5 things every MSP website needs in 2021
In 2021, every business should have an online presence via a company website. We all use the internet as the first step to search for the products and services that we are interested in purchasing. What do you call a MSP business without a website? A technical disaster. Today, we have 5 major pro-tips that all MSPs should take into account when having their website. These casual tips will offer major benefits to you, and your prospective customer. Remember, keep it simple.
1 – Keep a secure website, and keep it updated.
We highly encourage that every MSP have their own website that showcases their business, and the services that they offer. Be sure that the website is clean in design, and straight to the point. Take note whether your site is showing as ‘secure’. Keep in mind that user experience is key in landing a new client. It’s great to have your own website, please ensure that the information is current. There is nothing worse than an interested client who contacts you with outdated material in hand.
2 – Market everything you offer on your home page.
Normally, the homepage of your website is the most visited page. It is the first place that the client lands on, and it also determines whether they visit other pages you have to offer. Focus on showcasing all the major services that you offer on your homepage. Keep it clean, and straight to the point to encourage them to explore further, or to give you call for more information. Your future client should be able to look at your homepage and know: who you are, what services you offer, and how to contact you.
3 – Display your contact information on everything!
We mean that, place your contact details on every webpage. When a client is exploring your website, and navigates to a secondary page, you want them to be able to see that there is an option to contact you readily available. What type of contact information should be displayed? Your business name, phone number, and office hours. You can also add your office address if you take clients for appointments. Adding an email address is always great, and a live chat option is even better!
4 – Add affiliate logos to your website
Hear us out on this one, the more credibility you can show your prospective clients, the better! For instance, adding an ExchangeDefender Partner Logo to your homepage displays that you are a certified vendor of our services. It also showcases that you are an expert in your field, that your business is in good standing, and is respected by other businesses. If you have other vendors that you are in partnership with, we suggest adding their logos as well. A visual display of trustworthiness will certainly help convince future clients to work with your business.
5 – Add Pricing, at least an offer a price range.
We know it may be difficult to display pricing for clients, especially because there are a range of factors that are in play. The reality is though, that a client is more likely to pursue the MSP who clearly shows their pricing, or at least provides a general estimate. Why? We naturally think something is more expensive when the price is not displayed. It’s hard to change that consumer mentality, however you can definitely improve your odds by showcasing actual numbers that the customer can relate to.
How does one accomplish this? Well, you can show your services in packages or a-la-carte, and simply put: starting at (enter $ amount) per user, per month. This quick tactic is a game-changer, because it tells the client whether they can afford your services or not, before actually making contact.
Live Archive, an email continuity solution for all
ExchangeDefender’s Live Archive is becoming the rising star in 2021 after a recent update and redesign. The productivity solution is built to provide businesses uninterrupted access to live and archive email. Live Archive is an enterprise-grade email continuity service that lets you resume work after a service interruption, or other technical malfunction. Side note: Since the pandemic, we have more companies using Live Archive than we ever have before.
The best part of all is that Live Archive is always-on, constantly archiving your sent and received mail for up to one year. No maintenance or management needed in case of an outage. The software is continuously uploading your mail whether your system is up or not.
Live Archive packs some powerful features leading the way for email productivity. Users are able to access their email via the cloud even when outages from Microsoft and Gmail occur. More highlights of the solution include: real-time archiving, one year of storage, and secure online access. Bonus: there is no install or download required to use the service.
The Benefits
The benefits of having an email continuity solution as part of an overall disaster recovery plan are huge! First, users have 24/7 access to their emails now matter where they go, and what service coverage they have. Accessing your emails on-the-go is important to keep businesses running smoothly. Office internet connection down? Working from home or local Starbucks? Server down? With Live Archive, don’t miss a beat
Second, the enjoyment of no outage productivity issues. Organizations have access to all of their recent mail, and can continue working in real time sending, replying to, and forwarding any new email while their infrastructure is down.
Third benefit for sure, is the “no training required”. How is that possible, right? LiveArchive is automatic – go to https://livearchive.exchangedefefender.com – login with your current email address and password, and there you’ll see up to one year of your sent and received messages.
