The future of MSPs and how they may continue to evolve to meet changing business needs

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Author: Steve Wilde

The future of MSPs and how they may continue to evolve to meet changing business needs

Posted on by Steve Wilde

The future of MSPs and how they may continue to evolve to meet changing business needs

One key trend in the future of MSPs is a focus on proactive and preventative maintenance. MSPs will use advanced monitoring tools and automation to identify and resolve issues before they become major problems. This approach not only improves uptime and reduces downtime, but also helps to prevent cybersecurity incidents by identifying and mitigating vulnerabilities in real-time.

Speaking of cybersecurity, MSPs will also play an increasingly important role in protecting businesses from cyber threats. With new attack methods emerging all the time, MSPs will continue to invest in security tools and technologies to keep their clients’ data safe. This includes implementing multi-factor authentication, endpoint protection, and regular security audits to ensure that your business stays ahead of the curve.

Another area of growth for MSPs is the use of advanced technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT). AI can be used to automate routine tasks, freeing up your IT team to focus on more strategic initiatives. IoT can be used to monitor and manage your network and devices in real-time, providing greater visibility into your IT environment and helping to identify potential issues before they arise.

Finally, as businesses increasingly move to the cloud, MSPs will play a critical role in managing cloud infrastructure. This includes not only cloud migration and optimization but also ongoing management to ensure that your cloud environment remains secure and up-to-date.

In conclusion, the future of MSPs is bright and full of promise. With their focus on proactive maintenance, cybersecurity, and advanced technologies, MSPs can help businesses of all sizes stay ahead of the curve and achieve their goals.

What are some problems that Microsoft Azure could solve and how it would help a fast-growing company?

Posted on by Steve Wilde

What are some problems that Microsoft Azure could solve and how it would help a fast-growing company? 

Microsoft Azure is a cloud computing platform that provides a wide range of services and features that can help fast-growing companies solve a variety of problems. Here are a few examples: 

Scalability

As a fast-growing company, you may need to scale your IT resources quickly and easily to meet the demands of your business. Azure offers scalable compute, storage, and networking services that allow you to easily scale up or down as needed, without the need to purchase and maintain additional hardware. 

Flexibility

Azure allows you to run a variety of different workloads, including virtual machines, containers, and serverless functions, which can help you to be more flexible and adapt to changing business needs. 

Cost-efficiency

Azure allows you to pay only for the resources you use, which can help to reduce IT costs. Azure also offers a variety of pricing models, such as pay-as-you-go and reserved instances, which can help to further optimize costs. 

Security

Azure offers a variety of security features and services, such as Azure Security Center, Azure Active Directory, and Azure Key Vault, which can help to secure your data and applications. This can give you peace of mind knowing that your data and applications are protected and comply with various regulatory requirements. 

Global reach

Azure offers a global network of data centers, which can help fast-growing companies to reach customers and partners worldwide and provide low-latency access to data and applications. 

Hybrid capabilities

Azure allows you to seamlessly connect your on-premises IT resources with cloud resources, which can help a fast-growing company to take advantage of the benefits of the cloud without having to rearchitect all their existing systems. 

Development and deployment

Azure offers a wide range of services to support the development and deployment of applications, such as Azure DevOps, Azure Container Instances, and Azure Functions. These services make it easier to develop, test, and deploy applications quickly and efficiently, allowing the company to keep up with the fast pace of growth. 

Overall, Microsoft Azure can be a valuable tool for fast-growing companies as it can help with scalability, cost-efficiency, security, global reach, hybrid capabilities, development, and deployment. It allows companies to be more agile and adapt to 

Perimeter81 and Zero Trust Network Access(ZTNA)

Posted on by Steve Wilde

Perimeter81 and Zero Trust Network Access(ZTNA)

Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) is a security model that ensures secure access to corporate resources by granting access based on identity and context rather than physical location. This means that each user has access only to the resources they need, and this access is determined by identity and context. Perimeter81 is a ZTNA solution that integrates several technologies, including identity provider-based authentication and single sign-on, policy-based network segmentation, encrypted tunneling, and real-time activity monitoring, to help organizations manage network access for on-premises or remote employees while reducing the maintenance and hardware costs of physical alternatives.

