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10 Reasons Why Cloud Computing Is Important For Your Business
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January 3, 2023

10 Reasons Why Cloud Computing Is Important For Your Business 

Cloud computing refers to the practice of making computing resources, such as data storage and processing power, accessible on-demand without requiring you to perform any administrative tasks. The word often refers to data centers that serve several users simultaneously through the internet. “The cloud” refers to a computing model in which you can access and use software and data from remote servers rather than installing it on your own computer. Despite the fact that cloud computing has been available for the better part of two decades and that a wealth of evidence points to the cost savings, increased productivity, and other benefits it provides for businesses, many companies still refuse to use it. 

Your business can benefit from cloud computing in a variety of ways, including data storage and analytics at scale, the provisioning of web-based services, the expansion of IT infrastructure, and more. 

Here are some examples of how using cloud services might benefit your company: 

1) Scalability :

A readily scalable IT system allows you to quickly and easily adapt to changes in your business’s needs, whether those changes include expanding or shrinking the solution’s capacity. In the past, businesses had to work within the limits of their hardware infrastructure, making it impossible to scale environments on demand. Cloud computing has made this restriction obsolete. The cloud has completely altered the method by which companies handle their IT infrastructure.

2) Flexibility:

The flexibility of cloud services is extraordinary. They won’t restrict your workforce to a single area. Important business papers may be accessed and shared from any internet-enabled device, such as computers, cell phones, or notebooks. Plus, a cloud-based service can rapidly fulfill the need for additional bandwidth, rather than requiring a complicated upgrade to your IT infrastructure. Your company’s productivity may see a major boost from this newfound independence and adaptability

3) Cost-effectiveness:

One of the main benefits of cloud computing is the savings it may provide to businesses. Cloud computing allows customers to release programs more rapidly without worrying about the upfront expenditures or ongoing upkeep of underlying infrastructure. By moving to the cloud, you may reduce your monthly operating expenses and spread out your capital expenditures over the life of your firm. 

4) Mobility:

By enabling remote access to company data through smartphones and other mobile devices, cloud computing helps ensure that no one is ever out of the loop. Employees who work long hours or who live far from the main office can utilize this function to be in constant contact with clients and coworkers, regardless of where they happen to be at any given moment. 

Those in sales who are always on the road, those who work as independent contractors, or from home, and everyone else who may benefit from having easy access to their data thanks to cloud computing can do so with more ease. 

5) Data security:

Hackers are increasingly targeting the cloud servers that host the data of even the most well-established businesses. Cloud solutions are increasingly effective in preserving the confidentiality of data against hackers. Cloud data is often protected by role-based authentication, access control, and encryption. Cloud service providers typically offer access to specialized teams that most businesses lack, and cloud storage reduces the risk of unauthorized data access.

This is essential because, in a local data center, workers who have direct access to equipment and data pose a serious threat to data security since they can steal or erase confidential information. You may be assured that no malevolent insiders will be able to access your data once it has been moved offshore.

6) Increased efficiency:

Cloud computing can boost internal business productivity. It allows business teams to collaborate more broadly. Users from different departments can effortlessly share and access data. Moreover, it allows companies to create a worldwide infrastructure accessible from anywhere, and even international teams can function more effectively, boosting the company’s bottom line. Cloud computing and managed services can promote knowledge exchange, eliminate human error, and speed up decision-making. This improves productivity by focusing on key tasks. 

7) Enhanced coordination:

Any company with more than two workers should prioritize teamwork. After all, a team is useless if it can’t perform as a unit. Using the cloud for your team’s collaboration needs just became easier. By utilizing a cloud-based platform, data can be accessed and shared safely and efficiently across team members. To further boost interest and participation, several cloud-based applications offer company-wide social networking forums. Without a cloud-computing solution, collaboration may be feasible, but it certainly won’t be as simple or efficient. 

8) Instant updates to programs:

Instead of relying on human IT personnel to manually refresh on a minute-by-minute basis, cloud-based apps are built to do so automatically. Nothing is more frustrating than waiting for system updates to be deployed, especially for those who are in the middle of a busy workday. To avoid requiring IT personnel to manually update all of the company’s computers, cloud-based apps are constantly being updated and refreshed in the background. Spending money and effort on outside IT consulting by the IT department is avoided.

9) Consistent market expansion in all sectors Instant updates to programs:

Cloud computing has grown rapidly over the past decade, and its popularity is expected to increase. The proliferation of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning as well as the maturation of edge computing bode well for the future of the industry. Over the next decade, businesses across virtually all sectors and subsectors will feel the effects of this explosion in computing power and end-user capabilities. 

10) Competitiveness:

While more and more people are turning to cloud services, some remain committed to staying put. They are free to make that decision, but they will be at a severe disadvantage when going up against businesses that use the cloud. Your competition will be further behind the eight ball by the time they catch up to you if you don’t install a cloud-based solution first. 

