Reduce Costs While Expanding Value with vCIO Options from IT Support Firms in LA

What is a vCIO?

IT support LAIT support firms in LA can help you secure a virtual Chief Information Officer (vCIO), which has access to the technological resources of a professional MSP. Internal CIOs are limited by your budget and will have to expand that budget to address varying issues.

However, though a vCIO can totally assume the responsibilities of a CIO, many businesses keep a CIO on-site to maximize core tech operations, maintaining infrastructural needs and data networks through their vCIO. Different balances will work better for different businesses.

Not only do vCIOs have the resources of professional IT agencies, but since they often must manage multiple clients, they must retain cutting edge technology familiarity. Altogether, these things yield advantages such as the following:

Expanded Efficiency

IT support firms in LA that provide the right level of vCIO support can keep your operation more effectively managed. Operational expenses can be reduced. Additionally, vCIOs have helped businesses like yours in the past, and can more efficiently assist you in pursuit of your goals.

Predictable Expenses

A vCIO isn’t present on-site, but the majority of IT issues can be managed remotely. Essentially, you’re outsourcing your CIO— and if you’ve got one on-site concentrating on core needs, then you have comprehensive support. Since you’re paying an expected sum for vCIO services, you’ll have fewer instances where costs spike in your monthly tech budget owing to internal issues. Imagine if a variance of 6% to 8% of resources being devoted to tech could be reduced to 6% to 7%, or a flat 6%. A business pulling in a million a year would save between $10k and $20k in such a scenario; not to mention gains from streamlined operations or reduced security threats.

Enhances Security and Compliance

Again, owing to competitive viability and professional resources, vCIOs are more likely to have access to the latest legal trends in terms of compliance. They’re going to have something called shared liability for many industries. This means if you’re found out of compliance, the tech company managing your business receives a fine as well. It’s also considerable that vCIOs tend to keep businesses more secure, again owing to competitive viability and resource expansion.

Securing VCIO Solutions for Your Business

IT support in LA through Advanced Networks can provide you increased compliance, cutting-edge security, predictable expenses, and expanded efficiency through vCIO solutions. Whether outsourcing such IT needs or combining with an on-site CIO, these solutions tend to streamline most businesses. Contact us for more information on vCIOs and other IT trends.

Find the Perfect Cloud Solution with IT Consulting in Los Angeles

IT consulting in Los AngelesIT consulting firms in Los Angeles will likely advise most businesses, large or small, to keep pace with available technology in the market. There’s a sweet spot. If you jump on the innovation train immediately after something becomes available, there will be bugs you contend with which diminish ROI.

But if you adopt such innovations after the bugs have been worked out, you can get the greatest value. With cloud computing, the market is at the point where such solutions are so ubiquitous, a sort of “sweet spot” has developed. If you’re not using the cloud in some way, you might just be undermining your operation.

Three Main Types of Cloud: Pros and Cons

Cloud computing is essentially server networks managed by cutting edge tech companies. Some server arrays are larger than a million servers; all working together like individual pixels on a computer screen. Public clouds tend to be larger than private clouds and you can hybridize between the two. We’ll explore these alternatives briefly:

  • Public Cloud – IT consulting firms in Los Angeles can help you outsource internal data network management to a public cloud. You’ll have your own apportioned space separate from other clients and will have the benefit of a vast server array working for your operation. Though you’re compartmentalized digitally, some businesses have proprietary data too sensitive for such an arrangement. Additionally, you may not be able to get quite the same level of performance as you could from a private option.
  • Private Cloud – Private clouds provide more computational ability at a reduced cost but will cost you more than public cloud options. If the public cloud were like renting an apartment in a building, private cloud computing is renting the entire building. So, there’s more security, and you’ll save over actually buying such a large structure, but it is going to be more expensive.
  • Hybrid Cloud – If the public cloud were “too hot” and the private cloud “too cold,” then the hybrid option is “just right.” You can put sensitive data on a private option, and you can put non-sensitive infrastructural data on something more public. Certainly, it isn’t all positive— hybrid cloud will be slightly more than strictly public, but you do get the best of both worlds.

