Tag Archive: managed IT services

  1. Do You Know How to Choose Managed IT Services?

    Leave a Comment

    Managed IT services comes with a lot of options, decisions, and opportunities. To get the most out of your investment, it’s important to make the right call–or, perhaps more precisely, the right calls. Here are a few tips to help you choose the right paths when it comes to managed IT services!

     

    Managed IT services comes with a lot of options, decisions, and opportunities. To get the most out of your investment, it’s important to make the right call–or, perhaps more precisely, the right calls. Here are a few tips to help you choose the right paths when it comes to managed IT services!

    Deciding on Managed IT Services

    The idea behind managed IT services is to make your life easier by supporting and protecting your IT environment. To get to that point, though, you have to make a few big decisions, which doesn’t always feel easy.

    Luckily, there are ways to make sure you get the most out of managed IT. Just break your decisions into three basic categories:

    The service

    The first decisions to focus on are those about the service itself. What do you need from managed IT services? What do you want a managed IT provider to do for your company? Some services are all-inclusive, helping you manage devices, implement IT strategies, and more, while others are simpler and focused more exclusively on devices or network connections. Just remember to consider both current and future needs when making your choices.

    The company

    Next, you need to choose a managed IT services provider to be your partner in tech. You should ask a lot of questions to make sure this provider is a good fit–for example, you need to know how you’d be able to reach them, what their response times are, how long they’ve been in business, whether they have references, and more. Keep in mind that a good provider will be eager to learn about you, too–that’s how you know they actually care about your business and needs.

    The pricing

    One of the benefits of managed IT is a flat rate for your IT solutions instead of the piecemeal cost of paying for repairs, maintenance, upgrades, and other needs on your own. However, that flat rate depends on how robust the service is, and some providers will work with you to explore payment plans and options. The good news is that managed IT services often helps pay for itself by saving money, reducing waste, and reducing the costs associated with downtime.

    Conclusion

    There are plenty of decisions to be made when it comes to managed IT services, but the most important one is this: Are you ready to get started? Once you’ve taken that first step, the other choices become a little bit easier–simply because there are tangible benefits on the horizon.

    So, are you ready to get started? Contact us today for help with all your managed IT services decisions!

  2. How to Choose a Managed IT Services Provider

    Leave a Comment

    There’s a lot to consider when it comes to managed IT services, but perhaps the most important decision you’ll make is which provider to go with. That choice isn’t always easy–so here are a few tips to help you end up with a partner you can trust!

     

    There’s a lot to consider when it comes to managed IT services, but perhaps the most important decision you’ll make is which provider to go with. That choice isn’t always easy–so here are a few tips to help you end up with a partner you can trust!

    Understanding Managed IT Services Providers

    What is a managed IT services provider, anyway?

    A provider is a company that acts as your partner in tech. When you outsource your IT support, they’re the ones who take responsibility for issues big and small–which is why it’s so important to find a provider you trust.

    Ideally, a provider should begin your relationship by performing an audit or analysis of your tech environment. That way, they have all the information they need to make recommendations, choose solutions, and help you overcome any specific pain points. This doesn’t mean they should “take over,” though. Remember, this is a partnership–so you should be able to make requests or changes whenever you want.

    The Right Managed IT Services Provider

    So, now you know what a managed IT services provider should look like–how do you find one that fits the bill? Here are a few things to look for:

    #1: Reliability

    Most managed IT providers say they’re reliable, but only some of them can back up this claim with facts. Look for providers with long histories and glowing testimonials to prove how reliable they are.

    #2: Expertise

    IT is complicated and fast-moving. The right provider will have expertise in a variety of tech fields, which means you’ll never get stuck with unanswered questions or problems no one can solve.

    #3: A connection

    Naturally, a managed IT services provider should be good at IT–but they also need to have a good connection with you. If they don’t communicate clearly or don’t seem friendly, they’re probably not the right partner for your company.

    In conclusion, a managed IT services provider should be your partner in tech. To choose that partner, look for qualities like reliability and expertise–and don’t forget how important it is to have a real connection.

    Want to learn more about managed IT services? Looking for the right provider? Contact us today!