The cloud’s benefits during the COVID-19 pandemic have been readily apparent. Firms already using cloud computing had a leg up on their non-cloud rivals in the same industry when it came to adopting the new remote work regulations. If you aren’t already using cloud services, you need to start doing so or risk being left behind. Future-proof your company and ensure its continued success by developing a solid cloud strategy.

At MBiz Software, we make sure to stay up-to-date with all things tech, bringing our customers only the finest and most efficient software. Let us be your partner for technological innovation, contact us now! 

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December 22, 2022

To What Purpose Does A Python Ellipsis Perform?

The Python ellipsis, which consists of three dots (…) in a row, is likely unfamiliar to most. The ellipsis is a punctuation mark used in written English to signify omission. To effectively change the text, use three dots (…). However, the ellipsis is not limited to written text; the three dots may also be found in Python scripts. 

So, what is the ellipsis in Python Software? In Python, there is a single element uniquely named “Ellipsis.” This seemingly unremarkable item has the potential to greatly improve our quality of life if used correctly. The following is the output from a Python interactive shell if the string “Ellipsis” or three dots is entered: 

>>> … 
Ellipsis 
>>> Ellipsis 
Ellipsis 

While Python’s use of three dots (…) for syntax may seem strange at first glance, it has its uses. Below, is where we break it down for you. 

The ellipsis (…) is a substitute in Python.

You can use it as a stand-in when you need valid syntax but don’t have the chance to fill in the rest of the Python function quite yet. A new module’s design will typically involve the definition of certain functions or classes without their immediate implementation. For the time being, we are just concerned with figuring out what is to be written in the future and aren’t concerned with the nitty-gritty of how it will be done. The ellipsis is our ally in this case: 

def write_an_article(): 
… 

class Article: 
… 

Python functions with merely the body (…) can be executed without any warnings. This means, like the pass keyword, an ellipsis can be used as a substitute. Having just three dots reduces visual clutter. As a result, it is often helpful to swap out any unnecessary lines of code before posting code snippets online. 

The alternative, pass, is commonly used, but the aesthetic of this is considered cleaner. 

To exclude a dimension, use an ellipsis in Numpy.

When dealing with Data Science, the Numpy library in Python is a must-have. The ellipsis is useful when working with multidimensional arrays in Numpy. The ellipsis is best put to use with NumPy, a package full of valuable mathematical tools. NumPy allows for the simultaneous slicing of several dimensions through commas.

If we have a 3-dimensional matrix and wish to slice it, for instance, we may do it in one of three ways: 

Clearly, the most efficient approach to cutting a matrix into smaller pieces is by employing the three dots as demonstrated above. Simply because it involves fewer keystrokes to complete. 

Additional Ellipsis-based options for defining an individual array element or range are available in NumPy. To learn more about how these three dots might be used, see NumPy’s Ellipsis (…) for ndarray. 

Type hinting with an ellipsis.

In Python 3.5, type hinting became available for the first time. Using type hints is a fantastic method for being clear about the data types that should be included in your code. But there are occasions when you want to use type hints without completely limiting how your users may interact with the objects. For instance, you may wish to require that a given tuple consist entirely of integers, but leave the number of integers at your discretion. In such a situation, the ellipsis can be helpful. 

On the one hand, Tuple[int,…] is an example of a type-and-ellipsis expression for a homogeneous tuple of arbitrary length. 

As an alternative, using an ellipsis (three dots) in place of the list of arguments allows you to indicate a callable return type without also declaring the call signature: 

def partial(func: Callable[…, str], *args) -> Callable[…, str]:
     # Body 

To sum it up defines a tuple of data of fixed type and length, and the generic type Callable can be used in place of the list of arguments to a callable. 

In conclusion, as an evaluation constant, Ellipsis is equal to the ellipsis literal (…). A frequent application may be… while creating stubs of functions, for instance. The three dots provide some wiggle room in type hinting. The ellipsis literal allows you to express a tuple of homogenous types with an arbitrary length and to replace a callable type’s parameters with a list. NumPy users have the option of using… using the Ellipsis object in place of dimensions of variable length to shorten their slicing syntax. Coding may be made more comprehensible by using the three-dot syntax. 

Python’s ellipsis is a neat little bit of syntactic sugar. It’s practical in a few situations, and more importantly, it’s adorable! 

References for further reading:

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Tips for efficient remote working jobs
December 14, 2022

5 Tips For Smart Remote Working In The Tech Industry 

Since the COVID-19 epidemic, working from home has become the norm for numerous individuals. As a result, many people are combining work and family obligations while working from home. Working remotely is difficult despite our best efforts, especially while juggling other obligations. It is especially challenging for a tech company, whose primary tasks require effort, time, and commitment. Therefore, when you are not in the comfort of a productive office, it can be extremely tough to remain focused and productive. 

Here are some suggestions to help you maximize your time working remotely while decreasing stress. 

1) Keep your space clear of clutter:

Desk clutter is both a waste of space and a source of distraction. A clean and ordered environment, on the other hand, considerably improves concentration. By organizing your job-related data and paperwork in a single, easily accessible location, you can optimize your work processes and save time and effort. You may keep your professional and personal stuff organized in separate drawers of a robust desk, and you can free up floor space by eliminating the wires that connect your multiple electronic gadgets by using Bluetooth devices. 

