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Category: Connectivty

GPK Communications Bundle, Your Simple Digital Comms System

Posted on by GPK Group

GPK GROUP has been a market leader in simplifying technology for number of years now.
By ensuring that our solutions meet and surpass the needs of our customers has gone a long way to ensuring our longevity.

We’d like to ask you a simple question, are you keeping up with current communication changes?
If you’re not 100% sure then please read on.

Today we’d like to showcase three elements of communications technology that we’ve pieced together to form the foundation of your modern communications footprint. Not only that we’d like to offer this to you as a fixed price package, based on a simple and easy to manage 36 month offering.

If we look at the building blocks of a current communications platform we need three primary factors, fast and reliable Internet (with no hidden data fees), a scalable Digital Phone System and most importantly a Firewall (even better a Managed Firewall). Often, it’s the Firewall and management of that we see lacking and sadly businesses are paying significant additional costs down the line for this oversight.

We’d like to help you. Please take the time to review what we’ve put together and please reach out if this is of interest.

Connectivity
Reliable internet is the backbone of all new communication solutions.

  • NBN Service
  • Local Support
  • Unlimited Data
  • Up to 100Mbps speed plans

Digital Phone System
Hosted virtual phone system, fully scalable for all business sizes.

  • 2 Phone Lines
  • Call Reporting
  • Conferencing
  • Mobile App

Managed Firewall
Protect your internal network and users with a managed firewall device.

  • Web Filtering
  • Remote Access
  • Site VPN
  • Reporting Capabilities

GPK Communications Bundle – enquire for pricing

Internet Connection | NBN 100
GPK is a complete ‘service’ provider. We provide the connectivity, deliver and install the hardware, configure the VPN and Security requirements and provide QoS (Quality of Service) solutions to ensure business systems are operating at optimum levels and are always online.

NBN 100 is a up to 100Mbps internet service with unlimited data allowance. Speeds on the network are dependent on connected technologies and distance from the network node.

Virtual Phone System | Hosted 3CX
3CX is a global leader in business VoIP and Unified Communications (UC) technology. It offers customers a simple, flexible and affordable solution that dramatically cuts telephony costs and management headaches.

Hosted 3CX is a phone system in the cloud, with the ability to scale as business needs change. Bundle includes Virtual Phone System, 2 phone lines, included national and mobile calls. Can be configured to work with mobile devices or handsets.

Managed Network Firewall | Barracuda F18
Barracuda strive to make the world a safer place. Believing every business deserves access to cloud-enabled, enterprise-grade security solutions that are easy to buy, deploy, and use.

Barracuda F18 is a CloudGen Firewall that is the ideal security and connectivity solution for businesses of all sizes. Included in this package is managed service to make changes and updates to the security device to keep everything working as it should.

What Does the NBN Mean for You?

Posted on by GPK Group

Since it was first announced in 2010 there’s been a swathe of publicity surrounding the rollout of Australia’s National Broadband Network (NBN). We’ve been presented with a variety of information, opinions and messages about its form, function and implementation. But in practical terms, what does the NBN mean for your business?

Put simply, the NBN is a Federal Government initiative that will change the way your business uses internet and landline phone services. Progressively introduced right across the country including metropolitan and rural areas, it’s an infrastructure upgrade aimed at providing more comprehensive – in some cases significantly faster – broadband coverage than ever before. Almost every business will eventually be connected to the NBN. The rollout is expected to be completed by 2020, at which point the vast majority of old phone and internet connections will be permanently switched off. So, if you haven’t already made the change, it’s time to start looking at your options!

The new infrastructure will draw upon a range of technologies including new fibre optic cable, existing copper lines, fixed wireless and satellite. The technology that’s available to you will depend on what’s currently available in your area and predicted demand – but in some cases, you may have further options according to the plan you choose and the connection speed you need.

NB. Before you start looking at plans, make sure you understand the speed required to consistently meet your business needs. Choosing a plan that promises speeds of up to 100Mbps might sound like the Rolls Royce of connections, but unless you have a large team or regularly download big files like video or high-resolution images, you’ll end up overpaying.

