by Felicien | Nov 9, 2018 | Education
World War I officially ended on June 28, 1919, when the Treaty of Versailles was signed. However, fighting ended seven months earlier due to an armistice on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month. For that reason, November 11, 1918, is generally regarded as the end of “the war to end all wars.” In November 1919, President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed November 11th as Armistice Day with these words: “To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations…”
Although the name “Veteran’s Day” was not used until 1954, this day was designated a legal holiday to celebrate and honor the ending of World War I. In 1938, Armistice Day was “dedicated to the cause of world peace” and to honor the veterans of World War I on November 11th each year, becoming a federal holiday. In 1954, after World War II and the Korean War, President Dwight D. Eisenhower changed the name of the holiday to Veteran’s Day to honor American veterans of all wars. In 2018, Veteran’s Day falls on a Sunday which means there will be a Federal holiday for workers on the following Monday. State and local workers’ schedules are determined locally, therefore you should check with your locality to determine whether offices will be open or closed on Monday, November 12, 2018.
What is the Difference between Veteran’s Day and Memorial Day?
The original concept for the celebration of Veteran’s Day was for a day observed with parades and public celebrations and a brief stoppage of business beginning at 11:00 a.m. The observance of Veterans Day ton November 11th preserves the historical significance of the date and helps focus attention on the important purpose of Veterans Day, a celebration to honor America’s veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good.
Memorial Day, also a federal holiday is held on the last Monday in May. It is dedicated to remembering soldiers who lost their lives in battle or from injuries received in battle. Veteran’s Day is a day to honor all veterans, living or dead, who serve or have served in the military honorably during wartime and peacetime. Veterans come from families in all parts of the United States; men and women who serve are embedded deeply in the community. Here are some facts about American veterans:
16.1 million living American veterans served during at least one war.
5.2 million American veterans served during peacetime.
2 million American veterans are women.
7 million American veterans served during the Vietnam War.
5.5 million American veterans served during the Persian Gulf War.
2 million American veterans served during the Korean War.
As of 2014, 2.9 million American veterans received compensation for service-related disabilities.
As of 2014, three states have more than 1 million American veterans among their population: California, Florida, and Texas.
How to Celebrate Veteran’s Day
Veteran’s Day is a good day to find a way to thank veterans for serving the United States. There are many veterans living in communities around the U.S., some of whom don’t have relatives to care for them. You can visit patients in Veteran’s Hospitals, nursing homes or neighbors that you know are veterans. Honoring veterans with celebrations and parades is a great idea, but helping them after their service to the U.S. with daily life has great meaning to them as well. Many restaurants offer free meals to veterans on Veteran’s Day, and other businesses give discounts or assistance in any way they can.
by Felicien | Nov 8, 2018 | Education
Most lawyers realize that their firms would benefit by implementing legal practice management software. Case, contact, and document management tools; accounting, billing, and time tracking features; calendar, schedule, and docket control are all made easier. This allows attorneys to spend their valuable time on clients and cases, rather than on daily paperwork.
There are many benefits to adopting software programs for a law office. They coordinate communication between attorneys and support staff. This helps to properly assign duties and manage deadlines. Additionally, the document management tools allow for a fast, paperless search of files on the go. Generally, practice management software keeps cases organized.
By checking out some of the features that the top law practice management software tools offer, firms can choose the right option for their needs.
How Could Choosing ActionStep Improve the Daily Flow of a Law Office?
This highly flexible, cloud-based practice management solution offers an integrated approach that addresses the basic needs of small to medium-sized firms. ActionStep allows users to design their own workflows to suit their areas of specialty.
Other noteworthy features that ActionStep provides include the following:
Calendar management
Client billing
Client conflict and copyright check
Client Portal
Data Security
Email management
MS Office Integration
Additionally, with this software, attorneys can access, search and retrieve billing, documents, emails, and file notes, etc. with merely the click of the button.
Why Should Attorneys Choose Bill4Time?
Bill4Time is exactly what it claims to be; it is a time and billing software for companies that bill based on hourly rates. In addition to its standard office software, it has a legal edition. The industry-specific version has America Bar Association (ABA) Task Codes. It also offers checks for conflict of interest, as well as trust accounting and reporting.
One of the top-rated options for law firms, Bill4Time integrates with a variety of payment gateways. These include PayPal, Quickbooks, and other credit card processors. Clients have plenty of flexibility in payment options.
How Does Clio Benefit a Firm?
Clio might be the perfect management tool for law offices. It is designed to provide an array of benefits. Users can effortlessly organize case details, create workflows, and set schedules. It allows firms to take control of their finances with accounting system integration.
