Learning Center: IT Support Concepts

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Should Your IT Team Invest in Certifications?

Are IT certifications truly worth the investment for your tech team? The short answer: yes. Certifications like CompTIA and Cisco hold immense value for IT professionals and businesses alike. Investing in certifications isn’t just a checkbox—it’s a strategy for building a more capable, motivated, and credible IT team.

Are IT certifications truly worth the investment for your tech team? The short answer: yes. Certifications like CompTIA and Cisco hold immense value for IT professionals and businesses alike. Investing in certifications isn’t just a checkbox—it’s a strategy for building a more capable, motivated, and credible IT team.

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Should Your Business Outsource IT Management? Key Benefits and Risks

Is outsourcing IT management a smart move or a risky decision for your business? The answer depends on your specific needs and circumstances. While outsourcing can provide major advantages such as cost savings, access to specialized expertise, and the ability to focus on your core operations, it’s not without potential drawbacks.

Is outsourcing IT management a smart move or a risky decision for your business? The answer depends on your specific needs and circumstances. While outsourcing can provide major advantages such as cost savings, access to specialized expertise, and the ability to focus on your core operations, it’s not without potential drawbacks.

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What is the Cost Comparison Between Hiring Internal IT Vs Outsourcing IT?

When evaluating the cost comparison between hiring internal IT staff versus outsourcing IT services to a managed service provider (MSP), several factors come into play. Here’s a breakdown of the key considerations- Salaries and Benefits, Training costs, Office Space and Equipment and more.

When evaluating the cost comparison between hiring internal IT staff versus outsourcing IT services to a managed service provider (MSP), several factors come into play. Here’s a breakdown of the key considerations- Salaries and Benefits, Training costs, Office Space and Equipment and more.

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How Can I Stay Updated on my Service Ticket?

You just submitted a service ticket and don’t know what’s next. Here’s what you can expect: Throughout the life of your ticket, you’ll receive emails when the ticket is updated. Sometimes these updates are automatically generated, and other times they are messages from real life technicians.

You just submitted a service ticket and don’t know what’s next. Here’s what you can expect: Throughout the life of your ticket, you’ll receive emails when the ticket is updated. Sometimes these updates are automatically generated, and other times they are messages from real life technicians

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Why Might an MSP's Pricing Change Year to Year?

It’s easy to just say “inflation” when someone asks why there’s a price increase for what seems to be the same service from one year to the next. And boy, there's truth there. But it can be more complicated than that.

It’s easy to just say “inflation” when someone asks why there’s a price increase for what seems to be the same service from one year to the next. And boy, there's truth there. But it can be more complicated than that.

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Who Are Some Other IT Outsourcing Companies in Northeast Ohio?

At Simplex-IT, we have the privilege of meeting with numerous businesses in Northeast Ohio each year to discuss their IT outsourcing needs. With our extensive experience and expertise in the IT industry, as well as our willingness to share our honest thoughts and feelings….

At Simplex-IT, we have the privilege of meeting with numerous businesses in Northeast Ohio each year to discuss their IT outsourcing needs. With our extensive experience and expertise in the IT industry, as well as our willingness to share our honest thoughts and feelings…

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What If I'm Not Tech-Savvy but I Need IT Services?

Working with an IT Managed Service Provider, MSP, can sound like a daunting task if you don't have any prior knowledge about IT. Instead of trying to go in blind, here are some tips to help you get started.

Working with an IT Managed Service Provider, MSP, can sound like a daunting task if you don't have any prior knowledge about IT. Instead of trying to go in blind, here are some tips to help you get started.

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How Do You Submit a Service Ticket?

Submitting a service ticket is an important part of working with your IT provider, but it shouldn’t be complicated! Here at Simplex-IT we have an easy process for you! So how do you submit a service ticket? There are three options.

Submitting a service ticket is an important part of working with your IT provider, but it shouldn’t be complicated! Here at Simplex-IT we have an easy process for you! So how do you submit a service ticket? There are three options.

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What is the Difference Between a CIO & a vCIO?

A CIO (Chief Information Officer) is a high-level executive responsible for overseeing a company's information technology (IT) strategy and operations. On the other hand, a vCIO (virtual Chief Information Officer) is a consultant or an outsourced service provider who provides similar services as a CIO, but on a part-time or project basis.
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A CIO (Chief Information Officer) is a high-level executive responsible for overseeing a company's information technology (IT) strategy and operations. On the other hand, a vCIO (virtual Chief Information Officer) is a consultant or an outsourced service provider who provides similar services as a CIO, but on a part-time or project basis.
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TSP stands for Technology Success Partner. Some will argue that this is necessary. That a TSP encompasses support for all of your IT. Including your Cloud, security, and…umm…IT. I think the concept is that an MSP has a more sophisticated view of IT than an MSP. Somehow. By some arbitrary measure. An All-in-one IT solution.

