Technology Advice for Small Businesses

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A quick guide to setting up a secure guest Wi-Fi network in your office

If clients, partners, or other visitors to your office occasionally ask for Wi-Fi access, you need more than just a shared password. A secure guest Wi-Fi setup protects your business from digital threats while still keeping visitors connected. Here’s a guide to doing it right.

Why guests shouldn’t share your main network

It’s easy to assume that your office Wi-Fi is safe as long as it’s password-protected. But giving guests access to the same network your employees use opens the door to potential security breaches.

Even well-meaning visitors may unknowingly carry malware on their devices. Once connected, a compromised smartphone or laptop could infect your internal network. Worse, someone with basic tech knowledge might intentionally try to snoop around or access confidential data.

The best way to prevent these issues is by creating a completely separate network just for guests. It keeps your internal systems out of reach.

Setting up a safe and separate guest Wi-Fi

Modern routers typically come with a built-in guest Wi-Fi feature. If yours supports this option, enabling it is often as simple as logging into your router’s settings and toggling the guest network on. Be sure to name it something clear (e.g., “YourCompany Guest”) and use a different password from your main Wi-Fi.

If your router doesn’t support multiple networks, you can install a separate wireless access point dedicated solely to guest use. This keeps internet traffic on two distinct paths and ensures your sensitive company data remains isolated.

Another key step is to turn off access to local network resources for the guest network. That means guests won’t be able to see shared folders, printers, or other devices connected to your business network.

Manage bandwidth to prioritize business traffic

When visitors stream videos or download large files, they can chew up bandwidth and slow down your internet for everyone else in the office. To prevent this, look for router settings that let you limit how much data guests can use.

It’s also smart to encourage your team to stick to the main network for work-related activities and, if necessary, use the guest Wi-Fi for personal use on their smartphones. Doing so keeps business traffic prioritized and helps maintain strong connection speeds.

Keep guest access simple but controlled

You want your guest Wi-Fi to be easy to access but not completely open. Use a unique password, change it regularly, and consider disabling the guest network outside of business hours if it’s not needed.

For even greater control, some routers allow you to set up a captive portal, which is a login screen that users must go through before connecting. This portal adds an extra layer of control and can even include terms of use that guests must agree to.

Providing Wi-Fi for visitors doesn’t have to mean compromising your network’s security or slowing down your internet. With the right setup, you can offer convenient access while keeping your internal systems locked down and running smoothly. Need help setting up your guest Wi-Fi or have any IT concerns? Call our team. We’re ready to assist.

How to configure guest Wi-Fi to keep your office network safe

Letting visitors use your company’s Wi-Fi might seem like good hospitality, but it could come at a high cost. Whether it’s accidental access to sensitive files or slowing down your connection, a poorly configured network can create unnecessary risk. Here’s how to avoid those pitfalls.

Why guests shouldn’t share your main network

It’s easy to assume that your office Wi-Fi is safe as long as it’s password-protected. But giving guests access to the same network your employees use opens the door to potential security breaches.

Even well-meaning visitors may unknowingly carry malware on their devices. Once connected, a compromised smartphone or laptop could infect your internal network. Worse, someone with basic tech knowledge might intentionally try to snoop around or access confidential data.

The best way to prevent these issues is by creating a completely separate network just for guests. It keeps your internal systems out of reach.

Setting up a safe and separate guest Wi-Fi

Modern routers typically come with a built-in guest Wi-Fi feature. If yours supports this option, enabling it is often as simple as logging into your router’s settings and toggling the guest network on. Be sure to name it something clear (e.g., “YourCompany Guest”) and use a different password from your main Wi-Fi.

If your router doesn’t support multiple networks, you can install a separate wireless access point dedicated solely to guest use. This keeps internet traffic on two distinct paths and ensures your sensitive company data remains isolated.

Another key step is to turn off access to local network resources for the guest network. That means guests won’t be able to see shared folders, printers, or other devices connected to your business network.

Manage bandwidth to prioritize business traffic

When visitors stream videos or download large files, they can chew up bandwidth and slow down your internet for everyone else in the office. To prevent this, look for router settings that let you limit how much data guests can use.

It’s also smart to encourage your team to stick to the main network for work-related activities and, if necessary, use the guest Wi-Fi for personal use on their smartphones. Doing so keeps business traffic prioritized and helps maintain strong connection speeds.

