Coleman Technologies Blog

Coleman Technologies Blog

We can give your organization comprehensive IT services and 24/7/365 live support for a predictable monthly fee. Stop stressing about technology, and start focusing on growing your business.

How to Hire the Ideal IT Consultant for Your Business




How to Hire the Ideal IT Consultant for Your Business

Your business needs IT expertise, regardless of how much it is integrated into your operations. You need someone on staff who not only understands your technology, but someone who can help you make the most of it to get the leg up on competition. Today, we want to explore how you can hire the right IT professionals for your organization’s specific needs, including both hard and soft skills.

How to Find the Ideal IT Specialist

You want your business’ IT help to have the right combination of skills and expertise. Here are some of the types of knowledge you should expect from them:

Security

Your IT team will undoubtedly have to deal with security challenges, all of which require a certain amount of knowledge and expertise that any ideal candidate should have. It also helps if your candidate has the industry compliance knowledge so as to help you implement the appropriate solutions for compliance with best practices.

You need a security professional on your side to take the fight to the new and emerging threats developed every day. Make sure that you are only hiring the best candidates possible—the ones who have a proven track record of securing networks from threats.

Cloud Computing

The cloud is a vital part of most modern businesses today, and to be quite honest with you, if you’re not considering how it can improve your business, you’re leaving money on the table. The right IT professional can help you leverage the cloud for all kinds of tasks, like application deployment and data backup. Your IT people should have the skills necessary to help you manage your own in-house cloud, work with a provider, or a little bit of both as needed. There are also cloud certifications for IT professionals, so if you find a candidate who has these, keep them in mind for sure.

Network Maintenance and Design

Your network is the thing that keeps your business running, so it makes sense that any potential tech professional you bring on should have some experience working with them. Not only must it remain operational, but it must also remain secure. Your team needs professionals who have experience maintaining and building network infrastructures so that any adjustments you need to make over time can be accommodated.

Further Skills for IT Specialists

There are other soft skills that an IT specialist will need as well. Here are some of them:

Customer Service

Your IT team will be working with more than just your technology; they’ll also be helping your staff. This requires patience and empathy, both of which are crucial when working with seasoned professionals or newbie hires. Most important, however, is that they handle working with others in a professional and courteous manner.

Curiosity

With so many changes occurring on a daily basis, business IT professionals need a sense of curiosity to look into new solutions, explore potential problems, and discover innovative solutions to them. This type of curiosity and creative thought goes a long way, and you might be surprised to see how valuable an asset it can be for IT workers.

Flexibility

Furthermore, you want your IT staff to have the flexibility to take on new challenges and switch out priorities as needed to keep your organization at optimal efficiency. For example, they might have to switch from monitoring your infrastructure to reacting swiftly to resolve an issue. You never know what IT has in store for your business, so the professionals who work with it must be able to respond to the evolving demands of the job.

Managed Services Will Help Your Talent Woes

If you can’t find the best technician for the job, have no fear. This is exactly why managed services companies like Coleman Technologies exist. We make IT help accessible and efficient for small businesses. Learn more by calling us today at (604) 513-9428.

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Who Handles the IT at Your Company? Are They Doing These Critical Tasks?




Who Handles the IT at Your Company? Are They Doing These Critical Tasks?

Depending on the size and complexity of your organization, managing technology can easily become a full-time job. If you are only calling a technician when you are dealing with a computer issue, then you might be sitting on a ticking time bomb. Whether you have internal staff responsible for managing your IT, or you rely on a third-party, you’ll want to make sure the following tasks are getting done.

Windows and Server Updates

Microsoft pushes out security updates and product updates for its operating systems regularly. Traditionally, these updates come out on the second Tuesday of each month, but additional updates and patches may be released on a different schedule. On top of that, if you get behind on your updates, sometimes it can take longer to apply them all, or there may be conflicts that prevent you from being able to automatically run updates. These updates are critical, and you shouldn’t rely on your individual users to keep their own laptops or workstations updated.

Software Updates and Patches

While Microsoft has a pretty regular schedule for updates, the other software that drives your business might not. Your IT department will need to be aware of everything being used, and how to check for and apply updates, and in some cases, have a testing bed to run updates on so they don’t disrupt day-to-day business.

