10 Aug

Is VPN Dead?

Today’s modern and mature business can’t function through the VPN or an antiquated remote desktop solution.

Remote access to corporate technology (email, data, infrastructure, financials, etc) isn’t new. Most organizations have had some sort of solution in place for at least the last decade, with stragglers getting a push from the pandemic.

But as conversations like Zero Trust or UX (the user experience) become more common, our clients look to better position themselves and it’s no longer just about “accessing the network”. Cost, compliance, latency, security, productivity, collaboration – all of these are shaping the way IT teams and corporate leaders consider the future of their information technology and nothing can match a virtualized environment.

Users want easy access to business applications, data, and email. Managers need productivity analytics and integrated collaboration tools that are easy to use. Regulatory and compliance requirements call for advanced cybersecurity. Finance wants a cost-effective solution with clear billing and no long-term obligations.

The solution is an integrated cloud computing model with a native user experience and services that include analytics, cybersecurity, computing, database, mobile, networking, storage, and web apps.

Fortunately, we’ve come to a place and time where all of this possible, at a cost that’s affordable and easy to understand.

Next-Gen Cloud from OWG is built on the Azure infrastructure and from safety to UX we’ve considered it all. For a closer look, check out our published live demo. From a higher level, our solutions let’s you and your team:

• Stay productive from home and outside the office. Sign on to any device and quickly launch office apps and securely access corporate data.

• Protect IP and business-critical data. Give users freedom and easy access to their work from anywhere over a secure network.

• Control access through the user profile. Conditional access controls determine user access based on user profile, geo- location, team, etc.

• Simplified licensing and billing. Can be included with Offices 365 billing which you’re likely paying already.

• Leverage advanced cybersecurity features. Including integrated and enforceable multi-factor authentication, and auditing features for easy compliance and reporting.

• Remain vendor agnostic. Don’t get hamstrung by your IT services vendor. Next-gen cloud allows you to select the vendor of your choice and makes it easy to leave when you decide.

To learn more, or have a conversation about how Next-Gen Cloud from OWG can benefit your business complete the request for info below, or just book a time on my calendar.

05 Aug

The Helpdesk Experience is Priority

by Mathew Mendel

in Operations, Services, TeamOWG

Comments

Small and midsize businesses deserve the best technology support and services at fair prices.

Partners in business. Not just words.

These are stressful times, and our support staff understands that you never know what the person on the other end of the phone is going through.

Providing world class service to the small and midsize business community, our help desk technicians realize they are the front-line for your business. They bring their a-game every single day and we can’t say enough how much we appreciate all of their efforts! So we’ll let our partners speak for us with this handy animation —

Our client satisfaction (C-SAT) rating in 2022 is over 98%. Not getting the experience promised from your IT services provider? We wrote about this recently in our blog on all-inclusive support, and talk about our (more than 100 five-star Google Reviews often. Delivering on end-results is what OWG is all about.

Book a time on my calendar and let’s talk about your concerns.

01 Aug

Should your IT managed services plan include support?

by Mathew Mendel

in Operations, Services

Comments

For some businesses, an all-inclusive monthly support fee seems like a great option when engaging an IT services vendor.

While in principal we don’t disagree with the model, how does a business leader understand what they’re getting?

What do you do when “the trip doesn’t match the brochure”?

Managed IT services contracts generally follow a rigid set of one-size fits all services and support terms. While most issues are covered, many customers find themselves with unexpected monthly bills for issues that don’t fall within agreed to parameters.

So what can you do if you want a predictable billing model? What if that’s the only option the vendor is offering? Here are a few things to do…

1) Review the “fine print”. Discuss service exclusions, data retention fees, technology refreshes, and network updates. These “edge cases” (which many are led to believe will never happen) are in fact where IT vendors can profit the most.

2) Ask about what’s not included. It’s not just about Service Level Agreements (SLA’s) and response times. Exclusions should also be clearly documented and easily explained. Most IT providers won’t cover things like printers, phones and 3rd party apps. But what if those are critical to your business?

3) Talk with your team. Understand all your company’s specific technology needs. A more technically savvy staff with modern equipment could require less support, but things like remote access, collaboration tools, cybersecurity, and support for third-party apps should be considered.

4) Don’t get locked in. Critical is a solution where you aren’t locked into a single provider and can move business apps and data without a massive lift and shift operation. This is key to the client-vendor relationship and ensures transparent billing and the best service possible.

5) Check the MSP’s reviews! And not just two or three referrals…It’s 2022 and every service business on the planet is being reviewed by satisfied and not-so-satisfied clients. OWG has over 100 five-star reviews.

It’s important to note that as systems have advanced, some service providers can now match all-inclusive offerings with specific, individualized client needs.

However, this is more difficult than it sounds and requires a mature MSP with an empathetic approach, and an ability to problem solve. It also requires buy-in from both sides, and a true desire to for that trusted partner relationship.

