This time we are talking about Dave a former client of ours. He decided several years ago to change his accounting practice’s IT support to a national company that produced one of the software packages he used. Dave listened to their sales pitch about a better understanding and support of their software for less money per month. Dave still called us once and awhile to help do things in person because this national company did not have any local presence. It had been almost a year since we had heard from Dave last when we got a phone call from another local computer repair shop asking us for any information we could provide to help them – Dave’s server had crashed and was not booting after a power outage.
It turns out that Dave’s national IT support company did not have any backups of the server. They had no idea how the server was configured and this forced Dave to reach out to the local computer repair shop. We gave them credentials that we had for the backup system we had put in place previously and talked them through reconnecting a network storage device to the server to get the server back to complete functionality. This process took them about a week to complete.
During the time that we did support Dave there was a similar incident with one of his computers. We used the backup system we had recommended to get him back to fully functional in a matter of hours – in the middle of tax season no less.
The moral of the story is that Dave should have stayed with Farmhouse Networking or moved to a managed IT support company that understands both the software and the things that can go wrong in a company like Dave’s account practice so that he could be properly protected.
Farmhouse Networking (FHN) is constantly looking for ways to enhance the services that we offer to our clients. Automation and artificial intelligence (AI) are two technologies that have emerged to streamline this process.
FHN uses automation to manage tasks that are typically performed manually, such as system configuration, software installation, and server maintenance. By automating these tasks, FHN can prevent human error and ensure that their clients’ systems remain up to date and secure.
In addition, FHN uses AI to monitor clients’ systems for potential issues, such as hardware failure, security breaches, or performance issues. AI-powered systems can analyze data to detect patterns or anomalies that may indicate a problem, allowing FHN to act quickly based on this laser focused data to prevent downtime or data loss.
Contact us today to learn how Farmhouse Networking can future-proof your network with our innovative maintenance solutions.
Cybersecurity is more important than ever. Cyber threats are evolving and becoming increasingly sophisticated, making it essential for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) to protect their sensitive information. One crucial tool in the cybersecurity arsenal is Endpoint Detection & Response (EDR). In this article, we will explore why SMBs should prioritize EDR and the benefits it brings to their cybersecurity posture.
Understanding Endpoint Detection & Response
Endpoint Detection & Response (EDR) is a proactive cybersecurity solution that focuses on detecting, investigating, and mitigating advanced threats at the endpoint level. Endpoint refers to any device connected to a network, such as laptops, desktops, servers, or even mobile devices. EDR solutions monitor endpoints in real-time, collecting and analyzing data to identify and respond to suspicious activities or potential security breaches.
The Rising Threat Landscape for SMBs
SMBs often mistakenly believe that they aren’t attractive targets for cybercriminals due to their size. However, the reality is quite different. In fact, SMBs are increasingly being targeted by cybercriminals because they often have fewer resources dedicated to cybersecurity, making them an easier target. According to recent studies, nearly half of all cyberattacks target SMBs.
Moreover, the consequences of a successful cyberattack on an SMB can be devastating. From financial loss to reputational damage, the impact can be significant, and in some cases, even cause businesses to shut down. This highlights the urgent need for SMBs to invest in robust cybersecurity measures, such as EDR.
The Benefits of Endpoint Detection & Response for SMBs
Real-time Threat Detection: EDR solutions provide continuous monitoring of endpoint activities, enabling real-time threat detection. By analyzing behavioral patterns and indicators of compromise, EDR can quickly identify potential threats, allowing businesses to respond promptly and mitigate risks before they result in data breaches or system compromises.
Improved Incident Response Capabilities: EDR not only detects threats but also provides valuable insights to aid in incident response. It records endpoint activity logs, allowing security teams to investigate incidents, identify root causes, and take appropriate action to contain and remediate the threat effectively.
Visibility and Control: SMBs often struggle with limited visibility into their IT environments. EDR solutions provide deeper visibility into endpoints across the network, allowing IT teams to identify vulnerabilities, enforce security policies, and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.
Proactive Threat Hunting: EDR empowers SMBs to take a proactive approach to cybersecurity by actively hunting for potential threats. By leveraging advanced detection techniques and threat intelligence, EDR can identify and mitigate emerging threats even before they have a chance to impact the organization.
Simplified Security Operations: Automating threat detection and response processes frees up valuable time for IT teams, enabling them to focus on other critical tasks. EDR solutions can automatically contain and remediate threats, reducing the burden on IT staff and improving overall efficiency.