Its multiple features streamline nearly all of a law office’s processes. It enables the performance of accounting, client, case, documentation, and information management, office finance, time-tracking, and scheduling with one dynamic platform. Plus, it is compatible with Android, iOS, Mac, and PCs.
How Would HoudiniEsq. Improve a Law Practice?
A legal practice management solution, HoudiniEsq runs both Windows and MAC operating systems. This software includes client management, customizable workflow automation, email management, invoicing, and trust accounting. It comes in both desktop and cloud-based versions.
What Does MyCase Offer?
MyCase is a comprehensive, web-based practice management option for lawyers. This software offers procedures that are easy to use, as well as online payment, and a secure client portal. It also resolves the generally inefficient communication between clients and their legal counsel by providing a single platform for information sharing.
Since many legal users prefer mobile options, this software provides android and IOS apps for its users. MyCase offers legal practice management assistance to their customers by way of certified consultants. This ensures successful software use.
Why Should Lawyers Choose PracticePanther for Their Firm?
A management and billing software tool, PracticePanther is designed to be easy to use for those in the legal profession. In an all-in-one automated and secure software, it combines time tracking and billing, expense management, and payment processing.
Additionally, PracticePanther offers the following features and functions:
API Access
Custom Fields
Daily Agenda Emails
iPhone, iPad, and Android Apps
Money-Finder Report
Online Payment Processing
Quickbooks Accounting Integration
Secure Client Portal
Trust Accounting
Unlimited Data Storage
UTBMS Coding & LEDES Billing
Zapier Integration
This software is designed to help users save many hours per week while managing their practice. This results in a better, more lucrative bottom line.
How Can Tabs3 Be of Service?
This is desktop-based, Windows-only software designed specifically for law firms. Tabs3 is one of the most innovative and intuitive software options. It features advanced compensation formulas, client status reports, customizable billing, and time tracking. Plus, with particular additions, it supports electronic billing formats, such as LEDES. It also seamlessly integrates with Tabs3 accounting, financial, and custom report writing software.
In Conclusion
Many law offices have fewer than five employees. However, they still offer the same services as larger firms do. This means they require software that provides the same comprehensive functions as do bigger practices.
Several of the top practice management software options offer free trials or demos. This allows firms to basically “test-drive” a variety of systems. Then, they can compare the features of each before committing to their favorite.
by Felicien | Nov 8, 2018 | Education
Microsoft has announced that Microsoft Teams is about to become the primary communications client for users of Office 365. This means that an upgrade from Skype for Business to Microsoft Teams is imminent, and your company and its IT department will need to be prepared.
Microsoft Teams
Teams is a major upgrade compared to Skype. It provides a host of collaborative tools that center around what Microsoft describes as a chat-based hub. It supports enterprise voice and video calling using Skype for Business. Going beyond Skype, it integrates with existing Office 365 services such as Azure, SharePoint, Yammer, Outlook, OneDrive, and Exchange while providing access to team-enhancing tools such as intelligent Bots and Connectors.
Microsoft now feels that users can switch to Teams without using the functionality they have become accustomed to in Skype for Business –teams is considered to be at “feature parity” with Skype for Business. It has spent more than a year preparing Teams for this transition and has pointed out that nearly 70% of their enterprise customers who are using Skype for Business are already using Teams. While change is often met with resistance, it seems that this particular upgrade will prove quite useful in the long run.
The Upgrade Is Not Really Optional
The first thing to realize is that this move from Skype to Microsoft Teams may sound as if it is an optional upgrade right now, but in time it will prove to be mandatory. This upgrade will be pushed on users, and it is better to be prepared and have a plan in place to make the move. For the time being, however, Microsoft supports their clients being able to make the move on their own timetable – while still encouraging them to start using Teams immediately.
There are Two Types of Upgrades Available
For smaller organizations, there is an option known as Upgrade Basic which will upgrade the entire organization at one time. This is great for businesses that don’t have the IT resources to make the move on their own and is basically an automated upgrade. The automatic upgrade offers became available on November 1. For those who prefer or need a more phased upgrade approach, Microsoft also has an Upgrade Pro option. Note that there is an abundance of tools Microsoft has made available to assist with the transition process for both types of upgrades.
Administrators Have Some Control Over Team Creation
If your company is subscribed to Azure AD Premium, then IT administrators can limit who is able to create teams. This is possible because Groups and Teams are interconnected. Limiting who can create teams will be used to keep the number of teams created in check until the transition process to Microsoft Teams is complete.
Be Aware of Potential Compliance Issues
Teams is designed to serve as a central hub for groups to collaborate. Because of that design, there are project specific spaces that can include features such as file storage, SharePoint sites, and guest access through Gmail or Outlook accounts. These types of features can be problematic when it comes to compliance issues for areas such as healthcare, government, education, or legal applications. These compliance risks will need to be carefully addressed early one during your company’s adoption/transition process.
