IT Tech Support Scam: How to Spot and Protect Your Business

Written by Layer One Networks Published March 9, 2024March 27, 2024

As companies increasingly use digital tools for their work, the risk of online scams becomes a bigger concern, threatening the safety and trustworthiness of company data. Among these, Tech Support scam are particularly notorious for tricking companies into compromising their own security and integrity of corporate data.

These scams can lead to serious issues like identity theft and fraud by installing harmful software without permission. Businesses must understand how these scams work and how to prevent them.

This article is designed with the expertise of Managed IT services providers to help you understand the deceptive nature of these scams, equip you with the necessary knowledge to recognize them, and offer cyber security solutions to fortify your business against such cyber threats.

What is a Technical Support Scam?

A technical support scam is a deceptive practice where fraudsters claim your business faces a computer issue they can resolve. This scam attracts attention through misleading pop-up ads, messages, or fake websites, falsely alerting users to malware infections or other urgent computer problems. The scammers then encourage victims to contact them via a provided contact number for “assistance.

Employing various strategies to appear trustworthy, these individuals might use social engineering tactics or falsely associate themselves with reputable companies. Their ultimate goal is to convince you to grant them remote access to your system, get details about your online banking, or make you pay with a credit card. If someone in your team is fooled, it could lead to big problems for your business. By getting into just one computer, they can spread harmful software across all your systems, steal your customers’ info, or use your credit cards fraudulently.

It is thus imperative for your business to understand these risks and adopt measures to counteract them. Educating your team about support tech scams and fostering a culture of cybersecurity awareness to stop data breaches are essential steps in protecting your organization from these sophisticated frauds.

Key Signs to Identify Your System Has Tech Support Scam Malware

If you’re worried your computer might be infected with tech support scam malware, there are several telltale signs to look out for. This checklist can help you determine if malicious software has been installed on your system:

Unexpected Redirections: Your web browsing is interrupted by sudden redirects to unfamiliar websites.
Inappropriate Ads: You notice ads popping up where they shouldn’t be, such as over web pages where ads are not typically displayed.
Web Page Display Issues: Websites you visit do not look right, with formatting appearing broken or content missing.
Homepage Tampering: Your browser’s homepage has been changed without your consent, often to a site you don’t recognize.
Unsolicited Pop-Ups: Frequent pop-ups alert you to update software you may not even use or have installed, urging immediate action.
Unauthorized Installations: New programs or applications you did not download or install may appear on your computer, indicating potential unauthorized access to your system.

If you encounter any of these issues, it’s crucial to investigate further as they are common signs of malware infection, possibly due to a tech support scam. Cleaning your system and enhancing its security can help protect your data and privacy.

Different Types of Tech Support Scams and Prevention Strategies

Tech support scams come in various forms, each designed to trick individuals into granting unauthorized computer access. By familiarizing yourself and your team with the most common types of these scams, you can significantly reduce the risk of falling victim to them.

Here’s a closer look at one of the prevalent scams and how to avoid it:

Computer Protection Scams

How They Work: Scammers often initiate contact by making unsolicited phone calls, posing as tech support specialists from globally recognized companies or reputable local firms. These calls follow a predictable pattern: the scammer claims to have detected a problem with your computer and requests remote access to “fix” it. After conducting a supposed diagnostic test, which is entirely fabricated, they demand payment for their services.

How to Avoid: It’s crucial to remember that legitimate tech support companies do not make unsolicited calls to offer help with your computer. In fact, it’s rare for these companies to initiate contact at all. If you receive an unexpected call from someone claiming an issue with your computer, the safest action is to hang up immediately. Always verify the caller’s identity independently if you have any doubts, and never grant remote access to your computer or make payments based on unsolicited calls.

Online Listing Scams

How They Work: To lure unsuspecting individuals, tech support scammers meticulously craft websites that surface prominently in search engine results when people look for tech or IT support services. The goal is to make you believe they are a legitimate service provider, encouraging you to reach out to them. Once contact is established, they seek permission to access your computer remotely. Some scammers go a step further by launching online banner ad campaigns to increase their visibility and appear more credible.

How to Avoid: Vigilance and due diligence are your best defenses against online listing scams. Before engaging with any IT support service you find online, take the time to research the company thoroughly. Look for reviews and testimonials from other users to gauge the legitimacy and quality of the service. Trusted IT support companies usually have a solid online presence, with customer feedback and transparent contact information. Avoid services that lack a verifiable track record or have overwhelmingly negative reviews.

Tech Support Pop-Up Scam

How They Work: A common strategy that tech support scammers uses is pop-up windows and alert messages that suddenly appear on users’ computer screens. These messages are designed to mimic the look of legitimate operating system notifications or antivirus software alerts, often featuring logos copied from well-known companies or reputable websites. To make the alerts seem more urgent and credible, scammers sometimes incorporate sound alerts into these messages, urging users to call a provided phone number for immediate assistance.

How to Avoid: It’s important to recognize that genuine security warnings from your operating system or antivirus program will never ask you to call a phone number. If you encounter a pop-up or alert message that does, it’s a clear sign of a scam. Do not interact with these messages or call any numbers they provide. Instead, close the pop-up window through your task manager (to avoid clicking on anything within the pop-up itself) and run a full system scan using your legitimate antivirus software. Always keep your software and operating system up to date to help prevent vulnerabilities that scammers can exploit. If you’re unsure about a warning, consult with a trusted IT services provider for security solutions.

Phishing Emails Scam

How They Work: This scam involves receiving an email or SMS that falsely alerts you to a virus on your computer or requests an update to your tech support information. These messages cleverly include links that mimic the appearance of a legitimate company’s website, aiming to deceive you into clicking through and compromising your security.

How to Avoid: Guarding against phishing emails or text message scams requires vigilance and a proactive approach:

Verify Before Trusting: Always double-check the sender’s details against the official contact information of the company they claim to represent. Legitimate tech support will not contact you out of the blue to report problems or request sensitive information.
Spot the Signs: Look for telltale signs of phishing, such as urgent language, spelling errors, or email addresses that don’t match the company’s official domain.
Avoid Clicking Links: Do not click on any links within unsolicited emails or texts. If you need to visit the company’s website, enter the URL directly into your browser or use a bookmark you’ve previously created.

Safeguard Your Organization from Tech Support Scams
Trust Layer One Networks to Protect Your Valuable Data

How to Strengthen Your Defense Against Tech Support Scams

Tech support scams pose a significant threat to organizations of all sizes, exploiting vulnerabilities to gain unauthorized access to sensitive data and systems. However, by adopting a comprehensive approach to cybersecurity, you can fortify your organization’s defenses and minimize the risk of falling victim to these scams.

Here are essential steps to enhance your organization’s security posture:

Update Systems Regularly

Ensure that all systems are running the latest versions of their operating systems and browsers. Regular updates patch security vulnerabilities and enhance system integrity. Train your staff to prioritize updates and understand their importance in maintaining cybersecurity.

Deploy Reputable Antivirus Solutions

Since small to medium-sized businesses are attractive targets for cybercriminals, implementing strong antivirus software is non-negotiable. Ensure your team knows the antivirus solutions you’ve deployed to prevent them from falling for imposters offering fake tech support.

Conduct Regular Security Training

Awareness is your first line of defense. Regular training sessions for your staff on recognizing and handling potential scams are critical. Encourage them to report any unusual contacts or requests to your IT department, which can then take necessary security measures.

Enhance Your Email Security

Emails are a common entry point for scammers. Investing in advanced email security solutions can help filter out phishing attempts, malicious attachments, and other scam-related communications before they reach your employees.

Develop a Comprehensive IT Risk Management Strategy

No defense is impregnable. A detailed risk management plan ensures you’re prepared to deal with security incidents effectively, minimizing their impact on your operations. This plan should be regularly reviewed and updated to adapt to new threats.

Collaborate with a Managed IT Services

The complexity of cybersecurity can be daunting. Partnering with a managed IT services provider can offer you the expertise needed to navigate these challenges. Look for a provider with a strong background in cybersecurity to help establish and maintain essential security measures, adapting your strategy as your business and the threat landscape evolve.

Trust Layer One Networks to Shield Your Organization from IT Support Scams

In the digital age, tech support scams, and various cybersecurity threats can wreak havoc on your organization’s operations, leading to significant financial and reputational damage. Eliminate the stress and complexity of managing your IT security with Layer One Networks’ managed services.

We understand the critical importance of robust security measures for your business’s success and peace of mind. Our commitment is to provide unparalleled IT support and strategic solutions tailored for dynamic and agile companies.

By partnering with Layer One Networks, you gain access to a comprehensive array of data security services designed to protect your organization from the ground up. Our offerings include:

State-of-the-art antivirus and anti-malware solutions.
Advanced email security.
Ongoing security awareness training for your team.

