IT ServicesTech Support

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.

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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.

February 23, 2023 0 Comments by Admin

IT ServicesTech News

Unlock Your Business Potential with Managed IT Services

Managed IT services can be a game changer for businesses of all sizes. Whether a one-person shop or a large enterprise, these can provide you with the resources, tools, and information technology expertise you need to succeed.

For most businesses, they were unheard of several years back. That’s because these services were offered only by the big companies. Fast forward to today, and managed services are now available to everyone thanks to a slew of cloud-based solutions.

The expected value of the global IT Managed Services market is US$ 244670 million in 2022, and it is anticipated to reach US$ 399170 million by 2028, with a CAGR of 8.5% throughout the analysis period.

These cloud platforms offer potent tools which allow even the smallest businesses to get an edge over their competitors. This has led to almost every business owner/CEO, including Managed IT Services in their budgets.

You can handle your IT problems as a business owner. This is true for some businesses, but most large complex companies will be well served by outsourcing their IT service model to a managed service provider (MSP).

This article goes over why managed services for businesses are essential.

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What is Managed IT Service?

Managed IT services are the ultimate in business technology support. Whether it’s security, disaster recovery, or network design, managed service providers eliminate the headache of keeping your business up and running.

Outsourcing, managed services, security services, data management, and cloud computing comprise the larger market for IT services. End-user spending on cloud computing is expected to reach nearly 500 billion dollars in the United States in 2022.

Managed service offering is a proactive solution that provides you with around-the-clock hardware and software support for your computer network. This means you’ll never have to worry about being left in the dark when something goes wrong — because a professional team of experts is all taken care of

These services typically include a variety of services, including:

Help desk support and remote monitoring and management.
Security monitoring and threat protection.
Software and hardware installation, configuration, and deployment.
Telecom expense management services.

Managed service provider msp companies provide their clients with 24/7 monitoring, assistance in identifying and resolving issues before they become problems, backup and recovery plans, and focus on improving other services designed to keep your business running smoothly.

Different Types of Managed IT Services

There are many types of managed IT services available, but here are some of the most common:

Managed Networks and Infrastructure – This service includes monitoring and managing remote servers, desktops, and laptops. These services also include application management support and help desk support.

Managed Security –Managed Security refers to outsourcing security operations and management to a third-party service provider. MSSPs offer a range of security services, including threat detection and response, vulnerability assessments, security monitoring, and incident management. They use specialized security software and tools to monitor and manage the client’s security environment, identify potential security threats and vulnerabilities, and respond to security incidents in real-time.

Managed Support Services – Managed support services provide all the technical expertise needed to keep your systems running smoothly without downtime due to technical issues or problems with software applications such as Microsoft Office 365 Exchange Online and Microsoft Azure Active Directory Cloud Services.

Managed Wireless and Mobile Computing – This type of IT service involves the management of wireless networks, mobile devices, and applications. With these services, companies can have more control over the performance of their employees’ mobile devices by ensuring they are secure and up-to-date with the latest operating systems.

Managed Communication Services – Managed communication services are designed to help companies improve productivity by ensuring that all employees can communicate effectively with one another through email and instant messaging. These services also include other forms of communication, such as video conferencing, web conferencing, and more.

Software as a Service (SaaS) – Software as a service provides clients with access to applications hosted on the cloud, typically through the internet. This means that users do not have to install or maintain any software on their systems.

What are the Benefits of Using Managed IT Services?

Managed services are a great way to maintain your IT infrastructure’s security, performance, and reliability. This is especially true if you’re a small business or a startup company with no budget for full-time IT staff.

Of the 451 large businesses surveyed by 451 Research, 45% planned to collaborate with a MSP, and 42% prepared to deploy additional security software. The industry is changing as a result. Managing service contracts have replaced the old break-fix model in 59% of IT services.

Managed IT providers offer several benefits in their service level agreement sla over doing things yourself:

Contractual Terms: A managed service provider often has a contract in place with their clients that outlines the responsibilities of both parties. This helps ensure that everyone is on the same page regarding what they’re expected to do, when they’re expected to do it and how much they’ll be paid for it.

Reliability: An MSP will work hard to avoid any potential issues — from hardware failure to cybersecurity threats — so that you don’t have to worry about them taking down your entire system or causing data loss.

Cost Savings: It can help you save money by reducing spending on technology. Your service provider can take care of all your IT needs, from network management to infrastructure upgrades, so you only pay for what you use. This can save you more of your total cost of ownership.

Reduce IT Spending: These providers offer fixed monthly rates that allow you to budget for your entire year’s expenses upfront and avoid unexpected costs that could hurt your bottom line.

Dependable Service: Instead of wasting time troubleshooting problems yourself or waiting on hold with technical support, let us handle it! Our team will monitor your network 24/7, so you have peace of mind knowing there’s always someone available to help when something goes wrong.

