Run Sam! Ruuuun!

6 Feb, 2019, No comments

Hey friends! This past Saturday, Sam had a great time running in the Surfside Beach Marathon. Sam has been training for the whole year prior to this.

He and Denise got there the say before to camp on the beach. The water was so high they wondered if they would find a spot! At 2am they got up and had some eggs and by 5am they were at the beach. Sam said this was the early bird time for the older group.

It was so windy and cold they wondered if there would be a good showing, but soon everyone was there and off they went. Sam says he actually loved the weather. The first hour and a half was dark but eventually the runners enjoyed a beautiful sunrise over the beach. Sam said his technique has improved a lot and he did a much better job of staying hydrated this time.

The total run was 26.2 miles and Sam came in at 6 hours, 49 minutes, 33 seconds. He reports meeting a lot of really nice people and had a great time.

We're all proud of Sam - Congrats to him and all the runners!

Tips for Organizing Your Business Finances

22 Jan, 2019, No comments

Entrepreneur magazine recently published a good article on organizing finances for small businesses you might be interested in. Here is the link to the article. Let us know if you have any tech-related questions to help you with these!

Article link: Organize Your Small-Business Finances

New Year Special - $500 off Business Server

8 Jan, 2019, No comments

Many businesses lack the performance and security of a server. Those that have servers over five years old may be in danger of critical failures, lacking features, and security holes. Take advantage of this time-limited offer of $500 off your new server, as a part of a DSTech service plan today. You can begin with a no-obligation, no-risk, free consultation on your business' technical needs. Simply contact us to schedule your assessment.
(expires March 31, 2019)

Having Recent Email Probs?

26 Dec, 2018, No comments

A few of our businesses have had us out recently because they weren't able to access their email. These issues were related to the fact that Google and Comcast have both recently changed some of their security protocol settings. These changes have affected third party email applications. These are systems like Outlook or Thunderbird, as opposed to using the online web browser for your email access.

If you are using one of these email applications, you may need to be sure your server settings and authentications have been adjusted to account for these protocol changes of Comcast and Google.

Regardless of your issue, let us know if you have any questions or need help.

Keep Your Firewall Contracts Updated!

19 Dec, 2018, No comments

This month we ran into a few business clients with this problem...

Almost a million new forms of malware come out every day! Even merely visiting the wrong website can lead to an infection. Your Firewall is designed to keep these out - BUT, your firewall is only as good as its upkeep.

That means ongoing support of a firewall. Someone must be tracking your service contracts, whether updates are happening, and so on. If you simply install the firewall and then go about your business, you may find yourself the victim of a disaster that could seriously damage your business.

Service & Support packages need to be renewed annually (or sometimes other time periods). "Support" means you get regular updates to your firewall to account for all the new threats coming out. It also means your IT provider can contact the manufacturer with questions and this can be immensely helpful in resolving issues, which mean less time your system is down (which means less lost revenue). "Service" includes virus, malware, phishing, and spam protection updates. There are also sometimes improvements to your system's intelligence and filtering methods.

So this is why keeping your firewall's service & support contracts updated and managed properly is incredibly important.

If you're not sure your business is being looked after or that you might be at risk, contact us for a free consultation.

Time-Sensitive for Business Owners

13 Dec, 2018, No comments

The timing of your expenses as we approach year's end can mean a lot to your tax bill. If you've been meaning to upgrade and improve your business operations and technology, this is a great time to think about how you can save money on your business taxes.

Many businesses can minimize business taxes by timing their expenses for the best tax deductions at year's end.

The current tax laws, your company's accounting methods, and other factors will affect this - so be sure to consult a tax professional. They will need to consider all of your particulars so no mistakes are made.

If you find that the timing of your expenses will save you in taxes, contact us asap so we can discuss our managed services and your computer needs. Our managed services plans already save businesses considerable expense, but planned and timed properly, can save you additionally in taxes.

Also note! We also provide equipment leasing - you can replace some or all of your network and workstations for one easy payment. Never buy another computer!

