Captiva Blog

Defend, protect, secure. IT heroes in action.

The IT professionals in your office do far more than just help you reset your password or recover files from a crashed computer. From the first thing Monday morning onward, these heroes are hard at work protecting your organization.

IT is always at the ready to respond to threats when detected through tools like Windows Defender Advanced Threat Protection and Cloud App Security, all while laying the groundwork to avoid future attacks.

The security features in Microsoft 365 can help your IT heroes perform their jobs more effectively. Give them the help they deserve with tools that benefit your entire organization. Contact us to learn more.

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Five revenue killers and how to defeat them

Have you laid the foundation of a successful business but are struggling to reach revenue goals? Luckily, it is probably not a lack of information, effort, or talent. Inefficiencies in your sales and marketing departments could be the culprits.

This article identifies five possible problems that could be derailing your revenue projections and what you can do to address them.

At Captiva, we want to see your business reach its full potential. Contact us to learn more.

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Protect your data in files, apps, and devices, within and across an organization

Mobility has become a staple of the modern workplace, offering flexibility to employees and greater productivity to employers. However, this flexibility often requires that employees use their own devices to work when out of office. So how can you protect your data without losing the benefits of “bring your own device?”

Tools such as Azure Active Directory and Microsoft Intune can help you manage access to your data and company networks without invading employee privacy.

At Captiva, we want you to get the most out of what technology has to offer. Contact us to learn more.

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Customer Story: BP deploys Microsoft 365 to improve user experience and security

In an ever-changing security landscape, how do you keep users, devices, and data across 80 countries protected? For BP, they use Windows Defender Advanced Threat Protection that can compile information and identify possible threats more effectively than ever before. So effective in fact, that they put it on all 30,000 Windows 10 devices they have deployed across the world.

And this is just one of the many security tools from Microsoft 365 Enterprise E5 that BP is relying on to remain secure as they continue to transform their company. Learn more about their security journey in this video.

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Discover threats quickly, remediate immediately, and mitigate the impact of malware and breaches

A truly comprehensive security system does more than just provide “locks” for the entrances to a network, it searches for and reacts to threats that may have already entered the system.

The Advanced Threat Protection integrated throughout Microsoft 365 monitors and protects everything from data, to endpoints, to user identities. These tools are always working behind the scenes to keep your business secure, keeping you in the loop without overwhelming you with information.

At Captiva, we believe in securing your business with a holistic strategy. Contact us to learn more.

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Breaches happen. Learn how to protect your organization.

With a cleverly worded email and one unfortunate click, a hacker can gain access to your system within minutes, and stay there for an average of 286 days before being detected.

How can you avoid this scenario? Check out this infographic to learn about the three most common ways hackers can gain access to your system and the holistic approach Microsoft 365 takes to keep them out.

At Captiva, our goal is to keep your business running without interruptions while remaining secure. Contact us to learn more.

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Forrester Wave: Sales Force Automation Solutions

Legacy Sales Force Automation (SFA) programs are inefficient, more focused on data collection for company metrics than actionable insights for sales professionals. In comparison, modern SFA programs are geared toward meaningful customer interaction and increased productivity for sellers.

Forrester conducted a comparison of various competitors’ SFA offerings to see who is accomplishing these new objectives most effectively. Guess who comes out on top?

The integrated efficiencies and stunning AI capabilities in Dynamics 365 for Sales Professionals make Microsoft the leader in modern SFA tools. Click the link to check out the full article.

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A breach is inevitable. How can Microsoft help me detect and respond fast?

With a sinking feeling, you discover your network has been hacked. Questions race through your mind: How did this happen? What have they done inside our network? What information have we lost?

With the right tools, there is no need to panic. Microsoft 365 E5 can help you visualize an attacker’s movement through your system, recommend where to focus your investigation, and help recover files in OneDrive.

Security breaches are never fun, but they don’t have to be devastating. Contact Captiva to learn more about how to better protect your business, even from the worst-case scenario.

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The Minnesota Vikings streamline operations with Microsoft

The Minnesota Vikings team is made up of more than just players. Their roster includes a variety of hardworking professionals working on everything from scouting to sales and all are a vital part of what makes the Vikings a force to be reckoned with. In order to help everyone perform at the top of their game, the Vikings recently added a new strategy to their playbook: Microsoft.

