Tips For Picking a Managed Services Provider

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Your business is doing well. It has grown and continues to grow. Your system isn’t working quite as smoothly as you like and the amount of investment is expanding at the same or faster rate than your revenue. You’ve experienced a few minor outages and realize that if you have a more significant disruption, it will impact you negatively. Perhaps it’s time to get some outside help. Who do you turn to and how do you make that decision?

Turn to a Managed Services Provider

Managed service providers for IT are firms that specialize in helping small businesses get the most from their IT investments. They do this by providing expert coverage and support for your network, computers, applications, and security environment.

MSPs provide trained and qualified staff to augment your team in the crucial areas where you need support. They can provide consulting analysis of your current environment and then make recommendations for upgrades and improvements that will be cost-effective for you.

MSPs can negotiate with vendors from a position of knowledge because they know the industry and the best pricing structures saving you time and money in the acquisition of hardware and applications. They can determine if your business is a candidate to use cloud computing and reduce or eliminate the capital expenses for equipment. Using cloud computing also allows you to give up the headaches of server maintenance, take advantage of subscription model pricing for applications, and increase your security profile by ensuring that all of your hardware gets essential security updates automatically.

Your team deserves the time and systems to execute their work without interruption. A managed service provider can ascertain what the causes are and which solutions will work best for you. With 24-hour monitoring, they will see potential problems and fix them before you know they exist.

Bluwater Technologies

In the Fort Lauderdale area, Bluwater Technologies is the leading MSP for small to medium-sized businesses. Our staff is dedicated and experienced in all areas of system support and maintenance. We manage your network, desktops, mobile devices, and security updates to help you plan your future IT growth.

While we serve businesses of all types, we have specialized knowledge in the areas of Health Care and Law Firms which we can also apply in other areas. We can do as much or as little to assist you as you need. We have a variety of plans and services for you to pick from. They can reduce your team’s workload and keep them performing the tasks they love.

To learn more about our services, contact us today.

The Importance of Network Vulnerability and Penetration Tests

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A company’s network system is of paramount importance to its ability to conduct daily business operations.  If a network goes down, whether from a security breach or for another reason, the cost to individual organizations can be significant.  This is just one of the reasons why it is important to select an IT organization that can provide proactive support in order to prevent problems before they even occur.  In this post, we will define what network penetration and vulnerability tests are, the differences between the two, and why both are essential.

Network Vulnerability Tests

A network vulnerability test scans an entire network, looking for all the vulnerabilities across the entire system.  This type of automated test should be conducted on a regular basis. Typically every quarter and when any new equipment is added to the network.  A baseline report for each new piece of equipment should be included as part of the vulnerability test. Including any subsequent changes investigated such as added services or open ports. Both of which could mean unauthorized changes occurred on the network.

Network Penetration Tests

A network penetration test, also known as a pen-test, is more specialized than a vulnerability test. A vulnerability test is designed to alert network administrators to any and all weaknesses. Whereas a penetration test will report on the severity of any weaknesses found in vulnerability testing.  Unlike an automated vulnerability test, a penetration test is conducted by a tester looking for specific ways in which to exploit a network.  In short, they are acting as if they are a real hacker.

Some industries are mandated by government regulations as to how often their network should be pen-tested.  For others, at a minimum, a professional network support team will recommend their clients have penetration testing when any of the following occurs:

  • changes in end-user policies,
  • new office location(s),
  • significant upgrades,
  • applications, infrastructure modifications, additions
  • after the application of security patches.

If you would like to know more about network vulnerabilities, network testing, or our professional support services, please contact us.

To Keep Your Company Safe, Don’t Ignore These Password Tips

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password tips

Smack dab in the digital age: we are at the greatest advantage for data sharing, retrieving, recording, and deleting. Gone are the days of pen and paper, briefcases full of important documents, and hours of sifting through paperwork and filing folders. Along with this ease of access, it sets everyone up more easily for data breaching. You have every precaution available in place, but if you are sloppy with password security, your overall security on the Internet is extremely compromised. Many databases and websites now have requirements for passwords that weren’t around previously. To make sure you are navigating the web as safely as possible, read on for password tips on how to protect yourself and keep your passwords safe.

