Category: Blog

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Windows 11: Everything You Need to Know

Earlier this month, Microsoft released the new Windows 11 software. With the release, a free upgrade to Windows 11 will be available to eligible Windows 10 PCs and PCs that are pre-loaded with Windows 11. This new software will also be available for purchase for PCs that do not have the mentioned eligibility.

This new Windows software is designed to enhance the user experience. PCs are used daily by remote, office and hybrid employees. Windows 11 is here to increase productivity, performance and promote creativity.

Windows 11 Highlights:

  1. The new design is modern, fresh, and clean.
  2. ‘Start’ is focused on putting you and your content at the center. Start combines the cloud and Microsoft 365 to show you recent files with any device.
  3. Snap Layouts, Snap Groups and Desktops allow you to multitask efficiently.
  4. A Microsoft Teams chat has been integrated into the taskbar to provide a seamless way to connect with others.
  5. Widgets have been incorporated to provide a quick way to view important information.
  6. Software such as DirectX12 Ultimate, DirectStorage and Auto HDR has been incorporated to deliver a high-quality gaming experience.
  7. Windows 11 features a new Microsoft Store which allows you to search and discover apps, games, shows, and movies from one location.
  8. Windows 11 features accessibility improvements for people with disabilities.
  9. Windows 11 provides new opportunities for developers and creators. The Microsoft Store will allow more developers and independent software vendors to feature their apps on the store.
  10. Windows 11 is optimized for speed, efficiency with touch, digital pen, and voice input.
  11. Windows 11 is a great operating system for hybrid work. The software delivers new experiences that work based on how you work and are easy & familiar for IT to deploy and manage.

Are you ready to upgrade to Windows 11? With Vernon’s custom imaging options, devices can be customized and preloaded to fit your specific needs. Talk to one of our rental experts today to equip your rental with Windows 11.

For more information about Windows 11, read this Microsoft article.

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Support for the Hybrid Workplace

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many employees were shifted to home office settings for health and safety precautions. Although remote work has several productivity benefits, employers are eager to transition their staff back to the office. During this transition, businesses have begun to implement a hybrid work model. Essentially, hybrid workplace models blend remote work with in-office work.

A hybrid workplace model helps to increase productivity while incorporating a greater work-life balance. This model provides opportunities for businesses to save money on rental or property costs, as well as office equipment because of the alternating schedule of remote work and in-office employees.

But let’s take a step back. Before the pandemic, many office spaces were equipped with the time-latest technology for work-related task completion. Fast forward almost two years—present-day—such equipment has been left untouched and collecting dust in these office spaces, because of the mass number of remote workers. With the transition to hybrid models, employees will need to be equipped with office technology to execute their workday. However, many of these devices need to be upgraded as they have become obsolete.

Vernon and DCR are here to provide a seamless solution. Get value for your old office IT equipment with our ITAD and redeployment services. Whether you are supporting employees remotely, in the office or a hybrid model, we can help to enhance returns on old assets. Contact us today to get started.

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The Benefits of iPads in the Workplace

It is no question technology has become an integral component of many employees’ workdays. Technology is used primarily to stay connected with team members and to complete daily work-related tasks and responsibilities. Equipping your office with the right technology will help to increase and promote productivity. Many employees resort to a workstation or laptop, but iPads have proved to be just as efficient. Why should you choose to go with an iPad over a laptop or workstation?

Security

iPads are known to be very secure compared to a PC. It is very difficult for a virus to take over an iPad as iPadOS puts a wall around each app, which protects software from overwriting one another. iPads also offer several data security features including Find My iPad and Touch ID.

Value

Choosing to rent or buy an iPad is typically cheaper than renting or buying a laptop or workstation. Regarding software and applications, the Apple App Store provides many free apps and software such as Microsoft Office for work-related use. To use Microsoft Office on a laptop or workstation, you will need to purchase the software separately.

Versatility

iPads offer several versatility options that you will not find with a laptop or workstation. iPads can be used to take photos, have the option to add a keyboard or use without, have the ability for you to stay connected from virtually anywhere with the purchase of a data plan and it is more compact & easier to transport than a laptop or workstation.

 

iPads have become more popular and common for use in the workplace in the past few years. In addition to the several mentioned benefits, iPads are great for on-the-go working environments. Talk to one of our rental experts today to learn more about this powerful business tool!

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Vernon Technology Solutions – A Division of DCR Systems Group Inc.

