Learning Center:
IT Support Concepts
Video Guides On How IT Service Models Impact Your Business
Our IT Support Concepts resource page gives business leaders clear, jargon-free explanations of the core ideas behind effective Managed and Co-Managed IT services. Dive into key concepts with our short, expert-led videos like: How to Select the Right Co-Managed Provider, What is Break-Fix in IT? How Do You Submit a Service Ticket? and many more. These videos are designed specifically for businesses across Northeast Ohio, helping you simplify the complex and make smarter IT decisions for your organization.
Outsourcing your IT can be a smart move. You get expert support, predictable costs, and less day-to-day management. But before you hand over the keys to your network, it’s important to understand the potential downsides. In this video, we break down the most common challenges of outsourcing IT.
Outsourcing your IT can be a smart move. You get expert support, predictable costs, and less day-to-day management. But before you hand over the keys to your network, it’s important to understand the potential downsides. In this video, we break down the most common challenges of outsourcing IT.
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Outsourcing your IT can save time, reduce stress, and give your business access to expert support, but only if you choose the right partner. In this video, we’ll show you how to avoid common outsourcing headaches like hidden fees, slow response times, and unclear contracts.
Outsourcing your IT can save time, reduce stress, and give your business access to expert support, but only if you choose the right partner. In this video, we’ll show you how to avoid common outsourcing headaches like hidden fees, slow response times, and unclear contracts.
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Starting October 2025, Microsoft Excel will begin blocking links to certain risky file types. Why? Because cybercriminals have been exploiting these links to sneak malware into systems. That innocent-looking spreadsheet with a link? It could have been a hacker’s favorite tool.
Starting October 2025, Microsoft Excel will begin blocking links to certain risky file types. Why? Because cybercriminals have been exploiting these links to sneak malware into systems. That innocent-looking spreadsheet with a link? It could have been a hacker’s favorite tool.
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Are you looking for a Co-Managed IT partner but don’t know exactly what a co-managed partner should look like? In this video, Bob explains what co-managed IT really means and what makes a good vs. bad co-managed partner.
Are you looking for a Co-Managed IT partner but don’t know exactly what a co-managed partner should look like? In this video, Bob explains what co-managed IT really means and what makes a good vs. bad co-managed partner.
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Shadow AI isn’t a Marvel villain—it’s the unsanctioned AI tools your employees are already using at work. Think ChatGPT, Claude, or whatever new tool they found online. If it’s not approved, not secured, and not monitored, that’s Shadow AI.
Shadow AI isn’t a Marvel villain—it’s the unsanctioned AI tools your employees are already using at work. Think ChatGPT, Claude, or whatever new tool they found online. If it’s not approved, not secured, and not monitored, that’s Shadow AI.
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Managing Microsoft 365 licenses doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Whether you’re running a startup or scaling your business, understanding how Microsoft licensing works is key to saving money, boosting security, and giving your team the tools they need to succeed.
Managing Microsoft 365 licenses doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Whether you’re running a startup or scaling your business, understanding how Microsoft licensing works is key to saving money, boosting security, and giving your team the tools they need to succeed.
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Is Windows 11 running slow? Wondering how to speed it up or what bloatware to remove? This video is your complete Windows 11 Performance Guide, we’ll walk you through how to uninstall unnecessary apps, fix slow performance, and optimize your PC for speed and reliability.
Is Windows 11 running slow? Wondering how to speed it up or what bloatware to remove? This video is your complete Windows 11 Performance Guide, we’ll walk you through how to uninstall unnecessary apps, fix slow performance, and optimize your PC for speed and reliability.
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Thinking about co-managed IT but not sure where to start? This video breaks down what to look for in a co-managed provider and how to tell if your business is truly ready for one. We’ll cover what co-managed IT really means, how to know if your internal IT team could use backup or added expertise, and more!
Thinking about co-managed IT but not sure where to start? This video breaks down what to look for in a co-managed provider and how to tell if your business is truly ready for one. We’ll cover what co-managed IT really means, how to know if your internal IT team could use backup or added expertise, and more!
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Cyberbullying isn’t just a problem for teenagers it can happen in professional environments, too. In this video, we break down what workplace cyberbullying is, how to recognize it, and what employers and employees can do to prevent it.
Cyberbullying isn’t just a problem for teenagers it can happen in professional environments, too. In this video, we break down what workplace cyberbullying is, how to recognize it, and what employers and employees can do to prevent it.
