk, .org.uk, etc.), there’s a .uk domain reserved. Time is running out to register your interest in .uk domains before they become publicly available to anyone after 10th June 2019. In addition to your existing domain as your primary web address there are several reasons as to why you should register a .uk alongside your current UK domain.

Securing your brand

By registering a .uk web address, you get the peace of mind that your brand is secure across multiple domains, while increasing your online presence overall. A .uk domain is also shorter, more memorable and easier to share – ideal for a redirect or parking page.

Stop typos

Registering the .uk version and having it redirect to your main website ensures you don’t lose customers if they mistype your domain extension by accident.

Brand protection

Although your .uk domains are reserved for now after 10th June 2019 they will become publicly available. This means someone else could register a domain very similar to yours, and impersonate your website, possibly leading to scams.

Contact us today for more information on our domain registration and web hosting packages.  Email us at sales@mpr-it.co.uk or call FREEPHONE 0800 030 20 30.

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