Ostratto - Blog | Ostratto #servicesOstratto - Blog | Ostratto #serviceshttps://www.ostratto.com/blogs/tag/servicesMon, 21 Sep 2026 15:48:47 +0200http://zoho.com/sites/<![CDATA[What Is ZTNA? A Simple Guide for Small and Medium Businesses]]>https://www.ostratto.com/blogs/post/what-is-ztnaZero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) - a modern security model that assumes no user or device should be trusted by default, whether they’re inside or outside the company network.]]>

Cybersecurity used to be simple: if you were inside the office network, you were trusted. If you were outside, you weren’t. That approach no longer works. Staff now work from home, use personal devices, and rely on cloud apps rather than office servers. Hackers have also grown more sophisticated, often exploiting stolen passwords or unsecured endpoints.

This shift has led to the rise of Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) - a modern security model that assumes no user or device should be trusted by default, whether they’re inside or outside the company network.

What Exactly Is ZTNA?

ZTNA replaces the old “castle-and-moat” idea of cybersecurity with identity-based access. Instead of giving users broad access to your network once they log in (like with a traditional VPN), ZTNA applies strict, dynamic rules:

  • Never trust, always verify – Every login attempt and every device is continuously checked.
  • Least privilege access – Users only get access to the specific apps or resources they need, nothing more.
  • Context-aware decisions – Access can depend on factors like device security, location, or time of day.

In short, ZTNA makes sure the right person, on the right device, gets the right level of access - and nothing slips through the cracks.

How ZTNA Works in Practice

Unlike VPNs, which give users access to the whole network, ZTNA is more precise, reducing the risk of attackers moving around if they do break in.

A staff member tries to log into a company system (say, Zoho CRM).

ZTNA verifies their identity (username, MFA) and checks the device they’re using.

If everything matches company policy, ZTNA grants access to just that application.

If something looks unusual - such as logging in from an unknown device or country - access may be denied or additional checks required.

  ZTNA VPN
 Security Approach Follows “zero trust” - no one is trusted by default. Creates a secure tunnel for the entire network. Trusted once inside.
 Access Control Limits access to only the specific resources required. Grants full access to the network once connected.
 User Experience Web-based, easier setup, and usually provides smoother access. Requires software installation; may slow down internet speeds.
 Scalability Easier to scale, especially in cloud environments. Can face performance issues with more users.
 Location of Access Focuses on granting access to specific apps/services. Provides access to the entire internal network remotely.

Benefits of ZTNA for SME's

Adopting Zero Trust Network Access doesn’t just modernise your security - it brings practical advantages for smaller organisations. By moving away from broad, “all-or-nothing” network access, ZTNA helps SMEs work more securely, efficiently, and flexibly, especially in today’s cloud-driven and remote-working environments.

Stronger Security

Reduces the risk of stolen credentials being used to gain broad network access. Limits “lateral movement” - attackers can’t roam freely once inside.

Better Remote Experience

Staff connect directly to the apps they need, without slow VPN tunnels back to the office.

Simpler IT Management

Centralised control means you can enforce consistent policies for office staff, remote workers, and contractors.

Supports Compliance

Helps demonstrate strong access controls, which is key for GDPR and industry audits.

Scales Easily

Adding new users, apps, or locations doesn’t require new hardware - it’s cloud-delivered.

How SMEs Can Get Started with ZTNA

  1. Audit your current access model – Who is accessing what systems, from where, and on which devices?
  2. Start small – Pilot ZTNA on one cloud app or a subset of users first.
  3. Enforce multi-factor authentication (MFA) – This is a foundation for ZTNA.
  4. Choose the right vendor – Look for solutions with UK/EU data centres, simple integrations with your tools (Zoho, Google Workspace, Microsoft 365), and SME-friendly pricing.
  5. Work with a trusted partner – If you don’t have in-house expertise, a consultancy can help you design policies and roll out ZTNA smoothly.

ZTNA represents a major shift in cybersecurity - from trusting by default to verifying everything. For SMEs, it offers a practical way to protect remote workers, secure cloud apps, and stay ahead of modern threats without adding huge complexity.

In short: ZTNA helps ensure only the right people, using the right devices, can access your business systems. And in a world where breaches often start with a single stolen password, that’s a huge step forward.

Contact us
]]>Sun, 05 Oct 2025 12:33:00 +0000<![CDATA[What's SASE? The Future of Secure Networking for SMEs]]>https://www.ostratto.com/blogs/post/what-is-saseWith more staff working remotely, cloud apps replacing on-premise servers, and cyber threats growing more complex, traditional IT security models are struggling to keep up. This is where SASE comes in.]]>

The way businesses work has changed. With more staff working remotely, cloud apps replacing on-premise servers, and cyber threats growing more complex, traditional IT security models are struggling to keep up. This is where SASE (pronounced “sassy”) comes in.

SASE stands for Secure Access Service Edge, and it’s being called the future of networking and security. But what exactly is it - and what does it mean for small and medium-sized businesses?

Breaking Down SASE: The Basics

At its core, SASE is about combining network security and connectivity into one cloud-delivered service. Traditionally, businesses would:

  • Connect users to a central office network (via VPNs or firewalls).

  • Route internet and app traffic back through that office for security checks.


This worked when everyone sat in the same office. But with cloud apps (like Zoho, Microsoft 365, or Google Workspace) and hybrid work, this model slows everything down and leaves gaps in protection.


SASE flips the model:

  • Security is delivered from the cloud edge, not your office.

  • Users connect securely to the nearest SASE “point of presence” (POP), wherever they are.

  • The service combines network performance and security features in one.


The Core Components of SASE

A true SASE platform usually bundles together:


  1. SD-WAN (Software-Defined Wide Area Network) - Improves connectivity by routing traffic intelligently over multiple internet paths (rather than relying on a single VPN tunnel).
  2. Secure Web Gateway (SWG) - Filters web traffic, blocking malicious sites and enforcing browsing policies.
  3. Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB) - Provides visibility and control over cloud apps (e.g. who’s accessing Zoho CRM from where, and what they’re doing).
  4. Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) - Replaces old VPNs with identity-based access. Users only get access to what they need, and nothing more.
  5. Firewall-as-a-Service (FWaaS) - Cloud-based firewalls to protect against unauthorised access and threats.


    high-level diagram of SASE implementation
    The ultimate (but not necessarily required) SASE bundle

    Why SASE Matters for SMEs

    Large enterprises were the first adopters, but SMEs stand to benefit greatly because:

    • Simplified IT - Instead of juggling separate VPNs, firewalls, and security tools, SASE consolidates them into one cloud service.
    • Scalable - Adding new staff, locations, or devices is easier. No need to buy more hardware firewalls for every site.
    • Better experience for remote workers - Staff connect directly to the nearest SASE node for faster, safer access to apps.
    • Cost control - A single subscription model can replace multiple expensive IT systems and maintenance costs.
    • Future-proofing - Cybersecurity regulations and customer expectations are rising; SASE helps SMEs show they take data protection seriously.


    Real-World Example

    Imagine your business has:

    • An office in Bristol
    • A handful of remote staff around the UK
    • Teams using Zoho, Google Workspace, and Microsoft Teams daily

    With SASE

    • Everyone connects to the nearest secure cloud edge.
    • All traffic is encrypted, scanned, and routed optimally.
    • Security policies are applied consistently, whether someone is at home, in the office, or on the road.

    Without SASE

    • Remote users connect to the office via VPN, slowing everything down.
    • Security tools may be inconsistent across devices.