A clutter-free workstation enables the addition of peripherals such as a docking station to charge several devices simultaneously without the need for separate adapters, or an additional monitor, which is essential while working with backend advanced technology and heavy applications. 

2) Communicate with your coworkers:

The more you speak with your employees, the fewer misunderstandings and misinterpretations you will have. You may not always have business with your coworkers; but, when working from home, it is essential to stay in touch with them and provide them with regular updates to keep yourself and them on track. 

Additionally, you may miss socializing with your coworkers outside of your household. Communicating with your coworkers will enhance your confidence, and maintaining contact may be quite advantageous not only for productivity but also for maintaining strong working relationships. Collaboration with your team enables you to monitor the development of each project in real-time, exchange ideas, and foster an environment of open communication. 

3) Stay efficient with your time and take regular breaks:

Working from home, particularly in the field of technology, is similar to switching from radio to television. They both disseminate information, but in vastly distinct ways. A vital part of good time management when working from home is taking frequent breaks. Here are tactics that have proven effective for telecommuters: 

As a first step, reduce the length of online sessions and take a break before beginning the following project. If the meeting will run more than 45 minutes, a 5-10-minute break is ideal. Keep in mind the 52/17 rule. For maximum efficiency, a 52-minute work period followed by a 17-minute rest is optimal. Planning your workday in advance allows you to complete more tasks in less time and with less effort. Due to the long hours and monotonous nature of the work cycle, this strategy is most effective for software engineers, developers, and sound and videography professionals. 

4) Get yourself a nice computer workstation:

Because of the long-term consequences they may have on the body, home-based workers must utilize ergonomic equipment. A standing desk will allow you to adjust the height of your table, allowing you to maintain your monitor horizontal to your eyes and reducing back and neck pain. A comfortable office chair or desk chair with lumbar support and height-adjustable seat and armrests can help support your lower back and posture. It can significantly reduce the likelihood of back and neck injuries over time. 

Finally, an ergonomic keyboard can help reduce tension in the wrists and forearms. Search preferably for a mechanical keyboard with a height-adjustable stand so that it can accommodate your seating position for a comfortable typing experience. These are especially essential for employees working with bulk programming or coding.

5) Transform your workstation with your own aesthetics:

Decorations or splashes of colour have been demonstrated to calm the mind and make work more joyful as a means of relieving stress and tension during work hours. Desk plants, for instance, not only enhance air quality but are also aesthetically beautiful and effective air purifiers. In addition, having images of loved ones or inspirational words has been shown to reduce stress and improve overall health and fitness. 

In addition to being a useful workspace, a home office should represent the individual’s personality. There are a variety of techniques you can employ to remain motivated and satisfied while working remotely. At MBiz Software, our staff is located throughout Sri Lanka, and we have mastered the art of working from home. We thrive not just in an office setting, but also in the comfort of our own homes. 

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Outsource my IT department
November 29, 2022

8 Reasons Why You Should Be Outsourcing Your IT Department 

The IT division is crucial to the success of any company. IT experts are widely sought after because they possess both hard and soft talents, making them indispensable in any organization.  

The choice to leave Information Technology support in the hands of a third party, such as a Managed Service Provider (MSP), is a significant one that many organizations make to save time, money, and resources. IT outsourcing has gained popularity due to its ability to help businesses use cutting-edge technology, competitiveness, and operational features. It can be used in multiple fields, increasing its impact, and it has gained popularity due to the IT industry’s dramatic impact on businesses. Outsourcing IT is the most practical option and is also practical because it benefits many fields, especially technology. 

So, let us get into the reasons why you should outsource your IT department: 

1) Cost-effectiveness:

The majority of companies who outsource their IT experience this as their greatest gain. Many firms cannot afford to have an IT expert on staff, and when you outsource, you save on overhead costs and the hassle of employing suitable teams, which could be an added cost. You will also be able to save money on high-end services and products, such as cyber defence and hardware upgrades. IT outsourcing can be done per project if that’s all you require. If you outsource your IT services, you may expect to save money in addition to the other advantages. 

2) You can get access to a wealth of knowledge and experience:

When you outsource your IT, you not only have access to a wider pool of skilled workers that might potentially aid in the expansion of your company, but you pay a flat rate each month and have access to a team of specialists that can help you with all technological issues. An organization that is unaware of the specifics of its future IT needs will find this particularly helpful. It’s also a convenient method to get expert advice without spending much time searching for money. 

3) Improved cyber security:

Keeping private data safe is a top priority when running a business. As much as 70% of businesses are unprepared for cyberattacks, suggesting a deeper problem: maybe a lack of skill and competence in this area. Due to the continued importance of this problem, businesses are always on the lookout for security specialists and software engineers that can keep an eye on their possessions without breaking the bank. Many businesses that want to be more careful with their information have found that outsourcing provides them with the resources they need to do so successfully. 