Our team of expert engineers is dedicated to supporting your business, offering remote and on-site assistance to address and resolve any IT issues swiftly. This ensures that your organization maintains optimal productivity and security at all times.

Reach out to us and let one of our skilled engineers discuss how we can address your IT challenges and fortify your organization against tech support scams and other cybersecurity threats.

Managed IT Services

Maximizing ROI with Managed IT Services for Small Businesses

Written by Layer One Networks Published January 19, 2024February 16, 2024

Introduction:

As technology becomes an integral part of business operations, small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) recognize the importance of investing in technology infrastructure that supports and improves their processes. Managed IT Services are becoming a popular choice to tackle different IT issues, offering a blend of efficiency, security, and cost-effectiveness.

For SMB leaders, the goal is clear: maximize return on investment (ROI). This involves looking for ways to cut down on IT spending while at the same time making their operations run smoother and making their systems more secure. Understanding how managed IT services for small businesses can contribute to this goal is pivotal.

What Are Managed IT Services For Small Business?

Managed IT Services involve outsourcing various information technology tasks to a third-party provider, known as a Managed Service Provider (MSP). These providers are responsible for maintaining and proactively managing your organization’s IT needs. This service model covers a wide range of functions, from network management and data backup to cybersecurity and cloud services.

Many organizations, including small and medium-sized businesses, turn to MSPs to streamline their operations. By outsourcing IT functions, businesses can focus on their core activities without the distraction of managing complex IT issues.

MSPs bring the latest technological innovations to the table, allowing businesses to stay current and competitive. This approach is key to future-proofing your IT systems, as it eliminates the need for heavy investments in infrastructure and staff training.

Challenges Faced by Small Businesses and How MSPs Help

Data Security and Compliance

Challenge: Small businesses often find it hard to protect sensitive data and keep up with changing rules, mainly because they don’t have enough resources and specialized knowledge in cybersecurity.
MSP Solution: MSPs provide strong cybersecurity and help manage compliance, offering the needed expertise and resources to keep data safe and meet legal standards.

Scaling Challenges

Challenge: As SMBs grow, adjusting their IT setup to match this growth can be difficult, affecting their ability to expand smoothly.
MSP Solution: MSPs offer IT solutions that can grow with the business, ensuring IT support matches its growth without extra costs.

Efficiency and Productivity

Challenge: Many SMBs struggle to make their processes better and more efficient, which is important for improving how well they work and their ROI.
MSP Solution: MSPs make IT processes better by introducing automated solutions and customizing services, which helps businesses work more efficiently and productively.

Cost-Effectiveness

Challenge: It’s a big task for SMBs to manage their technology well while also keeping an eye on costs, especially with limited budgets.
MSP Solution: MSPs provide affordable IT management, reducing the need for full-time staff and offering fixed service plans that make IT costs predictable.

Business Continuity

Challenge: Keeping business running without interruptions is crucial for SMBs, as any downtime can lead to significant financial losses.
MSP Solution: MSPs focus on preventing IT problems before they happen and solving issues quickly, which helps keep the business running smoothly.

Ready to maximize your small business’s ROI and efficiency with managed IT services?

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How Managed IT Services For Small Business Maximizes ROI

Partnering with a Managed Service Provider (MSP) is an investment decision that small and medium-sized businesses make with the expectation of a significant return.

Here is how managed IT services for small businesses can help maximize your ROI.

Simplifying Business Operations

Managed Service Providers (MSPs) are a boon for small and medium-sized businesses looking to enhance their operational efficiency. They achieve this by analyzing and streamlining business processes, often focusing on system integration. This means they make different computer systems and software work together seamlessly, which makes it easier for everyone in the company to access and use the information they need.

By taking over complex tech-related tasks, MSPs allow your team to concentrate on their main work areas. This improves work performance and adds more value to your business.

Another key advantage of using MSPs is the cost savings in IT. You save money by not having to maintain a large in-house IT team, which is especially beneficial for smaller businesses. This cost-effectiveness allows you to allocate your budget more effectively, investing in areas that drive growth and success for your business.

Access to Expertise

Managed IT services connect you with experts who can proactively enhance operational efficiency. They evaluate your current IT setup, pinpoint and resolve issues without disrupting your business. With outsourced managed IT services, you also gain access to specialized IT professionals who can focus on specific areas, such as cybersecurity.

By relying on IT experts, businesses can invest more in their core strengths and boost productivity instead of allocating resources elsewhere.

Strengthening Cyber Security

Small businesses often face challenges in protecting sensitive information due to compromised cybersecurity. Managed IT services offer a crucial solution by reducing the risks of cyberattacks and developing effective response plans for security breaches. Their use of cutting-edge technology to stay ahead of evolving cyber threats adds even more value.

Furthermore, Managed Service Providers (MSPs) customize their IT security services to meet your specific business requirements and ensure compliance. This includes educating your team on security best practices, proactively identifying potential issues, and conducting assessments to pinpoint system vulnerabilities.

Reduce Downtime

Reactive IT management generally addresses issues when they become problematic, resulting in downtime and related costs. Managed IT services, on the other hand, adopt a proactive approach.

This approach provides better visibility, allowing you to schedule necessary maintenance during non-working hours or quieter periods. This proactive planning minimizes disruptions and ensures consistently high performance, ultimately saving your business time and money.

Efficient Budgeting

Small businesses, known for their budget-conscious approach, value teaming up with an MSP. These partnerships usually focus on improving IT infrastructure while staying within budget limits.

Managed services come with a clear and predictable cost-saving structure, making it simpler for small businesses to manage their budgets effectively. This predictability enables precise financial planning, helping allocate resources efficiently to support your small business’s growth and day-to-day operations.

Enhanced Scalability

Small businesses, often seeking services that adapt as they grow or streamline for cost-effectiveness, consider flexibility crucial. An MSP can offer this flexibility and scalability to help them reach their goals.

Through your provider, you can access the latest technology solutions that enhance your capabilities and increase your agility. IT experts can ensure your IT infrastructure aligns with your organization’s objectives, ultimately boosting your ROI.

How Small Businesses Can Achieve ROI with Managed Service Providers

Choose the Right Managed Service Provider for IT Excellence

Enhancing your IT infrastructure requires a two-fold approach. First, selecting the right Managed Service Provider (MSP) is crucial. Look for one with a strong reputation, capable of comprehensively assessing and improving your existing IT setup. They should focus on optimizing your technology stack and streamlining processes.

Secondly, identify any specific needs your business has, such as cloud computing, IT security, or network management. An MSP with specialized expertise in these areas can offer more tailored solutions, leading to improved efficiency and better business outcomes.

Optimizing IT Cost

Effective cost management in Managed IT Services is crucial for ROI. A skilled Managed IT Service Provider can identify opportunities for cost optimization within your technology infrastructure, like removing unnecessary software licenses and adopting efficient cloud solutions. This strategic approach can significantly reduce expenses.

According to a Business Wire report, the successful deployment of Managed IT Services can reduce IT operating costs by 25% to 45%. Regular strategic reviews with your provider can align IT management with business goals, ensuring the most effective use of budgets.

Maximizing Business ROI with Layer One Managed IT Solutions

Small businesses often struggle with IT challenges that hinder their growth and increase operational costs. LayerOne Network, the reliable IT consulting firm, addresses these pain points through tailored Managed IT Services for small businesses in Corpus Christi.

Our services include comprehensive IT support, proactive monitoring, robust cybersecurity, and backup disaster recovery services, all tailored to meet your business needs. Focused on maximizing your ROI, we ensure operational continuity, aid in compliance, and manage technology expenses effectively.

For a deeper understanding of how our outsourced managed IT services can benefit your organization, we encourage you to speak with one of our experts about our extensive managed services. Contact Now!

Managed IT Services

Future Proof IT Infrastructure with Managed IT Services

Written by Layer One Networks Published December 25, 2023January 3, 2024

Introduction:

The business world has transformed dramatically over the past two decades. Since 2020, this change has become even more rapid, bringing new challenges and opportunities every day.

In such a fast-moving environment, staying updated with the latest trends and technologies is no longer a matter of choice but a crucial necessity for businesses. A stark reminder of this reality is that many once-successful companies are no longer around because they couldn’t keep up with these changes.

Are you finding it challenging to keep pace with these technological changes? One effective solution is turning to a reliable Managed IT Services Provider. In this blog, we we’ll explain how MSPs help you to future proof IT infrastructure for gaining business growth.

Understanding MSPs and Their Offerings?

MSPs are specialized external companies that focus on managing and enhancing the IT needs of other businesses. They bring a wealth of knowledge and support across various IT areas. Their service offerings include managing critical components like computers, software, and network systems. MSPs ensure these components work efficiently and safely, vital for smooth operations and avoiding interruptions, especially in today’s quick-paced business environment.

