Upstream - Tech 60

Download Upstream Power Pack

Ronny Tunfjord — Mon, 02 Jul 2012 08:02:55 +0000

This is a sticky note for the latest Upstream Power Pack, the Kaseya content from Upstream. Please read our FAQ for more information about using Upstream Power Pack.

Kind regards

The Upstream Tech Team

Tech 60

Upstream Tech Team ger sin syn på 2013

Ronny Tunfjord — Thu, 20 Dec 2012 09:50:16 +0000

Vi på tekniksidan här på Upstream har funderat över vad vi tror händer nästa år. Vi vet att molntjänster växer, big data blir modeord och att vi säkerligen får se minst en säkerhetslucka per operativ skapa storm på kundernas miljöer. Men det är faktiskt väldigt lite som förändras ur ren driftsynpunkt. Servrarna tuffar på. Klienterna patchas. Teknikerna scriptar och fjärrstyr. Operativen får servicepacks. Kunder kanske vill ha Office 2013. Det viktiga tror vi är att se över sin roll som just tekniker och förbereda sig för de kommande åren då vi går från det reaktiva förhållningssättet vi nu kallar IT-drift till en mer automatiserad vardag. Satsa på utbildning. Satsa på automatisering.

IT-generalisternas tid är snart förbi, kanske inte 2013, men väl framåt i tiden.

Så till våra tre punkter.

1. Året då alternativa mailservrar tar över

Windows Small Business Server dog 2012 och med det även möjligheten till lokal Exchange server för ett humant pris. När små och medelstora företag vill uppgradera sina gamla MS SBS 2003 & 2008 servrar nästa år finns inget alternativ för lokal mailhantering från Microsoft. Alla vill inte in i molnet, även om media hävdar att trenden är åt det hållet. Vi på Upstream ser år 2013 som året då alternativa mailservrar får ett uppsving och tar över. Se det som en möjlighet att särskilja er från mängden IT-konsulter som alla säljer samma sak, molnlösningar från Microsoft. Behåll kontrollen över era kunder.

2. Förväntningarna på Bring Your Own Device och MDM blir mer realistiska

BYOD var verkligen årets modeord 2012 inom IT, men det är först nästa år som det verkligen tar fart. Det är fortfarande en ung marknad och det råder en viss övertro vad man tekniskt kan göra i form av fjärradministration och hantering av mobila enheter. I samtal vi haft med IT-konsulter och interna IT-avdelningar är önskelistan lång över funktioner, men glömmer att det är en annorlunda plattform än vanlig PC. Användaren har den slutgiltiga makten över som mobila enhet. Man kan lätt grotta ner sig i funktions-träsket och missa den faktiska kundnyttan. Vi har ofta fått head-to-head jämförelser med de stora systemen för BYOD utan att riktigt fått klart för oss vad kunden egentligen vill utföra med en MDM-plattform och hur tjänsten kopplat till detta skall vara utformad. Att förlita sig på separata punktlösningar för administration av mobila enheter är inte ekonomiskt eller praktiskt försvarbart. Som IT-leverantör måste man få alla kundens tillgångar under samma paraply. Upstream ser mobila enheter som Android och iOS lika naturliga i verksamheten som servrar och bärbara, Mac, Linux eller Windows. Kaseya har i och med version 6.3 inbyggt stöd för Mobile Device Management. Ni får snabbt och enkelt ett verktyg för att erbjuda attraktiva BYOD tjänster i kombination med övriga tjänster ni levererar mot PC & Servrar. Det är helheten som räknas.

3. Windows 8 blir inte den hyllvältare som många förväntat sig

Windows 8 är nytänkande och fräscht. Inget att klaga på där. Men vi på teknik stirrar oss ofta blinda på just... teknik. Att få Windows 8 in i slutkundens organisation kan visas sig vara lite svårare än man räknat med. Det måste till utbildning och förändringsabete. Det kommer bli en vana för tekniker att nedgradera inköpta Windows 8 Pro maskiner (håll er borta från konsumentversionen) till Windows 7. Räkna hur många gånger ni gör den processen över året. Intressant att följa upp december 2013, eller hur?

God jul och gott nytt år

mvh

Upstream Tech Team

Tech 60

Invite: Tech60 2012-11-21 - How we use Kaseya Software Update And Deploy (In Swedish)

Ronny Tunfjord — Mon, 19 Nov 2012 07:29:08 +0000

Hello and welcome to Tech 60, the place to be for Kaseya admins.

This week’s subject will be: How we use Kaseya Software Update And Deploy.

The session will introduce Kaseys Software Update and Deploy (KSDU) to our nordic customers. This module is aimed for everyone wanting to fully automate application updates for 3:rd party software patching. We will show you how we use Kaseya Software Update And Deploy for our internal softwares in a practical session. You will learn how to apply a fully automated and scheduled update policy for the applications you would like to manage. We will end with a Q & A.