Acquiring Balanced Solutions for Your Business

IT consulting in Los Angeles through Advanced Networks can help you determine if private, public, or hybrid cloud options are best for your business. Contact us for more information on cloud computing and developing technologies.

Maximize Your Business Tech’s Longevity with Managed IT Services In Orange County

managed IT services Orange CountyManaged IT Services In Orange County providers can help you rebuff the costliness of two common tech industry features. On the one hand, it’s well-known that businesses like Apple release updates that cause older devices to run more slowly, as those updates are geared toward the latest tech release. This comes as a symptom of the second issue, Moore’s Law. Moore’s Law naturally stipulates computational doubling every 18 months. That’s just the pace of forward tech. To contend with these two things and keep your devices running as long as five years (depending on your business), consider these three maintenance tactics:

Storage

Managed IT Services Provides in Orange County often advise businesses to take a strategic approach when it comes to storage. There are usually a lot of files which are duplicated, or otherwise unnecessary. There should be a regular, recurrent regimen of storage rehabilitation. Internal tech teams should be able to quickly clear machines or servers of unnecessary data. The best way to do this will depend on your business. A primary backup is often ideal, as is a secondary backup. Cloud computing can be essential here.

Applications

Applications that are too old or new can impact systems operation. Additionally, they do need to be updated for security on a regular basis. App management can be complicated and time-consuming internally. It is more cost-effectively handled through an outsourced MSP solution.

Cache and Cookies

Cache and cookies will slow your web browser up and could additionally impact other operations collaterally. The frequency you clear cache and cookies will depend on your business; just ensure you do so. Again, working with an MSP here can help you find the right balance.

Managed IT Services in Orange County through Advanced Networks can help you iron out effective periodic maintenance for your hardware, allowing you to retain its functionality longer. You can get three to five years out of your hardware if you’re careful to maintain it properly. Contact us to find out more about preserving your machines.

6 Things You Need to Know Before Outsourcing IT Support in LA

As more and more businesses are turning to IT support in LA, those businesses that haven’t made the move yet are starting to feel the pressure to do the same. But though the cloud offers many benefits, the prerequisite transition isn’t as simple as it seems. There are some things you need to consider before finally taking the plunge:

1. Budget

One of the advantages offered by outsourcing to a third-party provider is lower cost. Investing in your own staff and equipment is expensive but subscribing to the services you need is not. However, providers offer different prices, subscription models, and minimum contract lengths. Some charge a fixed fee, while others offer a pay-as-you-use scheme. You need to weigh these options and determine what’s best for your company before signing a contract.

2. Services

Nowadays, you can outsource practically everything from graphic design to process management. So before working with a provider, you need to identify first what services you want to outsource. Is it your company’s customer service? What about disaster recovery? Or other IT processes? Though most providers claim they can do anything, the truth is that they are better at delivering a certain kind of service over another. Thus, knowing the services you want will make it easier to find providers whose specializations align with what you’re looking for.

3. Timeline

When is the right time to outsource IT support in LA? There’s no hard-and-fast rule for this one, but in general, you should outsource when you need help with peripheral concerns. This means that you should outsource the moment you and your staff are focusing less on your core business needs and more on the extras. Usually, smaller companies with less than 50 employees will benefit more from outsourcing to a provider.

4. Location

People often confuse outsourcing and offshoring. They think that partnering with a provider automatically means working with a company based overseas, so they don’t even want to entertain the notion. But that’s not the case at all. You can outsource services to a provider in the same state, even the same city. Local support is readily available and can even be delivered in person if the situation calls for it.

