Continuum Blog

The Distinction Between Data Backup and Business Continuity by Brandon Garcin Believe it or not, the first data backups were made on paper. Dating back as early as the 18th century, the "technology" was used in the form of paper tapes constructed from punch cards to control the functions of automated machinery such as textile looms. The concept of these cards was then further developed by IBM in the early days of data processing, where data input, storage and commands were captured using a series of hole punches. In 1956, IBM introduced the 350 disk storage unit - the first ever hard disk drive. It was 60 inches in length, stood nearly 70 inches tall and had a capacity of 5 million 6-bit characters - or 3.75 MB of data. And although less than 4 megabytes may not seem like much (a decent cell phone can today take a picture with a larger file size), the 350 unit represe... (more)

Understanding Cloud Technology | @CloudExpo #Cloud #IoT #ML #BigData

Helping Clients Understand Cloud Computing and Cloud Technology By Matt Mainhart What is the cloud? Does my data really sit on fluffy white clouds and float above the world? What happens when an airplane drives through my spreadsheet, or a bird gets stuck in my document? The scope of cloud technology and cloud computing is growing, as is its adoption. Your prospects and clients could be using it right now and not even know it. When working with the right IT services provider, cloud technology helps small-to-medium-sized businesses scale up the IT needs of their companies much fas... (more)

Why IT Security Is a Top Concern for SMBs | @CloudExpo #Cloud #Security

Why IT Security Is a Top Concern for SMBs By Lily Teplow Although security is one of the most talked about topics in the IT channel today, there's a widespread lack of education and awareness in the workplace. Small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) are welcoming more technology into their everyday environment, but the rapid development of this technology is also accompanied by changes in cybersecurity and Internet threats. What these businesses don't know is that they can become more aligned with cybersecurity and IT security spending by outsourcing to an MSP like you. You offe... (more)

What IT Support Used to Look Like... By @JaqTech | @CloudExpo #Cloud

What IT Support Used to Look Like... by Jaq Baldwin If you ever saw the classic SNL sketch in which Jimmy Fallon portrays "Nick Burns, Your Company's Computer Guy" you're probably familiar with the pain and humiliation he causes the end users he is tasked with supporting. Condescending. Impatient. Way smarter than everyone else. Unfortunately, this is how people used to perceive MSPs and IT solutions providers. It used to be guys like Nick were just what small-to-medium-sized business had to endure if they wanted to get their computers to work. Snide remarks and Cheeto breath as... (more)

What to Do with All of That Data By @LilyTeplow | @BigDataExpo #BigData

What to Do with All of That Data: Retention Best Practices by Lily Teplow Imagine for a moment that you have three doors in front of you containing the data your clients have backed up. Behind door number one lies a complicated clutter of data, various files, and unidentifiable information. Behind door number two you have a data desert, with little or no available information. Finally, behind door number three is a perfectly organized system of saving exactly what is needed and disposing of what isn't. I'm guessing if you had the choice, you'd probably choose door number three, bu... (more)