Apple Technical Parter
As an Apple Technical Partner, ExceliNet Computer Services, Inc. has trained technical staff that specialize in consulting and technology services for business customers on the Apple platform.
Services Offered
If you're looking at deploying 1, 2, or 50 Macs, iPhones, or iPads in your business, let ECS guide you on this journey. Planning is always the first step to ensure a successful deployment of your new Apple gear.
Apple Business Manager, your Mobile Device Management software, your reseller of choice (Apple Store), and your technical partner need to work closely together to make sure your deployment goes smoothly.
Steps for a Successful Deployment
1. Set up Apple Business. You'll need to gather several pieces of information to get this set up, including your DUNS number. You can sign up here: https://business.apple.com.
2. Choose your preferred Mobile Device Management service and integrate with Apple Business. There are a TON of great Mobile Device Management services out there. Be sure you're working with an Apple Technical Partner that understands and pros and cons of each so you can make an informed decision.
3. Configure your chosen Mobile Device Management service with the deployment and management settings best for your business. Work with your Apple Technical Partner to get this set up correctly at the beginning.
4. Build and execute your deployment plan, taking into consideration the advantages and disadvantages of your particular Mobile Device Management service. An Apple Technical Partner can not only help you deploy your initial purchase of Apple equipment, but also deploy to new employees on an ongoing basis.
5. Train your employees on how to work with the new devices. Yes, Apple's hardware and software is intuitive, and people dedicated to learning how to use it the most efficient was possible will certainly figure it out. But, there's always tip and trick that an Apple Technical Partner can help your employees discover. Also, if your deployment calls for any specialty applications, they may need training on that, as well.
The Apple ecosystem works great. Apps work seamlessly together across different devices. Data syncs through iCloud. A Pages document can be started at your desk on your iMac, then opened on your iPad when you go to a meeting. The Keynote presentation you worked on in your office can be presented using your iPhone through an AppleTV connected to your conference room TV.
But, what happens when the applications you rely on don't fit well in the Apple ecosystem? Or, the hardware your business relies on isn't compatible with Apple devices?
An Apple Technical Partner can help you find the solutions to these difficult business problems. ECS technicians are certified and solutions provided by Apple, Microsoft, Claris (FileMaker), Mosyle, Sophos, Xero, and LightSpeed. On top these certifications, ECS technicians have been in the field for awhile, so they understand and are comfortable with a lot of other pieces of software.
Yes, even Macs can get viruses. But, that's not even the whole story when it comes to security these days. We are increasingly reliant on web-based applications to get our work done, and those are the applications that attackers are targeting. E-mail, data storage services, accounting systems, banking websites, etc...
It is important to keep your data safe and an Apple Technical Partner, specializing in small business security is your best friend when it comes to securing your data.
We believe there are 3 basic pillars of security in small businesses:
1. Employee Training
A businesses' first line of defense is its employees. We shouldn't be fighting with employees and locking down devices so its hard to get their work done. Training employees in how to recognize and handle potential threats is will keep your business data safe.
2. E-mail Security
Employees can never be perfect at detecting treats, so server e-mail security software is helping in removing threats before they even get to the employees inbox. Most attacks occur through e-mail, so the more we do before e-mails are seen by employees the better.
3. Device Security
Finally, good old fashioned Anti-Virus. Its still important, and yes, Macs can get viruses. A local endpoint security application on your Mac or Windows PC can help prevent that. Also, a lot of endpoint security products have other ways they can help, like web content filtering. When your employees are not always at the office, its important to have managed endpoint security software running on that device to help secure it.
An Apple Technical Partner can help you manage your fleet of devices. If you've already worked with a partner to determine which Mobile Device Management service to use, they may be best to help you with the management. Some MDM services allow you to fully automate updates, whereas others require you to manually push updates to devices. That's just one example of what you may have to do on a regular basis to mange your devices. Business needs change frequently, and those needs may require updates to your management settings and profiles. With an Apple Technical Partner by your side, you should feel confident that your devices and the management infrastructure can change to meet your changing business.
With all your gear set up, with a deployment plan in place, Mobile Device Management installed, employees trained, and security set up, ongoing support is always important. Having an Apple Technical Partner can help you with the day-to-day of managing and supporting your employees, whether they're all in one building in Southern California, or spread out across the United States.
ECS can manage and support devices all over the world thanks to our remote management capabilities. In fact, most of what's been discussed in the Deploy, Integrate, Secure, Manage, and Support sections can be accomplished remotely.
Contact us today to see how we can help with your Apple devices.
