Long Island Cloud-Managed Services Company Discusses Microsoft’s Vision for IAM and Cloud Security

As the digital landscape unfurls across Long Island, NY, cloud-managed services have become the heartbeat of business innovation and security. In this dynamic field, the strategic implementation of Identity and Access Management (IAM) is the linchpin for safeguarding your digital frontiers. This article peels back the layers of IAM and cloud security, envisioning the future through the lens of Microsoft’s expertise. 

You’ll gain invaluable insights into crafting an infallible security posture that protects and propels your business into uncharted potential. Whether you’re at the helm of a burgeoning enterprise or anchoring a well-established corporation, the revelations here will recalibrate your approach to cloud security and set a new standard for operational excellence. 

The Evolution of Cloud Security in Today’s Digital Ecosystem 

As you steer your business through cyberspace, it’s the robust fortifications provided by cloud-managed services that stand between your valuable data and the ever-present cyber threats. Cloud security today has created a type of ecosystem where safety and accessibility coexist seamlessly. 

Think of IAM as the discerning gatekeeper of your cloud resources—granting access to the right users at the right time for the right reasons. With each login attempt or access request, IAM ensures that every entry is authenticated, authorized, and audited.  

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For businesses in Long Island, adopting cloud-managed services is no longer a futuristic concept but a present-day necessity. Whether orchestrating IT support for businesses or harnessing cloud IT services, the need for vigilant and responsive cloud security is undeniable. LI Tech understands this pulse, offering cloud-based backup services and managed IT services pricing that align with your needs without compromising on security. 

IAM: The Gatekeeper of Cloud IT Services 

Businesses are anchoring their trust in cloud security, where IAM stands as the unwavering gatekeeper. It’s the strategic core that distinguishes friend from foe, granting access to digital resources with a meticulous verification process. For companies harnessing cloud-based backup services or any cloud IT services, IAM is indispensable, ensuring every access point is both a conduit for productivity and a barrier against intrusions. However, navigating the complexities of IAM requires foresight and precision to avoid pitfalls. Some of the challenges your company could face without effective IAM strategies include: 

  • Vulnerable Data: Without IAM, sensitive information can become accessible to unauthorized users, risking breaches and loss of trust. 
  • Compliance Complications: Failing to meet regulatory requirements can lead to legal repercussions and business fines. 
  • Inefficient Access Management: In the absence of IAM, managing user access can become a time-consuming and error-prone task. 
  • Single Point of Failure: Without robust IAM, a single compromised account can lead to widespread security incidents. 

LI Tech’s expertise as a managed cloud service provider can guide you through the IAM maze with tailored solutions that resonate with your unique business rhythm.  

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Predicting the Future: Microsoft’s Blueprint for Secure Cloud Environments 

Microsoft casts its gaze to the horizon, where the future of cloud security is shaped by foresight, innovation, and an unyielding commitment to robust IAM solutions. Their vision: A fortress in the cloud, built on the bedrock of advanced IAM protocols, equipped to counter threats even before they manifest. Microsoft’s blueprint is an actionable roadmap leading businesses in Long Island, NY, to a secure, agile, and resilient digital ecosystem. Key aspects of Microsoft’s vision include: 

  • Proactive Threat Detection: Utilizing AI and machine learning to identify and neutralize threats before they strike. 
  • Seamless Integration: Ensuring that IAM solutions work harmoniously with existing cloud infrastructures. 
  • Scalable Security: Developing security protocols that grow with your business, accommodating new users and technologies effortlessly. 
  • Universal Accessibility: Balancing stringent security with user-friendly access across multiple devices and platforms.  

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The Impact of Cloud-Managed Services on Local Businesses 

The surge of cloud-managed services in Long Island, NY, reflects an evolution in business strategy. By embracing these services, companies gain a robust platform for IAM, which is essential for protecting their digital resources while fostering innovation and efficiency in their operations. This shift isn’t just about adopting new technologies. It’s about rethinking how businesses manage and secure their most valuable assets in the cloud. 

Cloud-Based Backup Services: Your Safety Net in a Digital World 

The resilience of a business lies in its preparedness for the unexpected. Cloud-based backup services are critical to a comprehensive IAM and cloud security strategy, safeguarding against data loss and ensuring business continuity. Cloud-based backup services are necessary for a number of reasons, including: 

  • Data Redundancy: Ensures that critical business data is duplicated and stored securely off-site, providing a fallback in case of on-site system failures. 
  • Disaster Recovery: Enables swift restoration of data, minimizing downtime and operational disruptions after cyber incidents or natural disasters. 
  • Version Control: Maintains historical versions of documents, allowing businesses to revert to previous data states when needed. 
  • Regulatory Compliance: Helps businesses meet legal requirements for data protection and privacy by maintaining secure and auditable data backups. 

By integrating these backup services, businesses in Long Island, NY, fortify their defenses, ensuring that their operations can withstand and quickly recover from disruptions.  

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Streamlining Costs With Managed IT Services Pricing 

Adopting managed IT services is a strategic move for Long Island businesses aiming to balance cost with technological advancement. This approach can offer your company a predictable pricing model that aligns IT expenditures with your actual business growth. By leveraging services like these, companies are then able to allocate financial resources efficiently. That way, they can ensure they only pay for the IT support they need. This cost-effective strategy aids businesses in optimizing their budgets while maintaining access to cutting-edge technology. 