Keep guest access simple but controlled

You want your guest Wi-Fi to be easy to access but not completely open. Use a unique password, change it regularly, and consider disabling the guest network outside of business hours if it’s not needed.

For even greater control, some routers allow you to set up a captive portal, which is a login screen that users must go through before connecting. This portal adds an extra layer of control and can even include terms of use that guests must agree to.

Providing Wi-Fi for visitors doesn’t have to mean compromising your network’s security or slowing down your internet. With the right setup, you can offer convenient access while keeping your internal systems locked down and running smoothly. Need help setting up your guest Wi-Fi or have any IT concerns? Call our team. We’re ready to assist.

Protect your business network: Best practices for office guest Wi-Fi

Offering Wi-Fi to office guests is convenient, but giving them access to your main network could lead to data leaks or malware infections. This article walks you through how to set up a guest Wi-Fi connection that’s safe, efficient, and separate from your business operations.

Why guests shouldn’t share your main network

It’s easy to assume that your office Wi-Fi is safe as long as it’s password-protected. But giving guests access to the same network your employees use opens the door to potential security breaches.

Even well-meaning visitors may unknowingly carry malware on their devices. Once connected, a compromised smartphone or laptop could infect your internal network. Worse, someone with basic tech knowledge might intentionally try to snoop around or access confidential data.

The best way to prevent these issues is by creating a completely separate network just for guests. It keeps your internal systems out of reach.

Setting up a safe and separate guest Wi-Fi

Modern routers typically come with a built-in guest Wi-Fi feature. If yours supports this option, enabling it is often as simple as logging into your router’s settings and toggling the guest network on. Be sure to name it something clear (e.g., “YourCompany Guest”) and use a different password from your main Wi-Fi.

If your router doesn’t support multiple networks, you can install a separate wireless access point dedicated solely to guest use. This keeps internet traffic on two distinct paths and ensures your sensitive company data remains isolated.

Another key step is to turn off access to local network resources for the guest network. That means guests won’t be able to see shared folders, printers, or other devices connected to your business network.

Manage bandwidth to prioritize business traffic

When visitors stream videos or download large files, they can chew up bandwidth and slow down your internet for everyone else in the office. To prevent this, look for router settings that let you limit how much data guests can use.

It’s also smart to encourage your team to stick to the main network for work-related activities and, if necessary, use the guest Wi-Fi for personal use on their smartphones. Doing so keeps business traffic prioritized and helps maintain strong connection speeds.

Keep guest access simple but controlled

You want your guest Wi-Fi to be easy to access but not completely open. Use a unique password, change it regularly, and consider disabling the guest network outside of business hours if it’s not needed.

For even greater control, some routers allow you to set up a captive portal, which is a login screen that users must go through before connecting. This portal adds an extra layer of control and can even include terms of use that guests must agree to.

Providing Wi-Fi for visitors doesn’t have to mean compromising your network’s security or slowing down your internet. With the right setup, you can offer convenient access while keeping your internal systems locked down and running smoothly. Need help setting up your guest Wi-Fi or have any IT concerns? Call our team. We’re ready to assist.

How to solve the most common VoIP call glitches

Clear, reliable communication is critical for any business, and VoIP systems make that easier and more affordable than ever. However, if your calls are plagued by lag, echo, or unexplained silence, the benefits can quickly turn into headaches. Understanding the root causes of these common issues is the first step toward ensuring smooth, reliable calls.

Static on the line

If you’re hearing static or crackling sounds during your calls, you’re likely dealing with interference caused by outdated hardware. This issue often arises when using an analog telephone adapter (ATA), which connects traditional phones to VoIP systems. Incompatible power supplies or feedback from connected devices can cause these unwanted noises.

To fix it, try unplugging the ATA and any connected devices, then plug them back in securely. If that doesn’t work, consider upgrading to a dedicated IP phone, which bypasses analog-to-digital conversions and often eliminates static altogether.

Voice echo

Hearing your own voice bounce back during a call is a classic VoIP issue. Echoes typically occur when sound from a speaker loops back into the microphone, either from your device or the person you’re calling. It’s annoying, and over time, it can make conversations harder to follow.

To reduce or eliminate echo, lower your speaker or headset volume, or switch to a USB headset with built-in echo cancellation. Some VoIP software platforms also offer settings that minimize echo, so always check your app’s audio configuration options.

Dropped calls

Dropped calls usually stem from an unstable internet connection or intermittent power issues with your networking equipment. It could also happen if your VoIP system isn’t properly configured to prioritize call traffic.

Start by checking for loose or faulty cables and reboot your modem and router. For ongoing issues, consider upgrading to a business-class router and setting up Quality of Service (QoS) rules, which tell your network to prioritize voice data over other types of traffic.

Lag or latency

A noticeable delay between speaking and hearing a response is a sign of latency. This can lead to awkward pauses, people talking over each other, and overall poor conversation flow. Latency is often caused by network congestion or the use of Wi-Fi instead of a wired connection.

One of the best ways to reduce lag is to switch to an Ethernet connection whenever possible. Doing so will provide a more stable and reliable connection for your VoIP calls compared to Wi-Fi connections. However, if this isn’t feasible, you should pause any network-intensive activities (e.g., streaming or file syncing) during calls to free up bandwidth. If either option doesn’t work, check with your VoIP provider about optimizing routing and server settings or requesting more bandwidth from your internet service provider.

Jitter (or packet disorder)

When someone on the other end of the line suddenly sounds robotic or garbled, jitter is usually the culprit. It usually occurs when data packets arrive at inconsistent intervals, which throws off how the voice is reconstructed during the call.

Reducing jitter can often be accomplished by configuring your router to prioritize VoIP traffic using QoS settings. Some VoIP apps also come with built-in jitter buffers that help smooth out audio delivery. Upgrading your router or using a dedicated VoIP device can also improve consistency.

Calls go straight to voicemail

If your customers are complaining that calls go directly to voicemail without your phone ringing, the issue may lie with your device’s registration or forwarding settings. It can also happen if your internet drops briefly and the phone loses its connection to the VoIP server.

Try restarting your VoIP phone or softphone app and double-check that it’s properly registered with your provider. Also, review any call forwarding, “Do Not Disturb,” or time-based routing rules that might be interfering with incoming calls.

Call connects, but there’s no sound

One of the most confusing VoIP issues is when a call connects, but you can’t hear the other person and they can’t hear you. This is usually caused by router or firewall settings that are blocking audio traffic, even though the call itself connects successfully.

There are several ways to fix this issue, depending on your specific setup. For starters, check whether your audio output is set correctly and make sure your microphone is not muted. If those settings are correct, ask your IT administrator or VoIP provider if there are any specific router or firewall settings that need to be adjusted for VoIP communication. Some routers have a setting called “SIP ALG,” which can cause audio issues and needs to be disabled.

Troubleshooting VoIP issues can be frustrating and stressful, but you don’t have to do it alone. Our VoIP experts can help diagnose your issues and get your calls back to crystal-clear quality fast. Contact us today for expert VoIP support tailored to your setup.

Clear the line: Simple solutions to VoIP call-quality issues

There’s nothing more frustrating than trying to have a conversation with a client or colleague and running into robotic voices, dropped calls, or audio delays. VoIP is supposed to make communication easier, but when technical issues creep in, it can bring everything to a standstill. Fortunately, most of these problems are fixable, and we’ll show you how.

Static on the line

If you’re hearing static or crackling sounds during your calls, you’re likely dealing with interference caused by outdated hardware. This issue often arises when using an analog telephone adapter (ATA), which connects traditional phones to VoIP systems. Incompatible power supplies or feedback from connected devices can cause these unwanted noises.

To fix it, try unplugging the ATA and any connected devices, then plug them back in securely. If that doesn’t work, consider upgrading to a dedicated IP phone, which bypasses analog-to-digital conversions and often eliminates static altogether.

Voice echo

Hearing your own voice bounce back during a call is a classic VoIP issue. Echoes typically occur when sound from a speaker loops back into the microphone, either from your device or the person you’re calling. It’s annoying, and over time, it can make conversations harder to follow.

To reduce or eliminate echo, lower your speaker or headset volume, or switch to a USB headset with built-in echo cancellation. Some VoIP software platforms also offer settings that minimize echo, so always check your app’s audio configuration options.

Dropped calls

Dropped calls usually stem from an unstable internet connection or intermittent power issues with your networking equipment. It could also happen if your VoIP system isn’t properly configured to prioritize call traffic.

Start by checking for loose or faulty cables and reboot your modem and router. For ongoing issues, consider upgrading to a business-class router and setting up Quality of Service (QoS) rules, which tell your network to prioritize voice data over other types of traffic.

