Friday the 13th

This week’s unlucky day is the first of three for 2015. Each year has at least one Friday the 13th, but there can be as many as three. 2012 was the last year with three Friday the 13ths; the next will be 2026.

Friday the 13th, also known as Black Friday in some countries, is considered an unlucky day in Western superstition. It occurs when the 13th day of the month in the Gregorian calendar falls on a Friday. There is no written evidence for a “Friday the 13th” superstition before the 19th century, and the superstition only gained widespread distribution in the 20th century. The fear of the number 13 has been given a scientific name: triskadekaphobia; and on analogy to this the fear of Friday the 13th is called paraskevidekatriaphobia, from the Greek words Paraskeví (Παρασκευή, meaning “Friday”), and dekatreís (δεκατρείς, meaning “thirteen”).

 

Popular Myths and Superstitions

Whether there is any merit to the superstitions surrounding Friday the 13th will remain uncertain, but that will not stop millions of people across the world from worrying about the unlucky day.

There are a number of popular myths and superstitions surrounding the day, most famously:

There has also been a longstanding myth that if 13 people dine together, one will die within a year. The myth comes from both the Last Supper, when Jesus dined with the 12 Apostles prior to his death, and a popular Norse myth, in which 11 close friends of the god Odin dine together only to have the 12-person party crashed by a 13th person, Loki, the god of evil and turmoil.

 

Biometrics market growth means good news for security

Security is something that needs to stay at the top of the priority list for modern businesses, especially with cyber attacks and internal data breaches a constant concern.

Neglecting security for mobile devices and computer systems could leave these technologies exposed, making it easy for sensitive documents or files to leak. In turn, this can lead to financial fallout as the business struggles to undo the damage.

There could be a solution, however, in the form of capable biometric technologies.

These are the technologies found on devices like the iPhone 6 from Apple – small sensors embedded in the device that can read a fingerprint and verify the user's identity before unlocking.

Dealing with security

Security is currently something that's quite difficult to ensure, especially in larger organisations with hundreds of staff. As these workers will often be using mobile devices like smartphones and tablets on a regular basis, there's a high chance of a breach.

Staff could leave these devices in public places, exposed to a potentially malicious third party. The same goes for laptops and other portable computers. Within the workplace, disgruntled staff could access devices without permission, another potential cause of an information leak.

This growing technology could soon solve a number of security issues, thanks to greater device security and easier access for staff.

The benefits of biometrics

The improvements over traditional security measures are clear with biometric technology; there's no need to type in lengthy passcodes for each app and it means the devices are essentially impervious without the right fingerprint.

Biometric uptake is now increasing, with a report from ABI Research predicting significant growth in the sector this year. In fact, the revenues for the biometrics market could reach US$13.8 billion in 2015 alone – with further growth in the years after.

ABI explained that current biometric efforts stem from government entities, but growing consumer acceptance could lead to further consumer and enterprise uptake. By 2017, ABI predicts these two sectors will overtake government usage, thus becoming the largest segment of the market.

"Recent events [2014 data breaches] will no doubt increase governmental spending in 2015 as security measures are intensified in Europe and the United States," the report stated.

Biometrics in the enterprise

The ABI report also went into detail about the enterprise use-cases for wearable technologies, and how efforts have already begun.

"Enterprise demand is cooking up a plethora of wearables and smartphone technologies to implement biometrics into their products and services," ABI explained.

The report then went on to explore the possible growth in regions around the world.

"North America and Asia-Pacific will drive the field in sales in the following years while countries in the Middle East are expected to have mandatory biometric registration in the coming years."

While North America and Asia-Pacific are largely unsurprising, it's certainly a change to see the Middle East pull ahead of Europe.

It won't be long before biometrics are a given on nearly every new mobile device, and certainly those technologies used within enterprise environments.

Companies also need to consider frameworks; processes designed to manage the implementation of new technologies.

With data breaches likely to continue throughout this year, taking action with regards to security is of the utmost importance.

There are a substantial number of frameworks available, including SABSA and ISO, and businesses need to consider them in order to get the most out of security efforts.

To find out more about how these capable frameworks can be put to use within an organisation, get in touch with the team at ALC Training today.

Biometrics market growth means good news for security

Security is something that needs to stay at the top of the priority list for modern businesses, especially with cyber attacks and internal data breaches a constant concern.

