Yet despite this, a large number of UK businesses and organisations are still lagging behind when it comes to developing robust infrastructure and a reliable, secure, Wi-Fi service.

Many small businesses in particular still take the approach of contracting with wireless broadband Internet Service Providers (ISPs) whose packages are intended to be used by individual consumers.

There’s a number of issues with this approach. For starters, the internet speeds provided might not be up to the job. However, following investment in full fibre to the premise infrastructure across much of the UK, this is becoming less of an issue.

Difficulties are more likely to be encountered when it comes to the reliability of coverage within the business environment itself and challenges associated with achieving the tailored network configuration typically required by companies.

WiFi networks intended for the consumer usually focus on simple set-ups and the delivery of broadband to the door only, with little support for configuration.

In this blog, we look at some of the specific considerations needed when creating ‘business class’ networks.

The changing workspace and network requirements

The workplace was once much simpler. You had your desktop machine connected to the server, corporate network and the internet via an ethernet cable. People had laptops and they too had to be wired into the office cabling if you had any serious work to do. Then came Wi-Fi and broadband and you could use your laptop on a wireless network so long as you didn’t stray too far from the one wireless router. Now many offices have moved across to an all wireless set up. People must be able to take their connected device into a meeting room or another office without losing their session.

It’s not just the main office either. While the Wi-Fi there might be OK it’s often not where all the work goes on in modern organisations. People have informal meetings throughout a building, from the reception area to the dining room. With the trend to build open spaces into many new office developments people might also have meetings outside. An incomplete office Wi-Fi network will mean that people are restricted to formal meeting areas and this, in turn, can impact on productivity. For organisations with multiple branch offices, it is also important to keep Wi-Fi connectivity consistent across locations. All these elements should be considered when selecting WiFi services and contemplating set-up.

Network security is also another major area for consideration. Businesses are responsible for the network they provide and it’s important to prevent both staff and visitors from putting themselves at unnecessary risk by building a secure Wi-Fi network within your building or campus environment. Again, this requires specific considerations and configurations not typically provided as default by ISP packages intended for the consumer. It is also important when considering Bring-Your-Own-Device (BYOD) users, whose devices may pose a greater security risk. Implementing an Identity and Access Management (IAM) policy for example, which limits the access certain users have, will help further boost security.

A ‘business class’ approach

The set-up of a WiFi network in a business environment requires significantly more thought than a home network. From considering reliability and coverage levels across a wider area to determining how the network itself is set-up requires careful management.

If you’re looking for support in developing a tailored WiFi network for your business contact the team here at Curve IT.

The post Why it’s time to embrace ‘business class’ WiFi networks appeared first on Curve IT.

The Spiegeltent, which will be located on the Old Steine for the duration of the Brighton Fringe Festival this May, will be hosting a variety of live shows and experiences from cabaret to live comedy.

Curve’s appointment will ensure that all connectivity needs at the event are met, including requirements for card and mobile payments, Wi-Fi access for customers and Wi-Fi marketing.

The implementation of Wi-Fi marketing means promotions for upcoming events at the tent will be boosted, as Curve’s network enables ads to be ‘pushed’ directly to user’s devices when they join.

Food vendors will also able to link their direct menus to the portal, meaning visitors can browse menus at their leisure before making a decision.

Adrian Bristow of Brighton Spiegeltent said: “Reliable connectivity plays a crucial role in delivering entertainment at the Speigeltent.

“From ticket sales to mobile payments for food and drink, it’s important that we have WiFi we can rely on.

“It’s also equally important that our customers have internet access during shows so they can engage on social media for example.”

Curve IT has vast amounts of experience in dealing with temporary and semi-permanent networks for festivals and other pop-up events, including Brighton Pride.

Simon O’Hare, Managing Director of Curve IT, said: “It’s great to be working with the Brighton Spiegeltent organisers again. Customers expect reliable WiFi connectivity at major events but delivering this requires a specific approach that ensures enough capacity to support large crowds and multiple devices all accessing the network at the same time.

“Our solution will ensure both organisers and those attending the event can enjoy a first rate WiFi experience.”

The post Curve IT to keep Brighton Spiegeltent connected with renewed contract for Brighton Fringe appeared first on Curve IT.

Tenants in the PRS are increasingly seeking high-spec apartments incorporating state-of-the-art technology: MDUs are becoming luxurious living spaces where lighting, heating, and access can be controlled easily and intuitively – with instant connectivity available for tenants on a growing number of devices.