Lag or latency

A noticeable delay between speaking and hearing a response is a sign of latency. This can lead to awkward pauses, people talking over each other, and overall poor conversation flow. Latency is often caused by network congestion or the use of Wi-Fi instead of a wired connection.

One of the best ways to reduce lag is to switch to an Ethernet connection whenever possible. Doing so will provide a more stable and reliable connection for your VoIP calls compared to Wi-Fi connections. However, if this isn’t feasible, you should pause any network-intensive activities (e.g., streaming or file syncing) during calls to free up bandwidth. If either option doesn’t work, check with your VoIP provider about optimizing routing and server settings or requesting more bandwidth from your internet service provider.

Jitter (or packet disorder)

When someone on the other end of the line suddenly sounds robotic or garbled, jitter is usually the culprit. It usually occurs when data packets arrive at inconsistent intervals, which throws off how the voice is reconstructed during the call.

Reducing jitter can often be accomplished by configuring your router to prioritize VoIP traffic using QoS settings. Some VoIP apps also come with built-in jitter buffers that help smooth out audio delivery. Upgrading your router or using a dedicated VoIP device can also improve consistency.

Calls go straight to voicemail

If your customers are complaining that calls go directly to voicemail without your phone ringing, the issue may lie with your device’s registration or forwarding settings. It can also happen if your internet drops briefly and the phone loses its connection to the VoIP server.

Try restarting your VoIP phone or softphone app and double-check that it’s properly registered with your provider. Also, review any call forwarding, “Do Not Disturb,” or time-based routing rules that might be interfering with incoming calls.

Call connects, but there’s no sound

One of the most confusing VoIP issues is when a call connects, but you can’t hear the other person and they can’t hear you. This is usually caused by router or firewall settings that are blocking audio traffic, even though the call itself connects successfully.

There are several ways to fix this issue, depending on your specific setup. For starters, check whether your audio output is set correctly and make sure your microphone is not muted. If those settings are correct, ask your IT administrator or VoIP provider if there are any specific router or firewall settings that need to be adjusted for VoIP communication. Some routers have a setting called “SIP ALG,” which can cause audio issues and needs to be disabled.

Troubleshooting VoIP issues can be frustrating and stressful, but you don’t have to do it alone. Our VoIP experts can help diagnose your issues and get your calls back to crystal-clear quality fast. Contact us today for expert VoIP support tailored to your setup.

7 VoIP call problems and the fixes you’ll actually use

VoIP phone systems have become the go-to choice for many businesses thanks to their flexibility, features, and cost savings. But like any technology, they’re not immune to the occasional hiccup. If your calls are dropping, cutting out, or just sounding off, here’s a breakdown of the most common VoIP issues and how to fix them.

Static on the line

If you’re hearing static or crackling sounds during your calls, you’re likely dealing with interference caused by outdated hardware. This issue often arises when using an analog telephone adapter (ATA), which connects traditional phones to VoIP systems. Incompatible power supplies or feedback from connected devices can cause these unwanted noises.

To fix it, try unplugging the ATA and any connected devices, then plug them back in securely. If that doesn’t work, consider upgrading to a dedicated IP phone, which bypasses analog-to-digital conversions and often eliminates static altogether.

Voice echo

Hearing your own voice bounce back during a call is a classic VoIP issue. Echoes typically occur when sound from a speaker loops back into the microphone, either from your device or the person you’re calling. It’s annoying, and over time, it can make conversations harder to follow.

To reduce or eliminate echo, lower your speaker or headset volume, or switch to a USB headset with built-in echo cancellation. Some VoIP software platforms also offer settings that minimize echo, so always check your app’s audio configuration options.

Dropped calls

Dropped calls usually stem from an unstable internet connection or intermittent power issues with your networking equipment. It could also happen if your VoIP system isn’t properly configured to prioritize call traffic.

Start by checking for loose or faulty cables and reboot your modem and router. For ongoing issues, consider upgrading to a business-class router and setting up Quality of Service (QoS) rules, which tell your network to prioritize voice data over other types of traffic.

Lag or latency

A noticeable delay between speaking and hearing a response is a sign of latency. This can lead to awkward pauses, people talking over each other, and overall poor conversation flow. Latency is often caused by network congestion or the use of Wi-Fi instead of a wired connection.