Overcoming Challenges in Implementing EDR
While EDR offers immense benefits, implementing and managing EDR solutions can pose challenges for SMBs. Common obstacles include limited budgets and resources, the complexity of deployment, and the need for ongoing monitoring and maintenance. However, by partnering with a reliable cybersecurity provider, like Farmhouse Networking, that understands the unique needs of SMBs, these challenges can be overcome and the full potential of EDR can be realized.
It is not a matter of if you will be targeted, but when. Let Farmhouse Networking take proactive steps to secure your endpoints and fortify your cybersecurity defenses with EDR.
We have received numerous inquiries from potential customers regarding our pricing structure. Specifically, they want to know if we offer monthly contracts or if we charge an hourly rate. The answer is Yes.
Hourly Rate
For customers who require a one-time fix or need a project completed, we offer a service based on an hourly rate. Our rate for remote or on-site work that is not covered under a contract is $150 per hour. We bill in 15-minute increments and take pride in our efficiency. For clients with more than 2 service requests per month, we highly recommend signing up for a contract to save money and benefit from our expert oversight.
Monthly Contracts
There are three types of monthly contracts:
Remote Maintenance Contract
This is the package that most of our clients choose. It includes automated maintenance, cyber security protections, and unlimited remote support. Since most problems and questions can be handled remotely, this package offers real value.
Full Service Maintenance Contract
This package is for clients who want complete peace of mind. It includes all services, whether remote or at their offices. Additionally, it provides some additional benefits, such as top priority in our support queue.
Co-Managed IT Contract
This special package is designed for companies that already have a full-time IT employee or IT service companies in need of extra help. It provides them with the necessary automations and tools to make their jobs easier, allowing them to focus on what matters. This package also includes a discount on our remote and on-site services.
All contracts are based on a per-device model, taking into account the number of workstations, printers, servers, switches, etc. on the client’s network. We use this model because the other popular model, per user, is too vague and can easily hide excessive profit margins. Contracts can be month-to-month or a yearly commitment. The difference is that with a yearly commitment, you are protected from price increases for the entire year. We also offer many optional add-ons for our clients, such as Office 365, Employee Security Training, Penetration/Vulnerability Scanning, Mobile Device Management, Compliance, Secure Remote Access, and Security Operations Center.
Are you looking for reliable IT support that suits your business’s unique requirements? Look no further! Our flexible pricing options cater to businesses of all sizes. Whether you require one-time assistance or ongoing support, we have the right plan for you. Ready to take your business IT support to the next level? Contact us today to discuss your needs and find the perfect plan for your business.
Managing IT can be a daunting task, especially for businesses that lack dedicated IT personnel or the expertise to handle today’s complex technology. In recent years, more and more organizations have recognized the benefits of outsourcing their IT management to Managed Service Providers (MSPs).
What is an MSP?
A Managed Service Provider, or MSP, is a company that offers a range of IT services to businesses. These services can include network monitoring, infrastructure management, data backup, cybersecurity, and more. By partnering with an MSP, businesses can offload their IT responsibilities to professionals with deep expertise and industry-best practices.
The Challenges of Self-Managed IT
Self-managing your IT can be a significant challenge. Here are some of the common pain points that organizations face:
Lack of Expertise: IT is a complex and ever-evolving field. Keeping up with the latest technologies, security threats, and best practices can be overwhelming, especially for businesses without dedicated IT staff.
Resource Constraints: Managing IT requires time, manpower, and financial resources. Small and medium-sized businesses often struggle to allocate these resources effectively, leading to inefficiencies, downtime, and security vulnerabilities.
Limited Scalability: Growing businesses often find it difficult to scale their IT infrastructure to meet increased demand. Self-managing your IT environment may require significant investments in hardware, software, and additional staff, which can strain budgets and hinder growth.
Cybersecurity Risks: Data breaches and cyber-attacks are on the rise. Without proper security measures in place, businesses face significant financial and reputational risks. Implementing and maintaining robust cybersecurity protocols can be challenging for organizations without the necessary expertise.
The Benefits of MSP-Managed IT
Switching to an MSP-managed IT environment offers several benefits:
Expertise and Support: MSPs have a team of experienced professionals who specialize in different aspects of IT management. They stay up-to-date with the latest industry trends and best practices, providing businesses with access to a breadth of knowledge and expertise.
Proactive Monitoring and Maintenance: MSPs utilize advanced tools and technologies to monitor your IT infrastructure 24/7. They identify potential issues before they become critical, minimizing downtime and ensuring smooth operations.
Scalability and Flexibility: MSPs provide scalable solutions tailored to your business needs. Whether you’re experiencing rapid growth or need to downsize, an MSP can quickly adapt your IT infrastructure to meet changing requirements without additional investments or resources.
Enhanced Security: MSPs employ robust security measures to protect your systems, networks, and data from cyber threats. They implement industry-standard security practices, conduct regular security audits, and ensure compliance with data protection regulations.
