Global IT Communications blog

Wi-Fi Projects

Tony Rare — Thu, 19 Sep 2024 23:41:09 GMT

Here is a list of just a few of our projects worth discussing. Please take a moment to review and let us know if you have questions or need support with your wireless environment. Visit our website here: https://globalit.com/services/wireless-networking-los-angeles/

Romeo Power:

City: Cypress, CA
Employee count: 400
Approximate Size: 240,000 sq. ft.
Building type: Office & warehouse, distribution
Customer type: MSP, Managed Services, Contracted multi-term
Issue Reported: Post-installation heatmap analysis
Identified Issue: Weak coverage resulting in connections dropping
Resolution: Completed a licensed heatmap, identifying multiple improvements outlined in an engineering report.
Global IT was contracted to implement the changes.
Summary: Following the system’s deployment, the client requested an additional heatmap to verify coverage, assess channel utilization, and address potential external interference. The result was 100% service coverage and a satisfied customer.

California Healthcare Alliance of Pasadena:

City: Pasadena, CA
Employee count: 500, 8 x locations
Approximate Size: Multiple buildings
Building Type: Office, Medical
Customer type: MSP, Managed Services, Contracted multi-term
Issue Reported: Heatmap requested to verify coverage and identify any weak areas or interference
Identified Issue: Weak signals were detected in some of the clinics
Resolution: Completed a licensed heatmap, identifying multiple improvements outlined in an engineering report
Global IT was contracted to implement the changes.
Summary: Additional access points were installed in the clinics with weak signals, addressing the issues identified in the heatmap and improving overall coverage.

Fender:

City: Corona, CA
Employee count: 300
Approximate Size: 176,000 sq. ft.
Building type: Office & warehouse, distribution
Customer type: Contract, ongoing, multi-location
Issue Reported: Weak signal and random disconnections
Identified Issue: External interference resulting in connections dropping
Resolution: Completed a licensed heatmap, identifying multiple improvements outlined in an engineering report.
The client implemented the changes
Summary: After implementing the recommended adjustments, the client reported substantial improvements in performance and connectivity. The result was 100% service coverage and a satisfied customer.

Future Foam:

City: Fullerton, CA
Employee count: 150
Approximate Size: 125,000 sq. ft.
Building type: Office & warehouse, distribution
Customer type: Contract
Issue Reported: Heatmap requested to identify weak signal areas
Identified Issue: Weak signals were found in areas where products were stacked above the line of sight to the access points (APs)
Resolution: Completed a licensed heatmap, identifying multiple improvements outlined in an engineering report
The client implemented the changes
Summary: GIT engineers reviewed the report with the client, and the client took the report and applied changes, improving coverage as expected.

Mr. Movember:

City: Los Angeles, CA
Employee count: 100
Approximate Size: 75,000 sq. ft.
Building type: Office & warehouse, distribution
Customer type: Contract
Issue Reported: Disconnections and weak signals in certain building areas
Identified Issue: External interference from the outer area was causing disconnections in areas
Resolution: Completed a licensed heatmap, identifying multiple improvements outlined in an engineering report
The client implemented some but not all recommendations and changes
Summary: A follow-up heatmap confirmed improved signal strength in previously weak areas and highlighted the need to follow GIT wireless engineering recommendations

Top 10 Reasons to Move to the Cloud

Tony Rare — Wed, 24 May 2017 20:59:43 GMT

“You should move your business to the cloud.” You probably hear this a lot, but have no idea what it really means. To be honest, you really should move your business to the cloud. But before we insist on making this change, we feel it is our job to explain to you what the cloud is, why you need to move there and how moving to the cloud will be one of the best decisions you have ever made.

How Do Cloud Services Work?

A standard computer network consists of workstations attached to a server. Companies prefer all data storage to be done on the server for security reasons, and because the server gets its data backed up while the workstations do not. Some companies will force employees to access all application software (Microsoft Office, Salesforce, etc.) from the server to make it easier to update applications and maintain them. But in most networks, there is an unhealthy combination of application software and storage on both the company server and all of the workstations.

The cloud eliminates the need for a server, solves all of your storage problems, and hosts your applications. To get started, you set up your cloud computing service through a third-party provider and create parts of your cloud where all employees can go to get applications and store data, and only certain employees can go to protected, sensitive and confidential information. You only pay for what you need, and you never have to worry about the network going down.

