In a competitive business environment, it's more important than ever to keep customers happy. You need a proactive, customer-centric help desk and an in-depth and helpful knowledge base sitting alongside that.

Not only does this help customers when things go wrong, but it also makes it easier for them to use a product. Customers are happier when they can access everything they need without requiring assistance from a help desk.

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Now more than ever, data governance is crucial to effective management and decision-making within enterprise organizations. 

Data governance is a process and set of principles whereby a company manages data availability, security, integrity, and usability within systems, software, and databases.

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Intro (what is the "cloud" in data management)

Data in the cloud - it is probably a term you have heard before - but do you know what it means or its function? The cloud can be a confusing concept for those used to older technological practices like storing data on USB sticks and hard drives or printing and storing documents in a filing cabinet. While old-school forms of data management might work for you and your organization, the truth is, the world has moved on. According to data collected by Hosting Tribunal, 94% of enterprises already use a cloud service of some kind today, with that number only expected to continue growing. 

The cloud is the way of the present and the future. Storing data in the cloud is both more efficient and more secure. With so many individuals and enterprises already using some form of this technology, it is likely just a matter of time until you will need to ditch that USB stick or external hard drive for good. 

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An organization's business processes demonstrate its existence. Whether a company is a start-up or a worldwide corporation with several operating centers, efficient and painless business processes are essential to success. What methods do you use to understand business processes to help improve the efficiency and effectiveness of your operations? 

Enter the Business Process Map (BPM). Process mapping can aid in understanding a process from beginning to end.

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In April 2021, Colonial Pipeline, representing critical regional gas supply and fuel infrastructure, was severely disrupted by a ransomware attack. The company's billing and business infrastructure were targeted, resulting in a $4.4 million dollar ransom payment in bitcoin. The ripple effects of the attack caused panic buying and gas shortages in many states along the East Coast of the United States, not to mention dangerous chaos among residents. This all may have been avoided if the firm had adequate or stronger cybersecurity measures in place. This example, among many others, serves as a reminder that no one organization or person is safe from a potential cyber-attack. Oftentimes the best defense is being well-prepared for the inevitable.

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What is a Knowledge Base?

A Knowledge Base (KB) is a crucial part of knowledge management in any business. It is a collection of information that is organized and accessible to employees so they can find what they need on-demand. In this blog post, we will discuss the benefits of knowledge bases and how they can help improve IT management and online library services.

Benefits of Knowledge Management

The following are some primary knowledge management system benefits:

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The ITIL Guru sat at his desk, looking over the latest monthly IT performance summary. Since he was the Continuous Improvement Practice advisor, he tried to make sense of it. The phone rang.

"Good morning. How may I help you?"

"Hi, Guru. I am the new CIO, Bill. I met with the executive board today. After investing in an ITSM (IT Service Management) tool and ITIL 4 Foundation training, the board is concerned that our IT performance has not significantly improved. I understand that you came to our company with a lot of ITIL experience. Do you have any insights?"

"I was reviewing the performance summary when you called. You are right, and the reports do not show a significant change. There is only one reason for such an overall result. We have not fully embraced ITIL through roles and responsibilities."

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The ITIL Guru sat at his desk, looking over the latest monthly help desk performance summary. Since he was the Continuous Improvement Practice advisor, he tried to make sense of it. The phone rang.

"ITIL Guru. How may I help you today?"

"Hi Guru, this is Kevin from the help desk. I wonder if you had some time to discuss my help desk monthly performances reporting?"

"Your timing is perfect, Kevin. Can you come to my office now? I have free time this afternoon."

"I am on my way."

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Nowadays, more than ever before, we are reminded to stay on top of our hygiene. Whether it is frequently washing our hands, sanitizing work stations, or keeping our distance from others, regular practice is key to preventing illness.

As we develop routines to keep ourselves physically clean, it is important to ensure that we also do not neglect the regular protocols that our technology demands. From computers to mobile phones and everything in-between, in 2021 there were approximately 11.3 billion connected devices worldwide. This number is forecast to grow to 27.1 billion by 2025. These very devices are often home to our most sensitive data. Keeping these items safe from hackers, viruses, and malfunctions requires regular upkeep. With this in mind, we have a few important considerations for building out a new or stronger "immune" system for your cybersecurity hygiene plan.

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