Cost Savings: By outsourcing IT management to an MSP, businesses can reduce the overhead costs associated with maintaining an in-house IT department. MSPs work on a subscription-based model, allowing organizations to pay for the services they need, when they need them.
Strategic Planning: MSPs can act as your virtual chief information officer providing project planning services that keep IT spend spread across the years to make the IT budget easier to manage.
Consider making the switch to an MSP today and unlock the benefits of professional IT management, contact us to get started.
In the ever-evolving world of IT support, two strategic approaches have emerged to address the needs of businesses – vCIO (Virtual Chief Information Officer) services and break-fix services. Each of these approaches has its own merits and drawbacks, making it crucial for businesses to carefully consider which option best aligns with their goals and IT requirements. So, let’s dive into the comparison between vCIO services and break-fix services and find out which one takes the crown!
vCIO Services: Unleashing the Power of Proactive IT Management
The vCIO model offers businesses a cost-effective and strategic solution to IT management, delivering benefits far beyond simple problem-solving. Here’s a breakdown of what vCIO services bring to the table:
Strategic Technology Planning: A vCIO provides a long-term roadmap for your IT infrastructure, aligning it with your business objectives. They assess your current technology landscape, analyze potential risks, and develop a comprehensive IT strategy to ensure your technology infrastructure drives success.
Proactive IT Monitoring and Management: By constantly monitoring your systems, a vCIO can detect and address issues before they turn into full-blown disasters. They implement proactive measures, such as 24/7 system monitoring, patch management, and security audits to keep your IT environment optimized and secure.
IT Budgeting and Procurement: A vCIO helps you streamline your IT budget by aligning your investment with your business goals. They provide insights into cost-effective technology solutions, negotiate contracts with vendors, and manage IT procurement to help you make informed decisions while optimizing your spending.
Technology Vendor Management: Collaborating with multiple technology vendors can be time-consuming and complex. A vCIO acts as a single point of contact for all your technology vendors, managing relationships and ensuring smooth coordination between various stakeholders.
Break-Fix Services: The Traditional Firefighter Approach
Break-fix services have long been the go-to approach for businesses seeking IT support on an as-needed basis. Here’s a closer look at what break-fix services bring to the table:
Issue-Specific Support: Break-fix services are designed to address specific IT issues as and when they arise. This approach involves fixing problems after they occur, reacting to incidents rather than proactively managing your systems.
Limited Scope of Support: Break-fix services typically focus solely on resolving immediate technical issues. While they can provide quick fixes, they do not offer strategic planning or ongoing support to help prevent future issues or optimize your IT infrastructure.
Variable Costs: Break-fix service costs can be unpredictable, as you are billed per incident or hourly basis. This makes budgeting and financial planning more challenging, especially if you encounter frequent or recurring IT issues.
Less Focus on Prevention: With break-fix services, the emphasis is on remedying existing problems, leaving behind the potential for other underlying issues to remain undetected, ultimately leading to more costly and time-consuming problems down the line.
The Verdict: vCIO Takes the Throne!
While break-fix services may have their place in certain scenarios, vCIO services offer a more comprehensive approach to IT management, aligning your technology with your business goals and providing ongoing support. The proactive nature, strategic planning, and cost optimization provided by vCIO services make it the winning solution for businesses looking to stay ahead of the ever-changing technology landscape. So, without a doubt, the crown firmly sits on the head of vCIO services!
If your company is tired of just calling your IT service company when things are broken, then contact us for vCIO services.
Read this report from PricewaterhouseCoopers based on a survey of over 2,000 business leaders and took it as confirmation of our recent blog post about Why SMBs Need Managed Service Providers (MSPs). Here are some takeaways from the article:
Takeaways:
“Companies that use MSPs for strategic advantage are 1.6 times and 2.4 times more likely to be faster to market as well as more innovative than those focused solely on cost savings, according to the report.”
“Organizations utilizing managed services at a mature level use them to respond more adroitly to changing conditions and potential threats.”
“Most business and IT leaders recognize the pace of innovation is occurring faster than their internal IT teams can absorb. There is always going to be some type of skills shortage. Those skill shortages are ones that MSPs are in the best position to fill.”
If your company is looking to outperform in the marketplace, then contact us to start a partnership.
Small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) face numerous challenges when it comes to managing their IT. Limited resources (both human and money), lack of expertise, and the need to focus on core business operations often make it difficult for SMBs to understand and manage technology needs. This is where Managed Service Providers (MSPs) come in. In this blog article, we will explore the reasons why SMBs should consider partnering with MSPs to enhance their IT capabilities and drive business growth.
