Intrada Technologies

Aug

30

Open the Door to New Possibilities in Content Management: Explore the Game-Changing Benefits of Headless CMS Solutions

OVERVIEW

Headless Content Management Systems (CMS) provide a revolutionary approach to content delivery by decoupling the back-end from the front-end, allowing for seamless content distribution across multiple platforms. This flexibility enhances development speed, user experience, and scalability, making headless CMS an ideal choice for businesses navigating the complexities of modern digital landscapes.

group at a table working on a collaborative project

In the rapidly evolving world of digital content, headless CMS (Content Management System) has emerged as a revolutionary solution for developers and content creators alike. Unlike traditional CMS platforms that couple the backend (where content is created and managed) with the frontend (the presentation layer), a headless CMS decouples these components. This separation allows for greater flexibility, enabling developers to deliver content seamlessly across various channels—websites, mobile apps, and beyond. With a headless CMS, content can be managed centrally but deployed anywhere, making it an ideal choice for modern digital experiences that demand versatility and scalability.

Headless CMS vs Traditional CMS

While traditional CMS platforms like WordPress have long been popular for content management, companies seeking a competitive edge in delivering their online experiences are finding them increasingly limiting. As technology progresses and new digital channels emerge, these CMS solutions struggle to offer the necessary flexibility and innovation and still provide a secure and quality user experience.

A significant limitation of traditional CMS is the tight coupling between back-end and front-end. Any changes to the back-end can potentially disrupt the front-end, leading to possible downtime. Additionally, a traditional CMS often comes with pre-built templates and themes, which can restrict design choices and customization.

In contrast, a headless CMS separates content creation and management from its presentation. This decoupling offers developers greater control over how content is displayed and provides enhanced flexibility in design and delivery, allowing businesses to innovate and respond more effectively to the demands of today’s digital landscape.

Aug

29

Understanding the Microsoft 365 Licensing Structure…and What to Choose!

James Haywood

Information Technologies

OVERVIEW

James Haywood's article "Understanding the Microsoft 365 Licensing Structure…and What to Choose!", originally written in 2022, has been updated to reflect important changes to Microsoft 365 licensing plans announced on April 1, 2024. This includes the separation of Microsoft Teams from the default Enterprise subscription.

Microsoft 365 (formerly Office 365) has evolved from an office-suite rental service to a full-blown small business and enterprise productivity suite. As a result, many organizations have replaced their entire infrastructure (servers/applications) with Microsoft 365. At this point, the 365 offerings have become so vast that it has become challenging to figure out which plan is best for any organization. This article provides a starting point for understanding the 365-licensing structure and determining which direction makes the most sense to your organization.

New Changes to Licensing Plans

As of April 1^st, 2024, Microsoft announced a change to some of their licensing plans. Microsoft Teams is now sold separately and is not included in their Enterprise subscription plans by default. The business plans do include the Teams license; however, they can now be purchased without the Teams license.

This is very useful for organizations that do not need the Teams collaboration features. Organizations who use Zoom, or a similar virtual meeting platform, can save money and skip the added cost of Teams. Additionally, organizations that use Slack, or a similar chatting software, can also save money.

Key Highlights Between Plans

screen showing license activation window for microsoft 265

All the licenses listed below are priced per user (u) per month (m) with an annual subscription agreement. As in, the licenses are billed monthly and can be renewed each year. Licenses can be upgraded at any time but can only be cancelled once per year. Microsoft does offer month-to-month plans at a higher price point.

Small / Medium Business Track
Business Basic: $6.00 u/m
Business Standard: $12.50 u/m
Business Premium: $22.00 u/m

Update: Licenses without Teams
Business Basic: $4.75 u/m
Business Standard: $10.25 u/m
Business Premium: $19.75 u/m

Update: Standalone Teams
Teams Essentials: $4.00 u/m

These three licenses are for small and medium-sized businesses (300 or fewer employees). Microsoft caps each license at 300 users, so at most, you can only have 300 of one of these licenses.

Aug

28

2.9 Billion Records Stolen in Data Hack: Now What Do I Do?

David J Steele

News and Events

OVERVIEW

This article focuses on the critical importance of protecting your personal identification information. In one of history's largest data breaches, approximately 2.9 billion records, including sensitive personal information, were stolen from various sources, including financial institutions and government agencies, raising severe concerns regarding data security. As individuals face potential identity theft and cybercrime, it is crucial to actively monitor accounts, change passwords, enable two-factor authentication, and consider placing credit freezes to safeguard information.

visualization of a compromised computer system

In what has been described as one of the largest data breaches in history, a staggering 2.9 billion records, including sensitive information such as Social Security numbers, were compromised in a recent hack. This breach first came to light when the U.S. Department of Defense (USDoD) announced the infiltration on March 15, 2023, revealing that the stolen data was discovered circulating on various dark web forums. The implications of this data exposure are profound, affecting millions of individuals in the USA, as the information not only includes personal identifiers but also intricate details that could facilitate further identity theft and cybercrime. Researchers have linked the hack to a series of security vulnerabilities that emerged in late 2022, escalating concerns over data protection measures across federal and private sectors.

Although this article may not traditionally align with our usual corporate focus, we believe it’s important to highlight how the recent hack impacts the individuals our clients serve. By shifting our attention to this personal aspect, we aim to emphasize our commitment to understanding and addressing the needs of those at the heart of our clients' services.