Interested in getting Live Archive for your organization?
Click here for a quote.
Are you an MSP? Become a Partner.
Frequently asked questions about SMS Proxy
ExchangeDefender SMS Proxy is our latest product release for 2021. It is a simple text forwarding service that can relay messages to other mobile phones, emails, Slack, and Microsoft Teams.
TXT Forwarding from ExchangeDefender enables you to share a number – with your team, your family, your entire department – so when all these sites and services need to send you something to your phone to confirm your identity, you don’t have to think about whose phone was used to enroll to the service.
Today, we want to share with you the most common questions to date that we are asked about SMS Proxy. Hopefully, it will answer any inquiries that you may have when considering to use our SMS forwarding service.
1 – How many SMS recipients can I forward the message to?
You can forward SMS to up to five (5) different mobile phone numbers.
2 – Can I have multiple numbers in the same account?
Yes, there is no limit to how many numbers you have for the same account. There is even a Display Name label for each so you can tell which person, team, or promotion it’s assigned to.
3 – Can staff reply to the copied text message from their phone?
No. Your virtual SMS number is similar to a group chat where everyone receives the message. The difference is that SMS Proxy is a one-way communication method, and recipients are unable to reply to the message.
4 – Can my number receive “shortcode” messages?
Yes. You’ll need to contact us via the support portal to have this feature enabled. (It is still in beta)
5 – How do I create a webhook for Microsoft Teams?
To create a Webhook url for Microsoft Teams, please follow the guidelines from Microsoft documentation.
6 – How do I create a webhook for Slack?
To create a Webhook url for Slack, please follow the guidelines outlined in Slack documentation.
7 – How do I terminate the service?
You can terminate the service of any number at any time by visiting our Support Portal . After logging in, please click: Service Manager > SMS Proxy > Manage (pick a number) > Terminate number.
Interested in using SMS Proxy for your business? Request a quote. (It’s super affordable.)
Announcement: ExchangeDefender Service Checker
ExchangeDefender Service Checker enables our clients to quickly tell if there are any technical issues related to email delivery, mail flow, or their hosted Exchange mailbox.
ExchangeDefender services are increasingly managed by non-technical users and the process of escalating technical questions is unnecessary in our new self-service world. ExchangeDefender Service Checker is available to assist users pinpoint what the issue is and points users to the documentation on how to further troubleshoot or resolve it.
ExchangeDefender Domain (DNS) Records – We make sure your domain name is registered (clients sometimes forget to renew and only notice that their email isn’t working), that all the required DNS records for MX, SPF, and DKIM are properly configured.
ExchangeDefender Mail Flow – Checker attempts to deliver a sample message, checking that we can connect to your mail server, get the welcome banner, and start SMTP conversation.
ExchangeDefender Exchange Mailbox – Checker will verify your credentials and make sure your username and password are correct. From there, a sample Outlook instance will attempt to connect to the target Exchange environment and open the mailbox.
We’re hoping that these service check tools will help our partners and clients quickly diagnose a problem with their email. Truthfully, nearly half of our support requests are answered by pointing back to the documentation. Our ExchangeDefender Checker tool will help pinpoint the problem and point the user in the right direction to help fix the issue. As always, please stay tuned to https://www.anythingdown.com that is managed by ExchangeDefender NOC and advises when there are service interruptions.
Webinar Highlights: 2021 Agenda and SMS Proxy Release
The latest webinar (4/21) with our partners featured our upcoming new features for ExchangeDefender, as well as showing a live showcase of our newest release – SMS Proxy. The buzzing one-hour presentation was well received by 100+ attendees with the Q&A session lasting more than 30 minutes.
2021: New Feature rollouts
We have an exciting timeline of new features that are currently in beta, and will be released for official use in the upcoming weeks. The new ‘solutions’ are based on client requests, and partner feedback:
Infected Attachments – ExchangeDefender now allows domain admin to retrieve infected attachments on behalf of users. Designed to allow users to have direct access to infected attachments. If users are frequently receiving files that violate the overall company policy, but retrieval is time consuming, this can help.
