In today's hyper-connected and highly competitive business landscape, providing excellent customer support is more critical than ever. The rise of the Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) model has changed the way companies deliver their products and services, with many customers now expecting instant and responsive support through various channels.

Whether you are a SaaS provider, an enterprise-level company, or a small business, customer satisfaction should always be a top priority.

But what exactly does it take to excel in customer support as a service?

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In most organizations, there's an extensive "shadow IT" network, also known as a shadow IT system.

In every mid-size and large organization, there's usually an extensive interconnected network of approved software solutions and systems. In some cases, these software or hardware solutions are proprietary and have been developed exclusively for that organization.

However, since the turn of the century, there has been rapid proliferation of cloud-based software, hardware, apps, and other systems that organizations are now using. Businesses are often spending anywhere from tens to hundreds of thousands of dollars annually on software, hardware, and IT vendors and IT Service Management (ITSM) partners.

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The cloud is so much more than new-era data storage. It has grown to offer services of all kinds to businesses, healthcare organizations, educational faculties, and more. You may already be familiar with "Software as a Service" or the SaaS meaning. While that is a well-known expansion of cloud as a service, there are many other acronyms you may be unaware of. Each acronym reflects another capable service of the cloud — one or more of which may be of value to you and your organization. Continue reading as we have created a master listing of each service related to today's cloud technology.

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What Does TCO Stand For?

As everyday consumers, we often consider price one of the top indicators to justify a purchase. When we say "price," we mean the sticker price, but rarely do we factor in other costs involved with maintaining a product. The same goes for organizations. They are often home to various software and services with an upfront cost. That upfront cost is likely an attractive number, strategically formulated to obtain a signed service agreement. Licenses and maintenance fees associated with the purchase are usually a small component of the overall total cost of ownership (TCO). Where actual costs can begin to pile up are in the areas of labor to maintain software, infrastructure, and hardware.

Calculating true total ownership cost can be a tedious process, though it is necessary. Before sending your IT team out to solicit new SaaS products, be sure they have a standardized template of data to look for beyond the sticker price.

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Those working as mental health providers over the last decade have experienced a shift in how tools are used to help their practices. This is true for both large mental health facilities and solo practitioners. Electronic health record (EHR) tools along with electronic medical record (EMR) tools have made many processes easier for mental health professionals, whether they be behavioral health, therapy, counseling EHRs, or any number of mental health categories.

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Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) were already popular amongst numerous organizations and sectors before the pandemic. Now, with remote and hybrid work so widespread, companies need to be even more conscious of the way they allow employees and contractors to access files and internal systems.  You may ask "Do VPN's really work?" Continue reading to find out.

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One of the top ways to promote self-improvement is through reading books. Often written by experts or those with knowledge in a particular field, they can be great resources when looking for fresh perspectives on existing or emerging technologies and trends. So, whether you're at work, at your local cafe, or home after a long day, kick back and relax by adding these technology-related books to your 2022 reading list.

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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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When it comes to technology, an asset management system should be an important part of any IT professional's "toolbox", serving a wide variety of purposes. It can help an organization discover efficiencies in its technology lineup. It can help to regulate maintenance schedules and even help IT professionals uncover additional uses for certain devices.

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