A Comprehensive Guide on Type of IT Services Your Business Needs
IT services

A Comprehensive Guide on Type of IT Services Your Business Needs

Written by Layer One Networks Published

Introduction:

Information technology (IT) has become indispensable to modern businesses, facilitating communication, collaboration, and innovation. IT solutions are at the heart of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, and they help provide and maintain the technology tools your office uses daily. Whether a small startup or a large corporation, you must leverage IT to stay competitive and relevant. 

However, with so many IT services available, it can take time to determine which one is right for your business. The choice largely depends on multiple factors, including your niche/industry, product and services, compliance and security requirements, budget, data storage, and business goals.

In this article, we’ll explore the different types of IT services, their features, and benefits to help you identify the ones that align with your unique business needs.

What are IT Services?

IT support services encompass various technical tools and resources businesses use to improve daily operational processes and tasks. Depending on the nature of the business, IT services can be managed by internal or external teams.

For example, large corporations with complex IT infrastructure often have an in-house IT team that manages their networks, databases, and security protocols. On the other hand, small businesses may benefit from third-party IT support services that provide cloud computing, data backup, and network security solutions.

Regardless of the size or industry of your business, having essential IT support services is a must-have for successful and smooth business operations.

Looking for Top rated IT services providers in Corpus Christi?
LayerOne Networks is your one-stop shop for all your IT Needs

Call Now!

Different Types Of IT Services

Managed Network Services

Managed Network Services

Managed Network Services are IT support services that involve configuring, maintaining, and monitoring a business’s network infrastructure. These services include setting up servers, installing firewalls, and ensuring internet connectivity. With Managed Network Services, businesses can have a secure and reliable network that supports their daily operations.

Network management also involves round-the-clock monitoring to detect and respond to abnormal traffic and intrusions. This monitoring is crucial for businesses with remote access, complex payment systems, and other specific network types. By utilizing Managed Network Services, companies can focus on their core activities while leaving the technical aspects of their network to the experts.

Data Storage and Management Services

Data storage and management services are crucial for any business, regardless of size or industry. With the shift towards online storage, companies can better protect their data and avoid risks associated with physical copies. 

IT service providers can set up servers and databases for businesses to safely store and manage their data. They can also offer data backup and disaster recovery services to protect against unexpected data loss due to accidental deletion, system failure, or cyberattacks. 

With reliable data backup services, businesses can easily access their data from online platforms or external hardware. Furthermore, IT service providers can implement data security measures to prevent unauthorized access to sensitive information, giving businesses peace of mind knowing that their data is secure and easily accessible.

Cloud Computing Services

Cloud Computing Services

Cloud computing has become increasingly popular for businesses to store and access their information through an online infrastructure. With the convenience and affordability of cloud services, many companies are turning to them for their data storage needs.

Managed cloud services can provide additional benefits, such as expert support and maintenance for your cloud infrastructure. These benefits include monitoring and managing cloud servers, data backup and disaster recovery, and security protocols to protect your data.

When considering a managed cloud service provider, it’s essential to thoroughly evaluate their technology, track record, and financial health. Examining their data security measures and support options for data migration can help you choose the best fit for your business needs. With the right managed cloud service provider, businesses can improve efficiency and functionality while ensuring their digital data is secure.

Network Security Services

Network security services are crucial for businesses to protect their valuable data from potential cyber threats. As technology advances, companies become more vulnerable to attacks, making it essential to have proper security measures in place. One effective way to do this is by hiring a network security services expert to help set up your network and protect your data. 

These experts can install:

  • Anti-spam and antivirus software 
  • Monitor your network and system constantly
  • Ensure compliance requirements are met
  • Patch up the network and design periodically
  • Record modifications to your network and system
  • Set up multi-factor authentication to secure your data

By working with a trusted security services provider in Corpus Christi like LayerOne, you can rest assured that your sensitive information stays in the right hands.

IT Help Desk

Having reliable IT support is crucial for day-to-day operations when running a business. However, not all companies have the resources to maintain an in-house IT department. 

With IT support services, businesses can outsource IT-related tasks, including setting up, repairing, and maintaining hardware and software. Support services help ensure that all IT devices in the workplace are running efficiently and smoothly, allowing employees to focus on their work without interruptions.

IT Help Desk services also provide quick and responsive technical support to resolve any IT-related issues that may arise. Whether troubleshooting software problems, fixing hardware malfunctions, or answering any IT-related questions, the IT support team is there to assist with regular maintenance.

IT Consulting Services

IT Consulting Services

As technology evolves rapidly, businesses must stay up-to-date and knowledgeable about IT-related matters. However, with their hectic schedules and multiple responsibilities, business owners may need help to keep pace with new developments in the field.

Fortunately, an IT consulting service can provide guidance and support. These firms are staffed by experienced IT experts who can help develop technical strategies and tactics that align with your business goals. Additionally, working with an IT consultant can give you a competitive edge by keeping you up-to-date with the latest trends and technologies.

An IT consulting firm can help you streamline your supply chain process and improve efficiency and productivity. By leveraging modern technologies, you can enhance collaboration with your employees, customers, and suppliers. Moreover, an IT consulting service can guide you in selecting the best technologies for your business and ensure they are appropriately integrated into your systems.

Streamline Your IT Services Needs with Professional Help

In today’s fast-paced business world, having reliable and efficient IT services is no longer an option but a necessity. With LayerOne as your trusted partner, you can streamline your IT services needs and focus on growing your business. 

Contact us today and discover how our top-notch network security, IT support, and IT consulting solutions can give you the competitive edge you need to succeed.

Continue reading "A Comprehensive Guide on Type of IT Services Your Business Needs"
6 Key Pillars of IT Stability For Smooth Business Operations
IT services

6 Key Pillars of IT Stability For Smooth Business Operations

Written by Layer One Networks Published

Introduction:

Imagine a week at work where every task flows seamlessly, employees are focused and efficient, orders are processed without delays, and your technology systems operate flawlessly without frustrating disruptions or downtime. It’s the ideal scenario for any business owner.

However, despite the best efforts, businesses often encounter daily mishaps and disruptions that hinder smooth operations. Even a minor glitch in one component of your company’s workflow can cascade, impacting other aspects of your business. While you may not control your employees’ attitudes or clients’ behavior, IT stability is one thing you can handle that influences everything.