Antivirus Definition Updates

Virus definitions are updated on a very regular basis, and for your antivirus to fully protect you, it needs to have the latest definitions applied, and it needs to be kept updated as well. This is usually an automatic process, but the end user can sometimes delay it from happening. Having a centrally managed antivirus solution can help remedy this, but even still, someone needs to be monitoring it, and making sure scans are run regularly and that the utility is doing its job properly.

Daily Backup Checks

You wouldn’t believe how many IT “professionals” skip this. It’s absolutely critical. If your company’s backup device isn’t properly taking backups, it’s not doing you any good. If something were to happen that causes you to need your backup, it would be a nightmare to only discover then that you haven’t been running backups for several months.

It’s important to review backup logs and check for corruption and audit the entire backup regularly. If this isn’t getting done, you may as well assume you don’t have a backup in the first place.

At least once a week, the daily backup check should also involve a random restore to make sure the process is working and that files and directories are actually being backed up properly. Each month, this should be done even more thoroughly. 

Check Event Logs on Servers

This is another daily task that needs to be done, and can catch a lot of potential issues before they start affecting your staff and your bottom line. Server logs will often pick up on problems that are about to become bigger, so reviewing these daily will allow IT to make proactive adjustments and decisions to prevent downtime and solve issues before they escalate.

Check Disk Space Across All Mission Critical Devices

Done for both servers and active workstations, a full hard drive can bring your network to a stop and cause some pretty ugly issues depending on the device and how the drive is utilized. It’s a very quick check if your business has the right monitoring tools in place, and it can save you from a lot of hassle, especially in cases where you can’t simply free up storage and need to physically add more storage to a device.

Review Wi-Fi, Firewall, and VPN Access Logs

It’s important to know who or what is connecting to your network. Understanding network behavior and looking into traffic spikes and other unexpected events can often find problems before they get too big. Not only can this data be used to prevent network slowdown and other bottlenecking issues, but it can potentially detect fraudulent activity on the network and hopefully allow techs to stop it before it turns into something devastating.

Provide Technical Support For Your Staff

This isn’t an exhaustive list by any means, but on top of all of the critical IT tasks above, your IT department (or IT person/company/agency) needs to also be able to handle day-to-day support requests so your staff can continue to do their jobs without getting caught up with computer problems. 

These are just some of the regular tasks that our techs perform for all of the businesses who entrust us to manage their IT. There’s a huge difference between just having a computer person on call to fix issues as they arise, and having a company contracted to fully manage your IT. If you feel like your technology isn’t getting the TLC it deserves, give Coleman Technologies a call at (604) 513-9428 today.

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Can Outsourcing Be an Option for Your Business?


Financial Benefits 

Looking outside your own business to get work done can be intimidating. Can you trust outsourced talent? Will I lose control over my business? Is it really a value? These questions and many more are reasonable to ask, but if there is one sure thing about outsourcing is that there are clear financial benefits. 

The decreased cost of outsourcing is the most well-known feature of the strategy. Obviously, it is extraordinarily expensive to onboard new help, purchase the resources that new hire needs to do the job you need him/her to do, and expand your benefits package (if you offer one) to another person. When you outsource, you may still pay a comparable rate in pay, but you will get someone that has the specific skills you need them for, and you’ll likely save a lot of capital by eliminating the associated costs.

Operational Benefits 

Your organization may see some major operational benefits from choosing to outsource. They include:

Internal Focus

Outsourcing can present a business’ leadership the ability to be more aggressive with their resources. There is a lot to do at the average business, giving regular employees access to trained and reliable resources can free them up to focus on operational issues while speeding up business significantly. 

Access to Skills

Typically, outsourcers come onboard with very specific skills and no long-term employment contract. This gives the organization the flexibility to find the gig-worker that fits the immediate needs of the company rather than committing to one employee over large swaths of time. 

Minimized Risks

In the course of doing business, decision makers are confronted with variable risks. Outsourcing allows many of the risks to be disregarded, although it creates some others. Overall, however, outsourcing will often present a net-positive situation for any business. 

Coleman Technologies offers high-value outsourced IT services and support for British Columbia businesses. If you would like to learn more, call us today at (604) 513-9428.