TSP stands for Technology Success Partner. Some will argue that this is necessary. That a TSP encompasses support for all of your IT. Including your Cloud, security, and…umm…IT. I think the concept is that an MSP has a more sophisticated view of IT than an MSP. Somehow. By some arbitrary measure. An All-in-one IT solution.

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Our IT Support Concepts category covers questions related to Managed IT Services and Co-Managed IT Services. For example, “What is Covered Under Your Managed Service Agreement?”, “When Should You Not Use an MSP?” and of course, “How do you select the Right MSP?”

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Windows End of Life 2025: What Your Business Needs to Know Now

Time is running out! If you’re still using Windows 7, Windows 8.1, Windows Server 2008 R2, or Windows SBS 2011, this is your wake-up call. After March 31 2025, these operating systems will no longer receive critical security updates, leaving them vulnerable to cyber threats and exposing your business to potential risks.

Time is running out! If you’re still using Windows 7, Windows 8.1, Windows Server 2008 R2, or Windows SBS 2011, this is your wake-up call. After March 31 2025, these operating systems will no longer receive critical security updates, leaving them vulnerable to cyber threats and exposing your business to potential risks.

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How do MSP’s Charge for their Services?

When you’re shopping for IT services, It’s important to understand the different pricing models that MSPs and IT providers use. Not only do you want your provider to be transparent in their pricing and their model in general, but you need to know when you’re comparing providers as well.

When you’re shopping for IT services, It’s important to understand the different pricing models that MSPs and IT providers use. Not only do you want your provider to be transparent in their pricing and their model in general, but you need to know when you’re comparing providers as well.

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How Can I Prevent Getting Ripped Off by an MSP?

As technology continues to advance, businesses of all sizes rely on their IT to support their success. With this growing reliance on technology comes the need for expert IT support, leading many businesses to turn to IT Managed Service Providers (MSPs). However, not all MSPs are created equal, and choosing the wrong one can be a costly mistake.

As technology continues to advance, businesses of all sizes rely on their IT to support their success. With this growing reliance on technology comes the need for expert IT support, leading many businesses to turn to IT Managed Service Providers (MSPs). However, not all MSPs are created equal, and choosing the wrong one can be a costly mistake.

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What Questions Should I Ask An IT Provider Before Signing Up?

If you're a business owner looking to partner with an IT provider, there are a few important questions you need to ask before signing up. In this video, we'll explore five crucial questions that will help you find the right IT partner.

If you're a business owner looking to partner with an IT provider, there are a few important questions you need to ask before signing up. In this video, we'll explore five crucial questions that will help you find the right IT partner for your business.

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How Do I Select a Reputable IT Provider?

Are you a business owner or manager looking to select a reputable IT provider but not sure where to start? In this video, we will discuss some key factors you should consider when selecting a reputable IT provider.

Are you a business owner or manager looking to select a reputable IT provider but not sure where to start? Well, you're not alone! In today's world, technology plays a crucial role in running a successful business. And finding the right IT support company can make all the difference. In this video, we will discuss some key factors you should consider when selecting a reputable IT provider.

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What's the alternative to a Managed Service Provider?

While MSPs are excellent for ongoing IT support and management, they may not always be the best fit for your organization. We discuss various alternatives such as Staff Augmentation/Temp Agencies, Project-Based Services, Cloud Service Providers, Freelance IT Consultants, and IT Outsourcing/Break-Fix Companies.

While MSPs are excellent for ongoing IT support and management, they may not always be the best fit for your organization. We discuss various alternatives such as Staff Augmentation/Temp Agencies, Project-Based Services, Cloud Service Providers, Freelance IT Consultants, and IT Outsourcing/Break-Fix Companies.

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IT Self-Assessment Workshop Recap

Thank you to everyone who attended our recent IT Self-Assessment Workshop. Your presence and participation made it a great success! We hope it provided you with new insights and ideas for improving your organization's IT capabilities.

Thank you to everyone who attended our recent IT Self-Assessment Workshop. Your presence and participation made it a great success! We hope it provided you with new insights and ideas for improving your organization's IT capabilities.

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How Much Do IT Services Cost?

To tackle this topic, we're going to break the managed service providers (MSP for short) into three tiers. On the low end are MSP's that almost exclusively compete on price. How can they be so inexpensive? Simple. They don't include a lot of services that either protect you or increase your productivity.

To tackle this topic, we're going to break the managed service providers (MSP for short) into three tiers. On the low end are MSP's that almost exclusively compete on price. How can they be so inexpensive? Simple. They don't include a lot of services that either protect you or increase your m/video-resource-library/v/productivity.

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What is a Virtual CIO?