Then you get workstations that connect to the Internet (usually through wireless routers) and everyone accesses the company cloud computing system through a secure Internet connection. You no longer need expensive networking equipment, servers, or additional support personnel. Aside from the cost savings, there are several other good reasons why you should move your company to the cloud. Here are the top 10:

1. The Cloud is Really Flexible

With the cloud, you can start setting up satellite offices anywhere in the world and they can all connect to your company’s cloud service. You can also work with your cloud backup provider to add more services if you need them as you expand, or reduce the number of services you pay for based on changes in your business. The cloud grows with your business, and you don’t have to invest in any extra equipment to add to your network.

2. The Cloud is Secure

Since all of your data and applications are on your cloud service, you know that you will always have access to your data no matter what. If one of your field personnel gets a laptop stolen, not only can you access the data, but you can wipe out any sensitive data so it doesn’t get into the wrong hands.

3. The Cloud is Green

If you are a business with a few hundred employees and a standard computer network, then you are using a lot more energy than you need to. Your air-conditioned server room and all of the energy you use to run your network are causing all kinds of problems for the environment.

With the cloud, you get rid of all of that energy-guzzling equipment and significantly reduce your carbon footprint. This is just one way that the cloud saves you money and helps your company to do something good for the planet.

4. The Cloud is Portable

Because your cloud service is available through a secure network connection, you and your staff can access your data anywhere you can access the Internet. You simply log into your computer and your entire network is available to you. You can even get some work done while you are on vacation, but you should probably clear that with your spouse first.

5. The Cloud Protects Your Data

Does your business have a disaster recovery plan for your data? Do you back-up your data on a regular basis to an offsite and secure location? The cloud is a great way for small businesses to get the kind of data disaster recovery plan that used to only be available to large corporations, but at a fraction of the cost.

With the cloud, your data is stored in a secure facility that backs up your data on a regular basis. Your cloud provider also has offsite storage that makes sure that your data is protected from any kind of potential disaster.

6. The Cloud Unifies Your Data

When you have a standard network, there could be important documents saved on the server and workstations. There may even be versions of those documents on the laptops of field personnel. In the end, your sensitive data is not safe and different parts of your company are getting different versions of the same information.

Cloud storage is done using a centralized system where everyone can access the same document at the same time. You no longer have to worry about people making changes to the information that no one else will see because all of your data is centralized. You can also set up secured parts of your cloud storage that prevent your confidential and sensitive information from getting into the wrong hands.

7. The Cloud Updates Itself

If you use a standard network, then you know the headaches that come with updating software. If you update your network software, then every workstation has to be updated individually. Some applications are on the server, and some are local on the workstations. Updating software becomes an expensive and time-consuming job.

A cloud service updates all of your applications from one central spot, and you don’t need networking software to connect to the cloud. Your cloud provider makes sure your applications are updated and maintained, and you just keep on working.

8. The Cloud Gives You a Competitive Advantage

Simply put, the cloud gives any small business the same kind of comprehensive enterprise software solutions that only large corporations could afford in the past. If you want your business to have a competitive advantage through the use of the latest enterprise application, then move your business to the cloud.

9. The Cloud Improves Your Cash Flow

When you move to the cloud, you no longer need to spend money on expensive equipment. You can put that money back into your cash flow and grow your business. The cloud also prevents you from having to take out loans or take on debt just to keep your computer network running.

10. The Cloud Connects Your Entire Company

Teams do not have to be in the same place at the same time to work on a project. Your teams will be able to do more together and do it better with the ability to access, edit and share documents any time of the day. With the cloud, everyone can talk freely to everyone else and your company can enjoy complete collaboration.

Now is the Time

Cloud technology is constantly being improved and expanded to accommodate more business needs. If your company is not on the cloud, then you are wasting money, preventing innovation, and slowing growth. Instead of sticking with the standard networking tools you know, it is time to talk to evaluate your options and find out just how much more your company could be doing if it was using a cloud solution.

To discuss moving to managed cloud service, please visit https://globalit.com/services/cloud-services/cloud-managed-data-center/ or contact us at (877) 822-5565.

Online Content Thought Process

Tony Rare — Wed, 15 Jun 2016 19:53:02 GMT

1. Is the content relevant?

When adding new content, one must be sure that it has a purpose and is not a random addition that will clutter the page. The addition must fall under the correct category for the page it is on. It must be appropriate for what is happening and the circumstances that surrounds this information.

2. Does this sound helpful or like a sales pitch?

It is important to look at the information being added from the clients’ perspective. This does not mean the content of the message must be changed, but how it is said must be looked at. If a consumer is reading the information they do not want to feel like they are constantly being sold something. A reader will stop reading if they do not understand what is being said. Because of this, content must be helpful and easy to understand so the client feels like their needs are being met.

3. Is this new information being beneficial?

The website already has a lot of content. This means when thinking about adding more content, one must think about if this new information is necessary. Does this new content make the website or page better? Is it necessary that this is being said and is it being said in a concise and effective way? These are things needing to be considered before adding more to the page.

4. Is this the best way to say it?

Wording is a very important factor in any content. The way a sentence is written can really make a difference. On a site like this the best thing to do is make the phrasing of a sentence effective with minimum words.

5. Is the content free of errors?

This is the most common mistake and the one most easily found. People who are really reading this site will find errors in the content and may find a mistake unprofessional and sloppy. In order to keep the content in the best form, content must be proofread by multiple people, multiple times before added to the site. This is the case for everything written and published.

6. Is this design mobile friendly?

With a world increasingly dependent on mobile devices, everything published online must be accessible by computer and smartphone. This is a factor looked at by consumers and by google. Commonly, a site is found by a quick search on a phone before continuing on a computer for further research into a company’s page. Being a technological company, it is imperative that all bases are covered in these ways.

Cybersecurity, Encryption & U.S. Congress Policy Overview

Tony Rare — Sun, 29 May 2016 05:15:17 GMT

What would you do if the government said that the contractor who built your home must have a spare set of keys to the home, and there must be a door built on your home that only the contractor could access? Would you feel safe? How would you feel knowing that law enforcement could secretly enter your home any time it wanted simply by serving a warrant on the contractor who built your home?

When you put security in general terms such as the ones above, it sounds silly to mandate that contractors have a key to every home they have built. But in the wake of the iPhone debacle between the F.B.I. and Apple, a new bill in being introduced in Congress is trying to force technology manufacturers to make sure that your data is available to law enforcement, and anyone else who can get a copy of the key to your smartphone’s front door.

This Did Not Start In San Bernardino, California

The terrorist attacks in late 2015 in San Bernardino, California brought the issue of encryption to the forefront because of the very public battle between Apple and the F.B.I. According to the New York Times, government law authorities made 4,000 requests to access information on 16,000 phones in the second half of 2015. The reason the San Bernardino case became so popular is because the government deemed the incident an act of terrorism, and fighting terrorism is a prime concern in the United States.

Under normal circumstances, federal law mandates that technology companies provide information for investigations unless the company feels that providing that information would be harmful in some way. Apple argued that being asked to bypass its own encryption would weaken the security it offers its customers, and that sparked a battle that is still raging.

The Secure Data Act Versus The Compliance With Court Orders Act Of 2016

In 2015, long before any battles over encryption in the media, Senator Ron Wyden and Representative Zoe Lofgren introduced the Secure Data Act to Congress. In a nutshell, the Secure Data Act says that manufacturers cannot be told by any government agency to weaken the security of their products to allow investigators to access encrypted data. The bill is still in draft form in both houses, but it has gained a great deal of support since the battle between Apple and the F.B.I. over San Bernardino.

After the San Bernardino encryption battle was made public, Senators Dianne Feinstein and Richard Burr introduced the Compliance With Court Orders Act of 2016. This act basically says that manufacturers must create ways to bypass their own encryption, or have a method for storing user data so that it can be turned over to investigators. This is the legal version of the contractor with a key to your house example we started with. This bill is also in draft form, and it is causing a lot of controversy, but having problems gaining real traction.

The Core Of The Debate

What this debate boils down to is that some factions in the government want to force manufacturers to make user data accessible, and other factions want to preserve privacy. If the Compliance With Court Orders Act is passed, companies like Google would have to redesign products such as Gmail to make user data accessible. Right now, Google cannot read user emails at all unless Google has access to a user’s computer. If this bill becomes law, Google and anyone else who can get past the weakened Gmail encryption could read any user’s email.

If the new compliance bill becomes law, then user data could be exposed at levels that the lawmakers may not realize. A disgruntled Google employee could wind up selling data from millions of Gmail address, or a terrorist could access an iPhone to get all of the personal data that phone contains. As it stands right now, it is almost impossible for tech companies to access encrypted data, and that is what makes the data so safe. If things start to change, then there could be major issues with privacy that users may not realize until it is too late.

Best Computer Support!

Tony Rare — Fri, 08 Apr 2016 23:31:47 GMT

Global IT won the award of Best Computer Support presented by The Whittier Area Chamber of Commerce & City of Whittier.

Recognized at ‘Spotlight on the Whittier Chamber’ Annual Installation and Awards Ceremony on April 7 at the Ruth B Shannon Center of the Performing Arts.

Global IT’s President, Tony Willimas, VP of Marketing, Jayme Williams and Marketing Administrator, Stephanie Downs; attended the event and received the award.

“It’s an honor win Best Computer Support and to be recognized as the best by our local community and clients. A huge thank-you to everyone who voted for us, it’s a privilege to receive such an award.” Tony said.

The evening was filled with networking, food stations and there was even a cocktail hour.

All award winners were nominated and voted for by the local Whittier community.

The Global IT team thanks everyone who voted and is honored to be Best Computer Support for 2016.

5G Closer Than you think

Tony Rare — Tue, 05 Apr 2016 19:26:26 GMT

From a technology standpoint, 2017 looks like it is going to be the start of another revolution. In 1991, many people thought mankind had reached the pinnacle of technology with the introduction of the mobile phone. But as we know now, that was only the tip of a very big iceberg.

With the introduction of the first widely available 1G network in 1991, the foundation was laid for making the Internet of Things (IoT) a reality. But first, we need wireless Internet network to get us there. That network is 5G.

What Is The Internet Of Things?

The IoT allows a car to talk to a parking ramp to determine if there are any parking spaces available, and it allows a streetlight to let the city’s works department know when a bulb is out. The goal that connectivity experts have is to create a world where everyone and everything can talk to each other about whatever they want or need to say. It will help to speed up commerce, advance medicine, and make the world a better place. But in order for the IoT to be a reality, the world needs 5G.

What Is 5G?

Right now, the world operates under a 4G network that allows communications to operate at speeds that are 10 times faster than the old 3G networks. In theory, 5G will expand the bandwidth and speed of 4G by 100 times. It will utilize radio frequencies and static signals to create a wireless network that will offer a capacity increase for data and communications by between 30 and 50 times larger than anything we have now. In short, 5G will enable the world and everything in it to be able to talk to each other in real time.

Didn’t We Just Get 4G?

MarketStrategies.com shows us that the appearance of 5g at this point in history is not unusual. A full 4G network was introduced around 2010, and a new network upgrade has been occurring every 10 years like clockwork. But 5G represents more than just an upgrade to the existing cellular network. It is a complete overhaul of the existing system that will use bandwidth that had previously been out of range for cell companies to utilize.

Another reason it is important to implement 5G as soon as possible is because the needs of the cellular communications industry are exceeding the abilities of the existing networks. Technology is advancing at a pace well beyond what mankind is used to, and 5G has to happen soon in order to meet the needs of a rapidly growing industry.

So When Do We Get 5G?

Companies like AT&T are a little more optimistic about the general availability than others. AT&T insists that 5G will be available in 2017, but that is only part of the truth. The implementation of 5G will begin in late 2016, but it will not be completed until 2020. Between 2016 and 2020, there will be sub-versions of the 4G network (4.25, 4.50, 4.75, etc.) that will lead up to the final 5G network.

Communications experts are expecting the 5G network to undergo a constant stream of updates and upgrades, so it is quite possible that we will not ever see a finished version of the 5G network. But it does look like your car will be talking on its own to the parking ramp at work by 2020.

Technology must keep evolving if it is going to meet the growing demands of mankind. The fully-operational 5G represents only the beginning of a world where man and machine may wind up living together in harmony. If you think about it, the whole idea sounds like an interesting science fiction movie. But the exciting part is that it is all going to become reality.

Security Protection: Top Concern for Mobile Payments

Tony Rare — Tue, 05 Apr 2016 18:38:21 GMT

The Federal Reserve Board estimates that 87 percent of all American adults own a cell phone and 71 percent of those phones are Internet-enabled smartphones. The convenience of mobile access to the Internet means that more users are going to start shopping through their phones, and the numbers show that the trend is increasing. In 2012, smartphone users who used their phones for online banking was at 29 percent, which grew to 33 percent in 2013 and then to 39 percent in 2014. It is time that consumers took their mobile computing security seriously.