    Challenges to Consider

    While SASE offers a modern approach to networking and security, it’s not entirely a “switch it on and forget it” solution. For SMEs, the promise of simplified management, cost savings, and stronger protection is attractive - but it comes with practical hurdles. SMEs should be aware of:


    Vendor Choice

    Different providers bundle features differently. Some focus more on SD-WAN, others on security.


    Migration Planning

    Moving from traditional firewalls/VPNs to SASE takes careful rollout.


    Connectivity Reliance

    As SASE is cloud-delivered, you need reliable internet to benefit fully.


    SASE is still maturing, but adoption is accelerating. Gartner predicts that by 2028, the majority of businesses will have a SASE strategy in place. For SMEs, the decision often comes down to timing:

    • If you’re planning a network refresh, moving to more remote/hybrid working, or want to simplify your IT stack, now is a good time to evaluate SASE.
    • If your current security tools are working and budgets are tight, start by exploring Zero Trust and cloud-delivered firewalls - key stepping stones toward SASE.

    SASE is more than another tech acronym. It’s a shift in how businesses connect and protect their people, apps, and data in a cloud-first world. For SMEs, it offers a way to get enterprise-grade security and performance without the enterprise-grade cost or complexity.

    In short: SASE brings together networking and security in the cloud, making your business more secure, more flexible, and better prepared for the future of work.

    Exploring SASE as an option for your environment? We'd love to help!

    Contact us
    ]]>    Thu, 25 Sep 2025 11:23:27 +0000    <![CDATA[Ransomware Threat Update: 2024]]>https://www.ostratto.com/blogs/post/2024-ransomware-threat-updateAn explanation of how the threat of ransomware attacks on organisations has developed throughout 2024, drawing on data from the Sophos State of Ransomware survey and explaining how Intercept X can offer advanced defences against this prevalent threat.]]>

    An explanation of how the threat of ransomware attacks on organisations has developed throughout 2024, drawing on data from the Sophos State of Ransomware survey and explaining how Intercept X can offer advanced defences against this prevalent threat.


    What is Ransomware? | What's New In 2024? | Industries at High Risk | Actions to Protect Your Business | How Intercept X Protects Your Business | Ostratto: Your Security Provider | Book Your Free Discovery Call


    ​​What is Ransomware?

    Ransomware is a type of malicious software that, if installed, can stop you from gaining access to your systems and will then demand that you pay the perpetrator to regain access – in other words, it will hold your systems to ransom. Ransomware can come in many shapes and sizes, below are a few of the most common types that we outlined in 2023. Want to find out how to protect your company? Skip down to Protective Actions.


    Types of Ransomware Attack

    Computer locked by a ransomware attack.
    Graphic by Pixabay

    Crypto Ransomware, also known as "encryptors", is one of the most common and dangerous types. This kind encrypts files and data, rendering the material useless without the decryption key. Unlike the other types below, crypto ransomware may infiltrate your systems in several different ways. 


    Phishing refers to one of the methods in which ransomware may make its way into your system. It occurs when a malicious email, which may  appear at first to be authentic, is opened and the links within are clicked on. Unfortunately, opening these all but friendly emails will allow the ransomware to be downloaded onto your device. Once in, the ransomware can exploit the security flaws in your device and take control of your systems.


    Scareware may often appear as a security software pop-up, warning you that malware has been identified and that the only way to remove it is to pay. However, despite the name, there is often nothing to be afraid of as attackers are merely bluffing to coerce you into paying, meanwhile your files remain secure.


    Doxware or Leakware refers to when an attacker threatens to release sensitive data online. Although the threat may not always be legitimate, most individuals panic and pay the requested ransom.


    Lockers refers to when a pop-up emerges, requesting a ransom, and totally locks the user out of their computer. Most pop-ups make the user feel like they are in the wrong and will often display timers to pressure you into paying quickly without the opportunity to report or resolve the attack instead.


    Impact of Ransomware Attacks

    Ransomware can have an enormous impact on your company's operations and data security, and some organisations take up to one month to recover from an attack. Here are some key takeaways about the impact of ransomware from the Sophos State of Ransomware update in 2024.

    59%

    of companies attacked with ransomware in 2024

    94%

    report that their backups were targeted in attacks

    32%

    of victims had data stolen as well as encrypted

    $2.0m

    was the average ransom demand by attackers

    ​​What's New In 2024?

    Focus on Critical Infrastructure

    Ransomware continues to be the most impactful cybersecurity threat, with its high financial rewards and established business model making it an attractive extortion method. Criminals target a wide range of organisations, many of which don’t make the headlines, but those who do have historically been those with the highest reward potential.


    For example, threat actors have attacked hospitals, schools, and government entities across the world, with local councils and the National Health Service (NHS) being some of the most public cases in the UK. Infrastructure companies such as these typically have outdated and unsupported legacy systems, and therefore are an easy target for threat actors looking to exploit vulnerabilities and enter their network. 


    Ransomware-As-A-Service (RaaS)

    Ransomware-as-a-Service (RaaS) is an increasingly popular platform that criminals and threat actors can use to access ransomware with no upfront costs. Many platforms operate with a subscription model, which mirrors the successful models used by legitimate platforms, to offer access to ransomware variants, distribution channels, and support in exchange for a share of the profits.


    Hackers can leverage RaaS platforms to perform the most efficient and effective assaults on any chosen company, with this increased accessibility to powerful malware products making the ransomware extortion method as the most profitable cyberattack on the market today. As these platforms continue to develop into 2025, there will be a significant increase in the threat of cybercrime on organisations.


    Artificial Intelligence (AI)

    Artificial Intelligence (AI) is expected to have an enormous impact on the threat of ransomware. Criminals are already using AI to streamline cyberattacks, and it will almost certainly increase the volume and impact of attacks in the near future. It enables relatively unskilled threat actors to carry out sophisticated attacks, with improved targeting and more effective information-gathering than ever before.


    There are reports that AI is helping criminals to develop malware that can avoid detection by security software, craft phishing emails that are extremely targeted and persuasive, and encrypt files at a startling rate. As this continues, it could have an unprecedented impact on businesses across the world, which is why it’s so important to take a proactive approach to your cybersecurity.




    "Hackers can leverage RaaS platforms to perform the most efficient and effective assaults on any chosen company"



    ​​Industries at High Risk for Attack

    Local Government & Public Services

    Across the UK there has been an increasing number of attacks on local government organisations and public service companies. Recently, for example, we saw Synnovis, an NHS pathology services provider, experienced an attack that caused the cancellation of over 10,000 appointments and a significant data leak that immediately made the headlines. The extent of the attack meant that they had to rebuild their IT systems to continue to operate, which caused significant disruption to their operations.


    In 2023, we saw Gloucester City Council fall victim to a ransomware attack for the second time in 10 years, where many of the council’s systems were encrypted and taken offline. It cost the council £1.1 million to remediate the damage caused by this attack. Hackers, in these instances, appear to be targeting large public organisations to perform extortion at the threat of an enormous data leak. Any company with a significant amount of public data should be concerned about the increasing threat of a ransomware attack.


    Logistics & Transportation

    Transportation has been brought back into the spotlight recently with the incident that occurred with Network Rail’s WiFi network this September. Attackers were able to use a vulnerability in their network and transmit extremist messages onto the devices of unaware service users, which caused considerable concern amongst the public and made headlines. In 2023, KNP Logistics Group was attacked by threat actors who caused irreparable damage to their systems in an incident that plunged the company into insolvency, making 730 people redundant. 