4) Higher flexibility:

An outsourced crew is flexible enough to adapt to your business needs when filling IT gaps. You may be expanding swiftly or trying out novel business methods and finding the proper people to work in-house to fulfil the demands of the constant changes in software development might be challenging. With outsourced IT, however, you have the flexibility to shape your technology in any way you see fit. In addition, outsourcing may provide a more health-focused and happy work environment and a greater emphasis on the seamless integration of outsourced service providers with core teams. 

5) Helps you shift your attention elsewhere:

It’s tough to concentrate on work when you and your team are always dealing with IT issues and fighting against outdated technology. When you outsource your IT, you free up internal resources to focus on higher-value activities, such as increasing your return on investment. It is typical to have an outside IT firm handle everyday chores like responding to support calls and putting out fires while staff at the home office focus on longer-term goals like growing the network or establishing how IT might better serve the business. By contracting with an outside IT firm, you can stop worrying about your company’s IT infrastructure and instead focus on running your business. 

6) Use cutting-edge technology:

Changes in the IT industry and the availability of novel services and solutions are constant concerns. It may be difficult to keep up with the latest developments, products, and app developments and assess if they suit your firm. You can be confident outsourcing firms or individuals will have access to all of the latest breakthroughs and training on new solutions to advise you on the technology you should use for the success of your organization. 

7) Increased professionalism:

In-house IT employees are usually asked to multitask and be well-versed in various areas. As a result, they are generally adequate but rarely excellent at anything. In comparison, consider the IT support provided by a Managed Service Provider. You may rely on specialists who manage networks for a wide range of businesses and industries to secure your company’s smooth operation and the security of your data from hackers. 

8) Put a stop to your problems:

If you take a break/fix approach to customer care, you will almost certainly spend more money and effort on the problem than is necessary. When you realize a problem, employee productivity has already plummeted, and you probably have some costly and uncomfortable downtime. When you choose a third-party IT MSP, you can be assured that your systems are being monitored around the clock, assisting in the detection and resolution of problems before they have a negative impact on your organization.  

These are just a few of the many benefits of outsourcing your IT department to a professional managed services provider. We at MBiz Software are tuned to better adapt to the shifting landscape of our field by honing down on a limited subset of expertise, allowing us to gain a wide range of valuable skill sets. Working with multiple brands globally as their end-to-end IT MSP, MBiz Software works seamlessly to provide you with only the best digital solutions.  

At MBiz Software, we help businesses elevate their value through IT consultancy, custom software development, product design, IT outsourcing/managed services, enterprise application development, system integrations, and NOC (Network Operations Center) Management. Contact us now!  

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October 10, 2022

What Is The ‘final’ Keyword In Java & How Can You Use It?

There are more than fifty reserved words such as keywords and literals that cannot be used as identifiers in java. The ‘final’ keyword in java is a non-access modifier, which is used to control three very specific aspects of classes, methods, and variables. 

The ‘final’ Classes

When a final keyword is added before a class, it makes it a final class. A final class cannot be extended. And also, a final class cannot be abstract due to obvious reasons. In a case where the programmer tries to extend a final class, it will give a compile-time error.  

final class MyFinalClass {  
     //code inside class  
} 
public class MyClass extends MyFinalClass {  
    void test() {  
        System.out.println("My Method");  
    }  
     public static void main(String[] args {  
         A obj = new A();  
        obj.test();  
     }  
}

Using the final keyword, programmers can avoid unauthorized access, and in the meantime protect important information. As an example, there are some logics which are vital to be temper protected as possible. In this case, making the class final prevents the inheritances and so the possibility of tampering also. 

The ‘final’ Methods 

Final methods prevent overriding the specific method in subclasses. Doing so will result in a compile-time error. 

public class MySuperClass {  
  // declaring method as final  
  public final void display() {  
    System.out.println("Hellow World!");  
  }  
}  
public class MySubClass extends MySuperClass {  
  // try to override the final method  
  public void display() {  
    System.out.println("Welcome!");  
  }  
}

With this, the programmer can minimize unwanted behaviors of child classes depicted from modifications of the methods that tamper with logic. In a real-world scenario, programmers can extend the thread class and create new ones but cannot override the isAlive() method which checks whether a thread is alive. 

The ‘final’ variables 

Final variables cannot be reassigned after the first initialization.  

final String str = "Hello";
str = "world"; // throw compilation error!

final int value = 10;
value++; // throw compilation error!

Blank final variables. 

Final variables can be declared without initialization. 

final String str;
str = "Hello World";

That kind of final variable is identified as a blank final variable. Unlike instance variables these blank final variables don’t have default values, therefore, initialization is mandatory for final variables. Otherwise. Once the final variable is initialized, it cannot be changed. So, the final variable acts as a constant.

In JVM compiled codes can improve the performance at runtime, Final variables improve performance during runtime. For the JVM final variables are compiled code then which will help to improve the performance. And the final variables are useful to keep value without changing in subclasses. But final variables cannot be trusted with non-primitive variables because the state or value can be modified. 