More than just managing IT systems, MSPs ensure businesses run without interruptions. They minimize the risk of IT system failures and the downtime that can follow. This aspect is particularly important as it helps maintain continuous business operations. With MSPs managing the IT side of things, businesses are free to concentrate on their core operations and goals without worrying about IT-related disruptions hindering their progress.

However, the real advantage comes from selecting the right MSP. A good partnership can significantly strengthen your IT infrastructure, making it future-ready.

Ready to Future Proof IT Infrastructure?

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Key Steps for Upgrading Your IT Infrastructure

As you plan to upgrade your IT infrastructure to keep pace with technological advancements, several important factors must be considered. Ensuring a smooth transition while protecting your current operations is crucial. Here’s a straightforward look at the top priorities:

Maintain Uninterrupted Service: The primary goal is to avoid any downtime. Service interruptions can lead to revenue loss and negatively impact your brand’s reputation.
Seamless Transition During Upgrades: It’s crucial to manage your IT upgrades in a way that does not disrupt your existing business activities. The upgrade process should be seamless and non-intrusive.
Cost-Effectiveness: Implementing IT improvements cost-effectively is important for maximizing your return on investment. Strategic spending in the short term can yield significant long-term benefits.

In achieving these priorities, the right Managed Service Providers (MSPs) role cannot be overstated. Partnering with proficient MSPs can greatly facilitate a smooth transition. They provide the expertise and support needed to navigate the complexities of IT upgrades, ensuring minimal disruption to your ongoing operations and helping you balance cost and efficiency.

Factors to Consider When Selecting the Right Managed Services Provider

Selecting reliable Managed IT Services is crucial for any business aiming to future proof IT infrastructure. Here are key factors to consider:

Flexibility: The MSP should adapt to your specific needs. Whether you require comprehensive support or assistance with specific tasks, the provider must be capable of delivering solutions without any compromise on quality or efficiency. This flexibility is essential in ensuring the MSP’s services align seamlessly with your business requirements.

Scalability: Your chosen MSP must offer scalable services. As your business grows, the MSP should be able to expand its services accordingly, ensuring that your IT infrastructure evolves in line with technological advancements. Investing in a non-scalable service can drain resources, hindering your company’s growth.

Comprehensive Services: Look for MSPs that offer a full range of services, including cybersecurity, cloud computing, 24/7 support, and network and server management. The ideal MSP will provide the necessary services and advise optimizing your IT infrastructure for maximum efficiency.

Support and Experience: The experience of the MSP is crucial, but it’s also important to consider their track record and client feedback. Newer MSPs might offer innovative solutions, so examining their client history and reviews is worth examining. A top MSP will be able to demonstrate their capabilities and show a history of long-term client relationships.

Transparency and Accessibility: Transparency in business practices and the tools used for tasks is vital for building trust. Accessibility is equally important – the MSP should offer 24/7 support with remote assistance capabilities to ensure no downtime could negatively impact your business.

Cost-Effectiveness: The MSP’s pricing model should align with your budget and IT needs. Since pricing models can vary greatly between providers, making an informed decision that balances cost with the quality and range of services offered is important.

How MSPs Can Help Future Proof IT Infrastructure of Your Business

Future-proofing your company is a multifaceted task, and Managed IT Service Providers (MSPs) can play a pivotal role in each aspect.

Creating a Strategic IT Roadmap

A well-defined IT roadmap is essential for responding effectively to new challenges. MSPs can assist in formulating this strategy, enhancing your business’s resilience against unforeseen events. They help plan how IT investments and actions are directed, ensuring they align with your long-term business goals.

Future-Proofing Through Technology and Infrastructure Upgrades

Keeping up-to-date with the latest technology developments is vital. Regular infrastructure and technology upgrades are necessary to maintain peak system performance. MSPs are skilled in assessing your current tech environment and identifying which areas need updates, network infrastructure, software, or hardware. They provide comprehensive IT management and support services, including

24×7 help desk support
Server and network management
Regular security and software updates

Thus keeping your IT infrastructure modern and efficient.

Leveraging Cloud Computing Services

Managed Cloud Services Provider can guide your business in transitioning from on-premise to cloud-based services. Migrating processes like storage, email, and servers to the cloud enhances flexibility and reduces hardware, office space, and IT staffing costs.

IT Consulting Expertise

MSPs also serve as IT consulting experts. They can evaluate your IT infrastructure needs and advise on appropriate technology investments. This may include services like web hosting, VoIP phone systems, and design. Their expertise lets your in-house IT staff focus on critical, non-outsourced tasks.

Disaster Recovery and Business Continuity Planning

Disruptions from natural disasters, cyberattacks, or system failures can be catastrophic. Data backup and recovery services offered by MSPs help develop and implement strategies to protect your data and systems while minimizing downtime, ensuring your business remains operational through any crisis.

Cybersecurity and Data Protection

A robust defense strategy is crucial in an era of increasing cyber threats. MSPs can assess your security measures, identify vulnerabilities, and implement protections for your systems and data. This includes firewalls, antivirus software, data encryption, and regular backups, safeguarding your business against digital threats.

Choose Layer One Networks: Your Reliable Managed IT Services Provider for Securing Business’s Future

Ensuring your business is ready for the future is crucial in today’s fast-moving tech world. Partnering with a local Managed IT Services Provider can help your business stay on top of tech trends and meet long-term goals.

Layer One Networks in Corpus Christi is a great example of an efficient and dependable MSP that helps businesses tackle complex tech challenges and reduce downtime. Our proactive IT management approach and our skilled team means your networks, software, cloud services, and hardware are all well taken care of, 24/7.

We also prioritize cybersecurity, ensuring your data and systems are protected against threats. We work closely with you to develop a strategic IT plan tailored to your needs, helping your business stay ready for future tech changes or challenges.

Choose Layer One Networks for a partnership that supports your needs today and prepares you for tomorrow’s success.

Managed IT Services

Why Should You Choose a Local Managed IT Services Provider

Written by Layer One Networks Published November 1, 2023November 1, 2023

Introduction:

For many organizations in Corpus Christi, the luxury of having an in-house IT team or the ample time to manage a multitude of devices remains hard to come by. This is where managed service providers (MSPs) come into play, acting as a cost-effective and efficient solution for businesses to manage their technology needs. The advantages of engaging with an MSP are many, and their significance is growing as the digital world continues to evolve.

However, with the expansion of the MSP market, a new pattern is emerging. A host of national MSPs and franchises have popped up, all offering excellent services, sometimes claiming to surpass the experienced local Managed Service Providers established in your community.

But how much truth is there in these claims? In most scenarios, not much. Choosing the right Managed IT services provider is a crucial decision for any business leader, and it directly affects their organization’s operational efficiency. This blog post explains why choosing a local MSP is a smart business decision.

Looking to streamline your IT needs to focus on core tasks?

Let LayerOne Networks, the best Managed IT services provider in Corpus Christi, handle it.

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What is the Role of a Managed IT Services Provider?

A Managed IT Services Provider (MSP) is an external firm that specializes in handling various tech-related tasks for other organizations, aiming to reduce operational costs and enhance workflow efficiency. By managing certain aspects of an organization’s IT requirements, MSPs free up their client’s resources, enabling them to concentrate more on their core objectives.

Here are some common services typically offered by Managed IT Services in Corpus Christi:

Software Management: MSPs ensure that all software applications are updated, secure, and running smoothly, which is crucial for day-to-day operations. They handle software updates, licensing, and troubleshooting, creating a reliable software environment for your organization.
Internet Operation: In the modern business landscape, reliable internet connectivity is indispensable. MSPs manage internet operations, ensuring consistent and fast connectivity while troubleshooting any issues that arise.
Equipment Maintenance: Hardware, ranging from servers to workstations, forms the core of IT operations. MSPs provide maintenance services to ensure all hardware is functioning properly, thereby reducing the risk of downtime.
Administration: Effective IT administration is key for an organized and efficient workflow. MSPs manage network configurations, user accounts, and data permissions, ensuring a secure and structured IT environment.

Additionally, many MSPs offer IT support services to address and resolve tech-related issues promptly, which is crucial for maintaining operational continuity.

Read here to know in depth about the different types of services offered.

Six Compelling Reasons to Choose Managed IT Services Near Me

Prompt Assistance

A well-managed IT service relationship stands on three simple principles: being proactive, having a beneficial partnership, and being quick to respond. For an MSP to really help you handle your technology, protect your business from cybersecurity threats, and improve the steadiness of your system, it’s important that your staff can talk to helpful personnel who understand your unique IT challenges whenever needed. This level of personalized and quick help is what makes local MSPs stand out from their larger counterparts.