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Why DIY IT is Costing Your Business More Than You Think




Why DIY IT is Costing Your Business More Than You Think

Running a business today without technology is pretty much impossible. Whether it’s email or messaging for communication or point-of-sale software for stores, every business depends on tech. Where there’s tech, there has to be someone to manage it.

If you own a small business, you might not have the budget for a full IT team. That means your employees might be left to figure things out on their own. Sounds like a money-saver, right? Not really. Most employees aren’t trained to handle IT issues, and if something goes wrong, it could cost more time and money than you expect.

For example, let’s say an employee tries to update their computer with the latest security patches but messes it up. Now their computer isn’t working, and they can’t do their job. You’re paying them for the day, but they’re just waiting around for someone to fix the problem. This wasted time is called downtime, and it’s a huge reason why IT maintenance should be handled by experts.

Even if you have an in-house IT team, they can easily get overwhelmed. If they spend all day dealing with basic tech issues instead of focusing on bigger tasks, it functions like not having an IT department at all.

That’s why many businesses choose to outsource their IT support. Working with a managed service provider like Coleman Technologies means you get professional IT help when you need it, without overloading your staff. Whether you have an IT department or not, outsourcing can save time, money, and headaches.

Want to learn more? Contact our consultants today at (604) 513-9428.

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3 Reasons an MSP's Approach is Best for IT Support




3 Reasons an MSP's Approach is Best for IT Support

Small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) face the challenge of managing complex IT systems with very limited resources. Enter managed service providers, or MSPs, the guardians of IT that can help your business stay ahead of the game. An MSP's approach to IT support delivery offers many benefits that traditional IT support and even an in-house team might struggle to match.

Let's delve into three compelling reasons why our innovative approach is best for your IT support needs, especially if you want to scale up and streamline operations.

Reason 1: Proactive Management and Problem Prevention

A Shift from Reactive to Proactive

Traditionally, IT support has been reactive. The idea was that if (or, to be honest, when) something broke, you could call support, and they would fix it—hopefully quickly. The trouble was that support rarely knew the issue until they got there and started working on it, inherently extending the time there was an issue.

However, if you could prevent many IT issues from happening in the first place, you'll be in a much better position to be productive. MSPs excel in shifting from this reactive model to a proactive one, which helps accomplish this goal and rapidly speeds up the remediation process for any that materialize.

Continuous Monitoring and Maintenance

We use sophisticated tools to continuously monitor your IT infrastructure, identifying potential issues before they become critical. This means less downtime and more productivity for your business. Maintenance is performed as needed to ensure that your systems are up-to-date and running well without your team needing to devote constant attention to them.

Predictive Insights

With the help of advanced analytics and practiced experience, MSPs can predict trends and identify risks in your IT environment. This foresight allows our team to make strategic decisions that align with your business objectives, keeping your IT aligned with your long-term goals.

Reason 2: Access to Expertise and Latest Technologies

An Expert Team at Your Disposal

When you partner with Coleman Technologies, you gain access to a team of IT experts well-versed in the latest technologies and industry best practices. This expertise is often cost-prohibitive for SMBs to develop and cultivate in-house, but it is included in the managed services package.

Leveraging Cutting-Edge Solutions

MSPs invest in the latest IT support tools and technologies to deliver top-notch services. This means you benefit from our advanced solutions like cloud computing, cybersecurity, and backup and disaster recovery without the hefty upfront investment.

Tailored IT Strategies

No two businesses are alike, and we understand this. We'll work closely with you to develop customized IT strategies that address your unique needs and challenges. Whether enhancing your cybersecurity posture or facilitating a seamless move to the cloud, our professional technicians tailor their approach to help you achieve your objectives.

Reason 3: Cost-Effectiveness and Scalability

Predictable IT Spending

With an MSP, IT support costs become predictable. You typically pay a flat monthly fee that covers a range of services, which means no more unexpected expenses when something goes wrong. This allows for better financial planning and control over your IT budget.

Scalability to Match Business Growth

As your business grows, so do your IT needs. We offer scalable services that can be adjusted as your company evolves. Whether expanding your workforce, adding new locations, or increasing your service offerings, our services can be adapted to support your growth and other business goals.

Focused on Your Core Business

By outsourcing IT support to us, you and your team can focus on what you do best—running your business. This strategic move can free up internal resources, allowing you to invest more time and energy into areas that drive revenue and growth.