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Managed IT Services Provider Inclusion

To qualify for inclusion in the Managed IT support services category, a service provider must offer their clients a range of IT services and support:

Provide Constant Monitoring of IT-Related Functions: This includes monitoring of the server, applications, and network, as well as security systems.
Provide On-Demand Support: A MSP should have a team of technical experts that can be deployed whenever an issue arises. This could include a help desk, online chat, or phone support.
Provide IT Consulting: A good MSP offers advice and guidance on improving your business’s technology infrastructure and processes.

Final Words

The benefits of managed services are clear. By outsourcing their IT management services and maintenance, businesses can free up their internal IT staff to focus on more strategic initiatives and benefit from improved security, compliance, cost savings, and customer service. However, finding the right managed IT services provider for your business is essential. Be sure to look for a provider that has experience working with companies of your size and industry, is reliable and has a good reputation, and offers competitive prices.

If you’re looking for a managed services provider in Rockland County NY or Hudson Valley, Protected Harbor can help. Protected Harbor is one of the top Managed IT Services providers in the US and offered a range of services to meet your business’s IT needs.

With digital and technological techniques that support your company’s objectives, IT specialists at Protected Harbor will assist in transforming your enterprise. Reduce stressful day-to-day IT operations, minimize costly downtime, and improve operational maturity. Gain access to a whole team of IT professionals to help you manage the newest technology and a wealth of knowledge that will accelerate your growth, boost your profitability, and improve your business.

Get a free IT Audit today and unlock your business potential with Protected Harbor.

January 12, 2023 0 Comments by Admin

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Why is IT Experience Important for Businesses

Why is IT Experience Important for Businesses?

The role of IT in modern business cannot be underestimated. Companies now must pay attention to the importance of information technology (IT). In this role, every business must own and implement IT systems. The failure to innovate means rejecting best practices.

You can’t expect to keep up with the competition if you don’t give your company an edge in technology adoption. The fact should be noticed – with the proper IT solutions. Your organization could succeed entirely.

The annual value of the global information technology (IT), business services, and IT services markets exceeds USD 1 trillion. The Americas area will account for most of the sales in 2021 with 555 billion US dollars. After dropping revenues in 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic, the market is predicted to see rising revenues during the following four years. ~Statista

Even If you’re a small business owner, you might know how important technology is but need help understanding it. We’ll tell you what technology can do for your business and why it’s essential.

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What is Information Technology in Business?

The term “IT” is often used in today’s business world. This is simply because of the importance of Information Technology in almost all businesses. Information Technology is a broad term that covers a range of topics, including information systems, computer networks, database management, and software applications.

In general, Information Technology is applying computer technology to support business operations. Word processing and spreadsheet software are the most common IT applications; however, many other types are also used in businesses today.

Generally, a wide range of technologies and infrastructure strategies that work in concert shape the IT services sector. The use of technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) in business solutions and a rise in the demand for IT security measures like zero trust frameworks are a few of these trends.

Information technology has become the backbone of business because it can help companies do things faster and with less effort. It allows companies to communicate with customers, employees, and suppliers more quickly; it helps companies coordinate operations across multiple locations and time zones; it enables companies to share information in real-time with customers or employees who need it, and it provides access to data that would otherwise be difficult or impossible for a company to collect.

Why is IT Important for Businesses?

The IT department is the backbone of any business. It has a direct impact on the productivity and efficiency of your business.

Simplifying Employee Communication

IT infrastructure enables employees to conduct their work efficiently and effectively. Adequate IT infrastructure can make all the difference between a thriving and a failing business. It also helps in improving employee communication as well as collaboration with each other.

Enhancing Productivity

An efficient IT infrastructure allows you to focus on core competencies and critical activities, which help you in enhancing productivity significantly. You can also focus on innovation and creativity, which are essential for your company’s growth.

Better Data Management

Data management is one area where an efficient IT infrastructure helps you immensely. With proper data management, you can analyze past data and use it to shape plans for your business. A good IT infrastructure ensures that all critical data remains safe. This provides no loss of valuable information due to unforeseen circumstances or accident-related failure of data files, hard drives, etc.

Improving Financial Management

IT makes it easier to manage your finances by automating all your financial transactions. You can also easily monitor and analyze your financial data, which helps you make better decisions about where to spend money, saving time and money in the long run.

Maintaining Network Security

Your network is one of the most vulnerable areas in your organization. IT personnel can help protect it from hackers, viruses, malware, and other threats by developing security policies and implementing them promptly. This ensures that your data remains safe and secure at all times.

Boosting Marketing Campaigns

In today’s fast-paced world, you must constantly be on your toes to survive this cutthroat competition. You must stay caught up with competitors if you want to maintain your position in the market. This is where IT comes into play by offering you an array of tools that will help you streamline your marketing campaigns and give them the boost they need.

Management of Cloud-Based Solutions

Today, businesses have started adopting the cloud computing model for their IT infrastructure needs. This allows them to access all their data anytime and from anywhere in the world. This system will enable businesses to easily manage their entire information technology infrastructure by deploying just one application across multiple devices or locations. This will help them track down what’s happening with their systems in real-time and minimize downtime if there are any issues with the system.