For more information on timing business expenses and taxes, see this article at TheBalanceSMB.com.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

6 Dec, 2018, No comments

Denise, Sam, Daniel, Devin, and the whole team at DSTech Solutions would like to take this time to wish you and all of our clients a Merry Christmas, happy holidays, and a Happy New Year! We are looking forward to 2019 being a great year for our business and for your business too, because we look at your success as ours!

Here's to another year of great friends, partnerships, and reaching new levels for you and yours.

Sincerely,

The team at DSTech Solutions

2019 Special Offers for Business Systems

28 Nov, 2018, No comments

Sam and Daniel have been talking about what we can do for customers in the coming year, 2019. What we decided was to have a quarterly special that could really be of use for both current business clients and new businesses!

These upcoming specials will include discounts on hardware, free equipment offers, and more!

These quarterly offers will be announced in this blog January, April, July, and October of 2019. Stay tuned for the info on these as they come out :)

Also, don't forget about our current special...

Until the end of 2018, DSTech Solutions is offering to provide your business phones for free (up to 20), with implementation of our Intermedia phone system. Give your business the freedom to be more mobile and efficient from any location, integrating mobile, office, and computer.

Display your business phone number on caller ID while using your personal cell
Get your calls from any device anywhere
Brings together voice, video, files, meetings, and chat
And more!

Expires December 31, 2018

Contact us today by calling 832-975-1825 or through our website to take advantage of this offer

So you have a guy...

21 Nov, 2018, No comments

We have heard from many businesses that tell us "we have a guy" when it comes to their IT service. There are many qualified and very good people out there serving in roles like this, but there are some important things to know if your business 'has a guy'...

1) A single IT person (or even a small team) doesn't operate in a vacuum. There are countless things a good IT technician needs to stay on top of for your business. These include updates and new changes, backup confirmations, monitoring servers or workstations for upcoming issues to avoid downtime, and more. In all these things, they are greatly empowered by having a team to ping ideas off of, offer consultation and confirmation, provide hardware options at better pricing or delivery times, fill in when they are absent, and more. This is why we often work with your in-house IT staff to help make them even more effective.

2) We also have a guy - more than one actually. We often find growing businesses needing more in IT but aren't really at the size yet where an in-house IT department is doable. We can be your IT department when you get a Managed Services Program (MSP) with DSTech. You get the benefit of the 'many heads' of our experienced team working together. For one low monthly rate, we can be the ones who keep you focused on your business rather than the technology behind it.

Our free consultation will provide you with the information you need, particular to your business, to decide what level of IT is most effective. We may tell you that your current situation is the best possible and your guy is perfect. Or, we may find that your guy could give you even more with a little backup. Or, we can even help bring your business to a whole new level of efficiency and profitability.

It's free to learn from this consultation and there is no risk - so contact us today to schedule for your business!

Free Business Phones

9 Nov, 2018, No comments

Display your business phone number on caller ID while using your personal cell
Get your calls from any device anywhere
Brings together voice, video, files, meetings, and chat
And more!

Expires December 31, 2018

Contact us today by calling 832-975-1825 or through our website to take advantage of this offer

Server or Cloud? Deciding for Your Business

21 Sep, 2018, No comments

A growing number of business networks are "moving to the cloud". They are ditching their internal servers and utilizing virtual databases. This makes many business owners wonder which is better?

This depends greatly on a number of different factors. Each of these can be altered, some more easily than others, if cloud is the right solution for your business:

Connection

In order to consider the cloud as a possibility your business needs to have a dependable internet connection with a high enough bandwidth for your needs (which varies, as below). If it isn't we would need to bring to you the options for your geographic area to bring them up to par.

Software

Most standard or common business software can operate in cloud-based systems. But it may be another story when it comes to any industry-specific software your business uses. More and more of these are coming along - but some software will still not run well or will not run at all over the cloud. We have to confirm that all of your software will run well over the cloud. If it does not then we can sometimes offer alternatives to your software that will work well over the cloud.

Security

Some businesses still refuse to use anything cloud based because of their concerns about security. While there are additional security risks when using anything cloud based, they can be minimal if you chose cloud providers carefully and implement properly. This is an area where you need an IT service company with a strong background in cyber-security to offer the best guidance.