Charset and Alphabet Blocking – ExchangeDefender can block specific character sets which is helpful when blocking messages for clients that only communicate with locals. This is great for organizations that never want to see a foreign alphabet, helps with SPAM filtering for visual purposes and messages that violate policy end up in SPAM.
Bulk Mailer Policies– Mail policies for large mass mailer networks, can be used primarily for bulk/automated email and mail notifications. Users’ options are scan, allow and block. The “allow” policy is not/not recommended, but will simplify whitelisting.
Secure Web form– The Secure web form enables your clients to securely send you messages and documents, fully encrypted! No design maintenance or installation and works everywhere.
SMS Proxy
You’ve most likely heard about our latest release, SMS Proxy – through our blog, Facebook, or inside the portals. SMS Proxy is a virtual phone number service that connects SMS to up to 5 cell phones, email, Slack and Teams channels. Think of it as a central notification or alert service that uses mobile text messaging as the means of communication.
Why use SMS Proxy over other text messaging platforms?
1 – Compliance and policy-driven way to deliver incoming SMS messages
2 – Managed service that delivers, manages, and supports the entire message cycle
3 – Affordable. More predictable and more reliable and more secure
4 – New Security – New suite of policies for unique business solutions
You can sign up for SMS Proxy right now for free. Simply sign into the ExchangeDefender Support portal > go to Service Manager > pick a number > and tell us where to send the text messages.
[BENEFITS] Sharing files securely without using email
Quickly create libraries for easy document sharing and collaboration.
ExchangeDefender Web File Sharing makes it easy to quickly share a ton of large files without relying on email, clunky file servers, or cloud services primarily designed for file sync. Simply visit https://wfs.exchangedefender.com, login and create a library. Add files, add recipients, and just wait for reports.
Reviewing new documents, uploads, and comments is a breeze.
ExchangeDefender is quick, simple, and powerful! You can password protect a library, and set automatic expirations. Plus, you get email notifications when new files are added by your coworkers, or downloaded by your clients. You can even give access to your libraries. For example, you can allow recipients to delete files, or to upload files. They can make changes/revisions from their devices. We’ll even save previous versions of the file automatically so you can roll back any changes.
Built for modern workplace sharing and file storage
ExchangeDefender WFS (Web File Sharing) knows you are working on multiple projects at the same time, and makes collaborating with others a breeze. WFS makes sharing easy and secure without IT personnel. You can save your frequent recipients in groups, and as you add a new user to a group. They will have access to all the document libraries that are available to that group. The same process applies when you need to remove someone, they are instantly removed from all libraries without a lot of clicking around.
Inviting coworkers or clients
Getting someone into WFS is as simple as typing in their email address and inviting them to a library. They will receive an email invitation. If you password protected the library, they’ll get an additional email with their password. Nothing to sign up for, no enrollment process, no software to download and install. After they accept your invitation, they will be directed to wfs.exchangedefender.com to access the files you sent them.
Interested in getting Web File Server for your business? Request a quote.
Are you a Managed Service Provider? Become a Partner
[Guide] Activating your SMS Proxy virtual number
Since the launch of our SMS Proxy (beta) service earlier this year, there has been a sharp increase of new users wanting to give texting a shot. To most, the introduction of secure SMS texting is a critical step towards better business communication. Today, we’ll explore how to sign up and activate our SMS proxy virtual number. Signing up for the service is super easy if you are already a client, or a partner. For new clients, please contact our sales team to get started. (Don’t worry, the signup is also quick and easy.)
What’s SMS Proxy?
ExchangeDefender SMS Proxy is a virtual number that delivers SMS/TXT messages to your phone, email, Slack, or Teams. This service is currently available for local numbers in United States, Canada, United Kingdom, and Australia.
