Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) is a supervisory level software program that can be used to organize and manage many daily functions in an organization. These processes can include operations as diverse as project management, accounting, materials procurement, risk management, and compliance, and even supply chain enhancements. Full-service ERP suites may also include performance management software that can help plan and budget, and prepare financial reports.

2020 has presented all of us with challenges, especially those in the world of IT. Now in 2021, companies will be able to better prepare and plan for the future. 

As if the challenges of COVID-19 weren’t enough, Ransomware has become an increasing threat to business in 2020. (see our January 2020 blog). NOT paying a ransom to regain access to your files has always been the recommended option, providing all precautions have been taken to backup critical information. A new incentive has now been put in place by the Federal Government to discourage the paying of the ransom. Many of these ransomware hackers are not simply individuals looking for a quick buck but are well-established criminal organizations in countries regarded as enemies of the Western World or the United States.

MFA (Multi-factor Authentication) is a method to ensure authorized access to a file or application. MFA requires the user to provide two or more verification factors to gain access to a resource. MFA should be a basic component of any security policy. MFA doesn’t limit attempted access to the use of a username and password. It also requires one or more additional verification factors, which decreases the likelihood of unauthorized use or cyberattack.

VDI refers to the use of virtual machines to provide and manage virtual desktops. These desktop environments are hosted on a centralized server which directs them to end-users on request. 

In VDI, a high-level supervisor program, called a hypervisor divides central servers into virtual machines that then act as the host for virtual desktops. Users can then access remotely from their devices. Access to these virtual desktops can be from any device or location since all processing is done on the host server. Users connect to their desktop through a software-based gateway that acts as a liaison between the user and the server.