The GTB Blog
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100 resources
Why Are Computer Prices Rising in 2026 — and Should You Wait to Buy?
RAM and SSD prices are driving up computer costs in 2026. Here's why, whether it will ease, and what NZ businesses should do.
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Your staff are the target. Here’s what NZ business owners need to know
Phishing attacks now target your staff directly — and AI makes them nearly impossible to spot. Here’s how NZ businesses can train their people to stay safe.
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AI in your business — a plain-English guide for New Zealand business owners
A plain-English guide to AI in your business — from tools built into apps you already use, to assistants like ChatGPT, Claude and Copilot, to agentic AI.…
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Do You Need to Back Up Microsoft 365 Data? (Yes – Here’s Why)
Microsoft 365 keeps its platform running, not your data. Learn why NZ businesses need their own Microsoft 365 backup, and what to back up.
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Safely implementing Microsoft 365 Copilot – a guide for Kiwi SMEs
Thinking about Microsoft 365 Copilot for your small or medium business?
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2026 Tech Planning Checklist for NZ Business owners and managers
This guide focuses on the practical things that will affect productivity, risk, security, and cost over the next 12–18 months, for busy professional…
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BYOD Security: How to Keep Your Business Safe When Staff Use Their Own Devices
Staff working from home? Protect your business when staff use their own devices. Practical advice from GTB on BYOD security for SMEs in NZ.
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How to keep your organisation cyber-safe
Practical steps to keep your organisation cyber-safe: know what data you hold, set clear policies, use the right tools and train your staff.
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Why Your Business Needs a Password Manager
Reused and weak passwords are a top way hackers get in. See how a password manager protects your business and makes strong passwords easy.
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AI is here – top tips to get more out of ChatGPT for your organisation
Ask for what you really want. Get answers you can use. Like a powered exo-skeleton for your brain.
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Why Security Awareness Training Matters for Your Business
Most cyber attacks now target people, not technology. Learn how security awareness training helps your staff spot phishing and scams.
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Windows 10 End of Life: Keeping Your Computers Secure
Due to Windows changes coming in Oct 25, we recommend upgrading your Windows 10 PCs to Windows 11 or replacing older PCs that cannot run Windows 11.
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AI for Small Business: Are You Missing Out or Just Playing It Safe?
Wondering if AI is worth it for your NZ small business? Discover the real pros, cons, and risks of adopting AI tools—plus smart, low-risk ways to get started.
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What are the benefits of 2FA and MFA to your business?
2FA and MFA are simple, low-cost protection for your business accounts. Learn what they are, why they matter and how to get them set up.
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Basic IT Security and Support recommendations
GTB's prudent minimum IT security and support recommendations for New Zealand small businesses, and why the basics make you a harder target.
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Key Technology Trends for Kiwi Small Businesses in 2024
The key technology trends for Kiwi small businesses in 2024, from AI tools to security, and how to get ahead without falling behind.
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What aspects of your business processes would you like revolutionised?
Insights from the IT Alliance Conference 2023 in Rotorua on how new technology could change the way NZ small businesses work.
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Mark Ternent, Laureate of the Kāpiti Business Hall of Fame 2023
GTB's Mark Ternent MNZM was named a laureate of the Kāpiti Business Hall of Fame 2023, after 22 years in the navy and 22 in business.
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Copilot uses for New Zealand businesses?
A quick overview of how Microsoft Copilot could help New Zealand businesses work faster in Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams and PowerPoint.
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7 ways a VoIP phone system can add value to your business
Seven ways a VoIP phone system can add value to your business, from working anywhere to clearer calls, as NZ copper phone lines are retired.
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Strengthen Your Small Business Security with Powerful Passwords
Strong passwords protect your customers' trust and your business data. Practical tips for NZ small businesses to create and manage them.
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Get Pass – the secure password generator!
Get Pass is GTB's free tool for creating strong random passwords and sharing them securely, instead of sending passwords by email.
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How Teams Premium can help New Zealand businesses?
What Microsoft Teams Premium adds to Teams, including smarter meetings, extra meeting protection and virtual appointments, for NZ businesses.
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What small kiwi businesses need to know about Chat GPT
What Kiwi small business owners and managers need to know about ChatGPT: what it is, what it can do and where to be careful.
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Internet Outage – How to prepare?
What would an internet outage cost your business? How to prepare a backup connection and a plan before you lose the internet.
ReadBusiness Continuity Plan – what, why and how?
What a Business Continuity Plan is, why every NZ business needs one, and how to write or review yours before the next emergency.
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2023 Key trends for technology
The key technology trends for 2023 that NZ small and medium businesses should know about, including automation, AI and security.
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Is IT going green?
IT uses huge amounts of energy and resources. Here are some of the innovations helping technology, and your business, become greener.
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Beware: The Christmas Scam
Christmas is prime time for online shopping scams. Learn the warning signs of fake stores and deals, and how to protect yourself.
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Keeping it Simple – Teams and Channels
A plain-English guide to Microsoft Teams and Channels: what they are, how to set them up, and how to stop them getting messy.
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Key IT Trends – 2022
Key IT trends seen across New Zealand small and medium businesses in 2022, collated with the IT Alliance group of NZ IT companies.
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Data Breaches and what you can do
Data breaches are hitting businesses of every size in New Zealand. What the latest incidents show and practical steps to reduce your risk.
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So, what is ‘the Cloud’?
What 'the Cloud' really is, explained in plain English, plus the main types of cloud services and what they mean for your business.
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Cyber Security Policy – What you need to know
Why every business needs a cyber security policy, what it should cover, and how to keep it up to date as your business changes.
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Why you need to back up your Microsoft 365 data
Microsoft does not fully back up your Microsoft 365 data. Learn what you're responsible for and how to protect your email and files.
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Websites: The costs of owning a website
The hidden costs of owning a website, from hosting and security updates to fresh content, so you can budget for it properly.
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Cyber Security – What you need to know!
Where to start with cyber security for your business: why it's more than stopping hackers, and how it links to business continuity.
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Protecting your IT equipment from weather events
Storms and lightning can destroy IT equipment and stop work. Practical steps to protect your computers and network from weather events.
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Budgeting for IT hardware + leasing options
How to plan and budget for new or replacement IT hardware, plus the pros and cons of leasing computers for your business.
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How a Managed Service Provider can help your business
Full IT managed services, fast, friendly, expert, secure. Kapiti Coast-based serving Wellington, Hutt, Porirua, Horowhenua, Manawatu and more. Since 1999.
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Protecting your business when staff leave in difficult circumstances
When staff leave on bad terms, your business data can be at risk. Steps to secure accounts, devices and data before and after they go.
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Windows 11 Update
While Windows 11 is becoming less of a risk, it is still early days and there are people experiencing issues. Complaints about Microsoft pushing Edge & Teams.
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Microsoft Planner – 6 Tips to help your business!
Microsoft Planner is a tool within the Office 365 suite. Planner is an easy way to organise teamwork with intuitive, collaborative, and visual task…
ReadCommunication is Key!
How Microsoft 365 and Exchange email simplified customer communications for Orchard Joinery, a family-owned Kāpiti Coast business.
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Microsoft 365: The key to communication
How business communication has changed, and how Microsoft 365 brings email, chat, video calls and file sharing together in one place.
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Welcome to Dialup Computing Clients
Murray Lobb of Kāpiti-based Dialup Computing has retired, and his clients are now looked after by GTB IT Solutions.
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Empowering your business with Teams
How Microsoft Teams connected Northland Kindergarten Association's 25 kindergartens, solving server, cloud and communication problems.
ReadThe POWER Trifecta Solution for Document Automation
How Microsoft 365 tools can automate document workflows, saving time, cutting costs and reducing risk for NZ businesses.
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Collaboration solutions for every workplace
Logitech collaboration solutions for remote and hybrid teams. Contact GTB IT Solutions for advice and product orders.
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Remote access using personal computers! What you need to know.
Using personal computers for remote access can save money and carries serious security risks. What to know before you allow it.
ReadDocument Management – Time Saving Tips
How Quality Food Southland used Microsoft 365 document management to save time, cut risk and get more from tools they already had.
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Top IT Tips for 2022
Top IT tips for 2022 for New Zealand businesses, from flexible remote working to security and staying productive.
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Java Log4j vulnerability – initial GTB advice
GTB's initial advice on the Java Log4j security vulnerability from December 2021: what it is, the risk and what to do.
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The Christmas IT Checklist
A quick Christmas IT checklist to make sure your business, staff and systems are covered over the holiday break.
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Passwords made simple!
Remembering passwords is hard. Simple ways to improve password security for your team, including password managers and 2FA.
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WINDOWS 11 – STOP THE BUS!
Should your business upgrade to Windows 11 straight away? Why GTB advised waiting when Windows 11 was first released in 2021.
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Cyber Insurance – Do you need it?
What cyber insurance covers, how it fills the gaps in traditional insurance, and whether your NZ business needs it.
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Cyber Security – “It will never happen to me!”
A Wellington business owner shares what a cyber attack cost him, and the simple steps that would have prevented it.
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Teams vs Zoom – Which is best for you?
Microsoft Teams and Zoom side by side, to help you decide which video meeting and collaboration tool suits your business best.
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Are you exposing more than you think on the internet?
Is your website exposing your visitors' data? Why every business website needs HTTPS and an HTTPS redirect, and how to check yours.
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NZ’s Computer shortage – What can you do?
Why New Zealand faced a computer shortage in 2021, and what your business can do to plan ahead for new equipment.
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ClipTraining – eLearning for the Modern Workplace
ClipTraining gives your team easy online IT training, so staff can upskill remotely, feel more confident and work more productively.
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Is It Time to Get a Cybersecurity Assessment?
A GTB Cybersecurity Assessment uses CERT NZ best practice to show your business's cyber risks and how to reduce them.
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Windows 11 – The Key Points for NZ Businesses
Microsoft just announced Windows 11, GTB takes a look at what this means for our clients and other Kiwi Businesses
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Work Ready Kāpiti – Work Experience at GTB
GTB hosted Otaki College student Aaron for work experience through Work Ready Kāpiti, as part of supporting local youth employment.
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7 Benefits for Cloud Computing for Accountants
Seven benefits of cloud computing for accountants, from better productivity and backup to lower costs and stronger security.
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Cybercrime and Transparency
As a society, we need to be more proactive in defending ourselves against cybercrime. The recent attack on the US pipeline may be a part of prompting more
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7 Ways to Keep Your Website Safe
With increasing website attacks today website safety is important ... here are 7 ways to keep your website safe ...
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The SharePoint Shakedown
COVID-19 has created an abrupt shift to remote work for Wellington / Kapiti businesses ... let's look at SharePoint ... efficiency of processes and workflows
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Dynamics 365 – A change for good!
Meet Dynamics 365. The new and easy to implement Microsoft cloud based system that ensures that your organization is more efficient.
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Risks of not using 2FA – Hacking in Your own Backyard!
One mistake could cost you money – and your reputation. Having compromised IT is way more common than you think.
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Streamlined IT Processes – Microsoft Power Platform
Power Apps now make it easy for everyone to build professional-grade, custom business apps. Plus, they easily connect to Dynamics 365.
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7 Things Lawyers Gain from Workflow Automation
Seven ways Wellington law firms gain from workflow automation, including better accuracy, security and faster document handling.
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Why upgrade to Microsoft 365?
A plain and simple list of what Microsoft 365 offers your business, and why it's worth upgrading to get its full value.
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Microsoft Data Loss Prevention
Microsoft Data Loss Prevention. Protect against mistakes and errors otherwise leading to data loss. Medical, legal, accountants, privacy
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New Legislation for Health Practitioners
Keeping personal data safe - for health practitioners. Data Privacy Act 2020. Health Information Privacy Code
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The Resurgence of Privacy Breach Reporting
New Government legislation is coming in to play around how every business operating in New Zealand needs to report data loss. Here’s what you need to know.