Future of Information Technology in Business

Businesses increasingly rely on information technology (IT) to run efficiently and effectively. Companies use IT to improve the quality of their services and products, reduce costs and increase revenues.

According to Statista, there will be over 15 billion mobile devices in use in 2021, with 18.22 billion projected by 2025. According to Zippia, the smartphone market is growing at a CAGR of 16.4% on a global basis.

When planning for the future, it’s essential to consider the impact of technology. Introducing new technology has always been a game-changer in the business world and will continue to be so.

In recent years, there’s been a lot more focus on “big data” and how businesses can use it. The amount of data available today is staggering, yet companies are only scratching the surface of what they can do with it.

Businesses are becoming more dependent on IT systems for day-to-day operations. This is because these systems provide a better way of managing business processes than using manual methods.

In addition, the global economy has become more digitized. It has led to the emergence of new technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, cloud computing, and Big Data analytics, improving productivity levels in businesses across all sectors.

Final Words

Overall, businesses need to implement a strategy for IT, with priorities and plans in place. There are many different moving parts to the equation, and the company must understand the landscape of IT to create an operating environment where IT can effectively serve its needs. How important is technology? The stakes couldn’t be higher—businesses that ignore technology run a greater risk of failing.

Businesses depend on rapid, reliable data and high-speed internet in today’s global economy to remain competitive. To keep your company at the cutting edge of international business, you need a business partner with the expertise to tackle the challenges of today’s technology. And at the same time, you must ensure that your company’s data remains secure. You don’t want a single mistake or oversight to risk your business’s reputation or financial stability. And you don’t have time to waste on unnecessary headaches. Finding a partner that can offer technical expertise and detailed awareness of your company’s needs can make all the difference for your business.

Protected Harbor has the right solution for you, whether you are just starting or looking to upgrade your current setup. Our expert team will work with you to discover your needs and recommend the best technology to meet those needs. We will also support your team as they get the new system up and running. We are also recognized as a top cloud computing and cybersecurity company by Goodfirm and Designrush.

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January 9, 2023 0 Comments by Admin

Protected Harbor

The lessons we’ve learned and the things we’ve accomplished in 2022

Reflections on 2022: What We Learned and What We Accomplished

One thing is certain as we reflect on the year 2022: the Protected Harbor team has grown as individuals and as a company. We have faced the challenges of a global pandemic, economic downturn, and social unrest with resilience and courage. We have seen cyber-attacks that have impacted almost every industry and businesses of all sizes. We have also embraced the power of technology, which has enabled us to stay connected and create a meaningful change for our clients. Despite the many challenges, we have emerged as a more united and engaged team, better prepared to face the future.

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Challenges Our Team Faced During the Year

Environments for Enterprise Technology are Getting More Complex – Businesses were forced to embrace a more complicated and extensive enterprise technology infrastructure and systems due to expanding commercial operations, increased markets, and interconnected worldwide business circumstances. As a result, managing the infrastructure became more challenging. Finding flaws or compromises becomes increasingly difficult as the system becomes more complicated.

Because CTOs (Chief Technology Officers) oversee these problems, this increases their stress.

Data Breaches and Cyber-Attacks – The increasing use of personal devices, such as smartphones and wearable technology, exacerbated the risk of data breaches, placing critical infrastructures and sensitive data at greater risk. More sophisticated attackers and artificial intelligence-driven tools made detecting and preventing attacks more challenging.

Technology’s Role in Overcoming Challenges

Using artificial intelligence (AI) tools and machine learning has helped businesses to overcome many of the challenges they faced in 2022. AI was used to detect abnormal activity in operational systems, assisting companies in managing complex datasets better. AI was also used to automate the onboarding process for new employees to reduce bias and provide consistent review results. AI even helped healthcare providers to rapidly analyze and interpret massive amounts of health data to detect disease outbreaks and develop new treatments and vaccines.

New technologies, such as blockchain and quantum computing, were used to secure data and provide increased trust between parties, such as supply chain partners. The Internet of Things (IoT) was used to create smart environments, reduce energy usage, and provide better experiences for customers. Newer technologies, such as 5G, helped businesses to scale and provide both reliable and fast connectivity. Augmented and virtual reality was used to create immersive experiences, improve training, and engage customers.

Cybersecurity Risks and Solutions

The continued threat of cyber-attacks and data breaches increased during the year 2022. Cybercrime is typically estimated to cost businesses around $600 billion in lost revenue each year. Most companies must create an effective cybersecurity strategy or implement best practices.

A greater focus on cybersecurity education and training would help businesses to better protect themselves. Implementing the GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation), designed to protect EU citizens’ data, is a positive sign that companies are taking cybersecurity far more seriously than before. However, more can be done to help businesses to better protect themselves. Implementing better data management and protection tools, such as encryption and multi-factor authentication, would be a start to better protect enterprises from cyber-attacks.

