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.

The Money Savings in Multi-Tenancy: Backup as a Service

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Money Savings

Data backup as a third-party service is one of the most common data recovery elements for new and growing businesses. This isn’t just because using third parties to handle administrative matters and business tasks not related to your central product is becoming more and more popular as a business practice; it’s because cloud-based storage and data recovery can be complicated, and the risks of making a mistake and not backing up everything pose too high a cost. But one of the most valuable aspects of getting storage as a service is that you’re paying for the services you need instead of an oversized infrastructure. This means money savings for you and your organization.

How does multi-tenancy equal money savings on data storage?

Imagine the typical downtown office space. A small company might rent part of a floor, while a middle or growing business might rent a whole floor and, provided business is good, add another to their rental agreement. Even if that company keeps growing and adding floors full of salespeople and customer support reps, it will be a long time before they take up the whole building. They wouldn’t buy the building and then slowly start to fill part of it up; they’ll just keep renting what they need and then evaluate their options once the company gets large enough for them to reconsider.

Data storage is the exact same situation. While you’re a small or mid-sized company, you don’t need a whole storage array of servers and data recovery systems. You just need a small part of one, and even as the size of your data grows, it will be a long time before your provider has to dedicate an entire array just for your company. While data backup as a service does cost a monthly ‘rent,’ that rent is only for the services you need instead of an entire over-sized infrastructure for services you don’t.

Data backup keeps companies safe, and more and more businesses rely on data backup to keep their businesses thriving. Data backup as a service does that even better by giving your company access to resources and storage options without the high upfront costs and required know-how of DIY data storage. Find a plan that works best for your business with Bluwater Technologies here.

Cloud Servers vs. Dedicated Servers: What’s a Better Fit For Your Business?

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Cloud Servers

With everything moving online through SaaS like Oracle, Taleo, and Salesforce, data backup is becoming a less and less unfamiliar idea. Many companies have employees that telecommute or sell software in the field, and having established networks so people can securely access information from anywhere is becoming more and more business critical. So one of the few remaining questions is: should your business store data on cloud servers or dedicated servers?

Benefits of Cloud Servers

Data is increasingly compact even as available storage grows exponentially beyond what experts thought possible even a decade ago. All of your business’s client information, employee files, and financial records will most likely take up less than a whole server or storage array, so you shouldn’t have to pay for one.

Cloud servers let your company use whatever percentage of a server you need to run your business. They even take into account dips and surges in what you need during your business’s busy season. Backup as a service also means your data is managed by a third-party company. You can access your data in a managed virtual environment that’s easy to read and search.

Benefits of Dedicated Servers

Sometimes businesses aren’t allowed to use cloud-based servers due to stringent security requirements and classified information. Then, they need to store company information on dedicated servers that are physically isolated and protected.

Mega corporations with dedicated IT departments and highly predictable usage might also benefit from using dedicated servers. But if you have a small or growing company, managing your own data without the flexibility of the cloud for spikes or idle periods can be costly.

Cloud-based backup is quick, cost-effective, and grows with your business during its ups and downs. Start getting the data backup that fits your business in minutes with Bluwater Technologies’s back up solutions here.

Computer Tip: How to Disable Automatic Updates In Windows 10

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One of the new features of Windows 10 is that it automatically updates itself, and there is no real way to turn it off in the Home version. Although updating your Windows system is crucial to staying safe in the cyber world, there are times when automatic updates aren’t wanted. For example, if you have work to finish at a certain deadline, you don’t want to have to sit through an update and reboot. It’s also bad if you have a limited or slow internet connection and you want to wait until you get to a quicker internet connection before you update. Here’s how to get around and disable automatic updates feature.

disable automatic updates

Set Your Network as Metered

Cellular networks and mobile hotspots are automatically set as metered, but you can set any Wifi connection as metered. Metered connections won’t download updates automatically. Go to your Wifi settings, click on Manage Known Networks, choose your network, and click on Properties to do this.

Change Reboot Hours

If you go to your Updates settings, you can set hours when Windows won’t automatically restart. Just set the hours that it should restart, which can be at night. However, your computer will have to be powered on for the update to install. It also won’t stop the update from downloading during your non-active hours — it just won’t reboot then.

Show Or Hide Updates Tool

There is a show or hide updates troubleshooting tool that you can download from the Microsoft website. Using this tool, you can set certain updates to be hidden. Hidden systems and driver updates won’t be downloaded automatically.

For more computer help, just contact us!

Keep Your Business Running Smoothly with IT Support

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We’ve all been there. A computer crashes, you aren’t able to establish a network connection or the “wireless” printer you purchased doesn’t seem to work without the cord. Not every business has the need, or the budget, to employ a full-time IT staff member. However, at one time or another, every business does need assistance or support for an IT issue or to make some technological advancements that will benefit their business. Here are some tips to keep your business running smoothly.

Business Running Smoothly

At Bluwater Technologies we offer a wide variety of support services for your small business. Whether you run a Mobile Nursing Service or a busy Law Firm, we are able to customize services that allow you to focus on what you do best – run your company.

From General Consulting to Office Moves/Setup to Cloud Backup and Storage, there are likely IT issues you have not yet considered that may be a benefit to your operations. Our helpful and knowledgeable staff will connect with you at your convenience to discover which services you need and how they will enhance your efforts to help your business run smoothly.

With an online chat feature along with accessibility via phone, email or support ticket, it is quick and easy to reach your technician at Bluewater Technologies. We understand the importance of being reachable quickly, especially when something is malfunctioning or causing a disruption in your operations. Our round-the-clock availability, coupled with pay structures customized to your specific needs, makes having IT Services accessible for any company.

Give us a call today or visit our Why Bluwater page to learn more about the benefits of working with our amazing team of professionals!