At IND, we aim to empower our partners with knowledge so they are better equipped to find the best solutions for their business. Our resource library is full of informational resources to help guide you through the complex IT world.
Providing support is at the heart of what we do at IND Corporation, although it’s usually in the realm of managed IT services for NJ businesses. And it’s the “heart” part that guides us— whether it’s taking superior care of our clients and their technology needs or supporting vital philanthropic work in New Jersey. That’s […]
Just as flowers bloom during summer, IND Corporation is sprouting new organizational shoots of its own. The company recently acquired Progressive Network Designs (PND) and its sister company, Phoenix Provisioning, to broaden its IT service and hosting capabilities.
Where is it Safer to Put Your Server – In the Cloud or in Your Office? It’s the 64GB question: is your company’s server more secure in your office or in the Cloud? The answer is: it depends. Primarily, it depends on three things: how your Cloud or onsite server is being used; how it […]
Cyber security should be top-of-mind for everyone who uses a computer or mobile device, and especially business owners and executives. But how do you know that your IT systems (whether on-premise or in the Cloud) are being properly protected by your IT staff or outsourced IT firm? Here’s a checklist of critical cyber security safeguards […]
While there are many issues that an effective cybersecurity program should address, there are three glaring weaknesses around this issue that all NJ business owners should be aware of.
As the Chinese proverb goes, “May you live in interesting times.” When it comes to business technology, interesting doesn’t scratch the surface of the fast-paced evolution of business technology to do things bigger, better, faster.
As IT specialists, we love all things tech-related; here’s a look at a few of the most important business and consumer technologies and iterations to look for in 2018.
The orders are placed, the products are ready to ship. Suddenly, your server conks out, your computing network gets hacked, or you lose power to your facility. Now what? After all, busy manufacturing and distributing companies can’t afford costly downtime associated with network failures or cyber-intrusions. How much money do you lose when your systems […]
When it comes to technology, the holiday season is possibly the best time of the year! It’s a wonderful time to share with family, but it’s also a great time to show gratitude towards a business partner or co-worker with a tech-related gift—and upgrade your own business technology as well. From virtual reality and artificial […]
Cyber Monday is the perfect time for hackers to go shopping too! Keep yourself safe by keeping a lookout for the hottest scams of this holiday season: Incredible offers for free mobile phones and tablets. Outlandish deals and huge discounts are the latest things that the bad guys are doing to get your attention – […]
Today’s technology enables a lot of automation – 24/7 network monitoring and updates, alerts and Cloud backup. Unfortunately, one of the most crucial, yet often neglected, pieces of automated IT management is the backup.
Cloud and virtual technologies are starting to come of age, both from a capability and cost perspective. Virtual desktops – also known as desktop as a service (DaaS) – is a standardized computing environment that is accessible from almost any computer. Virtual desktops allow a company’s employees to access their software systems and files in […]
You may think your IT support and consulting firm has implemented proper security protocols for your company’s computing systems, but the days of just setting up a firewall and installing anti-virus software are gone. Much more needs to be done these days to protect your business from the ever-increasing number of cyber security threats. Unfortunately, […]
Most IT services providers say they monitor and maintain their clients’ computing network, but are they really doing so on a regular basis? How would you even know? And, if they are performing these critical proactive tasks, are they doing them according to best practices? If your NJ business works with an managed IT service […]
Even if your NJ business issues company-owned computers to your employees (as opposed to having your workers use their personal computers, laptops or mobile devices for work), can you be sure that the data that is stored on the computer’s hard-drive is secure?
After all, a computer, especially a laptop can be dropped, drowned in spilled coffee, lost, or worse…
Construction companies — from environmental and civil engineering firms to architects and general contractors — have IT needs very specific to their work life. Make sure your managed IT services provider understands those needs to ensure your business tech solutions are built on a solid foundation.