  3. Managed IT Services: How to Think Like a Cybercriminal

    Leave a Comment

    As a business professional, you may not spend a lot of time thinking about how to hack into others’ devices, invite yourself into secured networks, or take data that doesn’t belong to you. However, that’s exactly how cybercriminals spend their time–which is why they’re so good at causing trouble. Today, with a little help from managed IT services, we’ll take a walk in a cybercriminal’s shoes to find out how you can outsmart them.

     

    As a business professional, you may not spend a lot of time thinking about how to hack into others’ devices, invite yourself into secured networks, or take data that doesn’t belong to you. However, that’s exactly how cybercriminals spend their time–which is why they’re so good at causing trouble. Today, with a little help from managed IT services, we’ll take a walk in a cybercriminal’s shoes to find out how you can outsmart them.

    A Word From Managed IT Services

    Before we get into the “criminal mindset,” let’s take a step back and understand why this approach works in the first place.

    Think of managed IT services as an ex-detective. This detective had to go undercover plenty of times, learning all about cybercriminals, their strategies, and how they approach companies like yours. After stepping back from detective work, managed IT services switched to the security game, and now managed IT providers help you protect your data and devices from the very criminals they used to track.

    Okay–maybe that’s not how managed IT services actually works. Still, this is a good way to understand why it’s helpful to look at things from a cyber criminal’s perspective–and how an IT support provider can help.

    Protecting Your Company with Managed IT

    Now that you know why you should take a walk in a cybercriminal’s shoes, let’s find out how to make it happen:

    #1: Understand why you’re a target.

    Small businesses are a target for the same reasons predators go after the smaller prey: They figure you’re an easy target because you don’t have as much experience or as many defenses as your bigger neighbors. Luckily, with managed IT, you can give those cybercriminals a nasty surprise by meeting their attacks with solid security.

    #2: Look for weak points.

    Digital bad guys hide in the shadows, looking for weak points in your defenses. Think from their perspective: If you were trying to gain access to your own company, where would you start? Would you target new employees who may not be up to speed on systems? Would you use the company name or address to start guessing passwords because you figure no one would think to use complex phrases instead? (Hint: Managed IT services can help you create good password habits!)

    #3: Stay up-to-date.

    Cybercriminals can’t afford to get behind on the latest tools of the trade. To think like one, you’ll need to pay attention to which “trends” are popular among these troublemakers (and try to anticipate which approaches they might try next).

    In conclusion, it’s often best to approach your own security solutions from the perspective of a cybercriminal. Managed IT services can help you do just that, providing the insight, tools, and experience necessary to help you dodge danger in all its forms.

    Looking for a little security help? Contact us today to get started with managed IT services!

  4. Managed IT Services: 3 Critical Elements for Law Firms

    Leave a Comment

    Every company has its unique challenges, but law firms face especially large hurdles–especially when it comes to their tech. That’s why managed IT services offers three critical elements to help law firms get the job done. Let’s take a closer look!

     

    Every company has its unique challenges, but law firms face especially large hurdles–especially when it comes to their tech. That’s why managed IT services offers three critical elements to help law firms get the job done. Let’s take a closer look!

    Why Managed IT Services?

    There’s a long list of business solutions available to law firms–so why choose managed IT services?

    The simple answer is that, while every company wants its networks and devices to work properly, law firms have unique needs that can only be addressed with an efficient tech solution. That’s because so much modern legal communication happens in the digital world; law firms need tools to enable, protect, and share that communication without violating any of the regulations inherent to their industry.

    That’s where managed IT services come in.

    Managed IT Services for Law Firms

    Managed IT services offer three elements that are absolutely critical to a law firm’s success. Those elements are:

    • Simple yet powerful tech: The legal industry demands a high level of technological advancement. However, that advancement can come with even more hurdles–which is why managed IT services help law firms choose and implement tech that is impressive, powerful, efficient, yet simple and user-friendly.

    • 24/7 IT support: When a client needs questions answered, or a case is down to the wire, law firms can’t afford to waste time on troubleshooting. Managed IT services offers 24/7 IT support to help keep networks, devices, and other tech running smoothly.

    • Proactive solutions: Lawyers and other legal experts should be focused on their work, not their IT troubles. With managed IT services, they can rest easy knowing their provider has implemented proactive solutions that eliminate time- and money-wasting issues before they ever arise.

    In conclusion, managed IT services can bring three important things to any law firm. These elements are critical because they work together to create a smooth, efficient tech environment–one that enables good work, high levels of security, and regulatory compliance.

