In today’s economy many businesses do not have the resources which are required to implement the necessary equipment and employ staff with the skills to maintain network security. This represents a very real challenge for companies in terms of data security, business continuity and productivity. This is where network protection services can be invaluable when it comes to protecting company assets.

Specialized Services

The current economy has forced many companies to reduce staff expenditures which results in a shortage of IT staff. As a result, many IT professionals are over extended and unable to specialize in a specific area. More often than not a single task is accomplished at the expense of other tasks.

By using a network protection service, you can alleviate this concern with IT professionals that specialize in network security. This helps to increase the security of your network and save on costs in the long run.

Customization with Reduced Costs

Every company has different security needs. Implementing the equipment and applications which are necessary for meeting these needs can be costly. Quality network protection services are capable of designing a network security infrastructure that appropriately serves your company requirements minus the cost of equipment installation and configuration. A network protection service will assess your needs and then customize comprehensive solutions which range from specific security applications to Virtual Private Networks.

Reporting

Network security services which are deployed on the premises can potentially mean that security status reporting comes from multiple locations. This can prove to be an IT nightmare from the administrative perspective which increases the risks of security exploits being overlooked.

Network protection services can provide reporting solutions that monitor overall network status from one reporting interface. This means improved security for your company network while reducing the costs of network maintenance and monitoring.

Email Security

Email can be one of the primary causes of network exploits due to the fact that it is used for company-wide communications. When you use a network protection service, your email is filtered on the third party network prior to being forwarded to your mail server. This process provides a way for you to easily monitor onsite network connections since you know exactly where the mail connection originated.

Comprehensive Network Management

Keeping up with patch updates, anti-virus and anti-malware processes, firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and overall network health is a monumental task for most companies. Network protection services can provide comprehensive solutions which provide enterprise-class security by overseeing the management of firewalls, patching, anti-virus and anti-spyware protection, and performing regular Network Health Assessments. This ensures you have protection around the clock for your staff, network, and your company.

If you are considering using a network protection service, contact Thrive Networks to learn about the different options we have available.

Every month, our company generates invoices for our product and services. In the past, all invoices within the organization were sent via the postal service. We now send the majority of our invoices via email. The end result: less time folding invoices, stuffing envelopes, adding postage. Not a big deal, you say? Well, let’s take this business example and determine how much is being saved using email versus the postal service.

Monthly Invoicing Example

Let’s say every month you send 200 invoices. Half are sent via the postal service and the others are sent via email. Costs are calculated as follows:

A savings of $1,254.00 per year for 10 years could be a savings of $12,540.00 and possibly more due to inflation.

Maximizing Savings

The same logic for invoicing also applies to accounts payable; hence the name PAYABLE. We all issue checks manually or via a computerized accounting program. Either way money is being spent on checks, window envelopes, postage, ink, and an associate’s time. In essence, we are paying an additional amount for a service or item we bought. Why should we be paying more to pay our vendors? More folks should consider paying their business liabilities via an interest free credit card. There would be time required for the initial setup of each vendor, but after that task is complete, the process should be seamless.

There are many perks to using a credit card, versus paying by check (i.e. points for travel, items, gift cards, etc.) Wouldn’t it be beneficial to select a payment method where you received a payback while parting with your funds, in addition to saving time and money on supplies?

Lastly, if there is an option to receive your vendor invoices via email, please utilize this option. This saves time, money and is eco-friendly.

So what is a Network Health Assessment and what does it entail?

A comprehensive Network Health Assessment takes anywhere from four to six weeks and is typically managed by a senior engineer who oversees the process and then reports on the status of the network. The process involves a series of assessments on network components which include the following:

• Network Servers: A network server assessment ensures potential problems are identified before they become a major issue. This phase of the assessment determines overall network health and checks for error reports.
• Workstations: Workstations are an essential part of day to day network processes. An assessment of workstation health includes a comprehensive examination of all hardware and software and includes a checklist of notes for necessary cleanup.
• Power Systems: Routine power systems assessments are essential for ensuring the ongoing functioning of critical network components. This step of the Network Health Assessment checks for any problems in the power system so recommendations can be made for repair or replacement.
• Email and Messaging: Routine checkups of company email and messaging systems help to promote business continuity and productivity. Assessment of these components ensures the best practices are applied when it comes to email security and proper functioning of email clients.
• Network Security: An assessment of network security involves a review of patching processes, intrusion detection systems, firewalls, anti-virus and anti-malware applications, and other layers of protection which exist within the infrastructure.
• Remote Access: If your company employs remote workers it is important to assess the security of the equipment for those who are authorized to use it. Remote access involves Virtual Private NetworksVirtual Private Networks and other forms of secure communications which can easily be compromised if they are not maintained.
• Antivirus and Anti-Malware: The latest definitions for anti-virus and anti-malware applications are critical to network security. A comprehensive assessment involves a review of these applications to ensure the latest versions are being used, security updates have been performed, and the latest definitions have been loaded into the applications.
• Printers: Printers are an essential part of a Network Health Assessment since it is necessary to maintain the drivers, internal components, and configurations. Routine assessments of your printer guarantee ongoing business productivity.

Finally, a Network Health Assessment also includes an overall review of network management, maintenance, and monitoring to determine if any modifications are necessary in the strategies being used for these processes. This guarantees that your networks continue to run smoothly and free of IT issues.

If your company is in need of a Network Health Assessment, contact Thrive Networks for a comprehensive evaluation by our network engineers.

Thrive Networks

The MSPmentor 100

The MSPmentor 100 is an annual research report from MSPmentor and its owner, Nine Lives Media Inc., MSPmentor is widely considered the ultimate guide to managed services and the leading global destination for managed service providers. Nominees were evaluated in a range of industry-specific categories including:

• Annual managed services revenue (2011)
• Annual managed services revenue growth (2011 vs. 2010, in U.S. dollars)
• Annual managed services revenue growth (2011 vs. 2010, percentage growth)
• Percentage of overall revenue from managed services (2011)
• Devices/seats managed (2011)
• Devices/seats managed, annual growth (2011 vs.2010) in raw numbers)
• Devices/seats managed, percentage growth (2011 vs. 2010)
• Recurring revenue per full-time employee (2011)

This methodology ensures small, midsize and large MSPs from around the world are recognized on the MSPmentor 100.

In order to be considered for the MSPmentor 100, managed service providers had to complete a comprehensive online survey, which MSPmentor and Nine Lives Media Inc. conducted from October 1, 2011 through December 23, 2011.

For more information about MSPmentor and the MSPmentor 100, please visit www.mspmentor.net.

It is important to note that the size of your business will be the key factor which determines the type of IT support you require. If you are a small business it is less likely you have a comprehensive IT support staff. For medium to large sized businesses you may have a partial IT support team or a full-fledged department that may be over extended.

To choose the approach that is best for your business it helps to know what options are available to you when it comes to outsourcing IT support. Many quality IT support services will work with you to plan the best approach however, here is an overview of the different types of IT support services to help you get started.

IT Support for Small Business

While some companies prefer to employ an in-house IT team others find it more cost effective to outsource IT support. This leaves more time for new IT initiatives which support company growth and revenue. Here are some of the ways that you can outsource IT support to a qualified IT support provider:

• Network Setup and Administration: If your small business has less than 50 employees it is likely you may not have the staff resources to setup a network and oversee network administration on a routine basis. In this case, you can seek the services of a qualified network administration to oversee this important aspect of your business for much less than the cost of employing an IT staff around the clock.
• Network Security: Network security can be a significant challenge for small businesses and at the same time it is a necessity in today’s business environment. By outsourcing network security tasks to a quality IT provider you guarantee your network is safe from the latest threats and your network is continually monitored for vulnerabilities. Outsourced IT support for network security also means that your network stays updated with the latest security patches, firewalls, and intrusion detection systems which ensure critical data stays secure.
• Desktop and End-User Support: For small businesses providing ongoing desktop and end-user support can be a costly but necessary part of maintaining business continuity. Tapping into a professional IT support provider in this area provides an affordable way for you to ensure your employees remain productive with proactive monitoring and managing of your desktop environment.
• Data Backup and Recovery: It is a known fact that most small businesses fold up within a year following data loss. Why? Data backup and recovery can be a costly venture and one that most small businesses cannot afford. By using an IT support provider which offers data backup and recovery you can securely backup critical data and obtain access to it in the event disaster strikes. Also, when you use a cloud solution, it is much more cost effective than deploying other offsite methods for protecting small business data.
• Email Services: Most small businesses rely heavily on email for daily communications and quality customer service. Around the clock email productivity and protection is a must but the costs of monitoring the architecture can take a big bite out of small business profits. IT support providers which provide email services can help you to manage, monitor, and protect your email systems at a much lower cost than if you deployed the necessary infrastructure in-house.