As of 2023, the estimated population of the United States is approximately 333 million people. This vast population includes a diverse array of individuals, each with their unique stories and experiences, making the implications of the recent data breach particularly significant. With nearly 2.9 billion records stolen, the potential for many individuals to be affected is alarmingly high, leading to an urgent need for enhanced security measures and public awareness regarding personal data protection.

What was hacked?

The compromised records stemmed from numerous sources, including financial institutions, healthcare providers, and government agencies. The data breach encompassed a wide array of sensitive information, including names, addresses, dates of birth, Social Security numbers, credit card details, and various account credentials. Many of these records originated from legitimate databases that were used for identity verification and customer management, facilitating a seamless experience for users. Unfortunately, the company's lax security protocols and failure to adequately encrypt sensitive information led to unauthorized access.

Aug

27

Rev Up Your Website's Visibility with These 10 SEO Strategies

Nicole Keiner

Digital Media and Internet Development

OVERVIEW

Standing out can be a challenge for small businesses. That's where effective SEO (Search Engine Optimization) comes into play. Picture this, SEO as your website's personal trainer, helping it perform better and appear more appealing to search engines like Google. This article was created for small business owners who want to take their online presence to the next level without breaking the bank. You'll discover practical strategies that are easy to implement yet powerful enough to impact your website’s performance significantly.

Understanding SEO – What Does it Mean?

Search Engine Optimization, commonly known as SEO, enhances your website to ensure it ranks higher in search engine results. Think of it as tailoring your online content to match what potential customers are searching for. SEO involves technical enhancements and creative elements to increase the quality and quantity of visits to your site.

The Business-Boosting Power of SEO

SEO is not just about tweaking your website to please search engines; it's about providing value to your customers. By improving your SEO, you’re enhancing the user experience, which can drive more traffic to your site. This can lead to higher conversion rates as visitors find what they’re looking for more easily.

The benefits of SEO extend beyond improving your site’s visibility. It helps build trust with your audience. When your site appears at the top of search results, users naturally assume it’s a credible source. Thus, investing in SEO can also enhance your brand's reputation.

For small business owners, effective SEO can lead to more customers, increased sales, and, ultimately, greater business growth. It's a powerful tool that, when used wisely, can significantly boost your bottom line.

Kickstart Your SEO with These 10 Proven Strategies

Strategy 1: Keyword Research

Keywords are one of the most, if not the most, important parts of any SEO strategy. They connect your content with what potential customers are searching for. Where to begin? You can start by identifying the relevant keywords your target audience may be using. Once you have a list of keywords, incorporate them into your website’s content. Use them naturally throughout the text, including in headings and subheadings. Your overall goal is to match your content with the intent of your audience.

Strategy 2: Optimize Meta Tags

Meta tags are little snippets of text that describe a page's content; they don’t appear on the page itself but in the page's code. Optimizing your meta tags can improve your visibility on search engine results pages (SERPs).

Start by crafting compelling meta titles and descriptions for each page. Include your target keywords, but make sure the text reads naturally and entices users to click. Keep titles under 60 characters and descriptions under 160 to ensure they display properly in search results.

Aug

26

DMARC - Advanced Email Authentication and Configurations

David J Steele

Procedures and Policies

OVERVIEW

Effective email security is crucial for protecting sensitive information, and DMARC serves an important function in this approach by enabling domain owners to address unauthorized email activities. Proper implementation of DMARC improves defenses against phishing and spoofing threats while also helping to uphold an organization's reputation and support compliance with regulations such as GDPR and HIPAA.

The Value of DMARC for Corporate Network Email Security

Incorporating DMARC into a corporate network's email security strategy significantly enhances protection against phishing and spoofing attacks. By ensuring that only authorized emails are sent from a company's domain, DMARC helps to safeguard the organization's reputation and prevent the compromise of sensitive data. This additional layer of email authentication fortifies other security measures, creating a robust defense against evolving cyber threats.

Basic Configuration for Deploying DMARC

Implementing DMARC involves a few essential steps:

Create a DMARC Record: Add a DMARC record to your domain's DNS settings. This TXT record will include policies on how to handle emails that fail authentication checks (none, quarantine, or reject) and an email address for sending reports.
Configure SPF and DKIM: Ensure your domain has properly configured SPF (Sender Policy Framework) and DKIM (DomainKeys Identified Mail) records. These are critical for DMARC to function correctly since they provide the necessary authentication mechanisms.
Publish the DMARC Record: The DMARC record should be published in the DNS. An example DMARC record looks like this:

`v=DMARC1; p=none; rua=mailto:This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.; ruf=mailto:This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.; pct=100;`

Here, `v=DMARC1` specifies the DMARC version, `p=none` indicates the policy (which can be adjusted to `quarantine` or `reject` as needed), `rua` provides the address for aggregate reports, and `ruf` specifies the address for forensic reports.
Monitor and Adjust: Configure DMARC in monitoring mode (`p=none`) to collect data and analyze the results without impacting email delivery. Review the DMARC reports to identify authentication issues and resolve them. Once confident, adjust the policy to quarantine or reject to enforce stricter email handling.

By following these basic steps, organizations can leverage DMARC to establish a secure and trustworthy email environment.

Jul

31

Employee Spotlight: Meet Adam Kennelley

Nicole Keiner

News and Events

intrada's adam kennelley, network technician

Who is Adam Kennelley?

