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Articles by Function4

How Much Does It Cost to Lease a Copier?

April 24th, 2023 by Kevin Box

The text 'How Much Does it Cost to Lease a Copier' over a small plastic house in the background and a sign that says Lease in the foreground.

How much does it cost to lease a copier, or should I pay cash? This is one of the most frequent questions we get from our customers. Leasing a copier can be a great option for many organizations as it offers numerous advantages. Compared to buying in...

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Posted in: You Ask, Function4 Answers

10 Sure Fire Ways to Protect Your Printer Fleet Beyond the Firewall

February 19th, 2023 by Kevin Box

Text on gray background saying 10 Sure Fire Ways to Protect Your Printer Fleet Beyond the Firewall with crumpled paper and coffee cup with lightbulb.

Many organizations don’t realize how easy it is for cyber criminals to access printers on the network sitting behind the Firewall. Every printer connected to your network has an IP address, which means bad actors could potentially find the IP address...

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Posted in: Cybersecurity

Got Cyber Insurance? - Here’s 5 Ways to Ensure Your Cyber Insurance Policy Pays After a Security Breach

February 7th, 2023 by Ed Hoffmann

A hooded figure sitting in front of two monitors with cables hanging behind them, with the text 'Got Cyber Insurance? 5 Ways to Ensure Your Cyber Insurance Pays After a Security Breach' layered over the image.

Cyber insurance is an essential component of a comprehensive risk management strategy for businesses of all sizes. It provides financial protection against losses and liability arising from cyber-attacks, data breaches, and other cybersecurity incidents....

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Posted in: Cybersecurity

Section 179 and What It Means for Your Small Business

November 21st, 2022 by Kevin Box

Tax forms with a calculator and pencils resting on top of the forms

The Section 179 deduction is a valuable tax break for small and medium-sized businesses because it allows owners to deduct the entire cost of large business expenses like equipment, furniture, and machinery in a single tax season - offering significant...

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Posted in: General

4 Ways to Overcome the Supply Chain Issues When Ordering Printers

September 6th, 2022 by Kevin Box

Two workers loading boxes into back of delivery van.

Over the last two years, anything that requires a computer chip has gone through supply chain issues in one way or another. COVID-19 did not entirely create this issue but exposed it. If you need to order a new printer, it could take as...

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Posted in: General

Using Screen Sharing to Demo Products and Services with Teams / Zultys / Zoom

April 18th, 2022 by Function4

Business team seated around a meeting table with video conference screen share at front of room.

In an organization, it is the job of the sales and marketing teams to enhance sales, keep existing customers happy, and help the company expand, and to do this; they need to present their ideas. Studies show that visual aids can increase...

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Posted in: Business Technology

Checking Chrome and Edge for Updates

March 29th, 2022 by Function4

Updating Microsoft Edge Step 1

Note: Edge may already be up to date on its own, but for security reasons we are ensuring it is. Microsoft Edge Step 1: Open your Microsoft Edge browser Step 2: Click the 3 Dots (…) in the top-right corner Step 3: Hover...

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Posted in: General

How to Find the Best Copier Company Near Me

March 22nd, 2022 by Function4

Business woman standing in front of a multifunction printer in office setting looking at documents in hand.

No matter how advanced the world has become, there are some conventional things that we can't just let go of. Printing papers is one of these. You can have all of the information you need in digital form, but some documents must be in physical...

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Posted in: Business Technology

Factors to Consider When Choosing the Best Copier Company Near You

December 10th, 2021 by Function4

Black copier machine

A multifaceted and reliable office copier is a critical tool for every company that is success-oriented. However, finding the right company can feel overwhelming. Not only is office equipment like copiers pricey, but if incorrectly selected, it...

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Posted in: Business Technology

Top 12 Tips for Managing Remote Teams

November 8th, 2021 by Function4

A women working remotely on her laptop while on the phone in her kitchen.

In the past week, I heard from several former colleagues who contacted me for advice on managing remote workers. As companies around the globe grapple to address coronavirus and the workplace, managers who have never led distributed workforces...

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Posted in: Business Technology

6 Do-It-Yourself Best Practices for Managing Your Printers

September 1st, 2021 by Kevin Box / Glyn Morgan

A women holding her head in frustration while looking at a office printer that is jammed.

Recently, one of our more tenured consultants gave an internal lunch and learn to our Sales Team on how to help our customers understand and better manage their printer fleets. This is the sort of “inside baseball”, so to speak, that organizations...

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Posted in: Business Technology

Attackers Have Successfully Hit the Nation’s Largest Corporations – Their Onslaught on SMBs Will be Worse – Are You Prepared?

August 2nd, 2021 by Bill Patsouras

Faceless hacker wearing a black hoodie

Leading Managed Technology Services Provider Shares How SMBs Can Protect Themselves from Cyberattacks and Ransomware Threats SUGAR LAND, TX – July 29, 2021 – Function4, a leading managed technology services provider (MTSP), recently shared that some...

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Posted in: Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity for healthcare systems, medical devices more critical than ever

July 27th, 2021 by Shane Keating and Stephanie Van Ness

Cybersecurity for healthcare systems

Cybercriminals have stepped up their game during the pandemic, launching ransomware attacks at a frenzied pace. In 2020, more than 90 U.S. healthcare organizations reported ransomware attacks, which affected over 600 separate clinics, hospitals and...

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Posted in: Cybersecurity

Antivirus Software - Explained

July 13th, 2021 by Charlie Osborne

Antivirus software explained

Antivirus software isn’t enough to protect our devices and accounts any longer, but it still provides a key layer of defense. Over the past few years, consumers and enterprises alike have become more aware of the importance of adequate cybersecurity...

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Posted in: Cybersecurity

Ransomware and Malware Threats: The State of Cybersecurity

June 7th, 2021 by Darcy Mekis

How to Protect Against Malware and Ransomware Threats

Cybersecurity is a growing concern for organizations all over the world. A single attack can lead to thousands or even millions in losses, and cybercriminals continue to come up with more sophisticated methods of attack. Ransomware and malware...

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Posted in: Cybersecurity

Protecting Office Printers and MFPs from Security Risks

May 11th, 2021 by Akisa Matsuda

Protecting Office Printers and MFPs from Security Risks

It is no secret that in this age of new normality, increased security threats such as phishing or ransomware attacks, are a very real concern. Almost all devices are prone to cybersecurity threats and office printers and multifunction devices...

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Posted in: Cybersecurity

How to Reduce Careless Employee Printing

April 1st, 2021 by Jason Callahan

office printing statistics

While I don’t want to get down on employees (after all, I’m an employee myself), it’s no secret that their printing habits can be kind of, well, careless. The average worker prints about 34 pages a day, yet 17% of those pages go unused. Close to...

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Posted in: Document Management

What Causes Slow Network Printing?

March 25th, 2021 by Chris Summerhays

Extremely slow internet on PC, other PC's on network work fine - SuperTechman

When your network printer is slow to respond, you might find yourself wondering what causes slow network printing. This is a common scenario. Here are a few established workarounds for slow network printing. How to fix slow network printing...

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Posted in: Document Management

3 Common Security Mistakes When It Comes to Printing in Federal Organizations

March 16th, 2021 by Steve Kelley

Technician getting stressed over server maintenance in server room

In 2019, the online training platform Skillbox sent a rogue print job to unsecured network printers. To do that, they relied on a search tool called Shodan that discovers vulnerable Internet-connected devices. It was the very same tool that a prankster...

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Posted in: Cybersecurity, Document Management

4 Ways to Create the Best Customer Experience in Technology

February 24th, 2021 by Kevin Box

4 excellent customer services skills for 5-star support

Have you ever been in a large retail store looking for a particular product and asked an associate to help you with your search? Does it bother you if the associate just points you in the product's direction instead of walking you to its location?...

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Posted in: General

Print Server versus Service Client: What’s the Difference?

February 23rd, 2021 by Tom Darnall

Mobile device sending images to a printer

At Function4, we have one overarching mission: to eliminate print servers. They’re a huge pain point for print environments of every shape and size, a resource vortex that devours time, money and effort with very little to show for it. IT departments...

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Posted in: Document Management, Business Technology

Customer Support Response Times

February 3rd, 2021 by Glyn Morgan

call center technology

A successful business usually has an outstanding customer service department. Nothing can make or break a company faster than customer service. Your ability and response time to resolve an issue can mean keeping your customer happy and a client for many...