A Virtual CIO (Chief Information Officer) is a third-party consultant who provides strategic IT guidance to organizations on a part-time or project basis. As the title suggests, a Virtual CIO performs many of the same functions as a traditional, in-house CIO, but without being a full-time employee.

A Virtual CIO (Chief Information Officer) is a third-party consultant who provides strategic IT guidance to organizations on a part-time or project basis. As the title suggests, a Virtual CIO performs many of the same functions as a traditional, in-house CIO, but without being a full-time employee.

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What Is Covered Under Your Managed Service Agreement?

At Simplex-IT, we believe that clarity is key to building strong relationships with our clients. Our monthly IT agreements cover everything that maintains the status quo of your business operations. That means you can rely on our services for ongoing maintenance and support without worrying about additional charges for every little thing.

At Simplex-IT, we believe that clarity is key to building strong relationships with our clients. Our monthly IT agreements cover everything that maintains the status quo of your business operations. That means you can rely on our services for ongoing maintenance and support without worrying about additional charges for every little thing.

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What are the Pros and Cons of Using a Managed Service Provider?

We’ve done a couple of videos about what an MSP (Managed Service Provider) is. Bottom line is it’s an organization that you outsource a majority (if not all) of your IT support to. And that’s what Simplex-IT is.

We’ve done a couple of videos about what an MSP (Managed Service Provider) is. Bottom line is it’s an organization that you outsource a majority (if not all) of your IT support to. And that’s what Simplex-IT is.

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What are the Pros and Cons of Co-Managed IT Services?

We wrote the only two books on the topic, so we can definitely talk about this. Plus videos. Yup we got a bunch of videos on it. Keep in mind we’re going to talk about Co-Managed IT from the perspective of the client side, not the service providers.

We wrote the only two books on the topic, so we can definitely talk about this. Plus videos. Yup we got a bunch of videos on it. Keep in mind we’re going to talk about Co-Managed IT from the perspective of the client side, not the service providers.

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What are the different versions of CoMITs?

There are three flavors of CoMITs. We break it down based on what part of IT the Internal IT folks are responsible for versus what we handle. They are: Full CoMITs, Desktop CoMITs, and Server CoMITs.

There are three flavors of CoMITs. We break it down based on what part of IT the Internal IT folks are responsible for versus what we handle. They are: Full CoMITs, Desktop CoMITs, and Server CoMITs.

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What is the Difference Between MSP and Break Fix?

We’ve talked about both Break Fix and Managed Services in other videos. Now, let’s compare them against each other (with plusses and minuses). Of course we’re specifically talking as these concepts relate to IT resources for organizations.

We’ve talked about both Break Fix and Managed Services in other videos. Now, let’s compare them against each other (with plusses and minuses). Of course we’re specifically talking as these concepts relate to IT resources for organizations.

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Why is Ever evolving solutions with a focus on security unique for Simplex IT?

IT changes. This is especially true with security. Simplex-IT has developed an annual process we call SiMS (for Simplex-IT Managed Services) that involve each year evaluating our Software, Tools, Methodologies and Processes (we call them "STMPs", pronounced "Stamps").

IT changes. This is especially true with security. Simplex-IT has developed an annual process we call SiMS (for Simplex-IT Managed Services) that involve each year evaluating our Software, Tools, Methodologies and Processes (we call them "STMPs", pronounced "Stamps").

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Why is The Industry Recognized Leader in Co-Managed IT services unique for Simplex-IT?

Simplex-IT has spoken at nearly every MSP conference about Co-Managed Services. CEO Bob Coppedge has written the only two books on the topic (both best sellers on Amazon).

Simplex-IT has spoken at nearly every MSP conference about Co-Managed Services. CEO Bob Coppedge has written the only two books on the topic (both best sellers on Amazon). He also created the largest online community dedicated to helping MSP's develop Co-Managed offerings, with over 1,500 members.

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Why is MSP First and Foremost unique for Simplex-IT?

Simplex-IT was formed in 2007 as a Managed Service Provider. To this date well over 80% of our revenue comes from either MSP or Co-Managed MSP agreements or projects with clients.

Why is MSP First and Foremost unique for Simplex-IT? MSP First and Foremost Simplex-IT was formed in 2007 as a Managed Service Provider. To this date well over 80% of our revenue comes from either MSP or Co-Managed MSP agreements or projects with clients that have an agreement with us.

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How Do You Keep Your Services Up to Date?

IT changes. A lot. And often. So how do we keep up in terms of IT support and cybersecurity services? Here at Simplex-IT we've developed our services around an annual cycle. We consistently watch the market for emerging technologies, evaluate, and then select the best options for our clients.

IT changes. A lot. And often. So how do we keep up in terms of IT support and cybersecurity services? Here at Simplex-IT we've developed our services around an annual cycle. We consistently watch the market for emerging technologies, evaluate, and then select the best options for our clients.

