If you’ve been swamped with spam lately, you’re not alone. Unwanted marketing messages clogging up our inboxes seem to be part of everyday digital life. But have you ever stopped to wonder how on earth all those spammers acquired your email address? [Read more…]
Don’t Settle for Less: Upgrade Your IT ProviderAs a business owner, you may already have an existing managed service provider (MSP) that handles your IT needs. However, have you ever considered whether they truly meet your expectations? Settling for the status quo and sticking with the “devil you know” may not always be the best approach to your business’s IT infrastructure.
In this article, we will explore some common pitfalls of working with an inadequate MSP and why it’s crucial to consider the possibility of finding a better partner for your technology needs.
One of the key indicators of a subpar MSP is poor communication and a lack of responsiveness. Effective communication is crucial for any business relationship, and the same holds true for your MSP.
If you find yourself struggling to understand technical concepts, it may be a sign that they are not effectively bridging the gap between technical jargon and your non-technical understanding.
Furthermore, some MSPs outsource their support to offshore teams, which can lead to a language gap and further complicate communication. The language barrier can hinder effective problem-solving and cause frustration for you and your team.
It’s important to work with an MSP that has technical expertise and excels at clear and concise communication, ensuring that you are always kept in the loop and understand the solutions being implemented.
Another red flag to watch out for is when your MSP’s technicians are unfamiliar with your business environment. You may have initially signed up with an MSP because of an all-star technician who understood your specific needs and requirements. However, that technician may have moved on or been assigned to other clients.
In that case, you may be left with replacement staff who lack the knowledge and understanding of your unique business and its technology infrastructure. When your current MSP’s technicians are unfamiliar with your environment, it can lead to inefficiencies, delays, and potential security risks.
It’s essential to work with an MSP that invests time and effort in understanding your business and its technological landscape, ensuring they can provide the most relevant and effective support.
Some MSPs handle a wide range of clients and may not be able to give your business the attention it truly deserves. While it’s understandable that MSPs work with multiple clients, it’s crucial to assess whether your current provider can genuinely meet your needs.
If your requests are frequently deprioritized, response times are slow, or you are not receiving the level of support you require, it may be a sign that your MSP’s attention is divided among larger clients or other commitments.
A lack of focus by your MSP can seriously affect your business’s productivity, efficiency, and overall growth.
Working with an MSP that prioritizes your business and provides dedicated support is essential, as it ensures your IT infrastructure remains robust and aligned with your goals.
When it comes to your business’s IT needs, settling for the “devil you know” may prevent you from experiencing the full potential of a high-quality MSP.
If you’re unsure whether your current MSP is truly meeting your needs, it’s worth exploring other options. At our MSP, we believe in the power of a strong partnership and the positive impact a reliable and responsive MSP can have on your business.
We invite you to have a chat with our team to discuss your current challenges and goals, and how we can leverage our expertise to take your IT infrastructure to the next level. Remember, it costs nothing to explore your options and see how much better your MSP experience can be.
Don’t let the fear of change prevent you from experiencing the benefits of a highly skilled and dedicated MSP. Take the leap and explore the possibilities of a partnership with an MSP that can truly meet your needs and help your business thrive. Book an appointment today.
In today’s digital era, most businesses couldn’t do without a reliable internet and phone connection. However, recent events have shown us the potential risks of relying on a single network source.
One such incident occurred when Optus, one of Australia’s leading telecom providers, experienced a massive outage, leaving an estimated 400,000 businesses without internet or phone connectivity. [Read more…]
Have you recently received an email claiming to be from Norton informing you of an upcoming subscription renewal? Be cautious, as this could be a scam.
The “Norton Subscription Renewal Email Scam” is making the rounds. This article aims to inform you about what to look for and how to avoid it. [Read more…]
6 Fresh Ways to Mark National Computer Security DayNot worrying about bad actors infiltrating business technology would be a cause to celebrate, but that’s not a reality. So, instead, National Computer Security Day reminds us to promote computer security.
As technology advances, securing electronic devices and online systems grows more complicated. We now have October as Cybersecurity Awareness Month to encourage education and motivation. Also, since 1988, November 30 has been devoted to keeping online data safe and secure. [Read more…]
Free Yourself from Daily IT DistractionsEveryone who runs their own company knows the constant challenge of wearing many hats and trying to manage everything yourself. As much as you’d like to focus your time and energy solely on core business operations that drive revenue, other ancillary tasks often demand attention too, and keeping IT systems running smoothly is a frequent culprit. [Read more…]
Neglected Software Vulnerabilities and Their CostsCyber insurance is essential for the internet-connected business. Yet, when was the last time you reviewed your policy? You may find new text outlining coverage for neglected software vulnerabilities. You may not even know what that involves. This article explains these vulnerabilities and how to avoid their associated costs. [Read more…]
Why You Need to Question Facebook QuizzesWhen you see a quiz on social media you:
A. Always fill it in! Of course, you want to know your celebrity alter ego or what your favorite food means about you.
B. Sometimes participate. Your friends have done it, so now you’re curious about your results too.
C. Scroll on by. You don’t want to risk security. [Read more…]
Employee effectiveness is key to business success. When your people can do the right things well, you’ll see improved results. That leads to the question: How can businesses improve employee effectiveness? A managed service provider (MSP) can help your employees meet their goals effectively and efficiently. [Read more…]
The advent of modern data has offered many advantages, yet all that data also presents a formidable challenge: data sprawl. When you lose control of your data, you risk compromising productivity, security, and compliance. This article shares strategies to help you address the thorny issue of data sprawl.
You’re probably dealing with data sprawl if any of the following sound familiar:
These examples capture what it’s like to try and work amidst data sprawl. These issues drain productivity and waste resources. Data sprawl can also leave you open to cybersecurity vulnerabilities and compliance concerns. After all, you can’t back up or recover data you don’t know exists in the first place.
Regain visibility to control support, streamline processes, enhance security, and improve efficiency. The following strategies can help.
Start tackling your data sprawl situation by mapping out your existing data landscape. Thoroughly assess your data sources, storage locations, and data repositories. Once you have an idea of where your data is:
Employees now work on-site, at home, and in other remote locations, or perhaps all three, which often causes data sprawl. A staffer might use their desktop computer in your office but their personal laptop at home. Even if everyone works in the same place, they might use desktops, laptops, tablets, and smartphones.
Migrating to the cloud provides access to centralized storage. Avoid version-control concerns with everyone accessing the same data, no matter where they are. You can also ensure data is securely backed up, no matter the user’s device.
Another way to keep employees on the same page is to give everyone access to the same business tools. For instance, Microsoft Office or Google Workspace can simplify communication and collaboration, especially in a bring-your-own-device (BYOD) workplace. Cloud-based tools can create cohesion, as everyone logs into the same software to get their jobs done.
In a data sprawl situation, it’s easy to lose track of where data lives and who has access to it. Then, when you move on to that next project, you might leave that old data unattended. If it’s breached, you might not even know.
Instead, track and log data to understand what’s where and who can get at it. When a project is over, have a policy in place for properly archiving or deleting data that is no longer needed.
Is data overwhelming your business? Our IT experts can help. Contact us to support your data management strategies. We’ll get to know your systems and provide strategies to effectively combat data sprawl. Book an appointment today:
