A replica is just what it says, a copy of a live VM stored on a remote server that is updated every five minutes with any changes. At any point in time you can failover to the replica and bring the virtualised workload back online.
What you need to get started

Hyper-V Replicas can be implemented if you have any two physical Windows Server 2012 servers. These must both have the Hyper-V role installed. The location of the servers is not important – they can be in the same rack or on different continents. The only other requirements are that they can be connected by an IP network, they have sufficient storage to host the virtualized workloads to be replicated, and that the network bandwidth is sufficient to cope with the initial transfers.

Replication is very flexible: in or out of domains, and in or out of failover clusters (same cluster or not). It also allows a completely standalone non-domain single replication model – which is the scenario that this article deals with.

Where to begin

First install the Hyper-V role on both machines (using Server Manager, or PowerShell 3.0 if you are a command-line guru). To prepare for replication, set-up an External Replication network using the virtual switch manager. This needs to be done on both servers, with the network name being the same on each. The only other step to prepare for the use of replicas is to have a Virtual Machine (VM) configured on each server. This is because we are going to set both servers up to replicate each other.

We now have two physical servers acting as Hosts or Parents to a VM, using the same replication network.
On Server One, open Hyper-V manager and select the VM you wish to replicate. Right-click on the VM, and select “Enable Replication”. Unsurprisingly, this fires-up a wizard. In the Specify Replica Server Box, enter the FQDN of your second server. You will receive an error stating that the server is not ready to host replicas. There is a convenient Configure Server button – click this.

This opens the Hyper-V Settings window for the second server, with the focus on the Replication configuration section. Check the Enable this
Server for Replication box. Depending on your requirements, these settings allow for unencrypted HTTP traffic (port 80) or encrypted HTTPS communication (port 443). It also allows for authentication from a single server, a group or from any server.

You then want to check the Use Kerberos (HTTP) box, and the Allow Authentication From Any Server Radio button. Apply these settings. A warning points you to the correct firewall rules to enable. This screenshot shows which rule to set on both servers:

Simply accept all the defaults for the rest of the wizard. There are also many areas for configuration, to allow for more flexible use of replication.

Now do it all over again

Replication is now enabled, and the initial replication has started. If this is a small machine and the network is quick, go to the second server and see if the replicated VM has appeared. If it has, in the bottom section of Hyper-V manager, you will see there is now a Replication tab. Select the replicated VM and click that Replication tab. You will see it is listed as a replica.
Repeat the above steps for the VM on Server Two.
Provided that you set the Firewall rules correctly, you now have a cross-replicated system, where each server hosts a primary and a replica VM. There is no cluster, no SAN, no shared storage, just replicas as shown below.

It’s possible to select a time period for replication – and whether it starts manually or automatically. VHDs can be included and excluded from the replication if required. Recovery points can be maintained, and the number of these to be stored is also configurable (between 1 and 15). The transmitted data can be compressed and encrypted if required.
All of these settings can be managed in the VM Settings window.

Failover scenarios

Hyper-V replication allows for several different failover scenarios. From the replica copy itself, these options are available:

While from the Primary VM, the below are available:

So there are: Test Failover, Failover and Planned Failover…

1. Test Failover

This option ensures that your replica VM starts correctly, and is a viable DR solution. By selecting this, a new VM is created which allows the administrator to confirm its status:

To ensure that your Test Failover doesn’t interfere with your production machines, Hyper-V now has the ability to inject a different IP addressing scheme into your Replica. It can also start it using an entirely different network, using the virtual switch.

In the VM Settings – under Network Adaptor – the configuration options cater for IPv4 , IPv6 and advanced options and test failover for networks. This flexibility allows an administrator to carry out failover tests regularly – this is best practice!
Once tested, right-click the original replica VM and click Replication. Stop Test Failover, and the test VM will be deleted.

2. Failover

This is the one to use when the Primary VM has failed, and you need to get your virtualised workload up and running as soon as possible. Simply select Replication and Failover. The standard warning appears, select your recovery point and click Failover. The replica remains the replica, but is the active VM. The Replication tab highlights the completed failover, and the warning that the primary is offline.
Once the Primary VM is up and running there are several options to return to normal. Though these are outside the scope of a short article. Microsoft has published an 82-page Understanding and Troubleshooting guide for Hyper-V replicas, which will assist with this and any other unanswered questions.