Success today stems directly from an organization’s flexibility and its ability to adapt. A trusted IT services partner/MSP is a must-have, and critical for any organization looking to build or even remain competitive. Take your time, chose your partner carefully, and reach out with any questions or concerns. We’re happy to be a resource!

August 2022

Is VPN Dead?

Today’s modern and mature business can’t function through the VPN or an antiquated remote desktop solution.

Fortunately, we’ve come to a place and time where all of this possible, at a cost that’s affordable and easy to understand.

To learn more, or have a conversation about how Next-Gen Cloud from OWG can benefit your business complete the request for info below, or just book a time on my calendar.

The Helpdesk Experience is Priority

Small and midsize businesses deserve the best technology support and services at fair prices.

Partners in business. Not just words.

These are stressful times, and our support staff understands that you never know what the person on the other end of the phone is going through.

Book a time on my calendar and let’s talk about your concerns.

Should your IT managed services plan include support?

For some businesses, an all-inclusive monthly support fee seems like a great option when engaging an IT services vendor.

While in principal we don’t disagree with the model, how does a business leader understand what they’re getting?

What do you do when “the trip doesn’t match the brochure”?

Managed IT services contracts generally follow a rigid set of one-size fits all services and support terms. While most issues are covered, many customers find themselves with unexpected monthly bills for issues that don’t fall within agreed to parameters.

So what can you do if you want a predictable billing model? What if that’s the only option the vendor is offering? Here are a few things to do…

1) Review the “fine print”. Discuss service exclusions, data retention fees, technology refreshes, and network updates. These “edge cases” (which many are led to believe will never happen) are in fact where IT vendors can profit the most.

3) Talk with your team. Understand all your company’s specific technology needs. A more technically savvy staff with modern equipment could require less support, but things like remote access, collaboration tools, cybersecurity, and support for third-party apps should be considered.

4) Don’t get locked in. Critical is a solution where you aren’t locked into a single provider and can move business apps and data without a massive lift and shift operation. This is key to the client-vendor relationship and ensures transparent billing and the best service possible.

5) Check the MSP’s reviews! And not just two or three referrals…It’s 2022 and every service business on the planet is being reviewed by satisfied and not-so-satisfied clients. OWG has over 100 five-star reviews.

It’s important to note that as systems have advanced, some service providers can now match all-inclusive offerings with specific, individualized client needs.

However, this is more difficult than it sounds and requires a mature MSP with an empathetic approach, and an ability to problem solve. It also requires buy-in from both sides, and a true desire to for that trusted partner relationship.

Drop your name and email below to learn more, or tag our calendar and let’s have a conversation.

CONTACT

SIGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTER!

Client Area

August 2022

Is VPN Dead?

Today’s modern and mature business can’t function through the VPN or an antiquated remote desktop solution.

Fortunately, we’ve come to a place and time where all of this possible, at a cost that’s affordable and easy to understand.

To learn more, or have a conversation about how Next-Gen Cloud from OWG can benefit your business complete the request for info below, or just book a time on my calendar.

The Helpdesk Experience is Priority

Small and midsize businesses deserve the best technology support and services at fair prices.

Partners in business. Not just words.

These are stressful times, and our support staff understands that you never know what the person on the other end of the phone is going through.

Book a time on my calendar and let’s talk about your concerns.

Should your IT managed services plan include support?

For some businesses, an all-inclusive monthly support fee seems like a great option when engaging an IT services vendor.

While in principal we don’t disagree with the model, how does a business leader understand what they’re getting?

What do you do when “the trip doesn’t match the brochure”?

Managed IT services contracts generally follow a rigid set of one-size fits all services and support terms. While most issues are covered, many customers find themselves with unexpected monthly bills for issues that don’t fall within agreed to parameters.

So what can you do if you want a predictable billing model? What if that’s the only option the vendor is offering? Here are a few things to do…

1) Review the “fine print”. Discuss service exclusions, data retention fees, technology refreshes, and network updates. These “edge cases” (which many are led to believe will never happen) are in fact where IT vendors can profit the most.

3) Talk with your team. Understand all your company’s specific technology needs. A more technically savvy staff with modern equipment could require less support, but things like remote access, collaboration tools, cybersecurity, and support for third-party apps should be considered.

4) Don’t get locked in. Critical is a solution where you aren’t locked into a single provider and can move business apps and data without a massive lift and shift operation. This is key to the client-vendor relationship and ensures transparent billing and the best service possible.

5) Check the MSP’s reviews! And not just two or three referrals…It’s 2022 and every service business on the planet is being reviewed by satisfied and not-so-satisfied clients. OWG has over 100 five-star reviews.

It’s important to note that as systems have advanced, some service providers can now match all-inclusive offerings with specific, individualized client needs.

However, this is more difficult than it sounds and requires a mature MSP with an empathetic approach, and an ability to problem solve. It also requires buy-in from both sides, and a true desire to for that trusted partner relationship.

Drop your name and email below to learn more, or tag our calendar and let’s have a conversation.

CONTACT

SIGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTER!