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Everything you need to understand the cross-section of technology and business
IT is the core of business development. Enterprise IT ties together all the essential business processes from sales, inventory, and financial management to marketing. Co-managed IT services can expand your IT coverage and technical support framework to empower business growth.
Managed services are growing in popularity, with the global market expected to reach more than $200 billion by the end of 2020. But what if you already have an in-house IT team you don’t wish to replace? That’s where co-managed services come in. Find out how they generate ROI in this post.
Businesses are more reliant on technology than ever before, and cybersecurity has never been more important. But more IT means more IT issues. That’s where co-managed services come into play. Let’s take a look at co-managed services, their benefits, and how they can improve your security posture.
Your network is critical for your business, and network problems and downtime can be costly. However, good network management involves constant, time-consuming monitoring that is best left to an external co-managed service partner.
Co-managed IT lets you keep control of your IT infrastructure while absorbing the tasks that your in-house staff lacks the time or skills to complete. Basically, co-managed IT services augment your IT department with new skill sets and a capable workforce.
Co-managed IT lets you keep your in-house IT team while still enjoying the many benefits of outsourcing IT support services. At times, you may need both external assistance and close-range support to meet your IT objectives — co-managed IT makes that possible.
Are you ready to reopen your office or workspace after COVID-19? Don’t worry — below, we take you through the key steps to transitioning back to office life after remote working, including how to address technology concerns and how to prepare your staff for their return.
With more people working remotely than ever before, communication platforms have become essential tools. Our favorite communication platforms, Microsoft Teams, Zoom, and Apple’s FaceTime are great for keeping teams connected and maintaining high levels of productivity.
There are many vendors that support our peer groups and they deliver strong content not only about their product but what they see in the marketplace. These vendors are solidly committed to the overall success of their partners. We couldn’t do our job without them!
IT is the core of business development. Enterprise IT ties together all the essential business processes from sales, inventory, and financial management to marketing. Co-managed IT services can expand your IT coverage and technical support framework to empower business growth.
Managed services are growing in popularity, with the global market expected to reach more than $200 billion by the end of 2020. But what if you already have an in-house IT team you don’t wish to replace? That’s where co-managed services come in. Find out how they generate ROI in this post.
Businesses are more reliant on technology than ever before, and cybersecurity has never been more important. But more IT means more IT issues. That’s where co-managed services come into play. Let’s take a look at co-managed services, their benefits, and how they can improve your security posture.
Your network is critical for your business, and network problems and downtime can be costly. However, good network management involves constant, time-consuming monitoring that is best left to an external co-managed service partner.
Co-managed IT lets you keep control of your IT infrastructure while absorbing the tasks that your in-house staff lacks the time or skills to complete. Basically, co-managed IT services augment your IT department with new skill sets and a capable workforce.
Co-managed IT lets you keep your in-house IT team while still enjoying the many benefits of outsourcing IT support services. At times, you may need both external assistance and close-range support to meet your IT objectives — co-managed IT makes that possible.
Are you ready to reopen your office or workspace after COVID-19? Don’t worry — below, we take you through the key steps to transitioning back to office life after remote working, including how to address technology concerns and how to prepare your staff for their return.
With more people working remotely than ever before, communication platforms have become essential tools. Our favorite communication platforms, Microsoft Teams, Zoom, and Apple’s FaceTime are great for keeping teams connected and maintaining high levels of productivity.
There are many vendors that support our peer groups and they deliver strong content not only about their product but what they see in the marketplace. These vendors are solidly committed to the overall success of their partners. We couldn’t do our job without them!
Have you made the necessary security preparations to facilitate a smooth transition from an on-site workplace to remote working? Security is a priority concern when collaborating with remote employees, considering that you have limited control over critical security details.
Security threats can endanger not just your team but your clients as well. Have you candidly reviewed your security situation? Take the time.
In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, businesses everywhere are forced to operate remotely. This poses risks because employees will be using unsecured wifi and devices which hackers can easily access. Your company data could be on the line and you need to take the necessary steps to protect it.
You did it! Your new technology solution is up and running and that big project is over. Time to start reaping the benefits of that new solution. But where do you start?
Businesses can face a variety of challenges when implementing new technology. As you work to make it part of workflows and integrate it into your IT, it’s critical to define an adoption strategy for your new technology. Learn about the best practices for adoption to ensure success.
New tech only works if your employees actually use it, so how do you boost employee engagement levels and get the most from your IT? From cutting downtime to increasing staff productivity and collaboration, here’s a rundown of why new tech matters, and why it’s time to get your staff on board.
When was the last time you measured the ROI you’re getting from your managed IT services? If your technology isn’t providing the benefits it should, team productivity and morale go out the window. So, it’s not surprising that partnering with the right managed IT service provider is an investment worth making.
Finding the right IT partner can be a struggle. You need one who will help grow your business, decrease IT problems, and can help your business navigate the threat landscape so you can focus on your day-to-day activities without interruptions.
Through all of that growth, development, and success, if you don’t keep your business processes in step, you’re going to be facing a difficult situation when the next big transition occurs.
You are able to devote more focus on streamlining your processes to increase efficiency and revenue.
But if you’re siloing your IT and your business processes, you could be shooting yourself in the foot.
That’s why I’ve made this 5 blog mini-series. In each of the 5 parts, I’ll give you a question to ask your vendors to ensure that they are taking the right precautions and implementing the best processes to help and protect your business.
Whether it’s the new OS update on your iPhone or a new software stack for your business, technology adoption is a critically important factor that determines the overall success of your solution.
In each of the 5 parts of this mini blog series, I’ll give you a question to ask your vendors to ensure that they are taking the right precautions and implementing the best processes to help and protect your business.
Good MSPs genuinely value the time clients take to explain their business and growth needs. That’s because having that information in hand makes their job easier with better client outcomes.
