Category: Infidati

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What Is A vCIO And Why Do You Need One?

A Chief Information Officer (CIO) provides an invaluable service for your business. It’s their job to understand your organization completely and offer strategic IT planning, analysis, and overall IT management.
They’re dedicated to finding ways to grow your business through new technology and technology-driven processes. By keeping an eye on both your business and the tech industry landscape, your CIO can make sure that you are getting the maximum benefit from all of your technology investments.
However, finding an experienced CIO that is willing to carry out executive-level duties on a small business salary is a near-impossible task. Many businesses can’t even afford to even try to hire someone to fill this position—but just because the resources aren’t there, it doesn’t mean that the need for CIO services isn’t there either.
It can be expensive to hire someone just to take care of their IT and strategy. Payscale estimates the current average salary for a CIO in the US is $324,176. Can you afford that?
More often than not, strategy is left to the leadership in general. It’s everyone’s responsibility to talk about it at meetings, but no one’s specific job. How can you reconcile these two issues: the need for a CIO, and the difficulty that comes with hiring and employing one? By outsourcing the job altogether…

Hire A vCIO From Our Team

A virtual Chief Information Officer (vCIO) is an experienced IT professional who has an in-depth understanding of business strategy and technology. Could your business benefit from strategic IT planning that aligns your technology strategy and spending with your overall business goals?
A vCIO handles your firm’s IT needs.
As the vCIO, they will advise you on everything from IT security to operations. Their job is to keep your technology running efficiently, and with an eye to the future. A vCIO will also help you cut IT operating costs, and confirm that your technology is running securely and that it enables your people to work efficiently each day.
Your vCIO will work closely with your business to make sure that you’re making the right technology investments. Our focus is not just on what is best for your business today, but what will benefit your business down the road.
Our vCIO services include:
  • Analysis of business practices and existing technology to understand how YOU use IT.
  • Understanding how your staff uses IT on a daily basis to help them improve productivity.
  • Guidance on strategic IT investments and overall budgeting.
  • Creation of a 3-year IT plan focused on adopting cost-effective technology to streamline business operations.
  • Planning for technology refreshes and strategies in the long-term to maximize IT’s impact on business operations.
  • Regular reviews of your IT plan to discover new solutions to improve productivity and streamline operations.
Truly effective strategy can’t come from the occasional meeting. It requires real focus and ongoing effort—investing in a vCIO that will do that for you today.

Your vCIO Is Part Of Our Comprehensive Managed IT Services Suite

While a vCIO is critical to long-term success with your IT environment, they only play a role in the overall approach we deliver. As the strategic leader, the vCIO focuses on high-level strategy and budgeting, ensuring that the organization’s technology aligns with its overall goals and objectives. By understanding your business’s needs and objectives, the vCIO can develop a technology roadmap that supports growth and innovation.
While the vCIO handles the strategic aspects, our engineers, support technicians, and managers are responsible for ensuring that daily IT tasks are handled efficiently. These professionals work together to maintain your organization’s IT infrastructure, troubleshoot technical issues, and provide timely support to your end-users. With our dedicated team of experts on your side, you can trust that your IT systems are running smoothly, minimizing downtime and maximizing productivity.
The collaboration between the vCIO and the technical team is essential for a successful managed IT services arrangement. The vCIO provides guidance and direction to the technical team, ensuring that their efforts are aligned with the organization’s strategic goals. Regular communication and coordination between the vCIO and the technical team help to bridge the gap between high-level strategy and day-to-day operations, resulting in a well-rounded and efficient IT environment.

We Will Be Your Expert IT Advisor

As your vCIO, we consult on every big decision that involves technology and answer all the other small questions along the way.
Proper planning not only helps you to avoid technological missteps that can often result in IT issues, but it also adds further value to your company as it develops. Having an experienced technology professional in your corner provides you and your organization with a key technology advisor
Get in touch with us to start strategizing your IT today.
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What You Need To Know About Technology Planning

If your IT budget isn’t going as far as you’d like, then you need to start planning it sooner rather than later. By understanding the value IT offers, you can learn how to better spend your IT budget.
IT planning is a key oversight in today’s business world…

Businesses Are Bad At Technology Planning

Despite the fact that 93% of surveyed businesses recognize that IT is strategically and operationally critical (Wakefield Research), very few are doing anything to properly plan their IT:
  • 66% find that the amount they’re budgeting towards IT isn’t enough to keep up with what they need from it.
  • 77% of those with less than 100 employees have found that their investments in IT are too limited
  • A third of those surveyed said that less than 10% of their strategic planning was about IT
That’s why you need to ensure you’re planning your budget properly. That means knowing what your priorities should be, and how to invest in them.