Adam Kennelley is a seasoned IT professional who recently joined the Intrada team. Known for his knack for solving tech mysteries and his unwavering commitment to customer service, Adam brings a wealth of experience and enthusiasm to his role. But who is Adam beyond the screen?

Where is He From?

Adam hails from Lock Haven, a place he holds close to his heart. After graduating from Lock Haven High School, he pursued advanced studies at The Chubb Institute of Technology.

Adam’s Job Responsibilities

At Intrada, Adam is a Network Technician, often called the "front line" when dealing with clients. His role involves solving immediate technical issues, anticipating potential problems, and proactively addressing them.

Before Intrada?

Before joining Intrada, Adam worked for eight years as an in-house IT specialist at a local business. While he learned much during this period, he needed a more challenging and stable position. Intrada provided the perfect opportunity for him to expand his knowledge base and apply his skills in new and exciting ways.

Skills and Experiences

Thanks to his natural ability to solve mysteries, Adam's troubleshooting skills are second to none. This talent translates perfectly into his IT work, allowing him to diagnose and fix issues quickly and effectively. His experience in customer service further enhances his ability to communicate complex technical concepts understandably, ensuring clients feel supported and informed.

When Adam Isn’t Working…

Adam's family plays a significant role in his life. He lives with his wife Stephanie, his son Awnan, and their diverse pet family, including cats Annie, Jerry, Charlie, and Nikki, a dog named Petey, and a snake named Farcus. This supportive and loving environment fuels Adam's passion for work, providing him with the balance he needs to excel professionally.

Jul

30

The Rise of VoIP in Modern Business Communication

David J Steele

Information Technologies

OVERVIEW

Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) transforms business communication by enabling voice and multimedia sessions over the Internet, offering significant cost savings and enhanced flexibility compared to traditional phone systems. As the VoIP market is projected to grow substantially, businesses leveraging this technology benefit from features that enhance productivity, scalability, and overall communication capabilities.

Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) is a revolutionary technology that allows voice communication and multimedia sessions over the Internet. Due to its cost-effectiveness, scalability, and flexibility, VoIP has become an essential component of communication strategies in the business world. Unlike traditional phone systems, VoIP operates over a company's existing internet connection, eliminating the need for separate phone lines and reducing equipment costs.

According to recent statistics, the global VoIP market is expected to grow from $30 billion in 2020 to almost $95 billion by 2027. Businesses adopting VoIP report up to 50% savings on their phone bills and a 32% increase in employee productivity, thanks to features like call forwarding, voicemail-to-email, and video conferencing. By leveraging VoIP, businesses can cut operational costs and enhance their communication capabilities, leading to improved customer service and better team collaboration.

What is the Difference Between a VoIP System and a Traditional On-Premises System?

visualization of voip, voice over internet protocol

The primary difference between a VoIP system and a traditional on-premises phone system lies in the method of data transmission. Traditional on-premises systems, often called Public Switched Telephone Networks (PSTN), use circuit-switched technology to transmit voice signals over dedicated copper wires. These systems require substantial physical infrastructure and equipment, including Private Branch Exchange (PBX) units, which handle internal call routing.

In contrast, VoIP systems use packet-switched protocols to send voice data over the Internet. This eliminates the need for separate phone lines and extensive physical infrastructure, thus significantly reducing setup and maintenance costs. VoIP systems also offer greater flexibility, allowing employees to make and receive calls from anywhere with an internet connection. Additionally, VoIP systems typically come with advanced features, such as voicemail-to-email, call forwarding, and unified communications, which are expensive or unavailable in traditional systems.

Another significant difference is scalability. Expanding a traditional on-premises system often requires costly additions to the physical infrastructure, such as more phone lines and additional PBX capacity. VoIP systems, however, can be easily scaled by increasing internet bandwidth and adding more virtual lines or user accounts through a web interface, making them an ideal choice for growing businesses.

On-Premises VoIP vs. Cloud-Based VoIP: Understanding the Options

VoIP systems can be delivered either via on-premises servers or through cloud-based solutions, each presenting its own set of advantages and considerations.

On-Premises VoIP

An on-premises VoIP system involves hosting the VoIP infrastructure locally within a business’s physical location. This generally requires the purchase of server hardware and phone and network equipment. The primary advantage of an on-premises VoIP system is control. Businesses have direct oversight and can configure the system to meet specific requirements, often benefiting from improved security and customization options. Additionally, without reliance on an external service provider, businesses avoid recurring subscription fees, albeit at the cost of higher initial setup expenses and ongoing maintenance requirements.

Cloud-Based VoIP

Cloud-based VoIP, or hosted VoIP, operates by hosting the VoIP infrastructure off-site in the service provider’s data centers. This model offers significant flexibility and convenience. With cloud-based VoIP, there’s no need for extensive physical hardware besides phones and standard networking equipment. Because the provider manages the infrastructure, updates, and maintenance, businesses benefit from reduced IT burdens and access to the latest features. Furthermore, cloud-based VoIP solutions are highly scalable, making it easy to add or remove users as the business grows or contracts, often with just a few clicks in an online portal.

Jul

29

How to Use Microsoft Copilot for Windows 11

James Haywood

Digital Media and Internet Development

OVERVIEW

Microsoft Copilot for Windows 11 is a powerful AI-driven tool designed to enhance productivity by centralizing access to files, emails, and web pages across devices. While enabling Copilot fosters a seamless workflow, users should remain aware of potential security risks associated with its features, particularly regarding data privacy as Microsoft continues to enhance its security measures.