Sometimes with specialized services, like those an MSP provides, it can be hard to assess how well they perform their job. But there is a simple way to tell if your MSP is falling short: listen to the office.
It’s important to know the exact level of coverage a vendor has for your business. You shouldn’t be trusting your business to a vendor with coverage you aren’t 100% comfortable with.
While it is important to have a solution in place for your IT, it is equally important to be able to regularly assess that solution.
That’s why I’ve made this 5 blog mini-series. In each of the 5 parts, I’ll give you a question to ask your vendors to ensure that they are taking the right precautions and implementing the best processes to help and protect your business.
Every business owner dreads when they get to the point that their current services and solutions no longer work for their company. They dread it because it means that change is coming, and change is rarely easy or fun.
Your values are the foundation of your business. They keep you on track to ensure that you meet the needs of your employees, partners, and customers. Check out our handy guide to reevaluating your core business values. In this quick read, you’ll learn why sometimes values need to be reevaluated.
If you are not happy with your current IT provider, it’s time to start thinking about the transition process. In today’s digital world, every business relies on IT to execute critical operations. Downtime can be disastrous. What does a successful IT provider transition look like? Let’s find out.
It’s all too easy to fall into a hands-off mentality with your MSP. After all, that’s why you hired them, right? But just because everything is working doesn’t mean you shouldn’t check in from time to time to make sure you’re technology is ready to grow with you.
Are you in a relationship that’s just not working? They don’t return your calls. They cancel plans last-minute. And they promise they’ll do better next time – but they just don’t. In this article, we’ll take a look at four signs you are settling for your current IT services provider.
When you have a sturdy disaster recovery plan in place, you’re doing one of the best things you can do for your business. If you’re in an industry that commands strict data protection compliance, you need to make sure your disaster recovery plan meets relevant standards. Here are some top tips for making sure your […]
Things go wrong. When they do, the better prepared you and your team are, the more likely you’ll overcome the hurdle and get back to business. Let’s look at what disaster recovery plans should include, as well as 3 best practices for businesses. Have a read and protect your organization from the inevitable.
Disaster recovery plans outline how vital support systems – such as communications, hardware, and employees – will be restored full working order.
Do you know the difference between disaster recovery and business continuity? Read on to find out.
Unified communications can allow for improved teamwork and increased flexibility for employees. These things are crucial for helping a business run smoothly.
f there’s one thing that’s true of IT, it’s that somewhere, somehow, something will go wrong. For businesses, the most important strategy is preparation. After all, computer systems fail for all kinds of reasons. That’s why one of your biggest priorities should be to protect your company’s data.
Unified communications is a real thing. It’s not just jargon. And it represents a legitimately helpful approach to managing every aspect of your company’s interaction, both internal and external. Today, we’re going to explain what it is and why you want it.
Voice-over IP is a disaster-proof way to set up your company’s phone system to ensure flawless communication in your business, promoting further maturation and growth.
Effective risk management is essential in the fast-paced corporate environment of today. As regulatory standards are constantly tightened, it becomes necessary to mitigate risk as much as possible.
Simply put: a security risk assessment is a risk analysis performed on your network and cyber security measures to determine exactly how vulnerable you are, and just how difficult (or easy) it is to hack into your system
If you’re wondering whether it’s worth investing in cyber liability insurance, here’s everything you need to know about this relatively new policy coverage.
If you’re legally obliged to abide by healthcare compliance regulations, it’s your responsibility to stay current on any changes to the law. Here’s how to do it.
Federal government agencies issue thousands of rules every year. If your business is required to follow these regulations it can seem overwhelming keeping up with all the requirements. Here are tips on how to stay up-to-date and keep compliant.
Is your MSP maturing as a business? To become a truly helpful partner for business growth, you’ve got to ask the questions to uncover the truth of your MSP.
It may strike you as counterintuitive, be the truth is that partnering with other managed IT services providers actually helps everyone—you, the competition, your clients and the community. In fact, if you commit to genuine partnership full-force, you’ll get way more out of it than you give up.
When it comes to business expenses, few are as confusing as your phone or ISP bill. You know you need these services, but are there ways to lower the cost? Finding the right balance between savings and the service levels you need to stay competitive can be a tall order. We’d like to help.
Too many businesses overlook one key part of their cybersecurity plan—their people. According to one recent report, 49% of all security breaches can be traced back to a mistake made by a human being. The only way to close this gap is through cybersecurity training.
Phishing comes in a few forms, but the core tactic is the same: trick your employees into thinking something unsafe is safe. If you’re not prepared to deal with phishing attacks, your network could be in very real danger. So, what is phishing and how can you stop it?
Data security is essential for every small business. Find out why small businesses are at risk and what you can do to protect your organization.
If you’re a small business owner, there’s a good chance you have three traits: ambition, work ethic, and heart. Sponsoring a local charity is a great way to showcase those qualities. Here are three reasons why we think it’s a great idea to give back.
Millions of records are accessed by malicious hackers every year. Here are 6 steps you can take to reduce your risk of identity theft.
While backing up critical data and services is a good first step, developing a full business continuity plan that ensures a comprehensive approach for consistent service. Let’s take a look at the important differences between basic backup and business continuity.
KME Systems, an all-inclusive managed IT services provider for businesses in Southern California, has again earned the Pinnacle Circle of Excellence Award by Digium, Inc. KME received the 2019 honor for their performance as an outstanding technology deployment company delivering excellent customer service.
As cybercriminal become increasingly sophisticated, corporate cybersecurity must stay one step ahead of the evolving threats. Luckily, there are steps any SMB leader can take now to improve their cybersecurity. Here’s how any small business can boost their cybersecurity protection right now.