Through the use of Dynamics 365, the Vikings sales team was able to improve visibility and efficiency of inventory movement, spot upcoming sales trends, and better support the work of their sales professionals.

Just like the Vikings, we want to see your team tackle challenges and excel! Contact us to learn more.

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Customer Story: Guarding university data with a holistic security model

As compared to most businesses, universities have significantly less control over endpoints, such as devices used and the thousands of student user credentials they must give out each year. This makes them especially vulnerable to cyberattacks.

The University of Arizona realized this, so when it came time to overhaul their internal network, CatNet, they prioritized the implementation of a holistic security solution. They found that the solution with Microsoft was uniquely prepared to deliver a forward-thinking security system designed to meet the specific needs of a university.

Even in “risky” situations, effective, holistic security and peace of mind is achievable. Contact us to learn more.

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Microsoft Security Intelligence Report: Volume 23

Botnets, hacker methods, and ransomware, oh my!

After compiling information across 100 countries and millions of computers, Microsoft has identified the latest threats affecting digital security. In this report, take a deep dive into the aforementioned topics to discover how your business might be at risk and steps you can take to protect yourself.

At Captiva, we believe that protecting your business starts by arming yourself with information. Contact us to learn more.

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3 ways modern sales productivity technologies drive results for high-growth SMBs

In a recent study, over 40% of SMB leaders said they expect to invest in technologies such as automation and machine learning in the next two years. This signifies a shift from repetitive tasks to more analytical-based ones.

This benefits businesses by shifting low-value work away from high-value employees, but it is also beneficial to employees by allowing them to focus on the more engaging and dynamic aspects of their work.

All of these advantages are accomplished through sales productivity technologies such as Dynamics 365 for Sales Professional. Want to make your sales more profitable and interesting? Contact us to learn more.

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Microsoft identity-driven security

“In more than 63 percent of data breaches, hackers gain corporate network access through weak, default, or stolen user credentials.”

Using outdated multiple-password security is like leaving your front door unlocked for attackers. That’s why Microsoft developed Azure Active Directory Premium, which keeps your front door locked and bolted with features such as a single, secure sign on for all apps for each employee and multi-factor identification to make your network less password reliant.

Microsoft recognizes the importance of identity-driven security and their holistic strategy doesn’t stop there. Check out this infographic to learn more.

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Microsoft 365 Holistic Security

Ask yourself: what is the point of the efficiency and mobility advantages technology has provided us if they can be canceled out by burdensome security battling the constant threat of attack?

At Captiva, we know we can do better. That’s why we believe in Microsoft 365 E5. The versatile, holistic security it provides is the key to making technology work for us, not cybercriminals.

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4 Sales Trends That You Need To Know About In 2019

In the age of big data, potentially valuable information is all around us but translating it into actionable intelligence can be challenging. Artificial intelligence is more accessible than ever and could be your key strategic sales advantage in 2019.

Imagine being able to tell which customers are most likely to be the most lucrative so you can spend time more efficiently. Or gain a holistic view of customers so that each interaction is directed toward their specific needs.

At Captiva, we believe in looking toward the future. Learn more about this and other sales trends on the way in 2019 here.

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Modernize sales productivity

Your business is always changing, and your software should change along with you.

With Dynamics 365 for Business Professional, you have the ability to easily configure the program to fit your specific sales and business processes, and if those change over time as you grow, just change them! Also, only pay for what you need. Select the tools your business needs at the moment and add more capabilities as you grow.

At Captiva, we are excited about the options Dynamics 365 for Sales Professional can bring to your business. Contact us to learn more.

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Business Central 14 Upgrade

Captiva finally got our scheduled upgrade to Business Central 14 in our Production environment. Initial results are very promising, though we had to navigate one error that ended up with a simple solution. After trialing and testing v14 in docker and Azure, we were...

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Intelligent security for the modern workplace

Imagine if you could:

Identify sensitive information automatically.

Eliminate passwords entirely in favor of biometrics or pins.