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Posted in: General

3 Reasons Managed IT is Right For You

January 14th, 2021 by Max Queen

managed it services

Managed IT services provide countless benefits that help improve efficiency, budget-friendliness, and morale across any company—but what can it do for your company? Here's a quick look at just a few reasons why managed IT is right for you. A Crash-Course...

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Posted in: Business Technology

6 Realistic Time Management Tips for Remote Workers

December 15th, 2020 by Darcy Mekis

Intermedia 6 Realistic Time Management

You’re working on your monthly sales target report when your youngest barges into your bedroom, screaming her lungs out because the brother just took her toy. Now you have to pause working and solve the sibling rivalry. Or, you’re busy working on that...

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Posted in: Business Technology

It’s the Last Mile That Counts: Valuing Customer Experience When Selecting a Solution Provider

December 1st, 2020 by Taylor Bucher

Valuing customer experience when selecting a solution provider, Esker support team

Businesses know that customer experience (CX) is quickly becoming the key differentiator among brands. In fact, according to Gartner, when it comes to making a purchase, 65% of people find customer experience more important than price. So when a business...

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Posted in: Business Technology

Five Tips to Help Embrace New Technology in the Office

November 19th, 2020 by Desiree Hutchinson

Five Signs It's Time for a Rebrand | Carabiner Communications

We all know that change is hard, but we are all forced to accept change during this time. Every employee from Executive levels to Sales representatives must adapt to change with how we continue with our everyday jobs. Technology has helped businesses...

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Posted in: General

How to Select a Technology Partner

November 10th, 2020 by Christian Colasono

real-estate-acquisitions - Skyland Management | Commercial Residential Real Estate Management

In today’s increasingly evolving print/imaging technology industry, it is of the utmost importance to know what to look for, avoid, and what questions to ask when selecting your next technology partner. One of the most essential and overlooked areas...

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Posted in: Business Technology

6 Steps to Implement Digital Transformation in your Organization

November 5th, 2020 by Ross Lasley

Digital Transformation

Digital transformation has been a huge buzz word for the last five-plus years. It is still essential to companies in becoming a more profitable, efficient, and scalable business. Many companies have discussed trying to go through a digital transformation....

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Posted in: General

Attitude is Everything

October 29th, 2020 by Dave Volberding

New year, new attitude: The power of positivity! | DentistryIQ

Whether they were dealing with fluctuating gas prices, severe weather, other salespeople, personal problems with family, or just bad news, did not affect their enthusiasm. The best salespeople knew they had a job to do and did not allow the events around...

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Posted in: General

What Type of Cutting Method is best for a Production Print Center?

October 23rd, 2020 by Paul Perez

Best Paper Cutter for Print Production

Many organizations have moved to produce graphics and marketing materials in house to save on outsourcing costs and eliminate waiting on the local print shop. Now that print jobs can be taken directly from design to print, the challenge of finishing the...

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Posted in: Business Technology

How to Successfully Implement a Software Project

October 15th, 2020 by Bill Patsouras / Ross Lasley

Software Implementation

How to Successfully Implement a Software Project In today’s business environment, everyone is looking to increase productivity, reduce expenses, and streamline efficiencies. Many times, the answer lies in introducing more software to the environment....

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Posted in: Business Technology

7 Ways to Better Manage Cash with AP Automation

October 14th, 2020 by Esker

Esker image

In a time like this, maintaining a strong cash flow is of utmost importance for businesses. Unfortunately for many organizations, large amounts of cash are being tied up in inefficient, back-office finance functions, and they’re quickly realizing that...

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Posted in: Automation

Why Your Company Needs a Mobile Device Management Solution

October 1st, 2020 by Esker

Mobile Device Management

Allowing your employees to use personally-owned mobile devices for work doesn't mean that you have no say in how those devices are used. If you're too hands-off, a simple mistake by an employee could give hackers access to your company's confidential...

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Posted in: Cybersecurity

How To Improve Working Capital And Supplier / Customer Relations

September 23rd, 2020 by Brian Erlien

supplier256a

Many companies today are looking for ways to strengthen customer and vendor relationships as well as improve working capital. Here are four ideas that can do just that. Vender & Supplier Communication Do you offer your vendors...