As a final note, you should always take the time to do your research to ensure you are working with a reliable and experienced IT provider to avoid any additional costs associated with a poorly managed service.

If you would like to learn more about your options for outsourced IT support, contact Thrive Networks today to speak with one of our experienced professionals.

 But what happens to compliance standards and service level agreements that must be maintained if you decide to use virtualization and cloud hosted Services?  Who assumes this responsibility especially when the protection of customer data is at stake?

 Looking at it from the perspective of PCI compliance can provide you with a general idea of how data security standards are met when you use new technologies such as virtualization and cloud hosted Services to store sensitive data.  In the age of ecommerce and new technologies you will find many definitions of what is cloud computing when you ask different companies. 

 For example, a few companies see cloud computing as a “pay as you go” service which is scalable where other companies will say that cloud computing is the use of earlier computing methods minus the complexities of technology deployment.  Different perceptions of The Cloud raise the question of where data security standards fit in and who is taking responsibility in The Cloud.

 PCI Compliance Defined

 PCI compliance refers to the Payment Card Industry standards which are defined by the PCI Standards Security Council.  These are standards which are uniform worldwide standards that are in place to protect both the ecommerce entity and the consumer against data intrusions.  Compliance is awarded when the standards within an organization have been met.  The standards apply to any organization that processes and stores cardholder data.

 So what happens when cardholder data is handled and stored in The Cloud?

 According to the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) there are three different service models that accompany cloud hosting which include Software as a Service (SaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS), and Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS). 

• SaaS:  Software as a Service is software that is offered by the cloud hosting service which the company accesses over the Internet via a web browser.
• PaaS:  Platform as a Service is infrastructure that is provided and maintained by the cloud hosting provider.  The company accessing this type of service defines the configurations in accordance with company requirements.
• IaaS:  Infrastructure as a Service allows a company to have control over the operating systems and software applications while the cloud hosting provider manages the underlying network constituents.

In terms of PCI compliance the standards are determined according to how cloud computing is utilized according to these three different service models.  If the company chooses a cloud hosting service or they decide to manage cardholder data onsite the type of implementation which is used will be the determining factor for the PCI DSS or PCI Data Security Standards which must be met in accordance with the PCI Standards Security Council.  The bottom line is you must take the method of implementation into consideration if you are going to be handling cardholder data and other sensitive consumer information. 

If you are seeking to simplify IT management and reduce the cost of implementing and maintaining data infrastructure, contact Thrive Networks today for assistance with designing a bulletproof cloud strategy that caters to the individual needs of your business.

Patching is the process of repairing system vulnerabilities which are discovered after the infrastructure components have been released on the market.  Patches apply to many different parts of an information system which include operating systems, servers, routers, desktops, email clients, office suites, mobile devices, firewalls, and many other components that exist within the network infrastructure.  The number of patches which are required on a consistent basis can be overwhelming.  This is why it is necessary to devise a patch management process to ensure the proper preventive measures are taken against potential threats.

 How Patch Management Works

 The methods which are used for patch management will vary slightly according to the infrastructure design for each company information system.  That said here is a general description of how patch management is typically deployed.

 Most companies with large infrastructures implement automated patch management systems which reduce the requirements for manpower that would otherwise be needed for manual implementation. Other companies choose to outsource patch management to a qualified company which will perform this service from a remote location.

 An automated patch management system involves the installation of a client agent that allows network administrators to control patch distribution from a web-based interface.  This type of system allows network administrators to configure the settings for patch distribution and generate log reports to check the status of patches. Patch distribution can also be set at different levels within the infrastructure to cover different applications and devices which are used to access data and information.