3 Key Considerations For Your Next Technology Plan

Keep the following in mind when planning your IT investments:

Cybersecurity

You cannot afford to underinvest in your cybersecurity. Even a single breach can cost you tens of thousands of dollars. That’s why you should arrange for a cybersecurity assessment to double-check for any vulnerabilities and remediate them.

Track Tech Lifecycles

Do you know how old your computers are? At a certain point, they will reach End Of Life, which means that you won’t get bug fixes or security updates from the developers any longer.
Over time, the security and reliability of these systems will make your computers vulnerable:
  • Your computers could be infected by malware
  • Your antivirus won’t be updated
  • Your online banking transaction protection may expire, and
  • Your financial data could be exposed to theft.
That’s why you need to have a detailed schedule of your hardware and operating systems’ lifecycles so that you can plan ahead of new purchases and upgrades.

Supply Chain Issues

Don’t forget that new technology is in high demand, and the available supply is especially low. Any new technology purchases you will make will likely take much longer to fulfill.

Don’t Put Off Your IT Budget

With IT shifting from just another piece of equipment in the office to the core of operations and a key aspect of how you defend your business, you should designate it as a central part of your budget. This also means that you must assess and clearly define how IT aligns with your business objectives to decide what you’ll need for the coming years.
Proper IT budgeting will help you lay a foundation for success for the future. Using the right IT solutions can help you:
  • Accelerate your business growth
  • Increase your operational effectiveness
  • Ensure optimal productivity from your employees
  • Overcome operational challenges
  • Increase collaboration and communication

We Will Help You Plan Your IT

IT budget planning doesn’t have to be a frustrating process.
Our team will develop a strategic plan specifically for your company to make sure you’re investing in the right solutions to truly help you meet your overall objectives and exceed your goals, in order to reach new heights within your business.
Effective IT planning should result in a wide range of benefits for any operation in any industry.
Benefits include:
  • Increased productivity
  • Minimized downtime and disruptions
  • Increased and customized security measures
  • Enhanced time management
  • More effective communication
  • The best possible return on your IT investments
Keep in mind, IT strategy isn’t a one-time thing. We can work alongside your team to provide ongoing guidance, support, and services. Get in touch with our team to get started on your next technology budget and overall IT plan.
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The Growing Significance of Endpoint Security

With the increasing number of cyber threats targeting endpoints, businesses must prioritize endpoint protection to safeguard their clients’ sensitive data and ensure uninterrupted business operations. 

In this blog, we will delve into the growing significance of endpoint security and explore why you need to make it a top priority.

5 Reasons You Can’t Overlook Endpoint Security

Protection Against Malware

Endpoint security is crucial for businesses as it provides a robust defense against malware threats. With advanced detection and prevention mechanisms, it safeguards endpoints from malicious software that can compromise sensitive data and disrupt operations.

Data Loss Prevention

Endpoint security helps prevent data breaches and loss by implementing encryption, access controls, and data backup solutions. By securing endpoints, businesses can ensure the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of their critical information assets.

Mitigating Insider Threats

Endpoint security plays a vital role in mitigating insider threats by monitoring and controlling user activities. It helps detect and prevent unauthorized access, data exfiltration, and malicious insider actions, reducing the risk of internal breaches.

Safeguarding Remote Workforce

With the rise of remote work, endpoint security becomes even more critical. It protects endpoints outside the traditional network perimeter, securing devices, and data regardless of their location, ensuring a secure remote work environment.

Compliance and Regulatory Requirements

Endpoint security is essential for businesses to meet compliance and regulatory requirements. It helps enforce security policies, track and report security incidents, and demonstrate adherence to industry-specific regulations, avoiding penalties and reputational damage.

