Cybersecurity Compliance: An Essential Safety Net for Your Business

Businesses are Responsible for Protecting Client Data

In today’s interconnected world, where every business relies on digital infrastructure, the threat of cyberattacks is constant and evolving. Even with robust cybersecurity measures in place, a data breach or ransomware attack can cripple operations, damage reputation, and result in significant financial losses. This is where cybersecurity insurance, also known as cyber liability insurance, becomes a vital component of any comprehensive risk management strategy.

Why is Cyber Insurance Essential?

Cyber insurance offers a crucial safety net for businesses by mitigating the financial and operational impact of cyber incidents.

  • Financial Protection: Cyber insurance covers the substantial costs associated with data breaches and cyberattacks, including forensic investigations, legal fees, customer notifications, and data recovery expenses. It can also help recover lost income due to business interruption.
  • Expert Support: Many cyber insurance policies include access to expert incident response teams, offering 24/7 support to help businesses manage the situation, contain the damage, and recover their systems.
  • Reputation Management: Cyberattacks can damage a business’s reputation and erode customer trust. Cyber insurance policies can include reputation management services to help minimize negative impacts and restore your company’s image.
  • Legal Support: Cyber incidents can lead to lawsuits and regulatory fines. Cyber insurance can provide legal support, help navigate regulatory obligations like data breach notification requirements, and cover legal defense costs.
  • Business Continuity: In the event of an attack, cyber insurance can provide business continuity support, helping maintain operations during the recovery process.

What is Required to be Approved for Coverage?

Cyber insurers have become more stringent in their underwriting process due to the rising frequency and severity of cyberattacks. To qualify for coverage, businesses need to demonstrate a proactive and robust cybersecurity posture.

Here are some common requirements and steps to getting approved for cyber insurance:

  • Implement Robust Security Measures: This includes strong firewalls, up-to-date antivirus and anti-malware software, encryption, and endpoint protection.
  • Enforce Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): MFA is often a minimum requirement to secure business systems and prevent unauthorized access.
  • Regular Data Backups and Recovery Plans: Insurers require a reliable data backup and disaster recovery plan, including regular, automated backups, preferably with an offline or offsite copy.
  • Vulnerability Management: Organizations need to implement a continuous vulnerability management program to identify and remediate weaknesses in their systems and applications.
  • Employee Cybersecurity Training: Human error is a significant factor in cyberattacks. Insurers expect businesses to conduct regular cybersecurity awareness training and testing for employees to help them recognize and report potential threats like phishing attacks.
  • Develop an Incident Response Plan: A written and tested incident response plan is crucial for detecting, responding to, and recovering from a cyber incident effectively.
  • Document Everything: Maintain thorough records of your cybersecurity policies, training sessions, patch updates, backup procedures, and incident response drills.
  • Work with Cybersecurity Professionals: Consider engaging cybersecurity specialists to conduct vulnerability assessments, security audits, and penetration testing to identify and address security vulnerabilities. A qualified and experienced Managed IT Services provider like R&D Computers, Inc. can provide network vulnerability surveys and strategic support services during the development and implementation stages.

By implementing these measures and demonstrating a commitment to cybersecurity, businesses can not only reduce their risk of falling victim to cyberattacks but also increase their chances of securing comprehensive and affordable cyber insurance coverage. It’s important to remember that cyber insurance is not a substitute for robust cybersecurity, but rather a vital complement that ensures business resilience in the face of ever-evolving cyber threats.

How R&D Computers Supports Your Cybersecurity Compliance Journey

R&D Computers, Inc. offers end-to-end support to help your business meet cyber insurance requirements with confidence. Our services include:

  • Management: We oversee your cybersecurity infrastructure, ensuring all systems are monitored, updated, and aligned with insurer expectations.
  • Preparation: We conduct thorough assessments and readiness evaluations to identify gaps and create a roadmap for compliance.
  • Training: Our team provides engaging and effective employee cybersecurity training programs tailored to your industry and risk profile.
  • Implementation: From deploying MFA and backup systems to developing incident response plans, we handle the technical execution of all required cybersecurity measures.

With R&D Computers as your partner, you gain a trusted advisor who ensures your cybersecurity posture is strong, compliant, and ready for insurance approval.

Schedule a FREE Cybersecurity Compliance Consultation

We work locally, respond quickly, understand your technological needs, and ensure operational and regulatory needs for your industry are met. Call us today at 770-416-0103 or visit randdcomp.com/contact for a fast and free discovery call.