What We Have Learned From the Year 2022

Everyone agrees that the pandemic has dramatically increased the complexity and scope of the difficulties companies face. But, as part of their duties, leaders must be ready to meet such challenges head-on. Technology is advancing at a never-before-seen rate, and it keeps upgrading industries for the better. All CTOs working within the corporate world will face the same difficulties as others and it will soon become apparent. Even though challenges have newer aspects, all of them are manageable.

Companies will benefit from developing technologies like AI and machine learning. Having an offshore development business at your disposal can alleviate many of your concerns. You can get all the knowledge and experience you need for the company’s successful technical transitions without worrying about it.

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What We Have Accomplished in the Year 2022

We have now reached a stage where we can say that we are a robust and secure data warehouse. Our team has achieved an ideal state where the number of threats to our data warehouse has dropped to zero. We can now expand our capabilities and serve millions of new customers.

In order to accomplish these targets, we have invested heavily in hiring new talent, building new infrastructure, and upgrading our existing technology to ensure that we stay ahead of the curve and continue providing state-of-the-art service to our users. We have improved our ability to respond to and prevent cyber-attacks.

Reflections-on-2022-What-We-Learned-and-What-We-Did-Middle 2

Looking Ahead to 2023 and Beyond

As we look ahead to the year 2023 and beyond, it is essential to note that the future will not be a linear path and that the world will continue to change.

Our strategic plan focuses on accelerating small businesses’ growth by empowering them with enhanced modern-day infrastructure and cybersecurity tools. We’re making big strides, but there’s still much work to be done. We have big plans for 2023, including expanding our security and monitoring capabilities with new AI-powered bots, launching an AI-powered recommendations engine, and extending our services for our partners and clients.

We’re also focused on growing our business in new ways, like extending our downloadable products feature beyond e-commerce and partnering with new companies to better serve our customers. We are excited for what the future holds.

Protected Harbor launches new resources daily to update clients and potential clients, on the latest threats as well as how to stay safe in the cyber world. Also, with our series Uptime with Richard Luna that is posted every Thursday, we discuss trending business topics and reassure any doubts for our viewers.

We want to extend a very special thank you to our customers for your loyalty and for choosing us as your trusted software vendor for the past two decades! Contact us to know how our experts can help you.

December 30, 2022 0 Comments by Admin

IT ServicesProtected Harbor

Best IT Company of 2022 by Best of Small Business Awards

Protected Harbor Named Best IT Company of 2022 by Best of Small Business Awards!

Protected Harbor, a family-owned Managed IT Service Partner in New York, was named the Best IT Company of 2022 by the Best of Small Business Awards. The Best of Small Business Awards is an annual award recognizing the achievements of small and medium-sized businesses within the United States. This award acknowledges small businesses’ hard work and dedication to providing their customers with the best possible service. The award is based on customer feedback, innovation, and customer satisfaction.

“We are honored to have been selected for this prestigious award, and we are proud that our hard work and dedication have been recognized by the Best of Small Business Awards,” said Protected Harbor CEO Richard Luna. “We are grateful that our clients allow and entrust us to eliminate their technology problems, allowing them to focus on their business and mission.”

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The Small Business Expo which is America’s largest and most popular Business-to-Business networking event, trade show, and conference, actually presented The Best of Small Business Awards. Coincidentally, while attending the Small Business Expo in New York this past year, Protected Harbor was notably one of the most popular exhibitors in attendance.

Previously, Protected Harbor was also recognized as a top cloud computing company in the US by Goodfirms, and as a top managed service provider by DesignRush. Best IT Company of 2022 by Best of Small Business Awards middle

Protected Harbor has been recognized by The Best of Small Business Awards for the company’s commitment to our customer’s happiness. During voting, Protected Harbors’ approach to customer service was recognized as going beyond just solving problems and closing tickets. The company aims to connect on a human level, getting to know its clients and their client’s business so Protected Harbor can function like an extension of their team.

Protected Harbor prides themselves on providing their clients with the best IT services possible. Their team of professionals are dedicated to ensuring that their clients receive the highest quality services and products. The company strives to offer their clients the most innovative solutions to their IT needs.

The organization has more than 14 years of experience implementing cutting-edge engineering solutions focused on managed services, cloud migration, networking, and collaboration. Protected Harbor’s staff is highly knowledgeable and experienced in all aspects of IT, from network security to cloud computing. The company keeps up with the latest trends and technologies to ensure clients receive the most up-to-date solutions. They understand that technology is constantly evolving, and they strive to stay ahead of the curve.

Protected Harbor’s innovative approach to offering managed services is redefining business technology. The IT experts at Protected Harbor will help lessen stressful day-to-day tech challenges, decrease expensive downtime, and boost operational maturity through digital and technical strategies that complement your company’s goals.

Protected Harbor is one of the many IT companies in the area that specializes in various services, such as IT assistance, remote workforce support, IT infrastructure, cloud migration, VoIP phones, and data center hosting. The company differentiates itself from other MSPs by prioritizing customer satisfaction. They also offer 24/7/365 unrivaled customer service. If you run into a problem at any time, you can always count on them to address it, no matter how late in the evening or early in the morning.