A stable IT environment is a solid foundation that enables your business to weather challenges and operates reliably daily. As the old saying goes, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” Taking a proactive approach to IT management can make all the difference in keeping your business running smoothly.

This blog post will explore six key pillars of IT stability encompassing various aspects of IT services, including Infrastructure, security, maintenance, and support.

Let’s delve into these pillars and uncover how they can contribute to the smooth functioning of your business operations.

Key Pillars of IT Stability To Ensure Business Continuity

Key Pillars of IT Stability To Ensure Business Continuity

Streamlining IT Systems with IaaS

When it comes to building a solid network infrastructure, seamless integration is critical. With Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) provided by experienced IT consulting firms like Layer One Networks, your IT systems can be built from the ground up, ensuring that each moving part is integrated seamlessly with all the others.

Building a solid network infrastructure establishes a solid foundation for your business operations, preventing problems like slow-running programs, delayed data uploads and downloads, and decreased employee productivity. Integrated solutions like IaaS can help your business maintain smooth operations and avoid missed deadlines, improving workplace morale and overall efficiency.

Safeguarding Data

Data loss can be catastrophic for businesses, leading to the loss of clients, jobs, or even the end of a company. For protecting your company’s data from system failure, natural disasters, or malicious attacks from hackers and malware, it’s crucial to implement a comprehensive backup and disaster recovery plan.

Regular on-site and off-site backups can ensure your business can quickly recover from any data loss event. Reliable backup and disaster recovery services can safeguard your data and minimize downtime, preventing potential business disruptions and financial losses.

Network Security with Proactive Measures

The security of your entire network, including data, is constantly threatened by external and internal threats. Malicious attacks from hackers, malware, internal IT issues, user errors, or natural disasters can all compromise your company’s network and IT stability.

Professional security service providers can proactively monitor all systems and data, protecting your network from cyber threats. Monitoring includes virus and malware detection, hacker invasion prevention, and established recovery plans in case of security breaches. With a secure network, you can maintain uninterrupted productivity and minimize downtime, enabling smooth business operations.

Don’t let cyber criminals get away with your business data—secure your network and systems today with Layer One Networks Data Security Services in Corpus Christi.

Call Now

Actively Maintaining IT Systems

Keeping all IT systems up-to-date is key to the smooth functioning of your business operations. Regular maintenance ensures that all hardware and software are running without glitches or performance issues and that all systems are regularly monitored and patched with the latest security updates. Regular maintenance includes routine checks on servers, networks, firewalls, and other critical IT infrastructure components to identify and address potential vulnerabilities or issues.

Enhancing Productivity with Secure Cloud Computing

Enhancing Productivity with Secure Cloud Computing

In today’s digital landscape, moving to the cloud is a popular choice for businesses seeking stability and security for their IT systems. Cloud computing offers access from anywhere, simultaneous collaborations, optimized backups, and data recovery.

By working with reputable cloud computing service providers, you can ensure your business data is stored securely in a private cloud, keeping unauthorized access at bay. The cloud also provides an ultra-productive workflow environment, enhancing business operations and productivity.

Operational Excellence with Best Practices

Following industry best practices in your operations is crucial to achieving optimal IT stability. IT best practices include communications, program installation and use, hardware stability, and data backup and recovery. Partnering with experienced IT consulting firms can provide access to industry elites who can implement tested-and-true operational standards.

Following best practices ensures your IT systems are integrated and operating at peak performance, minimizing risks and maximizing efficiency.

Tailored IT Solutions with Expert IT Consulting Firms

Every business has unique IT requirements, and a one-size-fits-all approach may be ineffective. That’s where expert IT consulting firms like Layer One Networks come in. 

We can provide customized IT solutions tailored to your business needs, taking into consideration your:

  • Budget
  • Goals
  • Industry-specific requirements

Our in-depth knowledge and experience allow IT consultants to assess your IT infrastructure, identify gaps, and recommend strategic solutions to optimize your IT systems.

Optimizing your IT systems can include implementing Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), backup and disaster recovery services, data security services, cloud computing services, and more to ensure your IT environment is robust, secure, and aligned with your business objectives.

Contact Layer One Networks today to learn more about our IT services and how we can help you achieve business stability with reliable and secure IT solutions.

Continue reading "6 Key Pillars of IT Stability For Smooth Business Operations"
Why is it Important to Have Regular IT Maintenance
IT support services

Why is it Important to Have Regular IT Maintenance

Written by Layer One Networks Published

Introduction:

In today’s fast-paced business world, it’s hard to imagine operating without computers and other IT devices. These devices play a critical role in day-to-day operations, from processing data to creating presentations, accessing the internet, and more.

However, over time, they can become bogged down by accumulated dust, debris, viruses, and malware, leading to slower performance and a shorter lifespan. Outsourcing your IT maintenance  to a third party is essential to ensure your devices run smoothly and efficiently.

In this blog post, we’ll explore why proper IT maintenance is so crucial for businesses, but first, let’s dive into what IT maintenance entails.

What is IT Maintenance?

IT maintenance has evolved significantly from its traditional role of merely keeping the physical IT systems functioning. While it’s still crucial to ensure that hardware is in top condition and suitable for its purpose, IT has become increasingly focused on managing software, protecting against data loss, running security scans, and optimizing computer systems to maximize productivity. 

With self-monitoring capabilities, modern IT equipment allows for predictive maintenance, ensuring problems are nipped in the bud. But IT maintenance isn’t just about fixing issues when they arise. It’s about taking a proactive approach to ensure that your systems operate at their best to support your business. IT support services can help you achieve this by taking a strategic approach to IT maintenance. 

Why Do You Need IT Maintenance Service, and Why Can’t you Manage with an In-house team?

As your business grows and expands, so does your IT network. The increasing number of devices, applications, and cloud services can make managing your IT maintenance in-house overwhelming and daunting.

Moreover, with the constant software updates, security threats, and compatibility issues, the in-house IT team may need help to keep up with their ever-increasing responsibilities. These problems could overwhelm IT maintenance, potentially risking your business.

Outsourcing your IT maintenance to a reliable managed IT services provider, such as Layer One Networks in Corpus Christi, can free up your in-house IT team and provide you with the peace of mind that your IT network is safe.

With a dedicated IT support company handling your hardware and software maintenance needs, you can rest assured that your IT systems will operate efficiently and any issues will be resolved promptly. Then you can focus on your core business operations and achieve your growth objectives without any IT-related worries.