Bonus

As a bonus fact, final global variables are heavily used in dependency injection where initialization happens through a contractor.  

public class MyService { 
    private final MyRepository myRepository; 
    public MyService(MyRepository myRepository) { 
        this.myRepository = myRepository; 
    } 
    //Do Something with my repository 
}

The ‘final’ parameters 

Parameters are the values that programmers pass to a method from outside to execute a particular task inside the method. Just like the final variables, final parameters also cannot be reassigned in the method.  

public void sampleA(final int value) { 
    // try to modify the value of final parameter variable 
    value += 1; 
    System.out.println("Value is " + value); 
  }

Conclusion 

As discussed above, final classes avoid extension while final methods avoid unwanted behaviors of subclasses and final variables are read-only by design. The final keyword helps keep up the program’s readability while improving its understandability. And also, some performance gains are using the final keyword.  

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September 14, 2022

What Is Tailwind CSS & Why Should You Be Using It In Your Coding?

As a software developer, some of the items on your project list would be to build your app or software to be responsive on any device, code that is easy to read and maintain and make your coding easy to work with and not a nightmare to figure it out. Well, with tailwind keeping your code clean and your designs unique is very easy.  

What is tailwind? 

Tailwind is a low-level utility-first CSS framework designed to build unique and simple code through the use of utility classes without having to write any custom CSS or having to leave your HTML. Tailwind’s API is a collection of CSS which is classified into utility classes that are used to control elements and create unique CSS designs.  

Tailwind CSS doesn’t require a base format like the other CSS frameworks such as Bootstrap, where Bootstrap resets and installs its default styles on top of the base, whereas Tailwind strips any existing styling present and gives you a clean base to build upon. With Tailwind, you build your version of components using the utility classes which makes every tailwind project unique, which is one of the advantages of Tailwind, you get full control over each component since you’re the one designing and building each component, unlike Bootstrap where a button component in bootstrap is the same for every project unless you do customize it further.

Advantages of Tailwind  

  • Minimal Custom CSS  

Tailwind is a collection of CSS designed and integrated into utility classes, which you as a software developer can use the utility classes in your coding to easily apply CSS to your project without having to build custom CSS.  

  • Flexibility; Full Control Over CSS 

Tailwind doesn’t preset default styles, rather it gives you complete control over your components. For Example; A Button component in Tailwind isn’t based on a preset or the heading tags aren’t fixed on a default size. This level of flexibility allows you, as the coder, to create unique designs and components without your code getting complex.  

  • Simpler and lighter files  

If you are writing custom CSS for every component and a new feature, you can end up with large and heavy CSS files, which will be problematic for the performance of your application. Using the Tailwind CSS framework you can re-use your styles with utilities such as padding.

When working with duplicated content, for example, a movie directory, you don’t have to repeat the utilities for each movie, rather you can extract your utilities into a component or a template partial and make all your changes in one place, making your code lighter and way easier to edit and maintain.

Using Tailwind to improve your code

You most probably are wondering if you should even be considering the Tailwind framework when there are so many other frameworks out there. Tailwind is a low-level utility framework that gives you unrestricted control over your CSS as a developer, so if you need such flexibility in your software projects, then Tailwind is your option. It is also very lightweight and has its benefits.

In summary, you can apply the Tailwind framework to your React project, Angular project, Vue, Blade, etc… It is highly recommended to install the Tailwind CSS IntelliSense extension when you’re getting started on your Tailwind project. This extension helps you with autocompleting your class names, previewing the complete CSS for a class name and so many other uses which can be a great support for someone just getting started on the framework.

Our team of software developers at MBiz Software, use the tailwind framework in most of their projects to build better, awesome applications. Want to get in touch? Visit MBiz Software here   

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Work-Life Balance
September 8, 2022

6 Ways A Work-Life Balance Is Achieved At MBiz Software

Work-Life Balance has never been more called for ever since the global-pandemic having driven a drastic change in the work place. Millions of people having to rapidly adapt to work-from-home amidst others losing their jobs during this period, has led to many a employee realizing the importance of mental health brought about by a better work-life balance in the post-pandemic workplace.

Why is Work-Life Balance Important?

As the popular saying goes “A hungry man is an angry man”, the same applies to a mentally and physically burnt-out person. An overly-stressed employee who has not had the chance to unwind at the end of the workday, and is bound to enter the next work day in an equally stressed working capacity.

As you may have very well realized, when you would have started days with a relaxed mind and body, you had the energy and motivation to effectively get your job done and better engage in the workplace, such as being supportive to your coworkers and pitching in helpful recommendations. On the other hand, when you are having a bad day feeling emotionally drained, you tend to be not so productive doing what you do best.

Having an optimal work-life balance is further emphasized when working as a team. Be it physical labor such as building construction teams or an IT team, a mentally and emotionally unavailable team member affects the productivity of the entire team.

How MBiz Emphasizes A Work-Life Balance Amongst Employees

The team at MBiz Software is constantly encouraged to maintain a healthy social life outside of work where one can explore many other hobbies and activities in addition to an employee’s passion for his work and career. In fact, MBiz strongly discourages employee’s to work outside of their work hours.