At KME we love our dogs almost as much as we love. . . well, we couldn’t think of anything we love more than them right this moment. We do have other interests, trust us. But right now we’re talking about dogs. We’ve compiled our favorite facts that you probably don’t know about them!
There are times when sending data over Wi-Fi makes it more vulnerable to attack, like on public Wi-Fi networks in hotels, airports and coffee shops. Even your office network could have vulnerabilities. Follow these tips to make sure your data stays safe no matter what wireless network you are using.
The only real way to protect your data – and, by extension, your company and its reputation – is to get an accurate sense of your cybersecurity risk. Which parts of your digital infrastructure are vulnerable? Every company has risk points. Here are a few steps to figure out what yours might be.
Cybercriminals seem to love attacking small businesses. Part of the reason may be that small businesses aren’t as careful about security as their larger peers. To add a layer of protection your business, consider using one of the best antivirus programs described below.
KME Systems is a great firm, and we work hard to earn our clients’ trust. We try to be a great place to work, not just a job. And we sincerely try to create an environment for success, fun and achievement. It’s an honor to be nominated and be among other great firms.
Cloud storage is on the rise, but how secure is your data in the cloud? Here’s the good news: security is a top priority cloud storage providers. In fact, many cloud services providers offer better security than you could deliver on your own. Let’s take a look at cloud security for business use.
When it comes to your company’s cybersecurity, don’t try to do it on your own. Don’t shop based on price. Don’t let a fast-talking sales guy seduce you into an agreement that doesn’t really fit your company. Instead, find someone you can trust who is willing to just have a conversation with you.
Your business reputation may be an intangible thing, but it’s real. It can make or break your whole business. Just one cybersecurity issue can undo years of hard work. You can’t afford to roll the dice with this. Get out in front of a reputation-ruining event by being proactive.
Data breaches can have big consequences not only in the moment but for a long time to come. If your company has a cybersecurity issue, it can haunt you. But many cybersecurity problems are easy to avoid and easy to fix. Avoid these four biggest pitfalls.
Workers in the United States are some of the most overworked in the entire world. With millions of people pulling 50 to 70 hour work weeks and unable to unplug when they get home, it’s definitely taking a toll. Too many Americans experience an overall lower quality of life because of their jobs.
We love Orange County. Community is important at KME and we believe in giving back. That’s why we’re so thankful for the amazing nonprofits who work daily in our community to improve the lives of everyone who lives here. Check out how these nine charities are changing and empowering lives.
Budgets. Whether you love them or hate them, they’re a necessary part of running a successful business. That’s especially true when it comes to your IT budget. Investing in IT is an important priority, especially for small to midsize businesses.
SMBs are vulnerable to cybersecurity threats, but they may not have as many resources to deal with serious breaches or serious protection as larger companies.
Luckily, some of the biggest threats to small businesses are easy to fix with a few changes to company policy or a bit of education.
As an MSP, you can never know enough about how to protect your clients from criminal activity. Millions of dollars are lost every week. Don’t let your company become a victim. Take the time to learn what you need to know to protect your company from these dangerous criminals.
Transform the way you work with these six Office 365 tips. Improve communication, take control of your inbox, and become a master collaborator with new and improved tools. Give your productivity a boost and stay one step ahead of the competition.
Data loss is an issue that should always be taken seriously by small businesses. Keep your business up and running even in the face of data loss by heeding these scary facts about how data loss can hurt a small business.
Looking for family-friendly activities for Halloween? To scare up a few thrills and chills this Halloween, Orange County has a lot of activities for the entire family. With so many ghoulishly fun ways to enjoy Halloween activities with your family, you might have a hard time selecting just one!
You would be hard-pressed to find a company that’s not dependent on software, networks or the cloud. All these powerful tools, though, are nothing without the hardware that runs them. The problem is recognizing when it’s time for a hardware upgrade.
Some business owners think that simply having the right software in place is enough to keep their network secure. The reality is that network security is a team effort. That’s why providing proper employee education is an important part of keeping hackers at bay.
With crisp, refreshing air and trees ablaze with color, fall is the perfect time for outdoor adventures. And there are plenty of fun fall activities in Orange County, from apple picking to festivals. For inspiration, here’s a rundown of the best outdoor things to do in Orange County this fall.
When traveling for work, it’s important to remain connected. However, it’s also important to maintain mobile security in the process. While avoiding public Wi-Fi may not be an option, there are ways to remain connected and secure. Here are a few tips to help you stay on top of mobile data security.
Organizations that fall victim to ransomware attacks can face significant disruption to their business operations. It makes sense for you to learn all you can about ransomware, avoid common technology mistakes, and learn how to protect yourself against an attack.
For a fun-filled OC Labor Day weekend with plenty to do, Orange County has a host of great activities. Attend a street fair, listen to one of several live bands, check out an art show, or let the kids have fun with plenty of games, rides, attractions and exciting activities!
VoIP gives you ways to lower your costs while taking advantage of flexible features that make your business more efficient. Unfortunately, a lot of businesses never get beyond the basic features offered by VoIP, so they never discover the benefits VoIP advanced features.
Not all computer maintenance requires professional assistance. In fact, these 6 DIY PC maintenance tips offer several benefits, such as protecting your investment in equipment, improving your business’s efficiency and even keeping malware at bay.
Planning for disaster is essential in business. But because it’s not pleasant to think about, some SMB owners just put it off. Big mistake. Huge. Your disaster recovery communication plan helps your company continue operations no matter what else is going on. And it can save your reputation.
If you’re a business interested in giving back to the community, there’s good news. Being active in charitable work can strengthen business relationships, partnerships, stakeholder relationships, local causes, and the community that supports you.
Whether it’s for clients, employees or project collaboration, small business owners need an instant messaging app that’s dependable and affordable. Here are five of the top instant message apps for your business. All are user-friendly and packed with options.
Hybrid cloud solutions give SMBs the opportunity to increase the pace of digital transformation and provide more agility and less risk. SMBs need to do careful planning to select the applications that belong in the cloud and which should be kept on-premise.
Make this the best Fourth of July with fun activities like building your own splash park, having a fun cooking challenge and backyard barbecue or celebrating Independence Day by viewing the best fireworks right in Orange County with friends and family!
As an Office 365 user, you’re probably very familiar with the suite’s main tools and features. You probably use the most common ones on a daily basis. But you can achieve even more by taking advantage of some of Office 365’s lesser known (but incredibly helpful) features.
The right technology brings value to small businesses, but there are a few common mistakes that negate those advantages. Follow these technology tips to avoid five of the biggest mistakes SMB owners make when it comes to business technology. This is how you avoid common IT pitfalls.
We had an amazing time at our recent Infinity War premiere. It’s always great to spend time with our clients and friends, and it was fun to see the movie before the official release. We’d like to thank everyone who was able to join us, as well as our sponsors.
Ready for the dog days of summer? Finding fun dog-friendly activities for the summer is easier than you think. From running on the beach to relaxing in a pool to playing in the backyard sprinklers, here are 5 cool ways to get out of the office and enjoy the summer with your dog!
Managing your team’s collaboration and customer engagement efforts can be challenging without the right tools. Unified communications gives your company the ability to communicate effectively while maintaining maximum productivity. Improve team collaboration and employee satisfaction all at once.
Part of working as a team is holding each other accountable. It’s not always fun or easy, but it doesn’t have to be torture. In fact, there are simple ways you can create a company culture of accountability. To help you get started, we’ve created a list of our 4 favorite tactics.
Does your staff struggle with the latest tech? Share these tips with your employees to improve productivity and efficiency in the workplace. What kind of results can you expect? You don’t need to call in an expert and spend hundreds of dollars on training.
Of all business projects your organization can take on, IT projects can be some of the most complicated—and prone to failure. Following the right project management steps can help ensure a more seamless completion of your next project, whether it is a simple upgrade or more complex software integration.
Volunteering with your employees is a great way to spend time together and make a positive impact. This post is all about how to share your passion for charity work with your whole company. To help you get started, we’ve created a list of 4 ways your team can start giving back to Orange County charities.
You don’t have to give on the level of corporations like Coca-Cola or General Electric to have a positive impact. Making small donations to local nonprofits and getting involved on a grassroots level goes a long way toward making the world a better place. Here are 6 creative ways you can give back to your local community.
When you start talking to a new managed services provider, you may experience some sticker shock. They may want to make some pretty big changes to your network setup. It’s natural to wonder if they’re shooting straight with you. The truth is, a good MSP will likely insist on some pretty big changes.
At KME, we understand the importance of giving back. We’re serious about finding ways to get involved with Orange County charities because we really do care about helping others. In this post, we’re going to show you how your business can get started giving back to the local community, too.
What if cybercriminals could hack all cryptocurrency, data encryption methods and security software in the time it takes you to sneeze? That’d be pretty crazy. But here’s the thing. That’s possible. Quantum computing can be a powerful tool in the hands of hackers—whether they’re after cryptocurrency or data.
Heroes do everything in their power to stay one step ahead of the bad guys. Similarly, you need to find a way to proactively take on challenges like new compliance regulations, emerging cyberthreats, and business growth. Your custom superhero suit is designed to help you overcome these obstacles.
IT support takes the burden of minor issues and complicated technology projects off of your shoulders, so you can focus on more important matters. J.A.R.V.I.S. is dedicated to giving Iron Man the support he needs to save the day, and we’re committed to providing you with the resources you need to accomplish greatness.
You waited until the last minute and now you have to scramble to find the perfect Valentine’s Day gift for your significant other—something that embodies the subtle complexity of your heart’s desire . . . without breaking the bank. If your sweetie digs on tech, we have suggestions for every budget.
Good managed services providers want to deliver on their promises. They made a commitment to your management to keep end-users productive and happy. Sometimes the smallest annoyance can become the biggest complaint. Just tell us and we’ll fix it. After all, you’re paying for that computer support. Use it!
Powers are what make superheroes unique. Without them, they wouldn’t be able to fight evil. Similarly, your business needs reliable technology to be successful. That technology is like your superhero suit. At KME, our goal is to equip you with everything you need to achieve greatness. Because we give a damn.
Ultimately, you are the hero of your business. At KME, we’re simply here to provide high-quality support and reliable IT so that you can focus on conquering your goals. We’re confident that with a custom-designed suit and access to the right tools, there’s no limit to what you can achieve.
At KME, we love dogs. So much that we allow our team to bring them to the office. After all, we humans have our jobs, our friends, and our lives outside of our homes. Our wonderful furry friends often only have us. Leaving them at home for 8-10 hours a day is hard on pet owners and pets alike.
At KME Systems, we envision our role as a managed services provider a little differently. We’re not the ones jumping tall buildings in a single bound. That’s you. You’re the hero of your story. Our IT support is like your superhero suit. It protects, enables, enhances and equips as you pursue your goals.
We saw some pretty big tech trends in 2017, like the rise of the Internet of Things, machine learning, and cloud computing. Those advances even made it into the mainstream business world. And robots haven’t risen to destroy their human overlords as a result. Yet. In 2018, we expect these tech trends (and others) to […]
There are a variety of Office 365 features that allow for increased collaboration. We’ve put together a list of 11 ways the program helps you save resources and boost productivity in your business.
The ultimate goal is to get the most value from your Switchvox. That’s your goal because it makes you more efficient, more effective and more profitable. It’s our goal because we really do give a damn about your investment.
Without a coach, teams would find it a heck of a lot harder to come together and win games. Similarly, without Office 365 support, your team will likely find it challenging to integrate the solution into your business game plan.
Regulatory compliance is not something to brush off. To avoid future headaches, start getting your contingency plan in place today.
Hire an IT consultant who is familiar with compliance. They will provide your company with a compliance risk assessment that details everything you need to remedy in order to achieve compliance.
Before you turn out the lights and turn off the AC unit, I’ve got a few suggestions for how a room, once critical to your operations, can become even more important to your business.
KME Systems was honored by Microsoft to be the spotlight company for the western regional call for Microsoft partners on May 5, 2017.
As a business person you may not understand all that much about network security. You know it’s important, and you know that a breach can be bad for business, but do you understand why network security should be one of your main priorities? Network security is about more than just safeguarding corporate data, it’s about […]
IT could be your Achilles’ heel if your network isn’t up to scratch. Make sure you have a network security plan in place.
KME systems, an all-inclusive solutions provider for business IT services in Orange County and Las Vegas, has received the Pinnacle Partner Award.
Your business is the Watchtower and your employees, your heroes. Give them the advantage in the field by utilizing VoIP service.
It’s the 21st century, and the days of traditional phones are ending. Voice over internet protocol (VoIP) is taking over modern business communication.
Office 365 is an incredible business tool. However, many users simply do not understand how to properly use it and hence waste a lot of time in their day.
ou can still have your own, personal Gandalf to help you along your journey. Well, okay – not really Gandalf . . . but an IT consultant is kind of like Gandalf. Here’s how:
Security is a constant struggle, and it’s my firm’s job to swim upstream against that current at all times and ensure you have data access.
Sure, your technology may be running sufficiently. But is “sufficient” enough for your company? Or would you rather it THRIVE within your company?
I asked for a lunch meeting with Ed, the CEO of one of our high tech customers, so I could check in with him and discover his personal as well as professional experience with our support for his business. Ed’s firm is growing quickly as they have great products and smart people. While KME […]
Mark Essayian, founder and chief executive of KME Systems, has been a top reseller of Voice over IP (VoIP) business phone systems, unified communications (UC), networking, and end-to-end IT solutions for 15 years. Based in Orange County, California, Mark is a visionary for emerging technology-based IT solutions. In this interview, he shares trends his company is […]
Electronic Document Signature Solutions allow you to securely sign and manage your documents online. This helps your business transition from antiquated, paper technology, to secure electronic transmissions and authorizations. Electronic Document Signature Services from many of the leading eSignature organizations ensures the security and integrity of your documents, and is recognized in courts around the […]
Parkview Health System, Inc., a nonprofit health care system that serves residents in northeast Indiana and northwest Ohio, must pay $800,000 for HIPAA noncompliance. Parkview OCR (Office for Civil Rights) received a complaint from a retiring physician reporting that on June 4, 2009, Parkview employees, knowing the physician wasn’t home, left 71 cardboard boxes with […]
Nobody likes to pay for a service only to be told they owe extra. Hidden fees are not only aggravating, but they’re also dishonest. Here are five ways to avoid paying more than the original agreement.
KME Systems, an all-inclusive managed IT services provider for businesses located in Orange County and Las Vegas, has yet again been awarded the Pinnacle Circle of Excellence Award by Digium, Inc. for their performance as an outstanding technology deployment company. This is the second consecutive year KME has earned this award. Winners of the Pinnacle […]
Why is local support important? Because technology breaks. And when stuff physically breaks, there’s a chance you’ll need someone onsite for the fix. These days, much of the value a good MSP provides for your business is leveraged through remote resolution, but there are still situations where an onsite, flesh-and-blood engineer is your only salvation. How […]
As a MSP, we’re all too familiar with frantic calls from prospects whose hardware have been infected with Ransomware. You can hear the panic in their voices as they ask for immediate help. Though they want us to rush in like the A-Team of IT and fix their problems, we always make sure we have […]
Sounds crazy, right? Almost all our clients have a hard time believing that statement the first time they hear it. Since they have trusted all of their critical IT applications to the Cloud, they believe cloud data protection is just part of their package: that “someone” is watching over their applications to ensure they run […]
Ever wonder where we IT folks get our secret cyber security news? Oh, it’s nowhere special. We just all meet up every couple weeks at Area51 and get our briefings straight from the men in black and their lizard people overlords running the Underground White House. All kidding aside, we simply stay on top of […]
There is no way to improve your company’s efficiency unless you truly understand your own internal processes. Peter Drucker, acclaimed management consultant and author, said it very well: “What gets measured gets improved.” Without a full diagnosis and documentation of which processes your business does well or poorly, working at efficiency is little more than […]
Reviews can be intimidating. People often avoid them in the hopes of not having to tackle touchy subjects or some underlying concern. Though it might be tempting to avoid your discomfort, KME feels that a responsible IT service provider doesn’t shy from reviews. In fact, we feel the opposite. Having a constant, open line of […]
Technical support is more than firefighting. A managed service provider can react fast, but there’s still a chance that you will get burned before the fix is completed. That’s why we always promote proactive technical support. It’s part of the value of a managed service provider. Yet once you have proactive tech support, can you […]
Are you getting what you’re owed from your MSP? Good managed service providers work to deliver proactive support, but we can’t fix what’s not on our radar. That means, your team needs to fire up the Bat Signal when problems rear their heads. Sometimes, there’s a sense of disconnect about when it’s okay for client […]
Last week the U.S. government charged five Chinese military officials with spying on U.S. companies in order to steal vital trade secrets. The Chinese cyber thieves targeted some of the largest American makers of nuclear and solar technology, stealing confidential business information, sensitive trade secrets, and internal communications. The Justice Department said this should be a national […]
When a client asks us to design a new LAN, our team always points out a few items to help our clients acquire the right gear the first time. Unfortunately, we’ve been brought in after the fact to “fix the new gear we just bought online” only to end up suggesting it’s the wrong equipment […]
Plenty of IT support firms tell you they monitor hundreds of things on your LAN and can present a huge 500 page report “proving” they are doing their job. While many things are important to monitor, there are a few we see constantly ignored by competent IT staff. Save yourself a lot of trouble by […]
There are several good IT firms in the valley, so why should you talk to KME Systems? Because we are local and know the area. My family moved to Las Vegas in 1963 and I was born here, making me a native of the Silver State. To be fair, I presently spend more time in […]
Many businesses feel that since they are paying for their employees, their PC’s and their Internet connection, they don’t want staff wasting time on social media, shopping, or other distracting sites. As an IT firm, we get the following question quite frequently from our clients: Should we block Internet traffic? My answer is typically yes […]
Software Defined Networking (or SDN) is a recent technology that is delivering great results for companies testing and deploying it. Smart IT departments will be implementing this technology in 2015 as it works in protecting the company in multiple ways. Today it affects larger firms with Data Centers but very shortly, like with all technology, […]
Windows Server 2003 will officially stop being supported as of July 14 2015. Unless you are the Federal Government it’s time to say goodbye. Server 2003 was launched in April 2003, so a 12 year lifespan for a technology product is really saying something. Want to look into the past and see how new Server […]
That’s right, end of life for Windows 7 is January 2015. Don’t believe it? Check out Microsoft’s own support statement here. Of course extended support will be around for a while, so don’t panic. But what you should be concerned about is older technology in your workplace like Windows Server 2003. It’s a hazard for several […]
There are plenty of options and features for phone system technology in today’s marketplace. Before making a purchasing decision, it is important to understand the following definitions and features.
Failure to understand what your IT firm is doing in regards to HIPAA compliance can and will have major negative consequences on your business. The severity of this topic cannot be taken lightly. There are many circumstances that may be overlooked in regards to HIPAA compliance that could end up costing your company thousands of […]
If it’s time for a new server, your small business should consider the following factors when weighing your options. First of all, let’s assume you have decided a Cloud option isn’t right for your needs. For the purpose of this article, we will continue on as if you have decided on a premise based solution.
Backup. Backup. Backup. Several articles have been written on this topic, but it cannot be stressed enough. Statistics show businesses that do not protect their critical data and processes will fail when disaster strikes. It is a question of when, not if, your data will be lost. Proper planning is required, along with testing and […]
Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) is a hot topic in the business world right now. This policy allows employees to bring and use their personal mobile devices, laptops, smartphones, tablets and more to work. Is it safe for your office? There are benefits and risks to implementing BYOD you should consider before you allow this […]
As a follow up for those of you who read our previous blog on CryptoLocker in June of 2014, authorities smashed these folks, but not before they extorted $3 million from victims all over the world. An estimated 500,000 people got the virus and about 1.3% paid the ransom leaving quite a few people with encrypted files they could never […]
Some people believe that attaching “Cloud” to everything tech related magically makes every product better. If you are exploring Cloud capabilities for your business, there are some great reasons to examine the offerings and there are serious reasons to be careful. As with any technology, it is important to weigh potential costs and benefits so you […]
You’ve heard it a thousand times, protect your data or lose it. You are probably thinking your PC and data are fine, it’s all on the server and safe. Now leave me alone you computer geek, so I can get some real work done. Let’s take a minute to look at it from an IT support person’s […]
We all laugh at the Nigerian email scam now, but did you know it still catches a few people a month wiring away all their money? According to the firm https://www.ultrascan-agi.com/ over $82 Billion, yes that’s with a “B”, has been stolen from people so far in 2014. They state 800,000 online scammers are in […]
Companies of all sizes in the IT space face many challenges including defining process, obtaining clients, providing service, staffing, and more, but smaller firms face even larger obstacles due to having all these needs, but not having the resources required to properly deliver IT services internally.
Most people don’t think about data backup until they’ve lost valuable information that could be impossible to recreate. Then it’s critical and everyone wants to know NOW when the server will be running. IT professionals, for the most part, install sound backup technology and let the process run until they get an error in the […]
When was the last time you really looked at your business Internet and Telephone bill? Did you know you can uncover major savings by making just one phone call or sending an email to your IT or telephony managed service provider (MSP)? It will take you less than 5 minutes, and you can likely save […]
Is a word you’ve never heard of a major drain on your business? For many people, logizomechanophobia adds hours or days to projects and prevents productivity from ever hitting full stride. I’ve seen this fear hold back the potential of numerous clients over the years, so I’m ready to take a stand. Logizomechanophobia, or a […]
Most vendors are basically useless. At best, they have a passable ability to follow orders. At worst, they are leeches that drain funds from your business with costly mistakes. However, the rare exceptional vendor can act as an extension of your team and truly improve your business. The factors that separate the right IT solutions […]
When was the last time you really examined your processes? The old saying if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it doesn’t apply to the business world. There are always ways to take a functional process and speed up the result. I’m not suggesting a total revolution, but small tweaks to your technical capabilities, workflow, and […]
I think I know how you feel. “Mark has written all these articles to hook my attention and sell me something.” That’s not wrong outright, but I’m not trying to feed you a line when I say KME Systems cares about the companies and people we partner with. Helping them become more productive and successful […]
No matter what anyone tells you, IT support is not all the same. A good technology service provider openly admits that. Each industry faces its own dilemmas that require more than just passing familiarity. Though we’ll be the first to admit we’re not masters of the medical device production process, we’ve put the time and […]
In part 1 of our multipart series, we contemplated the potential weak points in small business backup solutions existing just outside of most of our awareness. Protecting data alone isn’t enough. You need to be just as vigilant when protecting your servers, PC hardware, PBXs/Telco/ISP systems, and even paper documentation. But beyond building awareness, what needs […]
Are your data, processes, and critical IT functions truly protected? Many of our prospects think that because they were running a backup system everything was okay. But at most, they’re being sucked into a false sense of security by an untested life-preserver. In this multipart blog, we will be assessing the greatest vulnerabilities facing your […]
How’s that for a blog headline? Does it make you think we don’t care as a firm and can do whatever we want? Well that’s not true, but it’s what new clients and team members think for a second when I make that statement initially. What I really mean is business might initially appear to […]
Managed IT services are just like any other endeavor: you need the right tools to do your job efficiently and effectively. There are many software and process tools available to a MSP and it’s important to know your MSP has done its job integrating them to better support you. It certainly doesn’t matter about the […]
When shopping for a shirt, most people laugh at a “one size fits all” label because they know it’s simply not true. You’re guaranteed to get something that is more likely “one size annoys most”. The same is true for the IT industry. Many IT firms loudly proclaim they can help you no matter what your […]
The answer may be yes! KME Systems has been deploying IP onsite based phone systems since 1998 and Cloud based systems since 2010. There are plenty of great articles outlining the benefits of Cloud and onsite, but let’s concentrate on how a hybrid solution may be the most effective use of both technologies.
Understanding corporate values both internally and externally are critical items to success. I felt that reflecting on this topic for a few minutes was genuinely worthwhile. At KME we do our best to work with clients that are like-minded as it creates the best chance for mutual success.
What separates an MSP from a single IT person? Apparently, way more than we can include in one blog. Last week, we discussed the disadvantage facing businesses that leave their IT performance up to one unassisted IT guy. Technical resolutions take longer to complete and quality is far more erratic. Overall, service is unpredictable. And […]
Tech giants tend to inflate the importance of their latest product releases. However, I’ll give Microsoft its due and say their cloud based Office 365 platform generally lives up to the hype. In fact, if you have already switched or are considering the switch to Office 365, there are several powerful and easy-to-use features that […]
The slogan “it’s not if you’ll be hacked, but when you’ll be hacked” is one we’ve all heard a dozen times. But doesn’t it start to get old after a while? You have a good firewall, plenty of anti-virus licenses, and strict prevention processes. Plus, you don’t have any credit card information on file. You’re […]
Over the years, I have been fortunate enough to work with leading healthcare providers and manufacturers throughout the region. What they accomplish is incredible. They make awe-inspiring strides in patient care, pharmaceutical products, diagnostic equipment, and healthcare techniques that keep thousands, if not millions, of people safe and sound. And many of them do all […]
Why bother saving money? Said no business owner ever. When you are running your own company, every last dollar bill counts toward something. Your work space, hardware, software, employee salaries and benefits, and a litany of other expenses could be lightened if you could just do a bit of trimming here and there.
I know it sounds crazy for an IT support firm to turn away business, but there really are reasons to not give us a call. Some hurdles, try as we might, are not something my team can overcome. And in these cases, it has nothing to do with our professional services.
Plenty of folks feel their PC experience is enough to handle technical issues or glitches with their company’s computers. They imagine that if the fix isn’t intuitive, a solution can be researched online. On that point, I disagree. Like any business process, corporate IT support involves complicated procedures. If you are not immersed in tech […]
Most of our business at KME Systems is done in SoCal and Las Vegas, but we have clients all over the world. From them, we’ve heard about the excuses that their former MSP or IT support guy have given when external forces prevent them from providing quick turnaround times. Most of those issues, we on […]
Oxford Dictionary’s 2013 word of the year was ‘selfie’. Every smartphone user has likely used their phone to take a photo of themself. But what happens if your phone is stolen? According to a Consumer Reports survey, 3.1 million Americans have had their phones stolen in 2013. Cellphone carriers are not going to solve this […]
The iPhone and iPad are very popular devices that help you become more productive in your daily life. There are plenty of ways to use your device faster and more efficiently. The following list contains some of the best tips and tricks for iPhone and iPad users. iPad tricks Thumb typing keyboard You can convert […]
Scams reproduce fast. Once one scammer figures out a way to succeed, copycats decide to attempt it themselves. In April, Google offered refunds to users who purchased a fake Kaspersky Mobile app from Google Play. Since then, there have been complaints of the same scam within the Android and Windows phone app stores. The fake […]
Lake Forest, CA May 28, 2012 – Giving back to their community means a lot to the team at KME Systems. And what better way for them to show their community spirit than by joining an organization that’s dedicated to keeping their neighbors safe from harm? KME Systems president Mark Essayian and the rest of […]
Ransomware is malware used specifically for cyber data kidnapping. Cryptolocker, an updated form of ransomware, is used by cybercriminals to encrypt a victim’s data with a strong 1,024-bit algorithm. The cybercriminal then demands payment from the victim to obtain the decryption code. How Does a Computer Get Infected With Cryptolocker? There are two primary ways […]
Did you know that the latest version of Microsoft’s Outlook application, 2013, is not officially supported by Microsoft if you use Microsoft Exchange Server 2003? This is not any fault of Exchange 2003. With Microsoft Outlook 2013, Microsoft has done away with some features found in previous versions of Outlook. Many legacy public folder functions […]
If you are starting a new business or opening an additional office for your existing business, there are some great new technologies you should consider. These new advances make it easier for clients to reach you, easier to get started in your new business and make it easier to protect your digital assets.
Security software giant, Symantec, recently admitted that their antivirus software is no longer effective against today’s sophisticated cyber threats. Antivirus software on your desktop is still required, but your business must have a complete network security protection plan deployed and monitored every minute of the day. Brian Dye, Symantec’s senior vice president for information security […]
No, they are not nuts. Let’s assume you’ve done your research, interviewed several MSP candidates and have decided that you are best aligned with a certain provider. When presented with the contract pricing, you may notice major remediation fees listed, basically scrapping your network, backup system, servers, and maybe even your phone system as well.
The goal of server virtualization is fairly simple; get more value from hardware and stop the sprawl of servers in a company. Just a few years ago, IT firms would buy and dedicate a server to every application they needed. From email to database to printing, if a new piece of software was needed, the […]
Our team of IT security professionals would like to draw your attention to a high rate of malicious email traffic containing Cryptolocker malware that WILL encrypt your organization’s data if executed. The majority of this traffic is coming through trusted free file share programs masked as voicemail messages or faxes. Our IT security experts are […]
Urgent Warning: The Latest Mobile Malware Targets and Encrypts Sensitive Data Stored on Your Android Device! Security researchers discovered another form of malware that targets Android devices. The latest malware, known as Simplocker, is a malicious app designed to encrypt photos, documents, and videos stored on your mobile device. Once your important files are encrypted, […]
In the past few days, many individuals reported receiving unexpected emails sent from Wells Fargo. If this happens to you, do NOT open the email! These emails contain malicious PDF attachments designed to infect your system. And to make matters worse, only 4 out of 54 anti-virus engines detect the malicious intent of these emails. […]
You can’t prevent all computer disasters. But what you can do is take steps to reduce the impact of such a disaster, and have a backup and recovery plan in place. This ensures that your business downtime is reduced, and the impact on your finances and reputation is minimal.
Switching IT providers doesn’t have to be a bumpy ride; nor should you be chained to a provider that isn’t delivering. Follow these steps to ensure a smooth technology transition for your organization while minimizing disruption, downtime, and risk.
No matter the size, restaurants have attractive information in the form of customer credit card data. Restaurant owners can take strategic steps to reduce cyber risk. Working with cybersecurity experts can beef up your protection and could include these important strategies.
You really can’t afford to ignore cybersecurity, but there is some good news. The failures of other companies can teach us some valuable lessons. So in this article, we’re going to explore some epic examples of data breach, and we’ll tell you what you can learn from each.
Cybersecurity is everywhere, and everyone knows cybersecurity is necessary to protect data. We believe in flipping the script and making cybersecurity about protecting people. When you change your focus, you change your motivation and that effectively changes everything.
Unified communications can deliver so much for your small business. The ideal arrangement is often a mix of tools that make for the best possible internal communication across multiple platforms. It’s a lot more than just your phone system—though your phone system is definitely a part of it.
Unified communications is more than a phone system. It’s a new approach to business communications. We’re talking about voice services, instant messaging, mobile communications, video conferencing, desktop sharing and data sharing. Here’s how those options can transform your business.
While technology has drastically changed the way business is done, the value of effective SMB communication hasn’t changed. Or, said another way, you can’t get things done if you can’t communicate. To help you pick the right tools for your business, you need to understand your options.
The key to your company’s success is its ability to communicate. Unfortunately, many companies struggle with disconnected communication. Unified communications combines all of your communication methods into a single experience across multiple platforms for easier and more effective communication.
Managing remote employees can be a bit more complicated than in-person staff. But distance doesn’t have to be a barrier. The key is for managers to create structure for remote employees and maintain it over time. Read on to get the most productivity from your remote employees without micromanaging.
Finding the right cloud solution can make your business more efficient and successful. Not all SMBs use the cloud correctly, though. Before you invest in cloud technology for your business, make sure you know the best and worst ways SMBs use the cloud.
Cloud computing is a complex, yet highly-rewarding form of modern technology that can propel your business to new levels of efficiency, organization, and automation. There are several ways you can prepare and make the transition into cloud-based solutions much less daunting.
Many businesses fail shortly after cybersecurity attacks. Network security does more than protect your business’s private information. It can also make your organization more efficient, more productive and more profitable. Follow these 5 tips to improve your network security right now.
Getting hacked isn’t going to do you any favors. In fact, it’ll potentially lead to reputation damage, violation fines, and loads of angry customers. The good news is, network security isn’t rocket science. There are easy steps you can take to secure your sensitive data. Here’s how to get started.
As an experienced Managed IT Services Provider, KME’s goal is to unleash your business’s potential. We do that by first understanding your specific technological needs and then providing innovative network solutions. We aren’t just out to sell you the latest advances. We’re sincerely devoted to helping you be as successful as you can possibly be.
There are times when IT network trouble erupts out of the clear blue. But the vast majority of the time you can see it coming—if you know where to look. One of the best ways to proactively maintain your IT network is to keep an eye out for these warning signs. If there’s a potential issue, address it before it has the chance to slow your business down.
You’ve almost certainly had at least one bad help desk experience. Maybe many of them. Whatever the size of your organization, technical issues require technical help. That’s why help desks exist. The idea of getting a quick, accurate answer over the phone in just a few minutes time sounds a little bit like magic. Here’s how to make that happen.
You have four legitimately good options for IT support. The best option for your business will depend on several things. So let’s take an unbiased look at each possible approach. By the end of this whitepaper, you’ll know which IT support strategy is the best fit for your business.
Even if you use Office 365 every day, you may not know everything that makes it special. There are productivity tricks in Office 365 that can give you back hours of time, making your workday smoother, easier and less chaotic. Here are some of our favorites.
A single HIPAA violation can cost your company as little as $100 or as much as $1.5 million. But there are things you can do, even on a limited budget, to keep your organization compliant. If HIPAA regulations apply to your business, consider this your crash course in compliance.
Exploring unified business communications is kind of like opening a can of worms. Things get really complicated really fast. Not to fear. We’ll walk you through it. By the end of this ebook, you’ll have a firm understanding of unified communication, and you’ll even know what to do next to upgrade your company’s communications system.
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