3. Planned Failover

This is carried-out from the primary VM. When selecting the option from the Replication sub-menu, a prerequisite check is carried-out to ensure that the replica can take over in the absence of the primary. And that all the necessary action is then set in motion; including reversing the replication to ensure the original primary is kept up-to-date when it comes back online.

Summary

This has been a short toe-dipping into what is set to be one of Windows Server 2012 ‘Big Five’ areas of functionality. HBR Solutions along with Windows Server 2012 has the ability to carry out failovers and high-availability on a tiny budget is something small businesses have been crying-out for, and can now embrace with zero additional costs.

Managed services let you offload specific IT operations to a service provider, known in tech parlance
as a Managed Services Provider. The managed service provider assumes ongoing responsibility for monitoring, managing and/or problem resolution for selected IT systems and functions on your behalf.

Managed services providers can offer services such as alerts, security, patch management, data backup and recovery for different client devices: desktops, notebooks, servers, storage systems,
networks and applications. Offloading routine infrastructure management to an experienced managed services professional lets you concentrate on running your business, with fewer interruptions due to IT issues.

Managed services providers usually price their services on a subscription basis. Depending on the services they provide, pricing is usually based on the number of devices, with different packages priced at different levels. Some provide customer support onsite when required.

Basic services often start with a monitoring service, which notifies you of problems, which you resolve on your own. At the upper end of the spectrum, service providers offer fully managed services that cover everything from alerts through problem resolution.

Typically they perform an initial assessment of your current IT environment and management requirements to help you decide what services and service levels you need.

Why Should You Care?

Just like larger companies, small businesses need technology to operate efficiently and to compete effectively. But as reliance on IT grows, the resources to support an increasingly complex IT environment may not. In many small businesses, IT resources are scarce, and can be quickly overwhelmed with the day-to-day responsibilities of keeping the infrastructure that the business depends on up and running.

If you fall behind in keeping up with things such as backups, patches and security, the odds are that you’ll face an IT outage or another problem down the road that will negatively impact your business. For instance, if your e-mail server, customer relationship management system, financial application or network goes down unexpectedly, you face substantial productivity and revenue losses as a result.

MSPs act as an extension of your IT department, taking care of routine IT infrastructure monitoring and management around the clock—freeing up your IT staff to focus on higher-value projects. By proactively monitoring and maintaining your systems, an MSP can help you avoid many technology problems in the first place. Should an issue occur, an experienced MSP can troubleshoot and resolve it more efficiently.

Unlike traditional outsourcing situations, where you surrender complete control of your IT assets, you decide what you want the service provider to take care of, and what you want to handle. You retain full visibility into the process and management of your systems. In addition, the MSP subscription model gives you more expense predictability than a consultant-type time and billing model.

Press Release

HBR Solutions Inc Receives 2012 Best of Matawan Award

NEW YORK, NY, April 13, 2012 — For the fourth consecutive year, HBR Solutions Inc has been selected for the 2012 Best of Matawan Award in the Online Services Technology Consultants category by the U.S. Commerce Association (USCA).

The USCA “Best of Local Business” Award Program recognizes outstanding local businesses throughout the country. Each year, the USCA identifies companies that they believe have achieved exceptional marketing success in their local community and business category. These are local companies that enhance the positive image of small business through service to their customers and community.

U.S. Commerce Association (USCA) is a New York City based organization funded by local businesses operating in towns, large and small, across America. The purpose of USCA is to promote local business through public relations, marketing and advertising.

The USCA was established to recognize the best of local businesses in their community. Our organization works exclusively with local business owners, trade groups, professional associations, chambers of commerce and other business advertising and marketing groups. Our mission is to be an advocate for small and medium size businesses and business entrepreneurs across America.