AI as a Service: The Competitive Edge With Our Cloud-Managed Services 

AI as a service empowers companies with sophisticated analytics and automation capabilities. This innovative service democratizes access to artificial intelligence, once a resource available only to companies with deep pockets and advanced R&D departments. Some of the benefits of integrating AI into your business operations come in the form of: 

  • Enhanced Decision-Making: AI analyzes vast amounts of data to uncover insights, driving smarter business decisions. 
  • Automated Customer Interactions: AI-driven chatbots provide responsive customer service, elevating the user experience. 
  • Operational Efficiency: Streamlines routine tasks, allowing staff to focus on high-value activities. 
  • Predictive Analytics: Forecasts trends and behaviors, giving businesses a proactive edge in the market. 

By incorporating AI-driven security protocols into our cloud-managed services, we enhance threat detection and response times, ensuring your business remains agile and robust against cyber challenges.  

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The Role of a Cloud-Managed Service Provider in Business Transformation 

A cloud-managed services provider like LI Tech plays a pivotal role in guiding businesses through their digital transformation journeys. These types of providers are able to deliver expertise in cloud consulting services and cloud IT services, in turn facilitating seamless transitions to cloud infrastructures. We can ensure that the cloud solutions you get from us are tailored to the unique needs of each business, providing scalability, security, and support. The partnership with a managed provider is central to navigating the complexities of cloud adoption, enabling businesses to innovate and thrive. 

Business Transformation Consultant’s Guide: Microsoft vs Google Workspace in Long Island, NY

Secure Your Enterprise’s Future With IAM-Integrated Cloud-Managed Services 

At LI Tech Solutions, your unique security needs are the blueprint for our cloud-managed services. In the heart of Long Island and NYC, we stand as a pillar of innovation, dedicated to fortifying your business against the challenges of the digital age. We’re committed to delivering cloud solutions that are robust and filled with the foresight of IAM intelligence. Connect with us and embark on the journey to a resilient and forward-thinking digital infrastructure that propels your business forward. Contact us today.

Managed Cloud Services: Advancing Non-Profit Collaboration with LI Tech Solutions

Cloud services have swiftly moved from the back office to the center stage of non-profit operations, becoming an indispensable ally in the mission for greater impact. In the ever-evolving landscape of non-profit work, especially within the vibrant communities of Long Island, NY, the adoption of robust and dynamic managed cloud services is a revolution in efficiency and collaboration.

If you’re steering a non-profit, whether in the heart of NYC or beyond, embracing managed cloud services can transform the way you operate. This article delves into the world of cloud computing for non-profits, focusing on how these technologies can enhance collaboration, streamline processes, and elevate your organization’s productivity to meet the demands of the modern world.

Harnessing the Power of Managed Cloud Services for Non-Profit Growth In Long Island, NY

In the heart of Long Island and the greater NYC area, non-profits are turning to managed cloud services to catalyze their growth and enhance operational effectiveness. These cloud-based solutions, from cloud storage services to comprehensive cloud IT services, are redefining what it means to collaborate and achieve efficiency in the non-profit sector.  

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Managed Cloud Service Providers: A Gateway to Enhanced Collaboration 

Managed cloud services have emerged as a critical tool for non-profits looking to expand their reach and streamline their processes. By adopting cloud-based platforms, organizations can foster a collaborative environment where ideas and resources flow freely, unbound by geographical limitations. LI Tech Solutions stands out as a managed cloud service provider, offering customized and scalable services that empower non-profits to leverage cloud technology for enhanced operational efficiency and collaboration. 

Cloud-Based Services: Redefining Organizational Efficiency 

Cloud services offer non-profits the agility to adapt to changing needs and scale their operations effectively. From managing donor databases to tracking volunteer activities, cloud solutions enable non-profits to operate with a level of efficiency that was once the exclusive domain of large-scale enterprises.

Cloud as a Service: Customizing Solutions to Non-Profit Challenges 

The adoption of cloud-based services is a game-changer for non-profits in Long Island and New York City, offering a spectrum of tools that redefine what efficiency means in the digital age. Here’s how these services are making a significant difference: 

  • Streamlined Communication: Cloud communication tools facilitated by managed cloud service providers enable real-time collaboration across different locations.
  • Centralized Data Management: Secure and accessible cloud storage services ensure that critical data is always up-to-date and readily available for key decision-makers.
  • Enhanced Project Management: Utilizing cloud as a service allows for efficient tracking and management of projects, streamlining workflow and resource allocation.
  • Robust Data Security and Compliance: Managed cloud services enforce stringent security measures, protecting sensitive data and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards.
  • Scalable Resources: As non-profit needs grow, cloud backup services and other cloud-based applications can scale up to meet the increasing demands without disrupting ongoing operations.

Cloud Backup Service: Safeguarding Non-Profit Data 

Data is the lifeblood of any non-profit, and cloud backup services ensure this invaluable asset is protected against loss and breaches. Secure cloud backups not only preserve critical information but also ensure data recovery is possible in the event of unforeseen disasters.  

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Cloud Storage Service: Expanding the Non-Profit Digital Space 

The digital transformation of non-profits is not without its growing pains, notably the need for ample storage. Cloud storage services offer vast and scalable space for digital assets, freeing organizations from the constraints of physical servers.

Cloud IT Services: Streamlining Non-Profit Operations 

Non-profits often operate with limited IT resources. Cloud IT services can alleviate this strain by offering comprehensive IT support that covers everything from software updates to cybersecurity, all managed by external experts.

Elevate Your Non-Profit’s Impact with Managed Cloud Services from LI Tech Solutions

At LI Tech Solutions, we understand the unique challenges nonprofits face, and our managed cloud services are designed to meet these needs head-on. We are your trusted partner in Long Island and NYC, committed to delivering cloud solutions that enhance collaboration and drive efficiency. Let us help you transform your operations—reach out today and take the first step toward a tailored digital strategy that amplifies your impact.

Can Your Business Go Green by Switching to the Cloud? Cloud Services NYC

Cloud computing has quickly become a popular option for businesses that want to streamline their operations, reduce costs, and become more flexible. But are you swayed by the idea that cloud services are automatically better for the environment? Could the need to do your bit ‘cloud’ your decision-making? Sorry. Bad pun. It’s true that cloud services have environmental benefits compared …
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How Cloud Computing Is Revolutionizing the IT Solutions Industry in 2023

The Internet has transformed the world in obvious ways. You only have to look at someone using their phone to see that. Eyes down, a quick giggle or two, then calling home and asking whether to pick up Chinese or Mexican food for dinner. Finally, using the same device to Google the local food pick-up spots. In a productive way, the Internet has made high-performance cyborgs of us all.

But what you might not have noticed is the invisible revolution that’s been taking place behind the screen: cloud computing. Imagine if you had sold steel during the railway boom of the 1800s. That’s what cloud computing is to the Internet: laying the groundwork that makes the digital world possible. The way we save our data and store our files affects everything around us. That may be why the cloud computing market worldwide might hit $1 trillion by 2028. 

That’s still a long way off. What revolutions are happening in the meantime? Let’s look at how cloud computing figures into the IT solutions industry in 2023. Where is it going? What innovations will have the biggest impact? And how will cloud computing surprise and delight us in ways we never could have imagined before?  

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The State of Cloud Computing 2023

If the rail boom of the 1800s defined a century, then Google “revolution of cloud computing” and you’ll see something similar is happening right around us. 

First, let’s get up to speed. We all know cloud computing has made saving files much easier. Save a file to the cloud, access it somewhere else, and voila—you never have to worry about data backup

But for many of us, that’s where our knowledge ends. Let’s consider all the other ways cloud computing has had a bottom-line impact across every industry:

  • Reducing costs. File storage and additional security can cost a lot of server time. If you host your own servers, that provides some advantages, like control. But it costs a lot on the bottom line. Security, electricity, and storage can all run up quickly if you store all of your information locally. And if you don’t need to hire an MSP or additional IT technicians and security personnel to oversee your file storage, that adds up to tremendous savings on payroll.
  • Increased efficiency. There’s a reason it’s called “cloud” computing, after all. It seems like your important files are saved on some invisible “cloud.” That highlights the efficiency of cloud computing. You can outsource your file storage and security to a third-party location. This untangles your own systems, increasing your efficiency. Imagine, for example, that you didn’t need to use desks—you could just borrow a work surface whenever you needed it. That’s the kind of bottom-line efficiency you get out of cloud computing.
  • Flexibility. Switch devices? Sure. Worry about backing up your own files? Yeah, if you want to. But cloud computing’s remote security has added flexibility to our lives. We trust third-party servers to store our information. This takes a load off our minds, freeing us to focus on productive work.

That brings us to where we are now. But no matter how many “cloud computing industrial revolution” articles you might read, it still leaves one question unanswered:

Where is cloud computing going to take the IT solutions industry?  

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Cloud Computing and the IT Solutions Industry 2023 for Businesses in Long Island, NYC

IT Solutions and cloud computing can have a love-hate relationship. Of course cloud computing is a boon to IT Solutions providers like MSPs. They often use it themselves for the reasons we just listed. But whenever an IT technician searches for “cloud computing revolution” online, it’s not always with curiosity in mind. They might be a bit suspicious of how much cloud computing is going to eat into their business.

We described it as a love-hate relationship for a reason. Let’s consider all of the factors at play in 2023:

What companies can outsource, they likely have outsourced already

After all, cloud computing is nothing new. It’s been a major portion of Microsoft’s income for a while. Even just this past quarter, headlines read: “Microsoft Cloud strength drives second quarter results.” Microsoft’s customers have already moved much of their systems and files to cloud solutions. 

That includes file storage, yes. But it also includes solutions like Salesforce. Entire online shops run on solutions like Shopify.

This has eased the lives of IT technicians. After all, if there’s less IT for them to manage, then their lives are necessarily going to get easier. But companies also use cloud computing to outsource some of their IT work. This means fewer IT technicians being hired—there’s less to think about. 

That isn’t the only challenge, however, because IT support specialists are still necessary. They may simply be necessary to handle the more difficult tasks—the ones that aren’t so easy to outsource to cloud solutions.

“Now that the simpler projects have been established on the cloud and the companies will be shifting,” writes Analytics Insight, “the more complex applications to the cloud in the hope of even better workplace efficiency.”

Trends and Predictions in IT Outsource Services for Microsoft AI

Cloud computing makes complex tasks simpler

When there are cloud-based solutions that only cost a fraction of the price of hiring a new team, most companies choose the former. Why wouldn’t they? Even at large-scale enterprise costs, many software solutions cost a fraction of what it would take to build out new solutions with human capital.

This means more companies are utilizing sophisticated information technology. After all, the solutions are easier to use than ever. If the average entrepreneur can figure out a complicated CRM (customer relationship management) software offering, it makes previously-complex tasks simpler. This provides more opportunities for businesses to scale. The simpler it is to onboard new employees and new systems, after all, the easier it is to replicate those systems as a company grows.  

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Where Cloud Computing Takes Us Beyond 2023

Where will cloud computing take us? It can go in all sorts of directions. 

Forbes calls these “as yet undetermined opportunities.” 

In NYC, for example, Forbes’ note on transportation is especially pertinent. “The Cloud’s infrastructure could enable the installation of a virtual computer in each car that would enable the development of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), where cars brake before they hit something,” writes Forbes. The minute ADAS becomes reliable enough to roll out safely, driverless cars are the next step.

Goodbye to Uber, taxi companies, and half the services in NYC and other metropolitan areas.

For the IT Solutions industry, this means information technology will become more important than ever, not less important. Yes, cloud computing could enable a veritable revolution in the way vehicles interact with the world. That’s bad news for taxi and truck drivers. But when a machine breaks down, it’s the IT professionals who have to step in.

This could also herald a revolution in ecommerce, as driverless trucks make it possible to host entire package-delivering fleets on the road, without having to scale up the amount of drivers you hire. Delivery fees could plummet, further providing incentives for customers to shop online. Once again, companies will be at the mercy of IT Solutions. They can’t afford to miss a delivery, after all.  

The Future of IT Solutions: What to Expect in 2024 and Beyond

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The Cloud Computing Revolution for IT Services and MSPs on Long Island, NYC

Though cloud computing might have made software more accessible to the masses, it’s also going to expand how many businesses rely on software. Many are looking at cloud computing as the 4th industrial revolution. At LI Tech Solutions, it’s our job to anticipate these changes—and make preparations for what that means for our clients. In the world of IT Services, the skill of knowing how to repair and maintain programs is going to be vital—in 2023 and beyond.

Digital Transformation: What It Is and How It Helps Your Business

Technology continues to evolve and more companies than ever before are pursuing digital transformation. They’re using new tools and processes to take full advantage of the modern technologies and systems available to organizations of all sizes.

But what exactly is digital transformation, and how can it help your business thrive in today’s market? LI Tech Solutions answers both of these questions and more in detail.

Digital Transformation Explained

Digital transformation means something different to every organization. But overall, it involves transitioning your company’s current tech stack to a modern tech stack, as well as leaning further into modern digital technology use.

For example, a company might practice digital transformation by taking advantage of cloud technology and data storage. Using these tools, the company then enables most of its employee base to work remotely.

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It can include adjustments or alterations to processes and procedures, using new tools instead of old ones, and changing company culture to adapt to modern digital technology.

The Four Areas of Digital Transformation

Broadly speaking, there are four primary areas of digital transformation. Your organization may see changes in all of these areas or just some of them.

Collaboration Transformation

Digital collaboration transformation occurs as you use collaboration and project management platforms ranging from Microsoft Teams to Microsoft 365 and more. Even communication platforms like Slack can help you enact a shift toward digital collaboration transformation.

Think of this element of transformation as shifting the way your team members collaborate and do work together, even when not in the same office environment.

Business Transformation Consultant’s Guide: Microsoft vs Google Workspace in Long Island, NY

Disaster Recovery & Business Continuity Transformation

Digital transformation also affects disaster recovery and business continuity. Cloud security, new antivirus software, and adaptable IT infrastructure are all some of the rewards that come from pursuing digital transformation.

Digital transformation processes enable organizations to be flexible, adaptable, and more secure. Furthermore, organizations can be more responsive and ensure that employees maintain productivity even in the event of a data crash, website failure, or security breach.

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Cybersecurity Transformation

Speaking of security, digital transformations impact cybersecurity massively. As your business goes increasingly digital, cybersecurity solutions such as digital hygiene processes, cloud security, and managed security services all become more important.

This is just one of the many reasons why managed IT services providers such as LI Tech Solutions are valuable to modern organizations. Managed service providers can take care of your cybersecurity needs without massively ballooning your company budget or resource requirements.

Cloud Transformation

Lastly, digital transformation heavily impacts company cloud usage. Cloud computing can accelerate digital transformation and help your business automate more processes than ever, freeing up additional manpower and leading to greater productivity.

Furthermore, cloud technologies enable you to upgrade your IT systems, streamline employee management and hiring practices, and enjoy greater digital security. 

Each of these areas is important and should be pursued by your company at the earliest opportunity.

Trends and Predictions in IT Outsource Services for Microsoft AI

How Does Digital Transformation Help Your Business?

What about specific benefits that digital transformation brings to your company? There are six major advantages that you might see after transforming your company digitally in the above four areas.

Improved Resource Management

Firstly, your company could see improved resource management. As you leverage cloud technologies and other digital transformation tools, your data and important company files will be more secure and organized.

Your company will be better able to integrate applications and databases into centralized repositories. These repositories, in turn, will enable faster data access and management even from employees around the world.

Better Data Collection and Analytics

Furthermore, transforming digitally will allow your company to collect more data and analyze it with more accuracy.  You can create systems to gather the right data, not just any data, and incorporate it into your business intelligence efforts at high levels.

Using automation tools, new data storage techniques, and other practices, you’ll understand your target audience better, track important KPIs more efficiently, and see other benefits.

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Better Customer Experience

Even better, digital transformation allows your company to provide a better customer experience across the board. Tools such as chatbots, for example, enable faster customer service response times for your website visitors.

New digital tools also enable you to customize the customer experiences you provide to site visitors. Better customer experiences mean more profits for you in the long run. 

Digitization of Culture

Your company’s culture will change for the better. For example, remote work tools and a digital-first workplace both allow your company employees to work anywhere around the world without compromising security or productivity.

In turn, this may enable you to broaden your candidate search for top team members and make your company a more attractive place to work. 

More Productivity and Profits

Digital transformation should lead your company to more productivity and profits, as well. As employees do great work from around the world and take advantage of streamlining tools, they’ll get more work done in the same amount of time plus spend less time on rote, monotonous tasks best left to automation technology.

More productivity, of course, oftentimes leads to more profits both in the short and long term.

Increased Agility

Lastly, your company will benefit from boosted agility as it digitally transforms. You can improve your speed-to-market for new products, plus adopt continuous improvement or CI strategies.

The result? More innovation and adaptation to adjust to evolving market and customer demands.

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Summary

All in all, digital transformation is a net benefit for all organizations, including your own. You can accelerate this transformation for your company by taking advantage of managed services providers like LI Tech Solutions.

As a trusted IT managed service provider in Long Island, New York, we’re well-equipped and ready to assist with your digital transformation efforts from start to finish. Whether you need managed security, cloud server administration, upgrades, or something else entirely, we can help.

Contact us today for more information and further details on how we can help your business transform.

5 Ways MSPs Can Support Hybrid Workplaces

The hybrid workplace isn’t going away. The hybridization of many industries was already a growing trend prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. But the pandemic solidified that trend into a full-blown economic revolution.

In many industries ranging from tech to finance and more, hybrid workplaces allow employees to work remotely some of the time and in the office the rest of the time. The benefits are numerous, ranging from increased worker flexibility to reduced resource consumption and more.

However, hybrid workplaces can be even more beneficial for your organization when you employ managed services providers like LI Tech Solutions. Let’s take a look at five key ways that MSPs can support hybrid workplaces just like yours.  

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Cloud Infrastructure and Support

For starters, managed service providers can offer excellent cloud infrastructure and ongoing support. Cloud infrastructure, software, and other services are most important for hybrid workplaces.

Why? Because through the cloud, organization employees can access the same resources, use the same software, and use all the same files whether they work from home or at the office. Cloud access means that all employees can work together no matter where their computers or end terminals happen to be.

Of course, it takes a dedicated IT team to manage cloud infrastructure and offer 24/7 support. That’s where a managed services provider comes in.

MSPs can help your cloud infrastructure work for your company by:

  • Ensuring that software updates happen consistently and regularly
  • Monitoring the cloud for potential glitches or cyberattacks
  • Helping team members learn how to access the cloud or how to download the appropriate software to their devices
  • And much more

On top of all that, managed services providers can ensure that your cloud resources scale with your organization. Therefore, if you want to stick with a hybrid workplace over the next few years, your cloud infrastructure can grow with your company. An MSP can make that future a reality more easily than ever.  

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Security Updates, Monitoring, and Training

Perhaps more importantly, managed services providers can offer regular security updates for important antivirus and anti-malware measures. These include antivirus software like firewalls, phishing protection for company emails, and much more.

The cybersecurity landscape is always evolving, which means security updates must be implemented and installed as soon as they become available. But it can be tough to keep track of which programs or security software need updates. Your MSP can do all that for you, freeing up your people to work on other tasks.

In addition, MSPs like LI Tech offer 24/7 monitoring for your cloud infrastructure and company systems. This monitoring will ensure that you are alerted whenever there is a potential cyber breach and that cyber breaches will be much less likely to succeed.

In the event of a successful cyberattack, the monitoring from a managed services provider will help you prevent it from occurring in the future.

Of course, many cybersecurity breaches occur because of employee mistakes. To that end, MSPs such as LI Tech Solutions offer security training for your employees. These training seminars can teach the basics of good digital hygiene, like how to build strong passwords and how not to log workplace computers via vulnerable public networks.  

10 Things to Consider Before Hiring an IT Support Company in Long Island, NY

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Workforce Analytics

On top of all that, MSPs can provide crucial workforce analytics services for your growth and understanding. For example, MSPs can gather data about:

  • How your employees use their time
  • How your software benefits your company
  • How your data is stored and how it is retrieved
  • And much more

All of that data, once properly analyzed, can help you make better decisions for your company. Managed services providers can even help improve your data management and storage policies so they’re more efficient for your workers. This will improve productivity for your hybrid workforce.

Project Management Services and Software

Any manager or executive who oversees a hybrid workforce knows the difficulty of ensuring that all employees are on the same page. Project management becomes a little more difficult when employees work from different places, despite all the other benefits associated with allowing a hybrid workplace.

However, managed services providers can offer project management and organizational services, or connect you to project management software via the cloud. Either of these solutions will help your remote and in-office employees collaborate just as efficiently in a hybrid workplace as they would in a traditional office environment.

Project management services and software help ensure that:

  • Everyone knows what projects they should be working on
  • Project deadlines are met properly
  • Project reports are sent to appropriate leaders or supervisors when needed
  • Supervisors can reassign individuals or rebalance workloads as necessary
  • And more

All of those benefits will make your hybrid workforce just as good as it was before you made the transition.  MSPs support hybrid workplaces to help your organization’s productivity flow.

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Increased Organizational Productivity

Lastly, MSPs can support your hybrid workplace by improving organizational productivity across the board. In effect, MSPs take a lot of the busy work or manual tasks of cloud support and cybersecurity away from your team.

Instead, your employees can focus on the core aspect of your business that net you the most profits. Imagine what you could do if your IT personnel could focus on building a new website or online marketing instead of having to monitor security 24/7.

In addition, MSPs support hybrid workplaces by providing value by overseeing your cloud infrastructure. In this way, your workforce can take advantage of the technologies of the cloud without having to continually update it and monitor it for stability.

Bottom line: by hiring an MSP, your hybrid workplace will enjoy greater operational flexibility. Your employees, meanwhile, can be reassigned to other elements of your business depending on what you need.

Summary

Ultimately, managed services providers are valuable for any companies that use hybrid workplaces. If you’ve decided to allow your workforce the flexibility and other benefits of hybridization, consider hiring an MSP for even greater improvements.

As a well-known managed IT services provider in Long Island, we’re well-equipped and ready to assist your hybrid workplace starting today. Contact us for more information!

Best Practices for Securing a Cloud Environment

Modern enterprises want to take advantage of the unique benefits and conveniences offered by the cloud. However, you need to know how to secure a cloud environment for your company if you want to store and retrieve your data safely in the future.

Not sure where to start? Let’s break down some of the best practices for securing a cloud environment. Many of these practices are already leveraged by managed tech services such as LI Tech Solutions. But you can also implement these practices yourself.

Implement Encryption at All Endpoints

For starters, any secure cloud system will have thorough encryption for all endpoints, including those for both users and corporate staff. Encryption scrambles important corporate or private data, preventing anyone who scoops the data from being able to read it without an encryption key.

This is crucial because, whenever you use cloud services, you send data back and forth between a network in the cloud. Encryption helps ensure that the data stays safe and secure even while using cloud services regularly.  

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Secure User Endpoints

Similarly, companies need to secure user endpoints, such as mobile phones, desktops and laptops, and any other user devices. Endpoint security can range from antivirus software to fingerprint scanners and more.

Regardless, boosting endpoint security is vital since it reduces the likelihood of cyber breaches via employee computers. These are some of the easiest means for cybercriminals to get access to company data, so organizations need to make it tougher for them.

Choose the Right Provider

Of course, picking the right cloud services provider is also key to enjoying a secure cloud environment. Different providers will emphasize different security techniques or bring different technologies to the table.

For example, LI Tech Solutions has a detailed list of security best practices for cloud environments, such as two-factor authentication processes and cloud security awareness training. That’s one reason why LI Tech Solutions is the go-to choice for Long Island managed services.  

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Define Usage Policies for the Cloud

But corporate executives can also take security into their own hands. For example, you can write a detailed list of usage policies for all members of your organization. These usage policies will break down:

  • Who is allowed access to the cloud environment
  • When cloud access is permitted
  • What data is allowed to be transferred between your network and the cloud
  • And so on

Defining usage policies is important since it prevents employees from making simple mistakes or from breaching security protocols unknowingly. Once your policies are defined, you can teach employees the right way to use your cloud network or fire employees who fail to abide by security standards.

Digital Hygiene 

Employee knowledge is further highlighted with digital hygiene. Digital hygiene includes:

  • Knowing how to create strong passwords
  • Knowing not to leave security badges or other corporate security tools lying around
  • How to use a VPN in some cases
  • When not to connect a work computer or terminal to a public network (like a coffee house Wi-Fi network)

Corporate executives should regularly hold digital hygiene seminars to make sure their employees are always kept abreast of updated digital hygiene protocols. Practicing digital hygiene is important for everyone in your company, so make sure that you know how to practice it as well!

Set Data Control and Access Policies

Business executives should also maintain strict control of data transfer and access privileges between the company network and the cloud servers. Specifically, you should write down a set of data control and access policies for your entire corporation/team.