Why Managed Services?

Hopefully, this has clarified how my team's innovative approach can benefit your IT support needs. Now, let's dive deeper into why managed services are becoming the preferred choice for the small and medium-sized businesses of British Columbia.

A Partnership for Success

Managed services are not just about outsourcing IT tasks but about forming a partnership. MSPs take the time to understand your business and become an extension of your team, working collaboratively towards your success.

Enhanced Security and Compliance

With cyberthreats on the rise, MSPs strongly emphasize security and compliance. They stay up-to-date with the latest security protocols and regulatory requirements to protect your data and systems.

Focus on Innovation

MSPs are in the technology business, so we always look for ways to improve our services and offer innovative solutions. This drive for innovation means your business benefits from the latest IT advancements without the need to constantly monitor tech trends.

The Best IT Support Services are Tailored to Your Needs

Choosing the best IT support services requires finding a provider that understands your business and needs. Here are some key considerations when selecting an MSP:

Comprehensive Service Offerings

Look for an MSP that provides a wide range of services, from helpdesk support to cybersecurity, cloud services, and beyond. This ensures that all your IT needs can be met under one roof.

Strong Track Record

When considering a potential managed service provider to work with, you'll want to look at their overall longevity and what impression of their services has developed during that time. What do their current and past clients say about their services? A reputable MSP will have a history of delivering quality support and building long-term client relationships.

Alignment with Business Goals

Ensure the MSP is willing to align its services with your business goals. They should be proactive in suggesting improvements and willing to adjust their offerings as your business evolves. We're proud to call this one of our priorities.

Contact Us to Learn More About What We Can Do

Managed service providers offer an innovative, proactive, and cost-effective approach to IT support. By leveraging our expertise, technology, and scalability, you can enhance your IT infrastructure, reduce risks, and focus on growing your business.

If you're considering switching to managed services, remember to choose the provider that aligns with your goals and offers the comprehensive, tailored support that your business deserves. With us by your side, you can confidently navigate the complexities of IT and ensure your technology supports your business' success. Reach out to our team at (604) 513-9428 to learn more today.

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There’s Value in Outsourcing Your IT, Part III


What is Consulting?

Like we’ve established, it isn’t uncommon for people to recruit an expert or a professional with the capability to assist them with a task that the person cannot do. There are many reasons that people do so: they may not have the skill to safely work on whatever process is required of them, they may lack the technical know-how to complete it. Sometimes, it is simply to ensure that something is done the right way.

Whatever the reason may be, bringing in an expert (often referred to as a consultant), is a great way to help reinforce your chances of a positive outcome.

What You Should Expect When Working with Consultants

First and foremost, the consultants you work with need to have a better grasp on their area of expertise than you do, and should be motivated to give you the value that you are looking for in a provider. Coleman Technologies qualifies as a consultant for managed services, working with businesses to ensure their information technology solutions are optimized.

As such, we are committed to using the experience and expertise that we have built up to deliver the solutions and services that our clients need to be successful. After all, the success of a managed service provider is dependent on the success of its clients, providing the motivation to deliver services that deliver the positive outcomes these businesses are looking for.

There are a variety of services we offer to help accomplish this shared goal through our consultation. If the technology you use could stand to see an upgrade, following through with us allows the decision makers we work with to take the data on their past and present IT strategies. As a result, we can make the best decisions for them that will help to cement their business’ future.

Here are some of the consulting services that we offer:

Virtual CIO

One of the biggest concerns that businesses come to us with regarding their technology is (predictably) the cost associated with their IT implementations. There are a few reasons that that they’ll do so… some are looking to upgrade, others will want to scale their technology to match their business’ growth without outpacing their budget. Whatever the reason, there is one fundamental motivation why they do so:

In essence, these companies want to make sure that their investment will provide them with the value they require (or really, demand) of it.

Working with you as your Virtual CIO, we can oversee your complete IT strategy. Our seasoned professionals will evaluate your current technology, identify which products and services will serve your needs best without breaking the bank, and work with you to strategize your approach to your IT from top to bottom. As a result, you aren’t saddled with the responsibilities to research and come to decisions - duties that you probably have neither the time nor the practical experience to take on.

