Download our checklist to build a resilient cybersecurity culture in your organization.

Solely investing your time and resources in technology won’t protect your business from cybercriminals. You also need the help of a trained workforce.

If you want your employees to be your biggest allies against cybercriminals, you must promote a vibrant culture of cybersecurity in your organization. With our checklist, you can measure if your current cybersecurity culture can keep cybercriminals at bay.

In this checklist, you’ll learn:

  • How to build a strong cybersecurity culture
  • What changes to make in your organization’s culture
  • How an IT service provider can fortify your IT environment

Ready to accelerate your growth, increase customer trust and build employee pride? Download the checklist today.

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Cost considerations often fuel doubts about outsourced IT. However, when carefully evaluated, outsourcing proves to be a cost-effective solution.

Investing in an internal IT department entails substantial expenses, ranging from recruitment and training to salaries and benefits. On top of that, the ever-evolving technology landscape demands constant investments in infrastructure upgrades and software licenses.

Outsourcing IT services provides access to specialized expertise and eliminates the financial burden of maintaining an internal team. With economies of scale at play, you can access cutting-edge infrastructure and security measures at a fraction of the cost.

Myth #4: It leads to a loss of control over IT operations.

A common fear associated with outsourced IT is the perceived loss of control. However, the reality couldn’t be further from the truth.

By partnering with the right IT service provider, you gain enhanced visibility into your IT operations, leading to better decision-making and outcomes. Detailed reports, analytics and performance metrics offer valuable insights that empower you to align your IT strategies with your objectives. Moreover, a collaborative relationship with the IT provider fosters transparency, open communication and meaningful decision-making.

Partner for success

Ready to revolutionize your business with the remarkable benefits of outsourcing your IT operations? Look no further! Get in touch with us today and embark on a transformative journey toward streamlined efficiency and accelerated growth.

We know managing your IT infrastructure can be complex and time-consuming, diverting your attention away from your core business objectives. That’s where our expertise comes into play — armed with extensive experience and cutting-edge solutions to seamlessly handle all your IT needs.

We’ve created a comprehensive infographic that highlights the undeniable advantages of outsourced IT. Learn how it can transform your business and propel you ahead of the competition. Click here to explore the power of outsourcing.

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References and value demonstration

When evaluating potential IT service providers, it is essential to seek references and ask for evidence of the value they have provided to their clients. Speaking with their current or past clients allows you to gain valuable insights into their performance, reliability and customer satisfaction.

Requesting real metrics and use cases enables you to assess the IT service provider’s track record and evaluate how their services have benefited other businesses. This information gives you confidence in their capabilities and helps you gauge their suitability for your organization.

By choosing an IT service provider with positive references and a demonstrated ability to deliver value, you can minimize risks and make an informed decision that aligns with your business goals.

Round-the-clock service

Technology disruptions can occur anytime, and prompt resolution of IT issues is crucial to minimize downtime and maintain business continuity.

An IT service provider offering round-the-clock service ensures that technical support and assistance are available whenever needed. This 24/7 support can be crucial if you operate across different time zones or have critical operations outside regular business hours

By partnering with an IT service provider that provides continuous support, you can have peace of mind knowing that any IT issues will be addressed promptly, reducing the impact on your operations and enabling your business to run smoothly without interruption.

Act before it’s too late

Ready to find the perfect IT service provider for your business? Don’t wait any longer — reach out to us today and schedule a no-obligation consultation. Our team of experts is eager to understand your unique needs and discuss how our services can help your organization thrive.

To take control of your technology infrastructure and ensure it aligns with your business goals, download our complimentary checklist “Top Warning Signs Your Technology Is Holding Your Business Back.” This resource will provide you with valuable insights on the primary tech red flags to keep an eye on. Empower yourself with the knowledge needed to make an informed decision.

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Technology is crucial to your business, but poor IT infrastructure can add to your business woes.

Is your technology holding you back from reaching your business goals? It’s time to identify potential roadblocks.

