Turning IT From a Cost Center to a Money Saver

IT is usually a CEO’s least favorite word. The thought of anything tech related, regardless of what stage of business you’re in, typically causes some mild panic. Whether it’s confusion, uncertainty, security fears, and so on, the main reason for the alarm tends to surround the topic of money. Cyber security has become a significant necessity for businesses in today’s world, where cybercriminals are on the rise. Money, however, shouldn’t have to be your reason for not taking the next steps to a safer, secure environment.

When you find the right IT company, whether through your staff or a hired managed service provider like Protected Harbor, fears of how much you will spend will soon dissipate. Today, we will go over how you can turn your IT from a cost center to a money saver with a strategic approach.

Our Steps for Finding a Reputable IT Company:

In Sync with Your Business Goals: Your future IT partner should be aligned with your organization’s business goals to ensure that your technology investments support the overall mission of your organization. This can be easily figured out by having a thorough interview with your IT partner and discussing what you actually need versus what your company can do without.

Focusing on Value: Your IT partner should focus on delivering value to your organization rather than just providing technology solutions. This means understanding the needs of your business by figuring out what is currently lacking in your team’s IT processes. As a result, they will find ways to improve your processes, increase efficiency, and reduce costs.

Flexibility: There are many ways to solve IT issues, and we know that. However, your IT team should be deploying solutions that can solve multiple problems. For example, when upgrading to a new system, your IT partner may recommend or automatically add multi-factor authentication to your new system, increasing security. They should automatically find ways to solve future potential problems even if they don’t exist yet.

Implement Cost-Saving Technologies: Your IT partner can and should implement cost-saving technologies such as cloud computing, virtualization, and automation. This will reduce hardware and software costs, improve productivity, and reduce the need for manual labor either from your staff or your IT team.

Optimize IT Operations: IT can optimize its operations by using best practices such as ITIL (Information Technology Infrastructure Library) to streamline processes, reduce downtime, and improve efficiency.

Use Data Analytics: IT can use data analytics to gain insights into the organization’s operations and find ways to optimize processes, reduce costs, and improve performance. This way, your partner will only ever recommend to you what you need versus what you don’t.

Adopt a Continuous Improvement Approach: Your IT partner should adopt a continuous improvement approach to ensure they always look for ways to optimize your operations.

These are just a few steps that companies like yours should review and think about before panicking over the idea of cost in technology. These steps should help you when it comes to evaluating your next IT partner. IT is a necessity in today’s world and truly is a strategic asset for your company; it can only help drive your future success. The next time you’re afraid of your IT becoming a cost center, remember these steps above, and you will surely see how hiring the right IT partner will become your money saver.

12 Questions Nonprofits Should Ask When Looking for an IT Partner

As a non-profit organization, aside from your budget, the technology your organization possesses should be at the forefront of your priorities.  From financial records to members and beyond, your non-profit is more at risk of falling victim to a cyber-attack than ever before.

As reliance on digital tools and infrastructure continues to grow, partnering with a proficient managed service provider becomes paramount for nonprofits seeking to streamline their operations and enhance their efficiency. With an array of managed IT services for small businesses, these strategic partnerships offer tailored solutions to address the unique needs and constraints of nonprofit organizations.

In this blog post, we’ll explore 12 questions nonprofits should ask when looking for an IT partner. From assessing expertise in managed IT solutions to understanding the provider’s commitment to scalability and support, these questions serve as invaluable benchmarks in identifying the ideal managed service provider to propel your nonprofit toward success.

Let’s dive into the questions:

1. Are the people responding to your support requests W-2 staff members or outsourced?

When it comes to needing IT to help your organization, it’s critical for security reasons and an ample response that the person helping you to solve your support requests knows your system. However, if your IT partner uses outsourced solution providers, this can make for a less secure fix, as these providers aren’t familiar with your system or its processes.

2. Is your support site and monitoring outsourced or running on directlyowned equipment?

An IT Partner must maintain direct ownership and control over their monitoring, backup, and troubleshooting data. Direct ownership allows for rapid response when problems occur and are more secure.  An IT partner that maintains direct control will be able to respond faster to requests and will be more secure.

