Quarters co-living, formerly Medici Living, had over 150 beds in the US, with another 400 in the pipeline (pre-Covid-19). They provide fully furnished, flexible term, community-driven apartments. Recently they opened their most latest property in the Williamsburg neighborhood of Brooklyn, NY which offered a rooftop, movie theatre, and co-working area.

Quarters wanted their product offering of IT to stand out. They prioritized security and safety for their tenants and ease of management for their operations team. It was also important that the brand can adapt as the and grow. These thoughts were all wrapped under the blanket of cost and return on investment for the IT infrastructure.

The 3 things we needed to keep in mind during the design phase:

1. Quarter’s IT management was based in Berlin. Without any US-based IT or project management staff, they would need remote capability for troubleshooting with external onsite support. We implemented a network stack with great visibility and troubleshooting options to make this work.
2. Ensuring the safety of the members of the building was not just an amenity, but a necessity for the brand. We conducted a proper review of the telecommunications plan to cover all areas with a cloud-based CCTV system. We also added access control on all of the entrances, exits, and apartment doors that offered real-time remote access and backlog reports on use.
3. Customer connectivity is key. There were over 180 beds spread over the two buildings. It was imperative to ensure the residents had optimal internet connectivity at all times as this was a brand identifier. Confirming the appropriate hardware was spaced throughout the space and ensured minimal downtime for the operations team.

Surveying, planning, vendor management, hardware supply, and security management were the five areas we focused on. For a typical multi-family building, the responsibility would be on the tenant to set up the internet. However, in a co-living model, Quarters manages all the utilities on their behalf. We designed the telecommunications plan and deployed over 75 access points and 50 cameras across 2 interconnected buildings.

We started with the ISP vendor, and negotiated an appropriate bandwidth size, and set up a backup as a standard. Next, we made hardware recommendations based upon their needs and brand promises. From there we planned out the locations of all the hardware, created a purchasing schedule for the equipment, oversaw the low voltage installation. Lastly, we installed and programmed all the hardware for their internal IT team to manage from their headquarters in Berlin. Upon completion, we walked their team through the platform and handed over all appropriate documents.

Update on this article: As of Mid 2020, Quarters has filed bankruptcy for their US operations. The building still operates with ownership looking at several options on how to release the property.

The post How The World’s Largest Co-living Provider Runs Their IT appeared first on ThomDigital Group.

There are a few things to consider when opening your office, retail space, or restaurant with the internet. As IT professionals,  there are several common mistakes the businesses we encounter repeatedly make. From using a home internet set up to support your staff, to poor security practices (virtual or physical) to protect your business. 

1). Thinking short term 

Most leases are longer than 5 years. It’s a common occurrence where our clients started with a “duct tape” solution and only called us after it was too late. Late is when the issues are actually costing the business money. You should look at a solution that will last the lifetime of the business. The cost might be heavier upfront but will pay itself off by giving you peace of mind that this segment of your business is running correctly. You didn’t spend countless hours and time on your business to not protect it with the right IT solution. 

2). Bandwidth size

Think of this as water pipes, if you’re requesting more water(data), you’ll have to increase the pipe size(bandwidth). This request would be made to your Internet service provider (Verizon, Spectrum, AT&T). There’s a simple test to determine if you’re at capacity. We’ve found clients overpaying on their business internet bill knowing they will never reach their bandwidth capacity. Rule of thumb, the average 30 person office does not need more than 1 Gig of internet.

3). Equipment needed

Purchasing the wrong equipment early on can be costly in the long run. You’re going to want a system that can grow with your business, keep up with the updates on the market, and serve you efficiently for the lifetime of your lease. Network equipment, security cameras, indoor/outdoor WAP’s should all be chosen with longevity and purpose at the forefront.

4) Backup Business Internet

Downtime can be deadly. If you’re an office and somehow have employees that can’t get connect to the Business internet. Or you’re a restaurant that can’t process credit card payments for its customers. This downtime is never good and can truly hurt your businesss. There’s a way to reduce downtime to nearly 0.001% to avoid costly mistakes such as this. Check out this article for more info on the hidden fees of not having backup internet. Rule of thumb, set up a backup internet that runs on cellular.