Imagine a situation where your team logs a help desk ticket for a repeating network stability issue. With a local MSP, this issue quickly gets the attention of a help desk technician you’ve worked with who understands your business well. If the problem is too tricky for the technician, escalating it to a more experienced engineer—whose office is just around the corner—is simple and fast.

On the other hand, things are quite different with a large-scale MSP. You might find yourself stuck in a loop of phone transfers, losing precious work hours before you can schedule a technician to address the issue. And if there isn’t a trained technician nearby, the waiting game continues, further delaying resolution. This distant approach makes it hard to build rapport, trust, or the essential understanding crucial for a successful outsourced IT support relationship.

The situation gets worse if the issue needs onsite attention. When you’re facing a significant network disruption, it’s not just a technical issue—it’s an operational crisis. During such urgent times, having a local MSP whose experienced team is already familiar with your network and staff is a lifesaver. They can quickly send personnel to your location, reducing the downtime and keeping your business productivity intact.

This distinct advantage highlights the value of closeness, showing why local MSPs are not just service providers but strategic partners in handling the IT landscape. Their nearness ensures a level of quickness and personalized attention that’s hard to find with larger, distant MSPs, making them a sensible choice for businesses keen on improving operational efficiency.

Cost Efficiency

Opting for a locally managed service provider over a larger enterprise can be a more budget-friendly choice for your organization. Many local providers cater to small to medium-sized businesses, making their pricing models more accessible than companies primarily serving larger clients. The services and solutions you receive will be tailored to your specific needs, ensuring you only pay for the resources you utilize and nothing extra.

Furthermore, a core objective of any managed service provider is to pinpoint areas where you can trim expenses and guide you toward more cost-effective solutions. This approach allows for a more personalized service, aiding in optimizing your technology expenditure.

Contributing to Community Growth

Unlike large national entities or franchises that serve a broad spectrum of clients across different regions, a local Managed IT Services Provider has a concentrated focus on serving the businesses within their community.

When a large company falls short in delivering adequate service, and a business in the community suffers from a cyberattack, the large company may not immediately feel the repercussions as they have a vast clientele spread across various regions. They might momentarily shift focus to other regions where they have had successes, waiting for any negative impact to diminish over time.

Conversely, local MSPs strive to build and maintain a solid reputation within their community by offering reliable services and forming long-term partnerships with local businesses. They understand that their success is intertwined with the success and satisfaction of the local businesses they serve. When they assist local businesses resolving issues efficiently or in saving costs, positive feedback resonates through the community, enhancing their reputation.

The leadership at local MSPs is typically more committed to ensuring quality service as they are fully aware that their standing in the community is linked to the service they provide. They are more inclined to go the extra mile to uphold their reputation and aid in the prosperity of their local community.

Are you concerned about the damage a cyber attack could inflict on your business?

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On-site Guidance

A hands-on, in-person approach to learning and adaptation is invaluable when diving into new technology or adjusting to updated systems. A local Managed Service Provider (MSP) can offer on-site training, swiftly address queries, and personally introduce your team to the new solutions being implemented. This face-to-face interaction clears doubts on the spot and ensures everyone is in sync with how the new systems operate.

Conversely, when your MSP is stationed far away, training and support default to remote methods such as emails or phone calls. For instance, consider the support offered by a virtual Chief Information. Officer (vCIO), a key service from your MSP. A vCIO helps craft and maintain a robust IT strategy encompassing hardware and software upgrades, new network infrastructure projects, regulatory compliance consulting, and enhanced cybersecurity measures.

For effective strategizing, the vCIO team from your MSP needs to have regular in-person meetings with your decision-makers. These sessions are crucial for discussing your evolving network and operations, ensuring your IT strategy resonates with your business goals, and fostering a deeper MSP-client relationship.

But with a far-off MSP, these face-to-face meetings are rare. Many don’t offer regular strategy talks or vCIO meetings. This distance can lead to communication gaps, slow responses, and unclear explanations of tricky issues. Without direct, on-site help, learning and adjusting to new solutions can take a lot longer.

In a nutshell, on-site support from a local MSP speeds up the learning process and builds a solid working relationship that’s important for managing your IT world well.

Good Leadership and Culture

The culture of a Managed IT Service Provider (MSP) is really important. It shows not only how they work together as a team but also how they treat you as a client.

A good culture starts with good leaders. They can get their team excited about the tasks and goals they have. Managers or account managers often set the culture in big IT services companies. However, these people might not stay long in the company and are more focused on making money or hitting targets before moving to a new job rather than creating a helpful and friendly culture.

This principle extends to how an MSP, especially a full-service IT provider, collaborates with other companies, like technology partners. A good local MSP will choose to work with technology partners that they think will benefit their clients the most. The MSP leaders will ensure these partnerships are managed well, getting special certifications when needed and ending partnerships with companies that aren’t providing good value anymore.

Customized Solutions

Every business is unique, and it’s unfair to assume that a one-size-fits-all solution would cater to all your needs. This is a common scenario with larger Managed Service Providers (MSPs), as they serve a vast clientele and usually push for the use of certain technologies, tools, or services. These might not always align with your team’s work style or business objectives.

However, when you choose a local MSP, they invest time to understand your organization and its needs thoroughly. They are focused on crafting a plan that aligns well with your short-term and long-term goals. A local provider ensures that everything is set up correctly and is functioning well before concluding a service visit. Additionally, you get to build a rapport with their team throughout your contract period.

Building such relationships makes the partnership more meaningful and beneficial for your organization. Moreover, if you partner with a large MSP that produces its own hardware or software, your choices are limited to what they offer. On the contrary, local service providers have the liberty to offer products from various vendors. This flexibility allows them to mix and match different products to create a custom-made solution for you. This level of personalized service sets local MSPs apart, ensuring the solutions provided perfectly in sync with your organizational needs, giving you a more satisfying and value-driven experience.

Your Trusted Local Managed IT Services Provider in Corpus Christi: LayerOne Networks

While large managed service corporations have a vast array of offerings, the unique advantages of collaborating with a smaller, local managed service provider often go unnoticed. The personalized solutions and prompt assistance that local providers offer are unmatched.

LayerOne Networks, recognized as one of the leading IT consulting firms in Corpus Christi, embodies all these benefits and much more.

Whether you prefer a comprehensive IT support plan or require assistance with specific areas, we can tailor our services to match your preferences. Entrust your IT management to LayerOne, and focus on propelling your business forward.

Managed IT Services

The Crucial Role of Managed IT Services in Empowering Remote Work and Collaboration

Written by Layer One Networks Published June 28, 2023June 29, 2023

Introduction:

In the not-so-distant past, the concept of remote work was met with skepticism, with businesses believing that true collaboration required physical presence. The thought of employees working from anywhere other than the office seemed unfathomable. However, the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic shattered these preconceived notions, forcing companies to embrace remote work environments swiftly.

Yet, a solid technical infrastructure is vital for remote work to thrive. This infrastructure ensures secure access to services and information, supporting employees regardless of location. Thanks to Managed IT Services Providers (MSPs) and advancing technology, companies can now effectively manage their tasks from the comfort of their homes.

This engaging article explores five key roles the right IT service provider can play to empower your remote workforce, revolutionizing collaboration and productivity.

Supercharge your remote work environment with LayerOne Networks. Experience unparalleled IT support solutions tailored to meet your needs.

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What are Managed IT Services?

Managed IT services, or third-party IT support, are external resources businesses can depend on to manage their technical requirements. These services cover a range of tasks, including monitoring and maintaining computer networks, implementing data backup solutions, and providing assistance in case of a disaster.

By outsourcing these responsibilities to experienced service providers, businesses can optimize their internal resources, concentrating on strategic initiatives while ensuring their IT systems receive professional support, remain secure, and operate reliably.

5 Support Roles of Managed IT Services for Remote Work

Providing Network and Infrastructure Support

Managed IT services support remote work and foster collaboration by providing robust network and infrastructure support. Here are four key aspects where these services excel:

Enabling Secure Access to Company Resources:

Managed IT services are vital in helping organizations establish secure networks, configure firewalls, and manage access control. They ensure that all systems are regularly updated with the latest security patches, minimizing vulnerabilities and safeguarding sensitive data. By actively monitoring networks, potential threats are identified and addressed promptly, ensuring secure remote access to company resources.

Secure Connection with Virtual Private Networks (VPNs):

Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) are essential to manage IT services for remote work and collaboration. VPNs create a secure pathway for remote employees, allowing them to connect to a private network anywhere. With VPNs, employees can securely access company resources such as files, applications, and data. VPNs foster smooth collaboration among remote teams and external partners while safeguarding sensitive information from cyber threats. Additionally, VPNs enable secure connections between multiple offices, facilitating efficient collaboration across different locations.