How To Select Your Endpoint Security

Evaluate Comprehensive Protection

Look for an endpoint security solution that offers a wide range of features, including:

  • Real-time threat detection
  • Advanced malware protection
  • Firewall capabilities
  • Data encryption

A comprehensive solution ensures holistic protection for your business.

Consider Scalability and Compatibility

Ensure that the endpoint security solution can scale with your business growth and is compatible with your existing IT infrastructure. It should seamlessly integrate with your network and support various operating systems and devices to provide consistent protection across all endpoints.

Prioritize User-Friendliness

Opt for an endpoint security solution that is easy to deploy, manage, and use. A user-friendly interface and intuitive controls will save time and effort for your IT team, allowing them to focus on other critical tasks.

Assess Performance and Resource Impact

Test the solution’s performance impact on endpoints and system resources. It should provide robust security without significantly slowing down devices or causing disruptions. Look for solutions that offer efficient resource utilization and minimal impact on user productivity.

Don’t Let Your Unsecured Endpoints Put You At Risk

As the threat landscape continues to evolve, businesses must adapt and prioritize endpoint security to stay one step ahead of cybercriminals. By implementing robust endpoint protection measures, businesses can mitigate risks, protect sensitive data, and maintain a secure computing environment. 

Remember, endpoint security is not just an option; it is a necessity in today’s digital age. So, let’s embrace the growing significance of endpoint security and work together to build a resilient and secure IT infrastructure for businesses of all sizes.

If you need expert assistance deploying or managing your endpoint security measures, reach out to our team. 

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The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Cybersecurity

As organizations strive to protect their sensitive data and maintain a robust security posture, the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in cybersecurity has emerged as a game-changer. AI-powered solutions offer a proactive and intelligent approach to identify, prevent, and mitigate cyber threats. 

In this blog, we will explore the transformative potential of AI in cybersecurity and how businesses can leverage the expertise of IT companies to harness its power effectively.

5 Ways AI Is Changing Cybersecurity

Advanced Threat Detection

AI is revolutionizing business security by enabling advanced threat detection capabilities. Machine learning algorithms can analyze vast amounts of data, identify patterns, and detect anomalies that may indicate potential security breaches. This helps businesses proactively identify and respond to threats, minimizing the risk of data breaches and cyberattacks.

Behavioral Analytics

AI-powered behavioral analytics systems can monitor user behavior and identify deviations from normal patterns. By continuously learning and adapting to user behavior, these systems can detect suspicious activities, such as unauthorized access attempts or insider threats. This helps businesses detect and mitigate security risks in real-time, enhancing overall security posture.

Intelligent Authentication

AI is enhancing authentication processes by incorporating biometric technologies such as facial recognition, voice recognition, and fingerprint scanning. These advanced authentication methods provide stronger security measures compared to traditional passwords or PINs, reducing the risk of unauthorized access to sensitive business systems and data.

Automated Security Incident Response

AI-driven security solutions can automate the incident response process, enabling faster and more efficient threat mitigation. By leveraging machine learning algorithms, these systems can analyze security incidents, prioritize them based on severity, and initiate automated responses or recommendations for security teams to take immediate action.

Predictive Analytics for Risk Assessment

AI-powered predictive analytics can assess potential security risks by analyzing historical data, identifying trends, and predicting future threats. This helps businesses proactively address vulnerabilities, allocate resources effectively, and implement preventive measures to mitigate risks before they materialize.

What AI-Powered Cybersecurity Means For You

AI offers immense potential in enhancing cybersecurity by augmenting human capabilities, automating processes, and detecting and responding to threats in real-time. 

With its ability to analyze vast amounts of data and identify patterns, AI can quickly identify anomalies and potential security breaches that may go unnoticed by traditional security systems. This proactive approach enables organizations to stay one step ahead of cybercriminals.

When it comes to selecting AI-powered cybersecurity solutions, it is essential to consider a few key factors. Firstly, the solution should have advanced machine learning algorithms that can continuously learn and adapt to new threats. This ensures that the system remains effective even as cyber threats evolve. Additionally, the solution should have robust data analytics capabilities to process and analyze large volumes of data efficiently.

