Modern businesses are becoming synonymous with data-driven businesses as the adoption of modern IT technologies continues to rise. The increasing adoption, however, is leading to changing customer behaviorisms as they expect more capabilities. Small-Medium Enterprises (SMEs) aren’t immune to these changing expectations and as a result, most SMEs today are hard-pressed to improve their IT infrastructure to stay competitive.
Unfortunately, maintaining a highly-functional IT infrastructure isn’t straight-forward but due to the sheer value of a secure and capable IT infrastructure, it’s always worth it to navigate through and solve the challenges. And the first step to do that is to identify the issues.
Top 5 Most Common IT Issues by SMEs
Here at Tucu, we’ve been working directly with SMEs to help fix their IT issues and have identified the most common IT issues faced by SMEs – which, once addressed, will significantly improve your business’s IT capabilities and have a direct positive impact on the company’s bottom line. Let’s dive deeper into the top 5 most common IT issues faced by SMEs in 2021.
Passing vender screenings
Due to the increased legal responsibility, companies are more careful at contracting vendors and as a result, vendor screenings have become more prevalent. Even if your business offers excellent value, has a proven track record of success, and experience, failing to pass the vendor assessment can still result in a lost client.
A vendor screening is usually an assessment of the risk involved in contracting a vendor. And one of the biggest reasons SMEs fail vendor screenings is not meeting regulatory or internal compliance requirements and audits.
Other major reasons for failing vendor screenings include poor IT infrastructure and an overall lack of security protocols in place.
Remote working has quickly become a top priority for every business and it’s one of the trends that is here to stay. And although it’s been almost a year since the shift towards remote working began, many SMEs are still struggling to find the optimum IT setup.
The most common problem remote working is posing to SMEs is finding a balance between cost and functionality. With more functionality and capabilities, the costs rise but identifying the unique business requirements is more difficult than it seems. Additionally, SMEs also need to stay on top of security threats that come with remote working, especially the possibility of data loss and theft.
Cloud migration
Using cloud platforms has very obvious benefits in terms of lower overall costs, greater flexibility and scalability, more resilient to failures, and more secure right out of the box. In other words, migrating to the cloud is the right move to stay competitive but cloud migration poses its own set of challenges. For instance, businesses first need to assess their current needs, choose a cloud services vendor, choose the migration strategy, and then begin the actual migration. That said, all of this can be made very easy with the right team and support.
Device Security & BYOD
With stricter compliance policies in place, SMEs must improve security and one of the most common causes of data breaches is improper device security. With potentially hundreds of devices accessing company data every day, the potential for data loss and theft increases significantly.
Additionally, while Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) is important for productivity and to facilitate remote working, it can make device security even more complicated. Fortunately, this is one of the less severe problems as SMEs can overcome device security vulnerabilities with device management tools that provide granular access control and automation.
Choosing IT strategies, software, and configurations
With literally dozens, if not, hundreds of choices in almost every aspect of IT management, it’s very easy to get confused on what the best choice is. There are numerous resources that can help non-technical founders make a decision but the truth is, every business operates under unique circumstances and there is no guarantee that a specific software or configuration will work for your business.
To further complicate things, most SMEs do not have the managerial or financial capacity to maintain a full IT workforce that can take care of these things. This is one of the reasons why managed services have become so popular. Even with their limited capacity, SMEs can work with a managed service provider like Tucu to understand and deploy custom solutions to their IT problems.
CHICAGO (AP) — United Airlines has struck a deal with Elon Musk’s SpaceX to offer satellite-based Starlink WiFi service on flights within the next several years.
The airline said Friday the service will be free to passengers.
United said it will begin testing the service early next year and begin offering it on some flights by later in 2025.
Financial details of the deal were not disclosed.
The announcement comes as airlines rush to offer more amenities as a way to stand out when passengers pick a carrier for a trip. United’s goal is to make sitting on a plane pretty much like being on the ground when it comes to browsing the internet, streaming entertainment and playing games.
“Everything you can do on the ground, you’ll soon be able to do on board a United plane at 35,000 feet, just about anywhere in the world,” CEO Scott Kirby said in announcing the deal.
The airline says Starlink will allow passengers to get internet access even over oceans and polar regions where traditional cell or Wi-Fi signals may be weak or missing.
Sony has made it easy for Canadian consumers to preorder the PlayStation 5 Pro in Canada directly from PlayStation’s official website. Here’s how:
Visit the Official Website: Go to direct.playstation.com and navigate to the PS5 Pro section once preorders go live on September 26, 2024.
Create or Log in to Your PlayStation Account: If you don’t have a PlayStation account, you will need to create one. Existing users can simply log in to proceed.
Place Your Preorder: Once logged in, follow the instructions to preorder your PS5 Pro. Ensure you have a valid payment method ready and double-check your shipping information for accuracy.
Preorder Through Major Canadian Retailers
While preordering directly from PlayStation is a popular option, you can also secure your PS5 Pro through trusted Canadian retailers. These retailers are expected to offer preorders on or after September 26:
Best Buy Canada
Walmart Canada
EB Games (GameStop)
Amazon Canada
The Source
Steps to Preorder via Canadian Retailers:
Visit Retailer Websites: Search for “PlayStation 5 Pro” on the website of your preferred retailer starting on September 26.