Business Process Management

One of the major benefits of any business technology is the positive effect it has on efficiency. When working to streamline your processes, your in-house resources may not have the perspective to see the big picture and come up with an efficient and effective plan. An outside resource, like a managed service provider, has that needed perspective. Pair that with the experience they have in optimizing business resources, and you have a winning combination.

By working with a partner who is committed to equipping you with the processes and tools from start to finish, you can shift your productivity/waste ratio in the right direction - and the better your productivity, the higher your revenue.

Vendor Management

How much time has your business sunk, in total, into working with your vendors? How much has that cost the business? You need to keep in mind that vendors are - in most cases - effectively salesmen. Not to say this is a bad thing, but it does mean that the majority of vendors will prioritize making a sale over ensuring you get what will serve you best. However, with Coleman Technologies, you will no longer need to deal with vendors … we’ll do it for you. Anything you need, you’ll be able to call us and get it, simplifying and streamlining your procurement.

Find Out How Else We Can Help

By working with a managed service provider, a company has a simpler means of handling their crucial technology. Whenever they need a problem solved, they simply lean on their provider to see to what’s needed… whether that’s support, resource management, or a representative to speak to vendors. Coleman Technologies can be that for your business.

To learn more about our consulting services, reach out to us at (604) 513-9428 - and don’t forget to check back here on Wednesday for part four of this series!

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There’s Value in Outsourcing Your IT, Part II


MSP Support

The Managed Service Provider (MSP) provide an experience unlike traditional service providers’ methodology. Let’s take a look at two scenarios:

Tom is emailing his boss in regard to a company project when all of a sudden his software closes. Tom tries to re-open his email, resulting in well, no result. Tom, frustrated at his email software, spam clicks the application which causes his entire computer to freeze. He has to ask his neighbor to contact their IT department for him. Unfortunately, they are out for lunch which results in a massive amount of downtime for not only Tom but for the business itself. 

Jerry, who works for a business on the other side of town, is working on a project when he too is experiencing technical difficulties. Jerry has been working on a new business logo in his graphic design software. While opening his file, he is prompted with a message informing him that his software license is not valid. Jerry wastes no time in creating a ticket with his managed service provider. Within minutes, a technician remotes into Jerry’s computer, reconciling the issue at hand. Jerry is up and working in a timely manner. 

Time is money, so why not save yourself time with managed services

Onsite Support Services

Managed service providers leverage remote support simply because of how efficient it is. It doesn’t make sense for a technician to come all the way out to your business to resolve an issue that could have been resolved at their own office. However, when a situation occurs where a technician is actually required to be present, managed service providers have trained staff ready to be dispatched. 

When something goes wrong, IT support needs to be present. It isn’t cost effective to have IT support present when your infrastructure is operating as it should.

Keep Business Moving Forward

Time is a business’ most scarce resource, so why waste any of it? Every moment is valuable, so you can’t afford to sit idle waiting for IT to return back from lunch or wait for them to have a free moment. To ensure you get the most out of every second, Coleman Technologies offers managed services which can greatly benefit your business.

This is far from the end when discussing the benefits of managed services. Return back to our blog page to read part three of this series. If you would like to discuss additional support options offered with managed IT services, give us a call at (604) 513-9428.

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Understanding Managed Services Makes the Benefits Clear


Understanding Why Managed Services Work

It may help to look at managed services a lot like how you’d look at any other outsourced services provider external to your business, fulfills some business needs you to have. However, this service goes a little more in-depth than many you may be more familiar with. An MSP (or managed services provider) will supplement your existing technology management, reducing the responsibilities you have to maintain them (oh, and the costs of doing so as well).



While this might not sound like much at first, it can greatly cut down on the time and resources that any one of your given tasks can require. Let’s assume that your IT technicians spend about 45 minutes each day on maintaining your servers, and again, that’s maintenance. An issue could make this process take much longer.



So, each week your techs are spending three hours and forty-five minutes on mere maintenance. What else could be accomplished during the time dedicated to this maintenance? Now, think about how that time increases every time an issue is discovered, and all the time that is spent resolving these issues after the fact.



It all adds up pretty quickly.