(A recent tech survey showed residents of MDUs had an average of 17 devices with internet connection per apartment.)

Meeting high technological expectations

• Smart phones and smart TVs, WiFi-enabled lighting, heating and security will soon be jostling for bandwidth space with smart fridges, smart clothing and other wireless tech.
• The rise of voice-activated home hubs such as Amazon Echo and Google Home is driving opportunities for seamless shopping and marketing without a laptop or tablet in sight.

Around 21 billion devices will be connected to the Internet of Things (IoT) by 2020.    

The best in-house technology

• By deploying a building-wide WiFi platform a PRS developer can engage with residents on many different levels.
• Guest engagement through portal options ensures residents feel part of a modern, connected network, which benefits them in many different ways.
• Curve IT provide full reporting and analytics to the operator.
• Resident portals serve multiple functions: tenants can communicate with one another and alert building management teams about urgent matters. Residents can also use a portal to receive notifications or upgrade their accommodation or connectivity.
• Flexible business models can deliver a revenue stream to operators.
• A great product and service gives the operator a competitive advantage over other PRS operators.
• Internet access is included in the rent, and Curve IT can create an infrastructure where residents can easily upgrade for a managed monthly payment with the client.
• Carefully designed placement of WiFi access points means residents have superb access throughout the entire building, whilst minimising the number of points needed, so saving money for the build.
• The Curve IT Personal Area Network means that residents have access to their own network, wherever they are in the building, such as the gym or lobby, creating a seamless experience for the resident.
• We are approaching an age in which a wide range of consumer products will be routinely connected to internet-enabled interfaces.
• Curve IT can also provide ongoing 24/7 IT support if required, for both the operator and residents, including warranty management.

Contact the team at Curve IT to see how we can deliver your PRS IT services and solutions.

The post OPERATE: PRS IT Services and Solutions appeared first on Curve IT.

The Build to Rent Forum London is the go-to event for the burgeoning Build To Rent (BTR) sector, and is supported by the Greater London Authority and the Mayor of London.

Curve IT is delighted to be a Conference Associate sponsor of this event, based on our experience of providing wired and wireless network solutions within the BTR sector.

IT Strategy Planning

Curve IT are the current providers to several very high-profile BTR developments in London, with more in the pipeline. Highly experienced in working with developers and operators to define the technology brand standard, Curve IT also consults on the final design to ensure that standards are met in the most effective and efficient way.

This can include all services that sit on the converged network, such as VoIP, CCTV, security services, door control and more.

IT Project Management

After installation of these services the Curve IT support team will manage the ongoing services for the operator and residents, if required.

Build to Rent Forum 2018 is an authoritative one-day event that brings together private and public sector leaders and key stakeholders to debate and exchange ideas in a series of keynotes, case studies, debates and panel sessions.

The event takes place on Thursday February 22 at etc. venues, 155 Bishopsgate Conference Centre, London EC2M 3YD. (Pre-registration is required and there may be fees.)

For more information on Build to Rent Forum London 2018 please visit www.buildtorentforum.co.uk A list of events at the conference can be found here.

The post Curve IT sponsor Build to Rent Forum appeared first on Curve IT.

Watch this BBC News video for a simple explanation of the issue.

Since WPA2 is a protocol that secures all modern protected WiFi networks, laptops, desktops, phones, and other devices that support WiFi, are likely affected. Major developers, including Microsoft® and Google®, have stated they will be releasing patches soon.

Action for WiFi Security

The post WiFi Security Compromise appeared first on Curve IT.

We are delighted to have been appointed as IT Support provider to two travel companies based in Brighton; Travel Nation, who specialise in round-the-world adventures; and Rickshaw Travel, who specialise in authentic and immersive experiences. Both companies provide amazing and inspiring personalised holidays for their highly-complimentary clients.  We’re now aiming to provide their employees with a similar standard of customer service.

The two companies were previously supported by one shared in-house IT technician.  As both businesses flourish and grow, their IT strategy and infrastructure needs to adapt. They now require the broader skills and expertise of a managed IT service provider who can not only deliver their IT support but can also assist them with IT projects.

Our initial discussion with both companies involved understanding their business, their culture and their people, in addition to their IT infrastructure.  From this information-gathering exercise we can complete the on-boarding process and start to advise on their business and IT goals moving forward.