SOURCE: U.S. Commerce Association

Part 1: Weak Tech Support and Old, Cheap or Inconsistent Hardware
Part 2: Inadequate Power Protection and Illegal Software
Part 3: Inadequate Training and Weak Security
Part 4: Insufficient Data Backup and Virus Vulnerability

Tying off our list of the Top 10 Small Business Tech Mistakes are #9 and 10, Spyware Threats and Spam.

Mistake #9: Spyware Threats

Spyware programs pose as big a risk to small businesses. Whereas viruses work to replicate themselves, distribute unwanted email, attack other systems or even render PCs inoperable, spyware typically intercepts user information and relays it to third parties, and often redirects user commands. For example, spyware can monitor a user’s personal or confidential information and send it to a hacker, or prompt so many pop-up advertisements that a system essentially becomes unusable.

Making matters worse is that, like viruses, spyware usually installs itself without the user’s knowledge. This covert tactic is a primary factor in why some estimates state that 80% of PCs used in businesses are infected with spyware.

Small businesses should be just as vigilant about protecting their systems from spyware as they are about virus protection. To get started, we recommend the following steps for combating spyware:

• Install a reputable antispyware program and keep it updated.
• Perform regular antispyware scans.
• Do not allow antispyware licenses to expire.
• Avoid forms of free security software.
• Avoid clicking links within pop-up advertisements and unsolicited email messages.

Mistake #10: SPAM

SPAM can mean several things these days, but most often it refers to unsolicited commercial mass emails received from unknown and/or untrusted senders. Email is an indispensable business tool, which makes it even more problematic that SPAM accounts for almost half of all email you and your staff will receive. Radicatti Research Group Inc. estimates that SPAM costs businesses over $20.5 billion annually in technical expense and decreased productivity. Fortunately, despite it’s prevalence, SPAM is one of the easier issues for small businesses to protect against.

Our recommendations for combatting SPAM line up with those of the The United States Federal Trade Commission, and include:

• Do not display your email address in public (such as on a website).
• Avoid responding to or forwarding electronic chain letter email messages.
• Treat the following types of email with care: money-making opportunities, work at-home schemes, weight-loss programs and product ads, credit recovery/counseling, and advance fee loans
• Use a reputable email filter.
• Leverage unique (not easily guessed) email addresses.
• Review a websites’s privacy policy before providing your email address.
• Read and ensure you understand web forms before submitting personal information.

We hope that this series has given you some solid, actionable information on how to avoid typical tech mistakes made by small businesses. The benefits of these protection tactics begin with you taking action, and are deepened with the involvement of a professional HBR Solutions specialist. To find an HBR Solutions Specialist in your area, use our Locator; and start the process of transitioning the IT aspects of your business from a potential liability to a professional asset.

Idecided a few days ago to try out  the latest Beta of Windows 8. The installation of the new OS was a breeze.  I wasn’t sure what the little fish splash screen was about but who am I to judge.  The installation took about less than 15   minutes on a Virtual Machine which I carved out 512MB of RAM.  My fingers where crossed as the OS started, which it did in record time.  I was asked to either create an MSN account or join with an existing, which I already had.  Once I logged in, the unfamiliar GUI (Graphical User Interface) appeared.  Now, I had seen pictures of it in the past, but this was my first time navigating through it.  Fortunately, it was the same interface as my Windows 7.5 phone so nothing to drastic.  I knew there had to be a way to switch from the block tiles to a more familiar Windows screen with its (Start) button on the lower left hand corner.

The Big Change!!

We all are creatures of habit whether we like it or not.  We have our routines, we know where things are and we get familiar with them like an favorite t-shirt or some old shoes.   Windows 8 certainly broke that familiarity real quick as I scuffled to find where is that familiar Desktop… its not there!   Windows broke away from what was originally introduced back with Windows 95, that somewhat familiar look on how to navigate through its desktop.  I was completely blind sided and frustrated at the same time.  As I continued to poke around, i started to find a few quick commands that enabled me to switch to something that looked that a Desktop.  I was able to find my familiar icon’s such as “My Computer, Settings, etc”.  My first thought was if I’m having this much difficulty navigating with this Interface, most Non-Tech users will hate this!  But as I continued to discover this new OS, It started to come to me what Microsoft was doing.  This OS is primary object is for the Tablet PC!