Neglecting security for mobile devices and computer systems could leave these technologies exposed, making it easy for sensitive documents or files to leak. In turn, this can lead to financial fallout as the business struggles to undo the damage.

There could be a solution, however, in the form of capable biometric technologies.

These are the technologies found on devices like the iPhone 6 from Apple – small sensors embedded in the device that can read a fingerprint and verify the user's identity before unlocking.

Dealing with security

Security is currently something that's quite difficult to ensure, especially in larger organisations with hundreds of staff. As these workers will often be using mobile devices like smartphones and tablets on a regular basis, there's a high chance of a breach.

Staff could leave these devices in public places, exposed to a potentially malicious third party. The same goes for laptops and other portable computers. Within the workplace, disgruntled staff could access devices without permission, another potential cause of an information leak.

This growing technology could soon solve a number of security issues, thanks to greater device security and easier access for staff.

The benefits of biometrics

The improvements over traditional security measures are clear with biometric technology; there's no need to type in lengthy passcodes for each app and it means the devices are essentially impervious without the right fingerprint.

Biometric uptake is now increasing, with a report from ABI Research predicting significant growth in the sector this year. In fact, the revenues for the biometrics market could reach US$13.8 billion in 2015 alone – with further growth in the years after.

ABI explained that current biometric efforts stem from government entities, but growing consumer acceptance could lead to further consumer and enterprise uptake. By 2017, ABI predicts these two sectors will overtake government usage, thus becoming the largest segment of the market.

"Recent events [2014 data breaches] will no doubt increase governmental spending in 2015 as security measures are intensified in Europe and the United States," the report stated.

Biometrics in the enterprise

The ABI report also went into detail about the enterprise use-cases for wearable technologies, and how efforts have already begun.

"Enterprise demand is cooking up a plethora of wearables and smartphone technologies to implement biometrics into their products and services," ABI explained.

The report then went on to explore the possible growth in regions around the world.

"North America and Asia-Pacific will drive the field in sales in the following years while countries in the Middle East are expected to have mandatory biometric registration in the coming years."

While North America and Asia-Pacific are largely unsurprising, it's certainly a change to see the Middle East pull ahead of Europe.

It won't be long before biometrics are a given on nearly every new mobile device, and certainly those technologies used within enterprise environments.

Companies also need to consider frameworks; processes designed to manage the implementation of new technologies.

With data breaches likely to continue throughout this year, taking action with regards to security is of the utmost importance.

There are a substantial number of frameworks available, including SABSA and ISO, and businesses need to consider them in order to get the most out of security efforts.

To find out more about how these capable frameworks can be put to use within an organisation, get in touch with the team at ALC Training today.

Maximising security: Your guide to ISO 27001

Information security is something every business and IT leader needs to start thinking about – regardless of how big a company is.

Last year saw a significant number of high profile data breaches across the globe, with many dealing substantial damage to the businesses involved. It's important to realise that damage is not always financial, but can also impact reputation.

Data breaches need to be avoided, but this can seem a difficult task for companies not familiar with IT security practices. Security frameworks are the answer – best-practice methods for implementing security systems within the company.

The ISO 27001 series of frameworks are some of the most capable, and this article will take a look at three frameworks within the series.

Understanding ISO

Before assessing the benefits of each framework under the ISO 27001 banner, it's a good idea to understand exactly what this framework is.

With data breaches on the rise, businesses need what's called an information security management system (ISMS), basically a group of policies that are solely focused on IT security and risks. Without one of these systems in place, companies are vulnerable to a breach and can struggle to protect important data assets.

This is where ISO 27001 comes into play. It's the international standard that defines the best practices required for a successful ISMS. The policies apply to companies of any size, and can be used to protect against cyber crime and assist the business when recovering from a breach.

The most recent revision of this framework was published in 2013, and is titled ISO/IEC 27001:2013.

ISO 27001 Overview

The first course businesses will want to get started with is the ISO 27001 Overview. This takes place over a single day, and is designed to act as an introduction, giving practical coverage of every aspect of ISMS requirements (according to ISO/IEC 27001:2013).

There is also a focus on ISMS Implementation guidance and information security controls guidance. It's really the best way to gain a detailed understanding of the key concepts of a strong ISMS – something every business and IT leader needs to be aware of.