Always look out for red flags like:

  • Lack of IT expertise
  • Frequent downtime
  • Overspending on IT
  • Lack of scalability
  • Security and compliance concerns
  • No disaster recovery plan

Not sure how to tackle these challenges alone? Don’t worry — download our checklist that discusses each red flag in detail and take the first step toward optimized technology for business growth.

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Learn how an outsourced IT provider could guide you to success.

Struggling to keep up with evolving technology? Handling your IT needs on your own can be costly and challenging. It’s time to find a smarter solution.

Introducing outsourced IT services — a game changer for businesses. Think of it as having your own IT department but without the hassle.

Adopting outsourced IT has benefits, such as:

  • Access to specialized expertise
  • Reduced expenses
  • Predictable monthly cost
  • Streamlined operations
  • And more

Discover these benefits in more detail through our infographic and get the most out of your technology.

Download our infographic now.

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Do You Know Your IT Support Options?

Discover co-managed IT with our must-read infographic.

With cyberthreats on the rise, protecting your business is now more important than ever. However, managing technology can be overwhelming, even with an in-house IT team.

Luckily for you, we’ve created an infographic that breaks down the benefits of co-managed IT. With co-managed IT, you’ll have the support you need to keep your business running smoothly and have peace of mind knowing that your data is secure.

You’ll learn:

  • The difference between fully and co-managed IT
  • How partnering with an IT service provider can benefit your business
  • The impact co-managed IT can have on your bottom line

Don’t let your technology hold you back.
Get the information you need to find the right support for your business.

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Get in touch with us to learn how we can help you.

Discover co-managed IT with our must-read infographic.

With cyberthreats on the rise, protecting your business is now more important than ever. However, managing technology can be overwhelming, even with an in-house IT team.

Luckily for you, we’ve created an infographic that breaks down the benefits of co-managed IT. With co-managed IT, you’ll have the support you need to keep your business running smoothly and have peace of mind knowing that your data is secure.

You’ll learn:

  • The difference between fully and co-managed IT
  • How partnering with an IT service provider can benefit your business
  • The impact co-managed IT can have on your bottom line

Don’t let your technology hold you back. Get the information you need to find the right support for your business.

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Get in touch with us to learn how we can help you.

Top 4 Co-Managed IT Myths

As a business owner, you may feel that you need to choose between relying on your in-house IT staff or outsourcing technology management to an IT service provider. There is, however, a third option: co-managed IT. This approach combines the advantages and convenience of in-house IT with competent, specialized support from outsourced specialists.

It’s a “best of both worlds” approach that can help your business leverage an external IT service provider to fill IT gaps without sourcing, training and retaining qualified, expensive talent.

However, misconceptions about co-managed IT can make it difficult to make informed decisions. In this blog post, we’ll bust four common myths about co-managed IT to help you understand the benefits of this approach and how it can help your business succeed.

Myths debunked

Without further ado, lets debunk the top co-managed IT myths:

Myth #1: My business won’t be able to afford co-managed IT.

One of the biggest misconceptions about co-managed IT is that it’s too expensive. Co-managed IT is a cost-effective option since you can reduce costs by sharing the workload without sacrificing quality. Additionally, the cost of downtime due to internal IT resources dealing with unexpected issues or disruptions can be much higher than the cost of co-managed IT.

Myth #2: My business isn’t big enough to need outsourced co-managed IT.

Many business owners believe that only large enterprises benefit from outsourced IT services. However, businesses of all sizes can benefit from co-managed IT. Co-managed service providers can customize services to fill identified gaps and meet specific business goals. Plus, even relatively smaller businesses are not immune to cyberattacks, making the advanced security solutions provided by an IT service provider even more necessary.

Myth #3: An outsourced IT specialist is less vested in my business’s success than my internal staff.

This is not true. A good IT service provider will strive to provide co-managed IT services that align with business goals and outcomes. Careful vetting will help ensure they are committed to your business and its success. In a co-managed model, the IT service provider becomes an extension of the organization’s team, but the internal team controls the relationship. This ensures that the IT service provider is aligned with your business goals and objectives and is working to help your business succeed.

Myth #4: My internal IT staff will lose their jobs.

Co-managed services are brought in to supplement existing resources, not replace them. In a co-managed model, internal IT workers and external IT providers each have distinct roles and responsibilities that complement each other. They work closely together toward common business goals and objectives. There will be no layoffs of internal IT staff, but they will have the opportunity to work alongside highly skilled and experienced IT professionals to help your business succeed.

Need help?

By now, you probably have a clear idea that co-managed IT is a good option for businesses looking to bridge the gap between in-house and outsourced IT. However, it’s important to remember that not all IT service providers are created equal. Choosing the right partner can make a massive difference in the success of your co-managed IT strategy. That’s why it’s crucial to partner with an experienced provider who understands the unique needs of your business.

And that’s where we come in!

We understand the importance of co-managed IT and can tailor our services to meet the specific needs of your business. We’re here to help you navigate this journey and ensure you get the best out of co-managed IT. Contact us today to discuss how co-managed IT can benefit your business and learn more about how we can support your organization’s IT needs.

Don’t forget to download our checklist, “How to Choose the Best Co-managed IT Partner for Your Business,“ to help you make an informed decision.

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The Dangers of Running Outdated Software

Your software is only as good as its last patch. Reaching End of Life (EoL) or End of Service (EoS) means critical patches and updates are no longer available, leaving you vulnerable to various problems.

Some make the mistake of not rushing to upgrade the software because it is still functional. However, outdated software can lead to security risks, data loss, compliance issues and more.

In this blog, we will discuss the primary implications of running outdated software and explain why it’s crucial to take action when your software reaches EoL or EoS.

Implications of using outdated software

The implications of running outdated software can be divided into three categories:

Security implications

Using outdated software can have severe security implications, such as:

  • You no longer receive security patches from the vendor, leaving your system vulnerable to known exploits.
  • Threat actors may have already reverse-engineered the software and developed exploit code, making it easier for them to compromise your system.
  • Running outdated software may cause compatibility issues with other software and hardware, leading to data loss or corruption.
  • Using outdated software may violate your organization’s security policies, hindering a secure future and operational excellence.

Privacy implications

Privacy implications of using outdated software can be severe. If the software is no longer supported by its vendor and contains sensitive information, you could be at risk of receiving a data privacy fine.

For example, in the United States, the Federal Trade Commission is taking action against Chegg Inc. for failing to patch vulnerabilities that exposed sensitive information about millions of its customers and employees, such as Social Security numbers, email addresses and passwords. Chegg allegedly couldn’t address problems despite four security breaches over a five-year period.

According to the FTC’s proposed order, the company must immediately address vulnerabilities and take additional steps, such as limiting the amount of data it can collect and retain, providing users with multifactor authentication to secure their accounts, and allowing users to access and delete their data.*

Productivity implications

Outdated software can have severe productivity implications for a business. For example, if the software runs slowly, crashes frequently or is otherwise difficult to use, it can frustrate employees and disrupt workflows. This can, in turn, lead to a poor customer experience, damaging a company’s reputation and bottom line. Therefore, it is important to keep software up to date to avoid these problems.

Collaborate for success

You’ve already taken the first step toward securing your company by recognizing the dangers of using outdated software. However, mitigating the above implications may be a heavy lift for you since you’ll have to set aside extra time and effort while running an organization. Partnering with an IT service provider like us can ease your worry.

To protect your business, we can help you identify outdated software and hardware. We can keep you up to date on the latest security threats and how to mitigate them. We can also update your systems to the latest versions to ensure the best possible protection. For a consultation, feel free to contact us.

Source:

In addition, to help you learn more, download our infographic
“What Does End of Support Mean for Your Business?”

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Regular Backup Testing: Save Time, Money and Energy

As a business owner, you’re probably already aware of the threats looming over data security in today’s digital environment. The irretrievable loss of critical data could drive your business to ruins. Apart from the financial fallout directly associated with data loss, it could also damage your reputation.