    Want to learn more about managed IT services and other solutions for law firms? Contact us today!

  5. Are You Hesitating on Managed IT Services?

    Leave a Comment

    Making the switch to managed IT services can be a big decision. However, if you know exactly why you’re hesitating, it’s a lot easier to address your concerns and take that first step. We’re here to help you do just that–so sit back, relax, and get ready to learn why managed IT services might just be your new best friend!

     

    Making the switch to managed IT services can be a big decision. However, if you know exactly why you’re hesitating, it’s a lot easier to address your concerns and take that first step. We’re here to help you do just that–so sit back, relax, and get ready to learn why managed IT services might just be your new best friend!

    Hesitating on Managed IT Services

    The first step in addressing a problem is understanding why it’s a problem in the first place. This is especially true when it comes to any hesitation you may have about managed IT services.

    Here are a few common uncertainties surrounding this solution:

    • “Outsourcing causes trouble.”

    You may not want to outsource because you think you’re able to handle your own IT or that only you have the in-depth knowledge needed to serve your unique needs. While managed IT services providers know a lot about tech, they also know you’re the expert on your own company–which is why this solution is always a collaborative effort. That’s right: Even though it’s technically outsourcing, managed IT services puts you in the driver’s seat.

    • “It’s too expensive.”

    Let’s face it: Tech can be pricey. The good news is that managed IT services is about saving money, helping you find better, smarter ways to do things–which means it can strengthen your budgets, help eliminate bad habits, and pay for itself in the long run.

    • “It won’t make a difference.”

    Maybe you think your company is too small for managed IT services, or that IT management isn’t that important anyway. The truth, though, is that businesses of all shapes and sizes can benefit from this solution–and that’s simply because IT is at the heart of just about everything you do (and we all know how important it is to take care of your heart!).

    Conclusion

    There are plenty of reasons to hesitate on any big change–but when it comes to managed IT services, that hesitation can cause you to miss out on all kinds of benefits. In truth, this solution has an answer for every uncertainty or question you may have, so there’s no reason not to give it a try.

    Still on the fence? Contact us today for help deciding if managed IT services is right for you!

  6. Managed IT Services: A Common Sense Solution?

    Leave a Comment

    If you’ve spent any time looking at business solutions, then you know they’re not always based on common sense. In fact, some of them are either so simplistic or so overly complicated that they completely undermine the benefits they were supposed to provide! However, managed IT services is one solution that doesn’t follow the trend–and here’s why.

     

    If you’ve spent any time looking at business solutions, then you know they’re not always based on common sense. In fact, some of them are either so simplistic or so overly complicated that they completely undermine the benefits they were supposed to provide! However, managed IT services is one solution that doesn’t follow the trend–and here’s why.

    What Makes Managed IT Services Tick

    As you search for solutions that will fit your business, your budget, and your overall goals, you’re probably not sure what exactly you’re looking for. It’s one of those “you’ll know it when you see it” situations–but in truth, you’re probably hoping to break each option down to its bare essentials and find the heart.

    When it comes to managed IT services, that heart is you.

    Managed IT services is based on your needs. It may use many of the same tools from business to business, but the ways in which it uses those tools will change entirely depending on the outcomes and benefits you’re hoping to see. That’s why managed IT services feels like common sense: It’s built to complement your unique way of doing things.

    Personalized Benefits of Managed IT Services

    The best part about a personalized solution is that its benefits are personalized, too. Here are a few advantages you may start to see from your custom-made IT approach:

    • Happier staff

    Whether you have a dedicated IT team or not, one thing’s for sure: Someone has to fix the tech when it’s acting up. With managed IT services, that “someone” is your provider. When your teams don’t have to worry about troubleshooting, they can focus on doing what they’re really good at.

    • A healthier budget

    IT is expensive. Luckily, with managed IT services, you can gain visibility into those costs and find simple, stress-free ways to control them–all without cutting corners.

    • Stronger solutions

    As you become more comfortable wielding your tech, you’ll find savvier ways to use it. Soon, technology will be a secret weapon against inefficiencies, communication issues, security concerns, and more–all thanks to managed IT.

    In conclusion, managed IT services feels like common sense because it’s built around your needs and workflows. It can create all kinds of benefits, from cost savings to happier staff, and it’s all because you’re at the heart of the whole solution.