3. What experience do you have working with nonprofits?

It is essential to work with an IT partner who has experience working with nonprofits, as their needs can be different from those of for-profit organizations. IT companies who have previous experience with non-profits understand the need to follow a budget plan and pride themselves on following your organization’s mission.

4. Can you provide references from other nonprofit clients?

Ask for references from other nonprofits that the IT partner has worked with in the past, and reach out to those organizations to learn more about their experience.

5. What IT services do you offer?

Ensure this potential IT partner can provide you with the specific services your nonprofit requires, whether it be network management, data backup and recovery, cybersecurity, or cloud computing.

6. How do you ensure data security?

Ask the IT partner about their data security protocols, including data encryption, access controls, and backup and recovery processes.

7. How do you handle IT emergencies?

Discuss their protocols and processes regarding IT emergencies ranging from system failures to cybersecurity incidents.

8. What is your response time for IT support requests?

Ask about the IT partner’s response time for support requests and ensure that it aligns with your nonprofit’s needs.

9. How do you stay up to date on IT trends and best practices?

It is essential to work with an IT partner who is knowledgeable about the latest IT trends and best practices. In addition, you need to know they can apply this knowledge to your nonprofit’s needs.

10. What is your approach to IT budgeting?

Ask the IT partner about their approach to IT budgeting. Some follow-up questions to ask can be how do they estimate costs? Or how do they work with nonprofits to ensure that IT costs align with their budget?

11. Do you provide training and support to our non-profit staff?

Ensure that the IT partner provides training and support to your non-profit staff, as this can help improve your employee’s IT skills and reduce the need for IT support.

12. What is your philosophy on working with non-profits?

Finally, ask the IT partner about their philosophy on working with nonprofits, and ensure that it aligns with your nonprofit’s values and mission.

Don’t go into the research process blind when finding your next IT partner. Study these questions and use them exactly as they are or as a jump-off point into more profound questions you may not have thought of before. When it comes to picking your next IT partner, you need to know whom you’re signing on to work with and trust that all your questions and concerns will be dealt with. In today’s world, especially as a non-profit, you need an IT team to have your back that understands your organization’s purpose and mission. Don’t fall victim to the next cyber-criminal. Start your research now.

8 IT Updates Every Business Owner Should Make Now

In today’s digital age, staying on top of the latest technology trends and IT updates is essential for business owners. Keeping up with the latest technology can help you to stay ahead in your industry, save time and money, plus improve the overall efficiency of your business.

IT leaders always need help introducing new technologies into their company’s workflow. Naturally, they’re focused on the future, trying to predict how the market will change and how this will impact their business.

Spending on IT worldwide is expected to reach $5.32 trillion in 2022. Asia is predicted to impact the worldwide IT market, contributing 31% significantly. ~Statista

Technological advances have been made at a breathtaking pace in the past few decades, with new trends emerging seemingly every day. To make it easier, we have put together a list of 8 IT updates every business owner should make now to ensure their business is up-to-date and running at peak performance.

Technological Change Drives Competitive Advantage

The effect of technological change can be seen in many ways, including:

Changing Customer Needs and Expectations – This means that customers expect products to be tailored to their individual needs, which is a challenge for businesses as they need to be able to meet each customer’s demands while still maintaining high levels of quality.

Improved Productivity – The ability to produce more with less effort can increase profits and lower costs.

New Business Models – New technologies can open up new markets or enable existing businesses to expand into new markets. This might include selling products or services in an entirely new way of using technology to streamline previously manual processes.

Reduced Costs and Risk – The use of technology can reduce the need for expensive physical assets and enable businesses to operate more effectively in areas where they may have previously been limited by geography or climate (e.g., working from home).

Increased Flexibility – Technology enables businesses to be more flexible in their operations, providing greater freedom over-allocating resources and responding to customer needs.

IT Updates for Tech Leaders

In addition to keeping up with the latest technology, IT leaders should also be aware of some top business trends and how they can apply them within their companies. Here are the 8 most important trends that all IT leaders should be aware of.

Increase Emphasis on Transparent Data Governance

Protecting your company’s data in today’s age is essential, where data is everything. While there are many ways you can go about doing this, one of the most effective ways is by making sure that your employees understand how they should transparently handle confidential information.