Proactive IT Support vs Reactive Help Desk Support: Which is Best for Your Business? All companies rely on the optimal performance of their business systems and IT assets to ensure operations run smoothly. If your organization outsources the management of your IT systems to an IT service firm, then it is critical that you understand […]
Using Old PCs for Your Business Costs More than You Realize As a business owner or manager, you need to squeeze every bit of ROI out of your investments. Money doesn’t grow on trees after all. However, this mindset often drives business leaders to make penny wise, pound foolish decisions when it comes to the […]
Your business relies heavily on email for crucial transactions and day-to-day communications that, without it, your business could not operate properly. In the past, when small and medium-sized companies had on-site e-mail servers, there was the stark realization that you also needed to back up your email as well as have an offsite redundancy in […]
One of the most popular – and costly – cyber security threats that businesses are facing today are spear phishing attacks. If you are a C-level executive, then you’ve likely seen them: fake emails that impersonate one of the execs in your company, asking you to send money.
Editor’s Note: We recommend you don’t bring any electronic devices, and really take a vacation! The summer is upon us and thoughts are turning towards that summer vacation. Whether it’s in the mountains or at the beach, driving cross country or flying across the ocean, you likely will need to bring some type of computer/mobile […]
Does your managed IT service plan include network administration? It should. Network administration is a crucial component in maintaining your business IT systems, whether they are in your office or in the Cloud. IT infrastructure (servers, firewalls, switches, etc) can become out of date over time as new cyber security threats emerge and as changes […]
When it comes to law firms and IT systems, there’s no question that client data and case information are both highly sensitive and vital. Just as vital are your line of business systems — time tracking software, case management software, and other record-keeping and document management programs, all of which have sensitive data that must […]
Are you sure your technology investment is what your NJ company really needs? Is your IT department doing what they’re supposed to do to keep your operation running at its best? Does your IT services provider have your company’s best interests at the forefront or are they doing what’s best for themselves? How can you […]
If you are a healthcare provider in New Jersey, you have a lot of competition. And, your competitors are busy looking at Cloud solutions for their computing. Why? Because the Cloud is secure, scalable, and collaborative—driving $3.73 billion in healthcare spending on cloud services in 2015 with that number expected to nearly triple to $9.5 […]
Just as there are big differences between flying coach and business class, there are big differences between consumer-grade personal computers and business-class PC’s. Consumer-level computers are designed to function at the most competitive price, while business-grade PC’s are built to last and offer features that make much more sense on several levels for corporate users.
There are many IT service providers today who provide managed IT service plans in the New Jersey/New York metro area. The problem is that the services that they include – or don’t include – in their fixed-cost managed service plans are typically a poor match for the needs of small and medium-sized businesses. Most business […]
IND hosted a seminar at the Park Avenue Club in Florham Park, NJ yesterday for business owners and executives to learn the essential information that every business needs to know about Cyber security. Topics included: What is Ransomware and do I have to pay the ransom? What is Phishing and how can I protect my […]
It’s been well documented in the news that the latest ransomware, dubbed WannaCry, has effected a lot of businesses and people over the last few days. WannaCry is just the latest in a long line of ransomware attacks that we’ve been talking about (and keeping people safe from). The good news is that you can […]
Changing your IT support partner can be a smooth process if you have a plan and have found the right company for a new partner. Follow these steps before, during and after the changeover process to ensure that your new IT service provider has everything they need to provide you with the service that you […]
There is a lot to consider during the due diligence process of a merger or acquisition. The focus is primarily on the company’s books because the financial records tell a big story about that firm’s financial health. But, they don’t tell the whole story–especially regarding the state of a company’s business technology and the unexpected […]
This time of year, it is more important than ever to think before you click! Security systems (like anti-spam, anti-virus, and firewalls) stop the majority of malicious emails, but they cannot stop all of them. Cyber criminals are sending “spoofed” emails that look like they come from the CEO or another C-level executive in your […]
Many businesses use file “sync and share” applications such as Dropbox, Box.com, and Google Drive. These programs are relatively cost effective and are very easy to use for file sharing, but they are not meant to be used as a business-class file storage system. Sure, it’s convenient to store your files in the Cloud because […]
In February 2015, we wrote a post describing seven Information Technology (IT) terms that business leaders needed to know in order to have meaningful conversations about their companies’ business technology systems. As technology has evolved, so has the required vocabulary. Here are seven more terms to help growing businesses take maximum advantage of technology.