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Posted in: General

Cybersecurity Trends to Know in 2020 & How to Protect Your Business

August 5th, 2020 by Ed Hoffmann

Weekly Cyber Attacks

Organizations today face an ever-increasing number of cyber threats. The rapid growth of criminal software development, coupled with the cybersecurity skills shortage, has also contributed to the rise in cyber-attacks. The COVID-19 pandemic has had...

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Posted in: Cybersecurity

What is a Copier Lease Buyout? (And Why It Might Be a Good Idea)

November 25th, 2019 by Function4

business people signing lease blog

The copier you leased a few years ago was a perfect fit for your day-to-day operations—until it wasn’t. Now your company could really use an upgrade. The problem is, the leasing period for your copier isn’t complete. A lease is a non-cancelable contract....

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Posted in: General

How Much Does a Copier Lease Cost?

November 12th, 2019 by Function4

business man using calculator in office

If you’re looking into a copier lease for your business, one of the first questions on your list might be, “How much does it cost to lease a copier?” The short answer: It depends. A copier lease is similar to leasing a fleet of cars or an office...

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Posted in: General

22 Scary Cybercrime Statistics: What Businesses Need to Know in 2019

July 22nd, 2019 by Function4

cybercrime

Do you worry about a cybersecurity breach impacting your business? These threats to cybersecurity are increasingly common, as hackers become more sophisticated and bolder in their attacks. Data breaches are destructive to your customers and your company’s...

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Posted in: Cybersecurity

How to Deploy Cybersecurity Awareness Training

April 22nd, 2019 by Function4

cybersecurity awareness training

Your company’s biggest cybersecurity weakness may be your employees. Your staff likely means well, but if they aren’t trained in proper cybersecurity procedures, their innocent errors could cost you a small fortune. But you can keep your company both...

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Posted in: Cybersecurity

3 Managed IT Services Benefits You May Have Overlooked

March 25th, 2019 by Function4

Managed IT

You may be familiar with the core benefits of a managed IT services partnership, but some advantages aren't as well known. Managed IT services providers have valuable solutions to offer your company that could make a big difference in productivity and...

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Posted in: Business Technology

9 Cybersecurity Solutions for Businesses

March 18th, 2019 by Function4

cybersecurity solutions concept

It doesn’t matter if you’re running a small-town business or a large, multinational corporation. If you own a business of any size, you’re at risk for threats such as cyberattacks and data breaches. Cyberthreats do not discriminate. For a business,...

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Posted in: Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity: 6 Best Practices for Small Businesses

March 11th, 2019 by Function4

cybersecurity concept

If you’re a small business owner, you probably don’t spend much time thinking about cybersecurity. After all, don’t most cybercriminals focus their efforts on big companies with deep pockets? The truth is, cybercrime presents a genuine threat to your...

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Posted in: Cybersecurity

Are Your Business Printers Vulnerable to Hackers?

March 6th, 2019 by Kevin Box

woman at office printer secure

In late 2013, hackers breached the systems of Fazio Mechanical Services, a heating and ventilation systems contractor. Through the Fazio Mechanical Services breach, the attackers were able to steal the network credentials of the third-largest U.S. retailer...

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Posted in: Cybersecurity

Tips for How to Approach Your Document Management Transition

November 5th, 2018 by Function4

If you're adding a document management strategy to your business, it's important to realize that it won't be a one-step process. You'll need to decide which department could see the most immediate benefits and also understand that company-wide deployment...

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Posted in: Document Management, Automation

Protecting Your Company From Social Engineering Attacks

October 8th, 2018 by Function4

social engineering phone

Social engineering has been around since the first traveling hucksters pitched miracle cures from the back of horse-drawn wagons. Today's social engineering schemes may be a little more sophisticated, but they have the same result—very embarrassed victims...

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Posted in: Cybersecurity

The IT Security Threat Right Under Your Nose

June 11th, 2018 by Function4

it security

With security breaches continuously on the rise, SMBs have been unable to escape the fallout. In fact, more than 60% of small businesses were the victim of some form of cybercrime in 2017. Since you would rather be in the 40% of companies who didn't...

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Posted in: Cybersecurity

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