Posted on: March 30th, 2016 by Cornerstone
Cornerstone Business Solutions managing director Chris Petty takes a look at the big technology changes to affect our work and social lives over the next 12 months…
In July last year, Facebook chief executive Mark Zuckerberg predicted that humans would one day be able to talk with their minds and get Internet access from orbital lasers beaming power down to Earth.
While we wouldn’t recommend holding your breath for those technologies just yet, 2016 will be filled with incremental tech developments that will serve as a foundation for a much smarter future.
Virtual reality, artificial intelligence and smart cars will move to the main stage in 2016 as hardware is commercialised and cloud technologies make way for multi-functional computing.
2016 is going to be a huge year for artificial intelligence (AI). These architectures will result in more natural and competent speech interactions with our computers and smartphones that will make virtual personal assistants, such as Microsoft’s Cortana and Apple’s Siri, genuinely helpful.
AI advances in 2016 will allow virtual assistants to understand the tasks we’re working on and help with them. For example, they’ll be able to compile research automatically, almost like a real personal assistant. They’ll also understand the commitments we make to others, for example by realising from the context of an email that you’re meeting a friend for dinner, and then automatically adding it to your calendar.
Virtual reality
VR is a hot tip for 2016 with the likes of Sony, HTC, Oculus and Microsoft all working on headsets. Though the initial focus for VR is as a means to interact with video games, don’t be surprised to see functionality expanded to include watching films and making video calls – especially now that Facebook has bought Oculus.
Smarter smartwatches
Every year since 2013 industry experts have forecast Smartwatches to be “the next big thing”. But so far the products have failed to live up to the promise. 2016 could change all that, as wearables cut the cord to mobile phones and become entirely self-contained with their own wi-fi, GPS and sim card.
Self-charging phones
New technologies are enabling phones to charge through wavelengths. Japanese telecom company KDDI Corp has a product, called Cota, that will automatically recharge mobile phones at a distance, similar to how wi-fi transmitters deliver data from routers to devices. Cota serves as a central hub, almost like a wireless router, that pushes out targeted energy through wavelengths to charge devices without having to plug them in or place them on a pad.
Internet of Things
The so-called Internet of Things (IoT) is all about making everyday household technology controllable from your smartphone or TV. Imagine turning up your heating from your phone, monitoring who’s at your front door via your TV or putting the kettle on without leaving your sofa. You’re now picturing a home connected by IoT.
Self-driving cars
Hurray, no more taxis nor the wife’s dangerous driving! Google has had a fleet of autonomous cars driving themselves across the USA since 2014, while other car manufacturers, including Ford and General Motors, aren’t far behind. While 2016 might be too early to see self-driving cars come to retail, we’re expecting to see ever more ambitious tests.
New data protection methods
Every time a new home appliance becomes connected to the Internet, a new wearable device starts tracking more of our movements or a social network encourages us to put more of our feelings and vacation pictures online, more data is created. A lot more data. And that also means that parallel security measures will need to expand both in size and sophistication. New software security technologies will depend on identifying abnormalities in network behaviour instead of identifying destructive code in software.
Get in touch!
Whilst we can’t give advice on which is the best self-driving car to purchase, we can look at how well you are utilising technology to improve your business.
If you’d like to discuss this or any other IT matters, just get in touch on advicecorner@cornerstonebs.co.uk or call 0845 223 2400.
http://teesbusiness.co.uk/2016/03/30/biggest-tech-trends-of-2016/
Posted on: February 23rd, 2016 by Cornerstone
A Stockton-based IT firm is to roll-out what it says will be the fastest ever broadband across the North East, after being appointed Virgin Media Business’s sole business partner for the region.
Cornerstone Business Solutions will be providing ultrafast broadband to SME businesses between Newcastle to the north and York to the south, while also acting as a local level customer contact.
Running on next generation optical fibre cables, Virgin Media Business’s new ultrafast business broadband provides speeds of up to 300Mbps – more than three times faster than the next fastest available on the open market.
