Carol Pomare

The line between our work lives and our home lives is blurring more than ever as we all negotiate the 24/7 demands of the global economy. At the same time, developing technology is empowering us to spend less face time in the office as a litany of mobile devices and cloud-based platforms allow us to take our work home with us.

That has led to many of us using the same devices at work and home, which begs the question: are you keeping your professional and personal information safe, secure and separate?

Why you need to separate work from home on your devices The line between our work lives and our home lives is blurring more than ever as we all negotiate the 24/7 demands of the global economy. At the same time, developing technology is empowering us to spend less face time in the office as a litany of mobile devices and cloud-based platforms allow us to take our work home with us. That has led to many of us using the same devices at work and home, which begs the question: are you keeping your professional and personal information safe, secure and separate? While it would be ideal to maintain separate devices for work and personal use, juggling two smartphones, tablets or notebooks is not always practical or even possible. Here’s what you can do to draw a digital line between your work and home usage. Choose flexible hardware Not all devices are created equal, and some are more equipped to handle dual uses than others. If you will be using the same device for work and play, consider how you will be using it for both purposes. The HP EliteBook x360 1040 G6, for example, is a powerful, flexible PC with a 360-degree hinge offering five different operating modes: Conference mode: for collaboration and conferencing Laptop mode: for typing, working on documents, and multi-tasking Media mode: for watching video and other informational content Tablet mode: for writing and note taking Tent mode: for presenting and sharing information It can be used as an on-the-go device with the optional HP Active Pen and App Launch for handwriting notes, annotating documents, and more creative pursuits. Set up separate user accounts Consider setting up different user accounts on your devices – one for work and one for home. That will help keep personal and professional files separate, as well as protect your privacy at work and keep your work files secure when you’re at home. The last thing you want is your spouse or kids accidentally deleting an important work email or file while they’re using your device at home. Create separate browser and email profiles It can also be helpful to set up separate work and personal profiles in your web browser. This will enable you to set different bookmarks for your work and personal profiles, which will keep your work web browser more organised. The same goes for keeping your email separate – if your work email is managed via Outlook, set up a personal email account on a separate cloud-based platform like Gmail. And be sure to use your personal Gmail address to sign up for any services that are not work related. Choose different cloud storage platforms We all know the importance of regular data backups, but you may want to keep your work storage and personal storage separate to avoid unwanted file mix-ups. For example, if your company favours Dropbox for file storage and sharing, use Google Drive to store and share your personal files. Use good antivirus software Whenever you’re using work devices for personal tasks, it’s vital to use good antivirus software with malware detection. The last thing you want to do is infect your professional networks with malware or other viruses that have been unwittingly downloaded from personal emails, unsecured apps or suspicious websites. Taking a few simple steps to set a digital boundary between your work life and your personal life will likely benefit both. You’ll be more organised at work, and won’t have to worry about compromising work files in your downtime.
Carol Pomare
5 must-know IT trends in 2019
Carol Pomare
Why Office 365 is vital to the modern office

When you think of how the modern workplace is different to that of the past, what springs to mind?

Aside from cosmetic changes that would have blown minds in the 1980s – what's with the standing desks and open plans, and where's the ever-present cloud of cigarette smoke? – perhaps the main difference is the shift away from desktop computers.

Why Office 365 is vital to the modern office
Carol Pomare
Simple steps to keep your systems safe

For years, process control systems were secured with a combination of “security through obscurity” and wilful ignorance. Increased threats from malicious hackers, often sponsored by nation-states and criminal organisations, are demonstrating that neither of these approaches is sufficient.

If you are to have a hope of keeping your manufacturing processes safe, you have to lock them down.

Simple steps to keep your systems safe
Carol Pomare
The real-world benefits of upgrading to Windows ...

Still wondering if you should upgrade to Windows 10?

Microsoft's latest operating system is a solid product, with significant improvements under the hood that have made it the most secure and productive Windows ever. Business users have voted with their cash and adopted it faster than any previous version.