 Consequences of Not Deploying Patch Management

 Due to the fact that the components which make up network infrastructure and information systems are not perfect when they are released on the market makes patch distribution all that much more important.  patch management is preventative and the number of vulnerabilities discovered over an extended period of time can seriously compromise the integrity and security of information.

 In the event there is a window of vulnerability, a solid patch management system means a network is being consistently monitored.  This allows immediate action to be taken if a patch has yet to be released when a vulnerability is discovered.  The importance here is the prevention of what is known as a ‘Zero Day Attack’ which is an exploit that can occur while a patch is in the process of being produced to repair the vulnerability.  Attacks such as these can be minor or they can be as malicious as taking down an entire company network.

 Patch Management Key Concerns

 Patch management is very critical to business operations however it also tends to be considered a responsibility of the IT department.  While this is partially true patch management within an organization’s infrastructure cannot be successful without the understanding and support of the senior management.   

 Instead of waiting for the issue to be addressed when a problem occurs it is important to implement and plan for patch management in advance.  The key concerns for many companies are in the number of patches and the manpower needed to deploy them.  However, new technologies along with enterprises which offer patch management services have made patch management implementation and distribution easier and more cost effective.

Patch management services can help to keep your network secure while reducing costs. Contact Thrive Networks to find out more about making patch management easier.

Management Challenges for IT Administrators

IT administrators are responsible for the backbone of modern information technology systems which are reliant on complex network infrastructures. For medium to large-sized companies there can be literally hundreds of thousands of devices which are mission critical to company operations.  The server and network devices can include many different types of hardware from a variety of vendors, security components, switches, routers, and other components that make up the infrastructure.  Here are some of the challenges in terms of a manual approach to managing server and network infrastructures.

• Configuration Tasks: When using the conventional approach to network administration IT personnel typically invests a lot of time into performing configurations which are repetitive and time consuming.  This takes time away from planning for future innovations that increase productivity.
• Network Growth: As a company expands so does the number of devices and applications. This means additional tasks in terms of configuration. IT administrators end up prioritizing according to business task importance which increases the risk of errors and network outages.
• Network Security: The tasks associated with network security can be monumental in terms of patching, firewalls, intrusion detection monitoring, and other security measures which are used to secure data on a server.  This leaves a lot of room for error which increases the risk for data breaches.
• No Centralized Management: When you use the conventional approach to server and network management there is no centralized control for keeping track of configuration changes, updates, and other mission critical steps which are required to meet compliance regulations.  Performing each management task separately is time consuming and repetitive.
• Lack of Accountability: With most network infrastructures there is no way to ensure accountability for device configurations and user actions.  If a security breach occurs or there is an unauthorized configuration change there is typically no way to trace the action back to a specific user.

How to Conquer Server and Network Management Issues

Thanks to a higher availability of solutions providers and automated tools, server and network management can be simplified. This leaves more time for IT administrators to focus on new company innovations instead of performing time consuming and repetitive tasks.  Automated tools provide a way to keep track of configurations, reduce the possibility for human error, improve policy compliance, and reduce operational costs.

Additionally, many companies choose to use a virtualization solutions provider that can oversee and manage server and network infrastructures either onsite or from a remote location.  Most solutions providers offer configuration, change, and compliance management services.  They are also equipped with the necessary automation tools to reduce errors and perform audits and reports on the status of network configurations.

With a quality virtualization solution  in place companies can make the best use of their resources and time.  To learn more about how you can improve productivity and business continuity while cutting costs contact Thrive Networks today for a consultation.

 New data backup and recovery technologies eliminate failure risks while increasing efficiency and promoting faster recovery time.  Additionally the newer technologies and services reduce network risks that often go undetected and provide solutions that reduce storage management and maintenance costs.

 Every company has different data storage requirements that depend upon the type of industry.  In order to choose the best data protection solution it is important to know what your options are and why these options are the better choice for information security management.

 Hosted Cloud Services

 Cloud-based data protection is an option that many companies are using due to its accessibility, reliability, and security.  Data storage in the cloud represents an affordable solution for many businesses because it has the capability to provide the best of both worlds which is immediate access to data while enjoying the reliability and security of offsite storage. Also, most cloud service providers offer different levels of vaulting solutions to meet industry compliance and regulatory standards.

