Managed IT Services Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
You have questions, and we’re here to answer them (in simple terms).
Business IT Solutions
What is an IT managed services provider?
An IT managed services provider (MSP) is an external technology resource who comes alongside organizations seeking full or partial IT support. MSP services include:
- Comprehensive Support: An MSP provides a range of IT services, from network management to cybersecurity. MSPs also offer proactive monitoring for early issue detection and resolution.
- Outsourced Expertise: Often used to augment an in-house team, or when an in-house IT team does not exist. MSPs come in subscription or contract-based models for scalable services.
- Strategic Planning: MSPs aligns IT infrastructure with business goals and assist in planning for future technology needs.
What solutions do you offer if already have an IT team?
- Supplementary Expertise: We enhance your existing IT capabilities with our supplementary expertise and collaborate seamlessly with your in-house team to fill skill gaps and boost efficiency.
- Specialized Support: You get access to specialized support in specific areas, such as cybersecurity or strategic planning. We tailor our services to complement your team’s strengths and focus on what matters most to your business.
- Flexible Partnership: You enjoy a flexible partnership that adapts to your needs. Whether it’s project-based collaboration or ongoing support, we seamlessly integrate with your existing IT structure.
Can you work with our current technology?
Yes, our team has a wide range of experience working with various hardware.
- Integration Expertise: We aim for seamless integration with your existing systems, ensuring a smooth transition and continued functionality.
- Technology Agnostic: Our solutions are technology-agnostic, meaning we can adapt to and support a range of platforms and systems. You won’t be required to make significant changes to your current technology setup to benefit from our services.
- Collaborative Approach: We prioritize collaboration and work closely with your IT team. Our goal is to supplement your existing technology infrastructure, offering support and expertise where needed.
What are the benefits of using a managed services provider?
Using a MSP helps companies become more cost-effective with their technology budget, as well as add technology expertise to their organization.
- Cost Efficiency: Predictable costs with a subscription model can eliminate the need for in-house IT expenses, as well as reduce major issues through proactive monitoring, which avoids downtime costs.
- Enhanced Focus and Expertise: Redirect internal resources to core business activities, letting the MSP handle routine IT tasks. Access a diverse skill set and specialized knowledge for improved IT management and security.
What is the difference between managed services and consulting?
Using a MSP helps companies become more cost-effective with their technology budget, as well as add technology expertise to their organization.
- Cost Efficiency: Predictable costs with a subscription model can eliminate the need for in-house IT expenses, as well as reduce major issues through proactive monitoring, which avoids downtime costs.
- Enhanced Focus and Expertise: Redirect internal resources to core business activities, letting the MSP handle routine IT tasks. Access a diverse skill set and specialized knowledge for improved IT management and security.
What is your response time?
Real people answer the phone right away when you have a problem. We’re in your corner.
How can our team contact you for help?
You can contact our team with the easiest phone number to remember in the Fox Valley: (920) 233-0000.
Printer Solutions
What are managed printing services?
Managed Printing Services are services offered by an external provider to optimize or manage a company’s document output. This includes a needs assessment, selective or general replacement of hardware, and the service, parts, and supplies needed to operate the new and/or existing hardware (including existing third-party equipment if this is required by the customer).
The provider also tracks how the printer, fax, copier, and MFP fleet is being used, the problems, and the user’s satisfaction.
How can we contact you if our copier isn’t working?
You can contact our team with the easiest phone number to remember in the Fox Valley: (920) 233-0000.
Do I have to use your device, or can I use my own printer?
Yes, you may use your own printer; our team is experienced in working with a variety of manufactures and models.
How do managed printing services help businesses reduce costs?
We identify inefficiencies and implement cost-saving measures to reduce your overall expenses. We can also optimize printer usage, monitor print volumes, and provide insights into printing costs.
Managed Cybersecurity
What is managed cybersecurity?
Managed cybersecurity offers continuous protection and additional expertise you may not have in-house.