Protected Harbor looks forward to continuing to provide their clients with the best IT services and products in the years to come. The company’s main objective is to create an interpersonal relationship and understand their client’s company so they can work as an extension of their client’s staff. The result of this connection is evident in the fact that customer referrals mainly drive their business, and they have a 98% customer satisfaction rate. Protected Harbor is the last IT company you will ever need to hire. Get in touch now to experience what effective collaboration and outstanding customer service looks like.

December 19, 2022 0 Comments by Admin

IT ServicesProtected Harbor

Advantages of Partnering with Managed Services Providers

Advantages of Partnering with an MSP banner

Advantages of Partnering with
Managed Services Providers

In today’s digital world, it is almost impossible for big enterprises to small and medium-sized businesses to function without technology. With so many different products and service offerings available, most companies struggle to meet the demand. As a result, many business owners are partnering with managed services providers to take some of the load off their shoulders.

These professionals will handle all technology-related administrative tasks and help you avoid costly IT repairs or system failures.

The Protected Harbor Managed Service Provider (MSP) Partner Advantage program is now available. It is designed to assist your company’s growth by accelerating the time to market, expanding your clientele, and increasing profitability.

This blog post will share some advice on partnering with MSPs for your company and what to watch out for when signing contracts or service-level agreements.

What is a Managed Service Provider?

A managed service provider (MSP) is a company that offers a wide range of IT services. There are many different types of managed services. Still, they all have a few things in common: – Service Level Agreement (SLA): This contract outlines the services provided, response times, and any penalties if the company fails to meet those goals.

Customized Plans: Some MSPs will have standardized plans, but most will work with you to create a customized plan that fits your needs and budget.

24/7 Support: All MSPs will provide 24/7 support for their clients. This means you can call them whenever you have a problem, even at 2 AM.

Backup and Disaster Recovery: It’s crucial to have a backup system in place, so you don’t lose any data if your system fails. A managed service provider will have a backup plan with regular tests.

Cybersecurity: With the rise in cyber-attacks, getting day-to-day management services or standard information technology services is not enough. Therefore, you must partner with MSP, which provides all services including cybersecurity.

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Why Managed Service Provider?

Choosing a Managed Service Provider (MSP) is essential for businesses looking to enhance their IT operations and security. To define managed IT services, these are comprehensive solutions offered by third-party providers to manage a company’s IT infrastructure and end-user systems. Managed IT support services New York, for instance, offer businesses access to a range of specialized skills and technologies that may be too costly to maintain in-house. By leveraging these services, companies can ensure their systems are continuously monitored, updated, and protected against potential threats, allowing internal teams to focus on core business functions. Additionally, MSPs provide scalable solutions that can grow with the business, ensuring long-term IT efficiency and reliability.

How Can MSPs Help Your Company?

Managed Service Providers (MSPs) can significantly enhance your organization’s efficiency and effectiveness by providing robust data management systems. A well-designed data management strategy is critical for successful business processes and informed decision-making. MSPs can help your organization develop and implement such a strategy by leveraging their expertise in managing data models, storage, and data governance.

MSPs can also provide data integration services that allow businesses to extract meaningful insights from the data collected. These insights can then be used to make informed business decisions and improve overall performance. Additionally, MSPs can assist in the development and management of data warehouses and business intelligence systems, which enable businesses to access critical data and insights easily.

MSPs can also help organizations leverage machine learning and other advanced technologies to analyze vast amounts of data and extract valuable insights. This can help businesses identify opportunities and make informed decisions that drive growth and profitability.

A managed cloud solution provided by an MSP can help businesses optimize their IT infrastructure and ensure they get the right service level. MSPs can provide a range of services, from basic infrastructure support to full-scale managed cloud services, depending on the needs of the business.

Most MSPs will offer various services including networking, infrastructure management – data security, cloud computing, voice and communications, disaster recovery and business continuity, endpoint management, remote monitoring and management, data management, and application management.

Important Questions to Ask Before Signing Any Contract

Selecting the right Managed Services Provider (MSP) for your company is pivotal to ensuring smooth operations and cost-effective system management. Before finalizing any contract, it’s crucial to pose pertinent questions to assess compatibility and quality of service. Here’s a comprehensive checklist tailored for small and medium businesses seeking world-class service:

1. Is the MSP Aligned with My Company’s Needs?

2. What is the MSP’s Track Record?

3. How Does the MSP Safeguard My Data?

4. What are the Rates and Terms Offered by the MSP?

5. How Will Collaboration Between the MSP and My Team Function?

6. Are There Any Hidden Costs Associated with the MSP?

7. How Does the MSP Prioritize Customer Service?

8. What are the MSP’s Cancellation Procedures?

By asking these key questions, small and medium businesses can make informed decisions when selecting an MSP. Prioritizing compatibility, reputation, data security, transparency, collaboration, cost-effectiveness, customer service, and contractual terms ensures a fruitful partnership for efficient system management and world-class service.

