Services

in Articles, Services

You’re not just looking for tech support – you’re looking for someone who’s in it with you.

There’s no shortage of MSPs out there. Do a quick search and you’ll find dozens of companies promising “24/7 support,” “proactive monitoring,” and “affordable IT solutions.” But if you’ve worked with a few, you’ve probably noticed something:

Many MSPs talk a big game – but when it comes down to real support, strategy, or even just picking up the phone when it matters… they disappear.

That’s the difference between an MSP and a true IT partner. And for law firms, finance teams, healthcare organizations, and high-stakes industries, that difference matters more than ever.

So, What’s an MSP Really Offering?

Let’s break it down:

A traditional Managed Service Provider (MSP) focuses on:

Basic system monitoring
Ticket-based support (help desk)
Patching and updates
Antivirus + backups
Selling licenses and software

They’re largely reactive. They show up when something breaks and often, only after a ticket is submitted and a process is followed.

And to be fair, that’s not wrong. But it’s incomplete.

Because if your business is growing, evolving, facing compliance demands, onboarding new hires, or simply trying to stay competitive, you need more than a break-fix vendor.

You need someone in your corner.

What a True IT Partner Brings to the Table

A real IT partner – like OWG – is different in almost every way that matters.

We think about your technology in terms of how it supports your business, not just how to keep it running.

Here’s what that looks like in practice:

Strategic Alignment, Not Just Tech Support
We don’t just fix issues. We advise on how tech can move your business forward. Whether that’s planning for growth, navigating compliance, or streamlining workflows – we’re at the table with you, not just behind the screen.

Human Support That Knows You
Tired of explaining the same issue over and over to different help desk agents? We get it. That’s why our support is relational, not transactional. Our clients talk to real people — people who already know your systems, your team, and how your business operates.

Customized Systems That Fit You
Most MSPs deliver templated setups. We don’t. We evaluate your tools, your team, your pain points, and your goals – then build systems and workflows that make sense for you.

Transparent, Vendor-Neutral Infrastructure
We don’t lock you in. Ever. You own your environment. You can walk away at any time and take your systems with you – because we believe in retention through trust and value, not dependency.

Proactive Planning, Not Just Reaction
We’re watching your systems, yes – but we’re also anticipating your needs. If we see inefficiencies, risks, or opportunities, we’ll bring them to you. That’s how you move from putting out fires to actually building momentum.

Real-World Example

Let’s say you’re a growing law firm. You’ve got:

A document management system
Microsoft 365
A few practice-specific tools
20 users, soon to be 25

You call your MSP and say, “We’re onboarding two new hires. What do we need to do?”

They might respond with:

“Submit a ticket. We’ll get to it in 1–2 business days.”

A True IT partner - OWG - Would Already Know:

Your onboarding checklist
What access each role needs
Which licenses to assign
What apps your new team members will use
How to make the process seamless

They’ll handle it and send you a confirmation when it’s done.

No ticket escalation. No delays. No chaos.

At OWG, We Call This IT That Feels Like Support

Because tech isn’t just a set of systems: it’s the foundation of your business.

It should:

Support your growth
Keep you compliant
Make your day smoother
Give your team confidence
Protect your reputation

If your current provider isn’t helping you do those things, you’re not working with a partner, you’re working with a vendor.

And you deserve better.

Ready for a different kind of IT experience?

We’re not here to sell a solution you don’t need. We’re here to understand your business and help you build an IT foundation that supports everything you’re working toward.

🔹 No templates. 🔹 No lock-in. 🔹 Just real support, built for real businesses.

Making a Real Difference

At OWG, we partner with these organizations to enact real change—a claim many assert, but few truly fulfill. Our dedication to these values not only defines our corporate culture but also underscores our mission to leave the world better than we found it.

Need a partner in IT solutions? Contact us here!

16 Mar

You Own Your Business. Shouldn’t You Own Your IT Environment Too?

in Articles, Services

You’ve built your business with care. Every hire, every system, every client — it all reflects the standards you’ve worked hard to maintain.

