The AI Imperative - This Hits Home
Microsoft and LinkedIn have just released their annual Work Trend Index (WTI) Report. It should come as no surprise that the WTI documentation this year is packed with information..
Getting To Know Microsoft Copilot
Microsoft Copilot is a powerful tool that can help you boost your productivity. Whether you are writing reports, proposals, presentations, or emails, Microsoft Copilot can assist..
Innovate For Impact
On December 6th, 2023, Clear Concepts hosted a group of local non-profit organizations at our inaugural, Innovate for Impact session. This unique event was a first for Winnipeg,..
How To Get Started With AI: Productivity
Generative AI is a rapidly evolving technology that promises to transform many industries and sectors. However, we are hearing from small businesses that the idea of adopting..
Empowering Inclusion: Highlights from Microsoft Ability Summit 2023
The Microsoft Ability Summit is an annual event dedicated to empowering individuals with disabilities. The summit brought together diverse voices, cutting-edge technology, and..
Creating Private Planner Boards with Microsoft Loop
Planner may not have changed much since my last rant blog post back in 2022. Since then, the product team has added a few features from the backlog , including re peating tasks,..
Exploring Use Cases for SharePoint Team Sites [Office Hours June 2023]
Earlier this May, Microsoft announced the future of SharePoint with the world. This inspired us to focus this month's Office Hours on SharePoint sites, looking at different way to..
The Risks of Bulk Emailing Through Microsoft 365
As businesses and organizations continue to rely on email as a primary means of communication, the need to send bulk emails has become increasingly common. However, sending bulk..
Use Cases for Channels in Microsoft Teams [Office Hours May 2023]
Are you curious about how to get more out of Microsoft Teams for your department, committee or entire organization?
Mastering Microsoft Teams Meetings [Office Hours April 2023]
Register today for April's Office Hours sessions. Join us for our 'Mastering Microsoft Teams Meetings" series to learn current tips, tricks and best practices for scheduling,..
Dare To Use Data - Leveraging Business Intelligence
Businesses have more data available than ever before. Are you maximizing the value of your data? Woefully, most organizations are not. Moreover, it can be difficult to know where..
Microsoft Teams Goes Premium
Microsoft Teams is a powerful collaboration tool that has become essential for businesses and organizations of all sizes. While the basic version of Teams offers a wide range of..
Simplified Data Discovery Protection with Cavelo
As your organization adds new digital assets, your attack surface grows, increasing cyber risk and the chance of a data leak or cybersecurity breach. The first step to securing..
Modern Workplace Webinars Return
Are you interested in learning more about using files in OneDrive and SharePoint in Microsoft 365? Look no further! Our upcoming "Office Hours" webinars are designed to help you..
Will Big-Tech's 'AI Arms Race' Benefit Small Businesses?
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and ChatGPT have dominated the technology headlines in early 2023. But what does this all mean for your team's productivity applications, technology..
Understanding Microsoft NCE Commitments & Terms
In March of 2022, important changes were made to Microsoft's billing module for Commercial cloud subscriptions. NCE (New Commerce Experience) was introduced as a seat-based..
The Cloud Called… It’s Time To Migrate Your Phone System!
Hear from Teams Phone experts at Clear Concepts about how our proven migration process can help you ditch your outdated and cumbersome phone system.
Put It In Azure! Why Buying a Server is a Thing of The Past.
In this webinar, we expanded on a variety of cost-effective Azure solutions that can be used by businesses of all sizes.
Exchange Online Data Loss Prevention in Microsoft 365 Business Premium
Did you know that Microsoft 365 Business Premium comes with a Data Loss Prevention solution? Data Loss Prevention (DLP) will help protect and monitor sensitive information by..
What is an MFA Bombing Attack and How to Avoid Being Compromised
Know more about the MFA bombing tactic Many of us already know the importance of having Multi-Factor Authentication or MFA. Enabling MFA gives many users peace of mind against..
Demystifying SharePoint Migrations
In this webinar, we demystified SharePoint migrations and reviewed the many benefits provided by Cloud file storage, including SharePoint and OneDrive for Business.
Unleash the Bots
Discover how you can get started with Robotic Process Automation (RPA) and Artificial Intelligence (AI).
Data Tells A Story, Are you Listening?
Learn how your current data sources can be tapped to provide meaningful insights.