Remember the big Sony hack a couple of years ago? That was just the beginning of a growing threat … a threat that brings to the forefront the importance of businesses to protect their networks by improving the password security protocols they use. The risk of savvy cybercriminals of intruding into anyone’s computing system is […]
As more and more companies—including the NJ businesses we serve—move their computing to the Cloud, the question of whether or not the Cloud will be financially beneficial often arises. The answer is that Cloud computing can indeed benefit your business from a financial standpoint … depending on your particular situation. Because every business is unique, […]
If you or your people work away from the office, chances are you’ve used public WiFi, free wireless access to the internet. Whether it’s a favorite coffee house, a hotspot provided by a service provider like Comcast or AT&T, or a municipal wireless network, using available WiFi is a great alternative to chewing through your […]
With “bring your own device” (BYOD) a part of many New Jersey companies’ operations, the need to protect corporate data on mobile devices is becoming of utmost importance. Employee-owned smartphones, laptops and tablets can be fertile ground for security problems if business owners (and their employees) don’t take the proper precautions. BYOD enables employees to […]
One of the most important things your IT support and consulting partner should be doing for your business is helping you understand how new technologies will impact your business and industry. While every business has different goals and needs, these five things will have a significant impact on almost all small and medium-sized businesses in the […]
Preventing Email Phishing Scams from Harming Your Company We’ve all gotten them—the disenfranchised Nigerian royalty promising you millions of dollars in repayment if you just send something now, friends stuck in London with no way to get home, banks and insurance companies alerting you to danger about your account or policy … the list goes […]
Out of the Office? No Need to Be Out of Touch with Your Business With so many industry conferences and expos happening, business owners and professionals are likely to be out of the office for at least part of a day, if not all day (or several days in a row). When a conference or […]
Are you upgrading to Windows 10? Take These Few Words of Warning First. Windows 10 is here to stay and many companies are holding off on installing the upgrade, sticking with Windows 7 or 8 for now. However, these versions won’t be supported by Microsoft forever, and here’s what you need to know when you […]
Originally, a firewall was a physical barrier designed to stop a fire from spreading between two buildings, or between different sections of an existing building. In modern computer networking, firewalls function differently but their job is essentially the same: keep the bad stuff out.
Although the Northeast is typically not as dramatically affected by hurricane season as other parts of the country, companies in New Jersey and New York still remember 2012’s Super Storm Sandy and the complete disruption it brought.
The two primary business-class hosted email services for business today are Google’s Gmail (part of Google Apps for Work), and Microsoft’s Exchange Online (part of the Office 365 suite of apps). They are both popular, cloud-based and accessible from any device, and they are similarly priced. Both have their fans and their detractors.
Your systems have crashed and your employees can’t work. Business is at a stand-still, and you are losing money. So, how long will it take for you to get back to operation? That depends if your business depends on hourly IT support or managed IT services. Hourly IT support company’s typically can take 4 to […]
Inc. has ranked IND as one of the 5000 fastest-growing private companies in the United States for the fifth time, and for the second consecutive year! The 2016 Inc. 5000 list comprises the fastest growing and most influential entrepreneurial businesses in the country. “Thank you to our cur clients and staff for making this achievement possible! […]
Which CRM App is Best for Your Business? If you’re going to use technology to help drive sales, you’re going to need a CRM (Customer Relationship Management) program to track and organize your work. There are many, many CRM’s to choose from, and the best choice will depend on the specific needs of your business.