The real-world benefits of upgrading to Windows 10

Boost user productivity with secure devices Digital devices are an integral part of the modern workplace, helping users become more flexible, efficient and productive - with the ability to work whenever and wherever they need to. The downside is that organisations must stay abreast of technology as well as all the associated risks the digital era brings. With users increasingly accessing critical business information on the go – via their smartphones, tablets and laptops – security concerns should be front of mind. The most obvious risks include using unsecured networks, having a device stolen or misplaced, and more aggressive threats like viruses and malware. Despite this, the productivity advantages of secure devices are undeniable: here are five key benefits. 1. Instant document access Having instant access to your documents on your mobile device means no more lost documents or confusion over version control. You can also collaborate on the fly, retrieve and share data when and when you want, or make meeting notes before you return to base. Unfortunately, instant access also means other people could gain access to your data, so your IT team needs to have a clear idea of what the principal threats are and put measures in place to combat them. 2. Connection security Having absolute peace of mind when you are on the road means being able to connect securely, so you can collaborate and communicate freely with colleagues and customers. Here, all your critical data must be safeguarded, which makes a mobile device security policy essential for all mobile users on your team. You could also consider using a virtual private network (VPN) to secure connections between your users’ mobile devices and your servers. 3. Full device control Having a security-aware environment also means giving all your users better insights into how their machines work and how to use them more effectively. User education is key – and needs to be led by the IT function, who must onboard all users so they are aware of all the relevant security threats as well as your mobile device management policy. A seamless experience from all devices is necessary to maximise the productivity potential of a mobile workforce. 4. Time savings Devices that function smoothly can also help your teams save time – but only if they are not being distracted by IT glitches and housekeeping. This means devices must receive ongoing security and software updates, and get automatic backups so your users can focus their energy and time on being productive. 5. Having the right hardware Having the right hardware can also help ensure your users are productive. Machines like HP’s EliteBooks – such as the flexible EliteBook x360 1040 G6 notebook – enable users to have total peace of mind with a range of integrated security management features. This includes hardware-enforced security features that can help to proactively prevent threats, such as automatically recovering from a firmware attack or security breach. At the end of the day you need to strike a balance between IT security and business productivity. By adopting the latest technologies, prioritising user education and reviewing your policies regularly, you’ll be in good shape.

Digital devices are an integral part of the modern workplace, helping users become more flexible, efficient and productive - with the ability to work whenever and wherever they need to.

The downside is that organisations must stay abreast of technology as well as all the associated risks the digital era brings. With users increasingly accessing critical business information on the go – via their smartphones, tablets and laptops – security concerns should be front of mind. The most obvious risks include using unsecured networks, having a device stolen or misplaced, and more aggressive threats like viruses and malware.


Why you need to separate work from home on your devices The line between our work lives and our home lives is blurring more than ever as we all negotiate the 24/7 demands of the global economy. At the same time, developing technology is empowering us to spend less face time in the office as a litany of mobile devices and cloud-based platforms allow us to take our work home with us. That has led to many of us using the same devices at work and home, which begs the question: are you keeping your professional and personal information safe, secure and separate? While it would be ideal to maintain separate devices for work and personal use, juggling two smartphones, tablets or notebooks is not always practical or even possible. Here’s what you can do to draw a digital line between your work and home usage. Choose flexible hardware Not all devices are created equal, and some are more equipped to handle dual uses than others. If you will be using the same device for work and play, consider how you will be using it for both purposes. The HP EliteBook x360 1040 G6, for example, is a powerful, flexible PC with a 360-degree hinge offering five different operating modes: Conference mode: for collaboration and conferencing Laptop mode: for typing, working on documents, and multi-tasking Media mode: for watching video and other informational content Tablet mode: for writing and note taking Tent mode: for presenting and sharing information It can be used as an on-the-go device with the optional HP Active Pen and App Launch for handwriting notes, annotating documents, and more creative pursuits. Set up separate user accounts Consider setting up different user accounts on your devices – one for work and one for home. That will help keep personal and professional files separate, as well as protect your privacy at work and keep your work files secure when you’re at home. The last thing you want is your spouse or kids accidentally deleting an important work email or file while they’re using your device at home. Create separate browser and email profiles It can also be helpful to set up separate work and personal profiles in your web browser. This will enable you to set different bookmarks for your work and personal profiles, which will keep your work web browser more organised. The same goes for keeping your email separate – if your work email is managed via Outlook, set up a personal email account on a separate cloud-based platform like Gmail. And be sure to use your personal Gmail address to sign up for any services that are not work related. Choose different cloud storage platforms We all know the importance of regular data backups, but you may want to keep your work storage and personal storage separate to avoid unwanted file mix-ups. For example, if your company favours Dropbox for file storage and sharing, use Google Drive to store and share your personal files. Use good antivirus software Whenever you’re using work devices for personal tasks, it’s vital to use good antivirus software with malware detection. The last thing you want to do is infect your professional networks with malware or other viruses that have been unwittingly downloaded from personal emails, unsecured apps or suspicious websites. Taking a few simple steps to set a digital boundary between your work life and your personal life will likely benefit both. You’ll be more organised at work, and won’t have to worry about compromising work files in your downtime.