You're Paying Too Much For Software
Consolidate your software spend and improve your organization's security posture with Microsoft 365 Business Premium.
How to Setup Team Channel for Projects
Learn how to make a Workspace for your projects using channels in Microsoft Teams. Video tutorial included!
What Is Robotic Process Automation?
While Robotic Process Automation may sound daunting, it represents a great business opportunity in the age of efficiency. This exciting, new technology can easily be put to work..
My Sweeping Revolution for Managing Email
Keeping my email inbox organized as never been an easy task for me. In fact, it’s something I’m terrible at.
Is It Time to Review Your Cybersecurity Policies?
With recent global developments, we've seen an increased risk to organizations that are not prepared for potential cyber attacks. Learn what to look out for and how to get ahead..
How to Create a SharePoint Page for Holidays and Events
Learn how to use SharePoint and Lists to create a central source of information on upcoming holidays and other events. Full video, transcription, screenshots and links included.
How to Add Your Office Templates to SharePoint Online
Do you have branded templates that need to be distributed and accessible to staff? Check out this short video to learn how upload and use Office Document templates in SharePoint..
How to Setup a Shifts Schedule for Hybrid Teams
Learn how to use the "Shifts" app in Microsoft Teams to plan and coordinate staff schedules in a hybrid environment. Find the full video and transcription here.
Creating a Private Planner Board with Microsoft Lists
Do you need a Planner board that you have total control over? Learn how to set up your own private board in Microsoft Lists.
Should You Use Microsoft Planner in 2022?
In a recent episode of The MOWO Show, I was asked a question about Microsoft Planner, which got me asking myself, "Will Microsoft sunset Planner this year?".
Clear Concepts proud to be ranked among Canada’s Top Growing Companies
The entire Clear Concepts team is excited to share news of our most recent accomplishment!
Create a Channel for Projects with Microsoft Lists
New to Microsoft Teams and need to organize a project? Learn how to setup and assign project tasks using Microsoft Lists, all from a team channel.
Here is How to Avoid Tech Support Scams Currently on the Rise
Conquer falling victim to tech support scams!
Clear Concepts Receives 'Innovator of the Year' Award
The entire Clear Concepts team is proud to share news of our most recent award.
Adopting MFA Series Part 3: Implementing MFA in Microsoft 365
In the 3rd and final part of our MFA series, we'll take a look at how MFA is enabled in Microsoft 365. Take a deep breath - you've got this!
Adopting MFA Series Part 2: MFA Apps
In part 2 of our "Adopting MFA" series, we'll take a quick look at a few of the most popular authentication apps available today.
Adopting MFA Series Part 1: What is MFA?
Wondering if you should bring Multi-factor Authentication (MFA) into your organization? If you're on the fence and not sure how MFA improves account security, start here.
How to Create a Q&A Forum in Office 365
Learn how to create a Q&A community forum using Yammer, SharePoint and Microsoft Teams. Steps and screenshots inside
Modern Workplace Feature for CentrePort Community News
"Two years-worth of digital transformation in ten months" article published in Winnipeg Metro Region's "Regional Times".
Navigating Microsoft Planner Tasks
Curious about Microsoft Planner? Check out my breakdown of tasks to learn what you can do.
Navigating Microsoft Planner
In this blog post, I break down the user interface of Microsoft Planner to provide a look at what it can do.
7 Tips to Identify Phishing Emails
We have all received a suspicious email in our inboxes before. Even so, knowing if these messages are coming from a legitimate company, or if the source is one that is..
How to Use Breakout Rooms in Microsoft Teams
Looking to achieve more consequential connections out of large group meetings? Now you can break down your meetings into smaller groups to accomplish more with the use of Breakout..
Stay Safe Online with these Cybersecurity Tips
Staying safe online doesn't need to be complicated. Check out this infographic that contains some of our favorite cybersecurity tricks to help you stay safe online at home and at..
Webinar with Cisco: 10 Myths for SMB Cybersecurity…Busted!
Missed Cisco and Clear Concepts' live webinar on “10 Myths for SMB Cybersecurity…Busted!”? Check out the recorded webinar here!
Capturing Notes for Online Meeting in Microsoft 365
Notetakers rejoice! Capture and share notes and action items in online meetings with any of these tools at your disposal.
Tips To Empower The Firstline
It is time to give firstline workers a seat at the technology table. Empower them with a simple and manageable Microsoft 365 subscription. Tips inside...