Policy rules

Policy rules are at the core of ZTNA, and Perimeter81 allows organizations to quickly segment their users into groups and create policies that define which of their connected resources (on-prem servers or apps, public cloud apps, etc.) are accessible to specific groups. Perimeter81’s Firewall as a Service feature, Network Traffic Control, also allows IT to control how traffic flows within the network between objects including users, groups, services, and addresses. Additionally, Device Posture Check grants the power to block access for endpoints that don’t meet posture parameters like certificates, anti-virus software, disk encryption and more. Perimeter81 ZTNA also supports agentless, browser-based connections for application-specific access, allowing organizations to give third-party contractors access to specific applications without exposing the entire corporate network, while controlling and monitoring access with rules based on identity, time, location, and other relevant details.

Monitor and Logging

Zero Trust does not assume that users have good intentions or security hygiene. Therefore, Perimeter81 offers network activity monitoring and logging by default in all their plans. Administrators have access to logs of network activity such as logins, gateway deployments, app access, connected device inventory and more, and can choose to integrate a variety of SIEM services including Amazon S3, Splunk, and Azure Sentinel for more in-depth reporting and analysis.

Identify providers(IdP)

Identity Providers (IdP) act as the foundation for security authentication that can be applied to users and groups. Perimeter81 integrates with Identity Providers, including Google, Azure Directory, and multiple SAML 2.0 solutions like OKTA and OneLogin. This allows organizations to offer seamless network access to employees via Single Sign-On, and grant them specific privileges or limited access that suit their individual role, device, or location.

Backbone of global PoPs for fast remote access

Perimeter81’s backbone of global Points of Presence offers organizations the ability to quickly create a gateway that gives remote employees a lower latency, faster, and encrypted connection to their corporate network. They encrypt with bank-level AES-256 encryption in multiple protocols, including OpenVPN, WireGuard, and IPSec, encouraging organizations to keep connections private in the way that works best for their network infrastructure.

ZTNA versus a Legacy VPN

In comparison to a Legacy VPN, ZTNA offers better scalability, cost-effectiveness, and a higher level of security that serious businesses require. Open-source or self-deployed VPNs like OpenVPN are inexpensive, but insecure (without variable privileges or effective access limitations) and hard to orchestrate for larger firms. VPN services from major firewall providers are overpriced and don’t offer the support that growing businesses require to get set up quickly and easily, or to scale up as their organization expands.

Perimeter81’s ZTNA offers IT teams better encryption over faster connections and enables them to implement security that helps visualize and control the entire network from a single platform. Security professionals are able to create rules that enforce device posture, limit resource access by user and group, orchestrate traffic between network addresses and objects, and monitor activity to ensure everything is working as intended.

Why is Outsourcing IT Support beneficial to a company?

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Why is Outsourcing IT Support beneficial to a company? 

There are several reasons why outsourcing IT support can be beneficial to a company. Some of the main benefits include: 

Cost savings

Outsourcing IT support can be more cost-effective than hiring a full-time in-house IT team. It eliminates the need to pay for expensive employee benefits, training, and equipment. 

Increased expertise

Outsourcing IT support allows a company to access a wider pool of technical expertise than it would be able to find with an in-house team. IT support providers often have a large and experienced staff with a wide range of skills and specialties. 

Scalability

Outsourcing IT support allows a company to scale its IT support needs up or down as needed, without the need to hire or lay off employees. 

Access to the latest technology

IT support providers often have access to the latest technology and tools, which they can use to provide better and more efficient support. 

Improved security

Outsourcing IT support to a reputable provider can help to improve a company’s overall security posture, as IT support providers often have specialized security expertise and can help a company to implement best practices for protecting sensitive data and systems. 