Types of IT Maintenance?

IT maintenance services typically offer three types of maintenance to ensure that your systems are running at their best: preventive, corrective, and proactive maintenance.

Preventive Maintenance: 

It is the first line of defense in keeping your IT systems running smoothly. Regular IT maintenance involves regular checks, updates, and security patches to identify and resolve potential problems before they cause any damage. It also involves ensuring your staff is trained to follow best practices and avoid common mistakes that can lead to IT problems.

Corrective Maintenance: 

Corrective Maintenance

Even with the most effective preventive IT maintenance plan, errors can still occur. Whether it’s a human mistake, an accident, or a device failure, corrective IT maintenance is crucial to solving such problems quickly and efficiently.

Sometimes, the solution may be as simple as restoring data from a backup, part of our Outsourced IT services. However, often it requires systematic troubleshooting to diagnose the problem and deploy an appropriate solution.

Proactive Maintenance: 

Finally, there’s proactive maintenance, which involves taking a more strategic approach to IT management. A strategic approach includes upgrading and replacing hardware and software systems when necessary to keep your IT infrastructure up-to-date and functioning optimally. Proactive maintenance requires a deep understanding of your business needs and goals and a commitment to staying ahead of the curve regarding emerging technologies and trends.

Looking for experienced managed IT services to help with your IT maintenance needs?

Get in touch with Layer One Networks today!

Key Benefits of Outsourcing IT Maintenance Services

One of the essential aspects of IT management is regularly maintaining your hardware and software systems. By working with an experienced IT specialist, you can enjoy a range of benefits that can help ensure your systems are operating at their best.

Detect and Eliminate Issues Early

With regular maintenance checks, IT specialists can identify potential issues and threats to your IT systems, including servers, networks, and computers. Data security services can prevent data breaches and expensive faults by detecting these problems early.

Stay Ahead of New Malware Variations

Malware and viruses are a constant threat to any business. IT maintenance services can prevent these threats from entering your network by protecting your systems with the latest security software and patching potential vulnerabilities.

Save Time and Increase Efficiency

Slow loading times and other performance issues can be frustrating and costly for businesses. By addressing the causes of these issues, such as outdated software and malware, IT maintenance services can improve the processing time of your systems and boost overall performance.

Minimize the Risk of a Data Breach

Minimize the Risk of a Data Breach

Outdated software and vulnerable programs can expose your network to threats and hinder the functionality of your systems. IT maintenance services update software packages and patch vulnerabilities, minimizing the risk of data breaches due to outdated software.

Backup Your Data with Cloud Services

Data loss is a significant concern for businesses of all sizes. Regular computer maintenance can help prevent data loss caused by malware, viruses, system reboots, and other issues. Additionally, an IT support service provider can offer cloud services to back up your data and ensure that it is safe and accessible at all times.

Documentation and Reporting:

A professional IT maintenance service company can document issues and the steps taken to address them. This documentation can help you keep track of maintenance processes and make informed decisions about future IT management strategies.

Grow Your Business While We Take Care of IT Maintenance

IT maintenance is crucial for every business, regardless of size and industry. It ensures your IT systems run smoothly, efficiently, and securely. With Layer One Networks, you can have peace of mind knowing that your IT infrastructure is well-maintained by our team of experienced professionals. 

We offer a comprehensive IT maintenance plan tailored to your unique needs and goals, with outstanding customer support to assist you every step of the way. Don’t wait any longer; schedule your IT maintenance with us now and focus on growing your business while we take care of your IT needs.

 

Continue reading "Why is it Important to Have Regular IT Maintenance"
cyber threats
data security services

Tips for Protecting Your Email from Cyber Threats

Written by Layer One Networks Published

Cyber threats have become more prevalent and sophisticated as our lives become more connected to the digital world. Hackers and cybercriminals are constantly finding new ways to access our sensitive information, and one of their primary targets is email.

Email security is critical, particularly in a business setting, as most cyber-attacks are done through phishing and scam emails. Without adequate protection, your email account can become a gateway for cyber predators to steal your identity, financial data, and other valuable information.

While outsourcing email security to a cyber security services provider is a great option, there are also steps you can take to protect yourself. In this blog post, we will discuss some tips for safeguarding your email from cyber threats.

Secure your email from cyber threats today with Layer One Networks!

Our advanced data security services and solutions are designed to protect your data and keep your emails secure.

Call Us Today

5 Smart and Effective Email Security Tips

Know Your Cyber Threats

Cybercriminals are continually developing new ways to steal sensitive information, like passwords and credit card numbers. One of the most dangerous attack types is the Business Email Compromise (BEC), which has cost businesses millions of dollars.

To safeguard your email, you must understand the various cyber threats you may encounter.

  • Viruses can infect your computer through email attachments or links. 
  • Malware can secretly install itself on your computer and spy on your activity. 
  • Phishing involves fake emails that trick you into giving away your personal information. 
  • Ransomware can lock up your files and demand payment to release them.

By understanding these threats, you can take steps to prevent them, such as:

  • Use anti-virus software to catch viruses and malware. 
  • Be wary of suspicious emails, and never click on links or attachments from unknown senders. 
  • Keep your software up to date to prevent vulnerabilities that hackers can exploit.

At Layer One Networks, we provide comprehensive IT services to safeguard your data and email and educate you and your team on potential cyber threats and how to prevent them. With our expertise and guidance, you can keep your email safe and secure from cyber threats.

Creating Strong Passwords to Secure Your Email

Creating Strong Passwords to Secure Your Email

Creating strong passwords is one of the most effective ways to safeguard your email account against cyber threats. A strong and complex password makes it harder for cybercriminals to guess or crack it. Conversely, using a weak password is like giving hackers the keys to your personal and professional information. 

To create a strong password:

  • Avoid using passwords such as “123456” or personal information such as your name or birthdate. Instead, combine upper and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters. 
  • Enable two-factor authentication for an additional layer of protection. 
  • Avoid reusing the same password for multiple accounts, as this can increase the risk of a cyber attack. 
  • Consider using a password management system to keep track of your passwords securely.

Safeguard Your Sent Emails with TLS Encryption

Email may seem simple and direct, but did you know it travels through several servers before reaching its recipient? As it passes through these third-party servers, your email is vulnerable to tampering and snooping. That’s why it’s crucial to protect your sent emails.