5). Security 

Do your customers and employees share the same wifi? This is a recipe for disaster, as your personal bank, business, and other info can be stolen by users on that wifi SSID. There should be layers of security created to protect your business by separating who has access to what. The correct hardware setup can correct this. And later programming it with these security layers needed for you business.

If you’re looking for a “How to” on getting wifi setup for your space, shoot us an email at info@thomdigital.com

The post Five Common Mistakes when Setting Up Business Internet appeared first on ThomDigital Group.

ThomDigital Group had the pleasure of joining Knotel Co-working early on.

We joined in 2017, post-series-A round of fundraising. Knotel was a flexible office space provider which is slightly different from the popular co-working model. Knotel allow’s their customer to lease fully furnished and managed office space on flexible terms. The industry standard was 7-10 year leases where Knotel allowed for 1-3 year leases. At the time Knotel was in need of a CTO as they had plans of growth in the coming years. In search of an efficient and cost-effective way of managing their IT infrastructure to match their aggressive expansion plans.

As of early 2021, Knotel has filed for bankruptcy and was purchased by Newmark.

Our Coworking Scope of Work:

1. 1. Design a scalable technology infrastructure “standard” for global growth with the co-working model in mind.
   2. Supported the IT team as the portfolio grew from 300,000 square feet to 6,000,000 square feet.
   3. Managed a lean IT staff of only 20, to fulfill both global expansion and management within the company.
   4. Reduced new site launch time by 30%, by introducing plan review, simpler low voltage design, and ISP preferred installation timeframes.
   5. Reduced the cost of the build by 25%, ending at around $10/SF.

By creating partnerships with access control vendors, low voltage installers, hardware suppliers, and network programmers, we were able to drive down costs, speed up delivery times and leverage those relationships for the benefit of Knotel in the long run. Focusing on scalability Knotel chose consistent repeatable standards for their IT setup to allow for global implementation. 

Things to remember:

1. 1. Vendors – these partnerships will make or break your scalability. As you grow your vendors need to grow with you. As you support them with business, they should be flexible and willing to work with you. These vendors are your low voltage installers, network programmers, ISP providers, and access control vendors.
   2. Suppliers – leveraging these partners for preferred pricing, reduced lead time, and longer payment terms will help with cash flow, and speed. Having partners willing to work and grow with you is key.
   3. Management – thinking long term is vital when decided what platform you choose, and the supporting hardware. Find the most efficient way to reduce headcount but also maintain full visibility into your network. Foresight into how you’ll troubleshoot downtime and keep your space running correctly. When you have assets in 5 different countries it’s important to keep that management as simple as possible. 

The post IT for one of the World’s Largest Co-Working Operators appeared first on ThomDigital Group.

Working from home getting to you? Feeling inefficient and slow? As the pandemic continues to make an impact on the world, white-collar work is feeling the impact. NYC subway ridership is at an all-time low, offices are 10% capacity, some restaurants are limited to outdoor dining and/or reduced capacity. Who knows what work life will be like in the near future, but while we’re working from our homes it’s important to stay productive. 

Remember these 5 tricks to help keep your work from home productive. 

1). Work From Home Computer Setup

• • • Monitor Distance – 20/20 vision is the baseline for sight. It determines the clarity and sharpness at 20 feet of distance. Your monitor should be 20” in front of you
    • Monitor Height – Top of screen should be at or slightly below eye level.
    • Sitting or standing – it is said sitting is the new smoking, but data shows that most offices with sit/stand desks, the employees still prefer sitting.

2). Have a proper internet setup

• • • Bandwidth – do you have enough “internet” for your needs. In other words is your bandwidth large enough to support your role. Think of bandwidth as lanes on a highway, the more data you send back and forth, the more lanes you’ll need. I.e. more bandwidth. 100mbps should be enough to support most users. That being said you have to take into account the other devices that are on your home network that share that same bandwidth
    • ISP (Internet Service Provider) – Examples of ISP’s are Verizon, Spectrum, AT&T, Comcast. You can check how much bandwidth you’re provided on your bill. Additionally, your bandwidth guarantee is only for direct ethernet connection not through wifi. Need help with wifi speeds? We can help.
    • Think about separating the devices on your network to provide a better quality of service and security for certain devices. This can be done quite easily and inexpensively with the correct network equipment 

3). Remove distractions 

Have your “Work From Home” space dedicated to just that, work. Not possible for all apartments and homes, but do the best you can. Similar to your bed, getting a good nights sleep is aiding your body in subconsciously knowing this space is for this activity. 