Flexibility

Outsourcing IT support allows a company to redirect internal resources to focus on core business activities. Also, it provides flexibility in working with various levels of support from simple phone support to 24/7 on-site support. 

Keep in mind that while outsourcing IT support may have many benefits, it also requires a company to carefully evaluate and select a reputable provider and have effective communication, monitoring and management to ensure the provider deliver the desired level of service. 

The Business Benefits of Cloud Computing: How Cloud Technology Can Help Your Business Succeed

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The Business Benefits of Cloud Computing: How Cloud Technology Can Help Your Business Succeed

Cloud computing is a technology that has revolutionized the way businesses operate. It refers to the delivery of computing services, including servers, storage, databases, software, and analytics, over the internet. Cloud computing offers businesses a range of benefits, including cost savings, flexibility, scalability, and improved collaboration. In this blog post, we will explore the impact of cloud computing on businesses and why it is essential for businesses to embrace cloud technology.

Cost Savings

One of the significant benefits of cloud computing is cost savings. Businesses can reduce their upfront capital expenditure by moving to the cloud, as they no longer need to invest in expensive hardware and infrastructure. Instead, they can pay for computing services on a subscription basis, only paying for what they need. This pay-as-you-go model allows businesses to scale up or down their computing resources based on demand, resulting in significant cost savings.

Flexibility and Scalability

Cloud computing also offers businesses greater flexibility and scalability. Businesses can easily add or remove computing resources, such as servers, storage, and databases, to meet changing business needs. This flexibility allows businesses to quickly adapt to market changes and seize new opportunities.

Improved Collaboration

Cloud computing also enables improved collaboration between employees, partners, and customers. Cloud-based collaboration tools, such as Microsoft Teams and Google Workspace, enable real-time collaboration on documents, presentations, and spreadsheets, regardless of the location of the collaborators. This feature is particularly valuable for businesses with remote or distributed teams.

Enhanced Security

Cloud computing also offers enhanced security compared to traditional on-premises solutions. Cloud providers typically invest heavily in security measures to protect their customers’ data from cyber threats, such as hacking, malware, and phishing. Cloud providers also ensure compliance with industry standards and regulations, such as HIPAA and GDPR, which can be costly and time-consuming for businesses to achieve on their own.

Increased Business Agility

Cloud computing enables businesses to become more agile and responsive to changing business needs. Cloud-based solutions, such as Software as a Service (SaaS), enable businesses to quickly deploy new applications and services without having to go through the traditional software development cycle. This speed of deployment allows businesses to respond to customer needs faster, improve customer satisfaction, and stay ahead of the competition.

Cloud computing has become a critical technology for businesses of all sizes and industries. It offers a range of benefits, including cost savings, flexibility, scalability, and improved collaboration, while also enhancing security and business agility. Businesses that embrace cloud technology are better positioned to succeed in today’s rapidly changing business environment, and those that do not risk falling behind their competitors. Therefore, it is essential for businesses to evaluate their cloud computing needs and find the right cloud solutions to meet their unique requirement

The role of MSPs in digital transformation initiatives for businesses

Posted on by Steve Wilde

The role of MSPs in digital transformation initiatives for businesses

Digital transformation is the process of using digital technologies to fundamentally change the way businesses operate, interact with customers, and deliver value to stakeholders. It involves the adoption of new technologies, processes, and organizational structures to increase efficiency, productivity, and competitiveness. MSPs can play a critical role in digital transformation initiatives for businesses. Here are some ways MSPs can contribute:

Assessment and Planning

MSPs can assess your existing IT infrastructure, identify areas for improvement, and help you develop a roadmap for digital transformation. They can help you prioritize your technology investments based on your business goals, budget, and timelines.

Implementation and Integration

MSPs can help you implement new technologies and integrate them with your existing systems. They can provide expertise in areas such as cloud computing, cybersecurity, data analytics, and automation.

Ongoing Support and Maintenance

MSPs can provide ongoing support and maintenance for your technology infrastructure, ensuring that your systems are secure, reliable, and up-to-date. They can also help you optimize your systems for performance and scalability.