ISO/IEC 27001:2013 – ISMS Lead Implementer

The next step is what's called the Lead Implementer course. This takes place over five days, and the focus is on implementing and maintaining a successful ISMS. While the course does take more time to complete, it provides valuable information for participants.

Ideally, those who are involved in information security management, the writing of security policies or even implementing the base ISO 27001 framework need to take part in this course.

Upon completion, participants will have mastered the concepts, standards, and approaches required in the effective management of an ISMS.

ISO/IEC 27001:2013 – ISMS Lead Auditor

Lastly, there is the ISMS Lead Auditor course. Also taking place over five days, this is designed to give participants the knowledge needed to perform an ISO 27001 internal audit (as specified by ISO 19011, ISO 17021 and ISO 27006).

There is also a focus on a slightly more challenging process; acquiring the expertise necessary to actually manage an ISMS audit team. This is an extremely important facet of the course, as large enterprises will require ISMS teams to ensure security efforts are constantly maintained.

The Lead Auditor course will also help participants improve their ability to analyse both the internal and external environments of a business – key as part of the risk assessment process.

Companies need to start considering an extremely capable framework for security, especially considering the number of data breaches that took place over the course of 2014.

To actually get started with a leading security framework, speak to a provider like ALC Training.

Cybersecurity a top priority for 2015

Across the globe, businesses and consumers are placing increasing amounts of sensitive data on computing platforms, whether on local storage or in virtual alternatives hosted in the cloud.

By not focusing on security, the results of cyber data storage could be disastrous. IT security risks have been detailed in a new survey from Protiviti and North Carolina (NC) State University. Titled: Executive Perspectives on Top Risks for 2015, the research found that most business leaders are likely to make risk management investments this year.

The executive perspective

Exactly 277 board members, C-suite and other executives took part in the new survey, voicing their concerns about the potential risks coming up this year. The survey is certainly interesting for those involved in business cyber security.

A significant 53 per cent of respondents claimed that insufficient preparation was one such risk for 2015, and it could seriously impact operations. The report explained that high-profile data breaches in 2014 were likely the cause of increased concern.

Data breaches can be a significant trouble for businesses, and often not just because important data is stolen. Following a breach, the company has to allot expenditure for new, more secure systems, train staff on better security practices and deal with customer fallout – both in terms of reputation and financial reimbursement.

"Our survey findings indicate that operational risk issues are keeping many senior executives up at night," said Mark Beasley, a Deloitte professor at NC State.

"Given encouraging signs in the economy, we've observed an overall shift in focus from macroeconomic risks to operational risks, which had the greatest increase in risk scores from 2014. Notably, however, CEO respondents remained extremely focused on macro trends affecting their business."

Understanding the top risks

As part of the survey, respondents were asked to identity the various risks that had a significant impact on their operations.

A substantial 67 per cent stated that regulatory changes along with heightened regulatory scrutiny was a major issue, as it could impact how products and services are delivered.

Economic conditions in current markets was also noted as an area of concern for 56 per cent of respondents, as they could restrict growth.

In addition, the need to ensure privacy as well as information security was noted as a potential drain on resources for 52 per cent.

With security such a serious concern for companies, 2015 is the year to start implementing capable protective measures. However, these need to include more than just standard security systems.

What do organisations need to do?

Security efforts should be two-fold for businesses this year. Firstly, it's important to put security systems in place both locally and at the data centre level. This means security measures on mobile devices and computers, along with similar measures for wider infrastructure.

Doing so means that even if a smartphone goes missing, there's no chance of important data being accessed by a third party. The same applies for the infrastructure, with third parties unable to access these systems.

The second measure is something less tangible – a security framework. These are certifications that have been developed by organisations over time to deliver best-practice security methods. Businesses take part in courses (commonly over a period of several days), in which staff are taught about implementing policies and developing strong security practices.

The result is that the business will have capable staff able to ensure security is always at the highest possible standard – a necessity given the danger posed by data breaches.

Get in touch with the team at ALC Training today if you'd like to be prepared to face cyber threats in 2015.

How can companies prepare for mobile device usage?

Smartphones and tablets are some of the most powerful pieces of portable technology now available, offering a number of computing capabilities on the go.

As a result, it's no surprise that consumers have started using the devices across the globe to stay informed and in touch. There are concerns for businesses, however, as device usage is starting to creep into the enterprise – thus posing a potential security threat.