- Continuous Protection: With managed cybersecurity, you get ongoing, proactive monitoring of cybersecurity measures, which includes constant assessment, detection, and mitigation of security threats to ensure a secure IT environment.
- Outsourced Expertise: This allows you to leverage external cybersecurity specialists for comprehensive protection. Services may include threat intelligence, vulnerability management,
Am I at risk of a cybersecurity attack?
The best way to reduce the risk of a cybersecurity attack is to review your online presence and security settings often.
- Online Presence: Regularly assess your online activities, such as the websites you visit, the emails you receive, and the data you share online. Be cautious of phishing attempts, suspicious links, and emails from unknown sources.
- Security Measures: Evaluate your cybersecurity measures, including antivirus software, firewalls, and regular software updates. Regularly back up important data and ensure strong, unique passwords for your accounts.
How can you help us combat cyber threats?
We help organizations combat cyber threats by arming their employees with information and implementing strict security settings.
- Employee Training: We offer regular cybersecurity awareness training for all your employees. Staff learn about phishing scams, the importance of strong passwords, and recognizing suspicious online activities.
- Robust Cybersecurity Measures: We implement and regularly update antivirus software, firewalls, and other security tools. We also patch and update software to address vulnerabilities and strengthen your defense against evolving cyber threats.
How can businesses protect themselves against cybersecurity threats?
Businesses can protect themselves against cybersecurity threats by implementing a proactive managed cybersecurity solution.
Do you develop IT security policies?
We provide policy framework for our customers to use as a guide.
- Policy Framework: We have a robust policy framework that addresses data protection, access controls, and incident response, ensuring alignment with industry-specific regulations. We tailor policies to comply with standards such as HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) for healthcare data, PCI DSS (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard) for payment card information, and other relevant regulations.
- Communication and Training: We provide recommended methods to clearly communicate policies to all employees and stakeholders, emphasizing the importance of compliance with specific regulations. We also offer regular training sessions, including specialized training for handling sensitive data covered by HIPAA and PCI standards.
- Cyber Insurance Compliance: We ensure that your security policies align with the requirements of your cyber insurance policy. We regularly review and update policies to maintain compliance with evolving cyber insurance standards.
Does managed cybersecurity include protection against viruses, malware, and ransomware?
Yes, virus protection is included in managed cybersecurity.
- Antivirus and Anti-malware Measures: Managed cybersecurity services often include the deployment and management of robust antivirus and anti-malware solutions. These tools are designed to detect and prevent a wide range of malicious software, protecting your systems from common threats.
- Ransomware Defense: Managed cybersecurity providers implement measures to safeguard against ransomware attacks. This may involve advanced threat detection, regular data backups, and strategies for rapid response and recovery in case of a ransomware incident.
Backup and Business ContinuityData Recovery
How often should we back up our data, and what is the recommended backup strategy for business continuity?
Regularly back up your data, with the frequency based on the criticality of the information. Implement a 3-2-1 backup strategy: Keep three total copies of your data, store two copies on different media, and ensure one copy is stored offsite.
In the event of a data loss or system failure, how quickly can we expect data restoration, and what measures are in place to ensure minimal disruption to our business operations?
Restoration time depends on factors like backup frequency and data volume, but a well-designed backup system aims for quick recovery. Business continuity measures may include redundant systems, failover solutions, and a clearly defined recovery plan to minimize downtime.
Certifications
What type of certifications or training does your team have?
We have industry certifications such as CompTIA A+, Network+, Security+, Microsoft Silver Partner, and MCSE.
Are you a certified provider for HP?
Yes, we are a certified provider for HP, Dell, and Lenovo.
How to Work With an IT Provider
What does the onboarding process look like when you bring on new organizations?
We take a four-phased approach, which includes: Discovery, Recommend, Deploy, and Support. Learn more about your onboarding process.
How long does it take before you are fully managing our company’s IT?
We can begin to support you immediately and implement our tools over the course of a few days.
Who owns our data when we partner with you?
YOU own your data. Always.