One of the best ways to secure your sent emails is by using Transport Layer Security (TLS) encryption. TLS adds a layer of protection to your email, making it more difficult for hackers to access and read the message’s contents. In addition, TLS encrypts the email as it travels from server to server, ensuring it stays secure throughout its journey.

If your email provider doesn’t support TLS, you can still protect sensitive data by zipping the contents of your email and password-protecting the file. Doing this adds a layer of protection to your email and ensures that your sensitive information stays secure.

Protect Your Email Address with Apple’s Hide My Email Feature

Online security is paramount in today’s world. One of the best ways to safeguard your personal information is to limit the number of websites and services with access to it. Apple’s new Hide, My Email feature, introduced in iOS 15, is an excellent tool for achieving this. By generating random email addresses that can be used instead of your actual email, this feature can help keep your personal information safe from malicious entities. 

If you own an iPhone, you can access Hide My Email by going to Settings > iCloud > Hide My Email. However, If you don’t have an iPhone, using different aliases would be the most practical way to replicate this functionality. Many popular email services like Gmail, Yahoo, Outlook, and other secure email providers offer aliases. Check your provider’s account settings to see if it offers the feature.

Get Professional Help for Email Security

Get Professional Help for Email Security

Keeping all your employees’ email accounts safe and secure can be challenging as a business owner. Instead of handling email security in-house, it’s better to outsource the task to a professional IT company specializing in cybersecurity.

Layer One Networks, a reliable Cyber security services provider in Corpus Christi, understands the importance of reliable and secure email communication for businesses. Our highly skilled and experienced IT support team can help turn your business technology into a valuable asset by providing top-notch email security services.

We can help you protect sensitive information from cyber-attacks, prevent data breaches, and ensure that your email accounts are always up-to-date with the latest security patches.

In addition to email security, we offer a wide range of IT services that can benefit your business. We can help you manage your network infrastructure, maintain your servers, and provide ongoing IT support at predictable costs, making it easier for you to budget.

So stay safe online by following our email security advice, and learn why your business must have 24/7 IT support.

Contact us today!

Continue reading "Tips for Protecting Your Email from Cyber Threats"
Top 8 Cybersecurity Trends to Watch Out for in 2023
cybersecurity service

Top 8 Cybersecurity Trends to Watch Out for in 2023

Written by Layer One Networks Published

Introduction:

We live in a world where the internet has become an integral part of our daily lives. From online banking to shopping to critical infrastructure and national security, our personal and professional lives are now conducted online. With this increased online presence, the threat of cyber attacks is a growing concern. 

As technology evolves, so do the tactics used by malicious individuals to gain unauthorized access and steal sensitive information. Before we delve into the top cybersecurity trends to watch in 2023, let’s understand cybersecurity.

Understanding Cybersecurity

At its core, cybersecurity is about safeguarding our digital world from threats. It’s about protecting our computers, networks, and digital information from unauthorized access, theft, or damage. The goal of cybersecurity is to maintain the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of sensitive information and systems and to keep them out of the hands of cybercriminals.

The ramifications of a successful cyber attack can be devastating. The consequences can be far-reaching, from compromising personal information to causing widespread damage to critical infrastructure. That’s why individuals and organizations must understand the significance of cybersecurity and take proactive steps to defend themselves and their assets. 

Staying up-to-date with the latest cybersecurity trends and utilizing the professional cybersecurity services is the best way to ensure that your digital life stays protected.

Looking to secure your organization against cyber threats?

Layer One Networks is here to help!

Call Us Today

Top Eight Cybersecurity Trends for 2023!

Creating a Cybersecurity-Minded Workforce

Gone are the days when cybersecurity was solely the responsibility of the IT department. With high-profile security breaches making headlines, it’s become increasingly clear that every employee plays a crucial role in safeguarding sensitive information. 

Additionally, as phishing attacks and other social engineering tactics continue to rise, fostering a culture of awareness around cybersecurity has become imperative for organizations looking to protect themselves in the new year. 

By spreading basic security knowledge across the entire workforce, companies can ensure that cybersecurity remains a top priority and an integral part of their proactive defense strategy.

Did you know?

More than 90% of successful cyber attacks worldwide begin with a phishing email

Addressing the Security Threats With the Rise of IoT

The Internet of Things (IoT) is rapidly changing how we live and work. With billions of connected devices already in use worldwide, from home security systems to company vehicles, the IoT is revolutionizing how we interact with technology. However, as our reliance on IoT devices grows, so does the need for effective security solutions. 

Despite being largely ignored in the past, IoT devices can still pose a significant threat to our digital security if not properly secured. In 2023, organizations will have to invest in security measures, including regular patches and updates, to ensure their connected devices don’t become a weak link in the security chain. With the right security measures deployed by reliable cybersecurity service providers, the full potential of the IoT can be unlocked safely and securely.

Did you know?

IoT devices designed with minimal security features can serve as easy entry points for hackers seeking to compromise enterprise networks and systems.

Protecting Your Digital Assets in the Era of Cloud Computing

Protecting Your Digital Assets in the Era of Cloud Computing

As organizations continue to shift towards cloud-based solutions, the importance of robust cloud security measures is becoming increasingly critical. From safeguarding the cloud infrastructure to protecting sensitive data in transit and storage, companies must take proactive steps to secure their digital assets in the cloud.

In 2023, we can expect the demand for cloud security solutions to only grow as organizations seek managed cloud services to keep their cloud-based operations secure and protected.

Did you know?

Moving to the cloud provides many benefits, but also exposes organizations to new cybersecurity risks.

Brace Yourself for Quantum Computing

Quantum computers are set to disrupt numerous industries and cybersecurity is no exception. With their incredible speed to solve complex problems, quantum computers bring about a whole new era of cyber threats. 

But don’t fret, 2023 is the year for organizations to take action and be ahead of the game. Updating security systems and implementing advanced encryption methods will be key to protecting sensitive information and safeguarding against quantum computing’s power.

Did you know?

Quantum computers can easily break public key encryption, even without having the decryption key.

Artificial Intelligence Takes Center Stage

Cybersecurity is entering a new era as technology advancements and increasing cyberattacks pressure security teams to keep up. In the past, manual monitoring and reactive response were the norms, but that’s no longer enough. Instead, security teams are turning to AI (Artificial Intelligence) and ML (Machine learning) to boost their defense strategy to stay on top of the evolving threats.

