Below are some options for businesses wanting staff to work remotely. For a temporary solution, consider using remote access software.

For a more permanent solution, consider migrating to a cloud based solution like Microsofts Office 365 or G-Suite for Business.

Remote Access Software

Products such as TeamViewer or even Chrome Remote Desktop are useful in that they allow remote access to another computer without any complex configuration or set up.

Chrome Remote Desktop

In the case of Chrome Remote Desktop, a google accout is required for set up. Once installed, all that is required to access the remote computer is to log in to the google account, visit the Chrome Remote access website where you’ll be able to access your other computer.
Detailed instructions from Google: https://support.google.com/chrome/answer/1649523

TeamViewer

TeamViewer is another great option for remote access. It’s equally easy to set up as Chrome Remote Access and has a greater set of features but does require paying a subscription fee for commercial users.
More info on TeamViewer: https://www.teamviewer.com

Cloud Based Solutions

These solutions will change how your business will operate now and in the future. Careful consideration should be taken before migrating to either of the products listed below. Having said that, both products bring many benefits to a business and will most likely save you money long term. G-Suite for Business Google provides a very simple set up the “just works” for both business email and cloud based storage for business data. Key features:

• Gmail for business – your business email within Gmails platform
• Google Drive & Drive File Stream – online storage for files
• Google Docs, Sheets, Slides – powerful cloud based document editting

Cost: $20 per user/month Read more here:   https://gsuite.google.com/intl/en_nz/ Microsoft Office 365 Aimed at larger businesses, Office 365 offers more options and flexibility but with a slightly more complex set up. Great for businesses that rely on Office apps such as Outlook, Word and Excel as Office 365 intergrates well with these products and offers subscriptions that include these apps. Key features:

• Exchange online business email
• Online apps for Word, Excel & Outlook
• OneDrive and SharePoint for cloud based file storage.

Cost: from $7.60 per user/month Read more here: https://products.office.com/en-nz/business/office-365-business-essentials

Yellow Pages New Zealand resell a hosted email solution provided by OpenSRS. Below you’ll find server details, as well as a link to the OpenSRS page that provides guides on how to set up your email for each common platform.

Incoming (IMAP):

Server:  mail.hostedemail.com OR mail.b.hostedemail.com
Port: 993

Outgoing (SMTP):

Server:  mail.hostedemail.com OR mail.b.hostedemail.com
Port: 587 (TLS only)

Username: Your full email address including your domain name

Password: Your password

NOTE: Depending on which email cluster you are hosted on, your incoming and outgoing server could be either of the above. The easiest way to establish which one you should use, is to attempt to log in to the webmail portal at each location. Whichever one you succesfully log into is the cluster you should use. Links below:

Cluster A: http://mail.hostedemail.com

Cluster B: http://mail.b.hostedemail.com

 

More information can be found here:

https://opensrs.help/email-configuration

Find below a table containing all the most common hosted email server details. 

If I’ve left one out or made a mistake, please let me know.

If you’re reading this because you’re wanting me to look after your website, great! If you’re just here for the info, that’s ok too. Below is a summary of how I transfer website from an existing host to Lexicom’s optimised servers to make sure the process is hassle free for everyone involved and to limit any downtime.

1) First, I assess the website to be moved.  Is the website’s WordPress version and plugin software up to date? If it’s out of date, is the version of software it’s on compatible with the Lexicon server it’s being moved to?

2) Once I’ve established everything will work on the new servers, I take a backup of the site. Just in case – you never can be too careful.

3) Next, I clone the website files and database to the appropriate Lexicom server. I place this clone on a temporary web address, for example “testing.lexicom.co.nz”. This way, your site isn’t affected in anyway while I work out any bugs or problems with the clone. At this point, I may update any software on the website as this is the best time to do this.

4) Once I’m happy with the cloned website, I change the A records (this is part of the IP address of the server which hosts your website) for your site. Now, when people type in your domain name / visit your website they are visiting the site hosted on the Lexicom server.  The cloned website now becomes the master version.

Once you’re happy with everything, you can cancel your old hosting plan.

 

If you have any questions, please get in touch.