Furthermore, the solution should integrate seamlessly with existing security infrastructure to provide a comprehensive defense mechanism. Compatibility with other security tools and systems allows for a holistic approach to cybersecurity, leveraging the strengths of both AI and human expertise.

It is also crucial to consider the reputation and track record of the AI solution provider. Look for established vendors with a proven history of delivering reliable and effective cybersecurity solutions. Consider factors such as their experience, customer reviews, and partnerships with industry-leading organizations.

Leveraging AI for cybersecurity is a matter of selecting the right solutions that are supported by AI capabilities. By choosing advanced AI-powered solutions with robust machine learning algorithms, data analytics capabilities, and seamless integration, organizations can enhance their cybersecurity posture and effectively combat ever-evolving cyber threats.

Don’t Overlook The Power Of AI

Overall, AI is transforming business security solutions and processes by providing advanced threat detection, behavioral analytics, intelligent authentication, automated incident response, and predictive risk assessment capabilities. These advancements empower businesses to stay one step ahead of cyber threats and protect their valuable assets.

As the cybersecurity landscape continues to evolve, businesses must stay one step ahead of malicious actors. Embracing the power of artificial intelligence in cybersecurity is no longer a luxury but a necessity. 

By partnering with IT companies that specialize in AI-driven solutions, businesses can fortify their defenses, detect threats in real-time, and respond swiftly to mitigate potential damages. The future of cybersecurity lies in the hands of intelligent machines working in tandem with human expertise, and by harnessing this synergy, businesses can safeguard their digital assets and thrive in the face of ever-evolving cyber threats.

If you need expert assistance deploying or managing your AI-assisted security measures, reach out to our team. 

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5 Things You Should Know About Your Current (Or Next) IT Support Company

In today’s tech-dependant world, businesses heavily rely on IT companies to support their operations and drive growth. However, it’s not enough to simply hire an IT company based on their reputation or services alone. To truly maximize the benefits of IT support, it is crucial to know your IT company on a deeper level. 

Here’s a secret: IT professionals agree that you can tell how good a client is going to be by the questions they ask. So, whether you’re looking at new IT companies or still getting to know the one you’re with right now, make sure you get the answers you need to better understand what you’re paying for.

5 Questions You Need The Answers To

Does your IT company understand your strategy?

Understanding your business strategy enables the IT company to align their services with your goals and objectives. By having a clear understanding of your strategic direction, they can tailor their IT solutions to support your specific needs. Whether it’s expanding into new markets, implementing innovative technologies, or streamlining operations, an IT company that fully comprehends your business strategy can provide strategic guidance and implement solutions that drive your success.

An IT company that understands your business strategy can act as a trusted advisor. They can offer valuable insights and recommendations on how technology can be leveraged to achieve your strategic objectives. 

By staying informed about your business goals, they can proactively identify opportunities for improvement, suggest innovative solutions, and help you stay ahead of the competition. This partnership fosters a collaborative environment where the IT company becomes an integral part of your business strategy, working together towards shared success.

When an IT company understands your business strategy, they can effectively support your initiatives, scale their services, and onboard new users during mergers or acquisitions. They can align their solutions with your goals, provide strategic guidance, and act as a trusted advisor. This level of understanding and collaboration ensures that technology becomes an enabler for your business strategy, driving growth and success.

What’s your IT company’s 5-year plan?

This is a simple concept, but it’s almost always overlooked by IT clients. Have you ever asked your IT company what their macro business plan is?

You may be surprised by what you find out. Some companies are simply seeking more and more clients in order to grow their value and seek a buyout. Others are looking to rapidly expand and diversify. Often, the IT company’s business plan, if realized, can affect the quality of service the clients receive. 

Make sure to keep this in mind, and keep an eye on your IT company as they grow and develop. It may give you insight into changes in service quality, or potential new offering they may be able to make available to you. 

How do they handle renewal/termination of service?

Always have an exit strategy—there’s a chance that you’ll find managed services in general, or that IT company, in particular, isn’t right for you. Or, the opposite could happen: you’ll be perfectly satisfied with the services and will want to renew them. 

That’s why it’s smart to know how the renewal/termination process will work ahead of time:

  • Should the managed services contract terminate, does it require a monthly or annual renewal?
  • Will you incur any penalties for ending your service before the expiration date? 
  • What is considered acceptable, in the contract, for the IT company to cancel the agreement on their end?

