@Profile Autumn 2017 - Don't get leaved behind
Welcome to the Autumn edition of our @Profile newsletter. Sadly the Summer's end is upon us, Autumn is fast approaching, and like Summer sun, longer days and green leaves on trees, nothing lasts forever - not even software is evergreen! In this edition of @Profile we'll be announcing the end of life for one piece of Pegasus software, giving a long awaited update on another, getting you up to date on GDPR, reiterating the importance of a good firewall for your business security, and finally letting you all know about how you can spread the cost of your new software and hardware with Profile's finance options.
Pegasus Opera II - The End is Nigh
Pegasus released their latest flagship product Opera 3 in 2010, and since then they have continued to support Opera II with updates and compatiblity patches for those who were still using the software. As of 2017, the number of people still using Opera II is in the vast minority as Opera II is now in maintenance mode, so Pegasus have announced the official end of support for Opera II Payroll and they will not be releasing Payroll upgrades moving forwards.
You may be wondering 'What does this mean for the future?' Well, if you're still using Opera II Payroll then it's time to speak to your Account Manager now to ensure you aren't caught out at the end of the payroll year. Opera II's days are numbered - it won't be long before Pegasus announce an official end of life date and Pegasus will not support the software anymore, and you don't want to be caught out using outdated, unsupported software to run crucial components of your business.
If you are running Opera II - even without payroll - we still recommend you speak to your account manager about what Opera 3 can do for your business, and to discuss a migration plan to ensure you don't get left behind.
Pegasus Opera 3 SQL Server Edition - Latest News
We are aware there are some of our Opera 3 customers that are waiting for news about Opera 3 SQL SE, and today we have some news to share! Profile have been heavily involved in the partner evaluation program for Opera 3 SQL SE and are assessing it in terms of deployment, implementation, data migration and load and performance testing. Once the evaluation has been completed we will hopefully have more news to share soon regarding the commercial release.
GDPR - What, Who, When and Why?
General Data Protection Regulation will be enforceable from 25th May 2018, but what does it mean for you?
What? - GDPR is a new regulation that involves personal data that a company holds about an individual, and the handling of that data within an organisation. If your business is found to be non-compliant, you could be fined up to €20,000,000 or 4% of your annual turnover, whichever is greater. Data can include anything from a name and address, to a phone number or set of bank details, and your handling of that data is key.
Who? - GDPR applies to any organisation who collects data from EU residents or any company who processes data for an organisation in the EU. If you're based in the EU and you have employees, this will affect you, no matter what your company size.
When? - GDPR is enforceable from 25th May 2018. If you deal with any EU residents data there is no avoiding it.
Why? - GDPR aims to protect the data of EU citizens and ensure companies are handling the data in the correct way to avoid breaches and leaks.
The right to be forgotten - with GDPR in place, a person has the right to request their personal data be removed from a database, and the controller of that data is then obliged to erase it. As a controller, you will have the right to erase data that is no longer necessary or relevant, as long as it is compliant with GDPR.
Pegasus have not yet released their plans for GDPR however, as soon as we know we will be updating all of our customers. You should already be thinking about your network security and what your business can do to protect your data to ensure that you are not caught out. Up to date antivirus (Profile recommends ESET or Symantec antivirus solutions) and two-factor password authentication from ESET can drastically decrease the chances of a data breach, and tighten security across your entire business. If you want any advice or assistance in making sure your business is ready for GDPR, please contact your Account Manager.
Still hot for firewalls
Our last edition of @Profile covered the importance of good security and protection from malware and ransomware and we think it's so important we're going to touch on it again! Unlike us humans, your business's IT system doesn't come with its own immune system and, unless properly protected, you are leaving your business open to viruses, malware, ransomware and hacks. The best place to start with protecting your business is a physical firewall, by the time software firewalls that already exist on your server/PC detect a threat, it's already on your system, whereas hardware firewalls turn threats away at the door. Profile recommends WatchGuard Firebox T series, one of the highest performing UTM (unified threat management) solutions on the market. Speak to your Account Manager if you are at all concerned about your business security.
Read our top 5 tips for ransomware protection here, and be sure to check out our last edition of @Profile for more important information regarding business security.
Split the cost
Did you know that Profile offers finance options on all of our products and services? Our trusted partners at Halo Corporate Finance offer great rates and personal service. Financing is one of the most efficient and rational options for funding computer equipment and software. It's a method that gives the User a flexible and cost-effective means of keeping pace with technology, while enhancing our product offering.
Financing provides budgetary control, predictability and enhanced cash flow at a time when developments in IT are continually shortening equipment life cycles and speeding up obsolescence. Flexibility of financing is becoming a company's number one concern, and Profile is able to offer flexible and tax efficient solutions to encompass all aspects of our proposal. A package which includes the total system, software, support and services.
Speak to your Account Manager to discuss your finance options with any order, or to find out more about the benefits of buying through finance.
- The Profile Team
