@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 discussing the future of some Microsoft Dynamics NAV versions, 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.

Microsoft Dynamics NAV 2009 R2 and 2013 R2 - Moving On

If you currently run Microsoft Dynamics NAV 2009 R2, or 2013 R2 then this first section of @Profile is very important to you and we highly recommend reading it carefully. As you know, Microsoft Dynamics NAV 2017 launched last year and  Microsoft ended mainstream support for Microsoft Dynamics NAV 2009 R2 in January of 2015, well now Microsoft has also recently announced that mainstream support for Microsoft Dynamics NAV 2013 R2 is ending in Jan 2018 too. This means that there will be no more updates for compatability or functionality for this, or any other product not currently supported by Microsoft. What this also means, is that any new legislation that the government enforces will not be supported, and anyone still using these outdated softwares will be caught out and could face huge fines if they aren't compliant.

If you are using either of the above versions of NAV it is extremely important that you get in touch with your Account Manager and discuss your options for upgrading to NAV 2017, with GDPR coming into play in May 2018, you don't want to be left behind, as you will not be able to be GDPR compliant with software that doesn't support it.

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.

Microsoft 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