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Part 3: Simplifying ESG Strategies for a Sustainable Transformation

May 10, 2023 / by Konica Minolta posted in K-12 Education, Business Products & Solutions, Local & State Government, Higher Education, Information Technology

Welcome to the third and final installment of our ESG series. The trilogy culminates with the topic (G) or Governance, painting the complete picture of the difficult undertaking organizations face on their path to create, launch, and manage a successful ESG program.

In our previous installments we outlined the areas that companies should be focusing on pertaining to the Environmental (E) and Social (S) elements of the newsworthy acronym. Each letter brings with it unique challenges that can impact everything from workplace culture and operational efficiencies to investor relations. Fortunately, solutions exist to ensure that data is accurately reported, and processes are well defined and consistent, while upholding privacy. In concert, this all leads to a brighter outcome for all.

How Can Public Sector Manage Their Storage Needs?

March 30, 2023 / by SHI posted in K-12 Education, Local & State Government, Higher Education, Information Technology

If you work at an education institution or a state or local government, then modern data storage poses a particular challenge to your organization. While it is challenging to identify all of the ways that data is utilized, it is critical to be mindful of how it is used, stored, and accessed. While understanding and managing your data may seem daunting, you can overcome the challenges ahead with proper knowledge and resources, from SHI and OMNIA Partners, who can help you through the whole process.

5 Steps to Starting an Esports League and How it Benefits Your School

February 28, 2023 / by Best Buy posted in K-12 Education, Higher Education, Information Technology, Cooperative Purchasing, Esports

In 2018, the National Federation of State High School Associations recognized esports as an official sport. In 2020, U.S. colleges and universities awarded nearly $16 million in esports scholarships, prompting K12 schools to start their own esports teams.

In this blog, Best Buy Education offers steps to starting an esports league on your campus and the benefits it brings to schools and students. Procurement professionals are integral to implementing an esports program. OMNIA Partners offers competitively solicited cooperative contracts that schools can trust to effectively establish an esports program.

Nine Key Signs You Need a Secure IT Asset Disposition Strategy

February 9, 2023 / by Iron Mountain posted in Information Technology, security

We depend on our digital devices, but every time we upgrade to the latest and greatest, it means getting rid of the old stuff. That’s why so many IT assets—servers, hard drives and other data-bearing devices—are piling up in offices and making their way into landfills.

State & Local Government Technology Outlook

February 1, 2023 / by DLT posted in Local & State Government, Information Technology

The National Association of State Chief Information Officers conducted a survey, which assessed state CIOs’ thoughts on a wide array of topics that affect their roles as public sector technology and business leaders in today’s modern world. CIOs identified digital government services and the citizen experience, legacy modernization, broadband expansion and adoption, and expansion of remote and hybrid work options as their highest-priority to implement. Cybersecurity also ranked as the top concern for state governments, which was captured in the 2022 Deloitte-NASCIO Cybersecurity Study.

Part 2: Simplifying ESG Strategies for a Sustainable Transformation

January 6, 2023 / by Konica Minolta posted in K-12 Education, Business Products & Solutions, Local & State Government, Higher Education, Information Technology

Human beings are social creatures by nature. We work in teams. We collaborate with peers. We rely on others to help us when working together towards a common goal. So, it should be no surprise that organizations are now focusing on the social aspects of their internal environment as new ESG policies and programs are being created.

Simplifying ESG Strategies for a Sustainable Transformation

December 8, 2022 / by Konica Minolta posted in K-12 Education, Business Products & Solutions, Local & State Government, Higher Education, Information Technology

Operational efficiencies are always at the forefront for agencies to improve their profitability and to take advantage of new technologies to make their business process accelerate.

But, more and more, investors, customers and regulators have their eye on how businesses are addressing their internal processes under the lens of Environmental/Social/Governance concerns. No action, no performance reporting – sends a poor signal to the community and sets an agency up for financial risk as they are evaluated by their ESG scores.

Extinguish Risks of Ransomware Attacks from Spreading Like Wildfire

November 30, 2022 / by Ricoh posted in K-12 Education, Business Products & Solutions, Local & State Government, Higher Education, Information Technology

Ransomware and an office fire are a lot alike. And protecting against a ransomware attack is a lot like fire-proofing your office. In this blog, you will learn about potential gaps in your system's ransomware safeguards, and how Ricoh can help participants of OMNIA Partners fill these gaps and enhance their network security through RansomCare services.

Email Security: More Complicated Than You Think

October 1, 2022 / by SHI posted in Local & State Government, Information Technology

Protecting your public agency from malicious threats can be a daunting task, especially as cyberattacks grow more sophisticated. With most vital communication during the pandemic conducted via email, the need for more advanced email security solutions has become more urgent.

The pandemic led to an influx of opportunistic cybercriminals as well as new vulnerabilities caused by an unprecedented hybrid workforce. In the height of it all, Google found malware and phishing emails directly related to COVID-19, and the Center for Disease Control (CDC) was forced to warn the public of phishing attacks. While cybercriminals continue to be on the rise, SHI, through the OMNIA Partners program, provides agencies with a portfolio of cybersecurity solutions to protect your organization before a threat!

Ensuring Citizen Trust: The Importance of Data Privacy & Security

June 22, 2022 / by Iron Mountain posted in Information Technology, security

Loss of critical data and information continues to draw the attention of state, local, and education organizations because they know data loss erodes constituents’ trust. The National Association of State Chief Information Officers (NASCIO) latest annual State CIO Top 10 Priorities ranks “Cybersecurity and Risk Management” as the top concern in 2022, with a specific focus on governance, data protection, insider threats, and third-party risk. EDUCAUSE listed “developing processes and controls, institutional infrastructure, and institutional workforce skills to protect and secure data and supply-chain integrity” as its number-one IT issue for 2022.

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