What is a Managed Service Provider

Written by bsiemon on . Posted in Backup Services, Featured, Network Administration, Security. Leave a Comment

MSP

Published on

Bryan Siemon

Bryan Siemon

What is a Managed Service Provider (MSP)? A managed service provider (MSP) is a company that provides a range of IT services to a business on a contract basis. These services may include everything from setting up and maintaining computer systems to providing technical support and managing cybersecurity.

Businesses today operate in a complex and constantly evolving technological landscape. As businesses continue to rely heavily on technology to operate and grow, having a Managed Service Provider (MSP) is becoming increasingly important.

An MSP allows a business to focus on its core competencies and leave its technology management to experts.

Having an MSP on board can provide several benefits for businesses. An MSP allows a business to focus on its core competencies and leave its technology management to experts. With a hired MSP like SoHo Network Solutions, we are a company that provides a range of IT services, including monitoring, maintenance, and support for a business’s IT infrastructure. This allows your businesses to access the latest technology and our expertise without hiring, training, and managing an in-house IT team.

There are several reasons why a business should hire SoHo Network Solutions as its MSP:

  1. Cost savings: By outsourcing IT services to an MSP, a business can save money on the costs associated with hiring and training in-house IT staff. MSPs also typically have economies of scale, which allows them to provide services at a lower cost than what a business could do on its own.
  2. Expertise: MSPs specialize in providing IT services, so they have a high level of expertise in this area. This can be especially beneficial for businesses that don’t have the resources or knowledge to effectively manage their own IT systems.
  3. Proactive maintenance: MSPs often provide proactive maintenance services, which means they can identify and fix potential issues before they become major problems. This can help reduce downtime and keep a business running smoothly.
  4. Scalability: MSPs can help businesses scale their IT infrastructure as needed, whether that means adding new systems or upgrading existing ones. This can be especially useful for businesses that are growing rapidly and need to be able to adapt to changing needs.
  5. Security: Cybersecurity is a major concern for businesses, and MSPs can help protect against threats by providing a range of security services such as firewall management, virus protection, and data backup and recovery.

Additionally, an MSP can provide expert guidance and support to a business when it comes to making important IT decisions. This can include everything from selecting and implementing new technology solutions to planning for future IT needs and requirements.

Many businesses and organizations that do not have a full-time Network Administrator or IT person usually run on a “break-n-fix” model.

Many businesses and organizations that do not have a full-time Network Administrator or IT person usually run on a “break-n-fix” model. With “break-n-fix,” it can actually be more costly as you are not just paying for the technician’s hourly rate but any downtime it may create and employee inefficiencies. Hiring an MSP can help save you from this model and get your computer and data centers managed and monitored.

Furthermore, we emphasize data backup and disaster recovery services to ensure that a business can continue to operate even in the event of a major disruption or disaster. This includes full-image backup and recovery solutions, to help ensure business continuity planning and support.

In today’s technology-driven world, having an MSP is essential for businesses of all sizes. Not only can an MSP help save time and money, but it can also provide expert guidance and support, improved security, and disaster recovery services. By partnering with an MSP, a business can focus on its core competencies and goals, knowing that its IT infrastructure and systems are in good hands. SoHo Network Solutions provides the services that your business needs to stay competitive and succeed in an increasingly complex technological landscape.

More Articles

We Are A Full Service IT Company

We offer MSP services which include 24/7 system monitoring, patch management and remote support. Contact us today to learn more or help getting started.

Continue reading

Rom Heater

Do Not Plug Your Space Heater Into This

Written by bsiemon on . Posted in Featured, FYI. Leave a Comment

Space Heater

Published on

Bryan Siemon

Bryan Siemon

Using a space heater can be a great way to keep warm during the colder months, but it’s important to use them safely. One potential hazard to watch out for is using a space heater with an extension cord. While it may seem like a convenient solution, there are several dangers associated with this practice.

Plugging a space heater into an extension cord may seem like an easy way to extend the reach of the heater, but it can be dangerous. First and foremost, extension cords are not designed to handle the amount of power that a space heater requires. This can cause the cord to become overloaded, which can lead to fires and other safety hazards. In addition, the added length of the extension cord can cause a drop in voltage, which can result in the space heater not functioning properly and potentially posing a fire risk.