So here’s a question:

Why let someone else hold the keys to your IT environment?

We talk to law firm admins, financial directors, healthcare teams — people with serious responsibilities — every single week. And the story is often the same:

“Our last IT provider set everything up… but now we can’t make changes without them.” “We don’t really know what we’re paying for — and we’re scared to move providers.” “If something breaks, we have to wait in line. But we’re the ones footing the bill.”

Sound familiar?

You’re Not Alone — But You Do Deserve Better

Most businesses don’t realize just how much control they’ve handed over to their IT vendor — until they try to leave.

What starts as convenience becomes lock-in. You don’t have admin access. You don’t know where your backups live. You’re not even sure how to migrate if you wanted to.

That’s not partnership. That’s dependency.

And at OWG, we don’t believe in that.

Our Philosophy: If You Own the Business, You Should Own the Environment

We believe in building IT environments that are yours. Configured for your business. Documented clearly. Accessible when you need it. And designed so that you always have the freedom to make decisions.

That means:

No proprietary traps
No hidden licensing dependencies
No holding your infrastructure hostage
Full admin access when you need it
Clean documentation and transparent configurations

Because we trust our service — we don’t need to trap you to keep you.

What Real IT Partnership Looks Like

When you’re truly supported, you:

Know exactly where your data lives
Understand your infrastructure (at least at a high level)
Can call your provider and get a real human response
Aren’t afraid of change — because your systems were built to flex

That’s what we mean by freedom with support.

You Should Never Be Afraid to Outgrow Your Provider

Let’s be real: sometimes companies outgrow their vendors. That’s not a failure — it’s a sign of progress.

But when you’re locked into a system you don’t own, moving forward feels impossible. You delay upgrades. You stick with workarounds. You stay small because leaving seems too risky.

We don’t want you to feel stuck. We want you to feel supported, empowered, and free to grow — even if one day, that growth means moving on from us.

Our Promise: You Stay Because You Want To, Not Because You Have To

We don’t rely on retention through restriction. We rely on:

Excellent service
Real relationships
Strategic guidance
Human-first support
Clear, future-ready systems

And that’s why our clients stay.

You own your business. You deserve to own your IT, too. No mystery systems. No digital handcuffs. No waiting days for help.

Just clarity, control, and confidence.

Let’s talk about what it means to build an IT environment that actually belongs to you.

Need a partner in IT solutions? Contact us here!

09 Mar

What Law Firms Really Need from IT in 2025 (That No One Talks About)

in Articles, Services

Most IT providers selling to law firms love to lead with compliance, cybersecurity buzzwords, and cloud jargon. And while those things matter — they’re not the full picture.

Because the truth is, what law firms actually need from their IT partner in 2025 isn’t just technical. It’s personal. It’s practical. And it’s long overdue.

Here’s what no one’s talking about — but what every law firm admin, practice manager, and partner feels every day:

1. Speed without Stress: Onboarding Shouldn’t Take Weeks

When a new associate or paralegal starts, they should be ready to go — not stuck waiting on logins, emails, or missing software.

But that’s still the norm with most IT setups. Onboarding drags, productivity stalls, and the admin gets the blame.

What law firms really need:

A streamlined onboarding process that takes minutes, not days
Self-service tools for firm admins to move fast (without needing to be tech experts)
A predictable, consistent experience — every new hire, every time

2. Security That Doesn’t Get in the Way

Cybersecurity is crucial. But it shouldn’t feel like jumping through hoops just to access your own case files.

Law firms are dealing with confidential data, remote staff, multiple devices — and a growing list of compliance expectations.

What law firms really need:

Built-in security that’s frictionless and makes sense
MFA that works seamlessly
Transparent, adaptable protection — not vague “trust us” promises

Security should support your work, not disrupt it.

3. IT That Doesn’t Add More Chaos

Let’s be honest: most law firm admins don’t want to manage multiple vendors, chase tickets, or explain problems five times.