File Sharing
Decisions regarding file sharing need to be made before transitioning, also. First, note that if your organization is using Teams, there is no need to be using network file shares. Another factor to consider involves sharing procedures for teams. When sharing files in Teams, a system needs to be established for how users will be accessing shared files. Resulting issues can include unnecessary duplication and users accessing different versions of the same files.
Microsoft Has Provided Guides for Teams
There is a Quick Start Planning Guide and Adoption Guide from Microsoft that provides a wide overview of what Teams can be used for and how to best implement it, along with some video content to help users better understand the potential of teams. It would be a wise move to check out the materials Microsoft has made available and to do so well before your company is forced to make the change to Teams.
Conclusion
No official sunset date or end-of-support has been set for Skype for Business, but the transition to Teams is imminent. Now is the time to make sure your company is ready to make the change. You are strongly encouraged to take a look at the materials that Microsoft has made available to help companies and employees make the transition as smoothly as possible. And don’t forget, as you follow your own roadmap to upgrading to Teams, that you need to keep in mind critical (but easily overlooked) issues such as file sharing and compliance.
by Felicien | Nov 7, 2018 | Education
Are you considering taking another step forward with your IT career? With the dynamic, disruptive technologies emerging today, the opportunity to lead the technology initiatives within an organization is an enticing prospect.
To be a chief information officer today means having a deep technical background, leadership expertise, and the ability to influence other senior leaders. CIOs today need to become bold trailblazers, helping companies identify, invest in and implement the key innovations that will transform organizations.
What does it take to be a successful CIO. Here are 10 tips.
1. Remember that Perfection Is Not the Aspiration
Many CIOs have grand visions and ideas for how a company may use technologies to fuel transformation. The reality, however, is that most organizations have resource constraints and may be hesitant in taking big technology leaps. That’s why even small steps can be transformative. For a company with no strategic IT plan, developing the network infrastructure and improving the website may be big steps. Getting to perfection is, in most cases, impossible.
2. Seek to Understand Through Data
Data-driven decisions are going to be better for the organization. That’s why smart CIOs look closely at the data to inform their work. The challenge is that many organizations do not have the systems, discipline or procedures that are necessary to collect, analyze, use and fine-tune the right data. Data can serve as the evidence that allows leaders to move faster and accelerate innovation. CIOs need to understand what foundational data is needed, understand the processes that collect, store and report that data, and ensure that others in the organization are using a similar approach.
3. Focus On Fundamentals
There are a lot o big, shiny new toys for CIOs to play with. Virtual reality, automation, cloud solutions, the Internet of Things, quantum computing and 3D printing are sexy and enticing ideas, but be careful. The IT fundamentals need to be locked down before you can layer on new ideas. Those fundamentals — infrastructure, connectivity, access and security — have not changed in many years. Get these areas right and you’ll be a stronger organization in a better position to look at new approaches.
4. Advocate for Digital Transformation
Increasingly, CIO roles are changing. Gone are the days when managing new system installations and “keeping the lights on” are the primary responsibilities. Once those fundamentals are in place, it’s time for the CIO to step up and lead digital transformation. CIOs are uniquely positioned to integrate the silos that exist in any complex organization. They can bring together the disparate parts of the enterprise, buoyed by their knowledge of existing technologies in use, and integrate those with supply chain needs, marketing and sales, and customer relations. It’s the holistic approach to digital transformation that’s necessary to compete. CIOs should seek to be in the driver’s seat.
5. Automate Where You Can
Automation is a major factor in digital transformation today. Whenever possible, look to automation that can simplify processes, free up human and financial resources, and improve productivity. There are capabilities to automate many manual processes today, from document creation to manufacturing. Finding those solutions and successful implementations that show return on investment can be persuasive ways to convince other leaders to invest in further transformation.
6. Create a Shared Understanding
One challenge most CIOs face is the unfamiliarity with many technologies. Legacy systems are working just fine, say the doubters. That’s why persuasive education is so important. Building a shared understanding is a two-way street. It starts with the CIO gaining a keen understanding of the core business of each corporate unit. It then needs to extend to helping leaders of those units understand what IT is and what’s capabilities are. This shared understanding allows for better conversations about needs, challenges and opportunities. Whether you work in an agile organization or under a more rigid approval process, the shared understanding helps to create partnerships and more effective collaborations.
7. Build and Nurture Trust
This adage is true in any workplace, but the need to establish and build trust is critical. Trust takes a long time to gain and can be lost quickly. At every point in your career, you should work on building, maintaining and strengthening trusting relationships. How? Do what you say you will do. Don’t gossip. Focus on solutions that are shared wins and that help your partners be better and more effective at their work. Trust often leads to advocacy and support, especially in the c-suite.