Can Your Business Survive A Ransomware Attack? Here’s the doomsday scenario: your employee receives an email that appears to come from one of your regular vendors. The email says, “Better look at this ASAP,” and has a Microsoft Word document attached. When your employee opens the Word file, there is a bunch of garbled text […]
What is the best choice to support your business IT systems? As your business grows so does its IT needs—and managing all of it can quickly become overwhelming, and the cost for mistakes can do real damage to your profitability. Does it make sense to hire a managed services IT firm or a full-time IT […]
Technologies Your Millennial Employees Want to Use Millennial employees (18-34 year olds) make up 34 percent of the current workforce according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Millennials are used to technology just working and want things now—no waiting or inconvenience, and streamlined—no unnecessary data entry. They are also known as “digital natives,” having grown […]
What is Big Data? Big Data is just what it sounds like: mountains of information, sometimes measured in petabytes that can be organized, visualized, prioritized, and analyzed every which way. In the past, Big Data has been the exclusive playground of big businesses with massive resources. It’s been one of the key advantages those larger […]
Taking Time off This Summer? Don’t Forget to Pack for Mobility and Security! Anyone who spends time on the road for their jobs needs to keep mobility at the top of their priority list in today’s work environment. But even when taking some leisure time away this summer, you’ll likely need to stay connected to […]
QuickBooks vs. QuickBooks Online: Which is Right for Your Business? Most of the New Jersey-based companies that we work with use QuickBooks to manage the financial side of their business. The software is straightforward to use, feature-rich, and affordable. Because it’s so popular, many industry-specific business management software packages integrate with it as well. QuickBooks […]
Cloud Solutions For NJ Businesses The keys to choosing a Cloud service for your small or medium-sized business comes straight back to what you need the Cloud to do for you. Quality business-grade Cloud solutions provide three essential functions and do it affordably, but not all Clouds are created equal. Here’s what you should be […]
Sharing Sensitive Information? Beware of E-mail! The Nigerian banking scams of past years now make us laugh, but people are still using email to send private and sensitive information. Whether you are working at your office or at home, on a company computer or on a personal desktop or tablet, you must exercise caution and […]
Cloud Services For New Jersey Businesses We hear people talk about “the Cloud” all the time, but is it something to pay attention to, or is it just another “flavor of the month” IT fad? More importantly, how can the Cloud help increase revenue, cut costs, and improve your business?
How To Reduce IT Costs At Your NJ Advertising Agency, Law Firm, Healthcare Practice, or Financial Firm There are a number of ways that managed IT services can save money for your business. Sure, IT solutions are a budgeted line item. However, fixed-cost managed services that come with a comprehensive list of included services will […]
IND has been named as one of the top 501 managed service providers in the world! The 2016 list, published by MSPmentor, is the IT service industry’s most comprehensive list of leading managed IT service provider (MSP) organizations in the world. Thank you to our clients, employees, family and friends for making this honor possible!
The answer to this question is yes (and no). Yes for a variety of excellent reasons, the primary one being that backing up files to the Cloud reduces the possibility of business disruptions to your company in several ways. No as a sole backup solution (your backup should be stored in locations or with two […]
How Financial Firms Should Evaluate Cloud File Solutions. Because of the vast quantity of information that financial institutions manage, and because of the huge consequences associated with a security breach or data loss, Cloud storage offers tremendous benefits. But high profile breaches in Cloud storage systems like Dropbox and Google Drive create an instant recipe […]
The pros and cons of file backup vs. image-level backup for your company Backing up your data is absolutely critical for any business today. Traditionally, small businesses could only afford file-level backup systems, whether on-site or in the Cloud. But today, advances in technology have made image-level backup systems affordable also! So, what kind of […]
Top 5 Ways To Keep Your NJ Business Safe Most businesses that we work with in New Jersey understand the importance of implementing strong security measures to protect their digital assets, including customer data, and their intellectual property. The consequences associated with poor security can be severe, ranging from lost productivity to significant legal liability. […]
How NJ Ad Agencies Can Get the Most Out Of the Cloud New Jersey business seems to move at the speed of light, which means New Jersey ad agencies need to keep up. An increasingly common trend among successful ad agencies is using Cloud applications to manage projects, compile research, and coordinate teams. Whether your […]
There are many available methods for backing up your business data – here are the three worst ways to back up your IT systems. 1. Using an external hard drive These small, portable devices are extremely convenient for file storage. Although their convenience is enticing, they definitely should not be used to backup your business […]
Cloud Solutions For NJ Lawyers Cloud computing allows lawyers to focus on practicing law without having to focus on how to do it. With Cloud computing, you can access your law firm’s data conveniently and securely anytime and anywhere. Here’s how attorneys and firms can benefit from moving their data to the Cloud.