Created to act like an instant upgrade for devices and apps, it will allow businesses to move easily between cloud apps and video streams while copying extremely large files and loading new web content.
Cornerstone managing director Chris Petty said: “Achieving Business Partner status with Virgin Media Business is potentially massive for us.
“Because it’s such a great product that a huge number of businesses will be interested in, it creates an opportunity for us to introduce ourselves to new customers.
“Virgin Media Business is a great a brand, associated with excellence, so to become one of their Business Partners is a fantastic achievement and one that reflects well on the company and our professional team.
“With partnerships already in place with global technology brands such as Sage, IBM, Microsoft, VMware, Dell and Cisco, it’s another big endorsement for us.”
He added that the broadband offering would provide “by far” the fastest speeds available to date.
“Everybody wants things faster, whether it’s emails, web pages, online backups or whatever,” he said.
“We all know how frustrating it can be with slow bandwidth.
“If you run a small business that struggles with a sluggish broadband connection then this is going to revolutionise your business.
“We now have a ready-made solution at an affordable price.
“We can now offer 300Mbps broadband for £80 a month.
“Until now, the only way of achieving such high speeds has been via a dedicated leased line, probably costing around £10,000 a year.”
The partnership came about as a direct result of Cornerstone placing adverts on the 360 degree digital pitch perimeter LED system at the Riverside Stadium.
Working with digital venue specialists ADI, Middlesbrough FC became the world’s first club to install the revolutionary system early in the 2015-16 season, with Cornerstone, the club’s Official Technology Partner, becoming the first to use it.
Its ad on the crowd-facing digital display was spotted by Burnley supporter and Virgin Media Business director Philip Lee during his side’s 1-0 Riverside defeat in December.
At the time, Virgin was looking to secure a North East partner.
Mr Petty added: “Off the back of seeing our name on the Riverside digital display, he carried out a bit of research on us, got in touch and the rest is history.
“It’s something that might never happened but for those Riverside displays, so it was money well spent.”
The ultrafast broadband will initially be provided in Virgin Media cabled areas.
Cornerstone have been allocated up to £900 per customer to assist with installation.
Posted on: November 25th, 2015 by Cornerstone
Welcome to the quarterly Cornerstone Advice Corner, with Cornerstone Business Solutions managing director Chris Petty…
We use this space to let you know of any forthcoming changes within the IT industry, whether good or bad, and to give you advice on how you can work as smart and as flexible as possible. In this piece we look at Windows 10 and Offsite Backups.
Windows 10
Microsoft believes the future of Windows is as a platform for all. That’s why Windows 10 is no longer just an operating system for PCs. It will also run on smaller tablets and smartphones
Windows 10 is being called “Windows as a service”. Instead of being fixed for three or more years until the next major version, Windows 10 is being continuously upgraded, based on how well it is working in real life.
In this respect, it’s like any web-based service, such as Office 365. With Windows 10, you don’t get left behind and you won’t have to pay for expensive upgrades every few years.
Windows 10 is FREE until July 2016. So, with this in mind, should you upgrade?
First, you have to test the new operating system to make sure it runs all of your software, and also your in-house programs, which may need some rewriting. Second, employees generally don’t like change, and they may need some retraining, which costs money.
Microsoft has retained Windows 7 Pro as a current product, alongside Windows 10. It is also committed to supporting Windows 7 until 2020, so businesses have more than four years to switch.
We would suggest looking at Windows 10 when you’re considering purchasing a new machine but remembering all of the above advice.
Offsite Backup
Data is the lifeblood of your business. If it’s lost, interrupted, compromised or destroyed, you go down with it.
You should now be seriously looking at putting your data offsite into a secure data centre.
Don’t just do a quick Google search and put your data with a company just because they have a fancy website. Make sure they are reputable – and that you either know them or you know others that use them.
