Welcome to Simplex-IT's 2024 year in review! It has been an incredible year filled with growth, achievements, and exciting milestones. From earning certifications and awards to hosting amazing events and expanding our team, we’re thrilled to share some of the highlights that made 2024 unforgettable. Let’s dive in!

The Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) is transforming the way industries operate, bringing the power of connectivity and data analysis to manufacturing, energy, transportation, and other industrial sectors. But what exactly is IIoT, and why is it such a game-changer?

Outsourcing IT management is a strategy that can offer both benefits and challenges, and whether it's the right choice for your business depends on various factors. One of the primary reasons companies choose to outsource IT management is cost-effectiveness. Maintaining an in-house IT team can be expensive, especially for small to medium-sized businesses.

If you get a call claiming to be from Microsoft Teams support, think twice before doing what they ask. There’s a new trend for scammers to pose as “help desk” staff, with the aim of tricking employees into letting them take over their devices.

As we approach 2025, many businesses may not realize that their older Windows systems are reaching a crucial milestone. If you’re still using Windows 7, Windows 8.1, Windows Server 2008 R2, or Windows SBS 2011, there’s an important date you need to know: March 31, 2025.

If you’ve installed version 24H2 of Windows 11 for your business, you might have noticed an annoying glitch in File Explorer. File Explorer is that familiar window you use to browse your files and folders. Some people are running into issues with the “See more” menu after downloading this update.

In the realm of IT infrastructure, certain devices are pivotal to the daily operations and success of businesses. These are known as business critical devices, and understanding their importance is key to maintaining smooth operations. Here's an exploration of what business critical devices are and why they matter.

Microsoft is once again finding ways to make life easier for your business with Windows 11. If you ever work on your phone as well as your PC, you’re going to love the new “Hand Off” feature that’s being tested right now. The idea is this:

When you store your data in the cloud, a common concern is, “Is my cloud data backed up?” Cloud providers typically employ built-in redundancy, meaning your data is automatically stored across multiple servers in various physical locations. However, it’s crucial to recognize that redundancy isn’t the same as a traditional backup.

When someone leaves your business, you might be so wrapped up in the rush of everyday tasks, you forget to delete their login details. It’s easy to overlook. You’ll get around to it later, right? But unused login details could be a ticking time bomb for security breaches.

The internet has come a long way since its inception, transforming from a military experiment into a fundamental part of our daily lives. Let’s take a journey through its history and see how it has evolved over the years.

A solid-state drive (SSD) is a data storage device known for its speed, reliability, and efficiency. Unlike HDDs that use spinning disks, SSDs rely on flash memory chips to store data. This key difference results in faster performance and enhanced durability.

Picture this: You come into work one morning, turn on your computer, and a message pops up: “Your files have been encrypted. Pay $50,000 to get them back.” This is ransomware—a type of cyberattack that locks you out of your own data until you pay a ransom.

As we head into 2025, the cybersecurity landscape is rapidly evolving, with new threats and challenges emerging every day. From AI-powered cyberattacks to sophisticated phishing schemes, it’s critical that your business is prepared to defend itself against these ever-changing risks. But where do you start, especially if you're not an IT expert? Don’t worry—we’ve got you covered. 

CompTIA has long been a cornerstone of the IT industry, known for its certifications and training that have helped countless professionals build their careers. Over the past couple of years I’ve had the opportunity to participate in CompTIA’s committees developing support and materials for the MSP world.

With the always evolving cyberthreat landscape and increase in cyber attacks, how we store our data has evolved dramatically. Thanks to the rise of cloud computing, we now have multiple options for data storage. But now begs the question, what is the difference between cloud data storage and locally stored data.

The traditional way of securing a business network was to put a “wall” around it—like locking the doors to your office. But in 2025, with employees working remotely and data stored in the cloud, that’s no longer enough. That’s why more businesses are adopting a “Zero Trust” approach to cybersecurity. 

Cybercriminals have gotten smarter. Instead of just attacking your computer systems, they’re targeting the people in your business—using tactics like phishing and social engineering to trick your employees into handing over sensitive information. And the number of these attacks is expected to rise in 2025. 

As a business owner, you might not spend much time thinking about what version of Windows your computers are running. But here’s the thing: if you're still using older versions of Windows, it could soon put your business at risk. In 2025, several versions of Windows will reach “End of Life,” meaning they’ll stop receiving security updates. This could leave your systems vulnerable to attacks. 

Artificial Intelligence (AI) isn’t just for tech giants anymore. In fact, it’s quickly becoming one of the most powerful tools for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) looking to stay competitive. By 2025, AI will be essential for streamlining operations, improving customer service, and helping businesses like yours make smarter, data-driven decisions.