Networking

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Time seems to speed up as we reach the end of the year, so it’s not too early to think about your goals for 2022. If switching to a new, more lucrative career is one of them, now would be a great time to start training for it. The CompTIA Network+ Certification Training Course is perfect if you already have intermediate-level tech skills, since it prepares you for an exam that — when passed — gives you a new certification that’s sure to make your resume stand out.

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The vendor-neutral CompTIA Network+ certification is internationally recognized as proof that you have the skills required for installing, maintaining, and troubleshooting computer networks — regardless of the platform. In 65 lectures across 19 hours, you will learn all aspects of how to create and maintain a network, including both practical and conceptual skills.You’ll discover how to design a resilient network and segment its traffic, using devices like switches and routers. You will also learn how to identify the advantages and disadvantages of an existing network configuration. By the course’s end, you’ll know how to implement network security, protocols, and standards.GreyCampus, a respected e-learning platform, created this course. And students have been more than satisfied with it, awarding the course a 4.5 out of 5-star rating.If there is any chance you’ll be accessing this course over public networks, you should make sure that you’ve got access to powerful VPN protection. In fact, you should really have that any time you are online.Don’t miss this chance to become a computer networking expert, grab The CompTIA Network+ Certification Training Course while it’s on sale for only $19.99.

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Hewlett Packard Enterprise’s networking arm, Aruba, has revealed that it has partnered with the John Chambers-backed startup Pensando for a new switch. The Aruba CX 10000 Series Switch aims to reinvent conventional data center switching by creating a distributed services fabric in which network, security, and layer 4 to 7 services become ubiquitously available across the network. The heart of the new Aruba switch is the Pensando Elba data-processing unit (DPU). Traditional networks were designed for data centers where the majority of traffic moved in a “north-south” direction. That is, it would come into the data center, travel through three or more tiers, pass through a core, and then “trombone” back out (meaning through a circuitous, latency-causing path). This made the placement of infrastructure, such as load balancers and security devices, relatively straightforward because they could all be deployed in the core. Data centers are evolving to distributed architectures As data centers evolved to disaggregated infrastructure, the volume of east-west traffic exploded, creating performance problems. This gave rise to spine-life architectures that used a much flatter network design. Today, the data center is in the midst of another transition – to a cloud architecture, where containers and microservices are driving the need to have security and layer 4 to 7 services everywhere. The current leaf/spine design would have firewalls, application delivery controllers, and other infrastructure centrally deployed, meaning every container that needs securing would have to traverse through a handful of leaf-and-spine switches – to the tools and back – creating an east-west “trombone” problem.One solution would be to deploy firewalls, NATs (network address translation), intrusion prevention systems, encryption tools, and other infrastructure at every network junction point, but this would be expensive and unmanageable. The Aruba-Pensando solution embeds those capabilities in the switch via the DPU. Vendors have tried to do this before in software and have the central CPU handle the processing, but network silicon from vendors such as Broadcom was designed for layer 2 to 3 network traffic and not security and application layer services. The Aruba switch is able to offload all the processing of those services to the DPU so network performance is not impacted. Pensando DPU offloads heavy lifting from network switches The Pensando DPU includes a wide range of services, including firewall, NAT, DDoS, encryption, load balancing, and telemetry. The concept of the DPU is easy to understand if one looks at different markets. For example, CPUs don’t process high levels of graphics well, so computer manufacturers use graphics processing units (GPUs). Similarly, network security vendor Fortinet provides its own security processing unit (SPU) to optimize the performance of its products. The Pensando DPU handles those CPU-crushing data center services. Aruba customers should see a significant performance jump in many data center services. For example, a standard traditional switch can handle about 8,000 ACLs before performance is impacted. An access-list (ACL) is a set of rules defined for controlling network traffic and reducing network attacks. ACLs are used to filter traffic based on the set of rules defined for the incoming or outgoing of the network. The Aruba CX 10000 can handle about 1 million of them. Similarly, traditional switches can be provisioned for about 10,000 IPSec tunnels, while the new Aruba box can process about 200,000. Aruba also can bring some new capabilities. Standard switches can’t be used as firewalls, but the Aruba product can provision about 1 million rules. One of the big benefits Aruba brings is manageability as network, and security engineers can administer the switches using Aruba’s widely deployed Fabric Composer. All network and security policies can be managed through the product. One of the more progressive attributes of Fabric Composer is that it’s designed for organizations in which the security and network teams have been brought together, but it also provides configuration options if the organization has split SecOps and NetOps groups.Interoperability: Core attribute for Aruba 

As is the case with all Aruba products, the CX 10000 was built with interoperability in mind so third-party ecosystem partners can access data in different ways. The box itself provides streaming real-time telemetry. Also, Fabric Composer has an exportable syslog that can be used. Other vendors will choose to integrate using the available APIs. At launch, the company announced a wide range of partners, including Fortinet, Palo Alto, Crowdstrike, Splunk, Netscout, Tufin, and Guardicore, to name a few. For Aruba, partnering with Pensando should bear significant dividends. While former Cisco Systems CEO John Chambers is an investor and chairman, the engineering team at the startup is about as good as there is. The company was founded by the highly successful “MPLS” quartet (Mario Mazzola, Prem Jain, Luca Cafiero, and Soni Jiandani), who built multiple billion-dollar products at Cisco, including its current ACI (Application Centric Infrastructure), which was done via the “spin-in” of Insieme. Historically, changes in compute have always driven network evolution. Compute is shifting from a centralized cloud model to a highly distributed design based on cloud-native technologies, necessitating network change. The new Aruba CX 10000 is ideally suited for modernized data centers in which performance is critical but can’t come at the expense of agility. More