 

Are Your Windows 10 Machines Secure?

Microsoft Windows 10 End-of-Life

When Microsoft officially ends support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025, feature updates and security updates will no longer be provided. If you have devices running Windows 10, we recommend upgrading them to Windows 11- a more current, in-service, and supported Windows release.

Businesses continuing to use Windows 10 will face a number of potential issues:

  • Increased security risks – Without regular security updates, Windows 10 devices will become more vulnerable to malware, ransomware, and other cyberattacks, potentially leading to data breaches and data loss.
  • Compliance issues – Organizations in regulated industries may find themselves non-compliant with industry standards and regulations like HIPAA or PCI-DSS if they are using unsupported software, which can result in penalties and legal complications.
  • Software and hardware compatibility problems – As vendors prioritize development for newer operating systems, businesses might encounter issues with software compatibility and the smooth functioning of new hardware with Windows 10.
  • Performance degradation – Over time, Windows 10 systems might experience decreased efficiency and slower performance as they fall out of sync with modern hardware and software developments. Many businesses will find they do not have computers with the needed requirement to run Windows 11. Planned replacements are virtually always less disruptive than unplanned ones.
  • Disruption to operations – Facing security risks, compatibility issues, and performance problems can lead to unplanned downtime and hinder day-to-day operations and employee productivity.

Upgrading to Windows 11 is Essential

To mitigate these risks, businesses should consider upgrading to Windows 11 to benefit from its improved security features, enhanced productivity tools, and streamlined user experience. For those unable to upgrade immediately, Microsoft offers an Extended Security Updates (ESU) program, which provides up to three years of additional security updates for a fee. However, upgrading to a supported operating system is generally the recommended long-term solution.

A Migration Strategy Helps Mitigate Interruptions

The most prudent move is to create a business plan that accounts for the use of IT equipment over time like any other business asset, a budget for staggered purchases over the course of 3 years, and, if budget allows, to hire a business technology equipment management company to effectively monitor and control your technological resources from acquisition to disposal.

  • Plan IT equipment usage like any other business asset.
  • Create a 3-year budget for staggered technology purchases.
  • Utilize R&D tech asset management services to oversee acquisition, monitoring, and disposal.
  • Reduce operational disruptions through strategic planning and oversight.
  • Ensure lifecycle control of technology resources for better efficiency and cost management.

Schedule a FREE Consultation

R&D Computers’ Managed IT Services lower your equipment and repair costs and decreases the incidence of hardware failure. Customize your services to meet your needs and budget.

We work locally, respond quickly, understand your technological needs, and ensure operational and regulatory needs for your industry are met. Call us today at 770-416-0103 or visit randdcomp.com/contact for a free discovery call. Let’s discuss how we can help your business gain control of the hidden costs of hardware repair.

 

Managed Office Technology Services

Managed Office Technology Services offer businesses a way to streamline operations by outsourcing equipment management and IT services to a qualified third-party provider. This approach allows companies to focus on their core competencies while benefiting from cost-effective and flexible IT infrastructure and equipment support.

Because of emerging technologies and the challenges of security and AI, most businesses struggle with security breaches, gaps in applications and middleware, unanticipated costs, and revenue losses. But they can also leverage managed technology solutions to enjoy higher cost savings and ease the complexities of new tech adoption.

Office Technology Management is critical for enterprises to identify non-performing or outdated investments and upgrade their technology hardware, software, and security systems to stay relevant, competitive, and profitable. In addition, managed services can transform IT preparedness with strategies to shape processes and tools for the future.

Components of Office Technology Management

Managed Service Providers take responsibility for continuously monitoring, managing, and maintaining a business’s IT infrastructure for a fixed monthly fee. MSPs focus on preventing issues before they arise, minimizing downtime, and aligning IT strategy with business goals. And these services are billed monthly on a subscription basis based on a customized needs analysis.