You can do this by ensuring that all your policies are clear and easy to understand. You can also ensure that these policies are well-enforced so that employees can be confident about their usage and lack thereof.

Adopt Web3 Technologies

The next generation of cloud applications will be built on Web3 technology and offer various benefits to IT departments, including improved security and reduced expenses. These new apps will also be easier to use than traditional applications, so they’ll help your employees work more efficiently.

Accelerate Cloud Adoption

Cloud computing offers businesses huge advantages over traditional data centers, such as reduced cost and complexity, more flexibility and scalability, and a more remarkable ability to innovate. And yet many companies still need to be more confident about moving their workloads into the cloud. To help speed up cloud adoption, inform your colleagues about how cloud computing can benefit them personally and professionally. Also, be sure to communicate what risks may arise from migrating workloads to the cloud, so they can make informed decisions about when it’s appropriate for them or their departments to move their applications into the public cloud.

Upgrade Your Network Router

You probably know that your router is the device that connects your computers to the Internet. But did you know that routers are becoming more than just a way to share an Internet connection? Many routers now offer enhanced security features, including mini-computers that can perform remote backup and virus protection tasks.

Routers also have built-in firewalls, so if you haven’t updated yours in a while, this may be a good time to do so — especially if you want better protection for your network against hackers.

Update Your Software Licenses

Make sure your software is fully licensed by running the free trial version of our software through our website. This ensures that all the features and tools work for you and your team. If it doesn’t, contact us, and we’ll help you get everything up and running smoothly. You can also check out our list of top 10 small business apps here!

Update Your Network Security

Security updates should be implemented as soon as they become available, so we recommend setting up automatic updates in Windows Update or macOS Software Update preferences. These updates usually fix security vulnerabilities or bugs in the system. Suppose you have other software installed on your computers, such as Adobe Acrobat Reader or Microsoft Office programs. In that case, they may also have built-in automatic update settings, ensuring that your devices are always protected against known threats.

Adapt AI

The future of AI is here, and it’s time to get ready. Adapt AI is a platform that helps companies build, train and deploy their custom AI-powered solutions. These solutions can be anything from an intelligent chatbot to an innovative mobile app. It’s an excellent tool for any company looking to take advantage of the latest advancements in artificial intelligence.

Give More Attention to FinOps

Financial operations have always been vital for any business. But as technology advances, financial operations are becoming more complex than ever before — which means they need more attention. FinOps is a new term that refers to the “financial operations” part of your business strategy, including payment processing and calculating taxes owed when customers purchase online. If you want your business to grow, devote more time and money toward this area of your organization — primarily if you sell products or services online.

Final Words

With technology advancing rapidly, it’s essential to consider whether your company utilizes the best technology available and how you can stay ahead of the competition. This list of IT updates is by no means exhaustive, but it should serve as a good starting point for business owners that want to keep up with the latest IT trends. Updating your business’s IT equipment will not only positively impact productivity and efficiency, but it could also help you achieve increased revenue and growth.

Protected Harbor is the perfect partner for business owners or CTOs who need professional guidance during times of technology change. Our experienced team of professionals can help you make sense of the overwhelming amount of information available, and our services are tailored to each customer’s needs.

With a free IT Audit, we can assess your current system and identify areas where improvements can be made. Let us help you get the most out of your investments and confidently make technology changes. Contact us today!

What is Access IT Support & Why is it Important?

Today’s successful businesses can only function with cutting-edge technological tools. To maximize the return on one of a company’s most significant investments, adequate management by reliable IT support is crucial. Access IT Support is a valuable service that provides businesses with the tools and resources they need to stay up and running in the digital age. Companies must keep up with their IT needs as technology evolves to remain competitive and secure.

The IT services industry is expected to generate $1,114.00bn in revenue by the end of 2022. ~Statista

Scaling a technology-based company requires a skilled team with many years of experience. It also requires the right tools, support, and platforms that encourage growth.

Let’s take a look at what access IT support is, why it’s essential for small business tech growth, and what to look for in an IT professional.

What is Access IT Support?

Access IT support is a service that ensures your company’s computer systems, hardware, software, wireless connections, and internet service are operating correctly. It also assists with troubleshooting, diagnostics, repairs, and maintaining your computer systems.