I am really impressed with the Rockspace AC2100 Wi-Fi extender. Take it out of the box, plug it in, walk though two configuration steps on your browser, and reposition the AC2100 to your desired area. That is practically all that you need to do to extend your Wi-Fi network beyond its current range. But its simplicity belies its technology. This Wi-Fi extender will deliver up to 300Mbps at 2.4GHz and 1734Mbps at 5GHz to ensure that all areas of your space has Wi-Fi connectivity.

LikeEase of configurationIntegrated plugWide coverage

Don’t LikeNothing to dislike

When correctly situated with a good connection to your main router the AC2100 will  deliver Wi-Fi signal coverage up to 1292 sq. ft. of space. In the box, there is the Rockspace AC2100 extender and a user guide. The AC2100 is not too big and cumbersome at 6 x 4.5 x 4.2 inches and light too at about 13 ounces. The plug is nicely integrated into the body of the AC2100 so there are no trailing wires — a nice touch. The AC2100 has four antennas that sit flush along the sides of the body, but can be moved to get the best connection to your router.

The front of the Wi-Fi extender has three indicator lights for signal strength, WPS, and power, and there is a WPS button in the unit. The bottom of the unit has a network Gigabit port and a hole to reset the unit with a paperclip.

It uses 4T4R MU-MIMO (multiple input multiple output) multi-user technology using four PCB antennas which operate on both 2.4GHz and 5GHz frequencies. This enables the AC2100 to communicate with multiple points at the same time to improve wireless throughput — especially where there is a large amount of concurrent traffic from several users in the space.If your broadband is sufficient the router will support up to 2100Mbps if you use the Gigabit port on the bottom of the unit. I did not need to use the WPS button to connect to my existing Wi-Fi router — I was too lazy to go upstairs and push the button on my main router. I know my complex WI-Fi router password by heart as I connect and disconnect a variety of different devices to the router on a regular basis. Setup was so quick and easy that I had to reset the router using a paper clip so that I could capture the steps I took to initialise the AC2100 and extend my Wi-Fi network. It really is that simple. All you need to do at setup is to plug in the router and connect to it via Wi-Fi. This opens up a browser window on your device so you can create a password.
Eileen Brown
Then connect to your router name and give the extender network a name.
Eileen Brown
The third and final screen shows that your network has extended successfully. You can then connect to the extended network like any other access point.
Eileen Brown
After set up, you can move the WI-Fi extender to a preferred space further away from the main router. If you move the AC2100 too far from the router, the signal light changes from blue to red. Move it to a closer power point and the signal will change to blue again. It just works — and that is good for peace of mind. All in all, for under $75 the Rockspace AC2100 Wi-Fi extender is simple to use, seamless in operation, and will extend your Wi-Fi coverage to reach the areas you need. Affordable and unobtrusive, the AC2100 should be on your list of must-haves for your Wi-Fi enabled home. More

A majority of companies that shifted to remote work in Latin America are planning to stick to the format in a post-pandemic scenario. That’s according to a new study carried out by venture capital firm Atlantico with decision-makers and HR leaders in 524 firms in the region. Some 64% of Latin firms will continue to operate on a remote basis after the pandemic, according to Atlantico’s report titled Digital Transformation in Latin America. This is a change from the 9% of companies that implemented the format prior to the pandemic.

Prior to the emergence of the crisis, 69% of the companies operated mostly out of physical environments, while 25% operated in a hybrid format — whereby employees split their time between the workplace and working remotely — and only 9% operated fully remotely.When employers adapted to the changes brought on in Latin America by the pandemic, they also began to accept hybrid working. According to the study, 31% of companies in the region are operating that way, and only 5% have resumed working fully at the office. Some 13% of the respondents working in a hybrid format stated they need to work 3-5 times a week from a physical company office, while 21% have to come in 1-2 times a week. Only 4% of those polled said they were not working remotely since the emergence of COVID-19. Within those operating remotely, 40% stated they only need to attend some external meetings and conferences in person, while 22% said they need to come into the office only a few times a month. Remote working was not possible for the vast majority of the workforce in Brazil, the largest Latin American economy, according to a separate study on the uptake of the home office format across the country in 2020. The research carried out by the Institute for Applied Economic Research (Ipea) published in September noted that 74 million people were employed in Brazil in 2020, of which 8.2 million (11%) in total worked remotely.