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When talking about IT infrastructure, we often use the terms active and passive but what do they actually mean? Active components are dynamic, requiring power to process, manage, or transmit data. They actively control, monitor, or secure IT environments. Here are some common examples:
When talking about IT infrastructure, we often use the terms active and passive but what do they actually mean? Active components are dynamic, requiring power to process, manage, or transmit data. They actively control, monitor, or secure IT environments. Here are some common examples:
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Running a business today means juggling a lot of responsibilities, and one of the most critical yet often overlooked areas is IT. Whether you’re trying to manage your network, keep your data secure, or simply ensure that your computers are running smoothly, it can be a challenge, especially if you don’t have a dedicated IT team.
Running a business today means juggling a lot of responsibilities, and one of the most critical yet often overlooked areas is IT. Whether you’re trying to manage your network, keep your data secure, or simply ensure that your computers are running smoothly, it can be a challenge, especially if you don’t have a dedicated IT team.
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Ever wondered why you can’t have your favorite technician handle all your IT tickets? This video unpacks the concept of “latch-a-tech” and explains why relying on a single technician might not be the best choice for your business. We dive into the collaborative nature of IT support.
Ever wondered why you can’t have your favorite technician handle all your IT tickets? This video unpacks the concept of “latch-a-tech” and explains why relying on a single technician might not be the best choice for your business. We dive into the collaborative nature of IT support.
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Break Fix is a simple IT support model: you only pay for help when something goes wrong—no monthly fees, no ongoing commitments. It’s like calling a mechanic only when your car breaks down. This approach can save money upfront and offers flexibility for businesses with minimal IT needs. But is it always the best choice? Let’s dive into the pros, cons, and hidden costs.
Break Fix is a simple IT support model: you only pay for help when something goes wrong—no monthly fees, no ongoing commitments. It’s like calling a mechanic only when your car breaks down. This approach can save money upfront and offers flexibility for businesses with minimal IT needs. But is it always the best choice? Let’s dive into the pros, cons, and hidden costs.
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Are IT certifications truly worth the investment for your tech team? The short answer: yes. Certifications like CompTIA and Cisco hold immense value for IT professionals and businesses alike. Investing in certifications isn’t just a checkbox—it’s a strategy for building a more capable, motivated, and credible IT team.
Are IT certifications truly worth the investment for your tech team? The short answer: yes. Certifications like CompTIA and Cisco hold immense value for IT professionals and businesses alike. Investing in certifications isn’t just a checkbox—it’s a strategy for building a more capable, motivated, and credible IT team.
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When evaluating the cost comparison between hiring internal IT staff versus outsourcing IT services to a managed service provider (MSP), several factors come into play. Here’s a breakdown of the key considerations- Salaries and Benefits, Training costs, Office Space and Equipment and more.
When evaluating the cost comparison between hiring internal IT staff versus outsourcing IT services to a managed service provider (MSP), several factors come into play. Here’s a breakdown of the key considerations- Salaries and Benefits, Training costs, Office Space and Equipment and more.
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You just submitted a service ticket and don’t know what’s next. Here’s what you can expect: Throughout the life of your ticket, you’ll receive emails when the ticket is updated. Sometimes these updates are automatically generated, and other times they are messages from real life technicians.
You just submitted a service ticket and don’t know what’s next. Here’s what you can expect: Throughout the life of your ticket, you’ll receive emails when the ticket is updated. Sometimes these updates are automatically generated, and other times they are messages from real life technicians
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It’s easy to just say “inflation” when someone asks why there’s a price increase for what seems to be the same service from one year to the next. And boy, there's truth there. But it can be more complicated than that.
It’s easy to just say “inflation” when someone asks why there’s a price increase for what seems to be the same service from one year to the next. And boy, there's truth there. But it can be more complicated than that.
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At Simplex-IT, we have the privilege of meeting with numerous businesses in Northeast Ohio each year to discuss their IT outsourcing needs. With our extensive experience and expertise in the IT industry, as well as our willingness to share our honest thoughts and feelings….
At Simplex-IT, we have the privilege of meeting with numerous businesses in Northeast Ohio each year to discuss their IT outsourcing needs. With our extensive experience and expertise in the IT industry, as well as our willingness to share our honest thoughts and feelings…
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Working with an IT Managed Service Provider, MSP, can sound like a daunting task if you don't have any prior knowledge about IT. Instead of trying to go in blind, here are some tips to help you get started.