6 Ways in which MBiz promotes a work-life balance;

  • Remote Work: MBiz empowers their teams by facilitating them to avail the benefits of remote working such as child-care concerns and schedule flexibility, not to mention the savings in commute time and other similar factors.
  • Flexible Schedules: Full-time and Part-time employees have been given the opportunity to have flexible schedules to blend in with the practical constraints faced in their day-to-day life. Employees at MBiz stand to experience a good number of benefits due to a flexible work schedule. 
  • Health Insurance: As an employee-centric organization at its core, providing health insurance to all it’s employees is one such initiative by MBiz Software in ensuring that it’s the well-being of all its employees are prioritized.
  • Regular Meetups & Events: In remote working teams it is important that good communication and cooperation between the team members are highly held-up in order for that team to be productive and successful. All the teams within MBiz have regular casual meetups virtually if not physically, in addition to internal games & friendly competitions in order to drive interactivity among co-workers to better help with mental and emotional stress relief in the workplace.
  • Intermittent Breaks: At any given time during work hours, MBiz encourages its employees to take a break from the screen to refresh and rejuvenate themselves to help with screen time and overall well-being.
  • Health & Well-Being: As important as it is to maintain balanced overall well-being, many people find it difficult to do so due to all sorts of commitments taking up their time and energy. As a responsible employer, MBiz Software provides its employees with financial sponsorship for the employees to indulge in any type of activity that helps improve their health and well-being. 

Teams within MBiz have developed strategies to effectively complete tasks in hand inside of work hours whilst being on schedule with deadlines. It also helps that the team at MBiz is close-knit and communication within teams and also at the organization level is very efficient, thereby all teams are able to work together to achieve organizational goals whilst maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

Having spoken to the employees at MBiz, they appreciate and value the organization’s commitment to employee well-being as opposed to the typical workflow in the IT industry where deadlines have to be met regardless of work hours.

Optimize Your Work-Life Balance

MBiz Software strongly highly encourages a healthy work-life balance to be maintained at all times in order for a live a better fulfilled life.

As many a people have come to realize post-pandemic, maintaining one’s mental health and overall well-being is often underestimated, one of the main factors associated with it being work-life balance.

Here are 25 ways to achieve an optimal work-life balance.

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it outsourcing company
August 29, 2022

05 Benefits Of An IT Managed Services Provider For Your Organization

IT managed services offer businesses an opportunity to focus on their core business functions without worrying about maintaining an IT department or even worrying about their IT needs at all. Outsourcing IT in your organization to a Managed Service Provider (MSP), can reduce your in-house workloads, increase IT efficiency and minimize IT downtimes, through effective IT management by the MSP. Managed IT services can be of various types, from complete IT outsourcing to a hybrid of in-house IT teams and a specialist outsourced IT team, to make up for gaps in existing IT roles and skills within your business’s internal IT team.

What are IT Managed Services?

IT managed services are information and technology services provided by a third-party organization through a contract or subscription basis, to enterprises and businesses, where the IT functions of a business are managed by a third-party IT managed services provider (MSP), also known as an IT outsourcing company. The whole idea behind hiring a managed service provider for your organization is to consign the IT function of your enterprise/business onto a team of IT specialists who could offer a better IT experience based on your organization’s needs.

Benefits of managed IT services:

1) 24/7/365 Support;

IT managed service providers offer round-the-clock service. Say you’re working on that project late into the night, which is due the next day and your server goes down, your internal IT team is long gone for the day and it would be a nightmare to get them back in the office to troubleshoot.

On the other hand, your MSP is just a phone call away from getting your server up and running again. IT managed service providers identify threats beforehand and eliminate threats before they can cause trouble.

2) Minimal Downtime;

IT outsourcing vendors have technological systems and software to effectively monitor and ensure the client has maximum service at all times. One such system is MSP’s analyzing and identifying potential threats to a customer’s IT system, and rectifying them early on, thereby eliminating the possibility of downtime for the customer.

3) Cost Saving;

MSPs have a steady monthly charge in exchange for their IT outsourcing service, although many managed services are tied to varying cloud expenses. All-in-all, this predictability offers better financial planning for your business.

Hiring a managed service provider for your IT function would be cheaper than your business having to find, hire, train and manage an in-house IT team, not to mention the infrastructure needed to achieve the level of services provided by an IT managed service provider.

4) Ability to fill in the skill gap cost-effectively;

Your organization’s internal IT department could be lacking certain skills and talent, which would be otherwise readily available through your IT MSP. Hiring such talent for your business’s IT team could be costly, especially if your organization requires such skills and talent for a short time / for a specific project.

IT managed service providers such as MBiz Software, offer flexible and scalable teams to fit the talent and skill needs of the customer.

5) Streamlined operations

Delegating the responsibility of data, storage, security, monitoring, management, etc… to an MSP, gives better reporting and centralized management of your organization’s IT functions. There wouldn’t be finger-pointing and blame-shifting should a problem arise; your MSP would be solely responsible for monitoring and fixing issues.