Another report, published in March 2021, suggests that remote working was not a reality for the majority of the lower middle class and working-class poor population in Brazil. Only 17.5% of the Brazilians from those socioeconomic segments who maintained their jobs over a year-long period have claimed to be able to work from home through the crisis. More

Jio Platforms’ Q2 net profit grew almost 25% year-on-year to ₹3,728 crore, around $502 million, with the company saying customer demand is slowly returning to pre-COVID levels. “As the pandemic retreats, I am pleased that Reliance has posted a strong performance in 2Q FY22. This demonstrates the inherent strengths of our businesses and the robust recovery of the Indian and global economies. All our businesses reflect growth over pre-COVID levels,” Reliance Industries chairman and managing director Mukesh Ambani said. The holding company for India’s biggest telco, Reliance Jio, also reported gross revenue was ₹23,222 crore, $3.1 billion, which is around 15% higher than last year’s performance. Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, and amortisation (EBITDA) rose 16.6% to ₹9,294 crore, or $1.3 billion.As of the end of September, Jio Platforms said it has just shy of 430 million users. Of that customer base, almost 23.8 million are new users. The monthly average revenue per user during the quarter was ₹143.60 per subscriber, with total data traffic increasing by almost 51% to reach 23 billion GB and voice minutes increasing by 17.6% to 1.09 trillion minutes. On a per-user basis, this translates to monthly data usage of 17.6 GB and 840 minutes.Jio Platforms added that JioFiber now has over 4 million connected premises, with Jio’s optical-fibre network now physically present outside of 16 million premises.In providing its Q2 financial results, Jio Platforms said the JioPhone, which it is working to create alongside Google, is still set to be released during Diwali. The JioPhone’s release date was originally set to be launched earlier, but the company said last month it was facing semiconductor supply issues. Related Coverage More

South Sea Island in Fiji, looks nice, but the internet is not.
Image: Getty Images
Telstra announced on Monday morning it would be acquiring Digicel Pacific, ending months of speculation that a deal between the telco and the Australian government was in the works. For a total cost of $1.6 billion, Telstra said it would be contributing $270 million, with the Commonwealth to stump up $1.33 billion via “combination of non-recourse debt facilities and equity like securities”. Telstra said it would have 100% control of the entity. Telstra said the Commonwealth made the initial approach. See also: Blaming China is handy when trying to keep telco infrastructure away from Beijing “The Australian government is strongly committed to supporting quality private sector investment infrastructure in the Pacific region. We previously said that if Telstra were to proceed with a transaction it would be with financial and strategic risk management support from the government,” Telstra CEO Andy Penn said. “We also said that in addition to a government funding and support package, any investment would also have to be within certain financial parameters with Telstra’s equity investment being the minor portion of the overall transaction. I am pleased that we have been able to achieve both of those outcomes.” Under Telstra’s proposed restructure, Digicel Pacific would be under Telstra International when the deal closes in three to six months. The telco said it would not exit the deal for at least six years, and has bought political risk insurance for “certain political and regulatory interventions for six years”.

Digicel Pacific has 2.5 million customers and 1,700 employees, with $431 million in service revenue for the year to March 31, the majority of which location-wise comes from Papua New Guinea, with prepaid mobile being its best selling product. For its fiscal year, the company reported earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, and amortisation of $233 million. Average monthly revenue per user sits at $11.20. Current Digicel owner Denis O’Brien will remain on a Telstra-controlled board. Related Coverage More

2020 was a record year in holiday sales, totaling $789.4 billion. In 2021 retail e-commerce sales have already totaled more than $222 billion by just the second quarter, and it is only expected to continue. In a new FedEx report, 53% of North American buyers said that the pandemic has changed the way they will shop going forward. What’s more, over 95 million consumers stick to online shopping exclusively for their shopping needs. For small businesses, that means huge demand. The COVID-19 pandemic has brought an enormous rise in e-commerce, significantly increasing the amount of shipping that businesses do. Suddenly, small businesses are doing far beyond normal shipping levels, and it can be a struggle to keep up. Big business requires a fast, reliable shipping service, and while we all know the big names, which shipping services are best for small businesses? Shipping services comparedServiceBest forDomestic Delivery TimeInternational shippingFreight shippingDHL International shippingNext-day available220+ countries and territories✔FedExFast deliveries1 to 5 business days 220+ countries and territories✔SendleEco-friendly shipping1 to 4 business days 220+ countries and territories✗ShipBobFragile items2-day delivery 55 countries✔UPSLarge items1 to 5 business days220+ countries and territories✔USPSSmall shipping volume2 to 8 days190+ countries and territories✔

Best for international shipping

DHL

At a glanceAs the inventor of the air express business in 1969, today, DHL is a powerhouse. It is equipped to successfully work with multiple sectors, including the most sensitive ones, like chemicals, energy, healthcare, and technology. With over 431 million shipments each year to over 220 countries, DHL manages 84,000 DHL service points and over 360 TAPA-certified facilities for cargo safety with over 260 aircraft, 36,300 vehicles, 3,200 aircraft and over 3,200 flights per day. DHL also offers green logistics to reduce emissions, thereby minimizing your footprint through eco-friendly shipping solutions.DHL works with customers and packages of all sizes. Businesses with less than 250 people are considered a Small or Medium Enterprise (SME), perfect for small businesses in need of domestic and international shipping services. DHL has shipping solutions with available air, ocean, road, and rail services. If you need freight shipping, DHL can accommodate all cargo types, including pallets and containers. There is end-to-end tracking so you can keep tabs on your shipment every step of the way.  Businesses can also enjoy popular digital integrations, including Shopify, Adobe Commerce, WooCommerce, and PrestaShop, allowing seamless transition from sales to shipping. For even more support, several exporting resources are available through DHL’s joint partnership with the U.S. Commercial Service (USCS) from the Department of Commerce.Pros:Services over 220 countriesMultiple freight shipping optionsU.S. Chamber of Commerce partnership for educational resources Cons:Several fees and surcharges may applyLimited U.S. presencePricey shipping costsEstimated shipping timelinesPricing for shipping is based on several factors, including shipping destination, export or import rating zone, and weight of your shipment. However, a DHL Express business account can receive up to 30% off regular shipping prices. There are several plans available for small business shipping needs:Plan typeMaximum weightEstimated shipping timesDomesticExpress154 lbs.Next possible business dayInternational mail4.4 lbs.4-8 daysInternationalDHL Packet International4.4 lbs.4-8 daysDHL Parcel International Standard44 lbs.Canada & Europe: 4-8 daysWorldwide: 8-14 daysDHL Parcel International Direct44 lbs.3-10 days

Best for fast deliveries

FedEx

At a glanceEstablished in 1973, FedEx is one of the largest shipping services in the U.S. It ships to more than 220 countries and territories with over 570,000 team members and more than 40,000 convenient drop boxes. In fact, FedEx makes it very easy to ship your packages with several locations that can assist with packing and international shipping. You have your choice of the local FedEx Office, FedEx Ship Center, FedEx Authorized ShipCenter®, Office Depot and OfficeMax. There are also self-service options that include FedEx drop boxes, as well as one-time and recurring pickup services.For international shipping, you can calculate quotes online, plus benefit from virtual customer support. When you open a new FedEx account, you can receive up to 60% off eligible shipments with flat-rate shipping for smaller packages. FedEx has a simple system for returns with customizable return labels and print or email distribution. You can also use the FedEx International Shipping Assist tool to streamline your shipping logistics with a tool to calculate duties and taxes.Pros:Additional member discountsMultiple chat support optionsEasy online account managementCons:Pricey for small shipmentsProne to shipping delaysCharges for pickupsEstimated shipping timelinesFedEx has several shipping options that you can choose from:Delivery typeService typeEstimated shipping timesDomesticFedEx Home DeliveryGround deliveries to residences1-5 business days, up to 70 lbs.FedEx GroundCommercial deliveries1-5 business days, up to 150 lbs.FedEx Express SaverThird-business day deliveryThird-business-day delivery by 4:30 p.m. or 8 p.m., depending on the areaFedEx 2DaySecond-business day deliverySecond-business-day delivery by 4:30 p.m. or 8 p.m., depending on the areaFedEx Priority OvernightEarly next-business-day deliverySecond-business-day delivery by 10:30 a.m., noon, or 5 p.m., depending on the areaFedEx Standard OvernightAfternoon next-business-day deliverySecond-business-day delivery by 3:00 p.m., 4:30 p.m., or 8 p.m., depending on the areaInternationalFedEx International GroundDay-definite delivery to Canada2–7 business daysFedEx International EconomyFaster international shipping Canada, Mexico and Puerto Rico: 2–3 business daysOther areas: 2–5 business daysFedEx International PriorityFastest international shippingCanada and Mexico: 1 business dayEurope, Asia and Brazil: 2 business days Other areas: 1–3 business days FreightFedEx First Overnight® FreightDomestic Next-business-day delivery by 9 a.m. or 10:30 a.m.FedEx 1Day® FreightDomesticNext-business-day delivery by 10:30 a.m.FedEx 2Day® FreightDomestic2 business days by noonFedEx 3Day® FreightDomestic, except Alaska and Hawaii3 business days by 3 p.m. FedEx Freight®PriorityFast-transit domestic delivery of LTL Freight10:30 a.m. or 5 p.m.FedEx Freight® EconomyCost‑effective domestic delivery of LTL Freight10:30 a.m. or 5 p.m.

Best for eco-friendly shipping

Sendle

At a glanceSendle is a newer service, having been established in 2014, but it has grown quickly, thanks to an all-in-one approach to its shipping service. Because it partners with so many shipping services, Sendle is able to offer bulk discounts commonly reserved for high-volume companies. However, as a company based in Australia, Sendle does not offer international shipments from the U.S. Instead, you can ship across the U.S., as well as Alaska, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Shipments are also available to P.O. Boxes and domestic military bases.Sendle offers simple management for all of your shipments. To calculate pricing, you can use the online quoting tool for easy estimates. There is also the ability to schedule and book online, as well as label printing and scheduling for free pickups. Several integrations are available, including Shopify, eBay, WooCommerce, Etsy, and ShipStation for advanced management and tools. Pricing begins at $2.45 for flat-rate domestic shipping that is also carbon neutral. Sendle claims that its prices are up to 79% off normal retail rates. There is also the added benefit is Sendle Cover — a free insurance protection that covers lost goods up to $150. Pros:Partners with multiple servicesFree shipping pickupsCarbon-neutral shippingCons:Based in AustraliaNo international shipping from the U.S.Smaller serviceEstimated shipping timelines and pricingSendle offers three plans, Standard, Premium, and Pro, which feature special rates based on total volume. There is upfront, detailed rate information based on size and destination. Regardless, there are no contracts, hidden fees, or membership requirements.PlanStarting priceMinimum order quantitySendle Standard$4.14No minimumSendle Premium$3.4520Sendle Pro$3,40200