5. Expectations

Outsourcing is more than just about delegating the workload to specialists now. It’s also about helping your company adapt to ever-changing technology trends in the future. Thus, you need to choose a provider that can help you design and strategize your company’s IT road map for the next few years. Don’t forget that when you’re working with a provider, you not only get their services, but you also get access to their expert knowledge. Make sure to take advantage of it!

6. Provider

Lastly, who you choose as your provider is one of the biggest things you need to consider. Are they reliable and reputable? Are they highly regarded in the industry? Do they have verifiable client testimonials? Do they have extensive experience? The right choice will make your operations run smoothly, so choose wisely!

Speaking of choosing wisely, you can’t go wrong with Advanced Networks, a leading provider of IT support in LA. Contact us today for more information on our services.

Reasons Why Managed IT Services and IT Support in Orange County are Better than Break-Fix Solutions

IT support LAAs a business owner who requires IT support in Orange County, it is your duty to enhance the productivity of your organization and minimize costs wherever possible. You should be prepared to deal with unexpected setbacks that result from IT maintenance issues. Technology complications have the tendency to arise at most inconvenient times; hence, they add hidden costs through disaster avoidance solutions and preventative maintenance.

Companies that use the break-fix strategy usually try to avoid recurring maintenance costs in order to save on their budget. Break-fix is an IT coined word that means your computer systems and applications are repaired after a breakdown.

When you review your business’ budget, you will find hidden costs that may convince you to utilize managed services instead.

When Should You Consider Managed Services?

  • If IT is significant to your business – When the success of your business is dependent on IT, managed IT services offer the most effective choice. Your business will receive expertise and in-depth knowledge to ensure your network is current, secure, and running efficiently.
  • When your organization is expanding – The growth of your business will necessitate different IT needs like constant support on emerging IT technologies. By utilizing managed IT services you will be able to plan and budget for each stage of your growth.
  • If your company is compliance-driven – When your organization is required to adhere to (healthcare or financial) compliance rules, it is imperative to use managed services so that you can keep your networks secure and updated on the regulations. The service provider can also offer your business documentation proof for reporting requirements.

Benefits of Managed Services

Break-fix usually centers on swapping technology when it breaks while managed IT services focus on proactively exchanging technology and carrying out preventive measures for your organization. Some of the benefits include:

  • Fewer capital expenses – Managed service providers make sure that the technology in your business gets the attention it needs when necessary; hence, you will not have to spend extra on replacing crucial hardware components.
  • Resolve issues quickly – By utilizing remote support, Managed IT Services providers in OC offering managed services will be able to resolve your problems quickly without waiting for a technician to arrive on site. Since your network is constantly monitored, each potential is dealt with immediately before becoming an emergency.
  • Minimized downtime – Constant maintenance of your hardware means that it will be less likely to break down and lead to downtime. Minimized downtime will enhance profits and improve functionality.
  • Direct access: Since you are a client and not a customer, you will get direct access to your technician who understands your network. You will not have to waste time by repeating yourself to different technicians when you have a problem.
  • Expertise and new technology: Your business will benefit from a wide range of expertise since this is the niche of your provider. They will also help you plan for emerging technologies and educate you on the ones to avoid.

If your business is still stuck in break-fix services, we at Advanced Networks will change the way you approach maintenance and assist in improving your operations with the help of our Managed IT Services team in Orange County. Contact us today for more information.

Why Small Businesses Need IT Services in Los Angeles

IT services Los AngelesIT services in Los Angeles have become an integral part of conducting business regardless of the industry of operation. Almost all factories, offices, stores and warehouses depend on computers to communicate with customers, process orders and advertise products and services. All these depend on efficient and reliable infrastructure. Therefore, it is prudent for small businesses to have excellent IT systems. Here are the major reasons why small businesses need managed IT services:

Staying Productive

Small businesses that try to solve their operational problems without expert interference end up slowing down their productivity in the long run. If you run a small business, consider hiring a dedicated IT services provider in Los Angeles and focus on the productivity of your business. A dedicated managed services provider will ensure that your computers run properly allowing you to conduct your business operations without worrying about low productivity in case something breaks.