Efficient File Sharing and Collaboration with Cloud-Based Solutions:

Managed IT services leverage cloud-based solutions to ensure employees have the tools for seamless and productive remote work. Cloud-based file-sharing and collaboration platforms provide a secure environment for storing, sharing, and collaborating on documents, spreadsheets, presentations, and more. These solutions enable real-time updates, ensuring everyone works on the most current shared file version.

Moreover, cloud computing service providers offer the convenience of accessing files from anywhere with an internet connection, empowering remote teams to stay connected and productive.

Reliable Internet Connectivity for Remote Workers:

Managed IT services also address the crucial need for reliable internet connectivity among remote workers. They ensure remote employees have sufficient bandwidth, speed, and dependable connectivity to support their work activities. By setting up secure VPNs and implementing robust network infrastructure solutions, managed IT services guarantee uninterrupted access to essential resources for remote workers.

Enhancing Cybersecurity for Remote Work

With the surge in remote working, ensuring data security has become an increasingly pressing challenge. However, with the help of managed IT support, companies can now enjoy enhanced cybersecurity in the remote work atmosphere. Let’s explore how these Cyber security services under managed services can bolster your company’s data security.

Comprehensive Security Solutions:

Managed IT services offer robust security solutions tailored to address the unique risks of remote work. They leverage advanced tools and technologies to protect your data from phishing attacks, malware, and ransomware. By implementing strong security measures like firewalls and intrusion detection systems, managed IT services create a formidable defense against unauthorized access to your data.

Secure Remote Access:

Remote work exposes businesses to vulnerabilities as employees access company resources from various locations and devices. Managed IT services ensure secure remote access by implementing rigorous authentication protocols, such as multi-factor authentication (MFA). MFA adds an extra layer of security by requiring users to provide multiple forms of identification, significantly reducing the risk of unauthorized access and data breaches.

Ongoing Monitoring and Threat Detection:

By continuously monitoring networks, systems, and user activities, MSPs can identify suspicious or abnormal behavior that may indicate a cyber attack. Timely detection enables rapid response and mitigation, minimizing the impact of security incidents and safeguarding your company’s invaluable data.

Employee Training and Best Practices:

Managed IT services also play a crucial role in educating and training your remote workforce on cybersecurity best practices. They offer guidance on recognizing and avoiding common cyber threats, such as phishing emails and malicious websites. By raising awareness and fostering a cybersecurity-conscious culture, managed IT services empower your employees to become the first line of defense against cyber attacks.

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Effective Collaboration Tools

Managed IT services to support remote collaboration by providing access to essential video conferencing and communication tools. These tools bridge the distance between team members and facilitate seamless collaboration, regardless of their physical locations.

With the right suite of communication and collaboration tools, such as video conferencing, instant messaging, file sharing, and project management platforms, managed IT services empower teams to stay connected, share ideas, and work together efficiently.

Let’s delve into how these services benefit businesses in more detail.

Seamless Connectivity:

Managed IT service providers (MSPs) ensure employees can access reliable video conferencing and communication tools, enabling smooth and uninterrupted remote collaboration. Reliable communication tools ensure team members can connect, communicate, and collaborate effectively, fostering productivity and synergy.

Enhanced Collaboration:

MSPs offer a range of collaboration tools tailored to meet the specific needs of remote teams. These tools facilitate real-time communication, file sharing, and project management, enabling teams to work together efficiently and effectively, even when not physically present.

Compatibility and Integration:

They ensure their collaboration tools are compatible with other platforms and systems used within the organization. This seamless integration eliminates the hassle of data loss or disruptions caused by incompatibility issues, enabling a streamlined workflow and enhancing productivity.

Training and Support:

Managed services offer training and support to employees, ensuring they are proficient in using the collaboration tools effectively. Training and support empower team members to leverage the full potential of these tools and maximize their productivity in a remote work environment.

Data Backup and Disaster Recovery

Ensuring the safety and resilience of your valuable data is paramount in today’s ever-evolving digital landscape. Managed IT services are critical in fortifying your business against potential disasters by protecting your data and ensuring smooth operations.

Reliable Data Protection:

With data backup and recovery services, your critical information is diligently backed up regularly. This meticulous process creates multiple layers of protection, safeguarding your data from unexpected events and ensuring its availability when needed.

Off-Site Backup Storage:

Managed IT services go the extra mile by securely storing backup copies in off-site locations. Keeping your data in separate and secure facilities mitigates the risk of data loss due to physical damage or localized incidents. Should the need arise, your data can be quickly retrieved and restored to ensure minimal disruption to your business.

Swift Recovery:

In the face of a disaster or system failure, time is of the essence. Managed IT services are well-prepared to quickly restore your systems and retrieve your critical data. Their expert technicians work diligently to minimize downtime and get your business back up and running quickly.

Uninterrupted Operations:

By relying on managed IT services for data backup and disaster recovery, you can maintain uninterrupted operations, even during challenging times. Whether your team works remotely or in the office, you can rest assured that your data remains secure and accessible. This insurance allows your business to continue functioning smoothly and your employees to stay productive, no matter the circumstances.

Helpdesk Support

Managed IT services offer invaluable help desk support to remote employees, ensuring they have the necessary technical assistance to remain productive and connected. With help desk support, remote employees can rely on expert guidance and troubleshooting to resolve technical issues. Support includes addressing device-related problems, resolving software glitches, and configuring settings to optimize their workflow. The dedicated support provided by managed IT services enables remote employees to overcome technical hurdles efficiently, allowing them to focus on their work without disruptions.

In addition to troubleshooting and technical assistance, managed IT services extend their support by providing training and resources to empower remote employees. Through various channels, such as online tutorials, webinars, and personalized support, employees gain the knowledge and skills to effectively utilize collaboration tools, access files remotely, and maintain seamless communication with their team.

Can Remote Work Options Benefit Your Business?

The answer to this question is a resounding yes!

Managed IT services providers have revolutionized how companies operate, showing that employees can be just as productive and thrive outside the traditional office setting. Remote work has sparked a shift in employee preferences, with many actively seeking opportunities that offer remote or hybrid work environments.

As an employer, failing to provide this option can lead to missed opportunities in attracting and retaining top talent. By embracing remote work, your business gains a competitive edge. You tap into a pool of highly skilled professionals who value flexibility and work-life balance. These positives increase job satisfaction and productivity, ultimately driving better business outcomes.

LayerOne Networks managed IT services providers in Corpus Christi understand the importance of supporting remote work environments. And that’s why we offer comprehensive IT services tailored to remote teams’ unique needs. With our expertise, you can confidently propel your remote work atmosphere in the right direction.

Ready to unlock the potential of remote work for your business growth? Discover our comprehensive IT services and unleash your team’s full potential.

Managed IT Services

Different Types of Managed IT Services

Written by Layer One Networks Published October 22, 2022May 12, 2023

Workplace technology is changing rapidly and getting more complex every day. The work-related computing that once took place within the four walls of an office and inside a secured perimeter is now distributed among many locations and devices. Supporting and securing these different access points and devices have put a lot of strain on traditional IT departments, which are already spread thin. Additionally, businesses today are laser-focused on managing costs and ensuring their IT budget is being used as efficiently as possible.

This has led many businesses to seek managed IT services providers (MSPs) who can help them offload some of the burden and day-to-day management of their IT systems so they can continue to innovate and stay relevant in their industry.

But what exactly are managed IT services, and what types of services do Layer One Networks, a reputable managed IT services provider in Corpus Christi, provide?

Managed IT Services Defined:

Managed services are ongoing proactive IT support and management provided by an IT consulting firm or MSP for a fixed monthly fee. The service can include any IT components but is typically centered around monitoring, managing, and repairing an organization’s technology infrastructure to keep IT systems operating at peak performance and prevent issues before they cause downtime.

As an IT service provider, we want to help businesses understand the different services that make up a comprehensive managed services package so they can make an informed decision about their IT infrastructure and what support they need.

Continue reading to learn about the different managed services offered in our service plans.

Different Types of Managed IT Services:

The types of managed IT services are vast and can be customized to meet the specific needs of any business. Many businesses opt for fully managed services, which is an all-inclusive service that covers every aspect of IT support. While some may only need a few specific services to supplement their in-house IT team.

Here are some of the most common managed services our team of IT professionals provides.

Managed Infrastructure Support:

IT infrastructure is the heartbeat of any business. It consists of all the hardware, software, and network resources that power an organization’s operations. As day-to-day business processes and critical functions are becoming digitized, the infrastructure responsible for supporting these processes must be able to keep up to maintain its optimal performance.