Microsoft Copilot is a new feature in Windows 11 that helps you find and access your files, emails, web pages, and other information across your devices and accounts. Copilot uses artificial intelligence (AI) to learn from your behavior and preferences and provide you with personalized suggestions and shortcuts. In this article, we will show you how to enable and use Microsoft Copilot for Windows 11 and highlight the security concerns behind using this feature.

How to Enable Microsoft Copilot

To enable Microsoft Copilot, you need to have Windows 11 installed on your device and sign in with your Microsoft account. It would help if you also had the same Microsoft account linked to your other devices, such as your smartphone, tablet, or laptop. Then, follow these steps:

Open the Settings app on your Windows 11 device and go to Personalization.
Scroll down and click on the taskbar.
Expand the Taskbar items.
Toggle Copilot in Windows to On.

At this point, you should see the Copilot icon in your taskbar now.

How to Use Microsoft Copilot

Once you have enabled Microsoft Copilot, you can access your information and tasks across your devices and accounts. Here are some ways to use Microsoft Copilot:

To use Copilot, press the Windows + C keys on your keyboard or click the Copilot icon on your taskbar. A panel will appear on the right side of your screen with various options and suggestions based on your context and activity.
You can browse the Copilot options and select the ones that are relevant to you. For example, you can open a file that you recently worked on, resume a web page that you visited on another device, reply to an email that you received, or launch an app that you frequently use.
You can also use the search bar at the top of the Copilot panel to find anything you need, such as a document, a contact, a setting, or a web result. Copilot will show you the best matches from your local and online sources and let you open them with one click or tap.
You can also interact with Copilot using voice commands. Just say, "Hey, Copilot," and then ask for what you want, such as "Show me my photos from last week" or "Send an email to [NAME]." Copilot will respond to your voice and perform the action for you.

Microsoft Copilot is an innovative and convenient way to boost your productivity and efficiency on Windows 11. Enabling it allows you to access your information and tasks across your devices and accounts and enjoy a personalized and seamless experience.

Jul

26

What's New with Facebook Advertising in 2024

Nicole Keiner

Digital Media and Internet Development

OVERVIEW

In a rapidly evolving digital world, small businesses must stay informed about Facebook's latest advertising updates to make the most of their budgets. With enhanced targeting options, new ad formats, and improved automation tools, leveraging these features can significantly boost brand visibility and engagement, allowing businesses to connect effectively with their target audiences.

Keeping up with the latest trends and updates in digital marketing can feel like a full-time job, especially for small business owners. Facebook remains one of the most powerful platforms for advertising, thanks to its extensive reach and sophisticated targeting options. If you're a small business owner looking to make the most of your advertising budget, staying informed about the latest updates from Facebook is extremely important.

Back to Basics: What are Facebook ads?

We've all had that experience while scrolling through our Facebook feeds—ads that seem to know us better than we know ourselves. Yesterday, you were innocently Googling "arcades near me," and poof, today your feed is full of promotions for the brand-new Dave and Buster's opening in the next town over. Like it or not, these eerily accurate ads aren't going anywhere.

As a small business owner, there's no better time to leverage this powerful tool. Facebook ads provide an extraordinary opportunity to reach a highly targeted audience with remarkable precision and simplicity. These ads allow businesses to craft customized campaigns that resonate with specific demographic groups, interests, and behaviors, all identified through Facebook's extensive user data. By utilizing various formats such as image ads, video ads, and carousel ads, businesses can effectively promote their products or services and drive meaningful engagement. With flexible budgeting options and precise performance tracking, Facebook ads are designed to help businesses maximize their return on investment while forging stronger connections with their audience.

Updates – What Updates?

The Facebook Company’s Business Manager, now called Meta, once a cornerstone tool for managing and optimizing your business's social media presence, no longer offers automatic updates. This began earlier this year. This change means that users must take a proactive approach by manually seeking out the latest features and best practices to stay current. While this shift places an additional responsibility on business owners and marketers, it also provides an opportunity to stay more engaged and knowledgeable about the platform's evolving landscape. By frequently checking for updates and new functionalities, you can ensure that your strategies remain effective and your business continues to thrive in a competitive digital environment.

Jul

25

Business Resilience - Backups and Disaster Recovery

David J Steele

Procedures and Policies

OVERVIEW

The article below emphasizes the critical importance of strong backup strategies and disaster recovery plans to make sure business continuity occurs during unexpected events. Regular data backups protect against loss from hardware failures, cyber-attacks, or human errors. In contrast, routine testing of these backups confirms their reliability. A comprehensive disaster recovery plan and effective communication and security measures strengthen an organization’s resilience, allowing vital information to stay secure and recoverable.

Maintaining the continuity of business operations during unexpected events relies heavily on strong backup strategies and disaster recovery plans. These measures are essential for mitigating risks and minimizing disruptions, allowing organizations to respond effectively and recover swiftly from crises. Regularly backing up data must be balanced, as it protects an organization's vital information against loss due to hardware failures, cyber-attacks, or human error. Equally essential is routinely testing these backups to confirm their reliability and integrity. Additionally, a comprehensive corporate disaster recovery plan makes sure that the organization can swiftly resume operations, minimizing downtime and financial losses. This document will explore the necessity of these components and provide guidelines for implementing effective backup and disaster recovery strategies.