One of the best ways to reduce lag is to switch to an Ethernet connection whenever possible. Doing so will provide a more stable and reliable connection for your VoIP calls compared to Wi-Fi connections. However, if this isn’t feasible, you should pause any network-intensive activities (e.g., streaming or file syncing) during calls to free up bandwidth. If either option doesn’t work, check with your VoIP provider about optimizing routing and server settings or requesting more bandwidth from your internet service provider.

Jitter (or packet disorder)

When someone on the other end of the line suddenly sounds robotic or garbled, jitter is usually the culprit. It usually occurs when data packets arrive at inconsistent intervals, which throws off how the voice is reconstructed during the call.

Reducing jitter can often be accomplished by configuring your router to prioritize VoIP traffic using QoS settings. Some VoIP apps also come with built-in jitter buffers that help smooth out audio delivery. Upgrading your router or using a dedicated VoIP device can also improve consistency.

Calls go straight to voicemail

If your customers are complaining that calls go directly to voicemail without your phone ringing, the issue may lie with your device’s registration or forwarding settings. It can also happen if your internet drops briefly and the phone loses its connection to the VoIP server.

Try restarting your VoIP phone or softphone app and double-check that it’s properly registered with your provider. Also, review any call forwarding, “Do Not Disturb,” or time-based routing rules that might be interfering with incoming calls.

Call connects, but there’s no sound

One of the most confusing VoIP issues is when a call connects, but you can’t hear the other person and they can’t hear you. This is usually caused by router or firewall settings that are blocking audio traffic, even though the call itself connects successfully.

There are several ways to fix this issue, depending on your specific setup. For starters, check whether your audio output is set correctly and make sure your microphone is not muted. If those settings are correct, ask your IT administrator or VoIP provider if there are any specific router or firewall settings that need to be adjusted for VoIP communication. Some routers have a setting called “SIP ALG,” which can cause audio issues and needs to be disabled.

Troubleshooting VoIP issues can be frustrating and stressful, but you don’t have to do it alone. Our VoIP experts can help diagnose your issues and get your calls back to crystal-clear quality fast. Contact us today for expert VoIP support tailored to your setup.

The evolution of collaboration: Modernizing your work with Microsoft Loop

The days of static documents and “version control” nightmares are officially over. In 2026, Microsoft Loop has evolved into a dynamic platform where content is portable and alive. From the new support in Outlook for Mac and Calendar to the deep integration with Microsoft Planner, Loop is transforming how teams interact. If you’re still working the old way, you’re missing out on significant efficiency gains. Let’s dive into how you can use Loop in Outlook and Teams today to stay ahead of the curve.

Understanding Loop components

Loop components are live, editable modules that bring your team’s work together in one spot. They turn static messages into active collaboration hubs, making it easier than ever for everyone to stay on track and in sync.

Today, Loop components are more integrated than ever, with task lists automatically syncing with Microsoft Planner and To Do. The types of Loop components you can use in Teams and Outlook include:

  • Checklists, Bulleted lists, and Numbered lists
  • Tables and Paragraphs
  • Task lists (now with automatic sync to Planner and To Do)
  • Voting tables (to reach team consensus quickly)
  • Progress trackers (to monitor project milestones)
  • Q&A

How to create Loop components

In Teams

  1. Open Microsoft Teams and navigate to the desired Chat or Channel.
  2. In the message compose box, click on the Loop Components icon (a connected loop). Make sure the text box has no text in it when you do this.
  3. Select the type of component you want to insert (e.g., Task list, Table, or Paragraph).
  4. Enter a Title for your component. This title also serves as the file name in your OneDrive, making it easier to search for later.
  5. Once your component is created, you can start adding content. Everyone in the chat or channel can now edit it simultaneously.
  6. To see who is editing, look for the live avatars in the top right corner of the component to see who is currently viewing or making changes.

In Outlook

  1. Open Outlook and create a New Email or Calendar Event.
  2. In the toolbar, go to the Message tab (or Insert tab for Calendar) and click on the Loop Components icon.
  3. Choose the type of Loop component you want to insert.
  4. Enter your content. If you are in a Calendar event, this is an ideal way to build a live meeting agenda that attendees can update before the meeting starts.
  5. To add a file or link, you can @mention people or use the “/” (slash) command within the component to quickly insert dates, people, or additional lists.
  6. Every component created in Outlook is automatically saved to your OneDrive. You can later open it on Office.com if you need a larger workspace.