This is what leading industry analysts tell us about the data dangers that your business faces:
• 93% of companies that lose their data for 10 days or more file for bankruptcy
• 81% of businesses that experience interruption to their operations will suffer a closure
• 80% of businesses suffering a major disaster go out of business in three years; 40% of businesses that experience a critical IT failure go out of business within one year
Food for thought?
Get in touch
If you’re concerned about any of the above, why not take advantage of Cornerstone’s free IT health check? An IT health check can look at Windows 10, Offsite Backup and much more, giving you a report on your network and suggested improvements for security and efficiency.
To discuss this or any other IT matters, get in touch on advicecorner@cornerstonebs.co.uk or call 0845 223 2400.
http://teesbusiness.co.uk/2015/11/25/smart-it-advice-from-award-winning-cornerstone/
Posted on: August 17th, 2015 by Cornerstone
Cornerstone Business Solutions have agreed to become the Official Technology Partner of Middlesbrough Football Club for the 2015/16 season.
The new deal will see Cornerstone become an official partner, extending their strong ties to the club as the firm looks to build on its success on Teesside.
Chief Operating Officer Mark Ellis at MFC said: “We are delighted that Cornerstone Business Solutions have further strengthened their links by becoming the Club’s Official Technology Partner.
“We have a great relationship with Chris and his team and we look forward to developing that relationship further.”
Managing Director of Cornerstone Chris Petty added: “We at Cornerstone value our strong links with the football club.
“This new partnership shows our commitment in supporting the club and our continued growth within the Tees Valley region.”
https://www.mfc.co.uk/news/cornerstone-become-official-boro-partner
Posted on: January 29th, 2015 by Cornerstone
Cornerstone Business Solutions come aboard
Local company, Cornerstone Business Solutions have become a new sponsor of MFC Foundation’s Arriva Health Bus by kindly donating laptops and an Xbox One for local people to use whilst on board the bus. MFC Foundation’s single decker, Arriva bus visits local communities in Teesside, delivering messages on how to live a healthy lifestyle. The bus is also present at match days where fans can come on board, meet the health advisors and use the interactive equipment and health equipment on the bus. Chris Petty, Director of Cornerstone Business Solutions said “As a business, Cornerstone are very pleased to support the work that the Foundation are doing in the local community. It is important to us to support local charities and we feel the Health Bus is a great learning tool for people of all ages and promotes a positive to message in our local area.” Helena Pinder, MFC Foundation Manager comments “We are very grateful for the support we receive from Cornerstone. Having donations such as laptops is a fantastic support to our charity as it provides essential equipment for our programmes, in this case our Health programme. We look forward to a lasting future partnership with the business.” Cornerstone is a multi-award winning leading provider of business solutions based in the North East of England. It partners with global technology brand to provide clients with cutting edge business and mobile communications that are reliable, robust and supported by people who are experts in the design, implementation and maintenance of your business critical systems.
Posted on: December 3rd, 2014 by Cornerstone
Cornerstone will manage the international technical training provider’s IT systems, which includes technology utilised in the skills development of apprentices and international technicians
Cornerstone will manage the international technical training provider’s IT systems, which includes technology utilised in the skills development of apprentices and international technicians The TTE Technical Training Group has engaged Teesside-based Cornerstone Business Solutions to develop its IT technology infrastructure.
Cornerstone will manage the international technical training provider’s IT systems, which includes technology utilised in the skills development of apprentices and international technicians who visit TTE’s training centre in Middlesbrough. Among its training facilities is a Chemical Process Pilot Plant, which recreates the operations of a chemical plant enabling trainees to be given comprehensive training including start-up, continuous running and shut down procedures of the plant as well as an introduction to standard operating procedures all undertaken in a safe environment.
The plant is connected via TTE’s IT infrastructure to a control room, which provides real time information from the plant’s operations to provide industry-based scenarios to enhance training programmes. To meet TTE’s IT requirements, Cornerstone has assigned one of its technical team, Will Lightbody, to be permanently based at the organisation’s facilities to provide comprehensive support and deliver maintenance services.