Once you know what speed you need, look at the technology options available. Here’s an overview:

Metropolitan Options

FTTN – Fibre to the Node

Around 50% of customers are expected to use FTTN. This option draws on a combination of new and existing technologies: the copper cabling you’re currently using for your landline phone and broadband, and a cabinet (known as a node) located in your street, or a street nearby.

The internet speed delivered by FTTN technology is highly dependent on distance – the closer you are to the node, the faster your connection will be. If your building is under 400 metres from the node, expect to achieve speeds of up to 100Mbps.

FTTP – Fibre to the Premises

This technology utilises only fibre optic cable to connect each premise directly to the node using its own dedicated line. Generally considered the best NBN connection, FTTP is not negatively affected by long distances and has the greatest potential for upload and download speed. It also provides lots of scope for future demand – making it a great option if your business is growing, or has consistently high data demands. FTTP is expected to be available in around 17-21% of buildings, with plans offering speeds of 12Mbps – 100Mbps.

FTTC – Fibre to the Curb

A new technology that sits somewhere between FTTP and FTTN, Fibre to the Curb (in some cases, Fibre to the Drive, or FTTD) utilises high speed fibre optic cable laid from the closest possible Distribution Point Unit (DPU) to your entrance or street frontage, then covers the remaining distance to your premises via the existing copper phone line. It provides better speeds (up to 100Mbps depending on your plan) than a copper only FTTN connection but is more efficient and cost-effective (due to fewer capital works and new fibre). It’s expected to be available to around 1.5 million premises.

HFC – Hybrid Fibre-Coaxial

This technology utilises the existing coaxial cable laid for Telstra or Optus Cable to connect your premises to the node. Depending on the plan you choose, and demand during peak usage hours, you can achieve speeds of up to 100Mbps. Due to changes at NBN aimed at improving network quality and reliability, there is expected to be a delay of several months in the rollout of HFC connections.

FTTB – Fibre to the Building/Basement

A common rollout in commercial buildings including shopping centres, FTTB connects fibre optic cable to a central communication point in the building, known as the Main Distribution Frame (MDF). Each business then connects to the MDF via existing copper lines or, in the case of more modern buildings, a faster ethernet network cable. According to the NBN, it has the potential to achieve speeds up to 600Mbps.

Rural and Remote Location Options

Fixed Wireless

Considered a crucial part of the NBN network for regional areas, fixed wireless uses an outdoor antenna installed on the roof of your building to receive 4G signals transmitted by new ground towers. To be effective, however, there must be a clear ‘line of sight’ between your antenna and the tower – any obstacles between the two points will interfere with the transmission and disrupt your connection.

Sky Muster Satellite

Where fixed wireless is not an option due to location, topography or cost, Sky Muster Satellite will provide broadband internet to some of the most remote areas of Australia. There will be two satellites working in tandem with a combined capacity of 135Gbps to connect around 400,000 customers. Known as Sky Muster and Sky Muster II, these satellites will receive internet signals from 10 ground stations and beam them to the dish on each premise, delivering speeds of up to 25Mbps depending on your plan.

Voice phone calls

If you operate in an urban area, the changeover to NBN will require all your voice calls to use VOIP (Voice over Internet Protocol). You’ll keep your existing landline number/s, but the old analogue phone signal will be converted to digital, transmitting your calls over the internet instead of through physical phone lines. For regional businesses, there will be no change to the current voice phone call service.

The advent of the internet may have changed the face of communications forever, but the NBN aims to meet this challenge head-on, giving more Australian businesses than ever the opportunity to connect and compete in a global marketplace. It’s a massive change to our national infrastructure, and one which deserves careful consideration – so you can be sure of understanding your options and applying a service that best fits your budget and business objectives, now and for the future.

If change and meeting your customers’ needs is a constant, doing nothing isn’t an option. Be sure you are partnering with a company with the depth and breadth of expertise you require. Particularly one who can help you navigate end-to-end managed services, cloud, mobile and paperless retail technology. GPK Retail consultant, Cordell Quaine, is available for a no-obligation discussion on how GPK can help you reduce operational costs, manage your IT footprint more effectively and create an exceptional experience for your customers. Contact: Phone 1300 000 475 or email info@gpkgroup.com.au for more information.