As many different components make up an organization’s IT infrastructure, the managed service offerings for infrastructure support will span across several IT disciplines. These services can include but are not limited to, managing and supporting:

Networks (Wired & Wireless)
Security
Firewalls solutions
Servers (physical & virtual)
Storage Area Networks (SANs)
Backup & Disaster Recovery services (BDR)
Data Analytics
And more

Managed Cloud Services:

Cloud Services are becoming a necessity for businesses of all sizes to remain competitive in today’s digital economy. With cloud-based services, businesses can now push toward growth by scaling their services and applications without having to make large upfront investments in hardware and software.

Additionally, because the cloud is an on-demand web-based service that provides file sharing and users with access to their data and applications from anywhere there is an internet connection, businesses can now support remote workforces with greater ease.

When you partner with managed cloud service providers, they will often supply and manage servers that store your data. These servers also act as a data center for your backup, recovery, and disaster management needs.

This will not only give a boost to your IT security but will also save costs related to building and maintaining an in-house data center.

Cloud computing services will include assessment, migration, implementation, and management of:

IaaS (Infrastructure as a Service)
PaaS (Platform as a Service)
SaaS (Software as a Service application)

Managed Security Service:

The use of Malware and Ransomware has increased exponentially in the past several years and is likely to grow as cybercriminals become more sophisticated in their attacks. Because of this, it has become essential for businesses to have a comprehensive security solution in place to protect their data and systems from these threats.

When you trust Layer One Networks with your data security needs, you get state-of-the-art security solutions for all your devices, applications, and data that are constantly updated to address the latest threats. Our data security services include:

Intrusion detection and prevention
Vulnerability scanning and remediation
Virus, malware, and spyware removal
Round-the-clock monitoring and alerting

In addition to the above services, our spam filtering services which supplement firewall protection will also help you keep your inbox clean from phishing emails and other malicious content.

Managed On-site IT Services:

On-site IT services also referred to as managed field services, are the proactive maintenance of your IT equipment and systems located on your premises. With this service, our team of certified IT professionals will come to your office to perform various tasks from start to finish.

This can include anything from:

Installing and configuring new hardware and software
Cabling or re-cabling workstations, servers, and network equipment
Updating firmware and drivers
Performing system backups
Troubleshooting IT issues
Checking event logs and hardware errors to ensure critical patches are kept up-to-date
Monitoring workstations and resolving productivity-affecting issues
And more.

When you opt for on-site IT services, you can expect a much more streamlined and efficient IT operation, as our team will be able to resolve any issues before they cause major disruptions. Additionally, we will solely be responsible for scheduling and dispatching techs, managing tickets, keeping track of your inventory, and communicating once the work is completed without you having to lift a finger. The expertise of our local IT staff can go a long way in protecting and maintaining the optimal performance of your systems, which is why we offer this service to all our clients.

Selecting the Right Managed IT Service Provider:

As you can see, many different types of managed IT services are available to businesses today. While each type of service can provide a unique set of benefits, not all services will be a good fit for every business.

When selecting a managed IT service provider, it is important to consider your specific needs and objectives. From there, you can narrow your options to find the best provider to meet your requirements.

Layer One Networks is a leading provider of managed IT services in Corpus Christi. If you are unsure what type of service would be best for your business, our IT consultant service team can help. We offer a complimentary initial consultation where we will get to know your business and IT operation to make recommendations on which services would be most beneficial.

Managed IT Services

Save Money by Outsourcing 3 Major Business Services to Managed IT

Written by Layer One Networks Published October 7, 2022October 7, 2022

Introduction:

Whether you’re running a thriving business or a small startup, you always get bogged down by various tasks that are not your core competency. And with technical stuff popping up daily, you may find yourself involved more with devices and software than with your customers.

But not to worry; to help you streamline your processes and get your business back on track, we have compiled a list of 3 business services you can outsource to Layer One Networks, the best managed IT services providers around.

Data Back-up in the Cloud and Locally:

Your day-to-day business function relies on the smooth data flow to and from your devices. But what happens when that smooth data stops circulating? You run into BIG trouble!

Losing data means you cannot get work done effectively, have to start from scratch or even lose out on important clientele. Downtime for even a couple of hours can not only cost you dearly in today’s fast-paced business world, but it also showcases your company in a negative light.

If your business depends more on local servers for data storage, you might consider backing up your data in the cloud. Generally, businesses that invest in both are more prepared and protected against data loss. How – local backup keeps you more agile in case of accidental data deletion. Although slow, the cloud backup is more secure and offsite protects your data from physical damage.

But why is outsourcing this critical service to managed IT services like ours the best idea?

For starters, we will be able to suggest the best possible data backup solutions for your business. And in case of any data loss, our disaster recovery services will have you back up and running in no time!

Broadly when you outsource your backup management to a professional that knows how to do it best, you are cutting the risk of data loss to a bare minimum. Although outsourcing may cost you some money upfront, it is a small price to pay when you compare it with the cost of losing important data.

IT Security that Provides you Round the Clock Protection from Online Threats:

The internet is a blessing and a curse. It has given us the platform to reach out to new customers and help our businesses grow. But it’s also susceptible to various online threats like malware, viruses, phishing attacks, etc., which can infect our systems and leak important company data.

It generally takes six months on average for a company to detect a data breach. Now imagine for six months, your customer’s data was with some outsider without you knowing it. SCARY right?

Not just that, data breaches can cost you money in two ways. Firstly, if your breach results in your customers losing faith in your company, you are bound to see a drop in sales and customers. Secondly, you may also attract hefty fines from not-so-friendly government agencies. Penalties usually depend on the nature and size of the data that was compromised, so you cannot predict how big of a hit you will have to take.

Partnering with Layer One Networks, a reliable IT consulting firm well versed in the latest IT security threats and solutions, can help you get around these problems.

Our team of IT experts will install the best possible security solutions for your business and keep track of any online activity on your systems 24/7. So in the event of a security breach, the damage is mitigated before it gets too out of hand.

Outsourcing IT security to managed IT services in Corpus Christi will also help you stay updated with the latest security trends and solutions without breaking your bank!

IT Support That Saves You Time and Money:

You are in serious trouble if your business lacks any IT support, be it in-house or managed IT services.

Although small to medium size businesses see technology as a big priority, they usually lack the budget and expertise to invest in an in-house IT team. So what do they do? They try to manage everything independently or hire some random “computer guy” from the neighborhood to help them with their IT problems.

Managing your business’s IT needs on your own or hiring someone with no expertise in the field can cost you time and money, which you cannot afford to lose.

So what is the best way forward? The answer is simple – OUTSOURCE your IT support needs a reliable and reputable IT consulting firm like Layer One Networks.

Our team of IT experts will not only help you with your day-to-day IT problems but will also proactively work towards improving your overall IT infrastructure, which includes a bit of everything such as:

Data backups
Disaster Recovery
IT security
Networking
Cloud computing
Help Desk support
IT Consultation
Systems Integration
and much more!

Outsourcing your business services to a professional IT consulting firm is a win-win for both parties. While you save money by not hiring a team that you won’t need full-time, we get to serve more happy customers and grow our business.

So why not reach out to Layer One Networks today to see if we can be of any assistance to you and your business?

Even if nothing else works, you will at least get a free IT consultation from us!

Managed IT Services

Difference & Benefits: Managed IT Services Provider vs. Cloud Service Provider

Written by Layer One Networks Published August 5, 2022August 16, 2022

The IT industry is snowballing, and we are in the midst of a digital transformation. Many businesses must keep up with the latest technology trends to stay competitive in this ever-changing marketplace.

But many don’t have in-house IT staff to care for their network and other IT infrastructure needs and this is when they rely on outside help.

It can lead to confusion over what company you should use for your business — cloud solutions or managed IT services provider? Of course, both offer similar services, but there are some critical differences between them that you should consider before making a decision.

So in this blog, we’ll guide you through the services offered by both types of providers and choose the best one for you.

What is a Managed IT Service Provider (MSP)?

A managed IT services provider (MSP) is an IT services company that provides technical services to its clients. These services can range from cloud hosting to cybersecurity and include data backup, security monitoring, and maintenance of networks.

So, what’s the real value of IT managed service?

Well, the main advantage of outsourcing your IT needs to an MSP is that they deal with all the technical aspects of your business, so you don’t have to worry about them.

MSPs can provide both hardware and software solutions and offer these services on a subscription-based or pay-as-you-go basis. They support your network, servers, computers, and any other hardware devices in your business. In addition, the MSPs have the infrastructure to provide these services, which include managing data backups, security patches, monitoring, and maintenance.

What Can You Expect from a Managed Service Provider?

Many managed service providers focus on specific verticals while others provide a broad range of services across industries. Some common types of managed services include:

Network Diagnostics & Monitoring

Network diagnostics and monitoring ensure that networks are working properly and quickly alert them when there’s a problem with any aspect of their network connectivity. It’s also used to detect unauthorized access attempts or virus infections on your network and stop them before they cause harm.

