Productivity

How Many Areas The IT Infrastructure Does Cover in Westchester? Information technology is not only supporting end users and companies but there is a lot going on in the background and many people working behind the scenes.There are so many different areas depending upon the type of infrastructure the IT has to deal with: 1- FIRMWARE Firmware is a software component that allows hardware to run smoother and safer.It maybe a web or website component or there may be content databases.There’s an infrastructure and underlying infrastructure that the IT runs to update firmware. Our clients in Westchester all benefit from our support that includes updating firmwares in their workstations. Unlike traditional software, which can be easily updated and modified by the end user, firmware is more deeply embedded in the hardware and is designed to provide essential functionality to the device. It is essentially a set of instructions that enable the hardware to perform specific tasks. 2- NETWORK COMPONENTS Most commonly a corporate network cannot be secure if it does not have multiple firewalls configured in a failover cluster. For a firewall to operate properly, technical support from the firewall brand is crucial in assuring an optimal delivery of its performance. In addition, routers can cooperate with firewalls to route the traffic through managed switches to different networks so that network flow is optimal and secure. Routers of our clientrs connect different Westchester locations for optimal redundancy.   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e3eSqnxQT1w 3- HARDWARE In the age of the cloud services, where big data centers host most of the IT infrastructure, hardware is reduced to a minimum and mostly consists of single workstations that are managed by Active Directory and are linked to databases. 4- CLOUD SERVICES Cloud services span from backups to offering SaaS. For example, virtual machines created through VMware and Citrix allow users to have very redundant systems where basically there is no downtime and company resources are always available 24/7. 5- DOCUMENTATION IT is not only made of solving technical problems but there is a lot of writing involved. A successful IT department cannot live without articles written to document all the processes involved in creating, setting up, configuring software for users. 6- IT COMPLIANCE IT compliance refers to the adherence of an organization’s information technology practices, processes, and systems to established laws, regulations, standards, and policies. The goal of IT compliance is to ensure that an organization operates within legal and regulatory boundaries, follows industry best practices, and mitigates the risks associated with the use of technology. Examples include GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation), HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act), SOX (Sarbanes-Oxley Act), and PCI DSS (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard). IT compliance also involves identifying, assessing, and managing risks associated with technology use. This includes conducting risk assessments, implementing controls, and establishing procedures for risk mitigation. 7- VENDOR MANAGEMENT Companies often rely on third-party vendors for IT services. Managing and ensuring the support from vendors is critical to maintaining the overall security and integrity of the organization’s IT environment. In Westchester, usually vendors are managed by the IT company that procures the necessary hardware to the users. 8- SECURE FILE TRANSFER AND AUTHENTICATION MECHANISMS SFTP provides a secure channel over SSH, while FTPS (File Transfer Protocol Secure) combines FTP with TLS/SSL encryption. These protocols offer a secure alternative to the traditional, less secure FTP (File Transfer Protocol). In the financial sector transfering files securely is part of the compliance policies the company the company has to follow to avoid being fines by regulators.In addition, strong authentication mechanisms are crucial in preventing unauthorized access. Implementing multi-factor authentication (MFA) to add an extra layer of security, requiring users to provide multiple forms of identification before initiating or completing a file transfer makes the company network safer and less prone to attacks. Westchester County stands at the intersection of tradition and innovation, with technology serving as a driving force for progress. The county’s commitment to smart city initiatives, connectivity, education, healthcare, and environmental sustainability cannot be implemented without top notch IT management and procurement. The right set of skils are the ones that matter in the technical world that has to deal with performing tasks in the back end to make the front end running without glitches or expensive interruptions.