• • • Move your phone off your desk. 
    • Clear clutter from the space. 
    • Have everything you might need available to you, documents, drinks, headphones, so you can stay focused on the task without distractions.

4). Create a work from home routine 

• • • Similar to how Olympic runners the same ritual before every race, setting up yours can help you get into great long productive work zones. Maybe place your phone on the other table, have your coffee ready to go, and your music playlist set. Find your routine and perfect it until it’s just right. 

5). Create a list of To-Do’s

• • • List the 5 most important things you need to get done that day with the most important at the top. Which is most important? Start with deadlines, next ask yourself “If I can get this item done, that would make the day feel successful.” Work your way down and don’t start the next until the item above is completed.  

Other cool solutions on the market

• • • Room phone-booth provides in-home solutions to increase privacy.
    • Detached home office solutions for those that need to get out of the house.
    • Getaway and disappear in the woods to reset yourself.

Know someone having a hard time staying focused while working from home? Maybe it’s a coworker, friend or partner, share these helpful tips to help them have a more effective day. 

The post Work From Home: A New Way Forward appeared first on ThomDigital Group.

You’ve spent thousands and thousands on your lease, build-out, or business, it only makes sense that you protect that investment with the proper IT setup. Read further, and take a look at some examples of how poor internet affects a coffee shop, restaurant, office space, and hotel industry. 

Coffee Shop Wifi

If you’re a coffee shop, let’s do the math. 10 customers, spending $10/order, 5 days a week for 1 year is $26,000/year. This is the assumed loss of customers who no longer visit your shop because your guest wifi is poorly set up. And its very unlikely you’ll get this direct feedback from customers as to why they aren’t coming back. Upgrading is a fraction of the cost and will guarantee these customers don’t leave because they can’t connect when they’re at your shop.

Restaurant Wifi and Credit Card Processing

If you’re a restaurant, and you can’t process credit cards, it won’t be a great shift for any FOH staff. Not only will you lose that customer, but they may leave a bad review or tell friends and family not to visit your establishment. Again, the reputation of your brand should be protected with a proper high-speed internet connection so you can focus on what you do best. Protect your retail investment appropriately.

Office Space Internet Speed

If you’re in office space, let’s assume your office internet goes down for 1 hour. Not even taking into consideration the loss of potential business for your sales team, but the loss of productivity alone can cost you thousands as well. 50 employees, making $40/hour = $2,000 loss of time in just one hour! Backup internet is a fraction of that cost and has been shown to be a worthwhile investment.

Hospitality Experience

Lastly, if you’re in a hotel or similar the loss is even greater. You get one shot to impress a guest. If they can’t take that important business meeting, video chat, or can’t have their information processed for their room upon check-in you will likely lose them for good. A poor internet connection can be a several hundred dollar loss on that one bad interaction. Protect your business with the right setup. 

Storms also have an effect on business and their high-speed internet functionality. Over the past decade, advancements have helped reduce downtime, but there’s still a chance there will be downtime. Looking to learn more? Check out this article about Superstorm Sandy, and its after-effects on internet functionality in the NYC area.

Wondering what you can do? 

1. Get Educated – check out this information on things you should know about the internet in general and its use in your everyday life.
2. Feedback Loop – if you lose a customer, do they always tell you why? Normally they leave and never return without a word. Interact with your customers, ask them the good and the bad. Provide them an opportunity to provide feedback. Speak with your employees as well. They are in space more than anyone, see what they think.
3. Backup Internet – Setup a backup internet connection that won’t go down when the mainline disconnects. There are several ways to do this. Reach out to your IT partner for recommendations. 

Interested in a free consultation for your business, shoot us an email. We’ll be happy to look at your setup and provide feedback. info@thomdigital.com

The post The Hidden Cost of Having Bad Internet appeared first on ThomDigital Group.