Working with an IT Managed Service Provider, MSP, can sound like a daunting task if you don't have any prior knowledge about IT. Instead of trying to go in blind, here are some tips to help you get started.
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Submitting a service ticket is an important part of working with your IT provider, but it shouldn’t be complicated! Here at Simplex-IT we have an easy process for you! So how do you submit a service ticket? There are three options.
Submitting a service ticket is an important part of working with your IT provider, but it shouldn’t be complicated! Here at Simplex-IT we have an easy process for you! So how do you submit a service ticket? There are three options.
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A CIO (Chief Information Officer) is a high-level executive responsible for overseeing a company's information technology (IT) strategy and operations. On the other hand, a vCIO (virtual Chief Information Officer) is a consultant or an outsourced service provider who provides similar services as a CIO, but on a part-time or project basis.
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A CIO (Chief Information Officer) is a high-level executive responsible for overseeing a company's information technology (IT) strategy and operations. On the other hand, a vCIO (virtual Chief Information Officer) is a consultant or an outsourced service provider who provides similar services as a CIO, but on a part-time or project basis.
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TSP stands for Technology Success Partner. Some will argue that this is necessary. That a TSP encompasses support for all of your IT. Including your Cloud, security, and…umm…IT. I think the concept is that an MSP has a more sophisticated view of IT than an MSP. Somehow. By some arbitrary measure. An All-in-one IT solution.
TSP stands for Technology Success Partner. Some will argue that this is necessary. That a TSP encompasses support for all of your IT. Including your Cloud, security, and…umm…IT. I think the concept is that an MSP has a more sophisticated view of IT than an MSP. Somehow. By some arbitrary measure. An All-in-one IT solution.
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Time is running out! If you’re still using Windows 7, Windows 8.1, Windows Server 2008 R2, or Windows SBS 2011, this is your wake-up call. After March 31 2025, these operating systems will no longer receive critical security updates, leaving them vulnerable to cyber threats and exposing your business to potential risks.
Time is running out! If you’re still using Windows 7, Windows 8.1, Windows Server 2008 R2, or Windows SBS 2011, this is your wake-up call. After March 31 2025, these operating systems will no longer receive critical security updates, leaving them vulnerable to cyber threats and exposing your business to potential risks.
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When you’re shopping for IT services, It’s important to understand the different pricing models that MSPs and IT providers use. Not only do you want your provider to be transparent in their pricing and their model in general, but you need to know when you’re comparing providers as well.
When you’re shopping for IT services, It’s important to understand the different pricing models that MSPs and IT providers use. Not only do you want your provider to be transparent in their pricing and their model in general, but you need to know when you’re comparing providers as well.
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As technology continues to advance, businesses of all sizes rely on their IT to support their success. With this growing reliance on technology comes the need for expert IT support, leading many businesses to turn to IT Managed Service Providers (MSPs). However, not all MSPs are created equal, and choosing the wrong one can be a costly mistake.
As technology continues to advance, businesses of all sizes rely on their IT to support their success. With this growing reliance on technology comes the need for expert IT support, leading many businesses to turn to IT Managed Service Providers (MSPs). However, not all MSPs are created equal, and choosing the wrong one can be a costly mistake.
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If you're a business owner looking to partner with an IT provider, there are a few important questions you need to ask before signing up. In this video, we'll explore five crucial questions that will help you find the right IT partner.
If you're a business owner looking to partner with an IT provider, there are a few important questions you need to ask before signing up. In this video, we'll explore five crucial questions that will help you find the right IT partner for your business.
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Are you a business owner or manager looking to select a reputable IT provider but not sure where to start? In this video, we will discuss some key factors you should consider when selecting a reputable IT provider.
Are you a business owner or manager looking to select a reputable IT provider but not sure where to start? Well, you're not alone! In today's world, technology plays a crucial role in running a successful business. And finding the right IT support company can make all the difference. In this video, we will discuss some key factors you should consider when selecting a reputable IT provider.
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While MSPs are excellent for ongoing IT support and management, they may not always be the best fit for your organization. We discuss various alternatives such as Staff Augmentation/Temp Agencies, Project-Based Services, Cloud Service Providers, Freelance IT Consultants, and IT Outsourcing/Break-Fix Companies.
While MSPs are excellent for ongoing IT support and management, they may not always be the best fit for your organization. We discuss various alternatives such as Staff Augmentation/Temp Agencies, Project-Based Services, Cloud Service Providers, Freelance IT Consultants, and IT Outsourcing/Break-Fix Companies.