Importance of Backups

Backups are a critical component in safeguarding an organization's data. Knowing where your files are located and making sure that backups are running smoothly are fundamental practices that cannot be overlooked. Having a clear, organized structure for where files are stored is imperative, as this greatly simplifies the process of backing them up. By regularly backing up all critical and sensitive data, organizations can reduce the risk of data loss. This proactive approach helps safeguard valuable information and maintain business continuity in unforeseen events.

However, more is needed to create backups; verifying that these backups are functioning as expected is crucial. Regular testing of backups is essential to confirm their reliability and integrity. The frequency of these tests should be determined by the value of the data and the potential impact of its loss. For highly valuable or critical data, monthly or quarterly tests are advisable. In contrast, semi-yearly or yearly tests suffice for less critical data. Testing verifies that the backup systems will function adequately in the event of data loss and that the data can be swiftly and effectively restored. This is a crucial step in ensuring the integrity and availability of important data.

Jul

24

Google Replaces Bounce Rate with Engagement Rate

David J Steele

Digital Media and Internet Development

OVERVIEW

In a significant update to its analytics tools, Google has replaced the traditional "Bounce Rate" metric with a new "Engagement Rate," designed to provide deeper insights into website user interactions. This shift emphasizes meaningful engagements rather than just single-page visits, offering businesses a more comprehensive understanding of user behavior and promoting better decision-making in digital strategies.

Google has officially replaced the traditional "Bounce Rate" metric with a new "Engagement Rate" metric in its analytics toolkit to provide more insights into website performance. This change reflects how user interactions are measured and analyzed, offering businesses a more comprehensive understanding of user behavior on their websites.

Understanding the Change

visualization of someone rating their user experience

Bounce rate has long been a staple metric in web analytics, indicating the percentage of visitors who navigate away from the site after viewing only one page. However, this metric has often been critiqued for its lack of context; a high bounce rate doesn't necessarily reflect negative user experiences. For instance, users might find the information they need on a single page and leave satisfied, but this would still count as a "bounce."

The new engagement rate metric aims to mitigate these limitations by focusing on user interactions rather than single-page visits. Engagement Rate measures the percentage of sessions that involve meaningful interactions, such as staying on the site for a certain period, completing a specific number of page views, or performing actions like clicks and form submissions.

Benefits of the Engagement Rate Metric

Richer Insights: Engagement rate provides a deeper understanding of how users interact with content, allowing businesses to discern more accurately what engages their audience.

Quality Over Quantity: This metric shifts the focus from merely retaining users on the site to promoting meaningful engagement with the content, thereby reflecting the quality of user experiences.

Improved Decision Making: By analyzing engagement, businesses can make better-informed decisions about content strategy, user experience (UX) design, and marketing efforts.

Jun

28

What is the Microsoft Power Platform?

David J Steele

Information Technologies

OVERVIEW

Microsoft Power Platform is a comprehensive suite designed to empower users to create, manage, and optimize business solutions efficiently. This integrated environment includes a range of tools, such as Power BI, Power Apps, Power Automate, and Power Virtual Agents, enabling users to analyze data, build custom applications, and automate processes, all with minimal coding. By leveraging these tools, organizations can enhance productivity, streamline operations, and foster a culture of innovation, thereby driving business success.

Microsoft Power Platform is an advanced and integrated suite of applications, connectors, and a powerful data platform called Dataverse. This comprehensive environment is designed to facilitate business solutions' creation, management, and optimization. It empowers a wide range of users, from professional developers to everyday end-users, providing them with the tools to analyze data, build custom applications, automate complex processes, and create intelligent virtual agents.

By leveraging the Microsoft Power Platform, organizations can streamline operations, enhance productivity, and drive substantial business success. The platform's user-friendly interface and powerful capabilities enable users to easily integrate data from multiple sources, gain valuable insights through sophisticated data analysis, and develop tailored solutions that address unique business challenges. Whether you want to automate routine tasks, improve decision-making with data-driven insights, or enhance customer engagement with virtual agents, Microsoft Power Platform offers the flexibility and scalability to meet your needs.

The platform fosters collaboration and innovation across teams, breaking down silos and encouraging a culture of continuous improvement. With seamless integration with other Microsoft services such as Azure, Office 365, and Dynamics 365, Microsoft Power Platform provides a cohesive and interconnected ecosystem that enhances your organization's overall efficiency and effectiveness. Embrace the power of Microsoft Power Platform to transform your business operations and stay ahead in the competitive landscape.

Jun

27

Elevate Your Online Presence With SEO

Nicole Keiner

Digital Media and Internet Development

OVERVIEW

At Intrada Technologies, SEO is the practice of increasing a website's visibility in search engines' organic results. We aim to boost your online presence without using paid advertisements, allowing you to appear in searches based on relevance and content quality. This approach enhances your visibility, trust, and credibility with your audience through genuine channels.

visualization of search engine optimization

Today – every website click matters. For small business owners and digital marketers, understanding how to drive organic traffic to your website can be the difference between thriving and just getting by. That's where SEO, or Search Engine Optimization, comes into play. This blog post will explain SEO, clarify why it's important for your business, and break down the components of a successful SEO strategy. By the end of this guide, you’ll have practical insights and actionable steps to boost your online presence and outpace the competition.

