When we think of the dangers of "hacking," we often visualize our desktop computers as the victim. As a result, companies and individuals have taken extensive measures to protect this information, and rightfully so. The issue, however, is that as computers remain in the spotlight, sophisticated hackers have found a way to access a far less obvious object, the printer. Within the US, UK, France, and Germany, 60% of businesses have suffered from print-related data breaches within the last year.

When selecting a communications platform for your business, comparing your options side-by-side is important. Cloud-based business communications solutions like Zoom and Microsoft Teams will have many features in common. However, what's the difference between Microsoft Teams and Zoom? Zoom Is a Newer Platform Zoom is a much newer company, while Microsoft has been around for a long time. Since Zoom is a newer organization founded in 2020, it is more prone to bugs in cybersecurity than more established companies. The platform experienced security issues when unauthorized individuals began joining private calls. This issue was eventually resolved, but it raises the question of whether Zoom's overall security features can measure up to hackers. Unlike Zoom, Microsoft has been around for a very long time. As an established company, it has fewer reported security issues. Teams is a newer platform for Microsoft, but it is built on a strong foundation from years of development. Complexity and Range of Collaboration Tools Zoom offers a platform that is easy to use for any skill level and gives you basic functionality from video conferencing, screen sharing, and recording. If you are looking for the most basic communication system, then Zoom may be the better fit for you. Zoom is only used for video meetings and does not integrate as seamlessly as Teams with other systems. Therefore, you will need additional tools for activities like SMS chat functions and project management. However, this makes Zoom simpler to learn for those who only want the basics. Teams as a Dynamic Alternative to Zoom When comparing Zoom vs Microsoft Teams, there's no question of which platform offers more integration. As an extension of Microsoft 365, MS Teams can integrate seamlessly and offer an all-inclusive communication channel. Join or plan a video conference, schedule meetings with attendees via your calendar, and chat with your members before and after the meeting. Although most email hosting providers offer Zoom integrations, Teams is a more dynamic system overall. Hundreds of apps can integrate with Teams, which can simplify your project management and collaboration. You can also save all your files into Teams so you do not need to go elsewhere to upload them. You can also retrieve conversations stored within the platform for future reference. How is Microsoft Teams Like Zoom? Microsoft Teams and Zoom overlap quite a bit in the features they offer. Both Zoom and Microsoft Teams offer collaboration features such as: Screensharing functions Breakout rooms Document sharing Voice calling Whiteboard tools In-call chat features Along with these video conferencing tools, both platforms offer security features to help prevent unauthorized access to meetings. Both use multi-factor authentication (MFA) and waiting rooms to verify participants before they can join a call. How to Choose a Video Conferencing Solution It's wise to partner with a managed communications provider with experience in your industry. They should be well-versed in your industry, so you can meet data security requirements and get the most out of your cloud-based communications software. If you're ready to invest in efficient and convenient unified communications, click the button below to speak to an experienced managed communications expert.

Congratulations Wright Caswell for 5 successful years representing Usherwood Office Technology! Your dedication and loyalty to this company is appreciated and we want to recognize you on this important milestone.

Congratulations Sean O'Connor for 5 successful years representing Usherwood Office Technology! Your dedication and loyalty to this company is appreciated and we want to recognize you on this important milestone.

Congratulations Dan Smith for 10 successful years representing Usherwood Office Technology! Your dedication and loyalty to this company is appreciated and we want to recognize you on this important milestone.

You never have to print, scan, and send documents from your copier’s control panel again! Our imageRUNNER ADVANCE MFP’s now have the capability to handle your documents using remote operation with your personal device using the Canon PRINT Business App-available as a free download on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. Mobile Solutions | Canon PRINT Business App | Canon USA For additional information, check out this video.

Congratulations Duane Hartson for 10 successful years representing Usherwood Office Technology! Your dedication and loyalty to this company is appreciated and we want to recognize you on this important milestone.

Out with the old and in with the new! This upcoming July will be the end of Skype for Business. Skype is a managed communication tool that was first released in 2003. First owned by eBay and later bought by Microsoft it has had a long life, but as Microsoft began creating a more advanced and integrated communication platform, Microsoft Teams, they began to move away from Skype for Business. As of September 1st, all new Outlook365 members will be directed towards Microsoft Teams. Microsoft Teams Microsoft Teams is the one pane of glass for all your needs.  It includes the actual meeting, a calendar to schedule meetings with attendees, and a chat to communicate with your members before and after the meeting. This makes Teams a much more complex system than Skype. There are hundreds of apps that can integrate with Teams allowing it to be a very versatile platform. You can also save all your files into Teams, so that you don’t need to go elsewhere to upload them. You no longer need to search through hundreds of emails for a conversation. All your private and group team conversations are saved right on the platform. It is a one stop shop all your workplace communication needs.  What Now? With Skype for Business slowly and surely moving out of the managed communications applications field, it is important to be prepared for the future. When choosing your new workplace collaboration and communication platform, having a functional interface for all your users is essential. Microsoft Teams has fully prepared to make a seamless and effortless transition for all your users. For any questions about Microsoft teams and the new integration, click here or call 800.724.2119.

For the sixth consecutive year, Usherwood Office Technology has been selected as an Elite Dealer by industry resource publication ENX Magazine. An annual “Who’s Who” inside the national copier dealership community, companies are selected based on a number of criteria: Growth initiatives, innovative marketing programs, workplace culture, superior customer service and a notable commitment to the communities they serve, among others. From ENX Magazine: Why We Consider Usherwood Office Technology Elite: Social marketing. Usherwood’s various lines of business and solutions are brought to light via promotion and a focused marketing effort. The dealer is always on the lookout for new outlets that enable their salespeople to gain more traction in the field, and has been able to differentiate itself in the online experience for its clients. Integrity counts. The dealer believes it sets itself apart from the pack on the strength of the integrity it demonstrates for both customers and employees. This enables Usherwood to forge relationships that are bound by neither price nor salary. Open forum. Every two weeks, the dealer holds company-wide meetings in which employees are afforded the opportunity to speak their mind and be included in discussions on any topic. That sends the message that they are part of the team and a reflection of the business’ success. Critical support. During the pandemic, Usherwood worked with its health care clients to provide food for essential workers. In fact, the dealer is a committed partner for many of its non-profit clients. Check out the full article by clicking here