Some of us had probably read in the past that Microsoft was moving in that arena.  Some of us has even played with some pseudo tablet/laptops with Windows 7.  In my mind, I thought Windows 8 was going to be something like that.. but it isn’t.  The new interface is targeted for touch screens and tablets.  Any new application installation is welcomed to use Microsoft’s online store.

This new OS, is truly a light version of Windows 7, with faster boot time and able to run Windows 7 applications.  It even comes with a built in installation utility that will check if your older software can run on Windows 8 natively and if it can’t it will force it into some kind of emulation mode.

Windows 7 will not disappear the moment Windows 8 will be officially on the market.  Microsoft’s plan is to continue supporting Windows 7 just as it did with Windows XP users for the next several years.  This will give them enough momentum to build more cloud applications and give time to regular users to acclimate themselves to the new interface.  Your Hotmail/MSN account will become important as your application profile changes.  You will be able to logon from your Windows 8 Tablet to a Windows 8 Laptop and have access to the same cloud applications, thus eliminating a lot of installation of software on a local drive.  Just as Samsung came out with their recent Smart TV, one day Microsoft will co develop with different appliances that will help us all access our information must more simply.

Mistake #7: Insufficient Data Backup

Every small business wrestles with the issue of data backups. Most every organization recognizes the need—sometimes mandated by law—to archive and secure important business data. However, confusion quickly arises in the details. How should organizations back up their data? What data should be backed up? How often should archive sets be created? How should backups be moved off site?

Also, what is the real impact of data loss?  Glad you asked.

• There is a 50% chance an organization will go out of business immediately when critical data is lost.
• Odds of business failure increase to 90% within two years when businesses lose critical data.
• On average, data loss costs 19 days of productivity, according to the ICSA.

Recovering data from damaged disks is exponentially more expensive than ensuring you possess adequate backups, not to mention much more time consuming.

For better backups and data protection, we recommend:

• Reviewing what information (specific files and folders) is critical to your business and developing a plan to ensure that data is regularly backed up and stored or rotated off site.
• Determining how much time can safely pass between backup routines within your organization.
• Testing backup sets regularly to confirm they are working properly.
• Updating backup routines whenever required by software application updates and upgrades.
• Automating off-site storage.
• Confirming a backup solution creates secure backups that protect critical data from falling into the wrong hands.

Mistake #8: Virus Vulnerability

In the most basic sense, computer viruses are malicious programs that infect a system almost always without the user’s permission or knowledge. Once installed, virus programs work to replicate themselves, transfer information from an infected PC to a hacker’s system, distribute very large volumes of unsolicited email, compromise the PC’s performance, delete data and even render a system unusable.

PCs unprotected by firewalls and proper security software can quickly fall prey to infection. Industry statistics demonstrate that PCs connected to the Internet possess a very high likelihood of being affected, and quickly. A recent BBC report demonstrated a Windows XP machine becoming infected within eight seconds (eight seconds!) of being connected to the Internet.

We recommend small businesses install and properly configure antivirus software on every PC and server, especially since the costs of recovering systems and data far exceeds the expense of protecting them. In addition, the following steps for combating viruses are very helpful:

• Install an effective antivirus program and keep it updated.
• Perform regular antivirus scans.
• Do not allow antivirus licenses to expire.
• Avoid free security software.
• Disable preview panes within email applications.
• Prohibit the use of file-sharing programs.
• Avoid Web sites known to encourage virus infections.

HBR Solutions can work with your organization to design and implement a backup and protections systems tailor-made to meet your business requirements. Operating your business without attention to these critical areas can cause disruptions could prove costly.

Mistake #5: Inadequate Training

Training is a significant issue for small businesses. This is particularly true for organizations that don’t possess their own training department and thus struggle to maximize software programs, applications and technology capabilities. It is estimated that most office workers understand less than 20% of the available features in the software packages they use. This causes significant inefficiencies as processes and tasks that could be completed in seconds using the automatic features of software programs are performed manually instead.