IT support services can be provided in-house or by an outside company. In-house IT support is usually cheaper than outsourcing your IT services but requires more time and effort on the part of your employees.

It includes things like:

Basic Troubleshooting – If something stops working or malfunctions, an IT professional will troubleshoot the problem and find out why it happened and how to fix it.

Software Installation – If you need new software installed on your computer or server, an IT professional can finish this quickly and efficiently without disrupting your business.

Network Setup – If you want to set up a new network or a wireless connection for your company or expand an existing one, an IT professional can do it right the first time.

Why is IT Support System Important?

A well-designed IT support system will protect your business and personal information against cybercriminals and help you solve any pesky IT problems. But what exactly does that mean?

Here are a few things you can expect from an effective IT support system:

Protection Against Cyber Crime

High-profile incidents involving corporations like Boots and Facebook, the most recent Government Security Breaches Survey indicated that 31% of businesses and 26% of nonprofits experienced cyber security breaches or assaults over the previous 12 months.

An effective IT support system will protect your network and private information from viruses and other malware that could steal your company data or cause problems within your software. However, if you have multiple devices on your network, it may be more complex than installing antivirus software or firewalls on all of them. You may need to install additional tools with features like intrusion detection and prevention systems that monitor traffic through your network in real-time to detect suspicious behavior by users or applications accessing resources on the web.

Effective Solutions to Tricky Problems

An effective IT support system can help you solve any problem that arises in your business. The support team can deal with it effectively, whether it may be a software glitch or a hardware failure. They know what steps to take and how they must be taken so they can resolve the issue quickly without causing any disruption to your business operations.

Improved Decision Making

An effective IT support system helps to improve decision-making at every level of an organization by providing relevant information and data on demand. This not only enables you to make better decisions but also improves efficiency as well as productivity within your organization.

Data Storage, Management, and Security

Data storage is one of the most critical aspects of information technology support. However, the wrong choice can lead to severe problems in your business. For example, choosing a storage system that is too small or too large for your needs will cost more money in the long run than necessary. It’s also important to consider whether it’s best to use cloud-based or on-site storage solutions when building your IT infrastructure.

Safety from Viruses and Other Compromising Software

While many think that viruses only infect computers, they can infect other devices, such as tablets and smartphones. When this happens, it can lead to data loss or financial loss if private information falls into the wrong hands. An IT support system will help keep your devices safe from viruses by installing antivirus software and regularly ensuring that updates are done.

Enhanced Online Marketing Strategies

An IT support system can help you improve your online marketing strategies in several ways. For example, it can help with website design, social media management, and email marketing campaigns. These tools can help increase traffic to your website and improve conversion rates, ultimately leading to increased revenue for your business!

What To Look for in a Great IT Support Team?

Your business is growing, and so are your IT needs. It’s time to look at the options for a new IT support team. But how do you know you’re choosing the best one?

Here are some tips:

Flexibility

The best IT support services will be flexible enough to meet your company’s ever-changing needs over time. They should offer multiple levels of support, including basic customer service, maintenance, troubleshooting, and more advanced technical help.

Knowledge & Expertise

You need an IT support team with knowledge and expertise in all technology areas. While some companies may specialize in particular types of technology (such as cloud computing), others may be more generalists and able to work with any software or hardware device.

Cost

When choosing an IT support team, the cost is always a factor. Though you want to choose the right service provider and not just base it solely on price, you want to ensure that their services fit your budget.

Responsiveness

Find out how long it takes for your IT company to respond to your needs by asking about their typical response times before hiring them. If you find they need to be more responsive, keep looking for another company until you find the one that offers you excellent customer service.

Final Words

Chances are, you have come across the term IT support before, as it has become an essential form of support for businesses nowadays. However, deciding on your next IT support move can be challenging and, truthfully, a little scary for a not-so-tech individual.

Protected Harbor makes it easier. We provide unparalleled IT support with guaranteed 99.99% uptime, a 24×7 live help desk, and an IT strategy that can be tailored to your business needs.