Lessons I have Learned While Providing IT Support In Westchester Supporting a company or a single user in Westchester has one thing in common: computer networks are not only made of appliances such as firewalls and servers but they are made of people who are in need to know and require support for their activity to keep moving. After several years helping people and businesses get the most out of the technology they have paid for, I can tell you that for me computers are a tool not only to educate users but also to establish relationships. I have highlighted below what for me makes sense while providing support as IT consultant and the way I would approach the users having issues even before diving into technical matters. 1-KEEP CALM AND BE PATIENT Users are usually showing up at the help desk or make phone calls agitated or angry. It’s necessary for the computer technician to stay calm and keep feelings cold. Remaining cold will help diagnose the issue and absorb the anger of the customer. 2- THINK HOW TO SOLVE THE PROBLEM BROADLY FIRST By saying that the approach to a technical issue should be more broad will help to have a larger picture about the problem and then can bring to exclude some other solutions that may not be appropriate. For example, if a customer complains that he/she cannot print, that does not mean that the printer is broken, but it can be the computer not having a driver or having a virus etc etc. 3- NEVER BLAME THE USER FOR THE COMPUTER ISSUE I saw colleagues of mine answering to the user with a tone such as, “I told you, you should have done such as such”. That tone is arrogant from a person who speaks from a pulpit and makes the user feel bad. It support should only be supportive and guide user to learn how to solve minor pc issues by himself, instead. 4- ACKNOWLEDGE YOUR MISTAKES There is nothing more direct and honest than saying to your boss or to the user that you are sorry and that was IT mistake. That will generate a sense of relief in the user and will make you appear more humble in front of your boss. If a technical mistake is attributable to the tech, a mea culpa will erase all the bad feelings about it. 5- SPEND TIME EDUCATING THE USERS Users call because they are having problems and if the tech support in charge is patient, he can educate users not to click on dubious attachments and to be more careful while running or downloading programs. Educating a user is big part of a successful IT company that operates not only in Westchester county New York, but also nationwide. 6- SHARE AND LEARN WHAT IS SHARED WITH YOU Unless IT is a solo shop, being part of a successful team is what matters. Sharing intelligence and information is the way to go. If you leave your team mate with a knowledge gap because you know more than he does, that for me is not what is called working as a team player. 7- DON’T MAKE USER WAIT IF YOU CAN HELP NOW It’s very frustrating for someone who is looking for help to see that help is not on the way and that the solution is not coming soon. Efficiency and a decent speed will add professionality to an IT service that tries to compete with others in the same market. 8- DOCUMENT AS MUCH AS YOU CAN Working with computers and servers means dealing with networking and virtualization issues. Very often software conflicts can deal a blow to the productivity. IT is also a lot of writing and storing the right documentation that can lead the next technician to solve the problem much faster. 9- GO IN PERSON AND AVOID REMOTE SESSIONS IF YOU CAN If a client is very close and he/she is not too tech savvy, I recommend paying him/her a visit rather than calling or sending instructions via emails. Human touch is always better than a cold remote session that may be fast in solving the issue but can still leave user with unanswered questions. 10-FOLLOW UP WITH THE USER it’s always important to follow up with a user because, as I said above, what matters is a relationship and not a cold approach.  

What Does an IT MSP Do in Westchester County NY? Information technology IT support has really evolved quite a bit since the 90s because businesses have decided to focus more their core business. For this reason companies who decided to expand their activities have decided to outsource some of the IT support services to other companies who specialize in computer networking and technical support in Westchester. What does an MSP actually do and how does it help businesses? Ultimately how do you as the MSP business owner make money? An MSP is a high tier IT company that provides remote and onsite services to small and medium businesses located in Westchester county. A MSP provider takes care of network management and monitoring data and backup, Recovery Security Services cloud services and management help desk and technical support and I.T Consulting and strategic planning. In addition to the core services there are plenty of other services that can be added by a Managed Service Provider, such as delivery of computer parts or other type of hardware. A relevant part of service that the IT consultant can offer as a provider is the help desk. Let’s say a consumer can call saying he’s having having computer issues or that the printer is not working my or computer is running slow, the help desk can help solve the issue remotely