Reasons to Partner With Us

Extending Your Services Portfolio

Multi-tenant, cloud-based solutions that are simple to scale and deploy can be used to improve current services and develop new ones.

A Track Record With Merit

Protected Harbor is recognized by industry analysts like Goodfirms and other top companies for its data resilience and performance.

The Best Collaborations

The tech platforms used by clients and service providers, such as Microsoft, Amazon, Oracle, SAP, and Google, are supported by us.

Simplifying Advanced Data Systems

Our selection of Intelligent Data Services allows you to design data protection procedures for your clients that significantly impact outcomes. You can be confident in delivering services powered by Protected Harbor, from guaranteeing data and application availability to preventing cyber risks and ensuring effective business continuity.

Customize Your Customer Data

You can determine how to manage client data with choices like innovative deployment and contactless capabilities.

Adaptable Consumption Models For A Range Of Business Requirements

The architecture of Protected Harbor Services makes it simple to use and lowers the total cost of ownership (TCO). Options for utility subscription contracts increase flexibility and savings.

Choosing the Right Managed Services Provider

Choosing the right Managed Services Provider (MSP) is crucial, especially for businesses seeking IT support New York. Consider these factors when selecting the best-managed IT service providers:

Defined Service Level Agreements: Ensure the MSP offers flexible options tailored to your needs, including compliance and timely response times.
Experience in Your Industry: Seek an MSP with expertise in your field, equipped to navigate regulatory requirements effectively.
Commitment to Growth: Opt for an MSP with an innovative approach, willing to embrace new challenges and technologies for future success.
Exceptional Customer Service: Prioritize MSPs with a dedicated team providing top-notch customer support, vital for addressing issues promptly and efficiently.

Selecting a managed Service Provider in NYC requires careful consideration to ensure seamless IT support services tailored to your business needs.

As you can see, partnering with a managed services provider can save your company a lot of money and headaches. The best MSPs, like Protected Harbor, will help you manage your technology infrastructure, reduce your costs, and improve the uptime of your systems. At the same time, you will have the flexibility to handle projects outside the managed services scope.

Protected Harbor engineers are highly skilled specialists capable of application migration, development, and continuing maintenance services. If you’d like to partner with us for your managed services and cybersecurity needs, this is the right time. Contact us today for a free IT Audit and learn how our partner advantage benefits you.

November 20, 2022 0 Comments by Admin

IT ServicesProtected HarborTech Support

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.

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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.

Hiring an IT Guy

Pros:

• An IT guy can assist you with hardware configuration and setup.

• An IT guy will be available to your business during peak business hours.

· A good IT person should be able to assist your business and staff members with desktop repair, virus removal, and software issues.

Cons:

• Hiring a single IT specialist with a salary, health insurance, and other perks may be expensive depending on experience and specialty.

• It can be too much work for one individual to be the network manager, infrastructure planner, and IT support person for your IT department.

• The talents of your in-house IT specialist might only be dependent on the work they perform daily; they might not be as quick to adopt new technology.

Hiring an MSP

Pros:

• Managed service providers have access to cutting-edge equipment. Your MSP should be able to support you with workstations, networks, servers, software, and hardware, regardless of the industry you’re in.

• The most crucial aspect of any organization, continuity, should be protected by your managed IT service provider. MSPs should be able to guarantee that your system is up and operating as much as possible by reducing the risk of downtime.

• You have access to a group of committed IT experts who work on what they do for at least eight to nine hours daily.

• Some remote IT support services are accessible around-the-clock.

• Managed services are available with various services and expertise to pick from, whether in NYC or any other major city.

• You should receive an SLA (Service Level Agreement) from your managed service provider that outlines the results you anticipate from your collaboration.

• Managed service consultants bill firms with set monthly fees to help them better control their spending.

Cons:

• Location is a crucial factor to consider when picking an MSP. We advise businesses to employ MSPs in the region or, at the very least, in the same city. When anything goes wrong on-site and companies have to wait for the MSP to send an IT specialist to assist fix it, the waiting game is a major drawback of joining a managed IT services provider.

• Service level agreements (SLAs) allow MSPs to function based on the signed contracts. Expect to pay extra fees if your contract doesn’t cover something.

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.

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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.

November 19, 2022 0 Comments by Admin

IT ServicesProtected HarborVideos

The Importance of IT Service Provider: Truth to Power

Today’s business landscape is highly competitive, and a company must adopt a strategy to give them an edge over its competitors. Technology has become a primary source of differentiation for companies in all sectors.

You’ve probably heard about the importance of the service-provider relationship. After all, it’s a topic that discussion boards, blogs, and articles have been tackling for years. But how much of this information is theory vs. practice? If you had to implement these strategies tomorrow, would you know what action steps to take?

Welcome to another video in the series Uptime with Richard Luna discussing the importance of service-provider relations and transparency. What’s the truth to power between the promised services and the actual delivery by the IT service providers and MSPs?