Data

If your data is unusually large (CAD drawings, videos, pictures, etc.) the time it takes to send/receive the files may not be acceptable. If many people in a local office need to access the data, then even medium size files may be too large. Hybrid models can be a possibility where other kinds of functions (CRM, EMR, transaction records, etc) can still be cloud-based.

Summary

If your company is a good candidate, then we believe cloud services are generally a better alternative to local servers. A good cloud facility has more resources than most single businesses. They have redundant backups, redundant power, redundant air conditioning and a large number of system administrators. So on the average they are able to provide a higher quality and more dependable environment for our client’s data than housing that data on local servers.

Click here to let us know if you have any questions. We'll be happy to schedule a free consultation.

What Is A Consultation?

19 Sep, 2018, 2 comments

When you see 'contact us to schedule a free consultation' what exactly should that mean?

All businesses are different. That's why your IT service company should customize your plan to your business' needs.

Each business has certain legacy software and hardware that needs to be taken into account. They may be compatible with other systems or they may need to be upgraded for security purposes. Is the cost of some new system worth it to your business given the risk or need? Sometimes the answer is "no, you don't need that - it would be a waste of money". Sometimes a workstation may simply need a reconfig to resolve speed problems or other issues. Your IT MSP provider should be your advocate - your IT department. That means it's not about selling you something more, but about managing your tech as one would if it were their own company.

Everything your IT company does should be because you will be more profitable having done so.

So, in order to give you a good idea of what potentials and opportunities you can use to bring your business to the next level, it is important to be able to consult with the right people in your company - people who know what the business is trying to achieve, and who have the decision-making ability to make it happen.

In our case, a consultation is an opportunity for you to pick the brain of some of the highest-level tech, business, and security experts there are. Whatever you decide to do, this free time is going to be worth it for educational purposes alone.

Contact us to schedule your free consultation today :)

Vendor Issues Can Slow You Down

18 Sep, 2018, No comments

I was recently talking with a doctor who said their practice manager often has to spend a good deal of time on the phone with their EMR software vendor, whenever something comes up. We have many other client-businesses that often have to deal with telephone companies, software or other services companies, and more.

Almost all of these interface with your computer systems at some level. That is why, when you are a DSTech managed services client, one of the things we do is deal with vendors on your behalf. Your staff should not be bogged down on hold or in lengthy back-and-forth's with all of your various vendors - they should be able to be productive.

Further, we have the ability to know when a vendor is correct about whether an issue is on your and or theirs. We can also help prevent technology troubles that we often see arise when one company comes in and does something around your network that breaks something else.

Let us manage all of your other vendor dealings, as a part of a managed services package and your people can focus on their work.

Contact us if you'd like to learn more or sign up.

Windows 7 Ending in 2020

17 Sep, 2018, No comments

Is your business or workstations running on Windows 7? If so, then in a little over a year from now you will need to be going to another system. Will you still be able to use Windows 7? Yes, but Microsoft will no longer be supporting it at all. That means no critical security updates, no support, etc. It would be really dangerous to continue using any system without security updates. Other complications begin to build up as well, that could cause big problems.

Windows 7 extended support ends January 14, 2020.

Here is an article that explains more on what you need to know. After you take a look, call or contact us and we will be happy to provide a free consultation specific to your business' needs.

Here's What Happens When Windows 7 Support Ends in 2020

Many thanks to our good friend Mark Hansen at Network Resources Inc. for sending us this link!

Here's another thing that costs businesses a lot

14 Sep, 2018, No comments

Business clients have often come to us after having had their computers and/or data destroyed, costing them quite a bit of money. Why? For the simple lack of a battery backup. Home systems are advised to have these, but for business-class systems where much more is invested, they are a no-brainer.

Power surges and lightning strikes can completely destroy your equipment. Surge protectors can help somewhat, but they aren't nearly as effective. And, surge protectors don't give you continued running when the power goes out so you have time to save files and properly shut down systems without corrupting them.

We can help make sure the units you get are not more than you really need, and the proper kind for your needs. We can also get you a deal, handle installation, checkups on them, and include them as a part of your managed service plan. Just contact us if you need help.