Space heaters can get hot, and when they are plugged into an extension cord, the cord is often stretched across the floor. This can create a tripping hazard, especially for young children and pets. Having the extension cord stretched across the floor can also cause the cord to become frayed and damaged over time creating another hazard and leading to the cord breaking and losing power.

Furthermore, using a space heater with an extension cord can also void the manufacturer’s warranty. Most manufacturers specifically state that their space heaters should not be used with an extension cord, and using one can void the warranty, leaving you without any recourse if the heater fails or causes damage.

If you must use an extension cord with a space heater, make sure to choose a heavy-duty extension cord that is rated for the wattage of your space heater. Never use a frayed or damaged extension cord, and never run the cord under rugs or carpets where it can be damaged.

It’s also a good idea to unplug your space heater when you are not using it and to keep it away from flammable materials such as curtains and furniture. Following these safety tips can help prevent accidents and keep your home warm and safe.

In conclusion, avoiding using a space heater with an extension cord is best. Instead, make sure to plug the space heater directly into a wall outlet, and to turn off the heater when you are not using it.

More Articles

We Are A Full Service IT Company

We can help setup MFA in your organization. Contact us today to learn more or help getting started.

Continue reading

Full Image Backup

Full Image Backup Versus Data Backup

Written by bsiemon on . Posted in Backup Services, Featured. Leave a Comment

Full Image
Backup

Published on

Bryan Siemon

Bryan Siemon

Back-up and data recovery are crucial for the smooth operation of computers and servers. Full image back-ups provide a comprehensive solution for preserving data and ensuring that it can be easily restored in the event of a disaster or system failure.

Backing up your computer or server is an important part of maintaining the health and integrity of your system. A full image backup offers a number of benefits over other types of backups. Here are just a few reasons why you should consider using a full image backup for your computer or server.

A full image backup provides a complete and exact replica of your entire system, including the operating system, all installed programs, and all of your data files.

First and foremost, a full image backup provides a complete and exact replica of your entire system, including the operating system, all installed programs, and all of your data files. This means that, in the event of a catastrophic failure, you can restore your system to exactly the same state it was in at the time the backup was made. This can save you a significant amount of time and effort, as you won’t have to worry about reinstalling the operating system and all of your programs and data files individually.

Nobody wants disaster to strike but in our time in the business, it has happened more than most business owners realize. In the event of a disaster, the system can be quickly and easily restored to its pre-disaster state without the need to individually reinstall applications and reconfigure settings.

Full image back-up also provides the ability to restore individual files or folders without restoring the entire system. This can be useful in situations where only a small amount of data has been lost or corrupted, allowing users to quickly access the specific files they need without having to go through the time-consuming process of restoring the entire system.

Restore To New Hardware

Another benefit of a full image backup is that it allows you to restore your system to different hardware. For example, if your computer or server has failed and needs to be replaced, you can use the full image backup to restore your system to the new hardware without having to go through the process of reinstalling the operating system and all of your programs and data files. This can save you even more time and effort, as well as reducing the risk of losing any important data.

Full image back-up is also typically faster and more efficient than other types of back-up, as it involves copying the entire system at once rather than backing up individual files or folders. This can save time and reduce the load on the system, allowing it to continue operating normally during the back-up process.

Overall, a full image backup provides several important benefits for your computer or server.

In addition to these benefits, a full image backup also allows you to roll back your system to a previous state. This can be useful if you’ve made changes to your system that you later regret, or if you’ve installed a program or update that causes problems on your system. With a full image backup, you can easily restore your system to a previous state, undoing any changes and getting your system back to a known-good configuration.

Overall, a full image backup provides several important benefits for your computer or server. It allows you to restore your system to exactly the same state it was in at the time the backup was made, restore your system to different hardware, and roll back your system to a previous state. By using a full image backup, you can protect your system against catastrophic failure and other problems, ensuring that your system is always available and running smoothly.

SoHo Network Solutions offers full image backup to both home and business clients. Our price is affordable while the service is reliable. Click the button below to purchase our full image backup for your computers and servers today.

More Articles

We Are A Full Service IT Company

We can help setup MFA in your organization. Contact us today to learn more or help getting started.

Continue reading

Security Verification

You Really Should Use Multifactor Authentication

Written by bsiemon on . Posted in Featured, Tips n Tricks. Leave a Comment

MFA or 2FA

Published on

Bryan Siemon

Bryan Siemon

Multifactor authentication (MFA), also known as two-factor authentication (2FA), is becoming increasingly necessary in today’s digital world.