The line between our work lives and our home lives is blurring more than ever as we all negotiate the 24/7 demands of the global economy. At the same time, developing technology is empowering us to spend less face time in the office as a litany of mobile devices and cloud-based platforms allow us to take our work home with us.

That has led to many of us using the same devices at work and home, which begs the question: are you keeping your professional and personal information safe, secure and separate?

5 must-know IT trends in 2019

IT budgets are set to swell in 2019 as organisations continue to embrace a suite of rapidly developing technologies. With the arrival of 5G set to send mobile network speeds soaring and long-hyped technologies such as artificial intelligence and blockchain approaching maturity, 2019 will be a transformative year for IT. Here are five key trends to watch this year:

1. 5G is here!

The arrival of 5G in 2019 will send the wireless revolution into hyper-drive. Your landline could be set for extinction as 5G mobile devices benefit from broadband network speeds. 5G also has huge implications for Internet of Things (IoT) technology that will soon have access to much faster mobile network speeds than was possible with 4G. This will drive a range of new innovations and capabilities as the first next-generation 5G mobile devices are launched in the coming months.

2. Blockchain goes mainstream

While blockchain has been present in the world of cryptocurrency for the last few years, it has had limited mainstream use – until now. With big players like IBM investing in blockchain development, we’ll likely begin to see a more digestible version of blockchain emerge that a range of businesses will be able to use to create more secure systems for recording and verifying transactions. The financial services industry is already making early moves into blockchain, and predictions are that the logistics sector will follow.

3. Artificial intelligence (AI) gets real

AI has been making big promises for some years now, but 2019 could be the year that transitions from theoretical musings into actual business tools. AI is tipped to move beyond data science to take on a more developer-centric focus. That means 2019 could be the year that developers start building genuine AI technology into a range of new mainstream apps across business functions.

4. NoOps transforms IT

DevOps could become NoOps in 2019 as software automation and cloud-based SaaS (software as a service) continue to take the software development and maintenance burden off in-house IT teams. As such, IT will need to accelerate its philosophical and cultural shift from an operations-based department to an outcomes-based department with a heavier focus on value-adding innovation.

5. Chatbots go to the next level

While frustrations have been common with early chatbots, that’s set to change in 2019. Advances in natural language processing (NLP) and sentiment analytics will drive the development of much smarter chatbots that will be capable of delivering more personalised customer experiences. Expect to see more sophisticated chatbots that possess a greater understanding of empathy and other human emotions.

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Preparing for Windows 7 end of support

Windows_7_EOS_Checklist_LP.jpg

Why Office 365 is vital to the modern office

Why Office 365 is vital to the modern office

When you think of how the modern workplace is different to that of the past, what springs to mind?

Aside from cosmetic changes that would have blown minds in the 1980s – what's with the standing desks and open plans, and where's the ever-present cloud of cigarette smoke? – perhaps the main difference is the shift away from desktop computers.

What's disrupting manufacturing?

What's disrupting manufacturing?

The world is in the midst of what many are calling the Fourth Industrial Revolution, and digital technology is upending every sector of the economy.

Nowhere is this more obvious than in manufacturing, where everything from planning, design and pre-order to supply chain, sales and post-sales are benefiting from an extreme digital makeover. Here are four technologies that are disrupting manufacturing.