or in person. Lately however, the msp has evolved into cloud service provider (CSP) as many companies have been moving their infrastructure to the cloud. On the users’ side a prime example of the migration to cloud services is the implementation of Office Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace. These services eliminate the need of hosting applications and software in local servers and increase redundancy as those applications sit on huge data centers. Also, MSP rely heavily on remote management and monitoring software rmm; these are tools are provided to help desk support in order to be able to remotely log into your desktop and be able to look at different software or patches software updates that are on a company’s system or be a proactively alerted and monitor issues with your organization. Generally they provide many other services such as being able to procure new laptops or devices for you or handling your mobile needs. Microsoft Intune is the Mobile Device management interface that handles the setup of mobile devices in a coporate environment. Backup implementation and engineering is another crucial set of skills that MSP need to have in order to succeed with their clients. MSPs really want to make sure that company’s data doesn’t just exist in one single location that there are multiple copies of data online. Key principle here is that data have integrity data accessibility and confidentiality. When MSP and CSP negotiate their services with their clients, a good practice would be to draft a SLA, also known as service level agreement. There are many different pricing models that are involved in msps and a very common one is no longer in providing it services on a per project basis which are kind of one time. Nowadays IT consultants in Westchester focus more on a flat rate per device or per user. If for a company the bigger cost is the software, MSP can bundle services together to cut down costs and offer a better service. Contrary to common belief, outsourcing IT services can significantly contribute to cost savings. Managed IT services operate on transparent pricing models, allowing companies to budget effectively while enjoying top-notch IT support. Build your software package as MSP with your customers’ needs in mind and do not overload their network with software or services he does not need. Listen first and act accordingly. If a company thinks the MSP as a business extension, the benefits will be many: from flexibility, to upgrades and negotiations, all will run smoothly.  Lastly, as I always have users’s brain and hearts in mind, a factor that I consider in choosing the right provider is the proximity. It is always better to rely and pay for a service that can come on site when needed than outsourcing the IT services far away and only get remote support.  

Ode to the IT Support in Westchester In the heart of Westchester’s gentle embrace, Where the Hudson’s whispers weave a tranquil grace, A troubadour of technology, silent but strong, Offers IT services in a digital song.   Beneath the sycamores and the azure sky, Where data streams flow, and electrons fly, Westchester’s IT guardian, a sage with a key, Unlocks the mysteries of the tech symphony.   Through the rolling hills, where the sun does kiss, A troubadour troubleshooter, in moments of bliss. In the heart of technology, where emotions unfurl, Westchester’s IT services, a compassionate swirl.   With circuits as verses and screens as the stage, The troubleshooter dances on the digital page. In the language of motherboards, secrets unfold, Westchester’s IT services, a tale to be told.   Each click and each hum, a heartbeat sincere, In the realm of connections, where anxieties clear. The troubleshooter’s touch, like a comforting hand, Westchester’s pc services, emotions understand.   “Computer Repair,” the troubadour’s song, In every keystroke, emotions strong. In the hush of the workshop, where dreams unfold, Local computer help, a tale to be told.   Amidst the rolling hills and the riverside, The troubadour troubleshooter stands as a guide. In the realm of pixels and wires’ gentle hum, Westchester’s IT magic, a harmonious strum.   From the sunrise that paints the landscape gold, To the moonlit tales that the troubleshooter’s told, In Westchester’s embrace, where technology weaves, IT services thrive in a tapestry of leaves.   Laptop support, like a guardian’s caress, In the digital haven, where worries compress. With every click and every gentle stroke, The troubleshooter whispers, “You’re not alone.”   Each node a heartbeat in the rhythm of code, In the vast cyber expanse, where emotions erode. Yet, the troubleshooter stands, a digital guide, Network support, where human and tech coincide.   When your laptop falters or your desktop weeps, In the local sanctuary, where empathy seeps. Computer repair, a troubadour’s embrace, Where technology meets a human face.   Amidst the routers and switches, where packets shine In Westchester county, computer networks work just fine With every connection, a story unfolds, In the realm of networks, where emotions are bold.   Through realms of Wi-Fi, where signals confide, Tech help soothes frustrations like a tranquil tide. In the heart of Westchester county, where networks entwine, Local IT services are considered divine.  