What is their track record?

 Whether this is a new IT company you’re considering or your current partner, it’s important to look at their capabilities in the most exact terms available. 

  • Do they have KPIs, benchmarks, score cards, or other qualitative trackers available for review?
  • What is their CSAT, and how has it changed over time?
  • What stats can they provide on your service ticket resolutions over the past quarter?

What do their other clients say?

No matter how great a company may seem, remember that you can’t take their word for it; or, not entirely. It’s important to seek testimonials and case studies about a potential partner before you sign on the dotted line. 

Furthermore, where available, it’s a good idea to talk to other clients of your current IT company. Whether it’s a peer group, a monthly happy hour get-together, or an annual appreciation client social, this is a great opportunity to find out how other clients are benefitting from the company’s IT services and whether you could change your approach to service usage. 

It’s Never Too Late To Know More

The bottom line is that you should always be striving to make better use of the investment you’ve made in IT services. A lazy IT company loves a disengaged client that pays them hundreds or thousands a month just for the occasional password reset or workstation installation. The more you pay attention, the better ROI you’ll get. 

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3 Ways To Be A Better IT Client

IT blogs are usually about determining the pedigree of a given IT company. What do they offer? How do they perform? What makes them different?

It’s easy to overlook your role in the process. Here’s the hard truth: you may not be getting the best ROI for your monthly fees in IT support, and part of the problem might be you.

If you want to be a better IT client and maximize the return you get on your investment in IT services, make sure to keep the following three best practices in mind.

3 Best Practices For Ideal IT Clients

Are you doing your homework?

Ideally your IT company will take care of 99% of the work involved with maintaining and optimizing your IT environment. However, from time to time, you may have to perform a task here and there.

This is especially important at the very beginning when you are being onboarded. You generally have to fill out a lot of documentation to capture critical information such as passwords, domains, licenses, etc. 

Did you keep up with that homework? Even if your onboarding period is long past, are there still questions you haven’t answered?

It’s important to keep in mind that this may allow your IT company to justify a lower quality of service, or otherwise impede them in critical situations. Without all that information, they won’t be able to do their jobs as effectively as they’d like to. That’s why you need to be sure you’ve done everything you’re supposed to, and can let your IT company work the way they need to. 

Are you using all of their available services?

By fully engaging with the services they are paying for, you can unlock the full potential of your IT investments. IT companies offer a wide range of solutions beyond the help desk, such as IT consulting, managed services, cloud solutions, cybersecurity, and more. Each of these services is designed to address specific business needs and challenges, providing tailored solutions that can drive growth and efficiency.

Engaging with a broader range of IT services allows you to access customized solutions that align with their unique business goals. While the helpdesk provides immediate support for technical issues, other services can offer strategic guidance, proactive monitoring, and long-term planning. By leveraging these additional solutions, you can optimize your IT infrastructure, enhance security measures, and align technology with their overall business strategy.

Furthermore, technology is constantly evolving, and businesses need to stay ahead of the curve to remain competitive. By fully engaging with IT services, you can tap into the expertise and knowledge of IT professionals who are up-to-date with the latest industry trends and advancements. This enables businesses to leverage emerging technologies, implement innovative solutions, and gain a competitive edge in their respective markets.

Who is your point of contact?

It sounds simple, but we’ve had a lot of clients that can’t answer this question. Sure, you may have the direct number for the CEO of your IT company, but is that the most efficient way to get the help you need?

Probably not. More likely, your IT company has assigned a staff member as your point of contact. If you’re circumventing this person, whether out of convenience or otherwise, you’re likely adding minutes or even hours to the support process. 

The point is that if you engage with your IT company in the way that’s dictated by their core processes, everything will function more smoothly. 

Don’t Be A Bad IT Client

Fully engaging with the services provided by IT companies is essential for you to maximize the value of your IT investments. By going beyond the help desk and exploring the full range of solutions available, you can unlock tailored solutions, stay ahead of the curve, maximize efficiency, and proactively address potential challenges. 

Embracing a holistic approach to IT services enables businesses to leverage technology as a strategic asset, driving growth, and achieving long-term success in today’s digital landscape.