Best for fragile items

ShipBob

At a glanceLike Sendle, ShipBob was established in 2014. Over 900 employees service ShipBob’s headquarters and fulfillment centers with over 5,200 e-commerce business accounts. It partners with companies like UPS, FedEx, DHL, and USPS to ship worldwide. By using ShipBob’s services, the company claims you can increase your average order value by 97% while saving your team an estimated 120 hours per week. It also claims to reduce cart abandonment by 18% while reducing your bottom line with 13% savings.ShipBob works differently than most other services because it combines fulfillment services with shipping. It has taken a page out of Amazon’s book by combining inventory management with order fulfillment and shipping services. As a global logistics platform, it can store inventory so that when your customers place an order, ShipBob can fulfill them, packing them with 99.95% accuracy before shipment. It also boasts a 99.96% success rate for on-time shipments. With this support, the staff is free to focus on other parts of the business. ShipBob will even track the order until it is received so any issues can be handled immediately. There is also available order management software, allowing you to manage subscriptions, adjust orders, and change shipping options.Pros:Flexible ratesAdditional inventory toolsEasy integration with AmazonCons:Confusing price structureCustomer service outsourcedLengthy resolution processEstimated shipping timelines and pricingShipBob ships worldwide to over 220 countries and territories with international fulfillment centers in Canada, the UK, Australia, and Europe. ShipBob’s algorithm searches ground, air, and regional carriers to find the best delivery rates to meet your schedule. For domestic shipping, there is ShipBob’s 2-Day Express Shipping Program, which offers a standard 2-day shipping for your orders. Returns incur a $3 processing fee for every returned order. Labels are additional and may be provided independently or purchased from ShipBob. TaskTypeEstimated timelineCostFulfillmentReceiving inventoryFlat rate3 business days$25 first 2 hours$40 per man hour thereafterStorageMonthly N/A$40/pallet/month$10/shelf/month$5/bin/monthPick and PackPer orderN/A$0 Up to 4 picks$0.20 ea. for 5+ picksStandard packingPer orderN/AIncluded with free packing suppliesShippingPer orderN/AVariesReceiving Flat rateN/A$25 First 2 hours$40/hour after 2 hours If you prefer a self-service program, the Growth plan is available for shipments of 400 or less each month.

Best for large items

UPS

At a glanceUPS is one of the best business shipping services in the U.S. and also one of the most popular. A number of services are available, including e-commerce, order fulfillment and international shipping. One standout feature about UPS is its free virtual brainstorming session, which is offered by the UPS small business solutions team. It makes it easy to set up and streamline your business operations to offer the best shipping services.You can test-drive additional services, like a 60-day free trial for UPS eFulfillment. This allows for easier inventory management and shipping, integrating with more than 21 platforms. Several other types of support are available, as well: UPS My Choice® features an interactive dashboard detailing estimated delivery times and critical notifications regarding both inbound and outbound shipments. UPS Mail Innovations is an affordable solution for a large volume of letters and lightweight packages.WorldShip® is great to streamline high-volume shipping.UPS Import Control® allows you to track and manage international shipments.UPS CampusShip® allows your employees to access shipping with an easy web-based platform.MyFreight helps you ship and track truckload shipments.ConnectShip allows for integrated, multi-carrier shipping solutions for more intricate needs.Your local UPS store can help with everything from packing and package receiving to notary services. There is also a 30% discount for online printing projects, like business cards, mailers, and brochures.Pro:Helpful tracking toolsAffordable for heavy itemsSmall business toolsCons:Can have added feesNo free pickup servicesExtra charges for weekend deliveryEstimated shipping timelines and pricing2021 UPS Rates are incredibly detailed with domestic shipping timelines and small business payment solutions. Shipping by air is available in three options: overnight, two-day, and three-day delivery.International shipping is also available with several options:International service Estimated deliveryUPS Express CriticalIt depends on order placementUPS Worldwide Express Plus1-3 business days, typically by 8:30 or 9:00 a.m.UPS Worldwide Saver1-3 business days, by end of dayUPS Worldwide Expedited2-5 business days, by end of dayUPS StandardDay definite, by end of day

Best for small shipping volume

USPS

At a glanceUSPS has small business solutions that go beyond the typical shipping service, such as USPS Loyalty Rewards. Shipping is easy with the Click-N-Ship® service that creates labels for Priority Mail® and Priority Mail Express® packages. With Click-N-Ship® Business Pro, you can use exclusive USPS desktop software to make domestic and international shipments totaling 10 or more.  There are additional integration and reporting features so you can see your company’s performance over time.Businesses have the option to reserve a dedicated PO Box, and there is also a free shipment pickup that can be scheduled in advance using the easy online interface. Meanwhile, your business has the opportunity to earn loyalty reward credits on the shipments you make anyway. There are also marketing support services. An example is USPS Marketing Mail, which arms you with the tools to elevate your company’s direct-mail initiatives through the Every Door Direct Mail® (EDDM®) and Direct Mail Advertising programs. Also available are Business Solutions Associates that can ship you a starter kit and work with you to create the right program for your company’s specific shipping needs. Pros:Can add mailbox or PO box rentalAutomatic address verificationFree Flat Rate boxes and suppliesCons:Minimal tracking tools Pricey for international shippingTransit times are often longerEstimated shipping timelines and pricingUSPS provides a clear-cut estimated timeline for several types of deliveries. Rate details are available in the in-depth price schedule:Domestic ServiceShipping timeDomesticPriority Mail ExpressNext day – 2 day by 6 p.m.Priority Mail1 – 3 daysUSPS Retail Ground2–8 DaysMedia Mail2–8 DaysFirst-Class Package Service1 – 3 daysInternationalGlobal Express Guaranteed1–3 Business DaysPriority Mail Express International3–5 Business DaysPriority Mail International6–10 Business DaysFirst-Class Package International ServiceVaries