Our team of experts can help you identify areas of improvement and risks associated with your IT infrastructure. With our range of services, you can focus on the bigger picture of your business without worrying about any pesky IT issues getting in your way. Furthermore, with our secure and reliable IT solutions, you can rest assured that your business is always safe and running smoothly.

Get a free IT audit today to experience the full extent of our IT support capabilities.

9 Questions Non-Profits Should Ask Themselves When Looking for an IT Partner

Let’s say you’re working on a new project for your nonprofit organization. You will eventually need to scale if it becomes wildly successful, and your servers will need to be fast and secure. So, what do you do? Well, it depends on many factors, but the one thing you should be considering most of all is partnering with an Information Technology (IT) company.

Working with a solid IT partner requires good communication, time, energy, and trust. Non-profits are assumed to have limited resources, so the level of due diligence and in-depth collaboration must be high before choosing a partner. But there are many IT companies out there, so how can you figure out which is the right one for you?

Well, asking the right questions will always lead you to the best decision when looking for a partner, and we’re here to guide you through the best questions to ask yourself when evaluating your next IT company.

First, Why Do Non-Profits Need an IT Partner?

The non-profit sector is continually evolving as more organizations develop new ways to tackle today’s biggest challenges. As these organizations grow, they need more technology to keep up with the pace of change.

Whether your organization is a small start-up or a large national charity, it’s essential to have an IT partner that understands your organization’s goals and works closely with you to develop a technological strategy that supports them.

Non-profits will need an IT partner because they will:

• Increase Efficiency: A professional service provider can take on some short-term costs associated with IT procurement and usage, freeing up resources for other needs, like staff hiring or marketing. This can also increase efficiency as your non-profit learns how to utilize its new tech tools.
• Enhance Credibility: A partnership with a professional service provider allows non-profits access to specialized knowledge and expertise often unavailable within the organization. This can help these organizations to develop trust between their donors, volunteers, and members.
• Share Knowledge and Expertise: When you’re working as an IT partner rather than an employee, you learn firsthand about your client’s business objectives and challenges – which helps you to better understand where you fit into their overall plan for success.

Questions Non-Profits Should Ask When Looking for an IT Partner

Non-profit organizations are often in the same boat as businesses regarding technology needs. Only, usually with a smaller budget. They need a reliable and secure IT infrastructure to support their operations, but they also need an IT partner who understands a non-profit’s unique challenges.

The following questions will help non-profit organizations find the right match for their IT partner:

1.    Do they care about my mission? Is there enthusiasm for the cause?

There’s nothing worse than working with an IT company that doesn’t care about your organization’s mission. You want someone passionate about helping you achieve your goals. A good IT partner will already have prior knowledge and experience with non-profits, understand what you do and why it matters, and have a strong desire to help make a difference in the world.

2.    How will they help me save money?

Non-profits always need to find ways to save money while providing excellent service to their clients and donors. Your partner should be able to give recommendations on how they can help reduce your costs while maintaining the quality and security of your data.

3.    Do they understand how non-profits work and what is important to me?

Non-profits operate under a different set of rules than for-profit companies, so their partners must know how non-profits work in general and their overall purpose. A good IT company will understand your organization’s mission and how technology can help it. They may also make recommendations about software that could help accomplish your goals more efficiently and effectively.

4.    Are they committed to increasing your capacity?

One thing that often separates great IT providers from good ones is their commitment to helping customers grow their capacity over time to meet new challenges and continue growing their businesses.

5.    Do they have strong brand recognition?

Your prospective IT partner must have a good reputation within their industry. The more positive reviews they have, the more likely organizations and their members will trust them with their data.

6.    Who are their potential partners?

Non-profits want to find a company that shares its values, vision, and mission. They also want to work with a partner who has experience working with non-profits, as it helps them to better understand what the organization needs from its technology.

7.    Is their target audience particularly appealing to some corporations?

If a non-profit is focused on helping people in need, its target audience may be very appealing to a large corporate sponsor. If you have a corporation like this in mind that you hope to work with, make sure your IT partner has experience working with them before asking for any referrals.

8.    How does this approach cybersecurity?

A good IT partner will have a strong security posture and be able to help your organization implement the best practices for protecting your sensitive data and networks. They should be able to identify the vulnerabilities in your system and make the necessary changes to secure your networks.