Multifactor authentication, or two-factor or two-step authentication, is a security process in which a user is required to provide more than one piece of evidence (or “factor”) to verify their identity. This is in contrast to traditional authentication methods, which typically only require a single factor (such as a password) to verify a user’s identity.

While it seems like an extra step or unnessecary burden, it can also make it easier for users to access their accounts, as they no longer need to remember complex passwords.

With the rise of cyber attacks and data breaches, it is crucial for individuals and businesses to protect their sensitive information. Traditional passwords are no longer sufficient in protecting accounts, as they can easily be hacked or guessed. Hackers can easily obtain passwords through phishing scams, brute-force attacks, or other methods, leaving users’ accounts vulnerable to unauthorized access.

Make it difficult for your information to be hacked or guessed

By requiring multiple forms of identification, it becomes much more difficult for hackers to gain access to an account. Even if they manage to obtain one form of identification, they still need to overcome the other factors in order to gain access.

Multifactor authentication adds an extra layer of security by requiring users to provide multiple forms of identification. This can include a combination of something the user knows (such as a password or PIN), something the user has (such as a security token or mobile phone), and something the user is (such as biometric data like a fingerprint or facial recognition).

With the increased security provided by multifactor authentication, it also offers other benefits. For example, it can help to prevent unauthorized access to accounts if a user’s password is compromised. It can also make it easier for users to access their accounts, as they no longer need to remember complex passwords.

In addition to protecting individual accounts, multifactor authentication also protects businesses from cyber attacks and data breaches. These attacks can have severe financial and reputational consequences for a company, so implementing multifactor authentication can greatly reduce the risk.

Not only is multifactor authentication more secure, but it is also becoming a standard requirement for many online services and applications.

Another important benefit of multifactor authentication is that it can help to comply with regulatory requirements. Many industries, such as finance and healthcare, have strict rules around authentication and access control. Many banks, social media platforms, and even government agencies now require multifactor authentication for their users.

By using multifactor authentication, organizations can ensure that they are meeting these requirements and protecting the sensitive information in their systems.

Not only is multifactor authentication more secure, but it is also becoming a standard requirement for many online services and applications.

In conclusion, the need for multifactor authentication is clear. It provides an extra layer of security for both individuals and businesses and is quickly becoming a standard requirement for many online services. Protecting sensitive information is crucial, and implementing multifactor authentication is a necessary step towards achieving this.

More Articles

We Are A Full Service IT Company

We can help setup MFA in your organization. Contact us today to learn more or help getting started.

Continue reading

Microsoft Laptop

Why Switch To Microsoft 365

Written by bsiemon on . Posted in Featured, Main Article, Microsoft. Leave a Comment

Office 365

Published on

Bryan Siemon

Bryan Siemon

Now might be the time to migrate to Microsoft 365. What was once called Office 365 is now called Microsoft 365 and is a suite of productivity and collaboration tools developed for businesses of all sizes. It includes a range of applications, including Exchange Online for email, SharePoint Online for collaboration and document management, and Teams for Business for online meetings and video conferencing.

While making the move to Office 365 might seem like a big task. Soho Network Solutions makes the process go smooth.

Microsoft 365 is a subscription-based online suite of productivity. It includes a range of applications, services, and tools for businesses of all sizes, from small startups to large enterprises. The biggest benefit is that it can help increase productivity and collaboration both in the office and with clients. Here are some other key benefits of using Microsoft 365 for your business:

The Key Benefits

  1. Accessibility: One of the biggest advantages of Microsoft 365 is its accessibility. With 365, you can access your documents, emails, and other tools from any device, at any time, from anywhere in the world. This means you and your team can stay connected and productive, even when you’re on the go.
  2. Collaboration: Office 365 makes it easy for teams to collaborate on projects, share files, and work together in real time. With features like shared calendars, instant messaging, and video conferencing, you can easily communicate and collaborate with your team, no matter where they are located.
  3. Security: Microsoft 365 is designed with security in mind. It includes robust security features like data encryption, multi-factor authentication, and advanced threat protection to help keep your data safe and secure.
  4. Reliability: Microsoft 365 is a cloud-based service, which means it’s highly reliable. Your data is stored in secure, redundant data centers, so you can be confident that it’s always available and accessible when you need it.
  5. Scalability: Microsoft 365 is scalable, which means it can easily grow with your business. As your company expands, you can add more users, applications, and tools to your subscription, without the need for expensive hardware or IT support.
  6. Cost-effective: Microsoft 365 is a cost-effective solution for businesses. With a subscription-based pricing model, you only pay for what you need, and you can easily add or remove users and applications as your business needs change. This can help save your business money, compared to purchasing individual software licenses for each user.