With AI and ML, cybersecurity teams can leverage vast amounts of data to detect potential gaps and develop solutions before breaches happen. These algorithms are designed to learn from past attacks, identify new ones faster than humans, and provide organizations with a proactive defense against cyber threats.

In 2023, we can expect the integration of AI and ML in cybersecurity to continue to grow as organizations seek to improve their threat detection and response capabilities.

Did you know?

There will be a notable surge in cybercriminals employing MI and AI-driven techniques to carry out their cyber attacks in 2023

Boosting Cybersecurity for the Remote Workforce

Boosting Cybersecurity for the Remote Workforce

The COVID-19 pandemic has greatly boosted remote work, and it looks like this trend is here to stay. Unfortunately, while remote working has its benefits, it also poses new cybersecurity risks. In the past, IT departments could easily communicate with employees in the office about security updates and audits. But now, with employees relying on their devices to work remotely, it’s become a bigger challenge for organizations to protect their sensitive information.

To tackle this challenge, professional IT consulting firms must prioritize cybersecurity solutions that take into account remote workers. This means equipping remote employees with secure tools like virtual private networks (VPNs) and remote access solutions and providing regular security awareness training to minimize data leak. 

Did you know?

As public and private sectors continue to enable hybrid work, the attack surface for cyber threats has significantly expanded

Navigating the 5G Cybersecurity Landscape

As 5G technology brings lightning-fast speeds and endless possibilities, it also opens the door to new and potentially more dangerous cyber threats. With the increasing sophistication of hacking techniques, companies must be vigilant in fortifying their networks to avoid being caught off guard. 

However, by embracing best practices like network segmentation, multi-factor authentication, data encryption, and regularly checking for vulnerabilities, organizations can enjoy the full potential of 5G technology with peace of mind.

Did you know?

5G has many more entry points for data than 4G, which can make it easier for hackers to access users’ location and reception information.

Making Sure You’re Up to Date with Regulation Compliance

With regulations constantly changing, companies must keep up to avoid penalties and maintain a positive reputation. This includes following data privacy regulations, like GDPR (EU’s General Data Protection Regulation) and CCPA (California Consumer Privacy Act), and industry-specific rules, like HIPAA or FINRA. In addition, strong data management and security services are key to meeting these regulations and keeping customer information safe.

Protect Your Business from Cyber Threats with Layer One Networks

Protect Your Business from Cyber Threats with Layer One Networks (2)

As the cybersecurity landscape continues to evolve, it’s crucial to ensure that your business is equipped to handle the latest threats. While it can be challenging to stay ahead of the curve on your own, the good news is that you don’t have to go it alone.

With expert IT services and solutions, Layer One Networks can help you boost your cyber resilience. From holistic white-label offerings to asset-based pricing that fits your budget, we can help you get the most out of your security investments.

Don’t let the ever-changing threat landscape keep you up at night. 

Get in touch with our security service Corpus Christi team today to learn more about how we can help you adapt to the latest challenges and protect your business.

Continue reading "Top 8 Cybersecurity Trends to Watch Out for in 2023"
IT resilience
Disaster Recovery

IT Resilience vs. Disaster Recovery: Understanding the Difference

Written by Layer One Networks Published

If you’re like most leaders, you probably spend a lot of time thinking about disaster recovery and how to avoid it. After all, it’s the stuff of nightmares – a natural disaster or man-made catastrophe that knocks out your IT infrastructure, leaving your business in the lurch.

Disaster Recovery (DR) and IT Resilience are two different approaches to the same goal: keeping your organization running in the event of a disaster. While DR is more focused on recovering from a disaster, IT Resilience is about being prepared for one.

In this blog, we’ll look at each option and when you will need one over the other.

What is Disaster Recovery?

Disaster Recovery Services

Disaster recovery is restoring computing systems and data to a functional state after a disaster such as fire, flood, or theft. Disaster recovery can also include business continuity planning and testing, ensuring that an organization can continue operations despite an outage.

The organization can recover from a disaster. Disaster recovery plans are designed to help organizations return to normal operations after a disaster. Organizations that have deployed cloud computing solutions may also refer to their DR plan as a BC/DR plan (business continuity/disaster recovery).

What is IT Resilience?

IT resilience is about ensuring that the IT infrastructure can withstand any kind of disruption and still be able to perform its mission-critical tasks. A resilient IT infrastructure can continue to operate in the event of any type of failure, whether it’s technical or natural.

IT resilience is an organization’s ability to maintain operations despite disruptions in the availability of IT services. This means continuing to provide basic services even when there are issues with one or more parts of the IT infrastructure. 

This could include having redundant components or systems in place so that when one component fails, another can take over seamlessly, having backups ready so that users can continue working if there is a disruption, or using load balancing techniques so that multiple servers work together as if they were one server.

What’s the Difference Between IT Resilience and Disaster Recovery?

IT Resilience and Disaster Recovery

Disaster Recovery is a Process That Activates After a Disaster has Occurred

The term “resilience” refers to the ability of an IT service (or application) to maintain its level of service in the face of an outage. This differs from disaster recovery — which is focused on restoring normal operations after a catastrophic event. In other words, resilience is about keeping things running as usual, while disaster recovery services focus on restoring normal operations after something goes wrong.

Disaster recovery is an emergency response plan for when your business experiences an unexpected catastrophe or disruption that could harm operations, such as an earthquake, flood, or hack. It’s different from IT resilience because it happens after a disaster has already occurred — not before.

IT Resilience is Preventative; Disaster Recovery is Reactive

IT resilience focuses on preventing problems before they happen. Disaster recovery focuses on reacting to problems after they occur.

IT resilience is about preventing disasters from occurring in the first place by making plans to protect against them before they occur. With IT resilience, you’re taking steps to avoid problems before they happen, so there are fewer issues when they do occur. For example, if there’s a potential risk of a data leak or a software virus getting embedded, you can install appropriate antivirus systems and conduct regular scans to prevent such an incident.

Disaster Recovery Helps Recover from Incidents

IT resilience helps your organization stay in control during an emergency by maintaining access to data, applications, and users even when disaster strikes. Disaster recovery helps ensure that you can recover quickly enough so that users can be back up and running as soon as possible after a disaster strikes.

On the other hand, IT resilience gives your organization the knowledge and tools to respond quickly if something goes wrong. And an IT consulting service can help you create a strategy to implement IT resilience by taking into account your previous incidents.