Companies need to understand the challenges of mobile devices in a business environment, and the possible solutions. With appropriate controls in place, an organisation will be able to allow staff to use the devices without security risk.

Proliferation in India

A new study from Gartner has found that by 2017, 20 per cent of the white-collar workforce in India alone will access important enterprise data from personal devices. What's more, the information accessed will go beyond solely email and calendar data.

"With the continued affordability of smartphones and growing acceptance of BYOD, more and more people are accessing corporate data through mobile devices," explained Anshul Gupta, a principal research analyst at Gartner.

Of course, mobile device proliferation isn't without issues. Once staff begin using these devices to access sensitive data in greater numbers, the floodgates are opened to a significant number of threats.

The challenges

There's no getting around the fact that mobile devices offer significant benefits to businesses, especially when staff can stay in touch across both email and company applications from any location.

Employees will also want to take part, as mobile devices make it easy to work away from traditional computers. Essentially, they are able to work from home or even while commuting.

The solutions

Now is the time to put the appropriate measures in place to prevent rampant security issues. There are two avenues that businesses need to consider: whether staff are using their own smartphones and tablets or the company itself is providing the technologies.

A bring-your-own-device (BYOD) strategy is essential for personal devices, as it involves setting up the necessary policies to control how employee-owned devices can be used within the company. Specifically, when it comes to accessing business data.

Commonly, such strategies involve the IT department setting up security systems on mobile devices and installing company applications. This removes an element of risk, as the business can ensure the devices are secure.

Company-provided devices, on the other hand, are another consideration altogether. These technologies also require the appropriate security systems, but businesses will need to constantly check in to see how they're being used. These devices could prove to be a better option, given the higher degree of company control.

Mobile device usage is continuing to grow across the globe, and it's only a matter of time before most companies start to see the technologies utilised within the business for more than personal usage. 

"[Technology] providers must establish a long-term plan and strategy to bridge the gap in requisite skills and so combat a potential crisis," Mr Gupta said.

Focusing on security with a framework

Companies can take advantage of security frameworks to bolster protection measures, as these can ensure the right processes are always in place.

SABSA is a global standard for enterprise security architecture, and as a result it should be the first consideration when security is a top priority.

Once staff have the necessary SABSA training (gained through a comprehensive course) then they're able to ensure the security needs of the company are supported through IT management infrastructure.

Of course, businesses can also use the CISSP framework to add another layer of security. This method is a global standard for IT security, and courses provide substantial IT knowledge for staff.

Where to get started with leading frameworks

Getting started with leading frameworks including PRINCE2 and SABSA is a great way to add strong qualifications to your CV, not to mention taking your skills to the next level.

While these courses may sound great, it can sometimes be difficult to take part – especially when they take place across several days and you're not sure which course to start with.

Below, we'll help you out by taking a look at where you can get started with several leading frameworks, and what the courses actually involve.

COBIT 5

If the proper governance and management of IT systems is what you're after, then COBIT 5 is certainly the most appropriate option. This framework leverages proven practices and tools and drive IT innovation – a must for many in the IT sector.

COBIT 5 Foundation is the best course to gain an understanding of how this framework can actually be put to use, and it takes place over a period of three days.

Courses are being held in Sydney, Melbourne, Canberra and Adelaide from March through to June at the beginning of this year – with more on the way.

ITIL

IT service management is critical for modern businesses, as it means the technologies are actually being used to realise business change and transformation.

Like COBIT 5, the ITIL Foundation course is perfect to beginners as it takes them through the basics of the framework. What's more, they'll learn all of the key features that underpin ITIL and gain full preparation for the Foundation Certificate exam.

Ready to get started? Sydney, Melbourne, Canberra, Brisbane and Perth are hosting multiple course dates early this year, and Adelaide is running a course in March.

Architecting Secure Cloud

The cloud has become so much more than a buzzword over the past few years, and it's a now a tool with real potential to change how a business operates at a fundamental level. For example, employees can work together on the same document simultaneously even if they're in different parts of the country.

However, with cloud growth has also come a need for security, and that's where this framework comes into play. It's designed to provide course participants with the knowledge needed to architect secure cloud technologies.

This course is based on SABSA, a leading security architecture framework, and delivers an understanding of how to enable cloud computing at the necessary level of security.

To get started, we've got courses coming up in Sydney, Melbourne and Canberra in March – perfect timing to ensure cloud deployments stay secure for the remainder of the year.

PRINCE2

Projects come in all shapes and sizes in a business, from small conferences held within the office to a major event like an industry trade show. Transitions can even be classed as projects, such as when a department needs to move to a new computer system.

PRINCE2 one of the most powerful frameworks for project management, and it should certainly be the first point of call for companies and individuals. This is a framework that can be utilised time and again across various different business projects.

We have PRINCE2 Foundation and Practitioner courses coming up in Sydney, Melbourne, Canberra, Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide from February through June this year, with more to come later.

Get in touch with ALC Training to find out more about our range of courses, and where you can get started with a course in Australia.

Both businesses and individuals cannot afford to overlook the value offered by leading frameworks, especially over the long term. These are methods that can be deployed across a range of different projects, long after the training has been completed.

3 reasons to choose COBIT 5 Implementation

If you've decided to get started with IT governance through a capable framework, then there's certainly no overlooking the advantages offered by COBIT 5 Implementation.

This certificate course is great for either a business or individuals looking to start using the powerful method, but what are some of the main reasons you would actually choose to take part in the three day course?

It gives you a practical appreciation

When learning a new framework it may be difficult to get a handle on exactly how it works, especially if you're listening to a course instructor for several days. The COBIT 5 Implementation course is different, however, and gives you a practical appreciation for how the framework functions.

What's more, the course is supported by a range of practical exercises and case-based scenarios.

It targets a wide audience

The beauty of many frameworks (especially COBIT 5) is that they're applicable in a range of scenarios. In turn, this means people from a variety of disciplines need to be able to take the training without knowledge barriers.

Thankfully, this is another area where COBIT 5 Implementation truly excels. The target audience for this course incudes a number of IT positions:

And also other positions within a business, including:

It explains the framework in depth

For a course that only takes three days, you might not be expecting a substantial amount of content. However, this course really delivers a strong COBIT 5 understanding, covering the life cycle approach, inter-related components of the life cycle, making the business case and key factors for a successful implementation.

Throughout the course, participants will also be prepared for the exam, which rounds off the three days of the course.

If you'd like to learn more about the COBIT 5 Implementation certificate, contact us today. Alternatively, check out the course dates in the near future.

Global mobile data usage on a growth path

Mobile devices have fast become the technologies of choice for accessing the internet, surpassing traditional PCs such as laptops and desktops.

A Nielsen report from early 2014 corroborated this, stating more time online is now spent on smartphones than PCs. US adults spent around 34 hours per month on mobile internet, as opposed to 27 hours on PC internet.

This isn't really surprising given the ease of operating the devices, coupled with the mobility and array of capabilities, as businesses can better equip employees to perform their roles outside the office. For example, staff can now easily log into email and access documents right from a smartphone or tablet.

As a result of the advantages of using mobile, data usage is set to climb over the next few years, according to a new report from ABI Research.

Climbing mobile data usage

A January 28 report from the firm found increasing upload and download speeds are now the main driver of mobile data usage, likely as it means less time waiting for pages to load and email to sync.

ABI stated the average amount of data consumed per subscriber will climb from 445 megabytes in 2014 to 2,289 megabytes in 2019. What's more, consumers are likely to start using the devices for more than just communication – arguably their primary function only a few years ago.

"These breakthroughs and stability of upload and download throughput, once commercially deployed, will enable mobile users to rely on mobile devices as primary entertaining and productivity solutions, in addition to communication," ABI noted.

Research Associate Lian Jye Su explained it's not surprising to find apps such as YouTube, BitTorrent and Facebook are now some of the most highly used apps, accounting for a substantial amount of mobile data traffic.

With devices on a fast track to becoming staple consumer devices for more than just communications, what exactly does this mean for businesses?

The impacts on businesses

Growing mobile usage is certainly beneficial for businesses, as it means employees will easily be able to take on new mobile devices and use them to communicate and collaborate.

Of course, there are other issues that arise from a growing mobile presence in businesses – namely potential security issues.

With any new technology there is a risk of security flaws creeping in, especially when the business is deploying systems for the first time. However, these risks can largely be mitigated thanks to a tight hold over particular technology.