Professional Consultation

Small businesses that invest in managed IT services are more likely to thrive compared to those that don’t. IT solutions for hardware, computer software, cloud storage, and VoIP can prove difficult to understand. For this reason, professional consultation is the best way to go for your small business. Managed service providers keep up with the changing technology, thus, they understand the ins and outs of the game. A professional consultation will help your small business reach its highest potential.

Security

For your small business to thrive, security should be a priority. Hackers are very much aware that small businesses don’t impose severe security measures. Usually, this is either due to lack of knowledge or the assumption that the cost of protection is too high. In case your server makes it onto a randomly-generate list, the resulting damage can be very extensive. Regardless of your business’s size, being up-to-date with some of the latest security measures should be your top priority. Most times, it is almost impossible to keep up with the latest security measures, that’s why small businesses need managed IT services— they will allow you to improve the productivity of your small business.

Customized Managed IT Services

All companies are not the same; thus, IT support requirements inevitably vary. Managed IT specialists are flexible, experienced, and have the expertise to customize their services to meet your needs. Whether you need 3rd party software support, 24/7 access to a professional, remote installations, or regular security, a managed IT provider can do them all for you.

Predictable Spending

In most cases, managed IT providers offer IT services and packages at a flat-rate. This means that it is easy to plan your spending. With comprehensive plans and transparent pricing, it is easy for you to add IT services to a budget. You will not worry about unexpected costs or fluctuating fees.

Small businesses need IT services in Los Angeles to stay productive and expand their operations. We at Advanced Networks understand how important your small business is to you. We will work 24/7 to monitor, manage, and maintain your computer systems. We are up-to-date with the most recent IT solutions, and our dream is to see your business grow. For more information, contact us today.

Get Mobile Backup Solutions from a Trusted IT Support Company in LA

IT services Los AngelesMobile devices are crucial assets in the modern commercial set-up. Therefore, it is important to ensure that you have backup solutions for your business from an IT support expert in LA. In general, mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets are used in companies to communicate with customers, investors and business partners. Therefore, there is extensive and critical information stored in the pertinent devices.

In addition, they serve as portable workstations for employees away from the office. If these business phones and other portable tech are compromised, the impact of the data loss can be devastating for the company. If you are uncertain about the significance of mobile backup, consider this short discussion on the common problems which can compromise your devices, the advantages of backup solutions and primary backup options.

Common Device Problems

There are multiple problems that can cause the data in business mobile technology to be compromised. One of the most important concerns in the current market for most companies is malware. Malware can be defined as any software designed and distributed with the intent to disrupt and damage computer and mobile operations. There are numerous sources of malware which can compromise your devices. For example, employees might download viruses by visiting dangerous websites, opening compromised emails and connecting to their other devices. Typically, malware can delete files or make the content inaccessible.

Apart from software damage, there are other common problems which can interfere with mobile devices and their stored data. The phone or tablet can be stolen, misplaced for a period or completely lost, which means that all the work performed on the platform will be gone without backup. In addition, these products are not infallible so they can sustain extensive physical damage which would render the tech useless.

Importance of Mobile Backup

Mobile devices are replaceable, and the cost of doing so is relatively low. However, the potential implications of lost data for any commercial operation are almost unfathomable. Proper backup provided by a reliable IT support company in LA ensures that you avoid the financial and legal problems which might arise from missing records and general data. Backup is also crucial for business continuity. In simple terms, when your mobile data is lost but there is a backup, you will be able to continue with the work exactly where you left off. The loss will only be a small inconvenience and will result in minimal downtime.