Signing up
Currently, ExchangeDefender SMS Proxy is currently only available to IT Solution Providers through the ExchangeDefender Partner Program. Once you’re in our free partner program, you will have access to our portal that is used for service orders, management, support, and everything else you’ll need. For businesses who would like to sign up but do not have a service provider, please contact our sales team.
Activating our SMS Proxy service only takes a few minutes, and does not require any downloads or installations. Here’s how to get your very own virtual number with ExchangeDefender:
Step 1 – Login to https://support.exchangedefender.com
Step 2 – In your side bar, click on the Service Manager tab, then select the SMS Proxy option.
Step 3 – To reserve your number, first choose which country you would like your virtual number to originate from. You’ll want to click on the input box to select your country.
Step 4 – After you choose your location, you’ll be asked to choose your preferred number from a set of displayed options. Select the number that you would like to be your new virtual number.
Step 5 – Last step, click on the Setup ExchangeDefender SMS Proxy button to activate your number!
Congratulations, you’ve signed up for your first ExchangeDefender SMS Proxy virtual numbers. You can terminate it at any time. You can also purchase as many numbers as you want (many people use separate numbers for staff, teams, alerts, or seasonal promotions).
For more information on our SMS Proxy service, click here.
Click SMS Proxy documentation to get a more detailed guide with screenshots.
5 ExchangeDefender services that are currently free
Today we wanted share with you our top five free services that ExchangeDefender currently offers to active users. The key word is “active users”, a user must already be using ExchangeDefender to be able to enjoy these additional free options. This is true for all the services mentioned below, with one exception – Wrkoo. Alright, now that we’ve mentioned the fine print, let’s talk about these complimentary services.
Wrkoo – Client support software
Wrkoo is a small business management software that manages all of your daily business activities in one place. It is mainly used by B2B companies that provide a service or product. However, with the rise of online eCommerce, customer support software, or support ticketing systems has increased. WRKOO streamlines your client’s interactions. The all-inclusive Helpdesk software is easy-to-use. Thus, providing all the right tools to quickly resolve small business’ budget restraints. You can signup for Wrkoo absolutely free, get started right now!
Password Vault – Encrypted password manager
ExchangeDefender Password Vault makes generating, storing, and sharing passwords easy and safe. It features military-grade encryption, unlimited entries, and role-based access controls. The feature is extremely secure and reliable with AES-256 bit encryption. Forgot your password? A password manager eliminates password fatigue as well as memorizing multiple passwords. Here’s some information that is good to know – 1) It’s free only to ExchangeDefender PRO user, 2) It uses the same credentials as the admin portal, 3) and it meets security and regulatory compliance for SOX, HIPAA, PCI, and more. Learn how to access and setup the password vault, click here.
ExchangeDefender SMS Relay (Beta)
SMS Relay, our text forwarding from ExchangeDefender enables you to share a number – with your team, your family, your entire department – so when all these sites and services need to send you something to your phone to confirm your identity, you don’t have to think about whose phone was used to enroll to the service. How to get started? You can sign up for it in our portal at https://support.exchangedefender.com/sms-relay.php. Just pick a number and add the phone numbers of people you want to get a copy of the message. That’s it. It is currently in beta, and is free – all future users will need to pay just $5 per month for the number, and you can have it forwarded to five cell phones.
Sales and Marketing Collateral
We believe first impressions are crucial to winning business from prospective clients. ExchangeDefender Marketing offers the right mix of both digital and print collateral to help you sell better. The marketing collateral available to you is complimentary as part of your partner program benefits. We currently have a library of sales sheets and brochures for each solution that is available for download. The library is updated several times a year. Be sure to discover our marketing documents designed to help you seal the deal.
Bypass Email Addresses
A bypass email address is a disposable email that is used for specific communication purposes. They are free, simple to setup, mask your real email address, and they bypass all security policies. The system will generate a random disposable email address. Disposable addresses are private and secure. Any mail delivered is automatically redirected to the real address previously selected. This feature is available to all ExchangeDefender Pro clients, setup now with our how-to guide.