Training and Education

MSPs can provide training and education for your employees on new technologies and processes. They can help you build a culture of innovation and digital literacy within your organization.

Strategic Partnership

MSPs can act as a strategic partner for your business, providing advice and guidance on technology trends, best practices, and emerging technologies. They can help you stay ahead of the curve and capitalize on new opportunities.

Overall, MSPs can help businesses accelerate their digital transformation initiatives, reduce risk, and improve their competitive position in the market.

The evolution of MSPs and how they have adapted to changing technologies

Posted on by Steve Wilde

The evolution of MSPs and how they have adapted to changing technologies 

Managed Service Providers (MSPs) have evolved over time as technology has continued to advance and transform the IT industry. In the early days, MSPs primarily focused on providing traditional IT support services such as hardware and software maintenance, troubleshooting, and technical support. However, as technology has progressed, MSPs have had to adapt and expand their offerings to keep up with the changing needs of their clients.

One significant shift in the IT industry has been the move towards cloud computing. MSPs have had to develop new skill sets and expertise in cloud-based technologies to help their clients migrate to the cloud, manage their cloud infrastructure, and provide ongoing support. MSPs have also had to develop new pricing models to accommodate the subscription-based pricing of cloud services.

Another major trend that has impacted MSPs is the rise of cybersecurity threats. With an increase in cyber attacks targeting businesses of all sizes, MSPs have had to prioritize cybersecurity services such as threat detection and response, vulnerability assessments, and security awareness training for their clients. MSPs have had to invest in specialized tools and training to help them stay up-to-date on the latest threats and techniques for mitigating them.

The proliferation of mobile devices and remote work has also had an impact on MSPs. MSPs have had to develop new solutions for managing and securing mobile devices, such as mobile device management (MDM) and mobile application management (MAM). They have also had to provide remote IT support to help employees stay productive while working from home.

Finally, the growth of data analytics and artificial intelligence (AI) has presented new opportunities for MSPs. MSPs can leverage these technologies to provide predictive analytics and automate IT processes, helping clients optimize their IT operations and reduce costs.

Overall, the evolution of MSPs has been driven by the changing needs of businesses and the rapid pace of technological change. MSPs that can adapt and stay ahead of the curve are well-positioned to help their clients succeed in the ever-changing IT landscape.

Importance of Productivity Suite Management in the start-up industry

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Importance of Productivity Suite Management in the start-up industry

Productivity Suite Management is critical in the start-up industry for several reasons.

There are several reasons why Productivity Suite Management is important:

Efficient use of resources

A productivity suite can provide a centralized platform for managing multiple tools and software. This can help organizations save time, effort and money by reducing duplication of tasks and resources.

Improved collaboration

A productivity suite can provide a platform for seamless collaboration, real-time communication, and file sharing. This can help teams work together more effectively and stay on the same page.

Better time management

A productivity suite can help individuals and teams manage their time more efficiently by prioritizing tasks, setting reminders, and automating repetitive tasks.

Increased productivity

A productivity suite can help individuals and teams work smarter, not harder. By optimizing workflows and reducing distractions, productivity can be increased, leading to better results and outcomes.

Scalability

A productivity suite can adapt to changing needs as an organization grows and expands. It can provide a foundation for scaling operations and processes, without the need for additional software and tools.

Overall, Productivity Suite Management is important for optimizing operations, improving collaboration, increasing productivity, and scaling efficiently. By leveraging a productivity suite, organizations can work smarter, not harder, and stay ahead of the competition.

Importance of Data Backup and Recovery

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Data Backup and Recovery: Ensuring Business Continuity in the Face of Disaster

Data backup and recovery is a critical aspect of IT managed services. In today’s digital age, data is one of the most valuable assets of any organization. Companies must take every possible precaution to protect their data from loss or damage. Data loss can occur due to hardware failures, software corruption, human errors, natural disasters, or cyber-attacks.