Identify, quarantine, and wipe a compromised endpoint all from a single location.

Quantify your security position and gain insights on how to improve it.

All of this and more is possible with Azure Advanced Threat Protection, just one of four valuable tools included in Microsoft 365 Enterprise E5. Interested in what other tools are available to you? Captiva has the answers to your questions. Contact us to learn more.

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Streamline seller workflows

What does it mean for your business to be truly connected?

How about being able to access financial data while replying to emails within Outlook to increase efficiency and accuracy of responses?

How about having the ability to collaborate on documents and presentations by editing in real time with your colleagues?

How about user-friendly access to the documents and data you need on any type of device?

#MSDyn365 harnesses the power of the cloud to accomplish these and more. Captiva is ready to help you achieve connectivity across your entire business. Contact us to learn more.

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User experience overview animation

Running a business means making a lot of tough calls and you don’t always have time to sort through large amounts of convoluted data to get the answers you are looking for.

Dynamics 365 Business Central puts meaningful insights at your fingertips, so you will always have the information you need to make the best decision for your company each time.

Contact Captiva to learn more about utilizing the full capabilities of Business Central.

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Don’t let Cloud security fall through the cracks

Security is a group effort. This collective aspect is what has allowed us to achieve effective systems that keep organizations protected as technology and its associated threats continue to evolve.

However, this shared effort also creates a shared responsibility when security breaches do happen. To what extent can your organization be held responsible for breaches in security? Check out this article to learn more about your responsibilities as an organization.

At Captiva, we want to ensure your organization is properly protected at every level. Contact us to learn more.

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Kelly Roofing keynote demonstration

To stay competitive, Ken Kelly knew he had to pivot his company to meet customer needs. Whether this meant providing more accurate estimates on timing and price, or scaling to meet increased demands when necessary, each customer’s experience was vital to their success.

In order to meet all these needs and more, Kelly Roofing turned to Dynamics 365 Business Central. Operating through a single, interconnected platform provided the efficiency and the elasticity they were looking for.

The success of Kelly Roofing is more than just an inspiring story, it is an opportunity to witness how any business can transform themselves through the power of technology.

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Customer Story: Kier Group PLC

When Keir adopted Microsoft 365 E5, the visibility it provided immediately allowed them to detect hackers across the globe using compromised credentials to gain access to Keir’s systems. They stopped over 90,000 intrusion attempts in the first month alone.

Innovative systems, visibility, and ease of use enable Keir to reduce their response times to such attacks from weeks to mere hours, allowing them to spend more time growing and improving their business.

What new security insights are waiting for you? Captiva is ready to help you find out.

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AI leveling the playing field with Dynamics 365

Many small businesses disregard AI, believing it to be another tool exclusively useful and only available to larger organizations. This couldn’t be further from the truth.

AI is actually easier for smaller businesses to implement, as they are still growing and developing their systems. They have the opportunity to incorporate AI into the fabric of their business processes from the beginning.

AI can also be extremely useful, handling data and providing insights that most small businesses would not have the staffing to get otherwise, and providing access to the same smart decision-making tools as larger corporations at an affordable cost.

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Smooth success: How we gained manufacturing insights with Dynamics 365 Business Central

When Katrina Williams arrived at Friction Technology, she recognized that the disconnected systems and manual data entry processes were keeping the company from effectively tracking their production at each stage, resulting in inefficiencies when dealing with suppliers and customers.

Now with the help of Dynamics 365, Friction Technology understands and follows each item throughout production, allowing them to gain actionable insights that translate into better service for their customers. At Captiva, we are excited about what Dynamics 365 can do for your business. Contact us to learn more.

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How to fight back if you’ve been hacked

A recent survey by the better business bureau revealed that over 23% of small businesses have experienced a cyberattack. Small businesses are often targeted because they are not prepared in the same ways as larger corporations to deal with these issues and hackers know this.

Use this infographic to arm yourself with information on what techniques are used at each stage of a cyberattack and how to protect yourself at each one.

At Captiva, we believe that no business is too small to take security seriously. Contact us to learn more about how Microsoft 365 can help protect you.