They’re already running point on HR, billing, schedules, clients — and they need IT that removes pressure, not piles it on.

What law firms really need:

A partner who solves the problem the first time
A human being who picks up the phone
Fewer tools, fewer platforms — and one throat to choke when something breaks

4. Technology That Just Works

Too many firms feel stuck with outdated systems or clunky setups that “sort of” work — but not really.

Maybe it’s a patchwork of tools, or a provider who makes every request feel like a burden.

What law firms really need:

A stable, scalable cloud environment that works in the office, at home, or on the go
No drama, no unexpected downtime, and no provider lock-in
Confidence that their tech will grow with them, not slow them down

5. A True Partner — Not Just a Provider

This is the big one. What law firms need in 2025 isn’t a “vendor.” They need a partner who understands the stakes — and treats the relationship accordingly.

At OWG, we believe:

Your IT provider should have your back
You deserve transparency — especially around pricing and support
You should never feel “held hostage” by your systems or your tech team
Peace of mind is part of the service — not an extra

You’re not asking for too much. You’re asking for IT that keeps up with your firm, respects your time, and helps you deliver the kind of legal service you’re proud of.

In 2025, that’s not a luxury. It’s a necessity.

Let’s make IT invisible — so your firm can stay visible, productive, and protected. Learn more about us: https://weareowg.com/

Need a partner in IT solutions? Contact us here!

23 Oct

Top 6 Challenges of Remote Access and How Your Business Can Overcome Them

in Articles, Services

Need a partner in IT solutions? Contact us here!

As businesses continue to adopt remote work as a permanent part of their operations, providing secure and efficient remote access has become a top priority. However, remote access presents its own set of challenges, particularly when it comes to security, compliance, and employee productivity.

Here are the top six challenges of remote access and how your business can overcome them.

1. Security Vulnerabilities

One of the biggest concerns with remote access is the increased risk of security breaches. Employees accessing company networks from home or public Wi-Fi are more susceptible to cyberattacks, particularly if they are not using secure connections. To mitigate these risks, businesses should implement secure VPNs (Virtual Private Networks) that encrypt data and provide a secure connection between remote employees and the company network. Multi-factor authentication (MFA) can also add an extra layer of protection, ensuring that only authorized users can access sensitive information.

2. Inconsistent Access to Resources

Remote workers need consistent access to company resources, including files, applications, and collaboration tools. However, slow internet connections or unreliable VPN services can cause disruptions, leading to frustration and lost productivity. To address this, businesses should invest in cloud-based solutions that allow employees to access data and applications from anywhere, without the need for constant VPN connections. Cloud platforms also offer greater scalability, allowing businesses to accommodate an increasing number of remote users.

3. Compliance and Data Privacy

Ensuring compliance with industry regulations, such as GDPR or HIPAA, is more challenging when employees are working remotely. Data privacy becomes a significant concern, especially if employees are using personal devices or unsecured networks to access company information. To address these issues, businesses must implement strict security policies for remote workers, including the use of company-approved devices, encrypted data transmission, and compliance monitoring tools. Regular audits and security training can also help employees understand the importance of maintaining compliance in a remote environment.

4. Device Management

Managing a fleet of devices used by remote employees is another challenge. Employees may use a mix of personal and company devices, making it difficult for IT teams to monitor security and ensure that all devices are compliant with corporate standards. Implementing Mobile Device Management (MDM) or Endpoint Management solutions can help businesses track, manage, and secure devices accessing company data. These tools allow IT teams to remotely wipe lost or stolen devices, install security patches, and enforce security policies across all devices used for work.

5. Collaboration and Communication

Remote work can sometimes hinder effective communication and collaboration among employees. While email and instant messaging are common solutions, they can create silos and make it difficult for teams to work together efficiently. Investing in comprehensive collaboration tools, such as Microsoft Teams or Slack, can help bridge this gap. These platforms offer real-time messaging, video conferencing, file sharing, and project management features that enable remote teams to collaborate seamlessly, no matter where they are located.