These policies will:

  • List who’s allowed to access critical or sensitive data, especially data for customers
  • Define who’s allowed to transfer data between the company network and the cloud

In general, it’s wise to only give these privileges to certain trusted individuals. That way, there are fewer opportunities for malicious actors to get access to sensitive company data.  

Callout 3: Cloud computing security lock- Define usage policies fact

Malware Protection

Naturally, malware protection for your company servers and your cloud access points is just as important as it is for everyday computing or Internet surfing. Anti-malware software and tools are very important, especially because malware viruses are constantly updating and evolving.

Luckily, many managed service providers already include malware protection by default. But even if you don’t have a managed service provider, you should implement malware protection for your cloud services ASAP. 

Enable Security Logs

Security logs are important tools to help you determine what the security vulnerability was after a breach or security malfunction. Security logs:

  • May help you catch who breached your servers or sensitive data
  • Can be very important during audits or security tests

In some cases, security logs may even help you update or upgrade your security measures before a major attack occurs. Make sure your IT security team or managed services provider has security logs enabled from the start.

Implement Regular Audits/Security Checks

Speaking of audits and tests, your organization should run regular security checks and audits to:

  • Anticipate and check for potential vulnerabilities
  • Ensure that obvious entrances to your network are sealed up
  • Make sure that security software or detection tools are working as advertised

All of this can help prevent an attack from occurring in the first place, which is always cheaper than recovering from a cyber-attack after the fact.  

Callout 4: Update defenses regularly - 2 facts - blue background

Update Defenses Regularly

Lastly, anyone using a cloud environment should update their antivirus and other defenses regularly. Updates are important because they include fixes for newly discovered vulnerabilities and because they prevent malicious actors from exploiting security gaps.

If you have a managed services team running your cloud services, they should include software and network updates as part of their packages.

Contact LI Tech Solutions Today

Of course, you can make things easy for your organization by contacting LI Tech Solutions today. As experts in cloud infrastructure and managed services, we’re well equipped and ready to provide your organization with reliable access to a secure cloud environment for all of your data storage needs.

Why wait? Contact LI Tech Solutions today!

6 Major Tools for Enterprise Data Protection

For the modern enterprise, data protection is of the utmost importance. Keeping your company’s data safe isn’t just important for your operations and the security of your customers.  It’s also necessary so you can adhere to new regulations and guidelines like the GDPR.

However, cyber threats are also evolving at a breakneck pace. It can be difficult to know what tools you should prioritize or what services you should employ to maximize enterprise data protection.

Today, let’s break down six important tools you should use for protecting your company’s critical data. 

Ransomware Protection

First, ransomware must remain at the top of your cybersecurity team’s awareness. Ransomware threats are constantly evolving and viruses or malware can enter your company’s systems in a variety of ways, such as:

  • Phishing emails
  • Viruses from sketchy websites
  • Bad digital hygiene from employees
  • And more

Ransomware viruses often take or delete critical data, then hold copies hostage to extract a ransom from your company. Don’t let this happen to you. Instead, your business should invest in quality ransomware protection, such as ongoing digital hygiene seminars, antivirus software, firewalls, and managed security services.  

Callout 1: Data protection privacy concept - Ransomware threats can enter your company's system in variety of ways - 3 bullet points

As a bonus, defending yourself against ransomware may prevent you from having to pay excessive fines or fees for losing control of valuable customer data or personal information. 

On-Premises and Cloud Backup Architecture

Even the most robust digital systems will sometimes collapse or fail, whether it’s from resource overdrawing or power grid issues. When that happens, your critical data has to be backed up in more ways than one.

By backing up important data, you can bring your website or servers back online almost instantaneously once things are fixed. More importantly, you can restore the most recent version of your site or IT infrastructure using backed-up data.

That backed-up data is also important for your customers. If a customer needs to access important data, you’ll have it ready for them since it will be backed up and restored to its usual location on your company’s servers or IT architecture.

You should invest in both on-premises and cloud backup architecture for the best results.  On-premises backup architecture gives you direct control over data backups, but cloud backup architecture:

  • Often comes with additional security
  • Is not subject to the same collapse conditions as your on-premises architecture
  • Can be overseen and controlled by a managed services provider like LI Tech

With both backup systems enabled, your company will rarely if ever, lose any critical data, even in the event of a major crash or system collapse.  

Callout 2: Cloud backup with padlock icon - On-premises and cloud backup architecture - 2 points from text

Ongoing, Continuous Critical Data Protection

Your most important data shouldn’t just be backed up once a week or even once per day. It should instead be backed up in near real-time. This enables you to restore any critical data, whether for your company or your customers, at practically any point in time.

Continuous data protection does just this. It always backs up critical files almost instantaneously, so the most recent version of data is always stored somewhere else, typically in the cloud or off-site.

As you employ continuous data protection, you’ll also find that your IT infrastructure is further fortified against other cyber threats, like ransomware attacks. There’s no reason not to use continuous data protection in this day and age if you have any critical files for your business or customers.

Data Encryption

Another aspect of continuous enterprise data protection means employing end-to-end data encryption for all workplace devices, plus any cloud server access points. End-to-end data encryption means securing files or workstations at both ends of access, not just employee terminals, for example.