How did we choose these products?Today, many companies offer online shipping services, but not all may be best suited for your business needs. In order to find the best shipping services for small businesses, we consider several factors, such as these:Delivery estimates: While all deliveries are subject to interruption, the estimated delivery time for your shipments is important to coincide with any shipping promises your company has made.Packaging: While some companies offer free shipping supplies, others may offer alternate solutions, such as carbon-free shipping materials.Type of shipments: The size, weight, and dimensions of your shipments will greatly affect cost.Order volume: Cost savings often apply for bulk shipping volume. Tracking tools: Not all companies may offer detailed tracking information for your peace of mind.  Fragile possessions: Some items are extremely fragile and can easily break without the popular precautions.  Based on these criteria and more, we offer 2021’s best shipping services for small businesses.Which is the right one for you?With so many shipping services for small businesses, it is not always easy to identify the right pick for your needs. Here are our best recommendations for the best shipping services for small businesses.Choose this product…When…DHL ExpressYou do a lot of international businessFedExYou don’t have time to wasteSendleYour business wants to go greenShipBobYou need extra care for your packagesUPSYou ship big and bulky itemsUSPSYou ship small or lightweight itemsShipping service for small business FAQ
How is the price for business shipping services calculated?

Pricing for shipments is based on a series of specific factors, including the destination, weight, and requested delivery time.

What is considered a small package?

Typically, a small package weighs less than 150lbs. 

How much does it cost to ship internationally?

Every country is different, just as every company handles international rates differently. To find the best pricing, you can talk to a team member for a quote and important details regarding applicable fees and tariffs.

Are there alternatives worth considering?There are just a limited number of proven, experienced shipping providers in the U.S. However, if you are looking for more options for your business needs, consider some of our other features:

ZDNet Recommends More

In a world increasingly gone digital, online fax services allow users the ability to conduct both personal and professional business, no matter where they are at the time. It is also an easy way to streamline personal tasks and business operations with easily accessible archives. As the world becomes more eco-friendly, online and mobile faxing is also becoming especially popular with green businesses and users. All you need is Wi-Fi and a computer or mobile device, and you are well on your way. Online fax services enable individual users, as well as business owners and their staff, to remain plugged in on the go with mobile faxing services. However, with many companies today offering modern faxing solutions, it can be difficult to discern which provides the best online fax services for your needs. Whether you send the occasional fax or have a high daily volume, these are our picks for 2021’s best online fax services.  Online fax services compared Product Best for Fax Numbers Starting Price (mo.) Free plan Free trial eFax Best for storage 10 $14.13. ✗ 14 days Fax.Plus Best for small businesses 2 $4.99 ✔ ✗ HelloFax Affordable faxing 1 $8.33 ✔ 30 days MetroFax Best for mobile use 10 $8.30 ✔ 14 days RingCentral Fax Best for busy businesses 1 $17.99 ✗ 7 days Srfax Best for the healthcare industry Unlimited $3.00 ✗ 30 or 60 days

Best for storage

eFax

Compatibility: Desktop | Android | iOS | EmailAt a glanceeFax claims to be the world’s #1 online fax service, and it is undoubtedly one of the most popular. There is no fax machine or paper is required; faxes are simply transmitted via your email, phone, or computer. Multiple users may share the same account for simple use, and large file sharing is included, with faxing available for up to 20 recipients in a single fax. A free mobile app allows for easy faxing and viewing on the go. eFax will even save your signature to allow for easy signing. You can bring your own fax number, or you can choose from local, toll-free, and international numbers. With unlimited online storage, faxes and attachments are stored via popular cloud integrations like Dropbox, Google Drive, and iCloud, making them easily accessible for use in the future. To protect sensitive and confidential documents, eFax offers Enhanced Security for its accounts, adding encryption and third-party hosting to ensure maximum security. If you hit any snags, eFax offers 24/7 customer service to help out. PriceeFax offers three plans based on your shipping volume with an additional set-up fee that accompanies all plans. A free trial is available for 14 days.PlanMonthly costAnnual cost per monthNumber of pages: SendNumber of pages: ReceiveAdditional pagesSet-up feeeFax Plus$16.95$14.13150150$0.10$10eFax Pro$19.95$16.63200200$0.10$10eFax CorporateVariesVariesCustomCustom$0.10VariesPros:24/7 customer serviceUnlimited storageHIPAA-compliant faxing availableCons:Set-up fee appliesShort trialLimited admin controls