Public Cloud: The Good, the Bad and the Untrue

Posted on by GPK Group

Internationally speaking, Australian business is considered ahead of the curve in our adoption of commercial cloud services. ABS research indicates that since 2014, the number of businesses using this technology has more than doubled. In many cases, however, this adoption is only skin deep. So, what’s holding us back in leveraging the capability of this growing technology?

We’ve talked before about some of the big benefits of integrating cloud services into your business. Scalability, cost efficiency, high availability, and uptime are advantages that need no further explanation. But there are other less visible benefits. There are also a few myths and confusion around how the cloud – and in particular, public cloud – really works.

Few business owners would disagree that today, agility is the name of the game. Cloud-based services meet this need head-on: services are available on an as-needed basis, enabling companies to pivot and innovate easier and faster, whilst optimising expenditure and staff resources.

Companies that resist or limit the implementation of cloud-based services cite a range of reasons. These include:

  1. Having to learn and maintain new tools

As with anything new, it takes a little while to adapt and learn the technology, but the learning curve is not as steep as you might think. In reality, most of us have been using cloud services in one form or another for more than a decade. And the majority of cloud services providers are only too happy to provide support! Maintenance is also faster, cheaper and simpler; your service provider becomes your remote IT team, keeping software and hardware updated, your system secure and eliminating the need for big-ticket asset purchases.

Moving away from static IT systems and adopting a cloud mentality allows companies to progressively build efficiency and scalability into their business. It lays the foundation for easily adding micro-services: sometimes an extra module or app is all that’s needed to take your business to the next level.

It also enables you to leverage the benefits of multiple public clouds. Today’s companies have a growing and diverse range of needs which require specialist service providers – so whilst it’s possible to use just one, your business will benefit more from using several providers, each with a richer level of expertise.

  1. Concerns about data sovereignty

Many business owners are already embracing the global marketplace. However, when it comes to the security and integrity of their data some worry that placing it in the public cloud and in particular, offshore storage and management, means handing over a little too much control.

These concerns are largely unfounded, as public cloud vendors must adhere to strict compliance regulations. They also utilise leading edge security tools and personnel to guard against hackers and other threats the average IT team would struggle to stay ahead of. Yes, the threats exist – but putting your data in the hands of an expert gives your business the best protection available.

This is not to say all responsibility rests on the shoulders of your cloud services vendor: companies should familiarise themselves with the international compliance laws and regulations in any country that houses their data. However, by doing their homework on the cloud services vendor engaged and putting a clear Service Level Agreement in place, business owners can guard against any unexpected breaches. And with migration tools now making it far simpler to change public cloud providers, they needn’t feel locked in if circumstances change.

  1. Heavy reliance on internet connectivity and speed

Moving your business to the public cloud does place a high reliance on your internet service to handle the workload. However, there are several steps your in-house IT team or managed service provider can take to optimise your network – including data prioritisation and WAN management – to ensure everyone has access to the data they need when they need it.

You might also like to consider a hybrid cloud solution such as Windows Azure, whereby some data is stored in the cloud and some at your site.

Along with these technical considerations, it’s also vital to review your ISP (Internet Service Provider) and implement a Service Level Agreement (SLA) to ensure a smooth transition and certainty around speed and connectivity.

Australian businesses are already benefiting from some of the best-known attributes of cloud-based services including cost efficiency, scalability, high uptime and security. Yet many hold back from fully leveraging its capabilities, fearing a loss of control or opening the door to compliance and security breaches. Nothing could be further from the truth. The public cloud is not without its risks – but the same can be said for any area of internet-based technology! Success in Australia’s competitive marketplace demands a cloud mentality – so explore your options. Today’s cloud services providers offer a plethora of specialised, secure and flexible options designed to help you grow your business.

If change and meeting your customers’ needs is a constant, doing nothing isn’t an option. Be sure you are partnering with a company with the depth and breadth of expertise you require. Particularly one who can help you navigate end-to-end managed services, cloud, mobile and paperless office technology. GPK consultant, Ben Holian, is available for a no obligation discussion on how GPK can help you reduce operational costs, manage your IT footprint more effectively and create an exceptional experience for your customers. Contact: Phone 1300 000 475 or email info@gpkgroup.com.au for more information.

Public, Private or Hybrid – Which Cloud Is Right For You?