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When should I use an MSP?

We've discussed what a Managed Service Provider (aka MSP) is before and we've even talked about when you shouldn't use an MSP to support the IT for your organization. So we still need to cover when you should use an MSP, right?

When should you use an MSP for your organization? We've discussed what a Managed Service Provider (aka MSP) is before and we've even talked about when you shouldn't use an MSP to support the IT for your organization. So we still need to cover when you should use an MSP, right?

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What is Break Fix?

Break Fix is a simple concept. It's not limited to IT. The bottom line for Break Fix is this: "When it breaks...fix it. Otherwise, leave it alone." But if you get bit by just a couple break-fix vulnerabilities, the savings you think that break-fix brings are likely gone.

What is Break Fix when it comes to IT? Break Fix is a simple concept. It's not limited to IT. The bottom line for Break Fix is this: "When it breaks...fix it. Otherwise, leave it alone." But if you get bit by just a couple break-fix vulnerabilities, the savings you think that break-fix brings are likely gone.

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Why Can't We Pick and Choose Only the IT Services We Want?

We are trying to create the best and most productive and secure IT environment for your organization and there is a lot that goes into every one of these aspects that are critical to your organization’s success. And it’s kind of like Jenga.

Why can't we pick and choose only the IT services we want? Why can't we pick and choose only the services we want?

We are trying to create the best and most productive and secure IT environment for your organization and there is a lot that goes into every one of these aspects that are critical to your organization’s success. And it’s kind of like Jenga.

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When NOT to use an MSP?

5 reasons why your organization might not want to use an MSP for their IT support needs.

When should you not use an MSP? 5 reasons why your organization might not want to use an MSP for their IT support needs.

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What is Co Managed IT?

What is Co-Managed IT services, anyway? Great question. We’ve talked before about Managed Services, a relationship that organizations use to obtain IT services exclusively from a 3rd party, aka an MSP (Managed Service Provider).

What is Co-Managed IT services, anyway? Great question. We’ve talked before about Managed Services, a relationship that organizations use to obtain IT services exclusively from a 3rd party, aka an MSP (Managed Service Provider).

But is there a way to get the best of both worlds? A situation where an organization can have a combination of both internal IT employees and a Managed Service Provider that is cheaper and more effective (and secure) then an exclusive use of either?

Yup. And that’s Co-Managed IT services.

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What is the difference between CapEx and OpEx?

What is the difference between CapEx and OpEx? This is a continuation of our Cloud series.

What is the difference between CapEx and OpEx?

CapEx is the capital expenditure where every five years a business will get an amount of money roughly $50,000 to $100,000 to buy a new physical server.

OpEx is an operational expenditure with predictable monthly costs. So instead of CapEx where you spend $50,000- $100,000 every five years, you will spend roughly $600 a month to run the cloud infrastructure.

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What exactly is a managed service provider or MSP?

An MSP is a third-party company that a business can collaborate with to help manage part or all of the IT for a business, both locally (aka "on prem") or in the cloud.

What is a managed service provider?

That's actually kinda funny, because there actually isn't one standard definition that fits everyone. But that won't stop us!

An MSP is a third-party company that a business can collaborate with to help manage part or all of the IT for a business, both locally (aka "on prem") or in the cloud.

An MSP provides technology and expertise to boost the organization's ability to scale. Working with MSPs can have tremendous benefits for an enterprise. For instance, their understanding of cutting-edge technology can help improve performance, operations, and security while reducing overhead. In addition, they can offer several creative solutions to help navigate the evolving landscape of the big data world.

A successful MSP should be able to deliver tailor-made solutions that fit a company perfectly using tools and strategies that they're very familiar with. And let's talk about specialized skill. Some organizations might need specialized skills, but not enough for a full-time person. It's really hard, for example, to hire 20% of a Senior Database Analyst. Believe me, we've tried. That's especially true when it comes to strategic planning. If an organization isn't large enough to have a Chief Information Officer (CIO) position, the MSP should be able to fulfill that role. Often this is called a virtual or fractional CIO.

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How do you select the right MSP?

Hiring a Managed Service Provider (MSP) for your organization shouldn't be a hasty decision. Here are six important factors to keep in mind:

Hiring a Managed Service Provider (MSP) for your organization shouldn't be a hasty decision. Here are six important factors to keep in mind:

1. THE MSP'S TRACK RECORD

2. THE RANGE OF SERVICES IT PROVIDES

3. SUPPORT

4. RESPONSE TIME

5. SECURITY AND BACKUP

6. GUIDANCE ON WORKFLOW OPTIONS

With high expertise, customized services, and an understanding of threats, a reputable team can help you stay ahead of your competitors.

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