    In these examples, the motivations of the threat actors appear to be mixed. In the Network Rail incident, it appears to be a case of ‘Hacktivism’, where the threat actors were politically motivated and were sending a message to service users. However, in the case of KNP Logistics, we can estimate that ransomware was used purely to extort the company. Similar transport organisations should be concerned about the latter example, as it highlights that cybercriminals do target private organisations more frequently than what we’re aware of, as many instances don’t make the headlines.


    Manufacturing & Production

    In recent years, the manufacturing industry became a prevalent target for security attacks due to legacy systems and unpatched applications. One of the more notable examples is Wiltshire Farm Foods who provide frozen ready meals to care homes, nurseries, hospitals, and schools in the South West. In 2022, they were attacked by threat actors who were able to significantly disrupt their operations and leave service users without meals.


    Attackers were able to cause enough damage to mean that the company had to rebuild and replace most of their hardware and software, likely costing hundreds of thousands of pounds. In response to the increased threat of ransomware, we have seen companies like Castell Howell and AG Barr onboard with Sophos Intercept X to manage their cybersecurity.


    ​​Actions to Protect Your Business

    Addressing an attack situation requires a straightforward three-step approach: implement a more scalable incident response process to accelerate response time; leverage adaptive defences to slow down adversaries; and create a virtuous cycle that improves protection and lowers cost.


    Stopping advanced, persistent adversaries will require you to optimise your organisation’s defences, using context-sensitive technologies to elevate the level of protection in proportion to the situation. Crucially, these defences will buy you time to apply human expertise to address the root cause.



    Optimise Prevention

    Stop attacks at the earliest possible point to minimise impact.

    Reduce Exposure

    Minimize opportunities for adversaries to exploit weaknesses in security.

    Disrupt Attackers

    Buy time to respond in the event of an advanced human-led attack.
     

    ​​How Intercept X Protects Your Business

    Sophos Intercept X is the industry-leading Endpoint Security solution that reduces the attack surface and prevents attacks from running. Combining anti-exploit, anti-ransomware, deep learning AI and control technology it stops attacks before they impact your systems. Intercept X uses a comprehensive, defense-in-depth approach to endpoint protection, rather than relying on one primary security technique.


    Key Features of Intercept X

    Sophos CryptoGuard Product Demonstration
    CryptoGuard by Sophos
    • Informed by Deep Learning, a process that dissects unknown malware to detect new behaviours and stop unknown threats. SophosLabs work through 400,000 new instances of malware each day and use their findings to develop Intercept X, meaning that you're always protected from the latest threats.
    • CryptoGuard will analyse information in real-time and shut down any encryption processes automatically, reverting all files back to normal once the threat has been contained. It means that you'll never have to worry about paying ransom, as all of your files are protected.
    • Anti-Exploit recognises and blocks common malware delivery techniques, protecting endpoints from phishing attempts, malware downloads, and zero-day code vulnerabilities, providing you with comprehensive prevention against 99.98% of ransomware attack methods.
    • Simple Management with Sophos Central allows you to see the complete picture of alerts across all devices in your network, helping you to prioritise your time effectively and understand your cybersecurity posture.


     "Intercept X stops attacks before they enter your systems, using a comprehensive defence-in-depth approach"



    ​​Ostratto: Your Security Partner

    Picture of Ostratto Director Helping Customer

    With a team of technical professionals to assist your business on a truly personal basis, and diverse knowledge across some of the most advanced technology, Ostratto have the skills and expertise to deliver comprehensive, cost-effective solutions and fully-managed services. We’re here to help you to find the most suitable products for your business needs, and provide you with ongoing support across your time with us.


    Founded in 2019, we have established ourselves as a forward-thinking technical consultancy both locally in the South West and further afield. We work with businesses from a wide range of sectors from leisure through to manufacturing. We are proud to be a part of all of our customers businesses, integrating ourselves as trusted advisors and measuring our success on theirs.

    Wherever your organisation is right now, and where it wants to be in the future, we can help you to accelerate your defences and move ahead of today’s advanced adversaries. For more information, view our security products or speak with a security advisor today.



    ​​Book Your Free Discovery Call

    If you think that your business could benefit from Intercept X, or if you'd like to find out more information about how we can improve your cyber defences, please book a free discovery call with one of our experts below. We'll be happy to help, in whatever way we can.

    ]]>    Mon, 21 Oct 2024 11:00:05 +0000    <![CDATA[5 Lessons We’ve Learned About Remote Work]]>https://www.ostratto.com/blogs/post/270820-5-lessons-weve-learned-about-remote-workThe overnight shift to WFH and what working from home during COVID-19 says about the future of remote work.]]>
    If one was to capture 2020 in a single word, “unprecedented” would be a fairly solid pick. The rippling effects of the coronavirus pandemic have transformed all aspects of life, with how we work being one of the most salient. 


    Case in point: at the start of the year, 4.7 million Americans (3.4% of the working population) worked remotely. Just three months later, at the height of lockdown, 34% of Americans who previously went into the office every day were now working from home. 


    The Overnight Shift to WFH
    This unprecedented shift is remarkable for its incredible pace, not so much the direction. Even before the pandemic accelerated the move from the office, remote work was on an upward trajectory with 159% growth since 2005. It’s estimated that by 2025, the majority of the workforce (at least 70%) will work remotely for at least one full business week each month.

    At all levels of the corporate hierarchy, from admins up to CEO's, 2020 has represented a massive work-from-home experiment. As much of a rollercoaster as these last few months have been, the rapid shift to WFH offers a unique glimpse into the future of work, and to better prepare companies and their employees for life after the office.

    The overnight shift to WFH marks the first time many employees have had to find ongoing and sustainable ways to work together while apart - and as a whole, teams are not doing too badly: according to a global survey of office employees during the pandemic, 68% said they’ve been “very successful” working from home. Employees are equally satisfied with their work activity performance at home compared to the office, and 70% of leaders say their teams are performing the same or better from home.


    The Future of Remote Work
    These positive assessments of remote work are quite remarkable given that workplaces were forced to transform themselves overnight and without much warning. Sentiments about working from home have likely improved as teams adapted to working remotely and refined the processes and tools by which they do so. 

    Given that remote work is here to stay, it’s worth looking at the experiences of the last few months to evaluate what we’ve learned about remote work so far as well as find ways to make remote work even better moving forward.

    Without further ado, here are five lessons we’ve learned about remote work in 2020.

    lady in chair working

    1. It can be hard for employees to disconnect
    Fear that employees would slack off was once many managers’ primary objection to working from home. As it turns out, the opposite is true. Since the start of lockdowns, employees at home averaged 48.5 more minutes of work every day. 

    But that may not be the win it appears to be. Nearly half of workers also report feeling more burnt out. To combat this, businesses need to make it a priority to help employees maintain work-life balance, even when the lines between home and office are blurred.


    2. Projects can easily get lost or buried
    It’s easy to take for granted the built-in ways with which employees share information in office settings. An ability to quickly touch base in-person (on the way back from making a coffee) helped employees prioritise their projects and provided a unified sense of momentum. When everyone works separately, projects can all too easily become lost or buried.

    The solution lies in increased visibility. To prevent key projects from falling off, all people involved need ways to easily access and share key documents and information, as well as project management and collaboration tools that make it easy to track progress.


    3. Remote employee silos happen without communication
    Whether within a team or across departments, silos occur when colleagues don’t communicate with each other about what they’re working on. And when the left hand doesn’t know what the right is doing, it can be costly for businesses. 