8. Make Vision a Shared Experience
Leaders need to be visionary, carving out a path with inspiration that compels others to follow. But while CIOs should be adept at creating a vision, they need not create it alone. In fact, it’s powerful to engage others at your level and at others in the development of the vision. You can shape and guide the discussions, but others should either see themselves in the final product or know that their ideas were carefully considered before a decision was made.
9. Don’t Overly Govern
Governance structures are necessary. Policies need to be developed, oversight needs to be established, protocols need to be followed. But too much rigidity and by-the-book thinking can slow down processes. In small companies, governance may be as simple as the CEO, CFO and CIO being on the same page about a direction and need. While governance is important, it shouldn’t completely dictate every aspect of your work.
10. Practice Self-Care
CIOs often put in long hours, stretching themselves to be responsive and responsible. But they also need “white space” every day, unscheduled time where they can take a walk, play a game, exercise, or otherwise recharge.
For CIOs, it’s a heady time, full of opportunity and curiosity. Thinking about the practices, skills and strategies you’ll need when you become a CIO — and practicing them before you take the job — helps prepare for future success.
by Felicien | Nov 7, 2018 | Education
As a seasoned business traveler, you already know that flying through JFK, Newark, or LaGuardia can be a bit challenging—even on a good day. Between dealing with security, flight delays, and hordes of obnoxious fellow passengers, what is supposed to be a smooth transition to your destination can easily turn into a mess of inconvenience and annoyance. Add in a lack of free internet and an ordinary three-hour layover can seem like an eternity with no way to send email, check the weather, or even tackle a little bit of out-of-office paperwork.
Thankfully, the powers that be have come up with a solution to ease the burden on passengers and make it easier to surf, stream, and work remotely. Effective immediately, all New York City travelers have access to four hours of free high-speed Wi-Fi at major terminals. Here’s what you need to know to take advantage of the program.
Which Airports in New York City Offer Free Wi-Fi?
Three major airports in New York City—JFK, LaGuardia, and Newark—now offer free wireless internet. Additionally, New Jersey’s Stewart Airport is also taking part in the program. For business travelers who regularly venture outside of the New York City area, the word that these locations are finally joining the rest of the world by offering free high-speed internet is good news.
And there really is no catch. Passengers are allowed up to four hours of high-speed use per session. The internet works with laptop computers, smartphones, tablets, and other Wi-Fi enabled devices deemed safe for terminal use by the TSA.
How Do You Login to Airport Wi-Fi in New York?
According to the Port Authority, signage was placed inside the terminals with instructions on how to connect to the public network. However, in most cases the setup is similar to connecting at a local hotspot in your neighborhood: select the appropriate connection in your Wi-Fi options, agree to the terms of service, and watch a short advertisement. The connection will reset after four hours, but travelers are allowed an unlimited number of four-hour blocks.
Can You Only Get Wi-Fi in Certain Terminals?
Previously, JetBlue’s Terminal 5 in JFK was the only area with free high-speed internet for travelers. The only option in other terminals included a service called Boingo, which was free for thirty minutes before requiring additional payment and was often frustratingly slow. Thankfully, this new system expands the coverage to all areas of the four airports listed above.
How Fast is the Wi-Fi Connection?
According to the Port Authority’s Robert Galvin, the free airport Wi-Fi connection offers download speeds ranging from 20 Mbps and up to 50 Mbps. This is comparable to most public connections at hotels or your favorite corner Starbucks. And it certainly is fast enough for a quick video chat, downloading a large file, or binge watching a couple of episodes of your favorite television series on Netflix.
Staying Safe While Connected to Public Wi-Fi
Officials at all New York City airports agree that data safety is important. However, business travelers need to adhere to a few additional personal rules to keep their information secure while on a public network.
For example, save viewing sensitive data such as online banking, medical, or sensitive business information for a time when you are on a private connection. Hackers have been known to use large public Wi-Fi networks to mine identity data, so it really is best to not put yourself in a bad situation unnecessarily.
Also, when you can, try to stick to websites with the “https” prefix. This signals that the site is secure, making it much more difficult for tech-savvy travelers on the same connection to snoop on what you’re looking at on your screen. And be wary of any popups that suddenly appear while on an airport connection that ask you for personal information other than the first setup screen when connecting according to the instruction signage.
Are you traveling through JFK, LaGuardia, Newark, or Stewart Airport soon? Look for more information and signage from the Port Authority on-site as to the login process, how to connect, and what to expect when using free airport Wi-Fi in New York City.