The Importance of a Service-Provider Relationship

When people in the business world talk about service-provider relationships, they refer to the partnerships businesses build with their partners. These could include vendors, suppliers, distributors, IT service providers, managed service providers, or system integrators. A service-provider relationship is designed to help both parties thrive and succeed.

When you partner with a company to provide essential technology services, like hosting, IT infrastructure, security, or managed services, you’re entering into a partnership that will benefit both of you in different ways. For example, let’s say you run a chain of car dealerships that need an IT infrastructure to process credit card payments and keep your staff connected. If you work with a managed services provider (MSP) to help you with these tasks, you’re entering into a partnership that will benefit you in different ways.

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Truth in Transparency: Know What You’re Buying

IT service providers are critical to any business’s success, but they are not all created equally. Many service providers offer various technology-related services, each with unique value propositions, business models, and strengths and weaknesses. That’s why it’s important to partner with an IT service provider that is a good fit for your company.

Partnering with a service provider that is a good fit for your company can help you avoid common pitfalls that can disrupt your business and negatively impact your bottom line, such as paying too much for services you don’t need or are overpriced, or not receiving the level of support and maintenance your company needs to thrive.

Before signing up with an IT service provider, ensure you understand exactly what you’re buying to ensure the relationship is a good fit for your business. You don’t want to sign up with a service provider that is overpriced or doesn’t offer a solution that lines up with your business needs.

The Importance of a Good SLA

The service-level agreement (SLA) is critical to any managed services agreement. The SLA outlines the service provider’s obligations, such as the level of customer support, the amount of downtime, and the uptime of critical systems. It also includes the customer’s obligations.

It is essential to make sure the SLA is in your favor. If you are a customer working with an MSP, the SLA is your opportunity to hold the service provider accountable for their promises by clearly laying out what you expect from them. It is also an opportunity for you to establish a baseline for performance.

If you are an MSP, the SLA is your opportunity to outline the commitments you make to your customers. It is also an opportunity for you to set a baseline for performance. For example, if your SLA states that you will have a technician respond to an issue within four hours, that is the expectation you need to live up to every single time.

Takeaways

It is a strategic technology partner offering more than just a product or service. It is a partner that provides expertise, guidance, and support to help you grow your business through IT services.

Protected Harbor is not your typical MSP. It’s a managed service provider with a twist. The company specializes in cloud-based software solutions, including data backup, recovery, ransomware, and other cybersecurity services. Our team of MSP experts works with you every step of the way.

We conduct a thorough assessment of your business and technology landscape. We then customize a solution that meets your exact needs. Contact one of our experts today for a free IT Audit and discover why we are different.

October 20, 2022 0 Comments by Admin

IT ServicesVideos

Non-profit Computer Services

Non-profit Computer Services: Building the Foundation for Your Non-Profit’s Success

Non-profit organizations are often driven by passion, not profits. But that doesn’t stop non-profits needing technology to operate efficiently and thrive. Technology can support growth by streamlining operations, making collaboration with partners and volunteers easier, or increasing the organization’s visibility to potential donors.

Whether your non-profit is just starting or looking for ways to improve efficiency, these tips will help you better manage your non-profit’s IT needs. Here is the next video in the series Uptime with Richard Luna. This blog post will cover why your non-profit should invest in IT services or managed serv and how to find the right partner.

All Has to be Seamless

In the dynamic landscape of non-profit organizations, leveraging technology effectively is crucial to fulfilling their missions. Non-profit IT services play a pivotal role in ensuring seamless operations and impactful outreach. Managed IT services for non-profits provide tailored solutions to address the unique challenges these organizations face. From optimizing network infrastructures to implementing robust cybersecurity measures, these services are designed to enhance efficiency while maintaining a focus on cost-effectiveness.

Non-profit IT services empower organizations to leverage the latest advancements, such as cloud solutions and data management, without the burden of day-to-day IT management. By partnering with a trusted managed IT service provider, non-profits can concentrate on their core objectives, confident that their technological foundation is secure, reliable, and aligned with their philanthropic goals.

When it comes to non-profit IT services, the tech experience must be seamless for your internal team and end users. Your services should integrate well with your existing tools and be easy to set up. They should also provide a straightforward user experience—whether someone is using your website or accessing a hosted application, they should not be overwhelmed by technology.

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Provide a Uniform Interface

One of your organization’s most influential services is a uniform interface for managing your environment. You may have one or several application or platform environments. You may also have one or more partner organizations or support system that provide you with internal or external services, such as email systems, hosted applications, and data storage.

These multiple environments and partners may need to be integrated, monitored, and managed in a single interface. Your non-profit IT services partner should be able to help you do this. In particular, you’ll want to ensure the partner can provide a single pane of glass to manage your environments, no matter where they are hosted, so you can have one view of all your operations.