What Will Be the Top Technology Trends in 2023? What can we expect from the next 10 years? We will see a true change in how we relate with our peers and with machines. The past few years have been a breathless ride for the world of tech, from development and artificial intelligence to virtual and augmented reality. There’s never been a better time to be a technology enthusiast than right now. The next ten years will usher us into a new era of connected, intelligent technologies that will have an unprecedented impact across all industries. 1- ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE Artificial intelligence (AI) is generating a lot of buzz these days. While AI has existed for several decades, it’s recently been thrust into the mainstream with its growing use in self-driving cars, virtual assistants such as Siri and Alexa, speech recognition technology like Google Voice, and many other applications. In 2023, AI will enter the mainstream. There are already apps that have AI embedded in them. In addition, the no code environment means that anyone can design new AI applications without any knowledge of programming. Artificial intelligence will be also sold as a service and companies that store your data can simply switch on new AI capabilities and this will change all our business processes.Although companies already use smart algorithms to search the internet, buy things online and find our way around when we travel, AI is becoming essential like water and electricity in terms of how it will change human society and hopefully make our lives easier or better. Some of the key trends within AI that are worth watching very carefully are natural language processing and machine learning, as well as the generation of synthetic content. 2- METAVERSE TECHNOLOGIES Virtual and augmented reality will make a giant leap forward in 2023. Currently VR and AR technology are mainly used in the gaming industry. However, by 2023 we might see a trend for people to use technology for social interaction and other purposes. An example of virtual reality is when we communicate with our friends and family. Through VR, robots will be making their presence felt in our daily lives in the form of AR devices bringing down the cost of these technologies in 2023. In 2023, technologies like virtual and augmented reality will reshape our organizations and will increasingly blur the lines between the physical and the digital world. Companies now need to start to think about more immersive content and create a more immersive world of work. Companies such as McDonald’s are thinking about opening a digital restaurant. With VR customer employee relationships will be significantly refashioned. Someone may be asking, “Is holding meetings in a virtual room better than Zoom? Can customer support use augmented reality to help customers fix problems and help them assemble things?”. 3- A PROGRAMMABLE WORLD The year 2023 will see an increasingly digitally editable world where we can change the real world by manipulating it with computers performing complex tasks in real time. In a digital world, companies can create a digital twin that is a digital copy of a real world’s object. Let’s take, for example, a race car Formula One race car. We can design this car in the digital world and run it through digital simulation and test it using digital wind tunnels and then we will be even able to 3D print this car. 4- WEB3 TECHNOLOGIES Another powerful 2023 trend will allow financial companies to re-architect trust using blockchain technology. Ledger technologies that allow us to store things and record things in the blockchain will be refashioned and will create a new approach to the entire supply chains and financial industries.Banking world and insurance companies use middlemen: with the Web3 technologies those trust functions will be redeployed by performing trust functions without these middlemen. Organizations will continue to use non-fungible tokens (nfts) that allow us to record digital ownership of things. Web 3 technology will allow us to manage our digital identity.When we send money to friends or family, banks and companies like PayPal make sure we are who we say we are and act as a safety net and anti-fraud gateway. New payment verification services help us feel safe about giving our financial information to businesses to store and process. All these systems are currently centralized which means that we could still have problems if the companies that run them don’t manage them well or don’t act in our best interests. When people talk about trust in 2023 they will ask about the idea of decentralization. This means taking control of an organization or process away from any central point of ownership by using decentralized networking built on consensus and encryption. Blockchain will achieve this and more by storing data and running programs that are spread across multiple computers and can’t be changed by anyone who isn’t supposed to. 5- LITHIUM METAL BATTERIES Lithium metal batteries have every chance to change the balance of power in the car market. Their energy density is equal to a one-kilowatt hour per liter of volume which is almost twice that of lithium-ion batteries according to MIT technology review. Thanks to these batteries, electric cars charge much faster and, more importantly, the charge lasts 80 percent longer than with lithium-ion batteries. The startup Quantum Scape which develops lithium metal batteries conducted its first test in December 2020 and after successful trials it has already struck a deal with Volkswagen which will begin producing electric vehicles with these batteries in 2025. Skeptics argue that the test results are still too early to be considered successful they were carried out on single-layer cells while in real batteries they should be multi-layered and in mass production this can lead to unforeseen risks. 6- WIFI 6 AND 5G WIFI 6 and 5G new are new standards of communication that can help communicate and work at high speeds. In addition, these new frequencies will contribute to the development of the Internet Of Things, artificial