 In terms of protecting your servers and workstations, a quality cloud hosting provider is capable of backing up your servers in the cloud and data which is relevant to your workstations.  If your company experiences a hardware failure or natural disaster you can quickly recover by tapping into your resources with the cloud hosting service.

 Onsite Data Storage and Backup

 Some companies deploy onsite data storage  to provide easy access to data.  By storing and backing up data onsite recovery time is faster than offsite storage and you can add storage as needed. 

 A few of the drawbacks of onsite data storage  is your company can suffer a complete loss in the event of a fire or flood if you are not using multiple backup methods.  Also, it is necessary for someone to monitor the system and perform backups on a routine basis.  Depending upon the data workload, onsite storage can also be costly in terms of hardware and maintenance.

 Offsite Storage and Backup

 Offsite storage is offered in a variety of different methods which include tape storage, data warehousing, or data storage strategies which are configured by the company.   Offsite data storage utilizes redundant data storage which provides multiple backup copies and can be designed for storage in multiple locations.

 Although offsite data storage eliminates the possibility of human error it can be costly and bandwidth intensive when it comes to ongoing backup.  The recovery process is significantly slower than onsite storage depending upon the methods that are used for recovery.

 What we have described here are the primary options that companies consider for data protection and storage.  It is important to mention that multiple backup and storage methods are commonly deployed for added reassurance in the event of a disaster.

 Data protection and backup  does not have to be complex.  To discover cost effective options for data protection, contact Thrive Networks for assistance with setting up a data protection and backup strategy.

 The answer to this dilemma is the incorporation of new technologies into your IT infrastructure.  Although this may sound like you are increasing IT capital expenditures you are actually cutting costs while increasing productivity in response to the ever changing market.  Here are some thoughts on how to reduce costs while still maintaining the competitive advantage.

 IT Lifecycle

 It is a well known fact that IT infrastructures which are older are much more expensive to maintain and present many challenges in terms of working with hardware and software that is no longer compatible with new applications.  In many cases the older IT infrastructures tend to remain in operation because they serve as a comfort zone, so to speak, for the IT department and management despite the fact that the system is very costly to maintain.  If one were to analyze the exact cost of retaining the older infrastructure chances are the results would show exorbitant maintenance and operating costs in addition to high energy consumption.  So what is the answer?

 Let’s consider the virtualization model.  Virtualization is a methodology that provides a solution for companies to consolidate older infrastructures.  This is accomplished by combining servers which can then be controlled through single point access.  This type of system increases the utilization of hardware by as much as 85 percent where the older infrastructures may use as little as 20 percent.

 Transitioning to virtualization means cutting operating costs significantly while improving reliability and reducing downtime.  Server consolidation is also scalable so you can deliver IT services on-demand. Plus fewer servers mean lower energy consumption and reduced cooling requirements.

 Information Lifecycle Management and Data Storage

 Without a doubt, the growth of data and information is a major contributor to the increase in IT costs. The older infrastructures are unable to meet the demand for more affordable solutions that help to reduce the data storage footprint.  Older methods such as tape storage can increase downtime in the event of a disaster plus offsite storage is typically more expensive compared to the newer methods for data storage and backup.

 When you consider a cloud hosted model, virtualization is the channel to a solid data storage and backup system in the cloud.  This means that your IT resources are consolidated into logical steps for storage, network, and servers which create a virtual datacenter.  This is known as a holistic approach to information lifecycle management and data storage requirements. The result is the reduction of IT capital expenditures in terms of maintenance and administration while improving the level of service.

 Virtualization and cloud hosted services are being considered by more companies for the reasons we have discussed in the article.  Hopefully these thoughts will help to spur some ideas and options as to how your company can save on IT capital expenditures.  When it comes to remaining competitive in today’s marketplace most companies should not be asking, “Why should we consider virtualization and cloud hosting?”  Instead, the question should be, “Why are we not already using virtualization and cloud services?”

 If you are trying to find ways to reduce the cost of IT capital expenditures, contact Thrive Networks today for assistance with designing a strategy for reducing IT costs over the next one to three years.