Cybersecurity

Managed IT services providers can help with all aspects of cybersecurity, including incident response, risk management, compliance, and audit readiness. MSPs can offer cloud security platforms that provide enterprise-grade protection from cyber threats, malware, and ransomware attacks. The platforms also work to prevent data loss, ensure compliance, and much more.

24X7 User Support

There are various managed IT services you can avail of. While some handpick a few benefits, the best MSPs can provide a comprehensive solution that can typically replace an entire IT department.

And this is when the 24X7 support solutions come in. You’ll get round-the-clock access to the help desk to answer questions and extend support for any issue in your IT infrastructure. They can also troubleshoot issues with the network or computer systems instantly and help resume your work.

System Administration

Many MSPs take complete charge of your IT networks and server and run it as an in-house team does. They provide end-to-end solutions with admin access to client computers to troubleshoot problems or offer system upgrades. These solutions also include additional features such as network security monitoring, creating new modules, applications, and software, enabling integrations between multiple applications, and managing the day-to-day operational workloads.

Maintenance of IT Infrastructure

Managed IT services providers offer regular maintenance plans for different types of hardware and software. They also provide ongoing support for your IT infrastructure to remain operational without downtime or disruption in business operations due to technical issues or outages caused by malware attacks, viruses, or other malicious attempts.

What is a Cloud Service Provider?

Cloud Service Provider (CSP) is a company that provides cloud computing solutions. CSPs are IT service providers specializing in cloud solutions for their clients. They offer their clients different types of cloud products and services, including storage, data backup, disaster recovery, and other related services.

Many small businesses don’t have the resources or expertise to manage their IT infrastructure. They may have a limited budget, meaning they can’t afford the cost of hiring an in-house IT team. It is where IT consulting firms come into the picture with managed cloud solutions.

So this is when CSPs help companies manage their IT infrastructure by providing them with access to various software applications and hardware devices. These companies can then use these tools to perform multiple tasks related to their business operations. Through a multi-tenant model, the CSP consolidates and assigns computing resources based on the needs of multiple clients.

Managed cloud services providers are responsible for designing, building, and maintaining the hardware and software that comprise the cloud computing environment. They also provide users access to these resources through their data centers or third-party data centers.

What are the Different Types of Cloud Service Provider?

Software-as-a-Service (SaaS)

SaaS is a type of cloud computing where applications are hosted remotely and accessed via the Internet. You can use this solution on a pay-per-use basis. SaaS providers use virtualization technology to enable users to access their applications from any device with an Internet connection. Some examples of SaaS include Salesforce, Google Apps, Office 365, and Concur.

Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS)

PaaS is another cloud computing model that allows customers to build their software applications on top of an existing platform. In this model, there are no restrictions on what can be done with these platforms while users are using them. Examples include Windows Azure, OpenShift, and AWS Elastic Beanstalk.

Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS)

IaaS allows customers to rent virtual server space from a provider and manage it themselves. It is a service where the provider offers the client virtual machines, storage, and networking resources. Examples include Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, and Google Compute Engine.

What Can You Expect from a Cloud Service Provider?

Cloud computing is a type of computing that provides shared resources, software, and information to computers and other devices on demand. With this model, users can access a shared pool of configurable computing resources (e.g., networks, servers, storage, applications, and services) on demand, with minimal effort or interaction from global cloud computing service providers.

Cloud Computing Services

The cloud service provider helps to store your data on the servers or share it with other users across the globe. It’s a cost-effective way to access software applications and hardware infrastructure as a service, including storage, networks, software, virtualization, and more.

Remote Data Backup Services

A data backup is essential for businesses that require continuity of services in case of emergencies like natural calamities or technical glitches. Cloud providers offer remote data backup solutions that allow you to store critical files and folders online so that you can access them from anywhere at any time.

Cloud Storage Services

Cloud storage refers to storing data remotely instead of on your computer hard drive or local server. Businesses use cloud storage services to store their critical files in an offsite location where they can be accessed anytime from anywhere without additional effort.

Cloud Computing Consulting Services

Many small businesses don’t have enough technical knowledge about cloud computing. This is when the consulting sessions can help navigate the world of cloud computing, integrate it with the existing IT infrastructure, and facilitate smooth migration.

Cloud Management Services

Cloud-managed service providers help with various aspects of cloud management — like setting up new spaces, creating templates, and integrations, and conducting regular security and maintenance. Such providers will ensure you don’t have to worry about backend operations and cloud management.

Similarities and Benefits of MSP and CSP

A managed IT services provider is a company that offers support for the IT infrastructure of your business on an ongoing basis. It may include hardware, software, and networking equipment, as well as repairs if something breaks down. Cloud service providers offer similar services but also provide access to technology that can be stored in servers at their location or accessed remotely by a user.

The primary benefit of using an MSP is that it can provide various services, including support, maintenance, and upgrades. Many providers also take care of security measures, including network monitoring and antivirus software updates. They will help you choose what kind of hardware you need for your business based on your needs and budget requirements.

CSPs work with multiple companies at once so they can offer different types of services to different clients. For example, they may offer storage space, email accounts, management tools, or online databases. Cloud computing has broad capabilities and is accessible through standard mechanisms that promote use by heterogeneous client platforms.

Differences Between Managed IT Service Providers vs. Cloud Service Provider

Managed IT services providers and cloud service providers are two different types of companies that offer similar services. While both provide IT support, they differ in how they provide it, what they offer and how much it costs. The following are major differences between these two types of service providers:

The Way They Provide the Service

Managed IT services providers offer more than just a few hours of help from an onsite technician. They offer a full range of services, including management, maintenance, and computer systems monitoring. They also provide remote support and assistance for your company’s employees.

Cloud service providers typically only offer their services through a cloud-based platform. You don’t need to hire staff or buy equipment — you simply subscribe to their service and pay them a monthly fee to use their software or hardware.

The Services Offered

Managed IT services providers usually offer more extensive services than cloud providers. Still, there is some overlap between the two companies offerings due to competition in this tech industry sector.

For example, both service providers may offer backup storage space for your data if you have multiple computers that need backing up regularly throughout the week or month. However, global cloud service providers are restricted to your infrastructure’s cloud section and can’t extend the services to your on-premise storage. On the other hand, a managed IT services provider takes complete charge of your IT infrastructure. Also, a fully managed IT service provider is directly linked with your business needs, whereas CSPs can be linked to any type of business needs through their network infrastructure.

The Flexibility of the Services

Another difference between managed IT services providers and cloud service providers is that MSPs are more flexible than CSPs. is because MSPs provide you with all types of flexibility regarding software upgrade and maintenance services at an affordable price — custom-made to fit your needs, infrastructure and budget. But CSPs are not as flexible as they provide a set of solutions to choose from.

How Can You Choose the Best IT Service Provider for Your Business?

The challenge you face when choosing between these two types of service providers is that they have similar names, but there are important fundamental differences between them. What’s more, most businesses will need both types of services at different times during their lifecycle, so it’s essential to understand how each one works and what they can offer you.

The choice between MSPs and CSPs is entirely dependent on the type of infrastructure you have as well as the capability of your in-house IT team.

For example, if you have a hybrid cloud with on-premise storage, then you’ll need the services of both MSPs and CSPs. Many MSPs provide cloud maintenance support, so you can choose such an extensive option from a single vendor who can manage it all.

On the other hand, if you have only on-premise storage and need additional security and disaster management support, then you can work with an MSP for those additional needs.

If you’re unsure about choosing between both, reach out to our experts offering managed IT services in Corpus Christi. We can help you make the right choice and handpick the required services to maintain a robust IT infrastructure.

Managed IT Services

What is Fully Managed Service and Why is it Important?

Written by Layer One Networks Published May 26, 2022May 26, 2022

A fully managed IT service can be a great option for companies that don’t have the time or resources to manage their servers or are looking for experts to manage and maintain the infrastructure without any hiccups.

A fully managed service can provide everything from proactive IT operations and streamlined ticketing for all IT issues to remote monitoring and management software for key IT infrastructure. It frees up your time from managing the IT-related tasks so that you can focus on your core business.

In this blog, let’s look at how managed IT services can help you and everything that’s included in it.

How Can a Managed IT Service Provider Help?

Streamlined, Efficient Support

We can help you with everything from setting up your new computer, to upgrading your software and hardware, to fixing issues (if they do occur) daily. We’ll take care of all the technical support tasks, so you don’t have to.

One person will be assigned as your primary contact for all IT needs — from troubleshooting an issue in the office or fixing your home network connection at night when you get home from work. This means no more getting passed around between different teams and departments!