    To see managed IT services in action, contact us today!

  7. What Challenges Come with Managed IT Services?

    Leave a Comment

    Nothing is perfect–not even managed IT services. So what challenges come with this tech solution, and how can you overcome them? Let’s find out!

     

    Nothing is perfect–not even managed IT services. So what challenges come with this tech solution, and how can you overcome them? Let’s find out!

    What to Expect From Managed IT Services

    By now, you probably know all the great things managed IT services can do for you. But challenges and benefits aren’t mutually exclusive–so what hurdles should you expect from managed IT services, and what can you do to make it to the other side?

    Here’s a closer look:

    Challenge 1: Adapting to remote and hybrid environments

    Managed IT services made more sense when everyone was in the same place, right?

    Not necessarily.

    Although adapting to remote and hybrid environments must be acknowledged as a challenge, even for your IT support provider, that doesn’t mean it’s impossible to handle. In fact, remote and hybrid work gives you a chance to look at your tech in fresh ways, learn a few new tricks, and take your security to the next level. Look at this as an opportunity instead of a challenge.

    Challenge 2: Keeping up with customers

    Customer expectations are always growing and changing. That keeps you on your toes–but it also demands that you undermine one of the main tenets of managed IT services, which is consistency.

    In this case, you’ll need to embrace an interesting paradox: consistent flexibility. If you build flexibility into your tech workflows and give yourself room to adapt to client expectations, you won’t stress out every time your IT game needs to pivot.

    Challenge 3: Managing costs

    The truth about technology is that it’s just plain expensive. Although managed IT services is all about helping you save money; you often need to spend money, too. So how do you balance that?

    The key is visibility. When you know where your money is going and why it’s easier to make sure your spending is reasonable and efficient. That way, you don’t have to panic when you buy upgraded machines or fancy new software; you’ll know the cost is justified and efficient.

    Conclusion

    Although managed IT services, like everything, comes with its challenges, the solution is self-aware–meaning it has built-in tools and approaches to help counteract these challenges. Once you know what you’re up against, you’ll be able to use stress-free managed IT tactics to overcome problems big and small.

    Ready to see what managed IT services can do for you? Contact us today!

  8. The 4 Biggest Benefits of Managed IT Services

    Leave a Comment

    Although managed IT services come with a long list of benefits, you probably don’t have time to brush up on every single one. Instead, here are the four biggest benefits of managed IT–and why they alone are enough to make this solution worthwhile.

     

    Although managed IT services comes with a long list of benefits, you probably don’t have time to brush up on every single one. Instead, here are the four biggest benefits of managed IT–and why they alone are enough to make this solution worthwhile.

    Managed IT Services, Simplified

    The truth about managed IT services is that, like the devices and software it manages, it can get a little complicated.

    Luckily, managed IT is all about simplifying things–even itself. In the spirit of stress-free solutions, here’s a look at managed IT services that breaks the solution down to its four biggest and most important benefits.

    #1: Flexibility

    Your tech solutions should grow and change with you–and managed IT services is no exception. No matter how many (or how few) devices you have in your workforce, no matter what software solutions you employ, managed IT will always be able to scale to fit your needs.

    #2: Focus

    Managed IT services helps you put the focus where it matters. When you’re running around putting out tech fires–like connectivity issues or printer troubleshooting–you’re wasting valuable time. However, having the right IT support helps you focus on the big stuff–like serving customers and supporting employees–while your provider deals with those other frustrations, tasks, and responsibilities.

    #3: Cost efficiency

    Need to save a few bucks? Managed IT is your new best friend. By analyzing your tech habits and helping you eliminate wasteful practices, managed IT services protects your budget without impacting your productivity.

    #4: Control

    Perhaps the best part of managed IT services is that control remains firmly with you. Although you’re outsourcing, you get the final say on solutions, changes, and tools–so basically, you get to keep doing the fun stuff (like choosing new tech) while shrugging off the rest (like updating software or checking for security breaches).

    Conclusion

    Managed IT services isn’t a solution with only four benefits–but if it was, these four benefits would be enough to improve every corner of your company. You’ll see scalable solutions, increased focus, a healthier budget, and more–all while maintaining control over the things that matter most.

    Want to learn more about managed IT services? Contact us today to see what this solution can do for you!