When Do You Need Disaster Recovery?

There are different types of events that trigger the need for recovery. 

A disaster may be a flood, hurricane, earthquake, or any other major event that damages critical infrastructure that affects your business continuity. A disruption could be something like a power outage, server failure, or even an attack on your systems. In most cases, you’ll have time to prepare for these types of events, but in some cases, they can take place without warning.

For example, if your data center suffers minor damage during a power outage but remains operational for most functions (e.g., email, file sharing), this would be considered an interruption rather than a full-blown incident requiring IT.

This is when you need disaster recovery services.

When Do You Need IT Resilience?

Achieving IT resilience requires systems, services, and processes that work together to protect your data and ensure availability. Let’s take a look at three common scenarios where you’ll need an IT resilience strategy and backup as a service:

  • You’re running a 24/7 operation where uptime is critical
  • You have key employees who work remotely from home or other offices, but they still need access to all their data and applications via VPNs or even the internet itself.
  • Your company’s cybersecurity model requires high-availability systems.

Do You Need Disaster Recovery Services or IT Resilience?

What many people don’t realize is that there are two distinct types of business continuity planning: disaster recovery and IT resilience. And while disaster recovery is essential for any organization with mission-critical systems, IT resilience can be just as important — especially if you want to survive in today’s competitive landscape.

Want to know more about how both of these can work well for your organization? Reach out to our IT consulting firm to discuss your recovery and resilience plans.

Continue reading "IT Resilience vs. Disaster Recovery: Understanding the Difference"
IT Support
IT support services

In-House vs. Outsource IT Support: Which is Better for SMB?

Written by Layer One Networks Published

With the growing trend of outsourcing IT support, many small to medium businesses are shifting their priorities to consider this option. On the other hand, some organizations still prefer to handle their IT in-house, to ensure that experts address all of the problems at hand.

The debate on whether it is best for SMB to hire an in-house IT staff or outsource their IT support is quite controversial. The truth is that both in-house IT and outsourcing IT have their pros and cons.

Let’s examine some of the points which will help you decide whether outsourcing your IT is better for your small business than in-house solutions.

Deciding Between In-House or Outsourced IT Support

IT Services Firm

Let’s approach this blog with questions. Instead of comparing the pros and cons directly, we’ll go through a set of questions to compare and decide the best-case scenario for you. 

1. Which is Cheaper?

Entrepreneurs are often tempted to cut costs by handling IT support in-house. After all, computers and software can be expensive, so why not avoid paying for help? But, unfortunately, the cost of doing so is often much higher than you may think.

When your in-house IT department is working for you, you’re paying for a whole day of their time along with medical insurance and other additional support. But when you bring on a managed services provider for IT services, they’re taking care of your network 24/7 for a fixed cost that’s just a fraction of the total price you pay for your IT team.

2. Which has Minimal Responsibilities?

Let’s imagine having an in-house team with no external help. You’ll be in charge of supervising the team apart from managing your core business responsibilities — which means too much burden for you.

If you outsource your IT services, you do not need to worry about managing the team or any other duties associated with it. Instead, your outsourced partner will handle all the responsibilities of maintaining and upkeeping your computers and network infrastructure. This takes a lot of stress off your shoulders, leaving you enough time to focus on other important things like improving productivity or growing sales.

Your business can stay focused on its core competencies while an outsourced provider takes care of the technology piece.

3. Which is Best in the Fast-Moving World?

As a small business owner, there are many things you should be focusing on to ensure your company’s success. The last thing you need to be concerned about is maintaining and supporting your technology infrastructure. Keeping up with the latest technological trends and developments can be incredibly time-consuming, especially when you’re focused on running your business.

Outsourced providers exist to make sure technology doesn’t become a distraction or a detriment to your business’ success. They’ll help you stay updated on the latest technologies to ease your IT burden, so you don’t lose valuable time or money while trying to figure it out yourself.

4. Which Can Help in Complex Situations?

Whether it’s an in-house IT expert or an outsourced IT support specialist, you need a reliable team to help you in terms of crisis.

Hiring an expert IT team member would be of immense help since you’ll have their expertise throughout the day. But such an expert would cost you a lot to hire on a full-time basis. 

On the other hand, you can still access such experts at a low cost by outsourcing to a reliable, experienced team. Moreover, utilizing an outsourced provider, you can tap into their knowledge and expertise without recruiting and managing internal staff members who have these strengths in-house.

5. Which is Best When You have Plans to Scale Your Business?

If you think you will be growing in the next few years, outsourcing is the way to go. An outsourced IT team would be able to provide you with the kind of support that would fit the needs of your business – no matter how much or how soon your business is scaling. 

If you outsource your IT services to a reputable company, they can provide you with the resources you need to keep your business expanding. Whether you’re just starting and don’t have many employees, you can outsource technology infrastructure, hardware and software support, and even employee training.

6. Which Helps in the Long Run?

With an in-house IT team, you need to select the right team members and train them thoroughly before they start working with your data and devices. For example, if someone is handling a technical issue but does not know how to use the software program relevant to the issue, all your efforts might go in vain. 

Also, if the employee leaves the organization halfway through the training period, new employees need additional time and effort to get trained fully.

But by outsourcing IT support, you don’t have to worry about anyone leaving as the outsourced company will be responsible for replacing an equally skilled team member to carry on the work without a glitch.

Wrapping Up

Whether you’re running a small or medium-scale business on the verge of expansion, the problems you face with technology are the same. You want your IT to run as smoothly and efficiently as possible.

When it comes down to it, though, you’re going to have to decide whether you can do this on your own or need outside help in the form of IT support. Of course, both options have their benefits and drawbacks, but which one is right for you?

Based on these questions, you can choose from one of the experienced IT consulting firms around you or hire IT experts to keep your systems running smoothly. 

Continue reading "In-House vs. Outsource IT Support: Which is Better for SMB?"
Cloud Storage
Cloud Services

Complete Guide on Infrastructure As A Service

Written by Layer One Networks Published

Cloud computing is a buzzword for virtualized computing resources provided over the Internet, not just for storage and databases but also for processing and memory capacity.

The idea behind Cloud Computing is to provide scalable IT infrastructure on demand. Developers can utilize these resources to build applications without worrying about the underlying hardware, operating system, or software. This leads to faster development cycles.