Curve IT Support Service

We follow a specified process when we welcome new clients which starts with an on-site audit of existing IT systems. Then follows the on-boarding stage, where we establish and execute a detailed plan of action to move the clients IT systems into our IT management service, ensuring minimal disruption to business operations.  We conduct an analysis and follow-up meeting with the client soon after the transition has taken place to ensure that all systems are functioning in their optimal manner.

IT is critical to the operation of Travel Nation and Rickshaw Travel so we provide them with a Fully Managed IT Support service which includes:

• IT Support helpdesk (unlimited remote and on-site IT support)
• Monitoring and alerting systems
• Asset and license management
• Backup and anti-virus
• Any further service requests

Read more about our IT Services and IT Support.

Feedback

We’ve really enjoyed getting to know both the teams at Travel Nation and Rickshaw Travel, and the fact that we’re all neighbours in New England House, Brighton, means we can borrow the odd cup of sugar from each other too!

Here’s a couple of comments we’ve already received about our service:

“I feel that our IT needs are in very safe hands with Curve. They handled a complex but well-planned transition of all our IT needs when we came on board and made the process much more simple than we anticipated. They are a friendly team and highly professional, so we have a very happy team!” – Jonny Goodall, Commercial Director | Travel Nation

“I just made my first call to Curve IT as my PC kept saying it was out of disc space. They logged straight on and got me all fixed and sorted really quickly… very impressive” – Paula | Rickshaw Travel

Based in Brighton, Travel Nation creates trips of a lifetime. Their expertise in building complex multi-stop and round the world flight itineraries means they can create any itinerary imaginable, anywhere in the world. From simple adventures to fully tailor-made round the world holidays, every trip is designed to suit each traveller’s style and budget.

Travel Nation’s team of experienced and well-travelled round the world specialists put together every trip and can offer first-hand recommendations from their own travels. Working closely with each traveller, they offer a completely personalised service from initial planning, through to booking and travelling.

travelnation.co.uk

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Rickshaw Travel is an independent tour operator based in sunny Brighton. They’re all about offering enriching, immersive holidays that take travellers to the heart of a destination and its local communities; providing authentic experiences where everybody benefits.

‘Make it Meaningful’ is the core ethos behind the company; both in the office and across their 24 destinations. As well as looking after its travellers, Rickshaw puts people first in all aspects of the business: from guides and porters to partners, local projects and its Brighton team. They even won Employer of the Year and Overall Business of the Year at the 2016 Brighton and Hove Independent Business Awards.

rickshawtravel.co.uk

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The post New IT Support Clients appeared first on Curve IT.

Verify by Phone

We advise all our customers to NEVER send a significant amount of money anywhere based on an email alone. Always take the time to verify the payment by phone with the person concerned prior to performing a bank transfer.

Don’t Trust the Display Name

To check the legitimacy of an email on your Outlook on PC, hover over the sender’s email address, click the down arrow on the right hand side of the window and you should see something like the image to the right. Scammers try and clone themselves as internal staff members to try and convince users of their legitimacy. If staff members get their personal e-mail accounts hacked, then scammers may route through their e-mails to find contacts they can pry on. We would always suggest changing any passwords on a regular basis especially around any suspicious activity.

Don’t Click Links

Hover your mouse over any links in an email. If the link looks weird to you, don’t click it. If you’re a client of ours, forward the email to us and ask the team to double check it if you’re not sure – we’re always happy to help you avoid a hack attack!

 Check for Spelling Mistakes

Commas in the wrong place are a dead giveaway that an email can’t be trusted. If you see a few errors or the English reads strangely, please be extra vigilant. Report anything suspicious to your IT contact.

 Beware of Urgent Language in the Subject Line

Phishing attacks often try to get you to rush or feel scared as it prevents the unwary from properly considering whether an email is genuine.

Beware of Unexpected Invoices and Attachments

Viruses are most often spread via an innocent word document or image file; however, the attacker relies on you downloading then opening the attachment. If you see something unexpected written in bad English, please call the sender to confirm the legitimacy.

Most antivirus and antispam software will detect and remove infected e-mails but occasionally something slips through.

Further information about Curve IT’s support service and security recommendations.

The post How to Identify a Spoofing Attack or Phishing Email appeared first on Curve IT.