3 minutes read

Outsourcing IT services has become a popular strategy for businesses in Cincinnati, Ohio, seeking to reduce costs and increase productivity. By entrusting their IT needs to Managed Service Providers (MSPs), organizations can focus on their core objectives while leveraging the expertise and support of IT professionals. However, to ensure a successful outsourcing experience, it is crucial to avoid common mistakes that can hinder the effectiveness of the partnership. In this article, we will discuss the top five errors to avoid when outsourcing managed IT services.

Lack of Clarity in Service Agreements

The agreement between your company and the MSP lays out the terms and conditions of the partnership. It is crucial to have a comprehensive understanding of the agreement and clarify any ambiguous points before signing. Key elements to address include the availability of services, communication channels, response times, escalation procedures, and potential additional fees. Make sure that all significant personnel within your organization are aware of the agreement and understand its provisions. Additionally, consider including a non-disclosure agreement to protect sensitive information. Clarity and transparency in the service agreement will set the foundation for a successful collaboration.

Withholding Vital Information from the MSP

Open and honest communication is essential when outsourcing IT support services in Cincinnati, Ohio. It is vital to provide the MSP with all relevant information during the initial contract negotiation and throughout the partnership. Withholding important details can lead to misunderstandings, delays, and additional costs. Share information about specific locations that require support, personnel changes, and any unforeseen business concerns that may impact IT operations. By keeping the MSP fully informed, they can provide tailored solutions and proactively address potential issues.

Failure to Plan for Internal IT Support

Engaging an MSP does not mean absolving your internal staff of all technical responsibilities. While the MSP can handle a wide range of IT issues, some matters may require internal expertise or immediate attention. It is crucial to have a clear plan in place for your staff to understand when to contact the MSP and when to resolve issues internally. Designate “power users” within your organization who can provide assistance to colleagues, especially with specialized software programs. Empowering your internal team will increase productivity, reduce IT support expenses, and ensure a seamless partnership with the MSP.

Neglecting Future Company Improvements

As your business grows and evolves, your IT requirements will change. It is important to communicate future goals, expansion plans, and infrastructure improvements to your MSP. By discussing your long-term vision, you enable the MSP to adapt and align their services accordingly. A proactive MSP will stay informed about your organization’s future needs and ensure that their expertise and solutions can support your growth. Regular communication and strategic planning will foster a stronger partnership and enable the MSP to provide optimal IT support as your business advances.

Conclusion

By avoiding these common mistakes, you can increase the likelihood of finding the ideal IT partner and sustaining a successful outsourcing relationship. At Path Forward IT, we pride ourselves on being a trusted and reliable IT service provider that consistently goes above and beyond for our customers. Contact a Path Forward IT account manager today to learn how we can support your company’s IT requirements. We are committed to delivering tailored solutions and exceptional service to help your organization thrive in the digital age.

For more information about Path Forward IT or to get a free quote for IT Services, visit our website https://www.pathforwardit.com/ or call us at 513-924-5500. We strive to be the best IT services in Cincinnati, OH. You can trust Path Forward IT to always provide satisfaction and guaranteed IT services.

 

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2 minutes read

June 23rd is Women in Engineering Day—a day dedicated to recognizing the incredible contributions of women in the field of engineering. Engineering has historically been a male-dominated profession, but today we are witnessing a transformative shift as more and more women break barriers, shatter stereotypes, and make remarkable advancements in the world of engineering. We want to give a special acknowledgement to all the phenomenal women in the technology industry who are pushing boundaries, fueling innovation, and redefining what’s possible. In this blog post, we pay tribute to some prominent women in technology who have made remarkable strides, paving the way for future generations of women.

 

1. Dr. Fei-Fei Li – Pioneer in Artificial Intelligence (AI): Dr. Fei-Fei Li is a leading expert in computer vision and artificial intelligence. As the co-founder of AI4ALL and a former director of the Stanford Artificial Intelligence Lab, she has been instrumental in advancing the field of AI. Dr. Li’s research and advocacy for diversity in tech have paved the way for advancements in machine learning and computer vision, while also inspiring young women to pursue careers in technology.
2. Sheryl Sandberg – Empowering Women in Tech: Sheryl Sandberg is the Chief Operating Officer of Facebook and the founder of LeanIn.Org. Through her best-selling book “Lean In” and her influential TED Talk, Sandberg has become a vocal advocate for women’s empowerment and leadership in the workplace. She continues to inspire and support women in technology by fostering a more inclusive and diverse environment.
3. Reshma Saujani – Encouraging Girls to Code: Reshma Saujani is the founder and CEO of Girls Who Code, a non-profit organization dedicated to closing the gender gap in technology. By providing coding education and mentorship opportunities, Saujani has empowered thousands of young girls to explore the field of technology. Her efforts have been instrumental in breaking down barriers and creating pathways for more women to enter the tech industry.
4. Megan Smith – Championing Innovation and Inclusion: Megan Smith, the former Chief Technology Officer of the United States, has played a pivotal role in promoting innovation, entrepreneurship, and diversity in the tech sector. Through initiatives like the White House Tech Inclusion Summit, she has advocated for equal opportunities for underrepresented groups in technology. Smith’s leadership and commitment to inclusivity have had a profound impact on creating a more diverse and equitable tech ecosystem.
5. Limor Fried – Revolutionizing Hardware Engineering: Limor Fried, known as “Ladyada,” is the founder and CEO of Adafruit Industries, a company specializing in open-source hardware and electronics. As an influential figure in the maker and hacker communities, Fried has been a trailblazer in the field of hardware engineering. Her work has not only revolutionized the accessibility of DIY electronics but has also inspired countless women and girls to pursue careers in hardware and engineering.

 

The stories of these remarkable women in engineering demonstrate the extraordinary impact women can have in shaping the future through their innovative ideas, technical expertise, and determination. As we celebrate Women in Engineering Day, it is crucial to recognize and support the diverse talents and perspectives that women bring to the field. By encouraging and empowering more women to pursue careers in engineering, we can create a more inclusive and equitable world, where everyone can contribute to solving complex problems and driving progress. Let us celebrate these trailblazers and continue to inspire future generations of women to engineer a brighter future.

2 minutes read

Today we are sharing some amazing tips and tricks to help you make the most out of Microsoft 365. From mastering your Outlook emails to sprucing up your PowerPoint presentations, we’ll explore ways to optimize your use of this fantastic suite.

Tip 1: Make the Most Out of Outlook

Use the ‘Focused’ and ‘Other’ Inbox

Outlook automatically sorts your emails into two categories: ‘Focused’ and ‘Other’. ‘Focused’ is for your most important emails, while ‘Other’ is for less pressing matters. This way, you can prioritize your tasks without missing out on any important communication.

Schedule Emails to be Sent Later

Just click, schedule, send! This great feature in Outlook allows you to write emails and send them later. After writing your email, select the dropdown next to ‘Send’ and select ‘Send Later’. This is particularly handy for managing communications across different time zones!

Tip 2: Excel like a Pro

Use ‘Flash Fill’

Excel’s ‘Flash Fill’ feature automatically fills your data when it senses a pattern. One example is if you are filling in a list of dates in a certain format. Excel will recognize this and suggest filling the rest of the cells in the same format.

Pivot Tables for Data Analysis

Pivot tables are a powerful tool for analyzing large amounts of data. They can summarize, sort, reorganize, group, count, total or average data stored in a table. They can also create a pivot chart to visually represent your data.

Tip 3: Power Up Your PowerPoint

Use the ‘Design Ideas’ Feature

If you’re having a hard time deciding how to layout your slides, the ‘Design Ideas’ feature is there to help! It provides you with different design layouts based on the content of your slide.

Embed Fonts in Your Presentation

If you’re sharing your PowerPoint presentation with others, it’s a good idea to embed the fonts you used. This way, the presentation will look the same even if they don’t have the fonts installed on their system.

Tip 4: Collaborate with Teams

Microsoft Teams is an excellent platform for collaboration. With this tool, you can share files, instant message, have video meetings, and more.

Record Meetings for Future Reference

You can record your Teams meetings for those who couldn’t attend or for future reference. After the meeting, the recording is stored in Microsoft Stream where you can review, transcribe, and share it.

Use ‘Together Mode’ for Meetings

‘Together Mode’ in Teams arranges participants in a virtual space as if they were sitting in the same room. It helps to create a more engaging and connected meeting experience.

Tip 5: OneDrive and SharePoint

OneDrive and SharePoint are excellent for sharing files and collaborating in real-time.

Sync Files for Offline Access

You can sync OneDrive and SharePoint files to your device for offline access. You can work on these files without an internet connection, and they will sync once you’re back online.

 

Microsoft 365 is packed with features that can make your work life easier and more productive. We hope these tips help you make the most out of your Microsoft 365 experience. Take some time to look through all the Microsoft 365 tools, and don’t forget to share your favorite tips in the comments below.

4 minutes read

In today’s technology-driven world, businesses and individuals rely heavily on data.

From critical business documents to cherished memories captured in photos and videos, the value of data cannot be overstated. However, data loss is a real and constant threat, whether due to hardware failures, natural disasters, or cyberattacks.

This is where cloud backup comes to the rescue. Cloud backup is a useful tool with many benefits. However, it can also present challenges. Here, we will discuss what cloud backup is, its advantages, and the difficulties it poses. Additionally, we will provide a list of best practices to ensure a successful cloud backup strategy.

Let’s first start by discussing exactly what cloud backup is.