Here's what's trending in the world of SMB

Here's what's trending in the world of SMB

If you run a small or medium-sized business, you want to be up to speed with the latest tech, trends and best practices that enable your organisation to stay productive and grow, right?

This month we cover a range of bases, including security, the rise of chat apps, real-time banking payments and consumption-based IT – a pay-as-you-go model that promises SMBs greater flexibility in the way they access infrastructure, software and services.

Simple steps to keep your systems safe

Simple steps to keep your systems safe

For years, process control systems were secured with a combination of “security through obscurity” and wilful ignorance. Increased threats from malicious hackers, often sponsored by nation-states and criminal organisations, are demonstrating that neither of these approaches is sufficient.

If you are to have a hope of keeping your manufacturing processes safe, you have to lock them down.

Server, Hybrid or Cloud? Here's your guide

Server, Hybrid or Cloud? Here's your guide

Download eBook now

The real-world benefits of upgrading to Windows 10

The real-world benefits of upgrading to Windows 10

Still wondering if you should upgrade to Windows 10?

Microsoft's latest operating system is a solid product, with significant improvements under the hood that have made it the most secure and productive Windows ever. Business users have voted with their cash and adopted it faster than any previous version.

5 reasons why workstations still matter

5 reasons why workstations still matter

Modern manufacturing is all about innovating with digital prototyping and technologies like 3D printing – all of which require a high degree of raw computing power.

Workstations are ideal for providing this resource, where their large processing power can crunch complex formulas and graphics, while a screen provides a valuable visual interface for an engineer or operator.

2019's IT trends have been revealed

2019's IT trends have been revealed

Responses from 186 IT decision makers across Australia and New Zealand reflect confidence in 2019 with IT budgets increasing or maintaining in the coming year.

Critically, we explore the differences between successful businesses and unsuccessful businesses.

Is your business ready for cyber litigation?

Is your business ready for cyber litigation?

When household brands suffer data breaches, you’re on notice that your business could be the next potential target for cybercriminals.

This has the potential to impact your brand, reputation and worse. There are also regulatory and legal obligations in most jurisdictions that require you to safeguard and secure consumer data. Fail to do this and you risk exposing yourself to legal liability and even litigation from your partners, clients and customers.

CES 2019 showcases latest PC tech

CES 2019 showcases latest PC tech

The first of the big trade shows for 2019 kicked off at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas from 9–12 January, revealing the future of PC client hardware. We were not disappointed: here are our 10 favourite technology innovations from the show floor

Which laptop (for your SMB) in 2019?

Which laptop (for your SMB) in 2019?

SMBs typically watch every precious cent they spend, and IT hardware

And while it may be tempting to go for a cheap and cheerful model, the last thing you want is an underpowered laptop that doesn't have all the features you need, or is obsolete in a year or less. The key is to choose a machine that is durable, secure, powerful, lightweight and has all the features you need. does not come cheap – especially when it involves laptops. This makes choosing the right laptop for your business an important box to tick.

State of cybersecurity 2019

State of cybersecurity 2019

Cybersecurity outlook for 2019

We all know data is valuable, but too often we act as if it isn’t. Valuables are often secured – kept in safes, insured, treated with care. With valuable business and personal data moving around the internet all the time, criminals are always looking for new ways to steal, copy and subvert this precious new resource.

Collaborate to innovate

Collaborate to innovate

In the modern economy, companies that work in silos, with business units walled off from each other, incur needless costs and inefficiencies due to:

  • duplication of effort or resources

  • slower completion times

  • lower staff engagement (because of frustration)

  • reduced innovation

Keep your business safe with a backup and DR strategy

Keep your business safe with a backup and DR strategy

Every business needs a comprehensive backup and disaster recovery (DR) system in place to safeguard its digital assets. Statista estimates that server downtime costs nearly one-quarter of businesses (24%) lose up to half a million dollars per hour, while nearly one-sixth (14%) lose up to $5 million per hour. These are big numbers, but backup and recovery needn’t be a big problem.

Get your IT ready for the holidays

Get your IT ready for the holidays

Everybody needs a break. After working hard in your business it’s great to take a holiday, but all that good cheer and relaxation will go out the window in a moment if your business suffers an IT disaster while you’re away.