Why SEO is Important

The importance of SEO cannot be overstated. For small businesses, it’s an essential tool that levels the playing field against larger competitors. When executed well, SEO increases your website's visibility, driving more organic traffic and, ultimately, more sales. Unlike paid advertising, SEO provides long-term results. It's a sustainable way to grow your business without continually investing in ads. Furthermore, SEO builds trust and credibility for your brand by improving user experience and delivering valuable, relevant content to your audience.

What is SEO

At Intrada Technologies, we define Search Engine Optimization (SEO) as the meticulous technique of increasing the visibility of a website or a web page on search engines' "natural" or un-paid ("organic") search results. We aim to make your company appear on Google or Bing search engines for specific key phrases purely based on merit. This means you have earned those top spots through relevance and the quality of your content, making your company the best result for the person searching. This enhances your visibility and builds trust and credibility with your audience, as they find you through genuine, unpaid channels.

Jun

26

Zoom Like a Pro

Nicole Keiner

Procedures and Policies

Would you like to attend virtual meetings more confidently and effectively? Whether you’re a seasoned remote worker or new to video conferencing, mastering Zoom etiquette can enhance your virtual presence. Here are our top 10 etiquette tips to ensure seamless and professional virtual meetings.

1. Test Your Technology

Before jumping into a meeting, take a few minutes to test your audio, video, and internet connection. Zoom offers a test meeting feature (link) that allows you to check everything is working correctly. This prep step can help avoid technical glitches once the meeting starts.

2. Dress Appropriately

Even though you're working from home, dressing appropriately shows respect for your colleagues and the meeting. Aim for business casual attire at a minimum. Dressing up not only creates a professional appearance but can also boost your confidence. By making this small effort, you'll convey professionalism and commitment to your work, fostering a productive and respectful virtual workspace.

3. Choose the Right Background

In today's virtual world, the importance of a distraction-free background during calls cannot be overstated. We've all been on a call with someone with an interesting intergalactic background or a messy home office. Keeping your background clean and free of distractions is essential to maintaining professionalism. If that’s not possible, Zoom provides virtual backgrounds that you can use. A neutral or branded background best supports a professional image and ensures the focus remains on you and your message.

4. Mute Yourself When Not Speaking

One of the most common issues in virtual meetings is background noise. Avoid this by muting yourself when you’re not speaking. This simple practice keeps the focus on the speaker and minimizes disruptions.

5. Pay Attention and Stay Engaged

We have all found ourselves scrolling through our emails on our phones or daydreaming during virtual meetings for a minute or two. Still, it's crucial to be mindful of our engagement levels to maintain respect and effectiveness in these settings. Getting distracted during virtual meetings is easy, but staying engaged clearly shows respect for your colleagues. Ensure you maintain steady eye contact with your webcam to simulate face-to-face interaction. This simple act makes others feel heard and valued. Regularly nodding in agreement or using appropriate facial expressions can subtly demonstrate your attentiveness and active participation. Additionally, try to minimize background distractions and avoid multitasking to the best of your ability. Show your colleagues that you’re fully present by listening intently to their contributions, which can lead to more productive and collaborative discussions.

Jun

25

Windows 10 Expiration

James Haywood

News and Events

OVERVIEW

Windows 10 will no longer receive security updates or technical support from Microsoft after October 14, 2025 for Home and Pro editions, and October 9, 2026 for Enterprise and Education editions, potentially leaving users vulnerable to threats. It is crucial to upgrade to Windows 11 if your hardware meets the requirements or plan for a new device, as Windows 11 offers improved performance, enhanced security, and a more user-friendly design.

Windows 10 last update released: version 22H2

When Windows 10 expires, Microsoft will stop providing security updates and technical support for the operating system, exposing users to potential threats and compatibility issues. Therefore, it is important to upgrade to Windows 11 before Windows 10 reaches its end-of-service date, which is October 14, 2025, for the Home and Pro editions and October 9, 2026, for the Enterprise and Education editions.

However, not all Windows 10 devices can run Windows 11, as the new operating system has higher hardware requirements than its predecessor. According to Microsoft, the minimum hardware specifications for Windows 11 are:

A compatible 64-bit processor with at least 1 GHz clock speed and two or more cores
4 GB of RAM
64 GB of storage space
A Trusted Platform Module (TPM) version 2.0 chip
A graphics card that supports DirectX 12 or later with a WDDM 2.0 driver
A high-definition (720p) display that is larger than 9 inches diagonally
A UEFI firmware that supports Secure Boot

To check if your device meets these requirements, you can use Microsoft's PC Health Check app on its website. Alternatively, you can consult Microsoft's online list of compatible processors. If your device is not eligible for Windows 11, you may need to purchase a new one or stay with Windows 10 until it expires.

Jun

24

What to Expect with WordPress 6.6

David J Steele

Digital Media and Internet Development

OVERVIEW

WordPress 6.6, set for full release on July 16, 2024, introduces many exciting features to enhance the user experience. Key upgrades include improved performance for faster load times, advanced block editor capabilities, and robust security measures. Users can also look forward to enhanced site health tools, better full-site editing, and greater multilingual support.

