Office Document Strategies Blog

Amazon Web Services - AWS - Opens Canadian Data Centre

Posted by Lee Kirkby on Wed, Dec 14, 2016 @ 08:12 AM

Canadian cloud services users have always had to be cautious in their choice of providers if they want to make sure that their data remains in Canada and subject to Canadian legislative jurisdiction.  

Read More

Topics: Software, cloud computing, data security, Canadian IT

Another Microsoft Server OS Reaches End of Life

Posted by Lee Kirkby on Wed, Apr 20, 2016 @ 09:04 AM

Microsoft SQL Server 2005 has reached its end of life date after 10 years of steady work.  Like previously released dates for other server products Microsoft cautions that migration to an updated platform should have already meen undertaken or should occur as soon as possible.  

With the end of support life, there will no longer be security patches, bug fixes or other enhancements released for the product.  While theoretically it is still possible to continue to use the software the risks associated with doing so increase substantially with time.

Even the Canadian Government has commented on the occurrence, "organizations running software after its end of support date may be exposed to outage, compliance and security risks.  Hardware and software compatibility issues may also arise when implementing current technologies which may not have been designed for use with SQL Server 2005."

Data shows that as much as 46 percent of the install base of SQL server products is represented by SQL 2005 indicating that the need for action is a significant issue for organizations.  The current recommended release of SQL Server is version 2014, four generations newer than 2015.  

Of course moving to a new SQL installation is not a simple task and is something which takes planning and study.  Data base admins will need to address these issues quickly and begin the work before the inevitable holes start to creep into their installations.  Figuring our which version of the upgrades available, primarlly SQL Server 2012 or 2104 are most compatible with the other software you are running will be the first step of the plan.  Not every package which requires a SQL back end is going to have been updated to run with the latest MS data base software and this always creates some issue for some organizations.  

Taking the time to test the new install, ensure the functionality required is supported is a necessity with any software server upgrade.  Working with a sandbox installation while testing your data and software is the safest way to be sure you are not going to run into major issues.  This takes resources and time, time which is rapidly going to run out for the current installations.  Beginning now, if you have not already done so is an imperative.

Unfortunately, this kind of upgrade also has budget implications, both for licensing and for labour to deal with the work involved.  It also can often involve hardware upgrades as newer server systems generally require more horsepower.  Of course if you are running ten year old server software the chances are that your hardware is also several years old, even if you have done a refresh during the lifespan of your installation.  Getting new hardware installed is a good first step and it could potentially be used as your sandbox installation for testing and then migrate to your production work.

There are tools available to help you in your planning and it is a good idea to make use of them to guide your efforts.  Microsoft offers a couple which can help.

When a significant tool like a data base server platform is shifted there is always some disruption and challenge involved.  When the platform base is no longer eligible for software support and upgrade this is aggravated.  

Read More

Topics: Software, server software

2016 Hiring Challenge For IT In Canada

Posted by Lee Kirkby on Wed, Dec 16, 2015 @ 09:12 AM

Read More

Topics: Software, it, Canadian IT

HP Restructuring | A Game Changer?

Posted by Lee Kirkby on Wed, Oct 14, 2015 @ 07:10 AM

Read More

Topics: Computer, Software, MFP, Printer

Windows 10 Upgrade No 2 | Expert Commentary

Posted by Lee Kirkby on Wed, Sep 16, 2015 @ 08:09 AM

I finally decided to take the leap and join the approximately 75 million others who have upgraded to Windows 10 by doing the upgrade from Windows 7 Pro to Windows 10 Pro on my primary computer.  This is the unit I use to write this blog, handle all my email and other website work I do for my Rotary group.  For me it is a critical tool and I was hesitant to jump in.

Read More

Topics: tablet, Software, Windows 8, Windows 10

Creating The Discussion About Cloud Computing

Posted by Lee Kirkby on Wed, Sep 9, 2015 @ 07:09 AM

Every business leader has heard about cloud solutions for their computing needs.  What many don't know is when and where the cloud could be the best option or even a viable option for them.  Many IT managers take a cautious approach to the cloud because it includes many pitfalls that are not readily apparent.  

Read More

Topics: Software, cloud computing

Microsoft's Big Departure With Windows 10

Posted by Lee Kirkby on Wed, Aug 5, 2015 @ 07:08 AM

Following on last week's blog regarding the public release of Windows 10 on July 29th it is interesting to look at what the proposed process means for Microsoft and also for PC users around the world.

Read More

Topics: Computer, iPad, tablet, Software, Windows 10

Encryption For Cloud Data Security Canada

Posted by Lee Kirkby on Wed, Jul 1, 2015 @ 09:07 AM

One of the biggest issues that many companies deal with when they consider cloud data security is becoming comfortable that their information will be secure and not subject to unauthorized access. 

Read More

Topics: Software, business processes, data security

Coming Attractions - 2015: Microsoft Windows 10

Posted by Lee Kirkby on Wed, Oct 8, 2014 @ 08:10 AM

Read More

Topics: Software, Windows 8, Windows 10

Mozilla and Microsoft Windows 8 | No Traction

Posted by Lee Kirkby on Wed, Mar 19, 2014 @ 07:03 AM

Read More

Topics: iPad, tablet, Software, Windows 8, Internet Browsers