What Your IT Service Firm Should Do For Your New Jersey Business When your employees can’t work because of an IT system failure, power failure, or some other disaster hits your office, you need both a business continuity plan (to keep working during this time) as well as a disaster recovery plan to guide you. […]
Providing the proper tools for your information workers can help them & your business succeed. Giving the computer users at your business the proper tools to succeed is key to drive profitability. Information workers require high levels of availability and performance from the IT systems that they use. By improving technologies and work practices, you […]
Working remotely in NJ? Here’s how to bring the office to wherever you are with BYOC, aka Bring Your Own Cubicle So your job enables you to work from home – or any location – occasionally, frequently, or maybe even permanently. As relaxing as an out-of-office environment might be, it’s still important to get the […]
Cloud migration & Cloud services are a valuable asset for small and mid-sized businesses. Using Cloud-hosted servers or services can be a great way for businesses to improve accessibility of their computing systems while reducing the risk of maintaining their own equipment. In order to maximize the ROI and minimize the risk to your business, […]
There are many benefits to switching your NJ business to a fixed-cost IT service plan, but plain and simple, managed services make good business sense. As business technology evolves—and in many cases, becomes more complex—it’s getting harder for one-man IT departments to keep up with the demands presented every day in the workplace. Many small […]
Managed IT Support All companies today have some level of business technology to run their businesses—but most businesses do not understand the results they should expect from their managed services provider. Two common questions about managed IT services that we get from New Jersey companies are, “So, what exactly is managed IT support?” and “Why […]
Managed IT Services For NJ Architecture and Construction Firms Architecture firms and construction companies have very specific needs when it comes to their IT support and consulting needs. For one, these companies deal with large files such as blueprints or schematics, which must be transmitted easily and quickly. Second, their teams are often out of […]
The biggest risks that consumer-grade Cloud storage systems pose in a business environment. Not all file systems are created equal. Consumer-grade cloud-based file storage systems are increasingly popular due to their low (sometimes even free) cost and ease of use. The downside is that they can lack many of the security features that are necessary, […]
5 Useful Tips to Help Maximize Your Employee’s Mobile Productivity Mobile devices can be a terrific way for employees to have more access to their company’s resources regardless of where they are. Instead of just working from home, mobile devices can allow employees to essentially take their office with them on meetings with clients and even […]
Having trouble finding the gift for the business exec in your life? Here are 10 go-to gifts for the tech-savvy executive.
What are the differences between a consumer-grade and business-class Cloud file storage, sync and sharing solution? There are some key differences between popular services such as Dropbox Basic and Google Drive and a business-grade Cloud file storage & sync solutions like ours. At IND Corporation, we believe organizations of all sizes should consider the differences […]
TotalCare IT Support For Financial Firms There is far too much on the line in the financial services sector to leave IT support and service to just anyone. Accounting firms, banks, brokerages and lending institutions, financial planning and retirement planning firms—any company dealing with money and sensitive client information can leave nothing to chance when […]
With the holiday season in full effect, these are the top tech gadgets for the 2015 holiday season! Great gifts under $100: Logitech Bluetooth Keyboard: The new multi-device K480 keyboard from Logitech is designed to use for up to three different devices on any computing platform. This means that your techie can start working on […]
How Cost-Effective is Your IT Support Firm? When it comes to IT support, you probably know what your out of pocket cost is for your IT support firm. However, this is just a small portion of the actual cost of your IT support – what is your real IT support cost? Let’s face it, it’s […]
By now you’ve probably heard about Hurricane Joaquin which may impact our area over the weekend or early next week. We all recall the devastation that Hurricane Sandy brought to our area, but the good news is we have advanced notice and can prepare for what might come. While the exact path of the storm is […]
For the 4th time in its history, IND has been named to the 2015 Inc. 5000 list of the fastest-growing private companies in America! Inc. has honored the fastest growing private companies in the US in its annual list for the past 30 years. Only a small number of the nation’s businesses have been able […]
Advertising, marketing and public relations firms are beehives of activity. In today’s super-connected business environment, account executives and creative teams are often communicating at all hours on a range of devices. There’s little tolerance by staff and clients for computer downtime, system hacks or software glitches that muck up the marcom (and revenue) stream. Having […]