Posted on by GPK Group

Though there is some debate over its origins and inventor, there’s no denying the extraordinary impact cloud technology has had on the way we do business. Companies of all sizes, across all industries, leverage its capabilities daily, to reach global markets, increase efficiency and reduce costs.

Yet despite its popularity, many business owners are unaware of the wide range of cloud options available, or indeed, whether their current cloud strategy is the best one for their business.

The primary benefits of a cloud-based system are threefold:

  1. Scalability – the capacity to expand or contract the size and type of services quickly according to need
  2. High uptime – constant monitoring, maintenance and sophisticated security minimise loss of service
  3. Cost efficiency – users only pay for the level of service they need at a given time

In contrast, key concerns about cloud-based systems include:

  1. Data sovereignty – data stored offshore is subject to the laws of that location, which may differ from those of the business and potentially expose privacy risks
  2. Control – sensitive information stored outside the confines of the company’s own systems creates uncertainty and a sense of vulnerability
  3. Customisation – shared systems have limited scope for tailoring to specific needs

Knowing your perspective on each of these key points is a great place to start when deciding which of the three cloud types – public, private and hybrid – will best meet your needs. Let’s look at each type in a little more detail:

Public cloud

Probably the best known type of cloud service, the public cloud is exactly as the name suggests: a service available to the general public, either on a pay per use or subscription basis. Hosted by a third party provider, it offers the convenience of high scalability and reliability, frequent improvements and new features, and needs little or no maintenance and management by the user.

These systems are great if uptime, accessibility and cost efficiency are a priority, and you don’t require high level customisation or to safeguard sensitive information. Some of the more familiar products available in the public cloud include Microsoft Azure and Amazon AWS.

Private cloud

Businesses in highly specialised industries, or that require top level control over system design and security may opt for a private cloud service. These are built on infrastructure you own which, depending on the provider and product, can be stored at your site or remotely and are only accessible to your company.

A private cloud enables you to fully customise the system to suit your precise requirements, providing superior quality and flexibility. Like the public cloud, it also enjoys high scalability and availability, but as with many bespoke product or services it can also be considerably more expensive than a public service as the overall cost is borne by one rather than multiple tenants.

Hybrid cloud

Sometimes the best solution is to leverage the advantages of both cloud types. Hybrid cloud is a service which combines the flexibility, economy and scalability of the public cloud with the security, privacy and customisability of a private cloud.

This suits a range of scenarios, including companies that:

  • Need to migrate gradually from legacy systems
  • Have both low security and highly sensitivity data and applications
  • Need flexibility to manage periods of peak demand
  • Operate highly latency sensitive applications
  • Need to balance innovation with compliance and cost efficiency4

As you can see, there are many things to consider when looking for your ideal cloud solution, and the benefits of cloud services can be enticing. But before you jump into any new system, it’s essential to thoroughly assess your current situation. This includes mapping out your existing network, determining your company’s approach to digital transformation and seeking the advice of a cloud services expert, so you can be sure of making the best changes for your long-term future. Like any core business function, technology implemented with good planning and a measured approach greatly increases your chances of success.

If change and meeting your customers’ needs is a constant, doing nothing isn’t an option. Be sure you are partnering with a company with the depth and breadth of expertise you require. Particularly one who can help you navigate end-to-end managed services, cloud, mobile and paperless office technology. GPK consultant, Ben Holian, is available for a no obligation discussion on how GPK can help you reduce operational costs, manage your IT footprint more effectively and create an exceptional experience for your customers. Contact: Phone 1300 000 475 or email info@gpkgroup.com.au for more information.

First ANZ Firm Deploys Dell EMC Cloud for Microsoft Azure Stack

Posted on by GPK Group

Microsoft Azure Stack is known as a hybrid cloud platform that allows organizations to deliver Azure services from their data center.

The goal of the platform is to break down the barriers between public cloud, private cloud and hosted cloud to deliver a consistent experience.

As Microsoft Australia’s cloud and enterprise lead, Brett Shoemaker, puts it, “Microsoft Azure Stack brings the agility and fast-paced innovation of cloud computing to on-premises environments.”