With mobile, staff are taking smartphones and tablets outside the business – thus increasing the chances of them losing the devices and opening the business to a security risk. If a company mobile device was stolen, for example, a third party would potentially have access to company email, account information, messages and data from apps stored on the device.

This is where a bring your own device (BYOD) policy comes into play – a set of rules that help to ensure business mobile device security.

Of course, the level of security depends on the company, but businesses will often find the best combination to be the ability to remotely wipe mobile devices if they're lost and deactivate the accounts. Devices should also include pass codes and fingerprint scanners, availability permitting.

Mobile will continue to grow over the next few years, with both the number of devices rising and the amount of data consumed on the go. Security cannot be left to become a major issue.

What should you look for in a PRINCE2 provider?

If you've decided to undertake PRINCE2 training to achieve more effective project management, then chances are you need a skilled, experienced provider to actually deliver the course.

However, it's not as easy as simply signing up for a course – you need to select a provider that meets a number of criteria, including training location, reliability, ongoing support and course quality. Failing to do so (and going with a substandard provider) could mean you're left out of pocket and not actually up to speed with your desired framework.

There are several important areas to look out for when selecting a provider for PRINCE2 courses, but it's important to note that these are actually useful when choosing a provider for any sort of framework or methodology.

Let's take a look at what you need to look for so as to avoid issues, and come away with relevant training and ongoing support from the course provider.

What do I need in a PRINCE2 provider?

Here are the key considerations:

Ongoing support

It's all well and good to have a provider that supports you while you're actually undertaking the course, but you should also be looking ahead to once the course finishes. Post-course support can be extremely useful if you've got follow-up questions or concerns about the training you have received.

Framework value

When spending money on framework training, whether for your staff or yourself, make sure that it's worth the price. Quality often means a higher cost, but a good PRINCE2 provider should work hard to keep prices as competitive as possible whilst simultaneously delivering the necessary qualification.

Prioritising value when selecting a course will mean you're left with the best possible framework training.

Course reliability

There's no denying that PRINCE2 framework training will often come at a premium, especially if it's an in- demand course. As a result, you're not going to want to have the course dates pushed back or cancelled at the last minute. This is an issue that's compounded if you have to travel to a larger city to receive the training.

When selecting a provider, make sure you've looked into their past reliability to ensure that the pre-determined course dates will actually run on schedule.

Training location

This is a follow-on from the above point, but it deserves a separate mention. If you're looking for a PRINCE2 course provider, make sure you can access the courses easily for their duration.

Remember, in many cases a course will take several days to complete, so you'll have to plan for the entire trip. A good provider will offer courses in all major cities, with special options available to deliver them to other locations.

The value of PRINCE2

It's now time to start considering a PRINCE2 course, especially given the value the framework will provide over time. This is a course that can enable you to handle projects efficiently, regardless of how big they are.

If you've got to run a trade show for a week, for example, PRINCE2 can help to ensure that goes smoothly. On the other hand, if you need to host a small project within the business, with PRINCE2 it becomes substantially easier.

The key thing to understand with PRINCE2 is that it's flexible to both your requirements and the needs of the project at hand, making it useful on an ongoing basis.

If you're looking for a course in PRINCE2 or even something else like IT governance, then look no further than ALC Training. ALC is an experienced provider of certifications throughout Australia, and can even deliver courses to locations across the globe when needed.

Australia to see massive cloud communications growth

Cloud computing has become something of a buzzword for new technology adoption, but there are actually real benefits to taking the systems onboard.

There are a number of areas where the cloud can be put to use in a business, whether it's backup for any computer or device, faster and more effective collaboration, or perhaps running applications and storage remotely. Communications, however, is the key area – and it's one that Telsyte research predicts will see substantial growth in the near future.

Cloud communications are an important area of consideration, so this article will take a look at the technologies and the predicted growth through to 2020.

Modern communications

In a recent report, Telsyte took a look at the state of the Australian cloud sector, and found that a large number of businesses are now moving into the space. A significant area of focus was unified communications – moving from the traditional voice calls to integrated, online solutions.

Communications hosted online in the cloud differ quite substantially from traditional PABX systems (physical phones and phone lines), and usually only require a computer and internet connection to function.

Skype is one such example of a unified cloud communications system, as once the software is installed on a computer or mobile device users can start speaking via voice or video. Of course, business alternatives are often tailored more to enterprise environments.