Improving Cybersecurity

13 Sep, 2018, No comments

Our team has special qualifications when it comes to top-level security. But there are also plenty of simple things you can do in your business to improve things as well. This article I came across today has some great tips...

11 Ways to Beef Up Your Business's Cybersecurity

Let us know if you need any help with these or would like to do the best to protect your business.

MSP is Preventive Care for Your Computer Systems

12 Sep, 2018, No comments

The old saying is "an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure". That's true in medicine, but it's also true when it comes to the 'central nervous system' of your business operations.

Everything from appointments, to records, to billing, to customer data, and more run through this system. Why then do so many business owners let it scrape by on nothing but emergency care?

Just recently, we went to service a client who uses the 'break-fix' method of only calling an IT service when something goes wrong. There had been mounting problems on their servers for months and it was a ticking time bomb but no one saw it coming. MSP (Managed Service Plan) would have saved them so much in time and money.

So many problems on servers, workstations, etc can be avoided through monitoring and regular maintenance by a qualified I.T. Managed Services team. Not only is more lost revenue in down time avoided, but you have more reliable means of preserving data instead of losing it, you get better security, ongoing tech consultation and guidance, and end up paying way less for computers and their service in the long run. We've run the numbers time and again, and it is nearly always more costly to the client to go break-fix than MSP - even though it doesn't seem so on paper. It's like asking, "Isn't it cheaper not to buy oil for my car?" Well... maybe at first, but...

These plans are affordable and scaled to your business' needs. We can give you a free consultation - just contact us to schedule a meeting today!

If you're already on an MSP, it may be a good idea to ask what modifications can be made to your plan to help bring your business to the next level and become more productive and profitable. Each plan is custom designed for your business and this changes over time, so feel free to contact us for a review to be sure your MSP is meeting your needs.

IoT and What Business Owners Need to Know

11 Sep, 2018, No comments

IoT is the "Internet of Things" and you may think your business isn't messing with any of that, but you'd be wrong. There are some things business owners need to know about this emerging landscape and your security. But there are also important benefits to IoT for even small businesses.

This short article gives a lot of really good information...

Why Small Businesses Need to Be Vigilant About IoT Security Too

Let us know if you'd like a free consultation on this or other IT needs for your business.

Using video and livestreaming in your business

10 Sep, 2018, No comments

Recently I came across this: it gives owners and managers a lot of good ideas on how you can use video streaming and livestreaming to improve your services and business...

Beyond Movies & Games

Let us know if you would like a consultation helping you through implementation.

Your company website might be scaring away your customers

7 Sep, 2018, No comments

You may not be aware of this, but it's possible your business' website looks like a dangerous site to some visitors. For those using the Google Chrome web browser, they could be getting a popup when they visit your site that warns them that it's "not secure"!

So let me explain...

You may have noticed a full website address normally begins with "http://" (even though you don't normally have to type that part). I won't get technical, but that's basically the "normal" kind of website most people have by default.

There is another kind of site that begins with "https://" which stands for "secure". To get that kind of site you have to have what's called an "SSL Certificate". It's a way of adding a layer of protection to your website that makes it harder to be hacked and for third parties to spy on what visitors are doing on your site. If your site deals with personal log-ins, private information, account numbers, and especially credit cards or PHI (Private Health Information), this kind of site is a must.

A lot of business websites are just informational, and don't require visitors to log in, or transact any kind of sensitive data. And, traditionally, the normal http sites were considered fine for those. But, Google and other "powers that be" have decided we all need to have a more secure internet in general. And really, there are some dangers even with plain informational websites so it's not a bad idea.

So, a little over a month ago, the new edition of Google Chrome came out and they now have a policy where ANY site that is http will give the visitor that warning. Unfortunately, that makes it look like your site is far worse than it is. To someone who didn't know better, it makes it sound like your site has an active virus on it, or is a sham put up by scammers or something! Could seriously hurt your business.

So, the best thing is for all businesses to get SSL Certificates for their site. This blog post is trying to keep things quick and simple to cover the basic concept of what's happening. But to pursue this, we would be happy to help with the tech end of it. Just let us know. Otherwise, you can ask your IT people or search "SSL Certificate" online.