How to share and manage components

Once you have added content to your Loop component, you can share it across different platforms. To do this, click on the Copy link icon in the upper right corner of the component.

You can then paste this link into a Teams chat, another Outlook email, or even a OneNote canvas. No matter where the link is pasted, the content remains “live.” Any edit made in the Teams chat will instantly update in the Outlook email and vice versa.

By default, Loop components sent via Outlook are shared based on your organization’s existing permissions. You can change these permissions (e.g., to “People in your organization”) by clicking on the component’s name in the top left corner and adjusting the share settings.

If you want to learn more about how to improve workplace collaboration using Microsoft 365, give our experts a call today.

Working better together: A simple guide to Microsoft Loop in Outlook and Teams

Collaboration should be easy, not a chore. That’s why Microsoft Loop is such a game changer for teams of all sizes. It’s a simple way to keep your notes, lists, and tasks right where your conversations are happening, whether that’s in a quick Teams chat or a formal Outlook invite. This guide will show you just how easy it is to start using Loop components to keep your team organized, connected, and on the same page.

Understanding Loop components

Loop components are live, editable modules that bring your team’s work together in one spot. They turn static messages into active collaboration hubs, making it easier than ever for everyone to stay on track and in sync.

Today, Loop components are more integrated than ever, with task lists automatically syncing with Microsoft Planner and To Do. The types of Loop components you can use in Teams and Outlook include:

  • Checklists, Bulleted lists, and Numbered lists
  • Tables and Paragraphs
  • Task lists (now with automatic sync to Planner and To Do)
  • Voting tables (to reach team consensus quickly)
  • Progress trackers (to monitor project milestones)
  • Q&A

How to create Loop components

In Teams

  1. Open Microsoft Teams and navigate to the desired Chat or Channel.
  2. In the message compose box, click on the Loop Components icon (a connected loop). Make sure the text box has no text in it when you do this.
  3. Select the type of component you want to insert (e.g., Task list, Table, or Paragraph).
  4. Enter a Title for your component. This title also serves as the file name in your OneDrive, making it easier to search for later.
  5. Once your component is created, you can start adding content. Everyone in the chat or channel can now edit it simultaneously.
  6. To see who is editing, look for the live avatars in the top right corner of the component to see who is currently viewing or making changes.

In Outlook

  1. Open Outlook and create a New Email or Calendar Event.
  2. In the toolbar, go to the Message tab (or Insert tab for Calendar) and click on the Loop Components icon.
  3. Choose the type of Loop component you want to insert.
  4. Enter your content. If you are in a Calendar event, this is an ideal way to build a live meeting agenda that attendees can update before the meeting starts.
  5. To add a file or link, you can @mention people or use the “/” (slash) command within the component to quickly insert dates, people, or additional lists.
  6. Every component created in Outlook is automatically saved to your OneDrive. You can later open it on Office.com if you need a larger workspace.

How to share and manage components

Once you have added content to your Loop component, you can share it across different platforms. To do this, click on the Copy link icon in the upper right corner of the component.

You can then paste this link into a Teams chat, another Outlook email, or even a OneNote canvas. No matter where the link is pasted, the content remains “live.” Any edit made in the Teams chat will instantly update in the Outlook email and vice versa.

By default, Loop components sent via Outlook are shared based on your organization’s existing permissions. You can change these permissions (e.g., to “People in your organization”) by clicking on the component’s name in the top left corner and adjusting the share settings.

If you want to learn more about how to improve workplace collaboration using Microsoft 365, give our experts a call today.

Tired of app-switching? Streamline your communications with Microsoft Loop

We’ve all been there: you start a task in a Teams chat, but the final decision happens in an Outlook email, and suddenly the “latest version” is lost. Microsoft Loop solves this by providing live, editable components that exist in both apps simultaneously. This article explores how Loop bridges the gap between your inbox and your chat channels, allowing your team to stay focused on the work that matters instead of searching for the right file.

Understanding Loop components

Loop components are live, editable modules that bring your team’s work together in one spot. They turn static messages into active collaboration hubs, making it easier than ever for everyone to stay on track and in sync.