Vernon Technology is excited to share that we have become a division of DCR Systems Group Inc.! As a result of this merger, we can jointly offer a variety of synergistic benefits to a range of clients across North America. Cooperatively, Vernon and DCR are service-driven and focus highly on helping clients achieve their goals through joint services. Vernon and DCR share a unified goal in providing access to a large library of laptops, computers, and tablets for all your rental needs—giving you absolute peace of mind through managed services.

About DCR Systems Group Inc.

About DCR Systems Group Inc. “DCR began providing managed services back in 1998, to one major OEM, and have come a long way since then; to be known as the provider of ITAD choice in the OEM, Financial and Reseller communities. DCR’s corporate and public sector customers have come to rely on DCR for compliance to data security, environmental disposition, and remarketing abilities; the entire breadth of Asset Disposition.”

“We pride ourselves on our very successful, long-term relationships born from collaboration and customized solutions. We’re used to customizing and adapting, proactively identifying areas where the desired end result can be achieved in a more cost-effective and technically more robust manner.” (DCR Systems Group Inc., 2021).

Vernon and DCR

Vernon and DCR work hand in hand to attend to customers’ requirements by providing exceptional customer service and quick response & deployment—which meets and often exceeds expectations. Vernon has access to a large inventory of new products to help facilitate growing needs and add value to rental solutions! Vernon provides you with one simple process to help you with all your rental solutions so you can be successful with your event, training, or launch. See below for Vernon’s range of rental solutions:

  • Remote Work
  • Remote Learning
  • Testing
  • Elections
  • Remote Training
  • Mobile Office
  • Fundraisers
  • Classroom
  • Virtual Meetings
  • Event and Tradeshows

Talk to one of our rental experts today to find rental solutions for you and your business. Click here to contact us!

To learn more about Vernon Technology Solutions, visit our About Us page.

To learn more about DCR Systems Group Inc., visit their website.

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Power Your Elections with Vernon

For over 30 years, Vernon has been the go-to technology provider for Federal, Provincial and Municipal elections. With the next federal election just under a month away, our rental experts have been working diligently to support and supply technology equipment to campaign offices across Canada. Campaign offices rely on technology for a variety of reasons. Let’s take a closer look at how Vernon supports campaign efforts to promote smooth success.

Campaign offices turn to technology for a variety of benefits to achieve success for their party. This includes campaign promotion through social media, constant communication with the public, data gathering, data analysis, electronic voting systems and election monitoring. Technology also serves a great deal of convenience for elections regarding the COVID-19 pandemic. Electronic voting methods provide a way for citizens to vote while keeping close considerations of health and safety comfort levels.

Did you know, behind every smooth election, you’ll find a computer rental provider? With each electoral campaign, Vernon has been known to provide quick turnaround, quality equipment and technology support from start to finish. Our team is proud to supply quick, tier-one technology solutions to support the mentioned benefits for the parties across Canada.

To learn more about how Vernon supports campaign needs, click here.

With our expertise in technology rentals, not only can we support the demands of an election, but we can also help with corporate events and training. Talk to one of our rental experts today to find the right solutions!

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Do You Have a Backup Plan for Unexpected Tech Rental Needs?

Throughout the pandemic, many employees have shifted their workspaces to home offices. Technology has become an important player for interconnectivity between team members and the completion of daily work-related tasks, among several other benefits. We have become reliant on technology, that is no question—but have you thought about what to do if your computer, laptop, or tablet were to crash unexpectedly?

Picture this—you are working from home and preparing for an important virtual meeting that is to take place tomorrow. As you are gathering your notes and reading up on the discussion content, your laptop suddenly crashes. Since you are working remotely, you do not have easy access to your company’s IT department for a quick fix. What is your backup plan for unexpected technology rentals?

Waiting for a new device can take time to arrive at your home. Vernon can help eliminate that downtime by providing quick solutions to employees who are on the move and can’t access their IT department to have their devices checked out immediately. Whether you’re working from home, working in the field or on business travel, Vernon is here to support you with all your interim technology needs!

We offer quick shipment, delivery, and installation, as well as flexible short-term and long-term technology rental plans: Day, Week, Month or Year, to suit your needs. Vernon also provides full-service tech support, so you never have to deal with any customer issues because we handle the tech support for all our equipment rentals!

Talk to one of our rental experts today for all your backup rental needs!

 

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The Future of Work

What does the future of work look like for remote workers? As we begin to shift back to pre-pandemic ways, many are questioning what upcoming workdays will look like. Perhaps back to the office, continuing to work from home or a hybrid. To predict the future of work, we must understand the remote work trends shown over the past year.

A survey conducted by FlexJobs states, “Not only do employees want remote work post-pandemic, 58% say they would absolutely look for a new job if they weren’t allowed to continue working remotely in their current position. Plus, 65% want to work remotely full-time post-pandemic, and another 33% prefer a hybrid work arrangement.” (Forbes, 2021).

Remote work has proven to increase employee productivity, lower operating costs and reduce sick day use. Along with the benefits of flexible working times and ensuring the safety of employees, many companies will likely continue to keep their employees at home if work responsibilities permit.

Whether you are going back to the office, continuing to work from home or a hybrid, Vernon has customizable technology solutions to keep your employees connected from virtually anywhere. Talk to one of our rental experts today to find the right remote working solutions for you and your business.

For more information about the future of work, read this Forbes Magazine article.

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The Future of Tradeshows

At the beginning of the pandemic, tradeshows and conventions were put to a halt. Many organizations shifted to virtual tradeshows, but attendee engagement lacked compared to in-person events. Virtual events have filled the void for in-person conferences, but as COVID-19 restrictions begin to lift, it’s time to start thinking about the future of tradeshows, post-pandemic.

According to a survey conducted by Wharton Magazine, “73.5 percent of respondents would rather attend an in-person tradeshow than a virtual event.” (2021). In-person trade show participation drives continued sales to existing consumers, sales to new buyers who are dissatisfied with their current providers and buyers attracted to a new product or service offerings. As restrictions begin to lift in certain areas, it is probable that in-person tradeshows will commence before the end of 2021.

Although people would rather attend an in-person tradeshow or convention, there is still much success for using virtual events for lead generation purposes. Businesses are proving success by using virtual events for business development. There are other benefits to virtual events including savings on resources, more attendees, big data opportunities and room for increased exposure. It is very likely that virtual tradeshows will continue to take place, post-pandemic.

Whether you are organizing an in-person or virtual tradeshow, Vernon has the right technology to keep your event running smoothly. From laptops and tablets to projectors and portable Wi-Fi, we’ve got you covered for all of your event needs. Talk to one of our rental experts today!

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Top Technology for Elections

Are you looking to plan a future election? It’s never too early to get options. As a leading North American computer rental services provider, Vernon has actively supported Federal, Provincial and Municipal elections across Canada for over 30 years, with Computer Rentals and Technology products that are seconds to none.

Importance of Technology for Elections

In today’s day and age, most electoral management bodies worldwide, use new technology to improve the electoral process. These technologies range from word processing and spreadsheets to database management systems. One particularly important application of technology to elections is e-voting. E-voting is the use of technology in casting or counting votes. E-voting has many benefits, including increased voter participation and making elections more inclusive for voters with disabilities.

Vernon Elections Solutions

With our wide inventory of tech rentals, coupled with reliable resources, Vernon has the right tools to effectively power your election! Vernon offers a variety of top-tier rentals including:

  • Laptops
  • Desktop PCs
  • Tablets
  • Barcode Scanner
  • Printers
  • Wi-Fi Hot Spot

Rely on our experience to make the election a success with tier-1 computer rentals at attractive contract terms! Talk to one of our rental experts today for details.

For further information about Elections and Technology, read this article by The Electoral Knowledge Network.

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2021 Technology Trends

Technology is constantly evolving at a rapid pace. Staying current with new advances, development and adoption of new technologies is important for both business and personal aspects. COVID-19 has proved that we must adapt to technology changes in our everyday lives, whether it be working remotely or online learning.

Keeping up to date on the latest technology trends allows you to remain relevant, stay competitive and promote opportunities within the business world. “Staying current with new technology trends means keeping your eyes on the future to know which skills you’ll need to know to secure a safe job tomorrow,” (Nikita Duggal, Simplilearn, 2021).

The top nine new and trending technologies for 2021 are as follows:

  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Robotic Process
  • Edge Computing
  • Quantum Computing
  • Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality
  • Blockchain
  • Internet of Things (IoT)
  • 5G
  • Cybersecurity

New technologies are always emerging and evolving. These nine technology trends offer valuable skills and knowledge that are necessary for future careers. Are you staying current with the latest trends?

For more information about the 2021 technology trends, read the Simplilearn article, Top 9 New Technology Trends for 2021.

Stay current with the latest trends by checking out our VR rentals. Vernon provides a wide range of VR headset rental solutions to generate realistic images, sound and other sensations never experienced before.

Talk to one of our rental experts today to create a true-to-life immersive experience at your next event.