Many businesses are planning to either move or expand into a new office building. Transferring into a new facility is exciting, and represents a new chapter for your organization with new opportunities. That said, the actual moving part is challenging, both physically and logistically, especially with regard to your computer network design and set up. But with careful planning, your office move can be secure and efficient.

How to Ensure That Office Moving Goes Smoothly

Evaluating the new space, communicating with service providers and staff, relocating, and testing equipment is time-consuming. Plan out your office move early. Get experts, like SkyViewTek, to plan the computer network set up and design piece so the relocation will go smoothly and so you are sure that when you move in, your staff can get right to work, with all equipment in place.

1. SkyViewTek plans new office moves or expansions for small to mid-sized businesses across the Greater Philadelphia area on a regular basis. Our process includes the following phases:
   Blueprint of New Office and Projected Growth Plan: Identify location of equipment, work in conjunction with client, architect, and construction manager to ensure proper location and dimensions of equipment.
2. Network Infrastructure: Design cabling infrastructure, identify best options for ISP (Internet Service Provider) such as Comcast, Verizon, or others, plus Failover. Identify WIFI coverage needs and create heat-map, with guest WIFI if applicable.
3. Security: Firewall and secure remote access via VPN (Virtual Private Network), Antivirus, Off-Site Backup. Physical security of network equipment.
4. Infrastructure Design: If a brand new office, hardware, software, Cloud, or combination to ensure collaboration with internal and external teams (i.e. employees, customers, vendors)
   • Compliance by Third Party: HIPAA, SOX, PCI
5. Business Continuity: BDR (Backup and Disaster Recovery) Appliance, Uninterruptable Power Supply (UPS), Power Surge Protectors, and Generator.
   • For every hour your business is “down,” you are losing hundreds to thousands of dollars PER employee.
6. OTHER: alarm system, sound and audio engineering, credit card processing, locksmith, website design and digital marketing.

Evaluation

Evaluating the new office space is critical to your IT department. Schedule a visit with your IT experts and review the new space along with a blueprint. Your SkyViewTek specialist will take note of your requirements, such as power outlets, data jacks, cabling requirements, phone lines, and more.

Your computer network works as well as your office network infrastructure, including cabling, jacks, ISP speed, firewall, and switch. Networks patched together instead of properly configured will experience data and voice quality issues.

A new office also presents a great opportunity for upgrading your computer network and set up. Your specialist will evaluate your current equipment, properly dispose of broken or outdated hardware and software, procure the necessary replacements and upgrades, and make your new office more efficient with better tools.

Certifying the Network

Once the SkyViewTek team of experts has done the work of configuring the network infrastructure, installing network cables and WIFI, setting up workstations, phones, and printers, the next step is to test your computer network and set up to certify that they are operational. First, we establish that all equipment is in the correct place and has the proper connections (cabling, equipment, and VoIP phones)

All servers will be powered up to test network capability, network connection, and data access. Each computer will need to be checked to see if email, web browsing/website, the intranet, extranet, and software works properly. Thorough testing will allow SVT to identify any issues and solve them before you and the rest of your staff moves in. Resolving problems early and quickly is always preferable to dealing with them later when productivity is needed.

Contact SkyViewTek for Computer Network Design and Set Up

Well-running IT operations make the rest of your business more efficient and productive. Employee productivity, and the most crucial factor in your business’ profitability, customer service, are hurt when your system is down. So when moving into a new office or expanding your current space, make sure that your computer network design and set up are done right with SkyViewTek. Contact us today to see how we can help your business move be efficient and hassle-free.

Blog is originally published at: https://www.skyviewtek.com/computer-network-design-and-set-up-tips-for-an-office-move-or-expansion/

It is republished with permission from the author.

The terms ‘managed service providers’ and ‘outsourcing’ are often used interchangeably, but they are different. The term ‘outsourcing’ has been around since the late 1980s and is used to refer to functions that are handled by a third party, less expensively and more efficiently than you could do, in house. Managed service providers (MSPs) are those that you partner with, those that have the requisite specific expertise and tools to ‘manage’ aspects of your business and work on a proactive, subscription-based model.

While needs differ from one company to another and some prefer outsourcing over managed IT service providers, most are of the view that MSPs are better because,

• They adopt a broader, holistic approach, not confining themselves to a single function, like outsourced service providers. Managed IT service providers use their foresight to develop a course of action for you that is not only beneficial in the short term, but also in the long run.

• Managed service providers are accountable and proactively manage your services to prevent disasters, cyber attacks and emergencies from happening. However, if they do happen, MSPs work closely and directly with you and your teams at every step to correct the problem.

• You get reports at regular intervals, updates, from managed service providers about how the various functions that they are responsible for managing are performing.

Most businesses need the support of a managed IT service provider that they can count on 24/7 because network downtime leads to loss of productivity and business profitability which impacts customer service. SkyViewTek (SVT) is a computer and IT firm offering services to businesses in the Greater Philadelphia area as well as firms across the United States. Their wide range of services includes Managed IT services programs, cloud solutions, computer and server configurations and many more, including cyber security. They help you determine which protective measures you need for your information systems. You can contact the IT experts today at 610-590-5006.

About SkyViewTek:

SkyViewTek, an IT consulting firm, provides managed IT services, technology, and computer network design and setup, cybersecurity and IT solutions for Greater Philadelphia businesses. SVT  ensures computer systems are secure and HIPAA and PCI compliant. Visit their website at https://www.skyviewtek.com to learn more about their products and services.

Every company, big or small, irrespective of the industry, requires some kind of IT support. Handling these services yourself or giving the responsibility to your internal staff will cost you more money over time and impact productivity adversely. Hiring the services of a professional IT support provider is the best way to go! 

1. Save Time – Maximize productivity and focus on your business and clients, utilizing your time in the best possible way, instead of spending time fretting over IT issues that you are not an expert in.

2. Save Money – Salaries and benefits for a staff IT team will cost you more over a period of time compared to hiring the services of an external IT support service provider. In addition, you may save money on additional programs or on the hardware and software for your network.

3. Get 24 Hour Monitoring and Protection – Invest in professional IT support services and distance yourself from technology concerns. A good IT Management company will ensure that your security and network is up to date.  

4. Get The Best in Business – You are probably not aware of the latest technological advancements, the best way to keep your data and information secure, and you may not have the ability to detect problems with your computer systems or network before they spiral out of control. In other words, you are no IT expert to understand and resolve issues upfront and implement the best solutions for your network. 
5. Get Customized, Specialized Services – Hire professional IT support consultants to assist in specific matters related to computers and networks. Managed IT support includes a wide range of services like cyber security, cloud solutions, computer network support and more. Research, shortlist, interview and choose the experts most experienced and best trained to handle your specific requirements.

SkyViewTek offers professional IT support services to businesses with 10 to 100 employees in the Main Line Area and Greater Philadelphia suburbs. Contact the IT experts today at 610-590-5006.

About SkyViewTek:

SkyViewTek, an IT consulting firm, provides managed IT services, technology, and computer network design and setup, cybersecurity and IT solutions for Greater Philadelphia businesses. SVT  ensures computer systems are secure and HIPAA and PCI compliant. Visit their website at https://www.skyviewtek.com to learn more about their products and services.

Today, with the opportunities generated by the digital transformation in companies, a new technology seems to come out every day. If you want your business to stay competitive, you need to keep up with the latest technologies and find out if your business really needs them. Before your competitors do it! Nothing is worse than a company with an outdated hardware and software infrastructure. In addition to serious security and service level issues (how often do your servers go down in a month?) your employee and business productivity can plummet!

But how do you know which technologies are really going to make a difference to your business and which are just fads? If your company’s core business is not in technology, you may not have the specialized staff to answer these questions properly. This is where an IT consultant’s experience and knowledge can greatly help your organization. In this post, you will learn what exactly an IT consultant does and how to choose the right IT consultant (or an IT consulting company) for your business.

Also see our blog: 60 Percent of Companies Fail in 6 Months Because of Cyber Attacks

What does an IT Consultant do anyway?

If you think an IT consultant will simply point you to some software and hardware to replace the ones you already use, you are underestimating the incredible potential of these professionals.

Software and hardware are just the tools that your IT consultant uses to help your business achieve its best results. We can define what an IT consultant does as follows:

An IT consultant must deeply understand his client’s business to diagnose how information technology can help that company achieve its strategic goals and develop a sustainable competitive advantage to outperform its competitors.

But how does this translate to the everyday work in your company? Here are the kinds of services you can expect from an IT consultant:

• Operating System Migrations
• Computer Network Monitoring
• Cloud Solutions
• New Office Configurations and Moves
• Help Desk Services and Technical Support
• Cyber Security Solutions (antivirus, encryption, firewall and backup)
• Wired and Wireless Network Configuration
• Software Deployment
• Virtualization and Data Recovery
• Information Archiving and Compliance Management
• Computer and Server Configurations

The goal will always be to reduce risks related to the use of technology in your company and provide equipment and software that ensure high productivity for your employees. Learn more: 7 Cybersecurity Tools for Small Business

But how do you choose the right IT Consultant for your business?

If you don’t know what criteria to use when choosing a good IT consultant (or company), take a look at this checklist with the 10 most important points to consider:

1. What is the level of their technical knowledge?
   This is a very important point. You and your staff must be prepared to assess the consultant’s technical knowledge and consider whether it is sufficient to serve your business.
2. Do they have a good array of solutions to offer your company?
   A good repertoire of solutions is a plus point for any IT consultant. Professionals limited to a few skills have difficulty solving IT organizational challenges completely and definitively.
3. Does he (or the company) have the capacity to understand the challenges of your business?
   No matter how much skill they have and the technical capacity they demonstrate, if IT consultants are unable to understand your business, they will not be able to offer the best solutions to your problems.
4. Does the company or consultant have a good reputation?
   What is the reputation of the company or consultant? Check references and reviews before signing up with them.
5. Who are their current customers?
   If your IT consultant has clients who are well-established and well-known in your line of business, this is a sign of their competence.
6. Does this IT consultant “speak your language?”
   Nothing is worse than IT consultants who only speak incomprehensible technical jargon. Look for a professional who works transparently and makes your company understand exactly what is being done by him in your business.
7. What is their response time for technical calls or issues?
   If you need emergency assistance, what is the timeframe and SLA set by your IT consultant to serve your business? Make sure it meets your needs.
8. Do they have an innovative and creative attitude to solve challenges?
   Creativity is fundamental for those who want efficient and fast IT solutions. Ask what innovative projects the consultant has done.
9. What is their level of experience with companies like yours?
   Does your business have any special characteristics that require differentiated knowledge? Analyze whether your IT vendor will be able to meet this demand and if they have worked with companies like yours.
10. Are their rates affordable?
    Finally, be sure to evaluate rates and costs and make sure they are compatible with your budget. There is no point in hiring an incredible IT consultant if you compromise your finances to pay for it. Also do not pick a consultant because their rates are the lowest. You get what you pay for!

Contact SkyViewTek’s Skilled and Reliable Managed IT Consultants

Of course, it will be very difficult to find an IT consultant or a company that meets all these criteria. However, the more of them that they can check off, the better. SkyViewTek is a company focused on providing proactive IT service management, so your business can always experience the best uptime and productivity. Want more information about SkyViewTek? Reach out to us today!

Blog is originally published at: https://www.skyviewtek.com/do-you-need-an-it-consultant-10-item-checklist-to-choose-the-right-one-for-your-business/

It is republished with permission from the author.

In today’s world, running a business without a computer network setup is almost impossible, regardless of the size of the business. The challenges of setting it up are constantly evolving and best left to professionals. Read on to understand the factors that influence a small business network computer setup.

Size of the Network

This refers to the number of users using the network. It is directly proportional to the number of computers, output devices, and computer peripherals needed.

Servers

To put it simply, a server is a computer that provides data to other computers via a network (LAN, WAN) over the internet. Servers also help with data storage and data backup. One major consideration in a small business network computer setup is whether it needs a cloud server or an ‘on-premise’ server. 

Wired or Wireless?

Depending on the nature of work and requirements therein, a small business owner employer needs to determine whether there is a need for a wireless network to be setup or a wired network would suffice. Costs will differ, depending on the option chosen. Most small businesses require a combination of wired and wireless networks.

Security

Ensuring network and internet security is vital to the successful operation of a small business. The protection of critical and sensitive data and information is one of the foremost challenges that companies face these days. This would mean not only setting up the right cyber defensive system in the form of firewalls etc., but also establishment of a strong network protection system in the form of access controls to prevent unauthorized intrusion.

SkyViewTek (SVT) provides IT support and consulting for business with 10 to 100 employees. SVT’s primary focus is to provide an expanded offering of proactive Managed IT services as well as computer and server maintenance and support for Microsoft and Apple products. They also specialize in ensuring that your business is IT compliant with third party organizations like HIPAA and PCI. Contact the experts today at 610-590-5006 to get quotes for small business computer network setup and other IT services.

About SkyViewTek:

SkyViewTek, an IT consulting firm, provides managed IT services, technology, and computer network design and setup, cybersecurity and IT solutions for Greater Philadelphia businesses. SVT  ensures computer systems are secure and HIPAA and PCI compliant. Visit their website at https://www.skyviewtek.com to learn more about their products and services.

Coronavirus COVID-19 is a real issue. We all know what to do (or not to do) at this point, but check out this link for information and resources for you and your family from the CDC or for your small-to-mid sized business (SMB).

We at SkyViewTek can offer your SMB the tools to support your team of employees and subcontractors to stay productive and collaborate with co-workers while working safely from home, but still have the capability to access key documents from the computer or server in your office or on the cloud.

Check out these 3 tools to enable your employees to work productively from home:

1. Share Key Documents and Collaborate with Team Members

• Remote Access to your Computer or Server in the office from your home computer. Work on documents and save them, as if you’re in the office.
• Setup cloud drive with proper Admin vs. User privileges. For e.g., DropBox or OneDrive
• Install SharePoint, a web-based collaborative platform that integrates with Microsoft Office. Sharepoint is often used as a document management and storage system, and is used often by internal departments or external clients and vendors.

2. VoIP (Voice Over Internet Protocol) Phone Service – enables your team to host meetings with team members across town or around the world, and you never have to give out your personal cell phone number again to a customer or vendor!

• Phone options include physical phone console on your desk, cordless hand-held, PLUS app for smartphone, soft phone for computer — which enable your team to make / receive calls, as if they are sitting in your official office address.
• Features include: joining / conferencing multiple calls on one call; phone bridge line and computer share screen; direct dials and unique phone extensions, call transfer / forward, voicemail, CRM integration, video calls, chatting or IM’ing, and more! (See above screenshot.)

3. Microsoft Office 365 and Teams – it’s similar to item #2 but is a feature tied to your Office 365 account. Microsoft really wanted to tap into the chat applications market when it developed Teams, which is a cloud-based chat app that combines the functionalities of Slack and Office 365 into a single platform that can even integrate more than 150 third-party applications for increased productivity

• You may need an upgrade to your Office 365 account to enable Teams, but we can help facilitate this – even if you upgrade for one month and then we can cancel the additional feature later, upon your request.

Your Office Needs to be Equipped

These options require a solid IT infrastructure in place at your corporate office and the same with your home office, including high speed internet with Comcast or Verizon FIOS. Work with SkyViewTek to ensure the best practices are implemented to prevent your network from going down when you need to work remotely. For instance, battery backups for all critical equipment, devices which auto-reboot the Internet router, and possibly a failover Internet Service Provider (ISP )in case your main ISP goes down and Comcast/FIOS do not have techs willing and/or able to come to your site for repairs. Other items that are required include: proper cabling, data jacks, firewall, switch.

Networks patched together instead of properly configured will experience voice quality and, in general, Internet connectivity issues. Contact us today for a consultation. Call 610-590-5006 or email support@skyviewtek.com which will generate a ticket automatically for a SkyViewTek technician to process and manage your request to completion.

Blog is originally published at: https://www.skyviewtek.com/3-tools-to-enable-working-from-home/

It is republished with permission from the author.

Only a handful of small businesses have the luxury of maintaining an in-house IT team, negating the necessity of outsourcing it to third-party vendors. Others depend on IT solution providers whom they choose according to their requirements and this turns out to be a more profitable, convenient, hassle-free and time-saving solution. However, one problem that they often face is trying to understand the difference between traditional IT services and managed IT services as some firms provide the former, while others, the latter. Read on as we give you the three basic differences between the two.

Short-Term Vs. On-Going

Traditional IT services refers to support provided for a short-term specific project, a one-off project, albeit comprehensive. For instance, a hardware installation project with a scope that includes and extends from planning and strategy to design, implementation, adoption and even training. Managed IT services, on the other hand, refers to on-going IT support for an umbrella of services that your business needs, although a company that provides managed IT services can also be the company that designs and installs your network.

Reactive Vs. Proactive

While a traditional IT service provider will provide support only after a problem has cropped up, a managed IT service company will monitor continually and work proactively to prevent any issues from cropping up in the first place.

Contract-Based Vs. À La Carte Services

Traditional IT services are generally offered on a contract basis, sometimes monthly, while managed IT services are offered as a package with the option of adding and removing services as requirements change based on the growth of your business.

SkyViewTek offers IT support and consulting for Greater Philadelphia businesses with 10 to 100 employees. They check over 200 monitoring points every business day. With over 30 years of experience, they have all the expertise necessary to help your networks serve you. Whether you need new office computer and server configuration and set up, wired or wireless setup, cloud solutions, software implementations, managed disaster recovery services or managed IT services, SkyViewTek is there to help you.

About SkyViewTek:

SkyViewTek, an IT consulting firm, provides managed IT services, technology, and computer network design and setup, cybersecurity and IT solutions for Greater Philadelphia businesses. SVT  ensures computer systems are secure and HIPAA and PCI compliant. Visit their website at https://www.skyviewtek.com to learn more about their products and services.

The most important non-human asset of companies these days is data. Typically, companies who, whether they sell products or provide solutions to the customers have to deal with not only their own records but also customer’s data, like credit card information or personal data. This, if not stored and protected well can have tremendous implications on business and goodwill. Protection of sensitive data and information is even more relevant in today’s world due to the increased reliance on computer systems, the internet and wireless networks along with the associated risks that come with the potential vulnerability of such systems. Cyber security is thus, one of the major challenges that organizations face in the contemporary world. Companies these days, manage this risk by availing the services of professional cyber security companies.

Cyber security companies help organizations build robust defense systems against cyber threats by recommending the right measures related to technology, processes (IT governance) and safety awareness among the users of the systems. While going about creating a cyber defense system, the cyber security companies deploy the right measures by:

• Conducting an IT audit of the systems to understand the extent of exposure to cyber threat
• Identifying the potential vulnerabilities
• Suggesting the right security solution
• Procuring the necesary hardware and software
• Providing continuous support

Cyber security companies will suggest the right technology solution or security strategy based primarily on the cyber security being sought eg.

• Critical infrastructure security – electricity grids, traffic lights, hospitals
• Application security – a combination of software and hardware remediation (anti-virus, firewall etc.)
• Network security – extra-logins, monitored internet access etc.
• Cloud security
• IoT security – a diverse range of cyber-physical systems like Wi-Fi routers, security cameras, appliances, etc.

Every business needs the support of a cyber security company that they can count on 24/7 because network downtime leads to loss of productivity and business profitability which impacts customer service. SkyViewTek (SVT) is a computer and IT firm offering services to businesses in the Greater Philadelphia area as well as all firms across the United States. Their wide range of services includes Managed IT services program, cloud solutions, computer and server configurations and many more including cyber security. They help you determine which protective measures you need for your information systems. You can contact the IT experts today at 610-590-5006.

About SkyViewTek:

SkyViewTek, an IT consulting firm, provides managed IT services, technology, and computer network design and setup, cybersecurity and IT solutions for Greater Philadelphia businesses. SVT  ensures computer systems are secure and HIPAA and PCI compliant. Visit their website at https://www.skyviewtek.com to learn more about their products and services.

Technology consulting is one of the fastest-growing consulting markets worldwide. Despite this, you might be reluctant to hire an IT consultant for your business. You might fail to realize the many benefits that you can derive from doing so. What are they? Read on.

1. Save Time – No matter what business you are in, it is always best to focus on your core business and let an expert in managing IT take care of your IT woes. Instead of spending valuable time on fixing IT related issues, devote that time to furthering the growth of your business, increasing productivity.

2. Save Money – Hiring an IT consultant is a cost-effective solution compared to having a full-time employee for the purpose. By choosing the former, you can save on expenses for workspace, salary, benefits, etc for the FTE full-time equivalent).

3. Get Expert Advice – An IT consultant is an educated, certified professional with in-depth knowledge and experience in the latest evolving technologies. They are specialists who can handle all your IT issues in an adept manner, giving you the best solutions in the fastest time, ensuring smooth flow of your daily functions without any technological glitches. Relying on an expert is the most advisable way to go when you are serious about succeeding in your business.

4. Specialists at Hand – IT consultants offer various types of IT solutions like managed IT services, computer network setup and design, cyber security and so on. You can hire a specialist based on your needs at a certain point in time and get the most reliable service. For instance, IT consultants who specialize in cyber security can identify possible vulnerabilities in your network, train your employees to identify viruses or other dangerous malware, establish data security protocols, and also develop a disaster recovery solution.

5. Get a Fresh Perspective – Last but not least, we at times need a completely different take on things to come out of a loophole and push ourselves towards success. Hiring an IT consultant can get you a fresh perspective on the problems that your company is facing. There might be gaps in your business that are lowering your productivity or efficiency and getting an IT consultant might be the right move to seal those gaps.

SkyViewTek (SVT) is one such IT consultant, which offers services primarily to businesses in the Greater Philadelphia area. They offer a wide range of services which include managed IT services, cloud solutions, cyber security, wireless and wired network setup, email, spam and compliance archiving management and more. Contact them to understand how their services can increase the efficiency and productivity of your business.

About SkyViewTek:

SkyViewTek, an IT consulting firm, provides managed IT services, technology, and computer network design and setup, cybersecurity and IT solutions for Greater Philadelphia businesses. SVT  ensures computer systems are secure and HIPAA and PCI compliant. Visit their website at https://www.skyviewtek.com to learn more about their products and services.

Owning and running your own business is no easy feat. This requires a lot of effort and investment from human resources to operations, from accounting to legal. One of the most important pillars on which such businesses rest is the IT or information technology pillar. The challenges around small business network setup are not small and are constantly evolving.

Implementation of a small business network setup would need to be planned after considering the following:

• The size of the network in terms of the users of computer systems – the needed computers, output devices like printers, etc. and other computer peripherals will depend upon the number of users. 
• The configuration of the computers will be dependent on what primary applications the employees will run on the machines.
• The internet connectivity depending on the types of files, size and extent of data sharing, and the ‘downtime’ factor. When choosing the ISP and the internet connection, one has to consider provision for future expansion.
• Servers are the nerve centers of the IT network and provide many services like authentication and storage in addition to helping with data storage and data backups. The questions that need to be answered are related to whether the small business network setup requires an ‘on-premise’ server or cloud server.
• Network devices like modem, router, and switches also need to be considered. The network switches connect network devices and the selection of switches should be such that they should be able to provide for an adequate number of ports.
• The need of the employees to access the office network devices for accessing files and the extent of wireless coverage etc. will decide the need for any VPN access or need of wireless network equipment and connectivity. In certain cases, small business network setups require a combination of wired and wireless networks. The layout of the office space and the extent of the coverage of cables etc. will impact the cost of wired networks while the configuration of wireless devices will determine the cost of the wireless connectivity.
• Network and internet security is a very important factor that needs to be taken into consideration before initiating a small business network setup. The protection of critical and sensitive data and information is one of the foremost challenges that companies face these days. This would mean not only setting up the right cyber defensive system in the form of firewalls etc., but also network protection in the form of access controls to prevent unauthorized intrusion.
• Provision for future expansion is essential. Failure to plan for growth can hurt a company when they plan for a small business network setup. One might be tempted to go for a single cable modem connection when starting the venture but should consider the business need in the future – the possibility that the business would outgrow the initial need with regards to network speed and storage.

It might feel like a daunting task to plan and implement your small business network setup. But then, that is why there are professionals who render services to help implement your small business network setup.

SkyViewTek (SVT) is one such expert who provides IT support and consulting for business with 10 to 100 employees. SVT’s primary focus is to provide an expanded offering of proactive Managed IT services as well as computer and server maintenance and support for Microsoft and Apple products. They also specialize in ensuring that your business is IT compliant with third party organizations like HIPAA and PCI. Contact the experts today at 610-590-5006 or visit www.skyviewtek.com to get quotes for small business network setup and many other IT services.