Join us on wednesday November 21:sth between 14:00 and 15:00 Swedish time.

https://www3.gotomeeting.com/register/797636630

The session will be recorded.

Please send in feedback and suggestions for topics and content to customercare@upstream.se

Kind regards

The Upstream Tech Team

Tech 60 kaseya

Tech60: 7 tips for creating brilliant agent procedures

Ronny Tunfjord — Mon, 15 Oct 2012 17:06:48 +0000

It’s time for a new recorded Tech60 session. This one is very interesting on both a geeky techie and non-techie level.

In this recording we are giving 7 tips for creating brilliant Kaseya Agent Procedures. The actual procedure part is on step 3. We give the basic instructions on how to create simple but yet very powerful procedures. All the other steps are not specifically tied to Kaseya but more on how you organize and motivate your team.

Read the blog post we are referring to about how to succeed in automating tasks with Kaseya Agent Procedures. We are also reffering to Upstream Power Pack in the session. Download the Kaseya content from Upstream from here.

Enjoy!

Kind regards

The Upstream Tech Team

Tech 60

Invite: Upstream Tech60 - Basic Time Tracking In Kaseya (in Swedish)

Ronny Tunfjord — Tue, 18 Sep 2012 07:58:00 +0000

Hello and welcome to Tech 60, the place to be for Kaseya admins.

Upstream is dedicated to give our customers the tools, education and news to successfully manage IT environments with Kaseya. As a valued Upstream customer you are free to join the Tech60 webinar every Wednesday even weeks at 14:00 Swedish time.

This week’s subject will be: Basic Ttime tracking in Kaseya.

The session will introduce Time Tracking to new Kaseya users.

Join us on wednesday September 19:th between 14:00 and 15:00 Swedish time.

https://www3.gotomeeting.com/register/597830574

The session will be recorded.

Please send in feedback and suggestions for topics and content to customercare@upstream.se

Kind regards

The Upstream Tech Team

Tech 60

Invite: Upstream Tech60 - Features in Kasyea Antivirus 1.4 (in Swedish)

Ronny Tunfjord — Wed, 05 Sep 2012 11:01:43 +0000

Hello and welcome to Tech 60, the place to be for Kaseya admins.

This week’s subject will be: Features in Kaseya Antivirus 1.4

The session will cover the new features in Kaseya Antivirus (KAV) and introduce the module to new users.

Join us on wednesday September 5:th between 14:00 and 15:00 Swedish time.

https://www3.gotomeeting.com/register/421786150

The session will be recorded.

Please send in feedback and suggestions for topics and content to customercare@upstream.se

Kind regards

The Upstream Tech Team

Tech 60

Upstream Tech60 Coffee Break 7

Ronny Tunfjord — Fri, 31 Aug 2012 09:27:32 +0000

Time for a coffee break again. We have collected some news and observations during this past couple of weeks. Take some time to catch up on the things related to Kaseya, application updates and general IT news

for managed service providers.

Current critical 0-day Java attack are limited but rising

Update: Oracle has now released Java 7 update 7 fixing the problems with the Java 7 plug-in. Download the Upstream Power Pack to deploy the latest Java.

Security researchers recently discovered targeted attacks exploiting a 0-day Java vulnerability to deliver the Poison Ivy RAT (Remote Access Tool) onto the unsuspecting victims' machines. The attacks are limited, but it's only a matter of time until other cyber criminals create their own pages exploiting the flaw. All versions of the 7.x branch of Java are affected. In tests, the exploit worked under Windows with all popular browsers. Being Java and multi platform, more operating systems will get targeted. The proper steps would be to identify all current Java 7 installations and remove the Java plug-in option in all browsers. This is not however the long term solution. Oracle absolutely have to act on this and release a fix very shortly. As soon it's out we will update the Upstream Power Pack. In the meantime:

~~Keep the users informed not to be fooled by suspicious emails. Common sense is the best security.~~
Uninstall Java 7 if not needed. In fact, uninstall all Java version on all clients and servers unless there are specific needs. Upstream Power Pack has all the tools you need for uninstalling Java with Kaseya Agent Procedures.
Stay on (or downgrade) to latest Java version 6. However, downgrading to Java 6 is not a rock solid solution. A lot of other exploits are available on older versions, but the recent problems with Java 7 will not be affecting the clients.
~~Java is only needed for running Java apps. Normal web browsing using Java script will not get affected when removing Java.~~
~~Still needing Java 7? Get creative and disable Java plugins with Kaseya Agent Procedures.~~
Think about your target sector. Most probably lager corporations will get maliciously crafted emails with the focus of spear hunting. Smaller business will not be the first target, but they will not be ignored for long. It's just a matter of time.