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4 Reasons to use ESET Security Products
Four reasons GTB uses ESET security products for businesses, including a small system footprint that keeps computers running fast.
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Microsoft 365 – More than Just Email
Microsoft 365 is more than email. How to get more from the apps you already pay for to streamline work and support remote teams.
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The Cybersecurity Threat Landscape
Protecting your business with ESET Security ... Data Privacy Act comes into force 1 Dec 29 ... bonus tips for using MS 365
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Transparency in Tech
Working remotely has brought many challenges as well as silver linings ... some quick ideas to ehlp things along ... transparency in tech
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How to Reduce Cybersecurity Risk
Cyber-attacks are swiftly accelerating globally and also closer to home here in the Wellington region ... how to reduce cybersecurity risk
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Navigating the Dangers of VoIP
Navigating the dangers and risks of VoIP phone systems. Things Wellington companies need to be aware of when considering moving to VoIP.
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Guest access in Microsoft Teams
Enabling guest access in Microsoft Teams lets you work closer and more productively with key people outside your organisation.
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Local Technology, Nationwide
Local technology, nationwide. The IT Alliance are a group of nationwide partners that offer high-quality, flexible support with a local touch.
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Rugged tablets for rugged work
Rugged tablets and laptops for field, mobile, warehouse, etc, increase productivity - quality, reliable, cost-effective - Wellington, Kapiti
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Reactive vs. Proactive IT management
A proactive approach to IT management can save you money and keep you focused on doing what you do best. Wellington, Kapiti, Horowhenua
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Managing Your Staff Remotely
Make the most of managing your staff remotely ... pros and cons ... avoid the pitfalls ... some tips ... Wellington, Kapiti
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Coming soon: Your daily briefing email from Cortana
As Microsoft prepares to ship it's daily briefing email from Cortana, GTB let's you know to expect ... also an indication of AI becoming more widespread
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Konica Minolta A3 copiers now available from GTB
Konica Minolta’s award winning A3 bizhub multi-function devices, available now from GTB, authorised Brother reseller ... Wellington and Kapiti,
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Microsoft Teams: More than just video conferencing
Mcrosoft Teams is much more than just video conferencing ... use for all your internal communications ... messaging, Trello-like Planner, chat, etc
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Strengthen Your Password Policy
Weak passwords are still a major way hackers get staff and businesses ... Here's how to set up a strong password policy that is easy to use ...
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Microsoft Office 2010 End of Life
Microsoft Office 2010 End of Life 20 Oct 20 ... avoid serious risk ... your options ... Wellington, Kapiti, Horowhenua, Microsoft Silver Partner
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Be Warned About Backups!
Cloud services often do not guarantee your data backed up ... Wellington / Kapiti buinesses ...backup Microsoft 365 ... think about a 3rd party backup ...
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How to Secure Your Business For Remote Work
COVID-19 has created an abrupt shift to remote work for Wellington / Kapiti businesses... think about security ... set up multifactor authentication ...
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Is Zoom safe?
It's it safe to have your meetings on Zoom? Hackers getting into Zoom meetings and taking them over (hate speech, porno images, etc) and there is certainly…
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What is Contact Tracing? And what it means for Kāpiti Business
COVID-19 Levels two and three are on their way and it is time to prepare for what that might look like for your business here in Kāpiti.
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Helping you with essential products and support
How GTB IT Solutions supported essential businesses and all clients with IT products and support during the 2020 COVID-19 lockdown.
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GTB Will Stay Open (COVID-19)
GTB IT Solutions' pandemic response plan in March 2020, and how GTB planned to keep providing IT services through COVID-19.
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Cyber Crime in 2020 – What you need to know
Things are changing fast. Cybercrime is driven by a multi-billion-dollar industry often backed by state actors and they are quite literally coming for you …
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