Understanding Your Backup Options

Standard mobile backups are relatively easy to perform because modern operating systems account for this need. Normally, the phone or tablet uses external memory disc, a cloud account or a specialty app to store the data. This option is suitable for individual storage. However, it is inefficient and insecure to backup business data in separate accounts for each device. For optimal security, you should hire cloud backup services. A service provider will sync and consolidate your data from all mobile devices in a server. This will ensure security, particularly in comparison to public cloud options. In addition, you can increase your storage requirements as your business grows.

If you would like to know more about IT support in LA for mobile backup, consult our experts at Advanced Networks for assistance.

Effective Backup and Disaster Recovery IT Services in Los Angeles

IT services Los AngelesBusinesses that depend on IT services in Los Angeles understand that backup is not a luxury, but a necessity. As a business, it is imperative that you protect your internal documents, fast-changing transactional data, and customer-facing marketing statistics.

Understanding BDR

Backup and disaster recovery (BDR) do not signify the same thing. Backup refers to the process of making extra copies of data in case the original is damaged, destroyed or lost while disaster recovery in IT means returning the operations environment to the previous functioning state.

Backup and disaster management complement each other. If your business loses some or all data, but your operations environment is fine, you will utilize the backup function and load it on your systems. In case your IT environment is not available, you will not be able to restore the backup data. This shows that protecting your data is not enough— your business has to ensure the entire computing environment is secure including network, hardware, software, and data.

Consequently, the function of disaster management offers your business a complimentary, redundant environment where it will not just load back the data, but can restructure and operate your IT service when your primary system is not available.

Relative to your business’ main data center, the recovery environment can be local and remote. It is not compulsory to have a remote environment since not all disasters require it. A good example is if your business went through a server breakdown, while your data center is in one piece, you can switch to a local hardware and use it as your prime server for some time. If for instance your data center has been damaged then you will be required to switch to a remote center that has not been affected by the same calamity.

The switch to a new server will depend on your requirements and the capacity of your disaster recovery provider.  Three models distinguish how your data recovery takes place:

  • Cold – This model preserves and backs up your data and replicates your systems in the form of images which are stored locally or remotely. The recovery servers are not loaded, but if requested they will be loaded and started.
  • Warm – This model is similar to cold except the recovery servers are loaded onto their assigned hosts and configured. All that is required is to load the data and spin the servers.
  • Hot – This model syncs up your data to your redundant environment which is running parallel to your primary.

Another important factor to consider for businesses requiring IT services in Los Angeles is that your company does not have to wait for a calamity to benefit from disaster recovery solution. This is relevant when you are testing software upgrades, patches, or new use cases.

Many companies have tried to implement their disaster recovery, only to realize it is riddled with hidden costs and unnecessary risks. Businesses that require IT services in Los Angeles have a reliable partner in us at Advanced Networks. We offer effective backup and disaster recovery services without any hidden costs. Contact us today to learn more.

IT Support in LA: Common Signs It’s Time to Upgrade a Phone System

IT support LAPhone systems will eventually become outdated just like everything else. If you encounter even the slightest trouble when attempting to communicate with colleagues, clients, suppliers, and others, consider an alternative solution. Our IT support team in LA has identified a few of the most common signs that indicate if it is time to upgrade to an improved phone system. Here they are:

You are Paying to Fax, Yet You Rarely use the Fax Machine

Plenty of companies still pay to send and receive faxes. There is no need to do so in this day and age. Fax lines are costly and unreliable. Do not bother with the cost and time required to maintain a physical fax machine when you can use virtual faxing or email. Use VoIP for telecommunications, and you will find replacing your fax machine is a seamless process. Faxes will arrive right at your inbox in the form of a PDF that is easy to open.

You Have Multiple Locations

Some companies add brick and mortar sites with distinct phone systems. However, there is a significant financial and administrative commitment to multiple phone systems. This setup also drains IT resources to boot. Opt for a phone system based on the cloud, and it will be able to host connections at numerous geographic locations for consistent overarching support.