Andrea Preston, Finance Director at TTE, said: “Having the expertise that Cornerstone possesses right on our doorstep is a real advantage for TTE. We always aim, where possible to engage with local suppliers and Cornerstone has the experience and depth of knowledge required to support our organisation.”
Chris Petty, Managing Director of Cornerstone Business Solutions, said: “We are very proud to be working with TTE, which is one of Teesside’s best-known businesses with a reputation that extends around the world. With its range of classrooms, administration departments and industry-standard training facilities, TTE delivers skills development programmes in the engineering, oil & gas, process, chemical and manufacturing sectors as well as designing, operating and managing technical training facilities overseas. TTE is a charity having a ‘not-for-profit status’ with surpluses generated from its subsidiary businesses TTE International Ltd and TTE Apprenticeships Ltd re-invested back into the Group to provide training and apprenticeship opportunities for young people on Teesside and in the wider North-east.
Posted on: June 16th, 2014 by Cornerstone
Cornerstone are proud to be continuing their support for Butterwick Hospice.
Cornerstone are proud to be continuing their support for Butterwick and were once again recognised for this at the recent Butterwick Partner event at Wynyard Hall.
Posted on: April 23rd, 2013 by Cornerstone
Cornerstone have organised two events to be held at Middlesbrough FC’s the Riverside Stadium in aid of Butterwick Hospice
Cornerstone are organising a 11 a side football tournament at Middlesbrough Football Clubs ground the Riverside Stadium. This will have 5 companies enter into a tournament giving the players the chance to experience playing at the Riverside Stadium. In the Cornerstone team there are a couple of ex Boro legends including Craig Hignett and Neil Maddison.
On the night Cornerstone have organised what they are billing as the best Black tie Ball in the North east as the Riverside Stadium with red carpet entrance, champagne reception, special guests Alastair Brownlee Radio BBC Tees (compare) and Craig Hignett Boro Legend (special guest) 4 course silver service lunch. There will be talk by our special guests, a charity auction with some great prizes, casino tables, a magician, a photographer, a disco and many other things going on to make the evening very entertaining.
All of the proceeds made on the evening will be going to Butterwick Hospice which is a fantastic local charity.
If you would like to book one of the remaining tables of 10 (£500) or a ticket (£50) then please contact us on 0845 223 2400.
Posted on: September 20th, 2012 by Cornerstone
Cornerstone Business Solutions have gone into partnership with Ricoh to offer their wide range of printing solutions.
Cornerstone Business Solutions have gone into partnership with Ricoh to offer their wide range of printing solutions.
This was the one piece that was missing from Cornerstones products and services and we decided to offer this solution as most typical photocopier suppliers are only interested in selling the box and not the service. We have also had to help a lot of failed photocopier installations due to the lack of network knowledge
Catie Spears-Smith Business Generation Executive Ricoh said
“Ricoh are proud to announce a partnership in business with Cornerstone . The partnership with Ricoh will enable Cornerstone to offer its clients a portfolio which consists of over 85 award winning products, from desktop printers, multi-functional copiers through to production print devices and wide format printers and plotters. Together we will deliver a market leading package suitable for all your document workflow requirements. ”
This now makes Cornerstone a one stop shop for all of our customers technical requirements within the workplace.
We are also offering a FREE print audit on your network to see where we can save you costs
Posted on: February 6th, 2012 by Cornerstone
Cornerstone have been shortlisted down to the last 3 for the Service Award at The North East Business Awards 2012
Cornerstone are proud to announce that we have been shorlisted for the Service Award at The North East Business Awards 2012. This is a great achievment and something we are really proud about as we are passionate about delivering exceptional customer service.
This years awards will be a black tie event held at the Olympia Buildings, Teesside University, Middlesbrough on the 8th March
We will keep you updated on our progress