Cloud backup is the process of securely storing data in a remote location hosted by a service provider. It involves transmitting data over the internet to the provider’s servers, where it is encrypted and stored for safekeeping. Cloud backup ensures that data remains accessible even if the original source is compromised.

Benefits of Cloud Backup:

1. Data Protection and Disaster Recovery: Cloud backup offers a robust solution for safeguarding your data. By storing it off-site in multiple redundant servers, it provides protection against hardware failures, theft, natural disasters, or other catastrophic events. In a survey by IDG, it was found that 90% of organizations use cloud services for data backup, and 53% of respondents stated that their primary use case for the cloud is data backup and recovery. (Source: IDG)

2. Easy Scalability: Cloud backup services are designed to accommodate growing data needs. Whether you need to store a few gigabytes or several terabytes, you can easily scale your storage space without the hassle of purchasing and managing additional hardware.

3. Accessibility: Cloud backup enables you to access your data from anywhere as long as you have an internet connection. This accessibility is particularly beneficial for businesses with remote teams or individuals who travel frequently.

4. Cost Efficiency: Cloud backup eliminates the need for investing in expensive hardware infrastructure and maintenance costs. Service providers typically offer flexible pricing models, allowing you to pay only for the storage space you use.

5. Automated Backup: Cloud backup solutions often provide automated backup processes, reducing the risk of human error. This ensures that data is consistently and regularly backed up without manual intervention.

 

Challenges of Cloud Backup:

1. Bandwidth Limitations: Uploading large amounts of data to the cloud can be time-consuming, especially if your internet connection has limited upload speeds. Initial backups may require significant time and resources, but subsequent incremental backups are generally faster.

2. Security and Privacy Concerns: While cloud backup services prioritize data security, concerns about unauthorized access, data breaches, or government surveillance may deter some individuals and organizations from embracing cloud backup. Selecting reputable providers with robust security measures and encryption protocols can alleviate these concerns.

In a survey by Barracuda Networks, 44% of respondents cited security and data privacy concerns as the primary reason for not adopting cloud backup. (Source: Barracuda Networks)

3. Dependence on Internet Connectivity: Cloud backup relies on a stable and reliable internet connection. If your connection is unreliable or experiences downtime, accessing and uploading data to the cloud may be disrupted.

4. Cost Considerations: While cloud backup can be cost-effective for many, organizations with substantial data storage needs may incur higher costs over time. It is essential to carefully evaluate pricing models, including storage tiers and data transfer fees, to ensure the chosen solution aligns with your budget.

Best Practices for Cloud Backup:

1. Define Backup Strategy: Determine what data needs to be backed up, how frequently, and the retention period. Categorize data based on importance to prioritize resources effectively.

2. Select a Reliable Provider: Research and choose a reputable cloud backup provider that aligns with your security requirements. Ensure the provider offers encryption, redundancy, and compliance with data protection regulations.

3. Encryption and Data Security: Encrypt data before transmission and choose a provider that offers encryption at rest. Implement strong access controls, two-factor authentication, and regular security audits.

4. Test and Validate Backups: Regularly perform test restores to verify the integrity and availability of your backup data. This practice ensures that your backup system is functioning correctly and that your data can be restored successfully if needed.

5. Implement Versioning and Retention Policies: Enable versioning to store multiple versions of files, allowing you to recover from accidental deletions or modifications. Establish retention policies to determine how long backups are retained based on regulatory requirements and business needs.

6. Monitor and Track Backup Activity: Set up monitoring and reporting mechanisms to track backup activities, including successful backups, failures, and completion times. Regularly review logs and alerts to identify and address any issues promptly.

7. Maintain Off-Site Copies: While cloud backup provides off-site storage, it’s prudent to maintain additional copies of critical data in alternative physical locations or with a secondary backup provider. This redundancy mitigates the risk of data loss in case of a catastrophic event.

8. Regularly Update and Test Recovery Procedures: Backup alone is not enough; ensure your recovery processes are up to date and well-documented. Regularly test your recovery procedures to validate their effectiveness and identify any potential gaps or weaknesses.

9. Educate and Train Users: Promote data backup awareness and provide training to users about the importance of backing up their data. Encourage good data hygiene practices, such as saving files in designated backup folders, to ensure comprehensive data protection.

10. Review and Update Backup Strategy: Regularly evaluate and update your backup strategy to accommodate changing data requirements, business growth, and emerging technologies. Stay informed about advancements in cloud backup solutions to take advantage of new features and improvements.

 

Cloud backup offers a reliable and efficient way to protect your valuable data from various risks and ensure its availability in the face of unforeseen events. By understanding the benefits, challenges, and best practices associated with cloud backup, individuals and businesses can implement a robust backup strategy that safeguards their data and provides peace of mind.

Embracing cloud backup empowers you to focus on your core activities, knowing that your data is secure and can be restored whenever needed.