Embracing Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) for enterprise operations is a growing trend in the business world. There are many advantages to leveraging this service model, including flexibility, scalability, and cost savings.

Let’s look at the basics of IaaS, how it works and how beneficial it can be for your business. 

What is IaaS?

Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) is a cloud computing service model that provides virtualized computing resources over the Internet. IaaS enables a customer to access virtual servers, storage, and networking capabilities provided by the service provider. This provides greater flexibility and scalability than traditional hardware or software platforms. Since everything is in the cloud, it can scale up and down to meet customers’ needs. It can also scale up and down quickly in response to changing capacity requirements.

IaaS is a subset of cloud computing that provides virtualized resources rather than physical machines or virtual machine instances. The consumer’s computing hardware or software is abstracted and hidden from the provider, who delivers operating systems, networks, and storage over the Internet. Unlike platform as a service (PaaS), IaaS typically allows users to install their software on the provided infrastructure. 

IaaS is an umbrella term for services based on cloud computing that offer scalable and elastic computing capabilities. IaaS provides users access to the hardware and software resources via the Internet. Users can provide virtual resources to their applications or use the available infrastructure for deploying their applications.

IaaS provides a virtual computing environment to client organizations that can rent it monthly. 

How Beneficial is IaaS to Your Business?

Cloud Storage
Cloud Storage

  • Affordable:

The main benefit of IaaS is that it is cost-effective. You don’t need to invest in hardware. All you need to do is rent the hardware from a cloud hosting service provider. So, this means that you will be able to save a lot of money which can be used for other purposes. Plus, you only need to pay for the resources you need and can scale up or down as needed.

Its flexibility enables you to change your infrastructure requirements quickly and efficiently as per your business needs. This means that you don’t have to worry about high capital costs and high operational costs, so this will also help you save a lot.

  • Maintenance-Free:

IaaS reduces the efforts needed by businesses in managing IT services. Companies can focus on their core operations while the IaaS provider maintains the hardware and networks.

  • Simple Disaster Recovery:

With cloud disaster recovery plans, your business doesn’t have to relocate its entire IT infrastructure in case of an emergency – just whatever parts are required for business continuity. This reduces downtime and frees up capital that would have been used for purchasing new hardware. You can always leverage backup as a service to protect your business even when the uneventful happens. 

  • Easy Accessibility:

It is easy to access whatever software or service you need, wherever you may be located with cloud computing. 

All you need is an internet connection to connect with their servers and access the programs from any location. This makes it easier for organizations that have employees who travel a lot as they no longer have to carry around discs with them everywhere they go. Instead, they can simply log in to their account using their smartphone or other mobile devices whenever they need to access important information.

10 Questions to Ask When Choosing an IaaS Provider

Foundations exist to provide a structural framework that supports complex and sophisticated projects quickly and cost-effectively. The same can be said of Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), where it provides a foundation for developing applications quickly and easily.

Truly, IaaS is designed to support the ever-expanding business requirements of users across the globe, providing them with complete flexibility to choose what works best for their business processes. It is this flexibility that makes this service such a highly sought-after commodity in today’s cloud technology marketplace, but what separates one provider from another?

Finding the right IaaS partner for your business can be pretty confusing. But there are some essential questions you need to ask before you decide.

  • How quickly does the IT support specialist respond to requests for assistance? 
  • What kind of track record does it have in meeting service level agreements (SLAs) with its customers?
  • How often do outages occur, and how long do they last when they do occur? 
  • How much flexibility do you have with your server configurations? 
  • Can you create VMs with specific OS or programming languages installed? 
  • Will the provider allow you to modify your server settings to optimize performance, security, or other factors?
  • How much administrative control do you have over your server environment? 
  • Are there any hidden fees you should be aware of?
  • What type of system integrations do they offer?
  • How do they handle backup and recovery?

Wrapping Up

Many businesses choose IaaS because they require high-performance solutions customized to their business needs at affordable rates.

Hopefully, this guide will help you better understand the basics of IaaS solutions so that you can make the best choice for your business and your IT needs.

Have any more questions? Reach out to our experts at our IT consulting firm now. We offer IT consultant services and managed IT services for SMBs and enterprises to help them figure out the best way to leverage the benefits of IaaS for their business.

Call us at (361)-653-6800 to contact our IT consulting firm.

Continue reading "Complete Guide on Infrastructure As A Service"
Importance of Network Management for Your Business
IT Consulting

Importance of Network Management for Your Business

Written by Layer One Networks Published

Most businesses are dependent on the internet. Whether you need it to run your business or simply need to be online so that people can contact you, running your business without a reliable network is a risk that you don’t want to take. 

A solid IT infrastructure is vital to the success of any business. You need to ensure that your systems can handle the demands of modern-day computing and network management is an essential part of maintaining your company’s IT infrastructure.

This blog will explore network management in detail and why you need it for your business.

What is Network Management?

Network Management - Layer One Networks

Network management refers to the process of maintaining and upgrading the hardware and the software that is used to connect multiple computers. Many problems can arise if you set up a business network — whether it’s for your company or a group of employees — you’ll be able to easily access data throughout the network, such as files and programs.

The importance of network management is something that most SMB owners fail to realize. It is the process of monitoring the stability of your network. When your business relies heavily on the network to run your everyday operations, you need to strengthen it as much as you can.

Network management can help businesses improve productivity by providing employees with proper system integration and an optimal online working environment. It also allows easy access to data and allows multiple workers to share information and programs.

An experienced IT network specialist will offer all of the following network management solutions:

  • Device Configuration
  • Network and Server Administration
  • Monitoring & Troubleshooting
  • Capacity Planning
  • Network Security
  • Disaster Recovery
  • Quality of Service (QoS)
  • New Technology Integration 

Why do You Need to Invest in Network Management?

Network Management Importance - Layer One Networks

As a business owner or a stakeholder in a company, you need to know what’s so crucial about network management that you need to invest in it.

There are numerous reasons and instances where a protected and reliable network has saved companies thousands of dollars. But let’s start with your network security.

Securing your Network:

The number one reason businesses need network management is that they need security. Every day, there are threats out there trying to get into your systems and steal information. 

Many problems can arise if your company doesn’t have a secure working environment. Your efficiency will decrease, and your risk of being hacked or encountering malware will increase. When it comes to network security, it’s always better to be safe than sorry. The more secure your working environment, the better off you and your company will be.