Today, Loop components are more integrated than ever, with task lists automatically syncing with Microsoft Planner and To Do. The types of Loop components you can use in Teams and Outlook include:

  • Checklists, Bulleted lists, and Numbered lists
  • Tables and Paragraphs
  • Task lists (now with automatic sync to Planner and To Do)
  • Voting tables (to reach team consensus quickly)
  • Progress trackers (to monitor project milestones)
  • Q&A

How to create Loop components

In Teams

  1. Open Microsoft Teams and navigate to the desired Chat or Channel.
  2. In the message compose box, click on the Loop Components icon (a connected loop). Make sure the text box has no text in it when you do this.
  3. Select the type of component you want to insert (e.g., Task list, Table, or Paragraph).
  4. Enter a Title for your component. This title also serves as the file name in your OneDrive, making it easier to search for later.
  5. Once your component is created, you can start adding content. Everyone in the chat or channel can now edit it simultaneously.
  6. To see who is editing, look for the live avatars in the top right corner of the component to see who is currently viewing or making changes.

In Outlook

  1. Open Outlook and create a New Email or Calendar Event.
  2. In the toolbar, go to the Message tab (or Insert tab for Calendar) and click on the Loop Components icon.
  3. Choose the type of Loop component you want to insert.
  4. Enter your content. If you are in a Calendar event, this is an ideal way to build a live meeting agenda that attendees can update before the meeting starts.
  5. To add a file or link, you can @mention people or use the “/” (slash) command within the component to quickly insert dates, people, or additional lists.
  6. Every component created in Outlook is automatically saved to your OneDrive. You can later open it on Office.com if you need a larger workspace.

How to share and manage components

Once you have added content to your Loop component, you can share it across different platforms. To do this, click on the Copy link icon in the upper right corner of the component.

You can then paste this link into a Teams chat, another Outlook email, or even a OneNote canvas. No matter where the link is pasted, the content remains “live.” Any edit made in the Teams chat will instantly update in the Outlook email and vice versa.

By default, Loop components sent via Outlook are shared based on your organization’s existing permissions. You can change these permissions (e.g., to “People in your organization”) by clicking on the component’s name in the top left corner and adjusting the share settings.

If you want to learn more about how to improve workplace collaboration using Microsoft 365, give our experts a call today.

How the cloud keeps your business safer, smarter, and always on

Cybersecurity is no longer just a concern for big corporations. In this article, we explore how cloud technology helps smaller businesses tap into enterprise-grade security, minimize risks, and recover quickly from disruptions.

Cybersecurity doesn’t have to be an uphill battle for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs). With cloud technology, securing your data and systems is no longer about building a large IT department or investing in expensive infrastructure. The cloud puts enterprise-grade security within reach and offers clear advantages over traditional setups. Here are three big ways the cloud helps protect your business:

Top-tier security without hiring a full team

In smaller organizations, IT teams often wear many hats; they do everything from fixing hardware issues to setting up software and handling security. That makes it tough to give cybersecurity the focused attention it demands.

Cloud providers, on the other hand, operate with dedicated teams of security experts who constantly monitor systems, patch vulnerabilities, and respond to threats in real time. Their scale allows them to invest in cutting-edge security tools and practices — the kind most SMBs can’t realistically deploy in house.

When you move to the cloud, you’re not just renting storage or processing power. You’re also getting access to that expertise and protection.

2. Less risk, fewer weak points

In a traditional IT setup, everything — your data, apps, and user devices — often sits on the same network. That means if something goes wrong in one area, like a laptop infected with malware, it can spread quickly to servers and other critical systems.

Cloud environments are built differently. Providers design their infrastructure to limit points of entry and segment systems to contain potential issues. On top of that, their staff is trained to follow strict security protocols, such as data encryption and physical access controls.

This layered approach helps reduce the chance of breaches and accidental exposure.

3. Cloud backups keep you running through disasters

What happens if a flood hits your office or a power outage takes your systems down? Cloud storage adds a layer of protection that local backups simply can’t match. By storing data in remote, secure data centers, you create a safety net that’s insulated from both cyberattacks and physical disasters.

Even in the case of ransomware or widespread malware, cloud-based backups remain untouched, giving you a clean recovery option. Plus, employees can quickly access cloud resources from anywhere with an internet connection, which keeps your business running even when your office isn’t.

Security is just the beginning

Cloud platforms also offer a wealth of other benefits: scalable tools, customized software, and always-on access to essential services. But it’s the built-in security and reliability that often make the biggest difference for growing businesses. These safeguards protect sensitive data, reduce downtime, and allow teams to focus on growth rather than IT concerns.

Looking to make your business more secure and agile? Let’s talk about how the cloud can help you get there.