End-to-end data encryption is also useful if some or all of your workforce does work remotely. Ransomware or other cyber threats are oftentimes picked up at vulnerable public access points, such as coffee shop servers or unsecured work laptops.

End-to-end data encryption ensures that these potential vulnerabilities won’t negatively affect your enterprise or result in data theft.  

Callout 3: Important data from text on blurred cloud technology background

Self-Directed Healing

It’s also important to lean into self-directed healing or self-healing IT infrastructure. Machine learning and data analytics innovations now allow systems or IT infrastructure to heal themselves by:

  • Managing their resources more effectively, especially to prevent server or infrastructure crashes
  • Resolving datacenter limitations
  • Ensuring operational consistency
  • Balancing performance levels throughout computer infrastructure
  • And more

In short, self-directed healing is a novel way for your enterprise’s data to remain secure and safe. Your IT infrastructure will monitor itself for any potential problems and send a warning if there’s a catastrophic issue coming ahead.

Managed service providers often employ self-directed healing protocols to enterprise IT infrastructure. That’s just another benefit of hiring a managed service provider for your organization.

Managed Resource Scaling

Lastly, all enterprises should leverage managed resource scaling like never before. This is especially important for small businesses that hope for rapid growth in the future.

Even with the best planning, spikes in usage can sometimes cause catastrophic and cascading failures in IT infrastructure, leading to server outages, website wipes, and lost data.

Managed services providers can employ resource scaling to ensure your enterprise always has the server resources it needs no matter how much traffic or attention it gets. This can also protect against certain types of cyber threats, like DDoS attacks.

But even beyond protecting your organization’s data, resource scaling is cost-efficient and allows your enterprise to better predict ongoing server resource costs. This, in turn, may help you budget more effectively in the future.  

Callout 4: Managed Resource Scaling info from text

Conclusion

At the end of the day, the most important data protection solutions are all available from managed service providers like LI Tech. As the ideal managed IT services provider for Long Island businesses, LI Tech is well equipped and ready to help your enterprise protect its data in more ways than one.

With our managed services and cloud operations, your data will be secured from attacks, backed up multiple times and insulated against crashes, and more. Contact us today to learn more or to set up a consultation – we’ll find the perfect solution for your company’s unique needs.

Top 4 Tech Trend Predictions for 2022

Over the last few decades, technology has been a driving force in business transformation and doesn’t show any signs of slowing down. The fact that direct digital transformation investments are projected to total $7 trillion between 2020 and 2023 demonstrates this.1 If you want your firm to succeed, you must have the appropriate technologies to help you keep up with the changing business world. Let’s take a look at the tech trend predictions for 2022.

In the present scenario, your technology must enable you to overcome three recent pandemic-induced issues:

  • Supply chain disruptions

In 2021, supply chain interruptions cost businesses throughout the world an average of $184 million.2

  • The great resignation

In September 2021, 4.4 million people resigned from their jobs in the United States alone, setting a new record.3

  • A rise in ransomware attacks

Ransomware affected 68.5% of businesses in 2021.4

Businesses must keep up with the demands of the evolving technology landscape if they wish to achieve their goals and remain competitive despite the changes brought about by the pandemic.

Track the latest technological trends to know if you are moving in the right direction. Having a managed service provider (MSP) on your side allows your business to stay up to date without you having to do much heavy lifting.

 

Top 4 tech trend predictions for 20225

  1. Third-party risks will increase

In 2022, third parties will be involved in 60% of security incidents. This means that firms that fail to invest in the risk management trifecta of people, processes, and technology may face cyberattacks.

Proactive businesses will include risk assessment, supply chain mapping, real-time risk intelligence, and business continuity management in their IT stack (rather than a single application like Excel).

  1. One-third of companies will fail at implementing “work from anywhere”

To successfully and securely empower remote workers, organizations need to deliver:

  • A precisely designed digital workplace that allows for seamless working from anywhere
  • A leadership team capable of leading a virtual team
  • An organization with high levels of digital literacy across all departments
  • A thorough mastery of work-from-anywhere concepts

However, a third of the companies still lag in these areas.

  1. Cloud-native takes center stage in enterprise cloud

Cloud customers will change their business strategy to be completely cloud-native rather than using the cloud for only a portion of their portfolio.

Also, cloud-native adoption is predicted to reach 50% of enterprise organizations by 2022, spanning all major technology domains such as big data, artificial intelligence, and the Internet of Things.

  1. Tech execs leap from digital to human-centered technology transformations

In 2022, technology executives will concentrate on fixing long-term problems. The best will embrace a customer-centric approach to technology, allowing their organization to quickly reconfigure business structures and capabilities to meet future customer and employee needs with adaptability, innovation, and resilience.

 

Collaborate for success

If you are in NYC or Long Island and want to get your technology infrastructure ready for a successful year, you’ll need the help of a dependable managed service provider (MSP).  Feel free to contact us to set up a free consultation. Our expertise and skillsets may be precisely what your company needs to help remote workers thrive.

 

Sources:

  1. Statista (worldwide-digital-transformation-market-size)
  2. Statista (cost-supply-chain-disruption-country)
  3. Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey, 2021
  4. Statista (businesses-ransomware-attack-rate)
  5. Predictions 2022, Forrester