You might be sitting on your phone right now. Or maybe you’re on your computer. If you’ve ever asked yourself the question, “How does the internet work,” this article will break down the process. Read along for an explanation of the inner-working of the internet and how you access it so easily.

A Quick History on the internet.

• 1962 – MIT, J.C.R. Licklider spoke about the Galactic Network concept, “the internet.”
• 1969 – The first message was sent over the internet from one computer to another via ARPANET.
• 1982 – First emoticon was as smiley face “:-)”
• 1989 – AOL is first launched. We all remember that dial-up noise.
• 1991 – The first web page is launched on the internet.
• 1993 – The first web browser Mosaic was launched. Google then follows in 1998
• 1996 – First web-based email service – “Hotmail” (First email was sent back in 1971).
• 2004 – Mark Zuckerberg launches Facebook in his Harvard Dorm room and the term “social media” is coined.
• 2005 – Youtube is finally launched on the internet for video hosting.
• 2007 – The iPhone is finally released to the world
  • (Source 1 – Web fx)

IT Terms you should know for answering “How does the internet work”

And like any industry, there’s new lingo you should know.

1. IT – stands for “Information Technology”
2. Network – links two or more devices that are in order to share electronic communications. Devices on a network are linked via cables, telephone lines, radio waves, and satellites.
3. ISP – Internet Service Provider. Examples are Verizon, spectrum, and optimum. These service providers install the physical wire from their facility to your home, office, or business.
4. Modem – this device sends the request for information through the ISP, then waits for the request to be fulfilled by the server. Lastly, the info is sent to the router and to your phone.
5. Router – Creates a network that allows wired and non-wired devices to communicate with one another without going through the internet.
6. Wifi – Wireless Fidelity. – Devices connect to the local network over short-length radio waves.
7. WAP – The Wireless Access Point transmits and receives the wifi radio waves for devices to connect back to the network. Although known as another popular music song.
8. Bandwidth – this lists the amount of upload/download speed your ISP is providing. Think of this as a lane on a highway, the more data you send, the more lanes you’ll need.
9. Latency – This describes the round trip time from the browser to the server. The time it takes for your request to hit the server and return to your screen. The lower the latency the faster your pages, show, or download.
10. IP Address – “Internet Protocol” address. The “address” part refers to a unique number that gets assigned to the device you’re are using to request and receive data from a network. To clarify, it just like a return address on a letter you’d send out.
11. Bluetooth – Not WiFi but another way of transmitting data short distances and communicating directly from one device to another. When you send music to a speaker, it’s exchanging the data of the song through Bluetooth radio waves from your phone directly to your speaker, not through the internet or network.

WhatismyIPaddress.com does a great job at breaking down this process.

Now, a quick visual of the process seen below.

Firstly, your ISP provides an IP address and allows you access to the internet.

Next, you request data (this is your website, social media account, Netflix show) from the server on your phone or device.

Lastly, the host server sends you the data/information back to you to read, view, or watch via the hardware.

IT Questions to ask yourself:

1. Does my home/office/business have enough bandwidth to support our needs?
2. How does my business handle downtime during storms or issues with the ISP?
3. Is my ISP overcharging me/am I spending too much on my internet plan?
4. I have a growing real estate portfolio, how should I set up my internet connection for my future needs with a budget in mind?

Fun IT Facts 

Check out this cool video about the transatlantic wire that connects North America and Europe. The transatlantic wire is a physical wire that crosses the ocean floor and connects North America to Europe. The idea started back in the 1800s and is of such importance that growing with tech companies like Google, Apple, and Amazon are running their own lines at the bottom of the ocean. 

ThomDigital Group is an IT solution expert, providing internet consulting for clients ranging from home office to retail, to large co-working/co-living users. Popular questions range from “how much internet do I need for my cafe”, to “what is the most financially smart way to set up internet for my real estate portfolio”? Check out our projects on our website. 

Shoot us an email if you have any questions about how to improve your internet setup. info@thomdigital.com

The post IT 101: How Does the Internet Work? A Quick 101 appeared first on ThomDigital Group.