Tech to expect, 2024 edition - Joshua Wakefield It's almost 2024, and the world of technology slows down for nobody. From advancements in artificial intelligence to breakthroughs in sustainable energy, 2024 promises to be a year in which many exciting technologies take center stage in our everyday life. Below are some technologies to watch out for in 2024! Quantum Computing Takes Center Stage The race for quantum supremacy is heating up, and 2024 is poised to be a pivotal yea

Not all security cameras are created equal. A system that works fine for a home might fall well short of what a business needs. Here's what to look for when choosing a video surveillance system for your small business. 1. IP cameras over analog IP cameras offer significantly higher resolution, better low-light performance, and the ability to view footage remotely from any device. Analog systems are outdated and should generally be avoided for new installations. 2. Remote view

What would happen to your business if you lost all your data tomorrow? A hard drive failure, ransomware attack, or natural disaster can wipe out years of critical business data in an instant. Here's how to prepare — and recover fast when the worst happens. What is disaster recovery? Disaster recovery (DR) is a set of policies and procedures that enable your business to recover from a disruptive event — whether that's a cyberattack, hardware failure, power surge, or natural di

If you're still running your business on traditional landlines, you might be paying more than you need to — and missing out on features that could make your team more productive. Here's a straightforward breakdown of VoIP vs. traditional phone lines. What is VoIP? VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) transmits phone calls over your internet connection instead of traditional copper phone lines. Modern VoIP systems offer crystal-clear call quality, and because they use your exis

"We're too small to be a target." It's the most dangerous assumption a small business owner can make. The reality? Small businesses are increasingly in the crosshairs of cybercriminals — precisely because they're less protected than large enterprises. The numbers tell a sobering story Cyberattacks on small businesses have risen sharply in recent years. Attackers use automated tools that scan the internet for vulnerabilities — they don't manually pick targets. If your systems

Remote work is here to stay — but letting employees access your business systems from home or on the road introduces real security risks if done incorrectly. Here's how to give your team the flexibility they need without putting your network at risk. Start with a business-grade VPN A VPN creates an encrypted tunnel between your employee's device and your office network. This means data traveling over public Wi-Fi is protected from eavesdropping. Consumer VPN services are not

Is your Wi-Fi constantly dropping? Are file transfers taking forever? These aren't just minor annoyances — they're warning signs that your network infrastructure is holding your business back. Here are 5 clear signs it's time to invest in a network upgrade. 1. Your Wi-Fi has dead zones or constant dropouts If employees are moving to certain spots in the office to get a signal, or if video calls drop regularly, your wireless infrastructure simply isn't covering your space adeq

One of the biggest decisions a growing small business faces is whether to store and manage its data in the cloud or on local servers. Both have real advantages. Here's a breakdown to help you decide. What does on-premise mean? On-premise means your servers, software, and data all live physically at your business. You own the hardware and are fully responsible for keeping it secure and up to date. What does cloud mean? Cloud means your data and applications are hosted on remot

Ransomware attacks have become one of the most costly threats to small businesses. Criminals encrypt your data and demand payment to restore access. Here's how to protect your business before it happens. How ransomware gets in The most common entry points are phishing emails, remote desktop vulnerabilities, and unpatched software. A single employee clicking the wrong email can give attackers access to your entire network. 5 ways to protect your business Keep all software and

If customers, guests, or personal devices are connecting to the same Wi-Fi as your business systems, you have a serious security problem. Here's why separating your networks is one of the most important things you can do. The risk of a single shared network When everything shares one network, a compromised device can potentially access your business systems, servers, and sensitive data. This is one of the most common and preventable ways small businesses get breached. The sol

Technology is one of the most important investments a small business can make — but it's also one of the easiest to underfund. Here's a practical guide to IT budgeting so you're spending wisely, not just reacting to problems. The industry benchmark Small businesses typically spend between 4% and 7% of annual revenue on IT. Businesses in higher-risk industries like healthcare or legal often sit closer to 10%. If you're well below 4%, your technology is likely falling behind —

Choosing the right IT partner is one of the most important decisions a small business owner can make. The wrong choice leads to overpriced services and technology that doesn't fit. Here's what to look for. Look for small business focus Large IT firms are built for enterprise clients. Find a partner who specializes in small businesses — they'll understand your constraints, speak your language, and offer solutions that actually fit your scale and budget. Ask about response time