And, in a partnership with Dell EMC, Dell EMC Cloud for Microsoft Azure Stack has picked up its first MSP in the ANZ (Australia and New Zealand) region.

Melbourne and Brisbane-based IT services provider, GPK Group is the first ANZ company to deploy Dell EMC Cloud for Microsoft Azure Stack. The company is also one of the first for the wider APJ (Asia Pacific Japan) region as well.

Read more:

https://itbrief.com.au/story/first-anz-company-deploys-dell-emc-cloud-microsoft-azure-stack/

GPK Group Launches Azure Stack Private Cloud for Australian Firms

Posted on by GPK Group

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA, 13th December 2017 – GPK Group Pty Ltd, an Australian Managed Service Provider (MSP), announced it is leading the charge by being the first Australian MSP to provide Microsoft Azure Stack private cloud services. In partnership with DELL and Microsoft, GPK Group is able to offer customised and scalable private and public cloud solutions, systems integration and application design and delivery.

This is welcome news for Australian companies who have relied on Azure or other public cloud services in the past. The nature of Azure public cloud means that for some companies moving core services, applications and data to the cloud, has been an obstacle due to security and privacy concerns. For those companies that want the flexibility of secure IaaS, PaaS and SaaS services that are completely private, GPK Group’s announcement will allow them to finally adopt these technologies in a Hybrid or Private cloud format, while still leveraging the significant power of Azure.

GPK Group, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Grant Klaaysen stated, “as part of our ongoing strategy to address digital change that requires organisational structure and process transformation throughout all business domains, we identified our customers need the flexibility of choice between public, private and hybrid cloud deployments. More importantly they want suppliers that not only understand the technical detail but also the business impact and benefits that cloud technology brings. The benefits this brings to Australian companies are enormous including secure, private onshore data, meeting Australian privacy regulations and data sovereignty requirements, simpler management of infrastructure, movement of applications and data between Azure Stack and Azure Public clouds, more productivity for developers and administrators… the list goes on and on! We’re proud to be Australia’s first MSP Azure Stack private cloud service provider. A leading Australian retailer is slated to be first cab off the rank implementing core infrastructure and processes to Azure Private Cloud. This is a fantastic opportunity to set the benchmark and continue their and our growth objectives.”

Along with GPK Group’s other business practices, including professional services, retail technology incorporating Merlin Point of Sale software, connectivity and security solutions. Australian companies now have the full suite of solutions at their disposal. For more information please contact GPK Group on the following details:

GPK Group Pty Ltd
2/94 Abbott Road,
Hallam, 3803, VIC

Tel: 1300 000 475
info@gpkgroup.com.au
gpk.firesauce.media/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/gpkgroup
https://twitter.com/GPKUnifyingTech

About GPK Group Pty Ltd

GPK Group is a leading Australian managed services provider helping customers improve their business with the right advice, technology and managed services. GPK Group’s solution domains include professional services, retail technology, cloud solutions, connectivity and security.

Media relations: Richard Sharp, Marketing Manager, richard.sharp@gpkgroup.com.au

Taking collaboration to the next level: Microsoft Teams

Posted on by GPK Group

In today’s information age, communication, connection and content are more accessible than ever before. Social media is no longer a passing trend: its exponential growth and rate of cross-generational adoption is paving the way for stronger community ties worldwide. But it’s also set a new precedent for how businesses communicate. A fact that is now influencing the technology choices of SMEs and corporates looking for better ways to interact, collaborate and drive productivity.

Continue reading “Taking collaboration to the next level: Microsoft Teams”

Guest Wi-Fi: The Benefits For You and Your Customers

Posted on by GPK Group

Today more than ever, meeting your customers’ needs better than your competition is pivotal to commercial success. It’s no longer enough to come up with a new idea and some fancy marketing. Customers want maximum value and service: businesses that don’t deliver, perish. Technology has long played an important role but in the last decade, internet connectivity has become a new baseline.

or retailers, the internet eliminates many barriers to trade but it also meets a much more fundamental human need: connection. Yes, it connects you with your customers, but it also enables them to stay connected to their community. As a spokesperson from Google recently noted, “We don’t go online – we live online”.