However, adopting managed services can help relieve your in-house staff of these responsibilities. This could allow them to devote more time to improving your business’ technology, or supporting your other internal staff, or any other goal that would benefit your operations more than playing Whack-a-Mole with IT issues ever would. Can you confidently say they have the time to accomplish all this now?

What If You Don’t Have Internal IT Resources on Staff?

If you don’t have internal IT resources, outsourcing your IT needs to a managed services provider has even greater benefits. Take, for example, the reduced financial obligation. While there are many benefits to maintaining a small business, the typically limited size of the budget isn’t one of them. These limitations may mean that you have fewer qualified in-house IT technicians, meaning that some of the IT maintenance and support falls to your other employees -- likely IT novices. This is just too risky to enact, as improperly configured or maintained solutions could (and likely will) contribute to major issues with downtime.



Managed services help to make your solutions more predictable, without the need to manage and maintain them internally. To find out more things that Coleman Technologies can do as an MSP, give us a call at (604) 513-9428.


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The Right IT Company Can Take Your Business to the Next Level




The Right IT Company Can Take Your Business to the Next Level

With technology being so important for all businesses in at least some capacity, it’s no small wonder that effectively using it (and having someone on-hand to manage it all) is tremendously valuable for any company. This is where a managed service provider (MSP) can be helpful, even for businesses that have a dedicated IT department. All small businesses benefit from working with an MSP.

Operational Benefits Aplenty

An MSP can help your business achieve greater operational efficiency in the following ways.

Proactive Maintenance Leads to Fewer IT Issues

Stopping problems from occurring in the first place is much easier than responding to them when they disrupt operations. An MSP will monitor your network to ensure that any telltale signs of problems are addressed quickly and efficiently. This will minimize downtime and keep your business profitable.

Indeed, the best way to see an MSP’s true value is to look at what you don’t see: technology problems. If they are doing their job right, it will be like they aren’t even there.

Guidance on Technology Implementation

You started your business to provide a good or service that you are an expert in to your clientele, but if that good or service doesn’t include technology, it’s easy to feel like you don’t have the expertise to succeed in this realm of your business.

MSPs can help you overcome this deficit by providing an expert technology specialist for your organization’s needs. They can optimize your technology, work with your vendors, and manage technology over time to ensure that it’s working for your business, not against your operations.

Focus on the Here and Now, But Also the Future

If you want your business to succeed in the future, you need to start planning for it now. An MSP can help you identify what’s working well now and what might pose a challenge for your business in the future. Additionally, they can help your business stay on top of trends and developing technology solutions that will prove crucial moving forward.

How to Choose Your MSP

We think you’ll find our services helpful, but we want you to come to that conclusion yourself. Here are some aspects of an MSP to consider for your company’s needs:

  • A dedication to security: You don’t have time to spend on securing your business and ensuring that all regulatory compliance requirements are met. An MSP can keep your business safe while ensuring adherence with industry regulations so your business can focus on profitability.
  • Offers educational resources: Security extends to your employees who need refreshers every now and then on how to keep the business safe. A good MSP will invest time and resources into ensuring your team knows how to navigate the often-confusing world of technology.
  • They might as well join your team: You might expect an in-house IT team to know your infrastructure inside and out, and an MSP can deliver on this expectation without actually being on your payroll in the traditional sense. A good MSP will be invested in your business’ success considering important factors like your budget and priorities when thinking about technology-related issues for your company.

Ready to get started with an MSP? We know the best in town (hint—it’s us!). Call us today at (604) 513-9428 to get started.

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There’s Value in Outsourcing Your IT, Part I


A Proactive Approach 

Which scenario which would you prefer to be in:

You take your car to a shop for a tune up. A technician calls to inform you that your engine has hardly any oil in it due to a leak. However, he replaces a gasket and tops your oil off. The simple fix has cost just $80. 

OR

You notice your car is leaving dark black stains in your driveway, but after a quick google search determine that your car is probably fine, and the money you could be spending on a tune up could be better spent on an iPhone. Once all the oil is gone, your motor has completely seized due to the lack of lubrication, and you have to use your brand new iPhone to call a repair shop. The new motor will set you back $3,000. 

Your answer to the question should be obvious, but how can you take the same proactive approach with IT? The strategy most businesses choose is one that has proven its worth -- managed IT services

What are Managed IT Services? 