Best for small businesses

Fax.Plus

Compatibility: Desktop | iOS | Android | Slack | Zapier | Google | Microsoft Word | Chrome Extension |At a glanceFax.Plus has the ability to send faxes to more than 180 countries, using your own fax number or a new fax number from 47 available countries. Upgraded security protocols include two-factor authentication with single sign-on (SSO) and TLS encryption. Fax.Plus also boasts a leading server infrastructure with servers located in Switzerland. You have the option to choose from smaller-volume plans, or you can sign up for an Enterprise plan that brings multiple fax numbers and unlimited users. Fax.Plus does offer a free plan; however, it is extremely restricted. While you can send faxes, you cannot receive them, and there is no dedicated fax number. In fact, you will need to upgrade to the Business or Enterprise plans in order to add multiple users or benefit from Slack and Zapier integrations. Both Business and Enterprise plans allow you to manage and restrict user access for your employees, controlling areas like billing and account settings.PriceFax.Plus has five plans available for your fax services.PlanMonthly costAnnual cost per monthTotal number of pagesAdditional pagesSet-up feeFree$0$010$0.20$0Basic$5.99$4.99100$0.10$0Premium$9.99$11.99300$0.05$0Business$19.99$14.99800$0.05$0Enterprise$59.99$49.993,000$0.03$0Pros:No set-up feeFree plan availableMultiple plansCons:Limited pagesCan’t receive faxes with free planPriority support reserved for business customers

Best for affordable faxing

HelloFax

Compatibility: Desktop | Google Drive | Dropbox | OneDrive | Evernote |At a glanceHelloFax is a Dropbox company, which instantly speaks to its archiving and cloud support. Plans include unlimited secure storage for files that sync with The Cloud and add easy G Suite integration. Other integrations include Dropbox, Box, OneDrive, and Evernote. Either way, faxes are encrypted for added security and delivered via a convenient PDF. HelloFax supports international faxing to over 70 countries, although some places may count as multiple pages. For example, every page sent to Japan is counted as two pages.You can choose from a local number or bring your own with the option to set up as many users as you want. There is no cost to add or remove users as needed, which is convenient if you have a seasonal or fluctuating staff. HelloFax does not require contracts, so service simply renews on a month-to-month basis until you instruct otherwise. There are no sign-up, set-up, or cancellation fees, either, giving you extra freedom over your account.PriceIn addition to its free plan, HelloFax offers a risk-free 30-day trial. After that, you can choose from a total of four plans.PlanMonthly costAnnual cost per monthTotal number of pagesAdditional pagesNumber of sendersSet-up feeFree$0$05$0.99 up to 10 pages; $0.20 thereafter1$0Home Office$9.99$8.33300$0.99 up to 10 pages;  $0.20 thereafter5$0Professional$19.99$16.67500$0.99 up to 10 pages; $0.20 thereafter10$0Small Business$39.99$33.331,000$0.99 up to 10 pages; $0.20 thereafter20$0Pros:Free 30-day trialUnlimited file storageAdditional storage integrationsCons:Limited international fax numbersNo mobile appSingle email used for fax service

Best for mobile use

MetroFax

Compatibility: Desktop | iOS | Android |At a glanceMetroFax also allows you to link five different email addresses to a single fax number, making it ideal for management and executive teams who need greater access and functionality. An added convenience is the centralized admin console with web-based controls for easy oversight. It is easy to import contact lists when you use CSV-formatted uploads to add all of your contacts to your MetroFax account. Faxes are then delivered via PDF or TIFF attachments to eliminate printing needs, extra consideration for businesses that have gone green. There are no contracts so that you can cancel your account at any time and without penalty. There is the option of either a dedicated local or toll-free number, depending on what is most appropriate for your business. Either way, there are no long-distance charges for any faxes that you send. MetroFax allows you to send faxes to multiple recipients with automatic retries if the party is unavailable. PriceMetroFax offers three plans with an additional fee of $0.03 per page if you exceed the monthly allotment. PlanMonthly costAnnual cost per monthNumber of pages Set-up feeEssential$9.95$8.30500$0Best Value$12.95$10.791,000$0Professional$35.95$29.962,500$0Pros:Affordable pricingUp to 10 numbersNo set-up feesCons:Short 14-day trialNo international numbersLimited customer support

Best for busy businesses

RingCentral

Compatibility: Desktop | Android | iOS |At a glanceRingCentral Fax is designed to serve as an all-in-one service, combining messaging, video, phone, and fax services all into one bundle. While undoubtedly convenient, it might be too much for some users, which is why RingCentral also allows you to purchase fax services independently. Fax-only service costs about half the price of the RingCentral MVP bundle. Either way, there are both desktop and mobile applications, plus Integrations with Dropbox, Box, Google Drive, and Microsoft Office to streamline document management. With 24-hour support and real-time analytics, it is easy to stay in control at all times with RingCentral Fax. RingCentral boasts an impressive 99.999% uptime while serving 110 countries. There are also over 250 app integrations, including Microsoft Office. Faxes are sent with added encryption and a total of seven layers of protection, with caller ID blocking and automatic notifications. You also have the ability to edit and sign faxes with its software.PriceRingCentral allows you the option to choose from a dedicated fax plan or a hybrid plan that combines faxing with phone and video services. PlanMonthly costAnnual cost per monthNumber of pagesAdditional pagesFax 1500$22.99$17.991,500$0.49RingCentral MVPFax + Phone + Video$49.99$37.99UnlimitedUnlimitedPros:No set-up feesAbility to schedule faxes24-hour supportCons:Single user plansLimited choice of plansRestricted mobile tools