    Silos often result in duplicated work, blind spots, and other major business risks - and they’re more likely to occur when visibility is lacking, such as when everyone is working from home. Effective communication and collaboration, however, can help cure employee silos both formal (status meetings, progress reports) and informal (making it easy for workers to discuss work on the fly).

    ringcentral app screen communication
    RingCentral offers a constant communication channel(s).

    4. WFH improves many aspects of work but makes others harder
    WFH does not have a universal effect on work - in fact, it improves some aspects of working while making others more of a challenge.

    According to the Global Work from Home Experience Survey, homebound employees have a significantly easier time managing distractions and disruptions, and doing the sort of deep-thinking work that relies on this increased focus. But with fewer opportunities to interact organically, collaboration and a sense of connection drops off. 

    To get the most out of working from home, businesses need to find ways to continue to protect employees’ ability to work without distraction when it makes sense - but to also better enable seamless connectivity between workers and teams for tasks that require it.


    5. It’s difficult (but possible) to recreate the organic collaboration that happens in the office
    When it comes to teamwork when working from home, it’s not all bad news. Though remote work has been seen to fare worse than office environments when it comes to needs like getting timely information and collaborating with others, the results aren’t actually bad at all: six in 10 employees, a majority of workers, rate their ability to perform these activities from home positively.

    This suggests that organic collaboration is possible when teams work remotely - but workers might need a little more help to do so. Setting up virtual “drop-in” office hours for managers, regular face-to-face team chats, and finding other ways to electronically recreate the easy communication that occurs in the workplace are key to fostering organic collaboration at home.


    Communication and collaboration in the WFH era
    What these lessons have in common is the theme of communication and collaboration. In a WFH world, the right tech becomes more than a communication tool - it’s the foundation upon which all work happens. This underscores the need for technology that’s accessible, seamless, and doesn’t create new challenges when it comes to helping employees connect with one another to get the job done. 

    A unified communications solution such as RingCentral helps to relieve many of the pain points employees encounter while they work from home. RingCentral combines team messaging, video conferencing, and cloud phone into a single platform, allowing employees to choose how, where, and when they want to collaborate. By breaking down the barriers to workplace communications, remote teams can master collaboration regardless of where they work and take productivity to new heights.

    Try Today
    Read the eBook
    Datasheet

    Written in collaboration with RingCentral©.

    ]]>    Thu, 27 Aug 2020 10:16:21 +0000    <![CDATA[Why you should Purchase G Suite from a Google Partner]]>https://www.ostratto.com/blogs/post/100720-purchasing-g-suite-from-a-google-partnerWhen you can buy Google G Suite directly from Google, why would you buy it via a Google Partner?]]>

    These days, talk about digitalisation and ‘the cloud’ is constant and urgent. In our ever-globalising and ever-innovating world, the opportunities to harness cloud technology and use it to fuel growth are endless (just check out some of our previous blogs posts on cloud); but the idea of cloud technology in a business can also be daunting to manage.


    Ostratto wants to help companies not only keep their heads above water during such a time of digitalisation, but unlock their maximum potential (and sail?). As a proud Google Cloud Partner and official reseller of Google Cloud services, we supply G Suite licenses at the same price as Google, but with additional services. Here are a few of the many reasons why taking advantage of a Google Partner can be a massive advantage for any business.


    g-suite-devices-google

    1. Same buck, more bang

    By partnering with a Google Cloud Partner, you pay the same price for your licenses as you would buying directly from Google, but you get additional benefits, for free (yes free). The services are customisable for your business’s specific needs but they can include:

    • A security audit
    • A training workshop for your IT team
    • Implementation – existing business or new
    • User data migrations from existing systems
    • A combination package

    Google Cloud Partners exist to act as a bridge between what can seem like a 'big scary Google' and a small business. We know our clients' businesses better than Google would ever be able to and that's a huge advantage for both the small business and Google. We identify the best support package that will not only improve how you utilise Google G Suite, but enhance all aspects of your business operations, keeping you efficient and ahead of your competition.


    2. A friendly face
    A businesses internal IT team may be able to blunder their way through a G Suite setup but what happens when things go wrong?

    With a GCP Partner in your corner, the days of navigating the complexities of the cloud alone are over. In order to become a certified reseller, businesses must hold a rigorous set of prerequisites; these include passing a series of Google Cloud certifications and also having real-world proven experience with the products. To maintain our status we have to resit the certifications regularly and we're also expected to keep up-to-date with everything Google. When you partner with a qualified reseller like Ostratto, you really do gain access to years of experience with Google Cloud technologies and processes.

    Having passed all the stringent prerequisites we then gain access to an advanced, prioritised level of support because it's expected we won't be asking the 'simple' questions. We can then use this level of support to get answers to the questions we haven't been asked before - all whilst the end customer only deals with one person whom they can trust to help.

    Included in any basic resale of Google G Suite is a basic support package - perfect for the 'how do I do this' sorts of questions. Pair this with our support package and expect a truly empowered Google experience.


    3. Put it on my tab please barman
    One of the many benefits we offer to our clients is a single monthly bill. As we offer a range of various services and products we really focus on simplifying the recurring costs by billing one bill a month instead of a separate bill for each charge. It might seem a simple benefit but with the average medium-sized business spending $20,000 per month on SaaS tools, being able to consolidate multiple vendor bills into one predictable, itemised payment makes cashflow just a tad more manageable.

    When you purchase GCP services through Ostratto, you can enjoy simple automatic card payments with pro-rata'd user costs automatically applied for you. You can then view your previous and current payments on our billing portal for your Google services along with any other services you receive from us. I can already see your billing department thanking you.


    4. Value, maximised
    Nobody likes to waste time or money. When businesses use the expertise of a GCP reselling partner like Ostratto, they can be confident that they’re getting the most value out of Google Cloud products. We help businesses identify and eliminate inefficiencies in their workloads, giving them more time to focus on using Google Cloud tech to drive direct value for their business. 

    There’s also no need to allocate extra time and staffing to train a new team member on the ins and outs of the cloud - most of your team have probably already used Google's services and anyway, that’s what we’re here for.


    Passing comments
    These are the most obvious reasons to purchase via a GCP partner like us but there are many more. If you’re interested in learning more about how Ostratto can make your cloud journey easier, we’d be happy to talk.


    Related resources
    Get Started Today
    ]]>    Fri, 10 Jul 2020 18:01:16 +0000    <![CDATA[Why We Love G Suite]]>https://www.ostratto.com/blogs/post/why-we-love-g-suiteThe benefits of G Suite for your business and why we use (read:love) it at Ostratto.]]>

    We use (and provide) a multitude of different SaaS products here at Ostratto to keep everything running smoothly behind the scenes and to improve the productivity of the business. Although I have a lot of weird love for all of the services we use, my favourite and one I couldn't live without is G Suite.


    Yes one could say we are albeit biased but I'm not afraid to come right out and say it’s by far the best all-in-one business services solution on the market right now. It's affordable, easy to use and super powerful. 


    Today we’ll dive into the unparalleled benefits of G Suite, why we use it and recommend it to all of our partners, and how it compares to other similar solutions on the market.


    Contents

        Gmail
        Calendar
        Drive
        Admin
        Uptime
        Security
     

    ​​What is G Suite?

    G Suite is Google’s suite of intelligent apps. This was formerly known as Google Apps, till it was re-branded in late 2016. We primarily recommend G Suite for clients that are needing email hosting for their business. However, G Suite is much more than just email. It also includes a variety of apps and features that can come in quite handy. In fact, you’re probably already using or are familiar with some of them.