Partner reviews wanted, get $5 credit
ExchangeDefender is looking for current partners who are enjoying their partnership with us. For those whom are willing to submit a positive review, we are offering a $5 credit on your next monthly service bill.
How we’ll use your review
Your reviews would be used for internal and public use. On the inside, we’ll be using your experiences to better shape our partner program. Hearing thoughts coming directly from our active service providers is golden for us. In terms of public use, we would like to use your reviews, along with your MSP company name on our website and social media.
Interested? Here’s what we’ll need:
– at least 45 words in length
– add Company name
– add # years you’ve been with us (estimates are cool too)
– submit a ticket inside our support portal with title “Positive Review”
– Add the review inside the ticket, and Send!
Once we’ve received your review, you will receive a response to your ticket with a “thank you” and confirmation of the $5 dollars being credited to your account. You will see the credit on the following month’s invoice.
We work hard each day to bring you the best service possible. We’d like to thank you in advance for taking the time to leave us a few kind words.
[Explained] Our ‘Regulatory Compliance Suite’ for business
ExchangeDefender’s Regulatory Compliance suite automates GDPR and HIPAA compliance for small business. We help organizations comply with compliance regulations by automating detection of sensitive private information, EU client data, consent tracking and powerful audit & policy wizards that alert you to potential issues.
What makes up the Regulatory Compliance suite?
The suite comprises of two ExchangeDefender solutions bundled together: Email Archiving, and Corporate Encryption. Both solutions are also available a-la-carte as individual services. Let’s first talk about Email Archiving, we call it – Compliance Archive.
Compliance Archive is known for its Corporate Archiving and eDiscovery capabilities. It provides a fast and secure environment to store, process and index your entire mailbox and keep it accessible for up to 10 years. eDiscovery of Sensitive Private Information helps automate your GDPR compliance reports and Data Protection Officer DPR/DPO inquiries.
Noteworthy Compliance Archive features include:
Fast eDiscovery System
Our built-in eDiscovery system makes it easy to search across multiple mailboxes to locate any sensitive private information, source or consent.
Secure Long-term Archiving
Compliance Archive gives Compliance Officers access to 10 years of mail, allowing eDiscovery reporting to find sensitive personal information and original consent quickly and easily.
Data Protection
Compliance Archive assures you that none of your messages have ever been tampered with, deleted or otherwise hacked to hide data leaks.
Comprehensive Reporting
Compliance Officer features allow you to save advanced searches, execute them in the background and have consistent discovery month-to-month.
Mail Journaling
Exchange Journaling Technology assures full archiving of all inbound, outbound and internal email.
ExchangeDefender Corporate Encryption
Our advanced data encryption software enables organizations to quickly send and receive encrypted messages by email, url, or sms. It is easy to use, can auto-detect sensitive data, and offers real-time reporting. Corporate Encryption complies with the GDPR, SOX, HIPAA, SEC and local government requirements for information encryption while providing powerful audit and policy management to meet organizations goals.
Noteworthy features for Corporate Encryption
Encrypt Client Data on Demand
Our encryption feature is easy to use requiring no additional software, no configuration, or install. Simply send an email like usual and add [ENCRYPT] in the subject line.
Intercept and Review / Encrypt Sensitive Data
Corporate encryption can automatically encrypt messages or forward the contents to the administrator for the corporate review. Our Strict Encryption [ENCRYPT] has an added layer of security requiring a password and 4-digit pin for secure access.
Automatically Detect Sensitive Private Information
Pattern-based encryption that can detect credit card numbers, social security numbers, dates of birth and other sensitive private information.
Use Message Content Filters To Restrict Sharing
Lexicon dictionaries can contain words and word patterns that indicate someone is sending user data, automating eDiscovery.
Comprehensive Reporting
Comprehensive reporting of all email activity as well as a Compliance Officer (CO) reporting with search capabilities provide proof of regulatory compliance and simplify reporting, audits, discovery and shift liability for message storage, access and destruction.
Interested in ExchangeDefender Compliance Suite? Request a quote.
Managed Service Provider? Become a Partner.