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Thank you to everyone who attended our recent IT Self-Assessment Workshop. Your presence and participation made it a great success! We hope it provided you with new insights and ideas for improving your organization's IT capabilities.
Thank you to everyone who attended our recent IT Self-Assessment Workshop. Your presence and participation made it a great success! We hope it provided you with new insights and ideas for improving your organization's IT capabilities.
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To tackle this topic, we're going to break the managed service providers (MSP for short) into three tiers. On the low end are MSP's that almost exclusively compete on price. How can they be so inexpensive? Simple. They don't include a lot of services that either protect you or increase your productivity.
To tackle this topic, we're going to break the managed service providers (MSP for short) into three tiers. On the low end are MSP's that almost exclusively compete on price. How can they be so inexpensive? Simple. They don't include a lot of services that either protect you or increase your m/video-resource-library/v/productivity.
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A Virtual CIO (Chief Information Officer) is a third-party consultant who provides strategic IT guidance to organizations on a part-time or project basis. As the title suggests, a Virtual CIO performs many of the same functions as a traditional, in-house CIO, but without being a full-time employee.
A Virtual CIO (Chief Information Officer) is a third-party consultant who provides strategic IT guidance to organizations on a part-time or project basis. As the title suggests, a Virtual CIO performs many of the same functions as a traditional, in-house CIO, but without being a full-time employee.
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At Simplex-IT, we believe that clarity is key to building strong relationships with our clients. Our monthly IT agreements cover everything that maintains the status quo of your business operations. That means you can rely on our services for ongoing maintenance and support without worrying about additional charges for every little thing.
At Simplex-IT, we believe that clarity is key to building strong relationships with our clients. Our monthly IT agreements cover everything that maintains the status quo of your business operations. That means you can rely on our services for ongoing maintenance and support without worrying about additional charges for every little thing.
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We’ve done a couple of videos about what an MSP (Managed Service Provider) is. Bottom line is it’s an organization that you outsource a majority (if not all) of your IT support to. And that’s what Simplex-IT is.
We’ve done a couple of videos about what an MSP (Managed Service Provider) is. Bottom line is it’s an organization that you outsource a majority (if not all) of your IT support to. And that’s what Simplex-IT is.
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We wrote the only two books on the topic, so we can definitely talk about this. Plus videos. Yup we got a bunch of videos on it. Keep in mind we’re going to talk about Co-Managed IT from the perspective of the client side, not the service providers.
We wrote the only two books on the topic, so we can definitely talk about this. Plus videos. Yup we got a bunch of videos on it. Keep in mind we’re going to talk about Co-Managed IT from the perspective of the client side, not the service providers.
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There are three flavors of CoMITs. We break it down based on what part of IT the Internal IT folks are responsible for versus what we handle. They are: Full CoMITs, Desktop CoMITs, and Server CoMITs.
There are three flavors of CoMITs. We break it down based on what part of IT the Internal IT folks are responsible for versus what we handle. They are: Full CoMITs, Desktop CoMITs, and Server CoMITs.
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We’ve talked about both Break Fix and Managed Services in other videos. Now, let’s compare them against each other (with plusses and minuses). Of course we’re specifically talking as these concepts relate to IT resources for organizations.
We’ve talked about both Break Fix and Managed Services in other videos. Now, let’s compare them against each other (with plusses and minuses). Of course we’re specifically talking as these concepts relate to IT resources for organizations.
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IT changes. This is especially true with security. Simplex-IT has developed an annual process we call SiMS (for Simplex-IT Managed Services) that involve each year evaluating our Software, Tools, Methodologies and Processes (we call them "STMPs", pronounced "Stamps").
IT changes. This is especially true with security. Simplex-IT has developed an annual process we call SiMS (for Simplex-IT Managed Services) that involve each year evaluating our Software, Tools, Methodologies and Processes (we call them "STMPs", pronounced "Stamps").
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Simplex-IT has spoken at nearly every MSP conference about Co-Managed Services. CEO Bob Coppedge has written the only two books on the topic (both best sellers on Amazon).
Simplex-IT has spoken at nearly every MSP conference about Co-Managed Services. CEO Bob Coppedge has written the only two books on the topic (both best sellers on Amazon). He also created the largest online community dedicated to helping MSP's develop Co-Managed offerings, with over 1,500 members.
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Simplex-IT was formed in 2007 as a Managed Service Provider. To this date well over 80% of our revenue comes from either MSP or Co-Managed MSP agreements or projects with clients.