Currently, the most recent version of WordPress is 6.4.3. This update primarily focuses on a crucial security fix. WordPress 6.6 will be the second major release of 2024, with an anticipated full release on July 16, 2024. WordPress remains at the forefront of content management systems (CMS) with its latest release, WordPress 6.6 Beta 3, launched on June 18, 2024. Currently, in the candidate release phases, users can anticipate a range of exciting features to improve the overall user experience. The anticipated upgrades are enhanced performance measures that ensure faster load times and a more responsive interface.

Additionally, the new version promises to integrate advanced block editor capabilities, offering greater flexibility and customization options for content creators. Security enhancements are also a key focus, providing stronger defenses against potential threats. With these improvements, WordPress continues to solidify its position as the go-to platform for website development and management.

WordPress has come a long way since its inception in 2003, and it continues to evolve and stay relevant in the constantly changing landscape of web development. Its intuitive interface, extensive plugin options, and significant community support make it an attractive choice for beginners and experienced developers.

Highlights from the WordPress 6.6 Roadmap

The WordPress 6.6 roadmap outlines upcoming features and improvements planned for future releases. Here are some of the key highlights:

Enhanced Site Health Features: Expanded tools and checks to help users better monitor and maintain their website’s health.

Improved Block Editor: Additional customization options and a more intuitive interface to streamline content creation.

Full Site Editing (FSE): Enhanced capabilities allow users to design and modify their site layout without coding.

Performance Optimization: Continued focus on improving load times and reducing resource usage.

Security Upgrades: Advanced threat detection and mitigation techniques to safeguard websites.

Accessibility Enhancements: Improved navigation and usability features to make WordPress more accessible to all users.

Multilingual Support: Integrating multilingual capabilities directly into the core reduces the need for third-party plugins.

REST API Enhancements: Expanded features and improved performance for developers working with the REST API.

Seamless Updates: More reliable and efficient update processes to ensure smooth transitions when new versions are released.

One of the major highlights of WordPress 6.6 Beta 3 is its improved performance measures. With faster load times, users can expect a smoother and more efficient experience when navigating their websites or creating new content. This is especially important in today's fast-paced digital world, where every second counts.

Jun

21

New Scam Tactics for 2024

David J Steele

Procedures and Policies

OVERVIEW

As technology advances, scam tactics become increasingly sophisticated. In 2024, individuals and businesses must stay vigilant against scams that leverage emerging technologies and human psychology to deceive and defraud. Understanding these new tactics is crucial for protecting personal information and financial resources.

As technology continues to advance, so do the tactics employed by scammers. In 2024, individuals and businesses must remain vigilant against increasingly sophisticated scams that target a wide range of vulnerabilities. Cybercriminals leverage emerging technologies and exploit human psychology to devise new methods for deception, fraud, and data theft. Understanding these evolving tactics is crucial for safeguarding personal information and financial resources in the coming year. In this article, we will explore some of the top new scam tactics for 2024 and provide tips for identifying and avoiding them.

AI-Generated Personalized Scams

One of the most concerning advancements in scam tactics for 2024 is using AI (artificial intelligence) to create highly personalized messages. Scammers are now utilizing AI algorithms to analyze vast amounts of data from social media profiles, public records, and other online sources. This enables them to craft messages that appear from trusted sources or that reference specific personal details, making them more convincing and challenging to detect. For example, an AI-generated email might mention the recipient's recent online purchases, friends' names, or even upcoming events, adding a layer of authenticity. These personalized scams can be phishing emails, text messages, or even phone calls, and they often aim to extract sensitive information or encourage malicious actions. It is crucial for individuals to be wary of unsolicited communications and to verify the legitimacy of any request for personal or financial information.

Student Loan Forgiveness Scam

Another emerging scam tactic gaining traction in 2024 is the student loan forgiveness scam. As the conversation around student debt relief continues to dominate headlines, scammers are capitalizing on borrowers' hopes and financial struggles. These fraudsters often pose as representatives of legitimate loan forgiveness programs or government agencies, offering false promises of reducing or eliminating student debt in exchange for an upfront fee or personal information. They may use official-sounding titles, forged documents, and sophisticated websites to gain the trust of unsuspecting victims. It is essential for borrowers to verify any loan forgiveness offered through official government channels and to be skeptical of any scheme that demands immediate payment or sensitive information. Understanding the legitimate options for student loan forgiveness can protect individuals from falling victim to these deceitful practices and potentially losing money or compromising personal data.

May

31

Cloud Computing 101

James Haywood

Information Technologies

OVERVIEW

Cloud computing revolutionizes the way we manage and utilize IT resources. This technology enables the delivery of various services over the internet, allowing users to access on-demand computing essentials like storage, servers, databases, networking, software, and more. By eliminating the need for physical hardware or software maintenance, cloud computing offers unparalleled scalability, flexibility, and cost-efficiency.

What is cloud computing?

Cloud computing is the delivery of computing services over the Internet, such as storage, servers, databases, networking, software, analytics, and intelligence. It allows users to access and use these services on demand without having to buy or maintain physical hardware or software. Cloud computing offers many benefits, including scalability, flexibility, cost-efficiency, reliability, security, and innovation.

In general, there are several different ways that cloud computing is provided. All these options are subscription-based based depending on the needs to the service.

Option 1: IaaS – Infrastructure as a Service
Summary: IaaS environments are typically set up and managed by IT professionals. The professionals update, patch, and maintain the servers and software. They are simply renting the hardware.

