Information technology blog, cybersecurity blog

We get it: finding an IT consultant or managed service provider (MSP) can be stressful. You’re likely at a place where the technology in your environment isn’t working as you need it to. Or perhaps you're in a more dire situation such as following a cyber attack, data breach, natural, or other disasters. Between cold emails from possible partners, Google searches, industry referrals, and advertisements, narrowing your search can be overwhelming.

You’ve likely heard about or experienced the effects of the global supply chain disruption that we’re living through.

Every business is different, from the number of employees on staff and devices in use to the long-term goals and aspirations of the owners. That’s why a managed service provider can’t simply advertise a flat fee on their website. It’s not one size fits all. And things always change.

Where exactly society will land on the ratio of employees working in a centralized office to those working from home is yet to be determined. But regardless of what that dynamic looks like a few years now, it’s worlds away from what it was just a few years ago.

With more internet-connected devices in the hands of more people, and a larger chunk of the workforce doing their 9-to-5 from home, cybercriminals have targets and opportunities like never before. The state of Connecticut is responding to this tidal wave of cyberthreats with proposed legislation aimed at encouraging companies to increase their cybersecurity. In a nutshell, the proposed bill provides incentives for businesses to reach compliance with nationally recognized standards of cybersecurity. In case of a breach, a compliant company would be shielded from legal liability stemming from a cyber attack. The bill was unanimously approved in the state House on May 20 and now moves to the state Senate.

You may have heard by now that the newest wireless standard 802.11ax, also known as Wi-Fi 6, is upon us. Many vendors are now incorporating this standard into their latest round of access points (AP) and hardware. You’re likely intrigued by that alone but also swarmed with a few questions. Like what the benefits of Wi-Fi 6 are outside of the info in manufacturer slicks. Over the past several years, I've worked in complex Wi-Fi environments where it has been critical to understanding how the various 802.11 protocols work and what has been most prominent in their feature evolution.

You’ve signed on the dotted line, completed your technology project, purchase, or have begun a managed services agreement. Congratulations! Based on our previous client feedback, I imagine and hope that’s been a great experience. Now comes the elephant in the room. The conversation that some folks shy away from: how do you pay Kelser for the product and/services we provided for your business? I can assure you that it’s relatively simple, straightforward, and we do our best to make it as painless as possible. Trust me, I’ve been Kelser’s manager of accounting for almost a decade, so I’ve had that conversation countless times with clients in your same spot.

You’ve consulted with an IT firm or managed service provider (MSP) and decided that a technology refresh could help your business. Your old Windows 7 workstations are limping along anyway and were creating security concerns on top of that. By switching from desktops to laptops you’re also meeting the needs of your more mobile workforce. But what now? You’re staring down a 30-workstation hardware refresh all at once. You already know that it’s a valuable and worthwhile investment. You’re just not sure what your options are for funding this IT purchase. You’re not alone in having these kinds of thoughts at this moment. Across my nearly two decades in finance and as Kelser’s vice president of finance, I’ve worked with a ton of businesses that are where you’re at right now. I’ve helped them navigate those unknowns to get them where they need to be.