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Business Central AI infographic

What if your software was more than just a tool, but also a teammate? Imagine a software that could alert you to when inventory needed to be replenished before you were at risk of stock-outs? Or developed a production plan for you based on sales forecasts?

Dynamics 365 Business Central’s built-in AI is able to look at your business holistically to identify problems and recommend effective solutions.

Here at Captiva, we are excited to help you add the number one value technology tool to your arsenal: AI. Contact us to learn more.

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The feds and the states are embracing privacy law – what that means to your business

Targeted ads have become an integral part of the way consumers shop, and the way businesses advertise. As new consumer data privacy laws from both the states and the federal government are discussed, the future for this type of advertising seems uncertain.

Luckily, there are ways for businesses to proactively comply with upcoming laws that also present new marketing opportunities. By taking steps to improve customer data security, and being transparent with customers about those steps, you can go a long way in building trust–a valuable form of marketing in itself.

Contact us to learn more about how Microsoft 365 can adapt to your needs, no matter what changes are coming your way.

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Business Central UK Authority

Growing your business often requires investment: investment in hiring more employees, possibly an investment in larger office or warehouse space, the list goes on. However, one thing that shouldn’t require a large outlay of cash is your business platform.

With Business Central, there is no need to invest upfront in an expensive new license or your own physical data storage. If there is a capability you need, simply add it to your subscription; if there is something you no longer need, simply drop it.

We at Captiva think that growing should be exciting, not scary. Contact us to learn more.

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Customer Story: Qantas Airways Limited

A modern work environment is one that empowers employees at all levels to make good decisions by arming them with the information they need. Empowerment fosters creativity, which in turn leads to valuable innovations that improve customer experience.

Qantas Airways uses the cloud to keep all of their employees updated with real-time information, no matter where they are. They trust Microsoft 365 to keep that data secure on whatever device the employee choses to use.

Don’t let security concerns hold your employees back. We at Captiva are excited to help your business unlock its full potential.

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Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central solution proposal guide

A busy executive will often base their decision to continue reading a proposal upon the executive summary, making it vitally important to craft the perfect one-page summary of your unique solution proposal.

A solution proposal is an important follow up to a proposal presentation, giving the potential customer actionable steps to follow even after you have left. Use this guide to ensure every element of your follow-up is perfectly structured.

Contact us at Captiva to learn more.

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Why SMBs should be running their business in the cloud

In recent years, the idea of running your business through the cloud has gone from a radical new idea to a commonplace reality. By 2020, an estimated 78% of small businesses will be using the cloud. So, what is all the fuss about?

Running your business on the cloud is not just about where your data is stored. It is a fundamental shift in the way your business is run. The removal of data silos and the ability to log in from anywhere means that your employees are more connected to your customers, and to each other, than ever before.

What concerns are holding you back? Check out this article and reach out to us to get your questions answered.

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Securely run and grow your business

As technology has become increasingly accessible and mobile, growing numbers of employees have begun linking up their work accounts to their personal devices, sometimes even without the employer’s knowledge. The task of keeping company data secure can quickly become complicated.

Microsoft 365 lets you manage your company information even on personal devices. The system works behind the scenes to keep data secure, ensure compliance, and automatically detect and act upon suspicious activities, allowing you and your customers peace of mind.

What other ways can Microsoft 365 give you continuous high-quality protection as it grows?

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Dynamics 365 Business Central Webinar

Have you outgrown your current business processes? If your employees are spending laborious hours manually entering duplicate data into multiple systems, it’s time to consider switching to an integrated system.

Dynamics 365 Business Central was built with your needs in mind. It is able to save you time and effort by intelligently giving you access to the information and processes you need to move efficiently through each task you tackle during the day.

Check out this webinar to learn more about the ways in which Business Central was designed to address your business pains.

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5 key areas to focus on while integrating cloud-based strategies

Moving to the cloud does not happen overnight, and the road there can often appear winding and poorly marked. It may not always be clear which move is the right one for your company.

Advisors can help a business navigate this path, ensuring they are achieving the desired result and avoiding complications.

We here at Captiva want to ensure that your business is making the best possible choice when starting out on your cloud journey. Contact us to learn more about making the right choice.

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