Monday, July 25, 2016

GXA Quarterly Update

GXA had a very exciting second quarter. We welcomed new team members and clients, announced a new Tech of the Quarter and participated in Voly in the Park. 

Security Tips for Online Fundraising

Online fundraising efforts have become more popular over the last few years and nonprofit organizations are smart to take advantage of the ease of gathering support, sharing their cause and promoting donations. However, as more and more people become comfortable with online donations, security breaches are also becoming more common. This leaves room for concern for both nonprofit organization and donors about the security of online fundraising websites.

Integrating IT with Business Strategy


When it comes to business strategy, most executives know to include operations, sales and marketing. But they miss a core component to their strategic initiatives and that is the IT department. Too many executives see IT as a support team when in fact when incorporated in key decisions, the IT department can be a key driver of strategic decisions and business growth.

Win a FREE Amazon Echo!

Win a FREE Amazon Echo! 
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Security Alert: Data Protection

As most of you may know, many companies are dealing with an ever increasing number of computer infections due to cyber-attacks, malware and viruses. Companies like msn.com, realtor.com, nfl.com, thehill.com and newsweek.com have all been affected. As the frequency of these infections rises so too does the IQ of the criminals producing these viruses. They are getting better about remaining undetected and staying one step ahead of companies like Symantec, TrendMicro, Webroot, Kaspersky and others whose main focus is protecting us from these viruses.

4 Reasons To Upgrade Your Business’ Software and Hardware

Upgrading your businesses software and hardware on a regular basis is more than just a financial decision. Your technology tools can impact all areas of your business. Even in an age when the primary focus is on cloud storage, upgraded hardware and software needs to be a primary concern for businesses. Many CEOs view upgrading business software and hardware as an added expense that is not always necessary. Often these purchases are seen as frivolous however there are many reasons for continual upgrades to your hardware and software.

The Dangers of HTML Attachments, Phishing, and URL Redirection

HTML email attachments have become one of the most popular method scammers can employ to obtain your information. These types of attachments continue to be a hurdle in email security because file extensions like .html and .doc can make it through spam filters.  This tells us that scammers are becoming more sophisticated with their phishing attempts.  HTML attachments may contain malware that can crash your computer or scripts that aid in phishing attempts.  Most of us are aware of malware, but what about phishing?

Increasing Productivity with Skype for Business

At the heart of great teams is great communication
We believe that the heart of productivity is great teamwork, and the heart of great teams is great communication. Productivity today is centered on conversations—sometimes a quick instant message or call, and sometimes a meeting planned in advance including voice, video and content sharing. Office 365 is a world-class productivity service that helps great teams to accomplish great achievements. At the heart of Office 365 Communications is the Skype for Business service connecting your teams with the experience they love, in the Office applications they use every day. With Skype for Business you can simplify your infrastructure with one platform for calling, conferencing, video, and sharing.
Achieve more with a fully integrated communication solution
GXA offers a fully integrated communications solution based on Office 365, our services, and certified hardware to ensure the best experience for your end-users.  We help our clients along all the steps of the productivity improvement journey, starting with deployment planning and roll-out, to making sure your teams are up to speed with the new solution and comfortable enough with the new ways of communication. By leveraging our company’s offering, your teams will be able to communicate like never before using Office 365 and Skype for Business.
Skype for Business voice
Our integrated communications offering helps you take advantage of the following services and capabilities of Office 365 and Skype for Business:
  • Anywhere access – ability to make and receive business calls in the office, at home, or on the road, using your business number on your smartphone, tablet, PC, or desk phone.
  • PSTN Conferencing – provides the flexibility to dial in to a meeting from a traditional phone, in addition to the existing ability to join a meeting with a single click on your PC or mobile device.
  • Skype Meeting Broadcast – makes it easier than ever to produce large virtual meetings for up to 10,000 meeting attendees, who can join from virtually any browser or device (see it in action). Now Skype for Business truly is a single platform for every type of meeting.
  • Cloud PBX – enables companies to eliminate separate PBX systems and transition to the cloud with Office 365 as the center of communications management
  • PSTN Calling – ability to subscribe to Microsoft managed calling plans and phone numbers.
Skype connectivity – Connect, communicate, and collaborate with colleagues, consumers, other businesses, and friends and family—anyone who uses Skype—with both voice and HD video

To learn more about how we help businesses stay technologically ahead of the curve, click here.

The Keys to a Successful Microsoft Office 365 Migration

Microsoft Office 365 Migration is now getting more attention than ever. If you want to get the most out of Microsoft Office 365 Migration you will need to do your research so that you know exactly what you are up against. It’s important that you do not make poor decisions about the actual migration since they often cannot be reversed. Once you learn about it more, though, you will be able to make the important decisions that you need to make for the migration and be able to manage it with ease. Be sure to have a custom plan in place to make sure that things continue to run smoothly, even after you make the migration.

3 Keys to Effective Network Management


Your company’s network is absolutely vital to the daily operations and success of your business. Whether you run a modest start-up or a company with a global reach, your key to it all is the network.

3 Keys to a Successful VoIP Implementation

The difference between a small business owner loving their new VoIP system and hating it really boils down to how it was implemented. A poor implementation can cause all sorts of issues that range from choppy sound quality to unreliable service.