Managed IT services monitor systems through the use of remote monitoring. This strategy is extremely beneficial as an IT staff does not need to be on-site at all times. By using state-of-the-art tools, managed IT providers are able to monitor your business' network and hardware, ensuring they are operating correctly. If it is not working correctly, a technician is typically able to resolve the issue remotely. This, of course, means you might not even be aware of a potential issue--and most of the time--it will be resolved before you know it. 

Having a fix-it-when-it-breaks attitude has no place in any business. The value that managed IT services delivers cannot be matched. The only comparable proactive solution is having an on-site IT staff working around the clock. How much do you think that would cost you?

Imagine paying staff to sit around waiting for something to break. Now imagine paying the non-IT staff to sit around, while your IT staff tries to resolve the issue. The biggest cost a business faces with malfunctioning hardware is typically the downtime that results from it. 

Avoid Expensive Downtime

Coleman Technologies provides simple yet effective means which act before little issues turn into operational catastrophes. One solution we offer is a comprehensive patch management service. Not updating software leaves your business susceptible to data breaches. A data breach could put not only all of your data at risk, it could jeopardize your entire business. 

To learn how easily you can adopt proactive measures into your business, give us a call at (604) 513-9428. Be sure to check for part two of this series on Friday.

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Clearing Up a Few Common MSP Misunderstandings


Breaking Down Managed Service Providers (Also Known As MSPs)
First, our title throws a lot of people. What are managed services, and why do you need a provider at all?

In a lot of ways, we’re just like the internal IT team that you may or may not have. We look over and manage your technology solutions as a part of the service we provide.

Again, just a part.

Yes, part of our role is that of a remote monitoring service, but we can provide much more than that. We can advise you on your technology solutions, assist you in procuring and maintaining them, help you implement technologies like cloud computing, help keep your data secure and your solutions compliant to industry requirements, and a lot more than just that.

We Won’t Replace In-House Staff (Or Vice Versa)
When they learn the extent of what we do, many business owners (and eventually, their staff) may start to wonder if they can outsource all of their IT responsibilities to us, essentially eliminating the need for an internal IT resource. While we appreciate the confidence, we wouldn’t recommend that, unless you don’t currently have an IT resource.

The truth is, we work as well in tandem with an organization’s IT staff as we do as a standalone management solution.

Most internal teams or resources face the same problem: an overwhelming workload. Between day-to-day problem mitigation, managing your current technology, and planning for your business’ future strategy, there isn’t enough time for them to do everything that they have to… and that’s where we come in. Our job is to pick up the slack, wherever it may be, so that all responsibilities are attended to.

However, if you don’t currently have an in-house resource and have been entirely relying on the services of break/fix by-the-incident providers, we can replace those, adding much more value than you could expect otherwise.

We Can Handle Most Anything You Throw At Us
Finally, you might be hesitant to reach out to us because you’re anticipating that your particular industry has needs that we just couldn’t keep up with. Compliances and minutely specialized solutions may be a key factor to your success, and you don’t want to risk it all on the expertise of an outside source.

We have one thing to say to that:

Try us.

It is our job to assist businesses with their solutions. This means that, as these solutions evolve and develop, we have to continually educate ourselves. How does this problem need to be handled? Is there a better option that we should learn more about?

As a result, we’re pretty up-to-date on most things IT.

To discuss your particular needs further, reach out to us at (604) 513-9428, or read some of our other blogs to learn more about how we can help you.

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About Coleman Technologies

Coleman Technologies has been serving the British Columbia area since 1999, providing IT Support such as technical helpdesk support, computer support and consulting to small and medium-sized businesses. Our experience has allowed us to build and develop the infrastructure needed to keep our prices affordable and our clients up and running.

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Understanding IT

Get the Knowledge You Need to Make IT Decisions

Technology is constantly evolving, and keeping up can feel overwhelming. Whether you want to understand cybersecurity threats, explore automation, or learn how regulations like PCI DSS impact your business, we’ve made it easy to access clear, straightforward insights on key IT topics.

Insights to Understanding IT

Contact Us

20178 96 Ave C400
Langley, British Columbia V1M 0B2

Mon to Fri 7:00am–5:00pm

[email protected]

(604) 513-9428

Coleman Technologies Awards & Memberships

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