Microsoft Patch Tuesday

Microsoft released nine security bulletins this month. A mixed bag of critical bulletins which affects workstations, browser, server, and productivity products.

Software updates

Adobe Flash Player, Adobe Reader and Adobe AIR all got updated during this month. The general critical fixes. Read more on this and more in the latest Upstream Power Pack update.

Mixed IT news and noteworthy observations

This is a good post from Help Net Security. We love the 10 steps and especially things like "improve end-user experience", "move to a managed environment" and "reduce support costs". Easier said than done for most organizations, but with Kaseya all of the steps can be achievable.

This is also a fun read. Switzerland boasted the lowest PC malware infection rate at 18.4 percent, followed by Sweden at 19.07 and Norway at just over 20 percent.

Also from Help Net Security. This article give weight in keeping the customers up to date both with MS patches and 3:rd party software, but also with education. Take some time to think when you educated your users about current threats the last time. Maybe you have a new oppertunity for a service here?

Last but not least. Watch senior executives get lectured by a 14-year old kid. Competition is coming with a fresh mind. Don't get stuck in the same rotuines. Keep innovating.

Kaseya news

Kaseya is about to release Kaseya Antivirus (KAV) 1.4

Kaseya 6.3 are steady going to release candidate. Now specific words on when the Nordic region will get hold of it, but it seems not to be that far off.

Upstream news

Tech60 is on the roll again. Every even week number we will deliver a webinar 14.00 - 15.00 Swedish time.

Read our 7 tips for creating brilliant Kaseya Agent Procedures.

Educational professional services from Upstream are now available in a new form. Talk to customercare@upstream.se to learn more about the exciting programs we have regarding Kaseya, Kaseya Network Monitor, Mdeamon and more.

And yes, coffee is good for you. Read more.

Kind regards

The Upstream Tech Team

Tech 60

Power Pack Updates 2012-08-29

Ronny Tunfjord — Wed, 29 Aug 2012 10:01:08 +0000

Hi everyone. We have updated the Upstream Power Pack.

Please read our FAQ for more information about using Upstream Power Pack.

Windows, Management:

New: Management - Windows - Execute Shell Command - Interactive
Run any shell command directly from the Kaseya Agent Procedure with interactive input. Great for testing ping or doing any command line related troubleshooting on one or more machines at once.

Windows, Deploy Application:

Updated: Application - Windows - Firefox - * - Deploy Or Force Update To Latest
Current release is 15.0 (self updating service will be installed, can be disabled)

Updated: Application - Windows - Adobe Flash Player - Language Independent - Deploy Or Force Update To Latest
Current release is 11.4.402.265 (self updating service will be installed, can be disabled)

Updated: Application - Windows - Adobe Reader - * - Deploy Or Force Update To Latest
Current release is 10.1.4 (self updating service will be installed, can be disabled)

Updated: Application - Windows - Adobe AIR - Language Independent - Deploy Or Force Update To Latest
Current release is 3.4.0.2540

Updated: Application - Windows - Skype - Language Independent - Deploy Or Force Update To Latest
Current release is 5.10.116

Updated: Application - Windows - Java 32bit - Language Independent - Deploy Or Force Update To Latest
Current release is 7 Update 6

Updated: Application - Windows - Java 64bit - Language Independent - Deploy Or Force Update To Latest
Current release is 7 Update 6

Windows, Security:

New: Security - Windows - Disable Java7 Update 6 IE Plug-in
Disables the java 7 update 6 IE plug-in. Read why here.

Enjoy!

Kind regards
The Upstream Tech Team

Tech 60

How to disable Java 7 plug-in in IE with Kaseya

Ronny Tunfjord — Tue, 28 Aug 2012 08:41:17 +0000

Update: Oracle has now released Java 7 update 7 that fixes the problems with the Java 7 plug-in. Download out Upstream Power Pack to deploy the latest Java.

~~Recent news about the 0-day exploit to Java 7 is getting headline news all over. To be able to sleep better at night the Java 7 plug-in should be set to disabled on all web browsers~~. We have updated the Upstream Power Pack with a procedure showing how to disable the most current Java7 update 6 IE plug-in. This is what the Kaseya Agent Procedures does on the system.

Change the HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\JavaSoft\Java Plug-in\10.6.2\UseJava2IExplorer registry value to 0, where the numbers are any version of Java on your system. For example, we have Java 7 update 6 installed and it shows 10.6.2.

32-bit version of Java on a 64-bit platform, change the HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\JavaSoft\Java Plug-in\10.6.2\UseJava2IExplorer registry value to 0, where the numbers are any version of Java on your system. For example, we have Java 7 update 6 installed and it shows 10.6.2.

