XC360

09/12/2025

: Wanna know a secret?

02/10/2025

Update now!

04/08/2024

I’m a big fan of Microsoft Teams, but I thought this was pretty cool.

Zoom is testing a brand-new feature: Workflow Automation. It’s a no-code tool that’s designed to save time by automating repetitive tasks that eat up your day. You can set up automations using a simple drag-and-drop interface right in Zoom’s Workplace app.

If you’re a team leader needing daily project updates, for example, with Workflow Automation, you could create a recurring message that automatically posts in Zoom chat, asking for team status updates. The tool can also introduce new team members to your channels or streamline time-off requests.

Zoom’s Workflow Automation is similar to tools available in Microsoft Teams, like Power Automate. And just like Teams can integrate with other Microsoft tools such as Outlook and SharePoint, Zoom's new feature also connects with third-party apps like Google Drive and Microsoft Outlook. That means you can create smooth workflows across different platforms, enhancing productivity and collaboration.

Zoom is already known for its powerful videoconferencing, but it’s expanding its capabilities with chat, whiteboards, note-taking, and room-booking tools. Now, with Workflow Automation, Zoom is stepping up to offer even more, hoping to keep up with what you might find in Microsoft’s ecosystem.

This feature is currently in beta and free for paid Zoom customers. We’ll have to wait and see what the future rollout will be.

If you’re keen to try something like this without subscribing to Zoom, let me show you what Teams has to offer. Get in touch.

Zoom is continuing to expand its digital workplace tools with a no-code automation feature.

03/08/2024

It’s never been more obvious that a strong IT infrastructure is crucial for success. It powers operations, supports employees, and keeps data secure. But how do you know when it's time for an upgrade? Here are five clear signs:

Frequent downtime: Is your business regularly disrupted by server crashes or network outages? Frequent downtime can mean lost productivity and revenue. If system outages are becoming common, your infrastructure is struggling to keep up.

Slow performance: Are your employees complaining about sluggish computers or delayed responses? Slow performance can hinder productivity and frustrate customers. If your systems are taking forever to load, it’s a red flag that your infrastructure may be outdated.

Security breaches: Frequent security breaches are a glaring sign that your IT systems are vulnerable. Outdated systems can't handle new cyber threats. Enhancing your security with the latest software, firewalls, and encryption can protect your business.

Lack of scalability: If your systems can't handle increased demand, new services, or additional users, you have scalability issues. Cloud solutions and modular systems can provide the flexibility needed to scale efficiently.

High maintenance costs: Spending loads repairing and maintaining old equipment? High maintenance costs indicate inefficiency. Investing in newer tech can reduce maintenance costs and improve overall efficiency.

Need a hand making your infrastructure work harder for you? Get in touch.

In this article, we'll explore five telltale signs that your IT infrastructure might be due for an overhaul.

02/08/2024

Ever used a video to train your newest hire? Google's DeepMind team is doing just that. They're teaching robots by having them watch videos, thanks to Google's Gemini 1.5 Pro AI model.

These robots watch videos of homes or offices to learn their way around and carry out tasks. With Gemini 1.5 Pro's ability to process tons of information at once, the robots are becoming quite the helpers. They can complete more than 50 different instructions with a 90% success rate in real-world tests.

I can’t help but think about the potential.

Robots could soon help with chores at home or even assist with more complex tasks at work. They can navigate to a refrigerator, check for a specific drink, and let you know if it's there – all by watching a simple video. It's like an assistant that learns by observation.

While these AI-powered robots aren't hitting the market just yet (they still take about 30 seconds to process each task), the progress is fascinating. Integrating AI like Gemini 1.5 Pro into robotics could revolutionise industries like healthcare, shipping… just about anything.

So, next time you're training a new team member, just imagine a robot learning the same way by watching a video.

What’s the first thing you’d teach a robot to do at work?

'Watching' videos helps robots learn to navigate and complete tasks

01/08/2024

On the 1st of August 1986, Apple discontinued the Macintosh XL, marking the end of the Apple Lisa computer platform. This might seem like a blast from the past, but it holds valuable lessons for today's business owners.

Back in January 1985, while the Macintosh line was soaring, the Lisa struggled with sales. Apple’s innovative response? They transformed the Lisa 2/10 into the Macintosh XL, combining the best of both worlds. This hybrid machine ran the Macintosh operating system, allowing Apple to salvage and repurpose their advanced technology for greater success.

