Don’t Settle for Less: Upgrade Your IT Provider | Y-Not Tech Services – Lethbridge, AB Managed Service Provider

January 2, 2024 by Tony Whitney

Don’t Settle for Less: Upgrade Your IT Provider

As 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.

Poor Communication and Lack of Responsiveness

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.

Techs Unfamiliar with Your Environment

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.

Lack of Focus

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.

Don’t Settle for “Better the Devil You Know”

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.

Lessons Learned: The Importance of Network Redundancy | Y-Not Tech Services – Lethbridge, AB IT Company

December 12, 2023 by Tony Whitney

Lessons Learned: The Importance of Network Redundancy

Introduction

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…]

Free Yourself from Daily IT Distractions | Y-Not Tech Services – Lethbridge, AB IT Support

November 21, 2023 by Tony Whitney

Free Yourself from Daily IT Distractions

Everyone 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 Costs | Y-Not Tech Services – Lethbridge, AB IT Company

November 14, 2023 by Tony Whitney

Neglected Software Vulnerabilities and Their Costs

Cyber 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…]

How MSPs Support Employee Effectiveness | Y-Not Tech Services – Lethbridge, AB IT Support and MSP

October 24, 2023 by Tony Whitney

How MSPs Support Employee Effectiveness

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…]

Four Strategies to Combat Data Sprawl | Y-Not Tech Services – Lethbridge, AB IT Support

October 17, 2023 by Tony Whitney

Four Strategies to Combat Data Sprawl

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.

What does data sprawl look like?

You’re probably dealing with data sprawl if any of the following sound familiar:

Your business loses track of crucial files.
You don’t know who has access to what information.
Employees use both personal and business tech to do work.
People repeat work that’s already done.
You can’t keep track of file revisions or who still needs to comment or edit.
Employees leave necessary files at home on days when they work in the office.
People send themselves emails with important files to ensure remote access.
Various departments use different applications, which siloes data.

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.

Instilling a sense of order in your data

Regain visibility to control support, streamline processes, enhance security, and improve efficiency. The following strategies can help.

#1 Audit your data

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:

Categorize it by importance, frequency of use, and/or sensitivity.
Identify and clean up redundant or obsolete data.
Create a data catalog to improve visibility.
Install access controls and permissions.
Encrypt sensitive data.
Establish clear data-governance policies.
Train employees on data management best practices.

#2 Use cloud storage

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.

#3 Install cloud applications

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.

#4 Prioritize data control

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.

Create a more structured and organized data environment

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:

Smart Ways to Secure Your Laptop | Y-Not Tech Services – Lethbridge, AB Computer Repair

September 26, 2023 by Tony Whitney

Smart Ways to Secure Your Laptop

Are you reading this on a laptop? Take a moment to imagine how you’d feel if your laptop were stolen. Maybe you looked away for a moment at the airport or coffee shop, or someone broke into your car or house. It could be disastrous.

Laptop theft is a real problem. Security software provider Norton reports that over 97% of stolen laptops are never recovered. Laptops are an easy and effective target for bad actors. Some 44% of thieves target laptops for their resale value. Meanwhile, 56% contain sensitive information. [Read more…]

Finding Business Balance on the Sliding Scale of Security | Y-Not Tech Services – Lethbridge, AB IT Support

September 5, 2023 by Tony Whitney

Finding Business Balance on the Sliding Scale of Security

Every day there’s some new malware or data leak or hacker exploit revelation. Your business is vigilant, but it feels like you always have to be doing more about cybersecurity to remain protected. Meanwhile, you want to balance security measures with usability, convenience, and cost. That balancing act puts you somewhere on the sliding scale of security. [Read more…]

Can Script Kiddies Threaten Your Business? | Y-Not Tech Services – Lethbridge, AB IT Business

August 29, 2023 by Tony Whitney

Can Script Kiddies Threaten Your Business?

Their name may not prompt anxiety, yet script kiddies are much more dangerous than they sound. These cybercriminals aren’t elite hackers, but they can still compromise your business. [Read more…]

Things Businesses Shouldn’t Share with AI Chatbots | Y-Not Tech Services – Lethbridge, AB IT Support

August 22, 2023 by Tony Whitney

Things Businesses Shouldn’t Share with AI Chatbots

AI chatbots can offer several benefits to businesses, as the technology can help you automate and expedite many business tasks, but be cautious about the information you share with AI chatbots. [Read more…]