  9. Managed IT Tips: What Every Accounting Firm IT Strategy Needs

    Leave a Comment

    No two IT strategies look alike, especially when it comes to the unique needs and specialized challenges of accounting firms. Luckily, with managed IT services on your side, it’s not just possible, but easy to create an IT strategy that fits your firm’s needs.

    No two IT strategies look alike, especially when it comes to the unique needs and specialized challenges of accounting firms. Luckily, with managed IT services on your side, it’s not just possible, but easy to create an IT strategy that fits your firm’s needs.

    What Is an IT Strategy?

    An IT strategy is like your firm’s roadmap through all the tech challenges you might face. It gives you the guidance and direction necessary, so you can handle security concerns, upgrades, updates, mobile devices, remote work, and more–and it does all of that while constantly adapting to your changing needs.

    The good news is that you don’t have to be an IT expert to create a strategy that works for your accounting firm. All you need is a managed IT services provider to be your partner in tech! Managed IT providers can analyze your firm’s needs, take special care to understand the compliance and security concerns inherent in the financial industry, and work side-by-side with you to create an actionable and efficient plan.

    With managed IT on your side, your firm will have that perfect roadmap in no time.

    IT For Accounting Firms

    So, what does every accounting firm’s IT strategy need? Let’s take a look!

    Savvy tools

    These days, tech should be working for you. Your accounting firm needs tools like automated workflows or cloud storage to make IT a benefit rather than an anchor slowing you down.

    Strong security

    Accounting firms face unique challenges when it comes to protecting sensitive financial information. That’s why every accounting firm’s IT strategy needs to be designed around security, both online and off.

    An approach that works

    No IT strategy should ever be treated as “law.” Rather, your strategy should leave room for experimentation, trial and error, and new information. Meaning that, if that approach works but this one works better, you should be able to make that change without feeling like your whole tech environment will come crashing down.

    In conclusion, every accounting firm needs an IT strategy–and every strategy needs excellent tools, strong security, and a flexible approach that allows room for changes. If that sounds like a lot of work (and a whole lot of questions), don’t worry–managed IT is always available to help you out.

    Does your accounting firm need an IT strategy? Want some help from managed IT services? Contact us today!

  10. Managed IT Tips: What Are Hackers Really After?

    Leave a Comment

    Protecting your files, both online and off, is an everyday job–but do you know what you’re actually up against? Hackers have motivations and goals that you might not realize, which, in turn, makes it more difficult to fight back. Here are a few managed IT tips that will help you defend the highly sought-after files in your workplace!

     

    Protecting your files, both online and off, is an everyday job–but do you know what you’re actually up against? Hackers have motivations and goals that you might not realize, which, in turn, makes it more difficult to fight back. Here are a few managed IT tips that will help you defend the highly sought-after files in your workplace!

    Hacker’s Paradise

    Let’s say all the defense systems in the world went down–no passwords, no user authentication, no red flag warnings to protect your data from uninvited guests. With all of these obstacles eliminated, hackers could take anything they wanted–so what would they grab first?

    • Medical data

    Medical data brings in the most value on the “digital black market,” as it’s especially sensitive–but this isn’t just a concern for healthcare organizations. Any medical information you have about employees or customers is at risk.

    • Financial data

    Financial data is one of the most obvious “treasures” in a hacker’s paradise. With this information, the digital bad guys can drain bank accounts, use credit cards, and ruin futures.

    • Personal files

    Personal files can include anything from family photos to the latest draft of that sure-to-be-a-bestseller crime novel you work on in your spare time. While these things don’t necessarily pay well if hackers try to resell them, they do tend to motivate companies and individuals to hand over a ransom.

    • Government info

    Government info includes any details you share for official purposes. While not worth as much to hackers, this information can still wreak havoc for your company.

    Why it Matters

    It’s important to know which of your files are in high demand because, armed with that information, you’ll know what to defend.

    The good news is that with a little help from managed IT services, your most important files–and all the other ones, too–can be kept safe and sound without breaking a sweat. Managed IT providers work with you to implement solutions and create procedures that will protect files, improve habits, and eliminate security risks without adding a thousand extra steps to your workflows or draining your budget. Together, you and your provider will make sure “hacker’s paradise” never exists.

    Want to learn more about managed IT services and how it protects your files? Contact us today!