What types of managed IT services are available?

It is not uncommon for organizations to utilize MSP services of various types apart from complete outsourcing of their IT department, such as specialized SaaS (Software As A Service) server management & maintenance, NOCaaS (Network Operation Center As A Service), Cybersecurity services, Data Storage Services, VOIP Services, etc…

The old-school model for IT-managed service providers was a break-fix method, where monitoring was performed and the fixing was done when a problem arose. Modern IT MSPs have adopted an improved model of monitoring and management of systems, where systems are monitored, potential threats identified and rectified to eliminate that issues.

Every company’s MSP needs are different. Before you choose an IT managed service provider for your organization/company, you should analyze and identify your IT needs and choose an appropriate IT MSP who can provide you with that service. E.g.; If your organization, as a bank requires an extended team to support the in-house IT Team (without having to commit as an employer), to help with the software development or maintenance of your organization’s banking systems, an IT managed services provider such as MBiz Software would be a good MSP partner for you given MBiz Software’s expertise in the banking industry and the flexibility offered, for you to hire an extended team.

In Summary, IT-managed service providers can be very beneficial for your organization/business, depending on the needs of your business and the availability of quality resources in your organization. IT MSPs can help your business grow with limited resources, especially Fintech and Saas startups.

Want MBiz Software to help you manage your IT? Connect with us for a FREE consultation!

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August 9, 2022

MIS vs ERP: What’s The Difference?

Managing a business requires skill and flexibility, to keep functioning with the ups and down’s that one faces daily. What if a business wants to expand and grow its operations; what does it take? With the evolution of technology, businesses can achieve greater reach in all aspects, such as managing core-business processes in real-time, real-time data management, etc…

At a certain point in the growth of a business, it would need to upgrade and improve the systems needed to manage the data generated from the various functions in the business, such as production data, financial data, HR related data. That’s where MIS (Management Information Systems) & ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) systems come into play. Both MIS & ERP systems are designed to make data management in a business much simpler and more efficient, although both systems are not alike and have core differences.

To understand the difference between MIS (Management Information System) & ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) Systems, let’s understand the underlying relationship between these two data management systems.

What is an MIS (Management Information System): 

An MIS is technically a system to collect and store data that can be dated back to the maintenance of financial ledgers in an organization. In today’s technological era, an MIS is a software solution for enterprises, used as a centralized database to store and process all the data from financials, operations, personnel & working processes of a business.

The main role of an MIS system is to collect, process, and store data that can be used for monitoring organizational processes, and forecasting and planning future business processes. An MIS offers better efficiency and increased profitability of certain business functions such as finance, marketing, and manufacturing among other professional business areas.

An MIS system covers a large section of the functionality of an organization, which led to the creation of more niche software solutions such as ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) systems, DSS (Decision-making Support Systems) & OAS (Office Automation Platforms) which are used to create reports, analyze data and support organizations in their decision making process through analytical insights.

Advantages of an MIS:

  • Increased productivity – All the data is stored digitally. Time and resources are saved with the lesser paperwork and lack of manual storage & retrieval.
  • Assisted decision making – Inbuilt data processing tools help the decision makers in the organization to make a decision based on real-time data with autogenerated reports and insights.
  • Enhanced Financial Insights – Easily accessible financial data which can be generated at any time to assess feasibility and efficiency.

Disadvantages of an MIS:

  • Expensive to purchase – Typically Management Information Systems can be costly to purchase, both ready-made solutions and custom-made solutions.
  • Requires proper training – Users of the systems need the training to use the system, which can be costly and time-consuming. Untrained staff can lead to inefficiency.
  • Functionality – Ready-made MIS solution could lack critical features which would be necessary for your business or it could have features that are unnecessary to your business. Alternatively, businesses could choose to have custom-built MIS solutions to suit the needs of their organization.

What is an ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) system?

An ERP system is a business process management solution developed by software developers for enterprise resource planning as part of an MIS system, In short, an ERP System is an extension of an MIS System.

An ERP system allows for real-time resource planning by integrating all the processes of an organization such as finance, purchasing, inventory, planning, marketing, sales, human resource, etc… into a single system thus allowing for accurate real-time data reporting with the free-flow of information within the different departments of an organization. Without an ERP system, each department within an organization would have separate systems configured for the relevant department. ERP systems synchronize the systems of all the departments into a centralized database accessible through a single application without hindering the individual systems of each department.

Enterprise Resource Planning systems have become much more popular than Management Information Systems in SMEs as well as larger enterprises due to the scalability and the centralized database concept which allows for more synchronized communications within the organization. Industries such as retail, wholesale, e-commerce, logistics, supply chain, manufacturing, production, finance, IT, and real estate have been rapidly adapting to the use of ERP systems.