Finding the right partner

Finding the right IT partner for your nonprofit organizations is more critical than the cost. It’s about meeting your needs, including your ability to collaborate, manage operations, and measure results. Before you begin the search for non-profit IT services, do some self-reflection on your organization’s goals and objectives. Are you seeking a turnkey solution? Will you need to staff the project internally? What are your most prominent non-profit IT challenges? These are all critical questions to consider when looking for the right partner and customer service for your non-profit.

Conclusion

When it comes to non-profit IT services, you want to be sure to select a partner that will help you meet your strategic goals. You want to make sure the partner can provide the level of service you need and that it can scale as your needs grow. You also want to ensure the partner is committed to positive social impact and can show you how their technology and services are helping other non-profits succeed.

With the right partner like Protected Harbor and the right level of support, there is no limit to what your non-profit can accomplish. Protected Harbor is dedicated to offering scalable and affordable solutions and is aware of the unique challenges faced by non-profit organizations. We have spent years planning IT infrastructures for NGOs to ensure they receive the IT support required for both short- and long-term objectives while being productive.

To find out more about how our IT solutions may assist your non-profit organization in achieving its objectives, get in touch with Protected Harbor for a free consultation and IT Audit.

October 13, 2022 0 Comments by Admin

Protected Harbor

GoodFirm.co Recognizes Protected Harbor as a Top Cloud Computing Company

GoodFirms.co Recognizes Protected Harbor as a Top Cloud Computing Company

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Today, Protected Harbor was recognized by GoodFirms, a leading review platform for software and service providers, as one of the Top Cloud Computing Companies in the United States.

GoodFirms is a revolutionary research and review platform with a worldwide database of software service providers. To link service providers and their relevant customers, GoodFirms analyses the company on three crucial parameters: Quality, Reliability, and Ability. Customer reviews and published interview articles are also considered for the evaluation process.

Here is what GoodFirms’ Anna Stark had to say about Protected Harbor’s IT Support and Cloud Computing Solutions:

Started in 2009, Protected Harbor delivers technology stability and durability for organizations, resulting in flawless operations of desktops, data centers, and applications. The company implements a Technology Improvement Plan (TIP) that involves industry best practices to resolve issues. The TIP offers protection with the help of unique Application Outage Avoidance (AOA) technology and support from the Support Resolution Team.

Interestingly, Protected Harbor works with organizations to solve more complex problems and be more responsive. The company focuses on direct end-user support while assuring that the company’s back-end operations like web servers and computer networking run effortlessly.

The team strives hard to resolve issues before they become problems, enabling organizations not to be worried about the technology. The company aims to turn technology back into a benefit and not a cost center. The team finds long-term solutions that help clients focus on their business processes. The clients can have reliable, durable, and secure business technology solutions with Protected Harbor.

Indeed, the Protected Harbor guard businesses and their IT operations from attacks, whether known or unknown, that include Ransomware, Malware, Viruses, and Phishing. The customers can efficiently make their business IT strong and keep their business protected and safe from ransomware attacks, viruses, useless subscriptions, phishing attacks, and end-user problems with Protected Harbour.

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Protected Harbor aims to ensure clients achieve optimal technological productivity. The company treats clients as partners and thoughtfully listens to the client’s business and technology issues, and delivers technology solutions tailored to the client’s business requirements.

Protected Harbor offers a wide range of secure colocation solutions for healthcare organizations to handle healthcare challenges. Team Protected Harbor enables clients to protect their desktop issues such as ransomware, malware, and virus protection. Clients have complete remote access and 24 hour, 365-day support.

The unified VoIP solution and VoIP software phone system, video conferencing, and mobile app are easy to use and effortlessly protect clients’ phones. Plus, the clients can have the power of desktop QuickBooks and the security and convenience of a remote desktop connection with Protected Books. The protected data center and hosting solution virtually eliminate crashes, failures, and outages.

This one-stop technology company offers solutions that involve software, hardware infrastructure, cloud migration, disaster recovery, security, and cloud back-up. The company offers customers remote cloud access, 99.99% uptime, proactive monitoring, and private cloud backup.

The team of experts enables clients to get value from the virtual office-hosted solutions and efficiently work with businesses of all sizes to carry out business operations faster. The clients can migrate their systems to the cloud to reduce and control IT costs, enhance security and disaster preparedness, minimize maintenance, and increase the workforce’s productivity.

Consequently, the excellent cloud computing services enable Protected Harbor to gain a prestigious position amongst the renowned cloud computing companies in the United States at GoodFirms.

Apart from the services mentioned above, Protected Harbor delivers specialized IT services for small and medium-sized businesses. The certified IT engineers focus on keeping clients’ businesses going. The team builds reliable IT infrastructure with a strategic approach that drives clients’ business growth.

About the Author

goodfirm author Working as a Content Writer at GoodFirms, Anna Stark bridges the gap between service seekers and service providers. Anna’s dominant role is to figure out company achievements and critical attributes and put them into words. She strongly believes in the charm of words and leverages new approaches that work, including new concepts that enhance the firm’s identity.

September 9, 2022 0 Comments by Editor