At Synextra, we like to keep our customers updated on the latest industry news, just so they know they aren’t missing out. We understand that IT can be a frustration, that’s why we try to take the hassle out of cloud services.
Below we’ve compiled some Latest Trends in Cloud IT Services and news from the last few months to help you better understand the industry and your business needs.
Government Broadband Voucher Scheme
Time is running out to claim your Superfast (30MB+) Internet Connection Voucher worth up to £3,000 (discontinued)
Update 2020: Alternative Voucher Scheme – Gigabit Broadband Voucher Scheme (GBVS) – UK
As part of the Government’s commitment to connecting Britain, they have been offering funding to thousands of SMEs since 2013. Eligible businesses, charities and social enterprises can use the money to secure better, faster broadband. Even if you already have quick broadband you might be able to use the funding for an upgrade.
Early in June, it was revealed that the funding pot was fast drying up. More than 70% of the money has already been used up so businesses should act soon if they don’t want to miss their chance to get connected.
Funding is available in cities and other built-up areas across the country. Send us an email with your business name and postcode and we can tell you if you qualify.
Windows Server 2003 blackout imminent
From the 14 July 2015, Microsoft will stop updating and patching Windows Server 2003. IT professionals fear that it could have severe consequences for the security and stability of many businesses underlying infrastructure.
As the end of life date approaches, it is becoming clear that many organisations are still unaware of the risks associated with Windows 2003 systems. A Cloud Industry Forum survey from earlier this year found that 61% of organisations are still running Windows Server 2003.
A Microsoft statement explains the threat clearly: “Microsoft will no longer issue security updates for any version of Windows Server 2003. If you are still running Windows Server 2003 in your data centre, you need to take steps now to plan and execute a migration strategy to protect your infrastructure.”
UK cloud adoption continues to accelerate in 2015
Adoption of private and hybrid cloud models has continued to increase in 2015. Importantly, more of the cloud adopters are small businesses looking to use IT as part of their growth strategy. In addition, 64% of those businesses already using the cloud reported earlier this year that they expected to increase their use of cloud services over the next 12 months.
Another key industry trend is the number of businesses choosing to outsource their IT services to managed providers like Synextra, instead of maintaining expensive internal staff. Statistics from earlier this year suggests that a fifth of organisations now choose to outsource their IT services, many of them being small and medium-sized firms.