Best for the healthcare industry

SRFax

Compatibility: Desktop | iOS | Android |At a glanceSRFax is best known for its services within the healthcare industry. Given its HIPAA compliance and SSL encryption, it is a natural choice for many healthcare providers, whether they are clinics, hospitals, or pharmacies. It is also a great choice for small businesses and corporate enterprises who appreciate the simplicity of email to fax with the added benefit of secure SSL encryption for confidential information. It is why the service is also popular with legal, real estate, and government professionals. SRFax serves both the U.S. and Canada with its 24/7 customer support team based in British Columbia. Both local and toll-free fax numbers are available, or you can choose to port an existing number. Regardless, there are no set-up or cancellation fees, so you can terminate your account at any time without penalty. To help with peace of mind, there is a free 60-day trial. PriceSRFax is set up to provide fax solutions for a number of different users through its Enterprise, Healthcare, and Standard plans. A free trial is available, but the length depends on your chosen plan: Standard plans have a 60-day free trial, while Healthcare Solutions customers only receive a free trial of 30 days. Regardless, there are no setup or cancellation fees for any of its plans.PlanMonthly costAnnual cost per monthNumber of pages Additional pages (each)Basic$3.29$3.0025$0.10Basic Plus$6.95$5.50200$0.06Standard Lite$9.95$7.95500$0.06Standard $15.95$12.85800$0.05Standard Plus$29.95$23.951,500$0.05Standard Professional$45.95$38.602,500$0.035Enterprise Plans Enterprise Lite$89.95$78.505,000$0.03Enterprise Standard$170$15510,000$0.03Enterprise Professional $15.95N/APay by Page Usage$0.025Healthcare PlansHealthcare Lite$7.95$6.50200$0.035Healthcare Basic$10.95$9.00500$0.035Healthcare Basic Plus$16.95$14.00800$0.035Healthcare Standard$30.95$26.201,500$0.035Healthcare Standard Plus$49.95$42.502,500$0.035Healthcare Professional$92.95$83.005,000$0.035Healthcare Professional Plus$185.00$165.0010,000$0.03Healthcare Professional Premium$395$36020,000$0.025Healthcare Premium Plus$1,185.00N/A60,000$0.023Healthcare Select$1,975.00N/A100,000$0.023Healthcare Select Plus$3,950.00N/A200,000$0.023Healthcare Unlimited$19.95N/AUnlimited (Usage-based)$0.022Pros:HIPAA-compliantUnlimited storage with all plansUp to 60-day free trialCons:No exclusive mobile appMissing digital signature toolMultiple plans can be confusing

How did we choose these products? Many services offer online faxing services, but not all will offer the best features and characteristics for your needs. To find the best online fax services in 2021, we consider these important factors: Storage: Look for an online fax service that has reliable and protected archives to store all of the information you send and receive.  Integrations: Some services will connect to the Cloud for reliable storage. There are also many integrations that may be available, such as popular programs Microsoft Office, Google G Suite, Dropbox, Box, and Evernote.  Accessibility: Another important consideration is whether your online fax service provides a desktop or mobile app for faxing. Other services may simply stick to email-to fax-service.  Page limits: Most online fax services limit the number of pages that you can use per month, making it critical to review plan allowances. Plan type: We consider plans suitable for several purposes, including those for individual, small business, and corporate enterprise accounts. Fees: Plans may include several different types of fees, such as page overages, set up fees, and additional fax numbers. To ensure there are no surprises, we review each fee schedule in detail. Type of fax number: Many different types of fax numbers are available, depending on the online fax service you choose. These may be available as local, toll-free, vanity, and international fax numbers. Other companies may allow you to port your existing number in order to minimize confusion. Based on these factors and more, these companies will offer the best online fax services in 2021. Which is the right one for you? The digital craze caught on early, so several companies are offering online fax services today. To help you find the right online tax service for you, we offer these considerations. Choose this product… If you want… eFax A popular and proven service with a large storage capacity Fax.Plus When you have a smaller team with lower volume HelloFax When you don’t do a lot of faxing   MetroFax When you want to send faxes on the go RingCentral Fax A service to keep up with your business  SRFax When you want a HIPAA-compliant online fax service for healthcare Online fax services FAQ
What is an online fax service?

Also known as cloud-based faxing, online fax services use the internet to receive and transmit faxes electronically instead of the traditional machine-and-paper format. Most plans come with additional features, like multiple fax numbers, several users, and cloud-based storage.

What is the best online fax service?

There are a number of choices for the best online fax service, but the best service for you depends on your needs. For example, the best online fax service may be different from the best online fax service for businesses. To find the best option for you, check out our top picks for the best online fax services in 2021. 

How much do online fax services cost?

Many services have free plans available, but they may limit features or functionality. Paid plans for online fax services can cost anywhere from a few dollars to $1,000 and more, depending on the company and plan you choose.

Are there alternatives worth considering? In our search for the best online fax services, we analyzed many different options for our review. These are some of the other options we considered for our list: Biscom 123: Good for new users  FaxBurner: Great for affordable online fax services FaxZero: Best for minimal use MFax: Recommended for up to 50 users MyFax: Preferred for personal use vFax by Nextiva: Consider for multiple devices

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