Computer Hardware
Recommended:
- HP or Lenovo Workstations/Notebooks: Reliable, affordable, and built with quality components for a low failure rate.
- Absolute IT Custom Workstations: Tailored for optimal performance, with high-quality components. To date, no custom-built workstation from Absolute IT has failed within the expected lifespan.
Avoid Using:
- Apple Mac/MacBook: Limited repairability, short warranty periods, and compatibility issues with many business software vendors.
- Consumer-Grade Hardware: Devices purchased from general retailers like Officeworks or Harvey Norman are not designed for intensive business use or long lifespans.
Computer Software
Recommended:
- Operating Systems: Windows 10/11 Pro for workstations, offering broad compatibility and advanced administrative control.
- Server Software: Windows Server 2019/2022 for domain-controlled environments, or Linux Ubuntu Server for local storage or backup repositories.
- Office Suite: Microsoft 365 for its comprehensive tools and seamless support.
- PDF Software: Adobe Acrobat for its widespread compatibility and robust editing features.
- Web Browser: Microsoft Edge for enhanced security, compatibility with third-party applications, and integration with Microsoft 365.
Network Hardware
Recommended:
- Cisco Meraki: Industry-leading cloud-controlled routers, switches, and access points for secure and scalable networks.
- Ubiquiti UniFi: A budget-friendly alternative for smaller networks, offering similar cloud-controlled capabilities.
- Netgear: Reliable switches for small office setups.
Avoid Using:
- D-Link hardware, Telstra modems, or any ISP-provided routers, which often lack the features and reliability needed for business use.
Backup Solutions
Recommended:
- Acronis Backup: Comprehensive local and cloud-based image backups, including support for Microsoft 365 email backups.
Avoid Using:
- Veeam (for cloud backups), Cobian, Backblaze/CrashPlan, or StorageCraft due to limited reliability or functionality.
Anti-Virus Software
Recommended:
- Windows Defender: Integrated and efficient, seamlessly managed with Huntress Software for enhanced security.
- Huntress: Adds advanced threat detection and response capabilities to your cybersecurity framework.
Avoid Using:
- Avast, Norton, McAfee, AVG, Trend Micro, or BullGuard, which can slow down systems and provide limited protection.
Email Hosting
Recommended:
- Microsoft 365: Premium email hosting with seamless integration, robust security, and easy synchronization.
- Google Workspace: Supported as a secondary option, offering excellent third-party integrations.
Avoid Using:
- Email hosting through domain or website hosting providers due to high risk of data loss, low reliability, and poor synchronization.
Email Protection
Recommended:
- Avanan: Advanced AI-driven filtering for incoming, outgoing, and internal emails, as well as Teams messages and shared files.
Avoid Using:
- Standard Google Workspace or Microsoft 365 protection, as well as other basic filtering solutions, which offer minimal threat protection.
Internet Service Providers (ISPs)
Recommended:
- Hosted Network: Specialises in delivering premium internet and cloud solutions tailored for businesses, with reliable service and robust support.
- Exetel: Superior support and compatibility with a range of hardware solutions.
Avoid Using:
- Telstra, Optus, iiNet, Commander, or Belong, which often fall short in customer service and technical flexibility.
Phone Systems
Recommended:
- 3CX through Aatrox: A feature-rich and cost-effective phone system that offers seamless integration with your existing IT infrastructure. Aatrox are the highest rated provider recommended by 3CX for their expert support. They ensure smooth deployment and management of the 3CX platform.
- Microsoft Teams: A unified communication solution that integrates seamlessly with Microsoft 365, offering advanced collaboration tools alongside business-grade phone system capabilities.
- Although, there are certain limitations to consider with Microsoft Teams; as such, we still recommend 3CX.
Avoid Using:
- Telstra TIPT: Limited features and flexibility compared to modern phone systems, often at a higher cost.
- Commander Phone Solutions: Known for poor customer support and limited scalability for growing businesses.
- Basic ISP-Provided Phone Systems: Often lack essential features and integration capabilities, making them unsuitable for business use.
Staying Updated
This list is regularly updated to reflect changes in technology and business requirements. For the latest recommendations or tailored advice, contact Absolute IT today. Let us help you build a secure, efficient IT environment that drives your business forward.