6. IT Support for Remote Workers

Providing IT support to remote employees can be more challenging than supporting in-office staff. Remote workers may face connectivity issues, software malfunctions, or hardware problems that can be difficult to troubleshoot without hands-on assistance. To overcome this, businesses should offer remote IT support solutions, such as help desks with remote access capabilities. Additionally, implementing self-help tools and resources can empower employees to resolve common issues on their own, reducing the burden on IT teams and minimizing downtime.

Remote access is a powerful tool for businesses, enabling flexibility, productivity, and employee satisfaction. However, it also comes with challenges that must be addressed to ensure secure, compliant, and efficient operations. By investing in secure VPNs, cloud-based solutions, collaboration tools, and device management platforms, businesses can overcome these challenges and create a seamless remote work environment that benefits both employees and the organization as a whole.

07 Sep

Prisoner in Your Own Cloud

in Cloud, Operations, Services

Don’t become a prisoner of your computing infrastructure or private cloud. Understand who has custody of your data.

The cloud simplifies remote access, business continuity, and disaster recovery. But what happens when you change IT service vendors?

‍From basic services like email and Office365 to Infrastructure as a Service and complete virtual desktop, an organization can gain flexibility, redundancy, business continuity, security, and even competitive advantage by working in a Cloud environment.

As reported on by HelpNet Security in late 2020, high-availability access, on-demand computing power, limitless storage, and enterprise grade security lifted the rate of Cloud adoption among small/mid-size businesses even before the pandemic, and hit ludicrous speed once the remote workforce took to their homes.

Since most organizations will use a technology integrator or managed service provider for the migration, what happens when that vendor is no longer providing services? Even without a “long-term contract”, because of how some Cloud environments are designed, a business can get stuck in a scenario that makes it hard to change IT vendors. So, how can your business stay protected? Here’s what you need to know:

1) When MSPs first began considering Cloud for their clients (almost a decade ago) public Cloud wasn’t what it is today, and most built their own.

2) Leveraging private data centers, these technology firms invested in massive infrastructure, and built highly proprietary “walled gardens

3) Offering clients a scalable environment with business continuity and integrated disaster recovery, a solution was born

4) Over the years, IT firms spent hundreds of thousands of dollars in capital expenses and upgrades to ensure performance, availability, and security. Changing their Cloud offering isn’t typically an option

5) Clients in these environments have only one choice when it comes to who can provide services/support. Migrating to a new platform is costly and time intensive

Technology firms that made the leap to offer public infrastructure do see thinner margins, but they also have access to the most cutting-edge technology, integrated cybersecurity tools, and tremendous flexibility for clients that understand data custody and have concerns about uprooting an entire virtual ecosystem if the need for a new technology partner arises.

So What Can You Do?

Understanding who has custody of your data (where data resides), how it’s accessed, and what’s involved when it comes time to sever a relationship is critical, and it’s up to you, the client, to figure it out. Here are some questions to ask:

Where exactly is your data stored?

What virtualization tools/systems are used for access?

Is there anything proprietary about the infrastructure?

Is there anything proprietary about the access tools?

What happens if the vendor is no longer providing service?

Is it a total “lift and shift” of your data, email and apps?

Is it simply changing the owner of record?

What’s involved in a typical migration?

If possible, speak with references and even former clients to discuss their migration experience

At the end of the day, no one of us want to think about ending a relationship before things even get started. But since change is one of the few constants, being prepared is critical and it’s always better to address these issues now when the relationship is healthy.

We’d love to hear your thoughts on Cloud adoption, or a story relating to Cloud on-boarding/off-boarding. Drop your info below, set a time on our calendar or shoot us an email.

05 Aug

The Helpdesk Experience is Priority

in Articles, Operations, Services, TeamOWG

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?

in Articles, Operations, Services

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!

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

22 Apr

Quick, What’s a Vulnerability Assessment?

in Security, Services