Paying For Products Online Is Going Mobile

In 2014, smartphone users who used their phones to make mobile payments for products or services was at 28 percent. Of these payments, 68 percent were to pay recurring monthly bills. The number of smartphone users who make point-of-sale purchases with their smartphones each year has remained steady at around 40 percent. But as mobile payment options become more popular, that number will start to rise.

The Problems with Paying Through Your Mobile Phone

Smartphone users often believe that using their phone is safer for paying bills, bank transfers and buying products rather than a computer. The truth is that your smartphone uses the same Internet as your desktop, and you have to be vigilant to keep your information safe.

When you pay a utility bill or buy a product through your smartphone, you are exposing your bank and vendor information to anyone who may be trying to tap into your connection to steal your data. While smartphones may be convenient to pay bills and buy products online, you still need to protect yourself from people who are on the lookout to steal personal identities and financial information.

Protect Yourself When Using Your Smartphone

According to Bank of America, securing your smartphone screen with a strong password makes it difficult for criminals to get into your phone when connected to the Internet. Some banks and online vendors offer the ability to log into your accounts without having to expose your personal information. You should consider starting accounts with these types of business websites.

U.S. News and World Report recommends turning off the option on your phone that automatically connects to the closest cellular or WiFi Internet connection to prevent connecting to unsecured networks. You should also change your passwords frequently for all of your accounts to prevent criminals from becoming familiar with your accounts.

As more people start using their mobile phones to pay bills and buy products, the need to protect your phone is essential. Global IT offers a full computer security package with mobile phone protection services to keep your smartphone protected from criminals. The package protects against harmful malware and viruses, and covers multiple devices from your mobile phone to your computer or tablet.

Savings on IT Costs Guaranteed

Tony Rare — Mon, 28 Mar 2016 22:25:20 GMT

Looking to save on IT costs? We have the solution for you.

At Global IT we guarantee to cut your IT expenses or we pay the difference.

Global IT Guarantee
We guarantee a high-quality service and 100% satisfaction.

If you’re not satisfied, we don’t expect you to pay.

We know our products are more than the highest quality, they also work to save you money.

At the end of the year, if we don’t cut your costs and improve your IT, you won’t be at a loss. Just let us know and we will provide a refund, no questions asked.

We are all about making our customers happy, even if that means we don’t get paid.

Satisfied customers

We’re proud of our reputation with our customers, with some as loyal to us for over 21+ years.

From the moment you sign up, expect a long-lasting beneficial relationship.

We guarantee you will be completely satisfied with our services because we believe you deserve the best.

Why take our word for it?

How it works

Simply show us your total spending for 2015 and what services you used. Include phone, internet, IT whatever you want.

Our team will analyze your current infrastructure, present to you our IT solutions, and work with your vendors to save you money.

If we don’t cut your expenses, we will make up for the difference.

Half your IT spending today!

Global IT for Best Computer Support!

Tony Rare — Wed, 23 Mar 2016 00:05:34 GMT

Pleasured to announce, that Global IT has been nominated for Best Computer Support in the Best of the Best Awards held by the Whittier Chamber.

We got nominated last year, but never received an award… help us make it this year!

It’s super easy and takes 2 minutes to do.

1. Go to www.whittierchamber.com/bestofthebest/ then follow these instructions.

When You Supply Google With Internet...

Tony Rare — Mon, 21 Mar 2016 17:22:08 GMT

Global IT had the pleasure of working along side one of the biggest tech giants of all time, Google.

Friday last week, Google held Let’s Put Whittier on the Map and needed our high speed fiber internet to connect its guests online.

Global IT Technician Shaun installing wireless internet antenna.

A few weeks leading up to the event Google contacted us, explaining how they were holding an event in our hometown and needed a hand with internet services. We were happy to help.

Our technicians set up an AirFiber X Antenna on our office roof facing in the direction of the venue, the Raddison Hotel. This wasn’t an ordinary antenna, it advances in noise isolation and beam performance, perfect for Point-to-point (PtP) bridging. This allowed us to bridge the gap between the two buildings by sending out our internet to the hotel.

Whittier Locals completing online workshops.

The conference was a success with all 80 guests connecting online at once to complete workshops. Topics covered were how to grow your business online, get found on google search and maps, along with how to build your free website.

Google has been hosting Let’s Put Our Cities On the Map around the country since 2011. The purpose of the free program is to help small businesses establish themselves online to increase their customer base.