Continue reading “Guest Wi-Fi: The Benefits For You and Your Customers”

How Secure Are You? 6 Tips To Make Your POS Safe

Posted on by GPK Group

Technology adds value to our business world in many ways, helping us work smarter, faster and more efficiently than ever before. It arms retailers incredible customer insights to drive marketing activities, streamlines inventory and stock control and helps optimise staff resources and service delivery. But as retailers embrace all the capabilities today’s point of sale (POS) technology offers, they may also open the door to cyber crimes that could stall or completely disable their business.

Cyber crime comes in many forms including phishing, system attacks and identity theft. But one of the most widely publicised is ransomware, a type of malware or malicious software designed to lock down or block access to your system until you pay a large amount of money. In May 2017 many retail POS systems were immobilised by the ‘WannaCry’ ransomware, which hit over 230,000 users in 150 countries worldwide. Ransomware like Wannacry can find its way into your POS in several ways, most commonly via a phishing email, infected website or malicious internet ad.

Retailers frequently protect their back-of-house computer systems with firewalls and antivirus software, but fail to apply the same safeguards to point of sale systems and the broader store network – potentially exposing sensitive company information, customer credit card data and personal details to cyber criminals.

The good news is that in addition to installing anti-virus software on your POS, there are a range of steps retailers can take to protect their business. Here are our top 6 tips for keeping your POS safe:

  1. Backup! Backup! Backup!

No matter what the type of data, back everything up regularly and make it a non-negotiable part of your store’s IT routine. Apply the same rule to every device from desktop computers and laptops to tablets and mobile phones, as they’re all susceptible to cyber attack.

If your data is backed up in the cloud, always log out of the cloud at the end of your session. If you are backing up to an external drive, make sure it’s unplugged to prevent hackers encrypting and locking your back up.

2. Isolate POS From The Network

Cyber criminals will often target your POS as a way to gain access to sensitive data stored in other parts of your network. Even with security measures in place your POS may still be vulnerable, so it’s essential to mitigate the risk to your broader business by keeping all credit card transactions contained to that one system and isolating it from the rest of the network with a firewall.

3. Keep Security Updated

Always install the latest POS software updates as soon as they become available. These updates often incorporate security patches designed to fix a weakness in the software that might expose you to attack.

It’s also vital to have a strong password different from the factory-set password used when the software was installed, which a hacker could easily find online. Change the password regularly and use at least 12 characters including numbers, upper and lower case letters and symbols.

4. Don’t Touch Anything Unfamiliar

One of the most common ways ransomware or other malware can enter your POS system is when a user clicks a link within a phishing email.

Avoid opening or downloading anything unfamiliar including attachments, text messages and apps. Hackers are becoming increasingly clever at imitating genuine content like password reminders or requests to update information so be on high alert and if in doubt, contact the organisation directly to verify the request.

5. Avoid Internet Browsing on POS

Like phishing emails, unsafe websites and malicious online ads put you just a click away from infecting the POS with a virus or malware. Many infections result from human error, particularly if a customer asks a user to look up additional information, or the user takes advantage of a quiet moment in trade to check their personal emails. As a general rule, any system that accepts credit card payments should not be used for internet browsing and vice versa.

6. Get Reputable IT Support

Even with dedicated internal IT resources, it can be challenging for retailers to keep their POS system secure.  Having a third party IT specialist who can monitor your system full time is essential to keep your business safe.

If your POS system is infected, your IT specialist can step in to mitigate the damage and manage the repair process for you, leaving you free to focus on other areas of your business.

Today, POS technology enables retailers to serve their customers more efficiently and effectively than ever before. But like any technology, it also requires stringent security measures to keep business and customer data safe. Making the security of your POS system a priority will help you avoid costly downtime and the potentially devastating effects of fraud, identity theft and other cyber crimes.

If change and meeting your customers’ needs is a constant, doing nothing isn’t an option.  Be sure you are partnering with a company with the depth and breadth of expertise you require. Particularly one who can help you navigate end-to-end managed services, cloud, mobile and paperless retail technology. GPK Retail consultant, Cordell Quaine, is available for a no obligation discussion on how GPK can help you reduce operational costs, manage your IT footprint more effectively and create an exceptional experience for your customers. Contact: Phone 1300 000 475 or email info@gpkretail.com.au for more information.

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