Proactive Reporting and Analysis

Fully Managed Service also includes proactive reporting and analysis. This is regularly monitoring your business to ensure that everything is running smoothly and efficiently and identifying any problems before they become more severe. In addition to checking key metrics, our team will conduct in-depth reviews of your business to make sure everything’s on track—or if there are any changes, we can optimize performance.

Vendor Coordination and Management

Vendor coordination is one of the critical foundations of IT managed services. This function ensures that your vendor partners work together to deliver consistent service quality across different areas, such as network operations, customer support, and billing. Your IT consulting firm offering managed IT services will operate as a central point of contact for all issues related to service delivery, including:

Vendor selection: Work with an expert in managing vendors to find the right partner for each component of your cloud infrastructure or application stack. This may include setting up contracts with third-party vendors like power companies or Internet service providers (ISPs).
Vendor evaluation: Get help from experts who can review your current vendors’ offerings against industry benchmarks and standards. They’ll identify opportunities where you might get better value by switching suppliers or renegotiating contracts on price or other terms of service.

High Availability

As a managed service provider, our goal is to deliver high availability, high security, and high performance.

High availability refers to the ability of a system to be available for use during a specific time period. In other words, it’s the amount of time your service will remain accessible before you have to start worrying about it being down.

We don’t want anything less than 100% uptime for all of our clients so we work hard every day towards making sure that their websites are live and serving customers around the clock without any interruptions whatsoever.

What is Included in a Fully Managed IT Service?

There are several functions included in fully managed IT services, but here are a top few:

Network security & risk mitigation: This service ensures that your network is safe from any kind of attack or intrusion. It also helps you to manage risks by identifying potential vulnerabilities in your network.

Endpoint detection & response (EDR): EDR helps you to detect malware on all of your devices so that you can remove it before it causes any damage or infection to your system.

Desktop virtualization: Desktop virtualization allows you to access your desktop remotely so that you can work from anywhere and everywhere. This also helps to improve productivity by reducing travel time and costs associated with having multiple locations for businesses.

Data backup & recovery: Data backup & recovery ensures that all of your important data is safe, even if something happens to the device on which it was stored or if someone accidentally deleted it accidentally or maliciously deletes it intentionally!

What are the Different Types of Fully Managed IT Services?

Managed Cloud Services: Some businesses prefer to outsource their IT support while others choose to manage it independently. With managed cloud services, your company gets full-service IT support with the flexibility of using a public cloud to have security and cost-effectiveness. You can consult with the provider to find the best plans.
Managed Hosting: A managed hosting solution combines web hosting, server management, and disaster recovery into one package. It provides all the necessary hardware and software to run your website or application in an environment where someone else monitors its performance, maintains backups, and patches any vulnerabilities as needed — all at a low cost per month compared to other options like hiring in-house personnel or purchasing expensive dedicated servers yourself.
Managed Security: We conduct regular security checks on your system and protect against malware, virus, and other online threats. Each device always has up-to-date protection against viruses, worms, and spyware—no matter where those threats originate.

Hire a Trusted Fully Managed IT Service Provider

As your needs grow, you will look for a reliable and trusted provider. You want to know your provider is dependable. You want a provider with the experience needed to take your business to the next level. An ideal IT service provider can help you through challenges and make sure everything runs smoothly in the background.

This is where our IT consultant service shines. We provide managed IT services for our clients in Corpus Christi, helping them maintain their IT infrastructure so that it doesn’t get in the way of their everyday operations.

Want to know more about how we can help you? Reach out to us now to discuss your need for IT services.

IT Consulting, Managed IT Services

Technical Support vs Managed Services: Which One is Best for Your Business?

Written by Layer One Networks Published April 30, 2022April 30, 2022

You may not give it much thought, but the IT providers you choose to support your business can significantly affect your bottom line. You’re losing money if you’re experiencing downtime due to poor support. Even worse, if you’re being overcharged for services you don’t need, that’s money that could be put to better use elsewhere in your business.

So how do you know which type of IT services provider is right for your business? Let’s examine the differences between technical support and IT-managed services.

What is Technical Support?

Technical support is a service that provides help with technology-related problems or questions. This may include troubleshooting issues, providing information, or fixing hardware issues like replacing broken parts on computers or other devices.

Technical support is a reactive model and can fix problems after they’ve already caused damage to your company. Technical support is like the traditional firefighter role for computers. When something goes wrong with your system, you call tech support and they run in to put out the flames.

It is offered to help businesses on a case-by-case basis. For example, if a computer or device malfunctions or stops working, technical support will be provided to help fix the problem. If a virus infects an entire system or individual machine, technical IT support will be offered so that the infected computer can be cleaned up and restored to its original state.

What is Managed Support?

Managed services refer to a service delivery model in which the service provider takes on full responsibility for monitoring and maintaining the customer’s infrastructure. This includes applying patches, updating software, installing new versions, and more. In most cases, this also provides access to a help desk that handles simple requests and escalates issues to more complex levels as required.

Managed services is a method of outsourcing day-to-day IT management as a strategic method for improving operations and cutting expenses. Through an IT consulting service, businesses can access resources they wouldn’t normally have access to due to budgetary or skill limitations. The company’s employees will be able to focus their attention on running the business while their provider takes care of the IT needs.

Technical Support vs Managed Services: Which One to Choose?

Technical support and managed services are two of the most common types of IT support, but they’re very different. Choosing one over the other can have a major impact on your company’s future success.

Technical support is a reactive service that responds to issues as they arise. IT managed services, on the other hand, are proactive. It anticipates possible problems and takes measures to prevent them from arising.

But which is the best for your business? Let’s find out.

When Do You Need Technical Support?

Technical support is a more generic way of describing IT services. The term can be applied to almost any aspect of IT services – from software installation and application maintenance to general troubleshooting and ongoing system management (including installing patches, updates, etc.). It can also involve other elements such as providing strategic guidance for decision-making or helping train employees on how to use new tools.

When you need regular support: Your business needs regular technical support to keep your IT infrastructure running smoothly.
When you require a highly experienced team to solve issues quickly: There are times when you encounter a particularly hard IT issue for which you need experts to handle. This is when a technical IT support team can step in and solve it for you with minimal downtime.
When you handle tech that requires specific expertise, several technologies are pretty narrow and something that many IT technicians may not be exposed to. In such times, having access to a tech support team that’s expert in your tech is useful.

When Do You Need Managed Services?

On the other hand, managed services are usually provided by a third-party company that specializes in IT solutions for businesses. If a business has a problem, they simply call on the managed services provider (MSP) to fix it rather than trying to troubleshoot it themselves or calling a technical IT support specialist.

Since IT managed services are an ongoing partnership with your IT consulting firm, they can help you in numerous ways. Let’s look at some situations when you need managed services:

If your systems aren’t properly maintained: Your IT infrastructure and systems require regular maintenance to ensure they’re running efficiently and securely. If they aren’t properly maintained, they can become slow, prone to crashing, or vulnerable to hacks and malware. A managed service provider will maintain all your systems so that you don’t have to worry about them crashing or getting hacked.
When you have outdated technology: If you are still using legacy hardware and software, you may need to consider IT managed services. With the rapid pace of technological change, you need help keeping up so that your business can stay relevant and competitive.
When you have plans for future growth: The right IT partner will help you plan for future growth. They will ensure that your current systems can handle the additional pressure of an expanding team or client base.
When you want to save on costs: While managed services do come with a monthly fee, businesses often save money in the long run because their technology is performing optimally at all times. By regularly maintaining your systems and infrastructure, small issues are fixed before they escalate into bigger problems that cost more to fix.

When Do You Need Managed Services?

Since IT managed services are an ongoing partnership with your IT consulting firm, they can help you in numerous ways. Let’s look at some situations when you need managed services:

If your systems aren’t properly maintained: Your IT infrastructure and systems require regular maintenance to ensure they’re running efficiently and securely. If they aren’t properly maintained, they can become slow, prone to crashing, or vulnerable to hacks and malware. A managed service provider will maintain all your systems so that you don’t have to worry about them crashing or getting hacked.
When you have outdated technology: If you are still using legacy hardware and software, you may need to consider IT managed services. With the rapid pace of technological change, you need help keeping up so that your business can stay relevant and competitive.
When you have plans for future growth: The right IT partner will help you plan for future growth. They will ensure that your current systems can handle the additional pressure of an expanding team or client base.
When you want to save on costs: While managed services do come with a monthly fee, businesses often save money in the long run because their technology is performing optimally at all times. By regularly maintaining your systems and infrastructure, small issues are fixed before they escalate into bigger problems that cost more to fix.

Want to hire an expert team to provide technical support or ongoing managed services? Reach out to our firm offering managed IT services in Corpus Christi to discuss your IT-related needs.