The Current System has Capacity Issues

Regular phone systems have a limit on the number of contacts that can be added. Names and phone numbers can’t be entered beyond a specific ceiling. Consider changing to a new system or going with an upgrade. Keep in mind that conventional providers can take upwards of several weeks for DDI numbers to be assigned to new hires. VoIP allows for seamless scaling without restraints. This cloud-based system for communication will prove essential to your company’s continued growth. If you have any concerns with the cloud, do not hesitate to reach out to IT support experts in LA for prompt assistance.

A Third Party is Necessary for Conference Calls

Regular phone lines have a maximum number of connections that can be on a single call at a time. This limit makes conference call hosting challenging. If you dread conference calls, or if you rely on a third party, consider transitioning to a VoIP business phone system. This system will provide standard call conferencing. Don’t worry about international calls. Blueface provides international dial-in services as a standard feature to help businesses get work done across the globe at all times.

Your Mobile and Landline are not Unified

If your mobile and landline phones are not treated as one in the same, and if you have multiple voicemail boxes and/or several phone numbers, it is time to upgrade to a new telecommunications solution. Unify your communications by consolidating services. Consolidate, and you will enjoy clear phone bills, easy voicemail access, extension dialing, simple redirects and so much more.

If you are not satisfied with your phone system or simply need help with anything tech-related, contact our IT support team in Los Angeles at Advanced Networks today. We provide managed IT services, cloud services, telecommunications assistance and more. This is the 24/7/365 support your company needs to reach its potential.

IT Consulting in Los Angeles: Buy or Lease Hardware Equipment?

IT consulting Los Angeles, HaaS Los AngelesThe question of whether to buy or lease hardware equipment is one that plagues business owners and managers across the globe. There is no universal solution to this question. Leasing makes sense for some companies while purchasing is more prudent for others. However, an IT consulting team in Los Angeles can help you with that. Here is a look at whether leasing or buying is better:

The Case for Leasing

Leasing makes sense for business owners who have limited capital. It also will prove quite helpful for companies in need of hardware that must be updated fairly frequently. Once the lease ends, the company can upgrade to the next version. Leasing is also the best way to keep up with the life cycle as leases tend to run between two and three years. This is just about the amount of time required to upgrade. Leasing also helps to limit the initial cost. Preservation of cash is essential for companies looking to grow or launch.

There is also less paperwork to deal with when a company leases hardware. There is no need to fill out loan paperwork, visit the bank and so on. The vendor handles all of the equipment servicing, updates, patching and other adjustments from thereon forward. This outsourcing of maintenance work empowers your team to focus on what they do best. Add in the fact that hardware automatically depreciates as the years progress, and it is easy to see why plenty of small to medium-sized companies opt to lease.

The Downside to Leasing

There are a few negatives to leasing hardware. The long-term cost will inevitably be higher than the cost of an outright purchase. The customer does not build any type of equity in the leased equipment. However, some equipment might prove obsolete by the lease end. Another downside to a lease is the fact that the user is forced to make payments over the full lease period no matter what.

Buying Hardware Equipment

Established businesses and organizations that require equipment with a long life cycle are prime candidates to buy hardware. If your certain specific types of equipment won’t be outdated in the near future, purchase them to get the most for your money.

Buying also empowers you to take advantage of tax incentives. You can deduct some or all of the cost of newly bought assets. Equipment that is not eligible for this portion of tax deductions might prove eligible for others, like depreciation deduction. Meet with an IT consulting staff in Los Angeles for more information about the tax breaks available for buying hardware.

The Negatives to Buying

The main flaw with buying is the exorbitant initial cost. Initial cash payments might prove too high for certain businesses. The down payment will likely be a minimum of around 25 percent. There is plenty of paperwork to boot. When in doubt, reach out to our IT consulting for advice pertaining to hardware.

If you are looking for an IT consulting company in Los Angeles, Advanced Networks is at your service. Our IT support will minimize downtime, boost your digital security, enhance your team’s productivity and help your business grow. Contact us now for more information.