    G Suite has three different plans you can purchase - Basic, Business and Enterprise. We utilise the Business G Suite plan at Ostratto. This starts at just £9.20/user/month. For many of you, the basic plan is probably all you’ll ever need and that starts at £4.60/user/month. We have a much fuller breakdown of the individual G Suite system features on our product pages but here's a quick summary of our favourite features.


    ​​Gmail

    According to a Litmus study, Gmail leads the way as the most popular email client, with a whopping 27.8% of the market share based on open rates. It’s no surprise as Gmail has been around since 2004 and now boasts over 1.2 billion users. One of the best things about G Suite is you basically get an enhanced ad-free version of the online email client you’re probably already using.





    G Suite essentially allows your employees to have their own Gmail accounts with email addresses with your business domain name (example: tim@yourbusiness.co.uk). A very small business with one or two users might be able to get away with free Gmail accounts and some alias forwarding rules. But once you start hiring two or three employees, you’ll find yourself needing accounts that can be managed separately. It's the difference between looking like a new small business, or established and professional - we even wrote about it a couple blog posts back.

    ​​Calendar
    I absolutely could not live without a calendar. Knowing when I have a client call or whether I have an important project milestone upcoming is totally essential. Google Calendar is a feature-packed calendar provided as part of G Suite and it will help you keep your schedule organised.

    One of the great things about using Google Calendar in G Suite is the ability to create multiple calendars that are accessible to everyone in your business (or just a few users). For example, you might want a group calendar for events like team holidays and regular meetings. Having all your employees attached to the same business makes tasks like these even easier when compared to the free Google Calendar version.





    One of the other cool features you get with Google Calendar once you go to the Business tier and upwards, is the ability to add conference calling features to an event. No messing around in separate products, you simply add video conferencing to the event and all attendees get an invite with join in details as well as a voice dial-in number if they aren't going to make the video call.






    Drive allows you to allows you to store, access and share your files in one secure place. You then have easy access to them from any device. G Suite Basic plans come with 30GB of storage for every employee. G Suite’s Business and Enterprise editions provide unlimited storage so you will always have enough space for your files. We think that's pretty cool and I really have put it to the test with over 8TB and counting in a shared drive (we love movies what can I say).

    If you haven’t used Google Drive before, one of the best things I like about it is the amazing search functionality. I mean it does make sense - Google do know a thing or two about search technology. No more rummaging around deep in folders, you can easily find what you’re looking for, no matter how disorganised you are.





    Shared Drives are also very neat. You can create shared drives for projects, departments or teams so that it's easier to find that shared information with sharing multiple folders with each other. It also means that the classic business situation of a user leaving the company and nobody being able to access their shared important files. You can choose certain levels of access for team members - view, edit or manager roles provide set permission levels.





    Google Docs, Sheets and Slides pretty much speak for themselves. Fully fledged document processing, a spreadsheet tool and presentation suite all reside directly in the G Suite system without any software downloads needed. Should your internet connection not be available, you can still work offline and your changes are automatically synced when you connect back to the world.





    Import documents to make them instantly editable, including Microsoft Word, Excel, and PDF files (.docx, .doc, .pdf, .rtf, .txt, xlsx, .csv, .html, .ods). You can even collaborate and comment on Microsoft Office files without it having to automatically convert to Google’s format - great when you are working with Microsoft Office-based customers.

    You can also export to common third-party formats which makes it easy to collaborate with other individuals or companies and send files back and forth, without ever needing to install or purchase additional software.




    One of the best features of Google Work Suite is the real-time commenting and unlimited versions. Previous versions are kept indefinitely and they don’t count toward your storage. This makes it super easy to track changes made to a document or undo a mistake. Sharing documents with your coworkers or other individuals is also incredibly easy.




    What better way to meet a new client instantly than jumping on a video call. Google Meet provides an easy and secure way to handle video calling without leaving your business system. All versions of G Suite, Basic, Business and Enterprise provide the product with 100, 150 and 250 participant limits respectively - generally way more than we have ever needed.

    Participants can also share screen content, or when they are using Google Chrome, a single browser tab, which is pretty neat when you need to show somebody something. The Enterprise version also allows users to record their meetings to re-watch.

    Calls are crisp, reliable and secure - our key desirables in any communication product ultimately.





    The Admin console for G Suite is the like mission-control. It lets business owners easily manage everything from one single place. Do everything from adding new users and groups, configuring business apps, manage devices, configure security settings (like 2-factor authentication) and add new custom domains for your business which can be used for Gmail.




    Now with the admin console being the admin console, only administrators can access the wealth of configuration available. Users can be provided different administrative levels via roles, so that only the relevant parts of the admin console can be access by users.





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    ​

    ​Unparalleled Benefits of G Suite

    Although there are alternatives - Microsoft 365 and Zoho to name a few - there are some unparalleled benefits to G Suite which we are yet to see overcome. Here's a few.


    ​​Familiarity

    One of the greatest benefits of going with G Suite for your business is that most of your employees are probably already used to using products like Gmail for email and Google Docs. This makes the transition much easier for your business and ensures you don’t have to waste time explaining to new hires how to utilise company tools; unlike Zoho or Office 365 where there might be more explanation needed.


    G Suite also has the best compatibility on mobile devices compared to any other email provider. It works pretty much everywhere which certainly saves time troubleshooting with your users.

    ​​Uptime
    When it comes to uptime, Google is one of the best when it comes to reliability. If you want to dig into the technical details, G Suite offers a 99.9% Service Level Agreement (SLA) for covered services, and in recent years they’ve actually exceeded that. Also due to the fact that email is such an important part of every business, G Suite has no scheduled downtime or maintenance windows. All of their data centres are built with redundant infrastructure.

    But just like any service, they can never be up 100% of the time. Therefore, you can always bookmark the G Suite status dashboard or follow us on our social platforms for updates on all of their products.





    ​​It's Extremely Affordable
    There are other providers out there that are cheaper, such as Zoho, and don't get us wrong, Zoho offer a truly excellent service too. However, just as we often advise our partners - certain technical aspects of your business you should absolutely not cheap out on. Your business email is one of those areas. Having an email host that you can rely on can save you money down the road.

    Here’s a look at G Suite’s pricing and what’s included in each plan - you can drill further down into this here, but here's a brief overview:





    For everything that G Suite includes - this really is a steal.


    ​​G Suite is secure, really secure
    When it comes to security, Google really don't play around. The product is built on some of the most secure infrastructure on earth. It’s trusted by some of the biggest companies in the world; such as HP, Verizon, Whirlpool, and Salesforce. As Google says, they are leading with a “security-first mindset.” They have industry-leading knowledge and expertise backing each and every one of their products, including G Suite. They have a very thorough white-paper which covers some of the measures they take which you can read here. 

    Some of their certifications:




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    ​​​How to Move to G Suite

    If you have read up to this point and you are keen to get started with G Suite then that's awesome - you are making a good decision. Get ready to work smarter.


    We are partnered with G Suite. This means we provide setup services for our clients using our wealth of knowledge on the product. We then offer support plans after the initial commission.


    There are a few options of migration depending on where you are coming from and how technically versed you are.



    ​​​Let Ostratto do it for you

    The best way to move over to G Suite is to let us handle it for you. We have handled many migrations from various legacy systems with ease and we can help you today. Don't make the mistake of handling the migration yourself and losing years of important business data - it's simply not worth it.


    For a quick quote or for more details on our migration and setup services just get in touch, I'm excited to chat with you and I'll try not to nerd out too hard.