Network management allows you to secure your network, so threats don’t get in, whether you have local storage or cloud computing. Several network management tools can help you keep unauthorized people from accessing sensitive information. You can get the help of an IT support specialist to learn more about the best network management tools for your business.

Optimizing IT Operations:

If your company does not have any network management in place, it can be very easy for someone on your IT team to become overwhelmed by the amount of work they need to accomplish. Network management can aid in resolving this issue by giving them additional tools and resources that will assist them in managing the IT side of their organization.

Efficient Disaster Management:

Network failures can have a significant impact on an organization’s productivity. Downtime results in delayed deliveries and missed deadlines, leading to loss of sales and a poor public image. 

For example, if your website goes down at any point, potential customers may lose interest in purchasing from you. It could cost you a lot of money in lost sales, not to mention the disappointment of customers who can’t connect with you to make a purchase. 

A well-managed network allows users access to their data and applications even when there is a network failure. 

Preventing Bigger Issues:

Network management goes a step ahead and can help you locate and fix issues in your system before they become problems.

If your business depends on computers and network systems, you need to ensure that they are working correctly. If something goes wrong or if any of the components fails, you need to know about it as soon as possible so that you can take the necessary steps to fix the problem before it becomes too big to handle.

Securing your network with the help of an expert IT service provider can help you avoid such problems altogether so that you can plan your work without worrying about any disruptions.

Our Conclusion

If you are currently experiencing issues or want to ensure that your business runs smoothly, it is essential that you look into network management for your organization. It can also help to improve the efficiency of your business. 

Unfortunately, searching for the right network solution can be time-consuming and difficult. It can feel overwhelming, especially if you don’t know what questions to ask or how to make those inquiries. 

The good news is that IT support specialists are well-versed in these matters and are happy to help you narrow down your options. Their assistance can take some of the burden off of you and allow you to focus on other aspects of running your business.

Our IT consulting firm, LayerOne Networks, can assist you with network management and disaster management solutions. In addition, we offer customized IT services and IT support for your business. If you want to learn more about securing your network and protecting your business, reach out to us today!

Continue reading "Importance of Network Management for Your Business"
IT Consulting Services
IT Consulting

How Can IT Consulting Services Help the Manufacturing Industry?

Written by Layer One Networks Published

Gone are the days when the manufacturing industry involved a lot of manual work. With the implementation of new technologies, automation has become the buzzword in manufacturing. The speed and efficiency of operations in manufacturing right now are growing at an inconceivable rate thanks to data-driven models and simplified tools.

The cutthroat competition in manufacturing has forced all sizes of businesses to align themselves with the digital revolution. With modern IT consulting service and expert development solutions, companies can embrace the new technologies quicker and help their employees adapt to the new working styles.

As a growing manufacturing industry, here is how managed IT services and technologies are helping to scale and improve efficiency.

5 Ways IT Consultant Services Can Transform Manufacturing Plants

There are thousands of ways IT services can bring a change in a manufacturing unit. It all starts with identifying the best technology for your operations and ensuring that it’s compatible with the rest of the plant.

Once you start implementing new IT solutions and technologies in your plant, you need to implement them in all aspects of the plant to achieve uniform growth — and ensure high ROI and operational efficiency. IT consultant service can help your manufacturing unit in many ways:

  • Improve the Efficiency of the Production Cycle

A good majority of a plant’s success depends on how efficient your plant production is. When you get the help of an IT consulting company, they can analyze far behind the production and look at the little details that compromise this efficiency, and suggest quick and simple IT applications and toolkits that can prevent that.

You can also automate various sections of a production cycle, utilize the new tools in the market to integrate with the rest of the process, and make sure that the final output contributes to your ROI.

  • Integration with IoT

You don’t need to visit the location of your measurement tools anymore with IoT devices.

You can install IoT channels with your critical measurement units to make or break your output efficiency and use an automated control system that intuitively manages production levels.

You also need the assistance of managed IT services to deploy these units, set up the IoT network with proper routing, and integrate all of that with fully functional software. This way, you can sit at the control station, monitor the measurements, and let the software modify the input channels to get the desired output.

  • Automate Compliances

A manufacturing plant needs to comply with a lot of regulations. It can be local, state, and central regulations, not to mention the industrial standardization audits. 

With so many regulation guidelines to follow, it can be a real problem to keep track of everything and ensure that the plant is running within the due guidelines. But with automated compliance regulation systems, you can automate the majority of monitoring the compliances. You can set notification alerts when a compliance requirement is deviated and take remedial measures to keep them within limits.

This could save you a lot of time and help your employees focus their working hours on something more productive.

  • Equipment Upkeep & Monitoring

You can detect any equipment troubles ahead of time with the right IT solutions. 

Whenever equipment fails, you need to stop the operation to either fix it or replace it. It can cause significant downtime, which again contributes to loss of production.

To avoid such issues, you can install IT monitoring solutions to keep an eye on the parameters of your critical equipment. Since this system will have all the historical data of the equipment, you can also conduct proactive upkeep before the equipment starts the trouble. This will save you a lot of downtime that goes to waste. Instead, you can still keep your plant running and perform preventive or proactive maintenance to nip the issues as they begin.

IT Consulting
IT Consulting

  • Protection Against Cyber Threats

Every manufacturing plant uses technology to a certain extent. And with the development of technology comes the rise of cyber threats. 

It’s vital to protect your IT systems against cyber threats with the best of the security systems, firewalls, anti-virus programs, malware protection programs and ransomware prevention algorithms.

Just installing these programs on your systems isn’t enough. You need to regularly monitor the communication, network and device usages to make sure that there isn’t any dormant malware present silently feeding on your information. 

Since at least a part of your operation is dependent on digital means, it’s crucial than ever to implement the best security solutions to protect your plant from unwanted online threats.

Conclusion

IT consultant service can do a lot for a manufacturing plant. From improving operational efficiency to preventing unnecessary downtimes and improving output quality, there’s no limit to the probabilities of including IT solutions in manufacturing. As much as we enjoy the pros of IT services, we also need to safeguard our systems with the proper IT security measures.

At Layer One Networks, we offer security services in Corpus Christi and the surrounding areas that reinforce your digital protection. We also work with manufacturers, helping them to optimize their operations and implement new technologies. If you want to consult us for any IT services, reach out to us now.

Continue reading "How Can IT Consulting Services Help the Manufacturing Industry?"