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There’s so much said about the cloud that it can quickly become a little confusing as to just exactly what it is, and what it isn’t. As a result, there are more than a few misconceptions and myths about it. Check out these top 6 misapprehensions about the cloud which should help you get the most from online services, while simultaneously reducing any risks.

 Cost savings tends to be a primary justification for moving into the cloud and for good reason: it generally (but not always) does mean reduced capital expenditure. However, there is a lot more to it; because cost savings are generally only a ‘once off’, too, it is the other benefits which have to be longer-lasting in order to deliver ongoing value.

More important than cost, by far, is that a shift to cloud computing should be accompanied by an appropriate business strategy. Cloud can, in fact, be a catalyst for further improvement.

For example:

Use the savings wisely

Use that ‘once off’ saving when shifting to the cloud to invest in other improvements. Upgraded to Office 365 rather than an on-premise capital investment? Use the leftover cash to invest in skills training to take advantage of the new applications in the suite (Flow, Teams, Power BI, OneNote, Sway, SharePoint).
By taking this approach, you’re able to leverage cloud computing to facilitate broader strategic goals; in this case, improving employee performance and convenience. Those Office applications, once you get to know them, are quite awesome in how they can transform the way people work.

Growing up in Whangarei, Aaron moved to Auckland to study Digital Design at AUT focusing on Motion Capture and Game Design. After joining the design industry, Aaron found himself loving the creative side of the role however it didn't quench his thirst for problem solving.

Fast forward a few years later, Aaron is Lancom's Service Desk Manager, after shining as a Graduate Systems Engineer and Helpdesk Leader. We sat down with Aaron to understand more about him, and his recommendations for those seeking a management position in the technology sector.

Outsourcing some or all of your IT service requirements is a great way to improve focus on core business operations, benefit from reduced costs and access to more powerful, more capable technology on-demand. 

But, how do your shop for an Outsourced IT provider? Do you compile a list from google, send through an email requesting the price,then choose the most economical provider? Because they are all the same, all they do is fix IT issues, right? 

WRONG. 

Looking for that X factor which sets your company apart from the competition? Chances are, it can be found in software and that’s why you should be thinking about your company’s next application.

Think of the by-now usual suspects: Uber, Airbnb, Facebook, Amazon. These companies have revolutionised industries which were once unassailable fortresses, protected by regulation or high cost of entry.

How did they do it?

There’s good reason for analysts putting growth in the business intelligence market in double figures and surging to a value of over US$29 billion by 2020: it delivers real value to an increasingly broad cross section of businesses (in fact, Forbes says small businesses have the highest rate of BI adoption in 2018!) But just precisely what can Microsoft’s contender, Power BI, do for your company? Check out these five common problems that this powerful solution can address.

Computers, Technology and how systems work have always been one of Cameron's passion. Starting his career in 2014, as a graduate systems engineer, Cameron has risen through the ranks to become Lancom's Technical Team Leader, responsible for scoping, and delivering complex projects.

We interviewed Cameron to find out his highlights building a career in Technology, and his recommendations for those getting started.

Joining Lancom as a Graduate Systems Engineer, Jacques quickly realised he was made for Software Development. When we had an opening for a Full Stack Junior Developer, Jacques was quick to apply. Showing an outstanding result, he moved to become one of Lancom's Software Developers.

It’s probably one of the most exciting additions to Microsoft’s stable of offerings since Office 365 came out, but what can Power BI do for your business? Before getting to that pressing question, let’s have a quick look at what it has done for some other companies.

Nikita is Lancom's first female engineer! We discussed what a career in tech looks like for her, why she chose Lancom, and the highlights of working in the Technology industry.