Share Company News with SharePoint
Go beyond just email by sharing critical updates, resources to remote workers using SharePoint. Video and job aid inside...
Using Microsoft Teams for COVID-19 Communications
As we continue to work with clients transitioning to remote work scenarios, we recommend including Microsoft Teams as part of your internal COVID-19 communications strategy.
How Do I Access OneDrive and SharePoint Files from my Desktop?
Learn how to add OneDrive and SharePoint to Windows File Explorer within a few clicks. Video and article inside...
The Modern Workplace Journey
You've likely heard about 'the cloud', Microsoft 365, and the great collaboration potential promised by this new wave of software-as-a-service. Is it all snake oil, or can you..
Bring Email into Microsoft Teams
One small step towards reducing noisy, internal email; one giant leap for daily productivity. Video and written job aid inside.
Say "Hello" to Teams Phone
Meet the phone system designed for The Modern Workplace - Microsoft Teams Phone. Video and inspiration inside...
First Nations Protects Medical Data & Improves Health Care Delivery
Challenge: The Cowichan Tribes are a First Nation living on Vancouver Island. In an effort to improve the delivery of health care in their community, they created an electronic..
Leverage the Power of Microsoft Teams
Microsoft Teams is one of the newest members of the Office 365 collaboration family that seems to have started revolutionizing the workplace. Microsoft Teams enhances the spirit..
Implement an Internal Cloud for your Business
Gain the benefits of cloud computing but own the solution Businesses have been moving toward Cloud Computing at a rapid pace. There are many estimates on how quickly this is..
Why many businesses are outsourcing IT, and is it right for you?
The idea of hiring professional services firms instead of employing in-house staff is a compelling topic in today’s business market. Whether your business is outsourcing..
Things to Remember about Email Passwords
An email account with a simple or weak password puts your information at risk. Confidential attachments, messages, bank information, contact list, or personal conversations could..
Email Threats: Homograph Exploits and Extortion Scam
Regular SPAM filtering just isn’t as effective as it used to be. We live in a time where threats are evolving on a global scale, rapidly working to disarm even the best email..
Explaining the 3 2 1 Backup Rule
The more backup copies you have, the better your coverage against losing a full day of work or even worse your entire data. Ransomware, data corruption, accidental deletions, or..
Cyber Kill Chain & Ransomware
The Cyber Kill Chain model breaks down a Ransomware attack in seven stages. This article will give you an understanding of our security solutions and what is effective based on..
Protect Yourself Against Macros and Malicious Websites
Macros – they are normally delivered as attachments in the form of a Microsoft Word document. Macros can either make your life easier by automating those repetitive stuff or..
How Do I Get Rid of My Old Computer Equipment in Manitoba?
Do you have an old computer equipment graveyard? I’ve been to many new client’s offices only to be asked, “how do I get rid of all this junk taking up an entire storage room?”. We..
Protect your Backups from Ransomware
Ransomware scans network locations where the infected user has read and write access. Files under documents, desktop, and the shared folders you have access are examples of..
Risks of Unsecured Remote Desktop Connections
The ability to connect to your work computer or remote desktop server remotely provides added productivity to some employees. However, the risks of having this incorrectly..
3 Easy Ways to Make Your Business More Efficient Using Web APIs
As more and more small and mid-sized businesses migrate application workloads or whole environments to the cloud, I am seeing several trends emerging. The maturity of cloud..
Cloud or Local Backups? Why not both?
A reliable backup does not have to be expensive or complicated. Backup storage evolved from punch cards to using the Cloud. The objective remains the same, protect your data from..
Understanding Office 365 Updates and Channels
A major benefit to Office 365 application subscribers is the automation of security updates deployment into the products that keeps common applications current and also includes..
Quick Tips to Prevent Ransomware (and what to do if you get hit)
Over the last two years there has been a growing number of Ransomware attacks happening all over the world. We should learn of the dangers and how to avoid getting affected by it.
Is it time to regulate Bitcoin?
Don’t get me wrong, I’m a big fan of innovative technology. Blockchain, in particular, is fascinating. The promise of a decentralized digital currency has incredible potential for..
Phishing Emails and How to Protect Yourself
We have seen a significant increase in the volume of Phishing emails being sent globally. The trend is expected to rise and users should be prepared and educated on how to..