Why is MSP First and Foremost unique for Simplex-IT? MSP First and Foremost Simplex-IT was formed in 2007 as a Managed Service Provider. To this date well over 80% of our revenue comes from either MSP or Co-Managed MSP agreements or projects with clients that have an agreement with us.
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IT changes. A lot. And often. So how do we keep up in terms of IT support and cybersecurity services? Here at Simplex-IT we've developed our services around an annual cycle. We consistently watch the market for emerging technologies, evaluate, and then select the best options for our clients.
IT changes. A lot. And often. So how do we keep up in terms of IT support and cybersecurity services? Here at Simplex-IT we've developed our services around an annual cycle. We consistently watch the market for emerging technologies, evaluate, and then select the best options for our clients.
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We've discussed what a Managed Service Provider (aka MSP) is before and we've even talked about when you shouldn't use an MSP to support the IT for your organization. So we still need to cover when you should use an MSP, right?
When should you use an MSP for your organization? We've discussed what a Managed Service Provider (aka MSP) is before and we've even talked about when you shouldn't use an MSP to support the IT for your organization. So we still need to cover when you should use an MSP, right?
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We are trying to create the best and most productive and secure IT environment for your organization and there is a lot that goes into every one of these aspects that are critical to your organization’s success. And it’s kind of like Jenga.
Why can't we pick and choose only the IT services we want? Why can't we pick and choose only the services we want?
We are trying to create the best and most productive and secure IT environment for your organization and there is a lot that goes into every one of these aspects that are critical to your organization’s success. And it’s kind of like Jenga.
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5 reasons why your organization might not want to use an MSP for their IT support needs.
When should you not use an MSP? 5 reasons why your organization might not want to use an MSP for their IT support needs.
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What is the difference between CapEx and OpEx? This is a continuation of our Cloud series.
What is the difference between CapEx and OpEx?
CapEx is the capital expenditure where every five years a business will get an amount of money roughly $50,000 to $100,000 to buy a new physical server.
OpEx is an operational expenditure with predictable monthly costs. So instead of CapEx where you spend $50,000- $100,000 every five years, you will spend roughly $600 a month to run the cloud infrastructure.
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An MSP is a third-party company that a business can collaborate with to help manage part or all of the IT for a business, both locally (aka "on prem") or in the cloud.
What is a managed service provider?
That's actually kinda funny, because there actually isn't one standard definition that fits everyone. But that won't stop us!
An MSP is a third-party company that a business can collaborate with to help manage part or all of the IT for a business, both locally (aka "on prem") or in the cloud.
An MSP provides technology and expertise to boost the organization's ability to scale. Working with MSPs can have tremendous benefits for an enterprise. For instance, their understanding of cutting-edge technology can help improve performance, operations, and security while reducing overhead. In addition, they can offer several creative solutions to help navigate the evolving landscape of the big data world.
A successful MSP should be able to deliver tailor-made solutions that fit a company perfectly using tools and strategies that they're very familiar with. And let's talk about specialized skill. Some organizations might need specialized skills, but not enough for a full-time person. It's really hard, for example, to hire 20% of a Senior Database Analyst. Believe me, we've tried. That's especially true when it comes to strategic planning. If an organization isn't large enough to have a Chief Information Officer (CIO) position, the MSP should be able to fulfill that role. Often this is called a virtual or fractional CIO.
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Hiring a Managed Service Provider (MSP) for your organization shouldn't be a hasty decision. Here are six important factors to keep in mind:
Hiring a Managed Service Provider (MSP) for your organization shouldn't be a hasty decision. Here are six important factors to keep in mind:
1. THE MSP'S TRACK RECORD
2. THE RANGE OF SERVICES IT PROVIDES
3. SUPPORT
4. RESPONSE TIME
5. SECURITY AND BACKUP
6. GUIDANCE ON WORKFLOW OPTIONS
With high expertise, customized services, and an understanding of threats, a reputable team can help you stay ahead of your competitors.
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Confused by all the IT acronyms floating around—MSP, MCP, MITP, MNP, MSSP, and now MIP? You’re not alone! In this video, Bob Coppedge, CEO of Simplex-IT, breaks down what these terms mean, why they keep changing, and what really matters for your business.
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Confused by all the IT acronyms floating around—MSP, MCP, MITP, MNP, MSSP, and now MIP? You’re not alone! In this video, Bob Coppedge, CEO of Simplex-IT, breaks down what these terms mean, why they keep changing, and what really matters for your business.
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