    ​​Other Options

    That being said, Google have provided extensive documentation on migration methods from various sources and if you are feeling technically confident then be sure to check out their guides:



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    In Closing

    So there we are, a quick overview of why we go on about G Suite so much. Hopefully it's been of use to you and provided a half-decent run-through for you. If you have any questions about the product or if you want to get started today, just holla at us.


    Get Started with G Suite
    ]]>    Tue, 02 Jun 2020 21:00:28 +0000    <![CDATA[COVID-19: Our Favourite Remote-working Tools ]]>https://www.ostratto.com/blogs/post/110420-covid-favourite-remote-working-toolsA quick run through of our favourite tools that will help you conduct your business from pretty much anywhere.]]>

    Whether your business had already implemented remote-working ideologies or it's all very new to your business, it's definitely been a general-culture shock to the working world. Businesses that never thought they could work from home are now embracing wonderful and sometimes whacky ways to get their work done remotely, sometimes whilst even compromising security (yes Zoom we are talking about you).


    Our partners are generally well equipped already. More than 80% of what Ostratto helps our partners' businesses with, resides on cloud technology. That's smart business solutions that are accessible from anywhere at anytime.


    For the businesses that we don't yet have a relationship with, firstly; welcome(!) and secondly; this article is for you. It's a quick run through of our favourite tools that will help you conduct your business from pretty much anywhere.


    We'll firstly break it down a bit into some sub-categories of the products we offer today. Select to jump to the sections:

    ​​


    Communication       Collaboration       Productivity



    Looks uncomfortable. Credit: unsplash

    ​​Communication​

    Communication during these tricky times is absolutely vital. It's the difference between a happy and productive worker and a very unhappy unmotivated one. Here's some of our favourite communication tools.


    Google Meet

    Video meetings for your business. Meet takes the headaches out of joining a video call at work. Just set up a meeting and share a link. No worrying about whether teammates, clients, or customers have the right accounts or plug-ins. With a fast, lightweight interface and smart participant management, 100 + person video calls are a breeze.


    Meet is perfect for keeping connected with your team and your customers from one product, and it comes included in the G Suite package as standard.

    Google Chat

    A messaging platform built for teams. Hangouts Chat makes it easy for teams to stay in contact with instant messaging. From direct messages to group conversations, Chat helps teams collaborate easily and efficiently. With dedicated, virtual rooms to house projects over time — plus threaded conversations — Chat makes it simple to track progress and follow up tasks. Chat currently supports 28 languages and each room can support up to 8,000 members.



    RingCentral

    RingCentral is our preferred cloud phone solution. Get an all-inclusive business phone system with online meetings, messaging, and more. Integrated perfectly into your business systems, you can expect big business benefits without the high cost and complexity. Your teams will have all the accessibility they need to seamlessly communicate and collaborate from anywhere, becoming more productive, effective, and efficient as a result. You can host video meetings with up to 1000 participants too - which is pretty cool.


    We love it because it's super reliable and it provides a one-stop shop for all business communications.




    Zoho Campaigns

    Email marketing software that drives sales. Create, send, and track email campaigns that help you build a strong customer base. From beautiful email templates to an easy-to-use editor, and automation tools to real-time analytics, Zoho Campaigns has it covered.

    We use this to keep in touch with all of our partners with ease, updating them on the current situation and also providing regular tips on staying productive.

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    ​​Collaboration

    Even the most communicative team still need ways of collaborating effectively. If your team is still saying 'are you done with that spreadsheet as I need to make edits', then this category is for you. It's 2020 and things have changed now, you old-timer you.



    Google Docs

    Create and edit documents directly in your browser – no dedicated software required. Several people can work at the same time, and every change is saved automatically. Work on a single document with team members or people outside your company. See edits as others type, communicate through built-in chat and ask questions by including comments.


    It really is powerful word editing, made simple and accessible with the power of the cloud. It comes with even the most basic version of G Suite.


    Google Sheets

    Collaborative, smart, secure spreadsheets for fast-moving organisations. Sheets was designed with the needs of agile organisations in mind. As Sheets is cloud-based, it enables you to collaborate with anyone, anytime, anywhere. It's built on top of Google’s infrastructure, which gives you the freedom to create, while helping to keep your information secure.

    Again, no software to install and super simple to use.



    Google Slides

    Slides is Google's offering of a presentation tool. It allows you to create and edit polished presentations in your browser – no software required. Several people can work at the same time so that everyone always has the latest version. It helps you to make your ideas shine with a variety of presentation themes, hundreds of fonts, embedded video, animations, and more. All included in G Suite.

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    ​​Productivity

    Productivity is often the measure of a successful migration to remote-working strategies. With recent developments in the technical industry it's still very possible to maintain a very high level of productivity. We've covered a few excellent communication products and we've also covered a selection of smart collaboration software.


    G Suite

    G Suite - our bread and butter. It provides all the tools a business needs to do business, in an extremely affordable package. An integrated suite of secure, cloud-native collaboration and productivity apps powered by Google AI. Includes Gmail, Docs, Drive, Calendar, Meet and more, all in the same place accessible with the same login.


    We use G Suite for our business email, communications and productivity needs. The prices start at £4.60 per user/month and there's no contract, so it's really ideal for new businesses who don't want to commit to anything serious in the early days.


    What I think is pretty cool is that the likes of Netflix and Colgate are using exactly the same product as a start-up business of one user. It really is modern-day cloud computing, allowing the little guys play with the big guys with no capital required. Awesome!


    Zoho Projects

    When we do any commissioning work such as website design or a system setup, one of our most used products is Projects. It lets us track all ongoing tasks so that an overall project progress can be seen - and shared with clients if necessary. It can help you plan your work, track it efficiently, and collaborate with your team wherever they are.


    The main features we use are the tasks, the activities, issues (at times a great tool to nudge clients if we're waiting on them) and also the integration with Google Drive so that we can share files securely within the project space without needing to upload anything.


    A great tool for teams that still need to be working on projects from different places.



    Zoho Bookings

    We've noticed a large increase in online classes since the lockdown here in the UK. Classes for exercise and yoga type activities the most prevalent. Should you be needing to host this sort of event, you need a solid way of offering booking for your 'students' - Bookings has you covered. It syncs your calendars while letting students/customers self-schedule and pay for appointments. The user interface is completely customisable to fit your brand and there is an email function that sends emails to your customers automatically reminding them when an appointment is due.


    This one is for personal trainers, coaches teachers, trainers and just about anybody else that needs a way to manage classes easily.


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    So there you have it. They are our favourite tools because they are cost-effective, smart and they are generally awesome. They all also meet our principles.


    If you need any help with working remotely during these very difficult times please just reach out. We will be happy to assist and if we can help your business in any way at no cost, we absolutely will.


    Stay safe.


    Help me work smarter
    ]]>    Sun, 12 Apr 2020 13:02:41 +0000    <![CDATA[Business Systems Integration: Not just a 'nice to have']]>https://www.ostratto.com/blogs/post/essential-business-systems-integrationKeeping your business system's lightweight pays more than you'd think.]]>
    Every growing business grapples with decisions around the best business system to manage its expanding operations. Proper planning of an integrated business management software system often takes a back seat to short-term revenue acceleration goals. And, as a consequence, various applications are installed at various points in time in various areas, resulting in business systems being spread across different platforms with different logins and well ...yuck. This creates process inefficiencies and software integration challenges.

    This sort of issue is something we see a lot of at Ostratto when onboarding businesses that have been trading for a (sometimes little) while. The real question is: how did these problems arise in the first place and how can they be avoided?



    The Convoluted System Landscape
    It's easy to see how a rapidly growing company can quickly become entangled in a complex system environment.