9.    Do they have a remote helpdesk?

If your nonprofit has remote employees or volunteers, it’s essential that they can quickly get help from their IT provider when they need it most. An excellent remote support solution allows your team members to connect with their helpdesk no matter where they are located.

Final Words

Non-profits are not usually IT experts, and they shouldn’t have to be. A non-profit’s vision, culture, and success depend on its organization’s reliability, starting with the most trusted technology available to its members. That’s where Protected Harbor comes in.

Protected Harbor can assess, evaluate, and offer budget-friendly suggestions on increasing your organization’s cybersecurity and technology. For non-profits who may not have the budget for a full-time IT staff, this is the best option to guarantee that your organization’s infrastructure is in good hands.

Should I Hire an IT Guy? Should I Hire an MSP?

IT guys and MSPs are popping up everywhere these days. From your local hardware store to the big box retailers, there’s no shortage of places you can find a helpful tech or an experienced service provider (or both!). Even so, that doesn’t mean they’re all equally dependable.

The decision to hire an IT guy or an MSP (Managed Service Provider) depends on your organization’s specific needs and resources. Choosing an IT guy and an MSP should be based on carefully assessing your organization’s needs and resources. It may also be worth considering a combination of both, with an IT guy for on-site support and an MSP for broader IT management and support. With that in mind, here are some pros and cons to hiring IT guys and MSPs regarding your company’s IT needs.

Why Hire a Managed IT Service Provider?

Many companies don’t know what they’re doing when it comes to managing their IT needs. They often don’t have a dedicated team working on their technology and flounder in an overwhelmed and unproductive environment.

A managed IT service provider can help you get a handle on your technology and avoid these pitfalls. They may be able to provide solutions that are tailored to your specific needs. With an MSP, you can be sure you’re getting a full-service approach that includes expert advice, total control over all aspects of your technology, and a consistent level of service.

The managed IT service provider can handle more complicated IT tasks like backup and disaster recovery methods, network administration, cybersecurity procedures, data management services, and server management, to mention a few. In other words, think of your internal IT department as your daily IT support provider.

Pros and Cons When Hiring an IT Guy or MSP

Like any other business decision, there are pros and cons to hiring an IT guy or an MSP.

Why do you Need a Dedicated IT Team?

Establishing a dedicated IT team is crucial for organizations relying on technology for efficient operations. An IT team provides vital support and expertise to ensure smooth, secure, and cost-effective technology infrastructure. Investing in dedicated IT managed services enhances productivity, mitigates downtime and security risks, and fosters organizational growth and success.

To build an effective IT team, consider hiring skilled professionals, such as a Chief Information Officer (CIO) or senior IT executive, especially when engaging with Managed Service Providers (MSPs). Many MSPs typically employ entry-level IT staff, necessitating the inclusion of higher-level executives to manage and lead the team effectively.

As your IT department takes shape, contemplate bringing on experienced IT executives to oversee specific technology aspects. For instance, if your organization heavily relies on technology for a substantial revenue stream, hiring a dedicated professional to manage that revenue stream becomes imperative. Utilizing Managed IT Services for small businesses can further streamline operations, providing tailored solutions and support to meet the unique needs of your organization.

Conclusion

Managed IT services are here to stay. But remember that while they are cost-effective and can help your business, they are not a silver bullet. In other words, they’re a great choice to supplement your in-house IT team if you have one.

The best course of action is to understand your business thoroughly. How invested you are in your money’s capabilities, demands, and functions will determine how much you can get out of it. Whether it’s a single IT professional or a team of managed service providers, what counts is that your needs are appropriately handled.

While most MSPs focus on outsourcing technical tasks, Protected Harbor is different. It provides managed security services (MSS) to businesses, offering proactive monitoring of physical and cyber assets. Protected Harbor is the right choice if you are looking for a managed service provider that can grow with your company as it scales.

We are the top-rated manage service providers in Rockland county, NY. We work with businesses at all stages, from startups to enterprises. If you need ongoing assistance with managing your IT infrastructure or if you want to outsource a specific task like software development, we can help. We pride ourselves on being a one-stop shop for all your technology needs.

Contact us today for a more hands-off approach to your IT and security needs. Get a free IT Audit here.