Here’s a real world example:

An HBR Solutions employee helped maintain high-powered computers for a firm that included 12 highly talented engineers and a single administrative assistant who prepared all of their quotes, proposals and estimates. While the admin was on vacation, a Computer Troubleshooters’ technician was called to assist in locating a critical proposal spreadsheet that the admin had prepared a few weeks earlier. The document was urgently needed, but could not be found on the admin’s PC.

Ultimately, it was discovered the administrative assistant only maintained one proposal spreadsheet. Each time a new proposal was needed, she just typed over the single file with new information (thereby losing any record of previous proposals). Further, she didn’t know how to perform calculations inside a spreadsheet, and all sums and totals were figured manually using a hand calculator.

Like many small business employees, she was entirely self-taught, so while she knew how to function in her job, her limited skill set meant she was working harder than she should have in order to produce results that were less than they should be.

Mistake #6: Weak Security

Increased threats from malicious software and viruses are a daily reality for all PC users, and security is of paramount concern. New vulnerabilities in the Windows operating system are identified almost weekly, and the same is true of other software products and hardware devices. Without up-to-date security applications, firmware updates and operating system patches, your small business is vulnerable to attack.

Hackers write and distribute malicious programs that regularly attempt to access your computer and:

• Steal and/or delete your business data.
• Steal and/or delete personal, confidential or proprietary information.
• Corrupt your PCs and render them inoperable.
• Compromise your computer’s security and turn it into a zombie system that launches attacks on other computers.
• Turn your PC into a robotic system that sends tens of thousands of unsolicited email messages a day.

Most small businesses are unfamiliar with the steps they need to take to properly protect their systems and data against these attacks. HBR Solutions can assist your organization in locking down its network, securing its systems and hardening every aspect of its technology operations. Typically, we recommend small businesses adopt the following security best practices:

• Use strong passwords < http://technology-solved.com/news/2012/01/18/password-strength-pt-1-picking-an-unbreakable-password> on all systems and software.
• Update Windows systems with the latest security patches and hotfixes after professional testing proves the updates reliable and appropriate.
• Update applications and software programs with the latest patches and hotfixes as they become available.
• Deploy trusted hardware-based firewalls and confirm they are properly configured.
• Secure all wireless networks by leveraging the latest encryption technologies.
• Install and configure reputable antivirus and antispyware applications, and confirm that they regularly update and scan systems for infections.
• Do not permit antivirus and antispyware applications to expire.
• Prohibit the use of peer-to-peer file-sharing programs as Kazaa and LimeWire.
• Discourage employees from clicking or opening any attachments received within email messages from unknown and untrusted senders.

HBR Solutions assists organizations in training staff on the skills they need to make the most of their software investments, and in identifying and resolving weaknesses in computer security protocols. Both of these critical tech mistakes can generate significant costs to recover from, but addressing both preemptively can bring significant benefits to your small business.

Mistake #3: Inadequate Power Protection

Power protection is an issue that receives little attention but can make a very big difference.  Small but consistent power surges (spikes) and drops (brownouts) dramatically reduce any technology device’s lifespan and affect most businesses at some point in time.  Surges and brownouts are is especially troublesome for computers, printers and other peripherals, all of which are essential basic business functions.

Making matters worse, common power strips provide no electronic surge or lightning strike protection, and surge suppressors vary widely in quality and wear out over time (often without indication).

Small businesses can avoid the damage caused by inadequate power protection with the help of a professional computer technician.  A Computer Troubleshooter will work with you to determine how best to protect your equipment and network.  Typical solutions include:

1. Deploying high-quality surge suppressors for all computer equipment, printers, fax machines and other peripherals.
2. Replacing surge suppressors every two to three years.
3. Identifying locations where uninterruptible power supplies (UPS) with line conditioning are a better match for protecting critical network equipment and computers.

Mistake #4: Illegal Software

Software licensing issues can prove perplexing for several reasons, and can also land small businesses in legal and financial distress.  It’s estimated that software piracy costs the industry more than $11 billion annually. As a result, software vendors are very aggressive in pursuing small businesses that deploy and use improperly and illegally licensed software.