Businesses are starting to recognise the benefits of these systems, with a number of companies saying that solutions are already in use. Telsyte noted that 88 per cent of organisations have staff that use a soft phone (Such as Skype) at least once a week.

What's more, an additional 40 per cent of organisations are starting to evaluate docking solutions. These allow mobile devices to take over the role of traditional phones whilst in the office.

Telsyte estimates that Australian businesses could move away from traditional communications in a big way in the next few years, with cloud communications logging over 30 per cent penetration by 2020. The total market value is expected to exceed $650 million.

Senior Telsyte Analyst Rodney Gedda explained in the release that organisations will now need to find the best ways to integrate disparate services to create a unified communication environment, one that includes both mobile and wearables.

"Instant messaging, presence and e-mail integration are the most deployed unified communications applications, but web collaboration and bring-your-own-device integration are becoming more important as organisations look to modernise their business and support next generation employees," Gedda stated.

Currently, less than five per cent of Australian businesses are classified as "mobile only", meaning there are no fixed phone lines in place. This number is likely to keep climbing, with both mobile and cloud communications continuing to grow.

Handling a cloud shift effectively

Of course, all businesses understand that taking on a new communications process isn't something that can be accomplished overnight.

It's important to make the transition as smooth as possible, so that any change doesn't impact the operations of the business.

Project management methods are certainly the answer, with PRINCE2 standing out as the best example. This is a framework that, when taught to employees, gives them the knowledge to handle projects effectively.

For example, if the business is implementing cloud communications, staff will understand how to do so whilst meeting deadlines and sticking to a budget. These are certainly important goals for any business, and are especially important when it comes to a significant transition like the cloud.

With cloud communications set to skyrocket over the next few years it's definitely time for companies to start planning a move.

3 tips for improving your career prospects in 2015

Whether you are happily employed within the project management or IT industries, or you're currently searching for your dream job, it never hurts to invest in your career prospects.

The employment market of 2015 is vastly different to the one of 20, 10 or even just five years ago, and the most successful jobhunters will be the ones that have stayed on top of key recruitment trends, in order to ensure they have a competitive edge over other candidates.

With that in mind, here are some tips for improving your employment prospects this year.

Invest in yourself

One recruitment trend that will never change is that those who commit to improving their own skills and abilities will rarely regret the investment. 

The key is to ensure the additional qualifications you invest in are relevant to your career ambitions. For example, if you work specifically within the IT service management sphere, it is prudent to consider ITIL or COBIT training that can educate you on some of the most popular frameworks in the industry. 

Alternatively, those who specialise in more general project management might consider training in PRINCE2 – a widely recognised methodology for effectively leading a team towards completion of a specific task. 

Whatever you decide, ensure you get full value out of your investment by opting for a training program that emphasises practical, real world experience.

That way, you won't simply complete your qualification with a certificate to put on your resume. You'll also have valuable skills that will not just help you secure your next role, but also ensure you move up and excel in it as well. 

Seek out a mentor 

Even the most experienced IT experts and project managers can sometimes benefit from seeking out a mentor, capable of giving strong, relevant advice throughout your career.

A career mentor can offer valuable advice on your skills and weaknesses, which can in turn allow you to focus on self-improvement. Look within your professional network and identify whether there is anyone available who you may be able to engage for expert input.  

On the other hand, those with a lot of practical experience in their industry may also benefit from seeking out an apprentice of their own.

There are likely many young professionals out there who would appreciate guidance from a senior hand, and time spent assisting them with their career may also help grow your own, by allowing you to make personal realisations about your methodologies as a leader and role model. 

Set your goals for the year 

Those who specialise in the world of IT project management will understand the importance of setting professional goals. Clear targets provide both yourself and your team with objectives and timelines to follow. These then provide information to both you and stakeholders as to the progression of the project.

However, when improving your career prospects for 2015, you can also gain substantially by focussing on a few key personal goals.

Take the time now to determine where you are in your career and where you would like to be in a year's time. For those currently seeking employment, your goal may be as simple as finding a job you are satisfied with. Others, who already have an established position, might set the goal of adding three new skills or achievements to their CV.

Make sure you set personal career goals that are just as S.M.A.R.T. as the goals you would set for your team in the workplace – that is, Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic and Time-Related.

When 2016 roles around, you'll be able to look back at the goals you set in 2015 and determine what progress you are making towards improving your professional standing.