While backups can help your business recover after a disaster, you must understand that backups can also fail. The last thing you need after a catastrophic data loss is to find out that your backups have also bit the dust. For backups to work perfectly, they must be tested regularly to ensure that your critical data is accurately preserved and can be retrieved when required.

In addition to the obvious benefit of business continuity following a disaster, regular backup testing can also help you save a great deal of time, money and energy. Let’s find out how.

Components of effective backups

There are typically three backup components that organizations must incorporate as part of their backup strategy. By adopting these measures, you can ensure consistency in your backup tasks and implement a foolproof system to combat unexpected backup failures.

  • Creating a backup schedule: Many businesses don’t follow a consistent backup schedule. In some cases, the schedule can also be insufficient.
    For instance, if data is the lifeline of your business, backing it up once a week may not be an adequate protective measure. If data loss happens even a day before the scheduled backup date, you will lose a week’s worth of data. You need to make sure that the schedule you create compliments your business requirements.
  • Monitoring backups: The next critical step in your data backup strategy involves monitoring your backups. Monitoring helps you identify data failure at an early stage before it becomes completely irrecoverable. It could also help you identify the reason behind the failure so you can implement necessary fixes.
  • Testing your backups: Imagine consistently backing up your data without fail but not being able to retrieve it when you need it. It would be a waste of storage space, time, money and effort. You need to periodically test your full restoration capability as per your requirement (weekly or monthly). If critical data is involved, you need to test restoration more frequently. By comprehensively testing your recoverability, you can rest assured that your backups will ensure business continuity even under dire circumstances.

Benefits of regular backup testing

Regular backup testing is an essential part of your disaster recovery readiness. However, it also comes with a few other benefits. Here is a list of reasons why regular backup testing should be a part of your backup strategy:

  • Disaster recovery readiness: The most important benefit of testing is the most obvious one – readiness. By regularly testing your backups, you can be fully prepared to deal with an unexpected disaster when it strikes. Since you already have experience restoring all your backups, you can get your business operations up and running within a reasonable time and prevent massive financial loss.
  • Compliance adherence: Testing is a mandatory part of various compliance regulations. According to most of these regulations, a disaster recovery plan has no value if it does not work when required. The testing requirements, however, may differ from one regulatory standard to another.
  • Deduplication avoidance: Duplication of backups may not sound like a major issue, but it can waste your limited resources on unwanted storage. When there are multiple duplicate backups, it takes up a lot of resources and forces you to spend more time processing it. You need to perform deduplication periodically to ensure that you have backed up only the essential data that is critical to your requirements.
  • Optimized data: With proper testing, you can organize your critical data and manage it effectively. This is an essential requirement for organizations of all sizes. By organizing your data better, you will get an idea of where everything is stored and recover the right information when needed. This helps you streamline the backup process and ensure proper restoration.
  • Understanding your infrastructure: Implementing backup testing will help companies get a better understanding of their data storage infrastructure. For instance, you can get a high-level view of your infrastructure and understand the different components associated with the backup process.
  • Commitment to stakeholders: Having a solid backup strategy indicates that you are committed to the security of your customer data. Testing your backups regularly is a better way to show your customers and other stakeholders that you are doing everything in your power to ensure business continuity.

Reduce recovery failures with testing

Disaster drills are a part of various processes in our daily lives. We often go through fire safety drills in buildings to ensure we’re prepared in case of an unexpected disaster. Why should data protection be any different? There is nothing worse than putting a plan into action without ever testing it. Regular backup testing can help you reduce recovery failures to a great extent and help you adhere to your business continuity plan.

If you’re unsure how to do this, don’t worry. An IT service provider like us can handle those matters for you. Reach out today to assess your backup recoverability and ensure consistent data restoration during your time of need.

In addition, to help you learn more, download our infographic
“What Does End of Support Mean for Your Business?”

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