What many businesses don’t realize is there’s a good chance that they do not “own” the software they use. Businesses typically buy software licenses that are limited to one computer and cannot legally be moved to another PC.  Also common is the use of “borrowed” software obtained from an employee’s home computer or a friend.

This includes countless copies of Microsoft Office and Microsoft Windows, the staple programs of any business, and Microsoft Office Student & Teacher Edition, which cannot be legally installed in any business.

Many software programs report their usage back to the manufacturer via the Internet, Microsoft and Intuit (Quicken, QuickBooks) programs are well known for this.  The receipt of audit notifications or breach-of-license letters is becoming an increasingly common occurrence as a result.

To protect your business from loss of time and money caused by the use of illegal software, Computer Troubleshooters recommends taking these steps:

1. Purchase software only from reputable technology partners.
2. Read license agreements carefully when installing software and ensure your organization’s intended use meets the publisher’s requirements.
3. Store product keys, certificates of authenticity, licenses and original installation media in a single, easily accessible location.

With a professional technology consultant’s assistance, small businesses can receive expert help ensuring they properly license software for each and every PC, and have adequate power protection in their workspaces.

For more expert advice on avoiding small business tech mistakes, keep your eyes open for Part 3 of this series.

These changes can include updates to Microsoft Windows, Microsoft Office, proprietary business software, critical business applications, printing technologies, web-based tools, email services and a myriad of other technology concerns.

Computer support companies like HBR Solutions Inc.  can help you through the big issues with our professional services, and can also give you a basic awareness of how to avoid small business tech mistakes here in our blog posts.  This post is the first of a 5-part series covering the Top 10 Tech Mistakes Made by Small Businesses.  Over the next few weeks we’ll publish the entire series, and look forward to how it will make a difference in your business!

Let’s dive in with…

Mistake #1: Weak Tech Support

Typical small business technology support comes from one of the following sources:

1)      An existing staff member – IT duties are added to this person’s tasks, and most often take a backseat to his/her primary duties.  When tech issues demand attention, other tasks fall behind.

2)      Telephone support from software/hardware manufacturers – all major computer companies offer phone support, but using it requires time on the phone and is restricted to the terms of their limited warranties.

3)      Casual computer technicians who provide service “on-the-side” – if IT is their hobby, their skills and professionalism are likely to be hobby-level.  Their pricing may be off-market, and they may be “stumped” by more difficult computer problems, network issues or proprietary application troubles.

4)      Big-box electronic stores –can be good for consumers that can take their laptop into the store for a one-visit fix and aren’t impacted by the frequent turnover of these stores’ IT talent.  Businesses that need on-site support on whole networks, however, are better served by professionals who come to them with the advantage of an existing relationship and knowledge of previous IT issues you’ve experienced.

Small businesses can avoid and overcome these issues by developing a service relationship with a qualified information technology partner. Professional, dedicated technology consultants:

• Resolve problems faster
• Possess significant computer and network knowledge
• Get to know your people and your system, increasing the value of gathered knowledge on every visit
• Help minimize disruptions
• Fulfill specific technology needs
• Complement existing IT staff
• Deliver cost-effective, proven solutions

This is exactly what Computer Troubleshooters does for numerous small businesses.

Mistake #2: Old, Cheap or Inconsistent Hardware

Old and cheap hardware is much more likely to experience frequent problems, failures and downtime and that prove more difficult for technicians to properly service.  Also, inconsistent hardware (such as when each staff member is using a different model PC with different hardware components and software applications) slows technicians down when diagnosing problems.   Over time, these issues add up to a support and repair cost that exceeds the price of replacing your old hardware with new units.

Developing a solid hardware replacement plan can help ensure your organization maximizes its IT investment. Darin Stahl, a lead analyst with Info-Tech Research Group, writes, “When you look at costs—particularly around a four- to six-year lifecycle—it may seem like you are saving money, but really it’s costing you, because you are going to increase your support costs.”

Working regularly with a reputable technology partner to replace computers helps ensure your organization deploys consistent, high-quality hardware, standardizes software applications and maximizes technology investments.