Kind regards

The Upstream Tech team

Tech 60

7 tips for creating brilliant Kaseya Agent Procedures

Ronny Tunfjord — Wed, 22 Aug 2012 06:08:33 +0000

When doing Kaseya classes and seminars we always say: When it comes to Kaseya Agent Procedures, anything goes. Anything you can do with the command line, registry, files and folders, file content, wmi, powershell, keyboard and mouse can most certainly be put in a procedure. Imagination, innovation and the constant strive for improvement is the main ingredients. In this blog post we put down the 7 best tips for creating brilliant Kaseya Agent Procedures.

1. Organize the structure

This is easier said than done, therefore the most important tip. We often see chaos in structure and the "Chalies best procedure" syndrome: nobody got a clue what the procedure does or why it exists but Charlie. Let's put this into organized bullets :)

Develop a habit of documentation and structure. Keep the naming standard consistent. Keep a structured folder tree to make it easy to find any procedure. Educate the team on the structure.
Try to match the names and folders of the procedures with the different services you deliver to the end clients. For example, a folder called "Daily Maintenance" could contain the most common tasks for keeping the workstations and servers healthy by pro-actively fixing common problems.
Customer specific procedures should be in a separate customer folder.
Set proper access rights. Don't let anyone in the team be able to edit and change the procedures.
Let development of new procedures be a teamwork under a shared "In Development" folder rather than any man for himself. Lay out instructions for the team what is needed for a procedure to be accepted such as name, purpose, developer in charge, documentation, tested on what OS.
Point one person in charge of keeping the structure intact over time. As in physics, everything strives to be in a state of disorder. The job is to keep it together.

2. Pro-active thinking

As described before, imagination, innovation and the constant strive for improvement is the main ingredients to create brilliant Kaseya Agent Procedures. Develop a company wide mentality to solve problems pro-actively. Service desk, sales and techs alike. Don't just solve the problem and leave it be. Break down the problem:

Why did the i happen?
How can this be avoided in the future?
Could this happen on any other customer, or all for that matter?
What is the action to solve the problem once and for all?
Time and money saved on fixing the problem?
Who will be responsible for creating the procedure?
Give a carrot the the one crating the "procedure of the month".

3. Learn the basics

The most common mistake is that you underestimate yourself by saying: "I don't know anything about scripting, therefore I can not create any Kaseya Agent Procedures." Truth is: You don't need to know everything about scripting or Kaseya Agent Procedures to get started. A simple command line, registry hack or service restart can do wonders. Translate what do know right now to a step-by-step procedure and you will be amazed how much time you can save. The key is to get started. Follow Upstream Tech60 and download the Upstream Power Pack for inspiration.

4. Weekly staff meetings

Organize weekly staff meetings where common problems are broken down to problem solved with the help of procedures. Document every new procedure and keep track of the innovations in the team. Set a clear goal to solve at least one irritating problem a week. As tip 2 indicates, give appreciation the the problem solver of the month. Write a check, buy a beer or some movie tickets. Just do something to keep the spirit (and competition) alive.

5. Calculate saved time

Take time to save time. Kaseya Agent Procedures is a very important part of the total IT-service delivery. Track time spent and saved in problem solving and pro-active maintenance is one of the most important keys when measuring the performance of the delivery. Keep a spreadsheet of every task needed to be done on you clients and estimate the manual time spent on each. Highlight the tasks that can be automated immediately with any of the Kaseya modules and do it. Then look at the manual task being done such as 3:rd party application updates, registry checks, restart one specific application each day, clean up a transaction folder and so on. Let every technician describe the routines at the customers and let them estimate the manual time spent on each task. Collect all the hours spent and keep this as the main number to lower down over time. The idea is to break out the human factor and not be tied to a specific technician for a specific customer. Do more with less.

6. Translate to real customer values

One thing that many IT-service providers have a hard time with is translating the hardcore procedure into a selling customer value. The wikipedia definition of customer value is: "The difference between what a customer gets from a product or service and what he or she has to give in order to get it. What good is the value if the customer does not understand what they pay for. What value do you bring to the table? The reason is often that we techies think to much about the problem, not the solution. As much as tip 2 indicates that time and money can be saved being pro-active, the need to communicate this with the customer is also very important. What seems rock solid for us techies is often jibberish to the customer or end user.

7. Constant learning applies

As in every business, good enough today is not good enough tomorrow. Practice constant learning. Stay educated on topics that can help you get the best out of automation. Take classes in powershell and system administration. Read blog posts (like Upstream Tech60), listen to podcasts on your favorite subject, visit the Kaseya Community. Catch up on general IT-news at least once a week. Discuss all of this during weekly staff meetings or company held lunch and learn sessions.

Implementing these 7 tips in the organization will do amazing things both in productivity and company spirit. Get rid of the boring tasks and do what really matters. Be the professional advisor to you customers and talk about improving their business IT, not keep IT floating.

Tech 60