1. Change passwords frequently:

To prevent others from knowing your password, change it every 30-90 days. Doing so will ensure that anybody with old passwords will no longer have access to your information, and will deter cyber thieves from trying to continuously guess yours, forcing them to move on to an easier target.

2. Reusing old passwords:

Never reuse an old password when changing it. Always come up with something new and different.

3. Have a unique password:

Do not use something simple when creating a password. Make sure it has a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, along with special characters and a variety of numbers. This further prevents people from guessing your passwords as they’re longer and more confusing.

4. Don’t use dictionary words:

Again, do not use something easy to guess. You want to make it virtually impossible for your password to be replicated by another individual. Using dictionary words makes it likely that somebody could guess your password correctly.

5. Avoid using personal information in your password:

Doing so puts your personal data at risk if your password is stolen. Avoid telephone numbers, social security numbers, birthdates, addresses, and things of the like.

6. Protect your password and trust no one with it:

No one should have access to your account but you, regardless of their relationship with you. Passwords should be kept private to lower the risk of them being stolen or misused.

By following these tips, you are setting yourself up for online safety and success. For more information on password protection or general IT support, contact us today.

Bluwater Technologies Inc. specializes in tailor-made managed IT services that can help you achieve your business goals.

Reasons to Engage a Professional for IT Managed Services

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Having quality technology infrastructure in place is very important for businesses of all sizes. Unfortunately, the constant changes in technology can make it hard for the average business to keep up. For those that would like to have a quality IT system in place at all times, hiring a professional third-party IT managed services provider could be very beneficial.

A managed service provider can provide you with a range of different services that could be very beneficial for your business.

Implementation

One of the first things that an IT-managed services provider will be able to do for you is implement a new IT system. The managed services provider will be able to work with you to first understand your data and network needs. They will then be able to help you establish a cloud-based or traditional network that is convenient for all people in your organization. They will also be able to utilize the most advanced data security systems today. Thus, helping to protect your business and customer data.

Professional IT Management

Once you have had your network and systems established, the managed services provider will next be able to provide you with ongoing management and support. The company will be able to provide you with all the necessary services. Ensuring that your network and systems are functional and secure. This will include regularly reviewing your systems for evidence of data and security hacks. Additionally, it will include finding ways to improve your existing systems.

An IT-managed services provider can also provide you with traditional help desk support. This will help to ensure that your computers and network systems are up and running. This can help to make your business as efficient as possible.

If you are in need of IT support, you should contact us to learn more about how our services can help you.

Fixed Fee IT Support

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Many companies that provide managed IT services offer fixed fee IT support. With fixed fee support, a company takes care of managing and maintaining your IT infrastructure for your business. You pay a set fee regularly that covers all services. The approach can save money and keep your technology up-to-date and functional.

What Does it Offer?

Fixed fee IT services cover the acquiring, maintenance, security, and support of the hardware and software for your business. It can include purchasing servers and computers plus setting up and administering a network. The company buys software for you and keeps it updated. You can get backup services when desired along with cloud options. Companies offer technical support either over the phone or on-site for no additional cost.

How Would my Business Benefit?

With one fixed fee based on various factors, your business has access to the latest technology and software. It is scalable and upgradable to include more users and devices as your company grows. Fixed fee IT support takes care of monitoring the daily operation of your infrastructure. It also works with your business to plan upgrades and maintenance. In the case of technology failure or disasters, your system gets restored at no extra cost.

How is it Priced?

Companies price fixed fee IT support in different ways. Usually, they charge a monthly or quarterly fee based on the number of users or the scale of your infrastructure. This fixed fee covers all your IT needs during that period. If something breaks, the company provides support during the period for which you have paid the fixed fee. This prevents surprise high expenses that could occur during this time.

What are Other Options?

While some providers offer fixed fee managed services, there are reasons to go with other types of managed services. Paying a provider a variable fee based on the amount of service they provide at a given time may save money. Depending on your business’s needs, unlimited support for a given period may not be worth the extra cost.

For information on managed services for IT support, please contact us.