Data backup and recovery is the process of creating copies of data and storing them in a secure location, to ensure that the data can be restored in the event of loss or damage. A backup is an exact copy of the original data, while recovery is the process of restoring the backed-up data to its original location or a new location.

The importance of data backup and recovery cannot be overstated. If a company loses its data, it can result in a major disruption to its business operations. Data loss can cause delays in project timelines, financial losses, damage to the company’s reputation, and even legal liabilities. Therefore, having a robust backup and recovery strategy is critical to ensure business continuity in the face of disaster.

Types of Data Backup and Recovery

There are several types of data backup and recovery methods available, including:

  • Full Backup: This method involves creating a complete backup of all data in one go. Full backups are time-consuming and require a large amount of storage space, but they provide the most comprehensive protection against data loss.
  • Incremental Backup: This method involves backing up only the changes made since the last backup. Incremental backups are faster and require less storage space than full backups, but they may take longer to restore.
  • Differential Backup: This method involves backing up all the changes made since the last full backup. Differential backups are faster than full backups and provide more comprehensive protection than incremental backups, but they require more storage space.
  • Cloud Backup: Cloud backup involves storing data in a remote location, typically on a cloud server. Cloud backup is an efficient way to store data offsite, which provides protection against natural disasters and other physical threats.

Choosing the Right Data Backup and Recovery Strategy

Choosing the right backup and recovery strategy depends on several factors, including the size of the organization, the amount of data, the criticality of the data, the recovery time objective (RTO), and the recovery point objective (RPO).

RTO refers to the amount of time it takes to restore data after a disaster, while RPO refers to the amount of data that can be lost without causing significant harm to the business. Organizations must choose a backup and recovery strategy that meets their RTO and RPO requirements.

In addition to choosing the right backup and recovery strategy, it’s also important to test the backup and recovery process regularly. Testing helps ensure that backups are working correctly and that data can be restored in the event of a disaster.

 

Data backup and recovery is a critical aspect of IT managed services. It ensures that companies can recover from disasters and continue their business operations without interruption. By choosing the right backup and recovery strategy and testing it regularly, organizations can protect their data and ensure business continuity in the face of disaster.

What are key responsibilities of an IT Service Desk that would improve Scalability

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What are key responsibilities of an IT Service Desk that would improve Scalability 

An IT service desk plays a critical role in ensuring that an organization’s IT systems and services are running smoothly and addressing any issues that arise in a timely and efficient manner. Here are a few key responsibilities of an IT service desk that can help to improve scalability: 

Ticket management

An IT service desk should have a system in place for managing and tracking service requests, incidents, and problems. This allows for quick and efficient resolution of issues and allows for better tracking and reporting of performance metrics such as response and resolution times. 

Problem management

The IT service desk should have a process in place for identifying, diagnosing and resolving problems that may arise. This can help to reduce the number of incidents and improve overall system availability and performance. 

Change management

An IT service desk should have a process in place for managing changes to IT systems, including change requests, approvals, testing and implementation. This can help to ensure that changes are properly planned, tested, and implemented, minimizing the risk of service disruptions. 

Knowledge management

The IT service desk should have a system in place for capturing, storing, and sharing knowledge about IT systems, services, and common issues. This can help to improve efficiency, reduce resolution time and improve customer service. 

IT asset management

The IT service desk should have a process in place for tracking, maintaining and disposing of IT assets, including hardware, software and licenses. This can help to ensure that all assets are properly accounted for and utilized, reducing costs and improving efficiency.

Automation

The IT service desk should take advantage of automation tools that can speed up resolution times and improve the overall effectiveness of the service. This can include using chatbots, automating repetitive tasks and using Machine Learning to route tickets to the right technician. 

Communication and collaboration

The IT service desk should have a process in place for communicating and collaborating with customers, stakeholders and other teams. This can include regular updates and escalations and involving customers in problem resolution. 

By implementing these key responsibilities, an IT service desk can help to improve scalability by providing efficient and effective support, reducing downtime and improving overall system performance.