Infrastructure as a service (IaaS) is a type of cloud computing that provides users with virtualized computing resources, such as servers, storage, network, and operating systems. Users can rent these resources from a cloud provider to run their applications and workloads. Users have more control and flexibility over the configuration and management of the infrastructure but also more responsibility. IaaS suits users who need high-performance computing, scalability, and customization. Examples of IaaS providers include AWS EC2, Azure Virtual Machines, and Google Compute Engine.

May

30

Google Lighthouse Introduction

David J Steele

Digital Media and Internet Development

OVERVIEW

Google Lighthouse is an open-source tool designed to improve web page quality through automated audits. It assesses various aspects such as performance, accessibility, best practices, SEO, and Progressive Web Apps (PWAs). By using Lighthouse, developers can identify and address areas needing enhancement to ensure websites provide an optimal user experience.

Google Lighthouse is a sophisticated, open-source tool that enhances web page quality through automation. It evaluates web pages across several dimensions, including performance, accessibility, adherence to best practices, SEO, and the development of Progressive Web Apps (PWAs). Utilizing Lighthouse allows developers to efficiently identify and improve areas needing enhancement, ensuring that websites offer superior user experiences in line with modern web standards.

This article explores the utility of Lighthouse, emphasizing its role in supporting companies in benchmarking their SEO strategies and maintaining web developer accountability, as well as how Intrada leverages this tool for optimal outcomes.

Lighthouse Dimensions Explained

Lighthouse breaks down its evaluations into five distinct dimensions, each contributing uniquely to a web page's holistic performance. These dimensions are provided for both desktop and mobile experiences, ensuring a comprehensive analysis across different devices.

Performance

Performance evaluation involves measuring the speed at which a web page loads and becomes fully interactive for users across desktop and mobile devices. It focuses on several key metrics crucial for a good user experience. First Contentful Paint (FCP) measures the time from the page start loading to when any part of the page's content is rendered on the screen. Time to Interactive (TTI) is the time it takes for the page to become fully interactive, meaning users can click, scroll, and input text. Speed Index measures how quickly the contents of a page are visibly populated. These metrics are invaluable for developers as they provide a comprehensive overview of the loading experience from a user's perspective, allowing them to pinpoint specific areas that may cause delays or hinder performance and make the necessary adjustments to enhance the overall performance across different devices.

Accessibility

Accessibility is the measure of how effectively a web page is designed and structured to accommodate users with disabilities, ensuring equal access and usability across both desktop and mobile platforms. This crucial aspect of web development involves a thorough evaluation of ARIA (Accessible Rich Internet Applications) attributes, which help make web content more accessible to people with disabilities. It also includes checking contrast ratios to ensure that text and background colors have sufficient contrast to be readable by people with vision impairments. Additionally, the legibility of text is assessed to make certain that fonts, sizes, and spacing are optimized for readability, making the site navigable and usable by everyone, including those relying on assistive technologies such as screen readers or voice recognition software. Ensuring accessibility is not just about compliance with legal standards. Still, it is also a commitment to inclusivity, allowing all users, regardless of their physical or cognitive abilities, equal access to information and functionalities on the web.

May

29

Unlocking the Power of Pay-Per-Click (PPC) Campaigns: A Comprehensive Guide

Nicole Keiner

Digital Media and Internet Development

OVERVIEW

Pay-per-click (PPC) advertising is strategy that allows businesses to pay for ad clicks rather than earning site visits organically, maximizing their visibility across search engines, social media, e-commerce, and video platforms. A successful PPC campaign involves diligent keyword research, compelling ad creation, efficient bid management, optimized landing pages, and continuous performance monitoring. Intrada offers specialized services to help businesses develop tailored PPC strategies, perform comprehensive keyword research, design engaging ads, target the right audience, and continuously optimize campaigns for the best results.

Businesses are constantly seeking innovative ways to capture the attention of potential customers. Pay-per-click (PPC) advertising has emerged as one of the most effective methods to achieve this goal. But what exactly is PPC, and how can it be leveraged across various platforms to maximize your return on investment? In this guide, Intrada will explore the ins and outs of PPC campaigns and how Intrada can assist you in optimizing your efforts.

What is PPC?

PPC, or Pay-Per-Click, is a form of online advertising where advertisers pay a fee each time their ad is clicked. Essentially, it’s a way of buying visits to your site rather than attempting to earn them organically. PPC ads can appear on search engines, social media platforms, and various websites, offering a versatile approach to reaching your target audience.

How Does a PPC Campaign Work?

A PPC campaign involves several key components that work together to drive targeted traffic to your website:

Keyword Research: Identifying relevant keywords that potential customers will likely use when searching for products or services like yours.
Ad Creation: Crafting compelling ads with engaging copy and strong calls-to-action to entice users to click.
Bid Management: Setting a budget and bidding on keywords to secure ad placement in search engine results or other platforms.
Landing Page Optimization: Ensuring that the landing page users are directed to is optimized to convert visitors into customers.
Monitoring and Analysis: Continuously tracking the performance of your ads and making necessary adjustments to improve results and ROI.

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Windows 10 last update released: version 22H2

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Highlights from the WordPress 6.6 Roadmap

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AI-Generated Personalized Scams

Student Loan Forgiveness Scam

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What is cloud computing?

OVERVIEW

Lighthouse Dimensions Explained

OVERVIEW

What is PPC?

How Does a PPC Campaign Work?

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