Overall, Microsoft 365 is a powerful, flexible, and cost-effective solution for businesses of all sizes. With its accessibility, collaboration, security, reliability, scalability, and cost-effectiveness, 365 can help your business stay competitive and thrive in today’s fast-paced business world.

To learn more about Microsoft 365 and your business specifically, contact Soho Network Solutions today and talk to a professional. Soho Network Solutions is a small business designed to help small and medium sized businesses with their IT and Network Administration needs. We provide IT consulting and more.

More Articles

We Are A Full Service IT Company

We can help setup MFA in your organization. Contact us today to learn more or help getting started.

Continue reading

Antivirus

Free vs Paid Antivirus

Written by bsiemon on . Posted in Featured, Security. Leave a Comment

Professional Grade
Antivirus

Published on

Bryan Siemon

Bryan Siemon

Making the right choice

Anti-virus software is an essential tool for protecting your computer and personal information from malicious threats such as viruses, malware, and ransomware. While there are many free anti-virus programs available, paid software offers a number of additional benefits that make it worth the investment.

One of the biggest advantages of paid anti-virus software is the level of protection it provides. Paid software is typically more comprehensive than free versions, with a wider range of features and more frequent updates. This means that paid software is able to detect and block a wider range of threats, providing a higher level of security for your computer. This can include advanced features such as real-time protection, automatic updates, and the ability to scan for potential threats on external devices such as USB drives.

With free software, you may be limited in the amount of help you can receive if you encounter a problem or have a question.

Another benefit of paid anti-virus software is the level of support it offers. With free software, you may be limited in the amount of help you can receive if you encounter a problem or have a question. Paid software, on the other hand, typically comes with access to customer support and technical assistance, so you can get the help you need if you run into any issues.

Paid anti-virus software also often includes additional features and tools that can help to protect your computer and your personal information. For example, many paid programs include features like firewall protection, parental controls, and password managers, which can help to keep your computer and your personal data safe.

Investing in paid antivirus software can save you money in the long run. While a free version may seem like a good deal initially, the lack of comprehensive protection and support can end up costing you more in the form of lost or stolen data and potential repair costs.

In addition to providing more comprehensive protection and support, paid anti-virus software can also be more convenient to use. Paid software often includes automatic updates and scheduling options, so you can set it to run scans and updates at regular intervals without having to remember to do so manually. This can save you time and hassle and ensure that your computer stays protected even when you’re busy.

Free vs Paid

Free vs Paid? It is simple. Anti-virus software is an essential tool for protecting your computer and personal information from malicious threats such as viruses, malware, and ransomware. Paid software gives you comprehensive protection, additional security features, and better customer support. This can help protect your personal information and prevent potential issues from arising.

Overall, while free anti-virus software can provide some level of protection for your computer, paid software offers several additional benefits that make it worth the investment. Paid anti-virus software is an essential tool for keeping your computer and your personal information safe from online threats.

Paid software gives you comprehensive protection, additional security features, and better customer support.

SoHo Network Solutions offers the best in anti-virus protection for both home and business use. The importance of protection for your computers, servers and sensitive information are becoming more necessary in this digital world full of hackers and scammers. With over fifteen years of experience with Antivirus programs, we make sure we have only the best for our customers. Click on the button below to purchase Antivirus software today.

Purchase

More Articles

We Are A Full Service IT Company

We can help setup MFA in your organization. Contact us today to learn more or help getting started.

Continue reading

SoHo Network Solutions, LLC
We are a small business located in Central Pennsylvania. We offer both local and national services. SoHo has over 20 years experience in the IT business. Let our business help your business.

Contact Us

  • Phone:
    717.831.8128
  • Email:
    hello@sohonetworksolutions.com

About

Follow Us

Services

© Soho Network Solutions, LLC. All rights reserved.