3 Windows 10 Security Tips You Need to Know

You finally installed Windows 10 and are now one of the 70+ million people worldwide who have done the same. You’ve only been using Windows 10 for a day or two now but you’re starting to notice weird things your web browser and Microsoft applications are doing.

Protecting Healthcare Networks from Cyber Crime

Earlier this year Community Health Systems, which operates 206 hospitals across the United State, announced that hackers have broken into their computers and stolen data of 4.5 million patients. Information such as patient names, Social Security numbers, physical addresses, birthday and phone numbers were accessed which put the victims at a risk of identity fraud. The FBI has warned the healthcare industry companies about potential attacks from hacker groups.

6 Ways to Prepare for Business Continuity

Recently we’ve seen some major thunderstorms in the Dallas-Fort Worth area and several areas were left without power. Disasters can often come unannounced and no one is immune to a possible terrorist attack or a computer virus. When a business gets disrupted from an IT standpoint, it can cause major loss and chaos. In order to deal with business disasters, a company must have a business continuity plan (BCP) in place.

How a Managed Service Provider can Help your Business

It’s often very difficult for small and medium businesses to run their business and manage their IT issues on their own. Sometimes, owners just can’t keep up and their business suffers as a result. To avoid this, one of the smartest things you can do is outsource your IT to a Managed Service Provider (MSP).

Why Does My Network Need Regular Monitoring and Maintenance?

One of the biggest and most costly misconceptions that many business owners have is that their networks don’t need regular maintenance. Usually this is because they’ve been fortunate enough to never have encountered a major computer-related disaster, but that’s similar to someone thinking they don’t need to wear a seat belt when driving a car because they’ve never had an accident.

How Secure is your Business?

Security is no longer a “nice to have”, but a must-have. Businesses and governments now have to be more concerned about protecting sensitive data from troublesome viruses that could harm critical infrastructure systems. 

GXA Cares - Nairobi Outreach

GXA Cares ‘Humanitarian Initiative’ sponsors 3-day Medical Camp that treats over 350 street children in the slums of Nairobi. From October 14th through the 16th, 350 street children from the slums of Nairobi were treated, fed and clothed by a medical camp sponsored by GXA Network Solutions. GXA Network Solutions’ president, George Makaye, traveled to Nairobi Kenya and partnered with Joy Divine Children’s organization to organize and facilitate this event.

Is Your Business Ready for the Cloud?

A great deal has been said and written about the subject of cloud computing over the past several years. Many businesses are moving or already have moved to the cloud model, but what about your business?  Is it time to move to the cloud?  The appropriate answer to this difficult question rests firmly on the specific circumstances surrounding your business.

Are you Technology Strategic?

In today’s world of commerce, companies ignore the strategic potential of information technology at their peril. Companies in literally every industry need to consider how—not whether—to use IT as part of a business model that will allow them to thrive and grow.  Not implementing IT as an integral part of a path forward will doom most companies to stagnation, decline and eventual extinction.

Backup & Disaster Recovery for Business

There’s nothing as sickening to a business owner as experiencing a loss of data and discovering that an adequate backup and restoration plan wasn’t in place.  Proper data protection, backup and disaster recovery are crucial for any enterprise, yet many businesses—particularly small ones—are vulnerable to a catastrophic data loss.  Unfortunately, many businesses are unaware of their own susceptibility.

Flat Rate IT Services

Virtually all businesses, regardless of size or industry, have significant information technology (IT) needs.  Unfortunately, many businesses don’t have the technical know-how, the personnel or the manpower to service these needs effectively.  This is where a managed service provider can help.

GXA Networks Solutions lends a hand at “Tech Day” event

CARROLLTON, TX – On Saturday October 27th, GXA Network Solutions President, George Makaye, and IT Service Manager, David Sains, joined over 50 volunteers at Covenant Church’s “Tech Day 2012” event.
On the morning of Saturday September 22, the GXA Cares ‘Technology Empowerment Initiative’ took a big step towards accomplishing one of its major goals of establishing new technology standards through two Kenyan organizations.

How Dallas Real Estate Companies Benefit From IT

Over the past few years there has been a huge amount of turmoil in all parts of the business world. One of the hardest hit of all industries has been real estate. Periods of “boom and bust” have always been an issue, but over the past decade it has been extremely challenging for real estate related businesses to thrive. The best have adapted to the emerging technologies, and used them to great advantage.

3 Ways Managed Services can save Small-Medium Sized Businesses Time & Money


Finding ways to cut your overhead and boost your profitability is essential. However, it can be hard to do. There is good news, though. If you’ve been struggling with IT solutions and services, overpaying with an in-house IT department or battling a damaged, sluggish network, GXA can help you can save time and money.

GXA sponsors Irving Networking Breakfast










GXA sponsored this month’s Irving Small Business Connection Event  “Coffee Break on Main Street” at Glory House in downtown Irving.

The Paperless Office: Learning to Work in the Cloud

Here is a great article on cloud computing in the real estate industry. This industry is an ideal adopter of cloud technology due to obvious needs of mobility and constantly being “plugged in” to see success.