We’re not suggesting you march down the hall and fire your in-house IT person, but we will tell you there are better ways to spend your company’s hard-earned money. When it comes to IT support and consulting for small businesses, better means partnering with an IT service provider who specializes in fixed-cost managed IT services. […]
Your IT system is the linchpin of your business. Any disruption can affect your day-to-day operations or bring your business to a standstill—but how do you ensure your network and data will rebound and recover quickly enough to minimize your financial losses? A practical, proactive disaster recovery (DR) plan. A disaster recovery plan is a […]
Whether you’re a small healthcare practice or part of a larger medical group or network, the right IT support and consulting firm will keep your practice healthy and efficient and your patients happy. In our connected world, medical and office staff and patients rely on real time, up-to-date access to medical records, lab test results, […]
The world of information technology extends its reach to every sector of business today. Business executives are often confronted by a menu of terms they may have heard of, but are not familiar with. It’s hard to have a cogent conversation about an IT topic when you’re not sure what the term means, so we’d […]
The latest corporate data hack just occurred – and it’s one of the largest in history, affecting 1 in 4 Americans! Hackers have stolen the personal information of 80 million Anthem customers, the second largest health insurer in the US. Their healthcare plans include Anthem Blue Cross, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Amerigroup and […]
Having the right IT support and consulting firm on your team can increase productivity, while reducing cost and security risks. Busy law practices can’t afford computer network security breaches or downtime, and having a trusted IT partner has a dramatic impact on the performance and profitability of your law firm. Here’s a look at what […]
Convenience, security and mobility are at the forefront of many new products, and rightly so. Here’s a look at some game changing technology products that will impact the way we work and live in 2015 and beyond. 1. Cicret Smart Bracelet The Cicret (pronounced “secret”) bracelet (still in the prototype and venture capital funding phase) […]
While the impact of the Sony hack is still unfolding, the information that the hack has exposed has shed some light on two very basic security failures. First, never store passwords in a Word document (or in any other type of unencrypted plain-text file)! BuzzFeed reported that the hackers revealed “139 Word documents, Excel spreadsheets, zip files, […]
One of the most important decisions facing your business is selecting the right IT support and consulting partner. We talked about the key differences between the two primary types of IT support models in a blog post earlier this year – fixed-cost IT service vs. hourly IT service. But what are the key factors you […]
Highly publicized events like hacked celebrity photos, credit card data theft from major retailers, and confidential business data loss from large corporations have drawn into question the security of Cloud storage, especially for businesses. From customer payment information to internal pricing policies to large commercial and government bids, the data that businesses keep is critical, […]
Wireless and electronics stores will be filled with shoppers scoping out the latest smartphones and tablets this holiday season, but there’s plenty of fun to be had with other types of technology products. Here’s a look at some of the cool stuff out there for your favorite geeks and gadget lovers to use at home […]
Businesspeople are always looking for smaller, lighter and more portable computing systems that can still do everything their larger predecessors were able to do. Microsoft’s latest creation, the Surface Pro 3, is smaller than a laptop, has most of the same functions as a laptop and has a lower starting price point than most laptops. […]
What is the best way for your business to provide IT support for its employees, manage its IT assets and vendors, and plan for the future? The two most common choices are to either hire an IT employee, or partner with another firm to provide you with IT support and consulting services. Let’s look at […]
Microsoft introduced its latest tablet, the Surface Pro 3 recently and, rather than go toe to toe with the iPad, Microsoft is marketing it as “The tablet that can replace your laptop.” Some would say it actually is a small (12” screen) laptop while others argue it’s a highly functional and flexible tablet but not […]
By now in our digital evolution, many people have used websites and native apps to plan vacations, book hotel stays and airline tickets, or buy tickets to shows at their travel destination: Expedia, Hotwire, Orbitz, Priceline, TripAdvisor, and Hotels.com are among the “legacy” brands of vacation-planning technology. In the limitless digital world, the technology and […]
The healthcare industry’s computing needs are as varied as its providers. From electronic health records and HIPAA compliance to the myriad paperwork involved in practice management, it is essential that software systems and files are easy to access and as secure as possible. An important decision for healthcare organizations, medical labs, physicians and other healthcare […]
