Backup
Having a solid backup solution is crucial in today’s world. Whether data loss is a result of accidental deletion, equipment failure, or a malicious attack – backup before you wish you had. The golden rule for a solid backup solution is the 3-2-1 rule described below.
Copies
Original, Local, and Offsite
Locations
Local backup and Carbonite
Offsite
Carbonite
Current Backup Solution
We have analyzed your current setup to determine if a backup solution is in place and if so to what degree.
None / End User initiated
End user initiated backup is like not having a backup at all. This is a serious issue and could cause prolonged downtime in the event of a computer issue.
Priority: Urgent
Suggested Resolution
The below recommendation is what we suggest to setup a solid backup system that simply just works.
Carbonite Appliance
It’s a simple, secure hybrid backup solution. With on-site data recovery (bare-metal restore images) and automatic cloud integration, it’s designed to protect your company’s most important asset: your data.
$1,200 per year
for 500GB Cloud / 1 TB Local
Pro Prime
File Servers and Workstations (no images)
$600 per year (500 GB)
Security
A virus infection can bring your business to a halt if not handled quickly and efficiently. With the growing cyber threat, a solid security solution is key to preventing and removing an infection.
Current Security Solution
We have analyzed your current setup to determine if a security solution is in place and if so to what degree.
Microsoft Security Essentials
While Microsoft Security Essentials offers decent protection at a good price (Free) it does not allow for centralized threat detection and policy audits.
Priority: High
Suggested Resolution
The most important aspect of security is the user of the equipment. Number one is to keep your employees from surfing the internet or bringing flash drives that they use in other computers. Having user policies and procedures is key.
The next important aspect is your antivirus and security software installed on the computers. Since the user is the most critical point of failure a monitored and managed solution is key to prevention and remediation.
Managed Anti-Virus: Vipre Business
$40 a year per computer
Computer Maintenance
There are many tasks that should be done to computers (just like cars) to help them run better and longer. Certain tasks should be done monthly at a minimum on all computers.
- Disk Cleanup
- Disk defragmentation
- Software Updates/Patches
- Virus Scans
- Confirm backup solution
- Uninstall unwanted programs
- Perform hardware diagnostics
- Physical cleaning
- Scheduled reboots
- Update documentation
Current Maintenance Solution
As Needed
Reacting to an issue creates unexpected downtime and loss of productivity to your employees. This loss of productivity can create loss in potential revenue.
Priority: Medium
Suggested Resolution
A managed services agreement that will perform these maintenance tasks and give us early alerts to any problems. The cost is $30-60 per computer per month. If you want further information on this please let me know and we can go into further detail. I will list some of the most important things below:
24/7 Monitoring – We know when there is a problem and can many times fix it before you or the user even notices. Detection of bad hardware, etc.
Proactive Maintenance – disk cleanups, defrags, reboots if on for 2 weeks and much more
Software Audits – Make sure certain software is installed or known bad software is not installed
Centrally Managed Antivirus – Antivirus managed from one central server so policies are managed and threats taken care of quickly with notification of action.
Web Filtering – we use DNS to tackle this but because we are managing them we know if the user changes the DNS entry or circumvents the system
Patch Management – Windows Updates and essential software monitored and updated on a regular schedule (Flash, Java, Reader, Chrome, iTunes, Firefox, etc.). We can even set policies to not allow certain updates like IE 10 or 11.
Ticket Creation – The user can easily and quickly create a support ticket from their computer and attach a screenshot. No need to go through you as it will come directly to us.
Basic: $20 a month
Managed AV, Monitoring and Maintenance
Plus: $40 a month
Unlimited Remote Support
Ultimate: $60 a month
Unlimited On Site Service
Network
A solid network infrastructure is crucial in today’s connected world. Network security and a properly managed network is your first level of defense against malicious attacks or downtime that could impact your entire business. From your ISP to your local network, every node matters. The days of set it and forget it are over.
Current Network Status
Unstable and undocumented setup
There are two physically separated networks in place with a setup that only one person is fully aware of how it is setup and configured. The wireless router has to be reset from time to time to resolve speed issues.
Priority: Medium
Suggested Resolution
Managed Network – NetCare
With NetCare you get a solid network infrastructure that is both monitored and maintained. Using enterprise grade equipment NetCare is able to offer a solid network infrastructure.
From router, switches, and access points – NetCare has you covered. Some other benefits include:
- Cloud-Based 24/7 Accessible Management Console
- Hosted Guest Portal
- HotSpot Support (we give your customers our number for assitance if needed)
- Monitoring for possible problems
- Firmware Upgrade Management
- Free Remote Assitance
- Discounted OnSite Service if needed
End User Devices
The devices your staff uses to complete their job are an extremely important part to the overall health of your business. If a user’s device is down they can loose valuable time that can easily result in lost revenue for your business.
Current End User Devices Status
Age
There are many machines greater than 3 years old. The most important component, the hard drive, is a physical spinning disk that can easily fail over time. The average lifespan of a hard drive is 2-3 years.
Operating System EOL (End of Life)
Several computers are running Windows XP which is now EOL. Many software companies are discontinuing support for Windows XP.
Priority: Low
Suggested Resolution
Every machine needs to be evaluated based on age, warranty status and repair history.
Years
Budget for workstation replacement every three years. Most hardware warranties are 1-3 years in length.
Years
Evaluate and budget for possible major infrastructure upgrades.