Cost-Effective IT Solutions:
One of the primary reasons why SMBs need MSPs is the cost-effectiveness they offer. By outsourcing their IT needs to MSPs, SMBs can avoid the high costs associated with hiring and training an in-house IT team. MSPs provide a range of services, including network monitoring, data backup and recovery, cybersecurity, and software updates, all at a predictable monthly cost. This allows SMBs to allocate their resources more efficiently and focus on their core business.
Access to Expertise and Advanced Technology:
MSPs are experts in providing IT services and have a team of highly skilled professionals with expertise in variety of technology. By partnering with MSPs, SMBs gain access to the depth of knowledge and experience from IT experts who can handle complex tasks and provide strategic guidance. Additionally, MSPs stay up-to-date with the latest technology trends and can recommend and implement solutions that can help SMBs stay competitive in the market and safe from hackers.
Proactive IT Support and Maintenance:
MSPs offer proactive IT support and maintenance, which is crucial for SMBs. They monitor networks, identify potential issues, and take preventive measures to avoid downtime and disruptions. MSPs also provide regular software updates, security patches, and system maintenance, ensuring that SMBs’ IT remains secure and up-to-date. This proactive approach helps SMBs minimize the risk of costly IT failures and ensures smooth business operations.
Enhanced Data Security:
Data breaches and cyberattacks pose a significant threat to SMBs. MSPs play a vital role in safeguarding SMBs’ sensitive data and protecting them from potential security breaches. They implement robust cybersecurity measures, such as firewalls, antivirus software, and encryption, to ensure data confidentiality and integrity. MSPs can also conduct regular security audits and vulnerability assessments to identify and address any potential weaknesses in the IT infrastructure.
Scalability and Flexibility:
As SMBs grow, their IT needs evolve. MSPs offer scalable solutions that can adapt to changing business requirements. Whether it’s adding new users, expanding storage capacity, or integrating new software, MSPs can quickly and efficiently accommodate these changes. This scalability and flexibility allow SMBs to focus on their growth without worrying about the limitations of their IT infrastructure.
If your company could use the cost-effective solutions, access to expertise, proactive support, enhanced data security, and scalability that come from using a MSP, then contact us for assistance.
Worked with a client lately to help them Automate a workflow, but you may be wondering what does that even mean. Let me explain. We all have tasks in our workday that are repetitive and consume little bite size pieces of our time. Depending on the steps needed to accomplish these tasks, they can be “delegated” to a computer process via scripting aka we automate them. In the case of the client we helped, they received emails from an eFax service which included attachments. These attachments had to be manually saved into a shared folder for the rest of the staff to access as needed. This process probably took about 30 to 60 seconds each, but multiply this by the 30+ faxes they received each day you have 15 to 30 minutes of wasted time each day (65-130 hours per year). This does not take into account the time taken to stop doing one thing, accomplish this task, and restart the original thing they were doing.
Automate to Freedom
What if we could automate this little task and keep them employee free to do other more important things? We did. They customer uses Office 365 which includes a service called Power Automate. We scripted this tool to look at incoming messages, find ones from the eFax vendor, strip out the attachment, and save it to a SharePoint folder. This can then be shared with other employees and even synced via OneDrive to their Desktops for viewing, etc. That is just the tip of the iceberg as there is so much more that can be done with this technology.
If your company wasting little bite size pieces of time in repetitive taks, then contact us for assistance.
We were discussing the price customers paid for their monthly maintenance of computers and the comparison was brought up about insurance costs. As a business owner with employees, it is necessary these days to offer health insurance as part of their compensation package. If the company has vehicles that are used for business, then the government mandates that they be covered by minimum amounts of insurance. These costs are then built into the price the business owner then charges their clients for products or services.
Insurance Statistics:
According to Business.com, the average cost of health insurance for a single employee was $645 per month and $1,850 per month for a family.
According to NerdWallet.com, the average cost of car insurance was $179 per vehicle per month.
Questions:
So what about the “digital” employees of the company, aka the computers and network equipment that make business possible. How much are business owners paying to “insure” these assets? What are businesses willing to pay to make sure that their computers and network don’t have a sick day? Does the cost of insuring them include preventative care? Who does the business call in case of an accident or breakdown in the middle of the day? Does the cost of insuring include on-site service or transport to a service center?
If your company wants to keep their digital employees healthy and insure them from accidents, then contact us for assistance.
And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others. As the Scriptures say,
“They share freely and give generously to the poor. Their good deeds will be remembered forever.”
For God is the one who provides seed for the farmer and then bread to eat. In the same way, he will provide and increase your resources and then produce a great harvest of generosity in you. - 2 Corinthians 9:8-10
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