    When starting out, companies first install accounting software so that they can manage their bookkeeping. Then, in the quest to acquire more customers, companies then put in a standalone CRM system, along with separate systems for resolving customer support issues. Inventory management, order management and fulfilment systems soon come along in the form of additional software or even spreadsheets (you wouldn't believe what we've seen).


    As growth occurs, many companies will open new office locations and embrace additional sales channels resulting in more sophisticated processes for e-commerce integration and recurring billing amongst others. Additional business software to support these processes can take the form of standalone applications from different vendors, in-house developments, or a variety of spreadsheet workarounds.


    Businesses that evolve their systems over time in this manner can find themselves with a poorly planned infrastructure that handles short-term processes sub-optimally. This mess of systems is often referred to as a “software hairball”, a hairball that inhibits flexibility, productivity, and ultimately slows down the company's ability to grow.




    John in the finance department, wondering which login 

    he uses for his accounting software.  (Credit: unsplash)




    Business Challenges
    When high-growth companies become entangled a 'software hairball' challenges within business begin to arise. Here's five of the main issues that can hinder business growth when a business runs with disparate business software systems:

    Wasted Employee Productivity
    For a company to grow easily, every employee must be operating at optimal productivity. If the team is bogged down by inefficient and disjointed processes, it takes time away from their more important (profitable) tasks. Important processes such as order processing, invoicing, expense approvals, and fulfilment can take a lot longer to get completed, and are often prone to errors. 

    For instance, your team may be spending hours manually re-entering order information into an accounting system, while other employees pull that same information from your CRM system for their order fulfilment processes and to calculate sales commissions. If any orders are cancelled in the meantime, your employees have to sift through mounds of data to reconcile this information again. Such labour-intensive and manual tasks reduce the agility that your company needs to grow.


    Lack of Real-time Visibility
    When software systems aren't integrated you often cannot easily get a view of business performance quickly. Reports showing performance across your finance, sales, marketing, service, and fulfilment departments really are crucial to giving you an overview of your company's operations and performance. 

    It's easy to see why companies simply give up on reporting on a regular basis because of the amount of time it takes to source, extract and analyse this data. For the businesses that still produce these reports, countless hours are wasted trying to tie unrelated, error-prone, and out of date information together. Consequently, businesses either end up making critical decisions slowly, based on inaccurate information, or they make hasty and risky decisions off gut instinct.


    Integration Complexity and Cost
    With so many separate systems, an IT department wastes an enormous amount of time and money on integrating, maintaining, and acquiring new versions of these applications. Often when new versions are purchased, even more integration and maintenance needs to be performed for all the different versions of software to work together. Consequently, valuable IT time that could be used to make the business more productive is wasted, while maintenance costs skyrocket.






    Increased Customer Churn
    Customer acquisition and revenue growth are key pillars to your company's continued success. With fierce competition, it's essential that your company provide an exceptional customer experience or risk having customers take their business elsewhere. 

    When customers are unable to quickly get information on their order status, can't get issues resolved in a timely manner, or frequently deal with products being out of stock, they will be less satisfied and less likely to continue purchasing from you. A set of separate, convoluted business systems which don't talk to each other, won't be doing your service any favours.


    Advantages of Integrated Software Applications
    To keep your business growing at the dramatic rates you have always aimed for, it is essential to have your business software applications integrated and seamlessly connected. The advantages of designing your systems in this manner yield tremendous cost savings and improved business productivity, including:


    Process Efficiency Across Your Organisation
    There are several key processes that you may encounter in your daily operations, such as order management, fulfilment, invoicing, cash collection, expense approvals, and financial consolidation to name a few. Automating such processes enables you to avoid new hires that would otherwise be required to manage these processes, and redeploy staff to higher-value activities to help your business innovate and grow. 

    Significant IT Time and Cost Savings
    With IT no longer having to maintain multiple systems as well as the various integrations between them, a significant reduction in operational costs can be expected so that IT time can be spent improving the business operations. 

    Dramatically Improved Visibility
    Real-time visibility is important in making informed decisions. When information can be accessed instantly from almost anywhere, without wasting employees are better informed and can make more accurate, faster decisions.

    Accelerated Growth
    With an integrated software system, expansion to multiple locations and additional sales channels can be accomplished a lot faster because of unified order and accounting management processes and data. Teams can upsell more efficiently to their existing customer base because of the improved visibility they would have.

    User-Driven Innovation
    Because process changes can be implemented quickly, everyday business users are able to apply their functional expertise to tailor processes and applications in a way that improves performance. Meanwhile, technical teams are liberated to focus on strategic works that can add value to the bottom line rather than just fight fires.



    Parting Comments
    Today, companies in virtually every industry are using sophisticated business software to fuel their growth but many are still struggling to keep up and manage costs effectively because of a hairball of disconnected functional systems causing process bottlenecks and employee productivity issues. 

    Integrated business software suites are transforming how companies run, and enabling them to experience growth that takes them to the next level.

    All products that Ostratto sell are designed to work together in harmony - it's what we call being 'lightweight' and it's one of our core principles. Get in touch with us today to see how we can simplify your workflows and make your business, smart business.

    Let's Chat
    ]]>    Mon, 06 Apr 2020 09:00:00 +0000    <![CDATA[DIY Website Design]]>https://www.ostratto.com/blogs/post/diy-website-designIt's become much easier for the non-techies among us to build a more-than-decent website. Just because you can, though, doesn’t always mean you should.]]>

    Not so long ago, there would have been no question of hiring a pro to get website up and running for your business. It was only the quirky folk with severe acne and an energy drink drip-feed that could produce a website on the internet and it was often an expensive ordeal.


    Thanks to the rise of online tools like website builders, it has become much easier for the non-techies among us to build a more-than-decent website. Just because you can, though, doesn’t always mean you should. It’s a decision worth weighing carefully, since for some projects a professional cannot be replaced by a tool.


    Now I know what you are thinking. "Lew isn't this post going to be a tad biased since you offer website design as a service?" YES. It will be shamelessly biased. That being said, you can only hire a web design company if you can actually afford to. If you don’t have the money yet to hire someone, then designing your own website may be the only option for now. In many cases, having a basic website with helpful content is better than having no website at all. 


    Anyways, let's get to it - a few points to bear in mind during the design of your website.


    My desk is definitely this tidy.


    Design

    Design is not something you can pick up in an afternoon. (Maybe a few afternoons?) Without an understanding of design, you could get it wrong. Your competitors on the other hand, might choose to hire a professional web designer and avoid the mistakes.

    It's about:
    • User experience
    • How it looks
    • How it makes people feel
    • How it makes people act
    • The character of your business
    • Your message to the world

    You could end up saving yourself a lot of time and hassle by getting a professional to help you create something that looks well-designed and established.


    SEO Knowledge
    Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) is an ever changing landscape. It's the constant battle to keep your website being found on search engines and most importantly to keep you above your competitor listings when potential customers search for your services. Search engines change their rules all the time and what worked last month might not work this month.

    We've been helping clients with SEO for years and still (like a lot of aspects in this industry), we are learning more efficient ways to get the best result. SEO requires constant listening, watching and testing to see what’s changed with Google and the other search engines.

    Some key technologies in the world of SEO:

    These are the basic fundamentals of SEO and so if they look alien, either get reading or get in touch with a web designer. We plan to release an article soon with a quick overview of these technologies, so keep an eye out for that.


    You are not your customer
    You live and breathe your business everyday and it’s fair to say you know your customers. We like to think we’re the same.

    The problem is that when you’re so involved with running the business, it’s sometimes difficult to see things from your customers’ perspective. It’s difficult to imagine what it might look like seeing your website for the first time, by a prospect for example. This is known as 'the curse of knowledge'.

    That’s where a professional designer can help. They can see the things you’ve missed because they are looking from a different direction. Here are a few common mistakes caused due to this 'curse':

    • No prominent contact details
    • No clear call to action
    • No statement explaining succinctly what it is you do

    Not every web designer will consider how your site will lead to more contact and sales because they may just be focused on creating a website for you. So admittedly this point you could look at as a possible benefit of creating your own website - you know what you want from it.

    We are a little different. Here at Ostratto, your interests are our interests. Everything that comes out of our door is with our principles in mind, and they exist only to boost your business.


    You might need help along the way
    Building a website isn't a walk in the park. You might be able to pull something basic together with some guides and the power of YouTube but what happens if something goes wrong?

    A web designer would take care of all this for you. You won’t need to fix anything or find answers to complex tech questions. We do everything for you. We've spent years educating ourselves on the technicalities of designing websites and have come across plenty of problems and solutions over that time. There’s not really any need for you to do the same.

    However, that being said, here are some fantastic resources for web design tips:



    The right tools for the job
    Like any creative skill it requires a number of tools to ensure the job is done correctly. If you don’t have these tools and/or know how to use them, then you might not get the result you’re hoping for. Here are a list of tools we use to build successful websites:

    • Adobe Photoshop
    • Adobe Illustrator
    • Google Search Console
    • Google Analytics
    • G Suite
    • Rank Tracking Software
    • Competitor analysis software
    • Landing page software

    These tools can be expensive but they are necessary. Especially if you want to create high impact websites for users that perform well in search engines.

    It took us a few years to learn how to use these tools and even longer to use them effectively.


    LOTS of time
    Learning to build a website from scratch can take a long time, especially if you aren’t very technical. Even if you’re using some super-simple website design tool you may need to do a lot tweaking to get it right. Not to mention all the image editing and resizing to make it look good and load quickly. You will also need time moving forward to update the website often to keep it fresh and looking professional enough to show to the world.

    Time is money and whilst you’re learning how to build a website, you’re not managing or marketing the business.




    Time - you are going to need it.


    Your competitors
    Even if you do have the time to create your own website, there is a high chance your competitor has paid a pro. If they have paid for a professional website to be designed and you haven’t, the likelihood is that theirs will work better.

    If you are trying to stand out then you’ll want to a high quality website that looks better than your competition.


    My tuppence
    I know it’s tempting to try and design a website yourself, even more tempting when drag and drop software now looks so easy. Considering the points I’ve covered above, think carefully whether or not you have the time, the skills and the patience to create a showstopping website. Quite a few of our current clients have asked us to build their website after they tried to do it themselves.

    At some point you’re going to have to pay a professional. It’s up to you whether you do it now or later.

    Get in touch with us today for a friendly, no pressure chat about what we can do for you. And if we think you don't need to pay for a website yet - we'll tell you.

    ]]>    Tue, 21 Jan 2020 14:37:07 +0000    <![CDATA[Free email: It's not good business]]>https://www.ostratto.com/blogs/post/free-email-bad-businessFree email hosting and why it isn't good enough for any serious business.]]>
    @gmail.com, @yahoo.com, @live.com, all touted as FREE email addresses. Great for a new business that wants to keep costs down right? Let's have a look at why your business should stay clear of a free email address.

    With email communications being a key tool for your business, it’s important to make sure that your credibility surrounds that communication and that your email address is one that speaks 'professionalism'. After all, it’s for business.


    When people see your Email address, if you have a Yahoo or Gmail account, you may be giving the impression that you are not as serious about your business as you should be. It's all about the perception, especially for a small business. Free email addresses definitely serve a purpose but when it comes to your business, you should steer clear of anything that takes away from your credibility and potentially detracts from your professional reputation.

    "It's all about the perception, especially for a small business."


    Let's dig into what exactly is 'wrong' about using a free email service for your business. All of these points are assumptions on the customers behalf and for the most part theoretical.


    It's unprofessional

    When people see an email account that is from a free service, they may assume that you are reluctant to spend money and therefore the products and services that you offer may not be of the highest quality. How people perceive you and your business is critical to the success of your business. Having a free email address may make those who are considering doing business with you think twice before they enter into a relationship with you. As easy way to remedy this is by registering your business domain name so that can have business emails. Our partners have confirmed to us that since using professional email addresses they have been treated as a much more established business than they did before. You may see that this will open up a large amount of new business opportunities for you and your business - and at such a small cost.


    No domain? No business investment

    Registering your domain name is very inexpensive and so if you don’t register yours, it will be seen as a direct lack of investment into the business. Customers may wonder where else money has been saved on your business. This of course also spreads to the perception that your products or services are of inferior quality.


    Are you here to stay?

    So you aren't investing in one of the most inexpensive purchases a business can make and so the question may come up in the minds of potential clients as to whether your business will actually be around in the long term.

    The people with whom you do business need to totally trust that you will always work with their best interest in mind. It needs to be seen that you are willing to invest their hard-earned money so they the customer can trust that your business will be around for a very long time. Having a legitimate business email address and email system will help them to feel comfortable with that and it's a very evident investment into your business.


    'Free' means 'No technical support'
    When you are using a free email service, and your email goes down, to use a popular phrase "Who You Gonna Call?!” 

    Well Google or Microsoft won’t be answering your phone call and millions of others when they are having problems. They would go out of business if they did that for free. With a true email hosting service, you will very often get technical support (you certainly would with us). So, if your email service stops working at that critical time, and remember in running a business communication is a top priority - you will be able to get the help you need.


    It's not for a business
    Although a free email address might be enough for your business now, it will definitely not be in time. The free email services offer a consumer-grade set of products and so the clever features offered in a business-standard email platform are immediately missed out on. Basic features such as mailbox sharing (instead of all using the same set of logins, read: major security risk) or even email deliverability authentication (this is a measure to ensure that your emails are actually delivered to your recipients and not to their spam folder).

    Your business services need to be able to scale actively with your business success. You don't need the stress, and potential downtime, of having to change email services when you get busy - trust us.


    You are missing out
    Using your domain name in your email address is similar to how product placement is used in the movies to get people to remember that product even after the movie is over.

    When you use your business domain name in your email communications, you are continually presenting your company name over and over again. It’s like free marketing. And if you don’t take this opportunity to market your own business, and you use a free email service like Gmail, you are essentially putting a sign for somebody else’s business over your front door. In other words, you are advertising for Gmail and not your own business. Granted Google appreciates the free advertising and they do offer some fantastic products, but you shouldn’t be doing that for Google. They have a much larger advertising budget than you likely do!

    If your email has your domain name in the email address, you are cementing the name of your company into your potential customer’s mind. Do this over and over again and the customer will remember your company before any other company when they are about to buy your products or services.


    A custom domain is a pretty cheap billboard...


    In Closing

    It's worth spending a small amount of money so that you can register your domain and so that the perception that other people have of your business is one of credibility and trustworthiness. 


    It is also important to remember that nothing in life is really free. You may not always know when you sign up what the price is going to be. Generally the cost of a business email system is a lot less than the cost of a customer facing issues anywhere from deliverability problems to customer service problems (because your email has gone to your customers spam folder). The relationships that you share with your clients should not be short ones but should endure for a very long time - invest in your business email system to show that you will be around for a long time.



    To find out more and to get started with professional email addresses, let's chat, we're all ears.
    ]]>    Thu, 26 Dec 2019 17:42:28 +0000