The Lisa's story is a powerful reminder for businesses about the importance of adaptability and leveraging existing assets. While it didn't hit the market as intended, its technology laid the groundwork for future innovations.

Apple’s strategic pivot with the Macintosh XL showcases how repurposing resources can lead to breakthroughs and continued growth.

Today, we celebrate the pioneering spirit of the Lisa and the lessons it offers in resilience and innovation. What’s an example of when you decided to embrace change and turn a challenge into an opportunity?

August 1, 1986 Apple discontinues production of the Macintosh XL, effectively ending the life of the Apple Lisa computer platform. In January of 1985, the Macintosh line of computers was gaining momentum but the Lisa line of computers was not selling well. In order to salvage what they could from th...

31/07/2024

I presume you heard about the problematic update from cyber security company CrowdStrike, which caused major disruption globally? Millions of Windows PCs were caused to continuously reboot due to Blue Screen of Death errors.

While CrowdStrike and Microsoft have provided official guides to recover from this mess, cyber criminals are swooping in to exploit the situation.

Here’s what’s happening: Cyber criminals are distributing a malicious file named crowdstrike-hotfix .zip, which they claim will fix the problem. But instead, the file contains harmful malicious software (malware). This tactic is all too common. Cyber criminals love to strike when panic and urgency are high, tricking people into downloading malware disguised as helpful tools.

In addition to this fake fix, phishing campaigns are rampant. Criminals are sending fake emails posing as CrowdStrike support, making phone calls pretending to be CrowdStrike employees, and even posing as independent researchers offering recovery scripts.

To stay safe, always connect with CrowdStrike representatives through official channels and follow the technical guidance provided by CrowdStrike and Microsoft. Avoid downloading any unsolicited files or clicking on suspicious links.

The same goes for any other company you deal with if you have any concerns about the authenticity of their emails.

In the meantime, if you need help with keeping your systems safe and secure, get in touch.

While CrowdStrike and Microsoft provided fixes, cybercriminals exploited the situation by spreading malware disguised as a hotfix and launching phishing campaigns targeting CrowdStrike customers.

30/07/2024

Google is adding passkey support to its Advanced Protection Program (APP) - that’s the highest level of security Google offers. Previously, APP required a physical security key, which wasn’t always convenient for everyone. But now people can choose between using a passkey or a physical key.

It’s a great step towards better security measures.

But, what are passkeys and why should you care?

Passkeys are a modern, secure way to log in without needing a traditional password. Instead of typing a password, you can use something you have, like your phone or a fingerprint, making it much harder for cyber criminals to get into your accounts. This is especially important for those at high risk of attack, as well as businesses with a lot of data to protect.

The great thing about passkeys is that they are not only more secure but also more convenient. No more worrying about forgetting passwords or having them stolen. Google has already rolled out passkeys for Android and Chrome, and they’re now available for all Google accounts. As of this year, more than 400 million accounts have used passkeys more than a billion times.

For your business, adopting passkeys can add an extra layer of security, protecting sensitive information and keeping your operations running smoothly. You can set them up easily on the accounts that currently have the option. It’s easy, secure, and a great way to ensure your business data stays safe.

Need a hand with that? My team can help - get in touch.

Google users who enroll in the Advanced Protection Program can now opt to use a passkey for their logins.

29/07/2024

Microsoft recently sent out emails warning some customers about a data breach, but there's a big problem: The emails looked like spam. It’s caused a bit of confusion and concern.

So, what happened?

Microsoft didn’t follow their usual data breach process. Instead of using their secure customer portal, they emailed admins directly. Unfortunately, these emails often end up in spam folders. Even worse, admin accounts should be secure and not used for regular email communications.

Oh, and the emails contained a “secure link” that leads to a domain not immediately recognizable as Microsoft’s, which caused even more alarm. Many people submitted the link to urlscan.io, a service that checks if a website is safe, to verify its legitimacy.

You might be wondering how you can tell if an email like this is spam or legitimate.

First, look at the sender's email address and see if it matches what you’d expect from Microsoft. Check for grammar mistakes or unusual formatting, which are common in spam. Be cautious of any links – you can hover over them without clicking to see where they lead. If they don’t look right, don’t click.

If you’re still unsure, you can contact Microsoft support directly through their official website, or my team will be happy to help. It’s better to be safe and verify the email than to risk a potential scam.

Have you seen one of these emails? And did you think it looked suspicious?

Microsoft was warning users of a recent breach