Advantages of an ERP System:

  • Simplified Reporting Process – Built-in templates make it easier to access comprehensive reports of all the functions in an organization.
  • Scalability – ERP solutions can adapt to the growth of a business.
  • Data security – Most of the ERP solutions come with enhanced security in-built into the system, thereby eliminating the need to have additional security measures taken.
  • Easy to implement – ERP solutions have shifted to the cloud. Organization need not have their physical servers and operation centers to maintain ERP solutions.

Disadvantages of ERP:

  • Solutions can be costly – Most ERP solutions are sold as SaaS products, on a subscription basis. Failure to uphold the conditions of the subscription could lead to inaccessibility of the system and direct impact on the operation of a business.
  • Not easy to onboard – Relevant training is required to set up and operate the system for maximum efficiency.
  • Can be expensive to operate – If an enterprise chooses to maintain the system in-house, expensive hardware will be required, such as up-to-spec servers and storage devices. Ensuring maximized up-time and other maintenance of an in-house system could also be costly. Alternatively, a reputed cloud-service provider eliminates such a disadvantage.

Summary

Both MIS (Management Information System) & ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) systems are information systems used in an organization. MIS is all about collecting, storing, and processing data & information to generate reports whereas ERP systems are aimed at automating business processes whilst managing the resources of the company and allowing the decision-makers in a company to forecast the future of the company.

Should you be wondering which system to implement, it is advisable to first and foremost identify and understand the needs of your organization and then choose a suitable system solution.

MBiz Software has been the IT partner of choice for multiple global brands, empowering businesses with modern technology. We are more than happy to help you find a suitable IT solution to grow your business! Get in touch with us!

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July 5, 2022

Why The Agile Development Cycle Is The Way For Efficient Software Development

From front-end developers to API innovators, today’s advancements in tools, technologies, and the cloud make it an exciting time to be developing software and services. Over the past two years having gone through the rollercoaster of global events, one of the major shifts we’ve come to realize is how reliant we’d become on digital infrastructure, driven by necessity. The system held up admirably, even as the people maintaining it struggled to invent new ways of working.

If you were to ask almost any software developer if the program they just finished developing is good enough, and they will say it could be better, similar to the way a musician will finally just release an album, even though they don’t consider it done.

What Is Agile Software Development?

The Agile software development life cycle is the structured series of stages that a product goes through as it moves from beginning to end. It contains six phases: concept, inception, iteration, release, maintenance, and retirement

How organizations are adopting to the Agile Development Methodology

Since the global pandemic emerged in early 2020, organizations are now aware of the opportunities and challenges ahead and realize being successful in the digital age requires agility in software development and delivery, as well as business strategy and operational executions.

According to a survey conducted by Digital.ai, when respondents were asked “What were the most important reasons for adopting Agile within your team or organization?” The two most urgent reasons for adopting Agile are the speed and flexibility required by working environments that continue to be both unpredictable and volatile. These are closely followed by a continued need to focus on alignment across teams to streamline the software delivery process.

Figure 1: “What were the most important reasons for adopting Agile within your team or organization?” | Digital.ai

Supported by shifts toward value stream management and business agility, survey respondents indicate their organizations are now better able to meet their agile transformation goals based on their continued adoption of agile practices.

A Few Key Benefits Of The Agile Process

Well executed Agile software development methodology helps teams significantly improve the quality of their software at each release. Not only that, it allows teams to adapt to change quickly.

  • Total transparency and involvement of multiple stakeholders;

An agile software development process requires involvement and collaboration which is not found in more traditional methods where each phase often only involves a specific set of individuals with expertise to accomplish the tasks for that phase, which limits transparency.

In Agile, before each sprint, the entire team reviews, validates, and agrees on which user stories to assign to the sprint. The developers, analysts, testers, and product owner work together to accomplish the items assigned to the sprint. The team meets daily to keep everyone on the same page. Throughout the sprint, each team member verifies each feature and works closely with the developers to ensure it meets the customer’s needs.

  • Better control on the overall project;

In the Agile software development process, the product owners are very active participants in every sprint, working together with the other teams to determine what goes into each sprint. This way, there is less of a chance of surprises or unnecessary features making its way into the development process.

  • Greater product quality;

On an Agile project, the team does not attempt to develop all features at once. Instead, the team assigns a smaller subset of features to each sprint. That way, the developers have more time to perfect those items before release.

Working on a product in small incremental releases ensures that each sprint results in a fully tested and working product.

Conclusion; Using The Agile Development Cycle On Your Next Project Might Be Your Better Option

There’s no doubt about it: agile is a powerful and efficient method for software development. It does not simply offer benefits to the development team but also has business advantages to the client.

With the agile software development life cycle model, teams can easily handle many of the typical project pitfalls involving costs, scope, and conflicting schedules in a more controlled way.

By organizing and reinventing activities related to custom software development, agile achieves its many objectives in a leaner, more efficient, and more business-focused manner.

Indubitably, the agile software development cycle is powerful and efficient methodology for both the client and the software development team. The typical project pitfalls such as unexpected costs, scope and conflicting schedules can be managed and controlled to achieves its many objectives in a leaner, more efficient, and more business-focused manner.

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