Create or Log in to Your Account: If you’re shopping online, having an account with the retailer can speed up the preorder process.
Preorder in Store: For those who prefer in-person shopping, check with local stores regarding availability and preorder policies.
3. Sign Up for Notifications
Many retailers and websites offer the option to sign up for notifications when the preorder goes live. If you’re worried about missing out due to high demand, this can be a useful option.
Visit Retailer Sites: Look for a “Notify Me” or “Email Alerts” option and enter your email to stay informed.
Use PlayStation Alerts: Sign up for notifications directly through Sony to be one of the first to know when preorders are available.
4. Prepare for High Demand
Preordering the PS5 Pro is expected to be competitive, with high demand likely to result in quick sellouts, just as with the initial release of the original PS5. To maximize your chances of securing a preorder:
Act Quickly: Be prepared to place your order as soon as preorders open. Timing is key, as stock can run out within minutes.
Double-Check Payment Information: Ensure your credit card or payment method is ready to go. Any delays during the checkout process could result in losing your spot.
Stay Informed: Monitor PlayStation and retailer websites for updates on restocks or additional preorder windows.
Final Thoughts
The PlayStation 5 Pro is set to take gaming to the next level with its enhanced performance, graphics, and new features. Canadian gamers should be ready to act fast when preorders open on September 26, 2024, to secure their console ahead of the holiday season. Whether you choose to preorder through PlayStation’s official website or your preferred retailer, following the steps outlined above will help ensure a smooth and successful preorder experience.
For more details on the PS5 Pro and to preorder, visit direct.playstation.com or stay tuned to updates from major Canadian retailers.
Since the PlayStation 5 (PS5) launched four years ago, PlayStation has continuously evolved to meet the demands of its players. Today, we are excited to announce the next step in this journey: the PlayStation 5 Pro. Designed for the most dedicated players and game creators, the PS5 Pro brings groundbreaking advancements in gaming hardware, raising the bar for what’s possible.
Key Features of the PS5 Pro
The PS5 Pro comes equipped with several key performance enhancements, addressing the requests of gamers for smoother, higher-quality graphics at a consistent 60 frames per second (FPS). The console’s standout features include:
Upgraded GPU: The PS5 Pro’s GPU boasts 67% more Compute Units than the current PS5, combined with 28% faster memory. This allows for up to 45% faster rendering speeds, ensuring a smoother gaming experience.
Advanced Ray Tracing: Ray tracing capabilities have been significantly enhanced, with reflections and refractions of light being processed at double or triple the speed of the current PS5, creating more dynamic visuals.
AI-Driven Upscaling: Introducing PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution, an AI-based upscaling technology that adds extraordinary detail to images, resulting in sharper image clarity.
Backward Compatibility & Game Boost: More than 8,500 PS4 games playable on PS5 Pro will benefit from PS5 Pro Game Boost, stabilizing or enhancing performance. PS4 games will also see improved resolution on select titles.
VRR & 8K Support: The PS5 Pro supports Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and 8K gaming for the ultimate visual experience, while also launching with the latest wireless technology, Wi-Fi 7, in supported regions.
Optimized Games & Patches
Game creators have quickly embraced the new technology that comes with the PS5 Pro. Many games will receive free updates to take full advantage of the console’s new features, labeled as PS5 Pro Enhanced. Some of the highly anticipated titles include:
Alan Wake 2
Assassin’s Creed: Shadows
Demon’s Souls
Dragon’s Dogma 2
Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth
Gran Turismo 7
Marvel’s Spider-Man 2
Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart
Horizon Forbidden West
These updates will allow players to experience their favorite games at a higher fidelity, taking full advantage of the console’s improved graphics and performance.
Design & Compatibility
Maintaining consistency within the PS5 family, the PS5 Pro retains the same height and width as the original PS5 model. Players will also have the option to add an Ultra HD Blu-ray Disc Drive or swap console covers when available.
Additionally, the PS5 Pro is fully compatible with all existing PS5 accessories, including the PlayStation VR2, DualSense Edge, Pulse Elite, and Access controller. This ensures seamless integration into your current gaming setup.
Pricing & Availability
The PS5 Pro will be available starting November 7, 2024, at a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of:
$699.99 USD
$949.99 CAD
£699.99 GBP
€799.99 EUR
¥119,980 JPY
Each PS5 Pro comes with a 2TB SSD, a DualSense wireless controller, and a copy of Astro’s Playroom pre-installed. Pre-orders begin on September 26, 2024, and the console will be available at participating retailers and directly from PlayStation via direct.playstation.com.
The launch of the PS5 Pro marks a new chapter in PlayStation’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge gaming experiences. Whether players choose the standard PS5 or the PS5 Pro, PlayStation aims to provide the best possible gaming experience for everyone.
Preorder your PS5 Pro and step into the next generation of gaming this holiday season.