  • Managed IT Services (MSP): Managed IT services offer a solution that alleviates the burden of managing complex IT systems, allowing businesses to focus more on their core operations and less on technological challenges. Managed IT services combine the expertise of an external provider with the control and knowledge of an in-house team. Instead of reacting to IT issues as they arise, MSPs proactively monitor, maintain, and secure systems to prevent problems and ensure optimal performance. This often includes network monitoring, cybersecurity management, data backup, software updates, and help desk support.
  • Managed Print Services (MPS): With this service, employees are not clearing jams, refilling paper, or replacing tone. Print Management Services means that print devices are maintained and supported by a company that employs trained technicians who respond to calls for support (onsite or off site). Services also include ensuring support for cleaning, software updates, scheduling supplies, and repairing or replacing equipment. A major component of this service includes employee training and devising measures to ensure proper usage and adherence to security measures.
  • Managed Hardware/Equipment Services: Hardware management is the process of tracking and managing the physical components of a company’s technology infrastructure, such as printers, servers, networking equipment and other devices used in the workplace, such as had-held scanners in hospitals. Services ensure optimal utilization of resources, minimize costs, and maintain smooth business operations.
  • Managed Break/Fix Services: With this service, the IT staff can offload the never-ending series of repairs and emergencies that take up a large share of their time, preventing them from taking on tasks that could move their technological infrastructure and potentially the company’s business objectives forward. Techs continuously monitor and manage all IT endpoints to ensure smooth business operations and maximum uptime.

Benefits of Hiring a Managed Service Provider

Leveraging technology: Making decisions and purchases that keep pace with evolving the technology landscape and help businesses stay competitive.

  • Flexibility and scalability: Businesses can easily adjust their IT needs as they grow or shrink, without being tied to long-term commitments. This flexibility is particularly valuable for startups and businesses with fluctuating team sizes or hybrid work
  • Enhanced Productivity: Outsourced IT services and support, as well as hardware and software management, allow employees to work more efficiently and effectively, and speed up the implementation of innovative technologies.
  • Focus on core business: By outsourcing administrative and operational tasks, businesses can dedicate more time and resources to their core activities and strategic initiatives, leading to increased productivity and efficiency.
  • Access to support services: Managed technology solution providers offer a range of IT, hardware, software, and security support services.

Outsourcing Office Technology Management

R&D Computers IT Specialists can recommend and implement concrete steps to enhance technology monitoring, maintenance and management of your technological hardware, your IT infrastructure, and your current and future planning.

  • Survey and assess your infrastructure and all associated components for outdated hardware and software, vulnerabilities, gaps, inefficiencies, savings opportunities, and how new components can be integrated within your budget.
  • Make a strategic plan to support short and long-term goals.
  • Take steps to ensure that technological needs are fulfilled. Update as needed. Procure assets based on consideration and approval. Deploy and integrate tools, solutions, and devices to increase security and business efficiency. Project and plan for future needs.
  • Implement and manage solutions and devices in the current environment. Respond to daily requirements as well as emergencies on a timely basis.

R&D Computers Streamline Your IT

R&D IT Specialists work locally, respond quickly, and understand the operational and regulatory requirements of your business. Our services are proactive, streamline costs with predictable budgets, and ensure a strategic approach that prevents downtime.  Call us today at 770-416-0103 or visit randdcomp.com/contact for a free discovery call.

Advantages of Managed Break-Fix Services

Traditional “break and fix” service refers to an IT support model where services are only engaged when a problem arises, such as equipment failure or software malfunction. This approach contrasts with Managed break/fix services which combine the reactive nature of traditional break/fix with the proactive elements of managed services.  While reactive “break and fix” can be a viable option for businesses with minimal or infrequent IT needs, modern businesses with complex and critical systems find managed services to be a beneficial long-term solution.

Managed Break/Fix Services

Managed break/fix services combine the reactive nature of traditional break/fix with the initiative-taking elements of managed services. Managed break/fix offers a more comprehensive approach, providing monitoring and preventative measures while still allowing for on-demand repairs.

Benefits of Managed Break/Fix

  • Strategic Approach: IT management strategy is aligned with your unique business goals and requirements.
  • Proactive and preventive: Combines elements of traditional break/fix services while focuses on identifying and resolving potential problems before they lead to downtime or disruptions. Hardware components are monitored, managed, and maintained to prevent issues. Regular system updates, cybersecurity protection, data backups and recovery planning, and 24/7 helpdesk support can be.
  • Monitoring and maintenance: Involves continuous monitoring of systems, regular maintenance and implementing best practices to keep IT infrastructure running smoothly. Includes on-demand support for resolving issues as they arise.
  • Comprehensive Services: Provides an active approach that offers services to ensure minimal downtime and up to 24/7 support.
  • Fixed Monthly Fee: Typically involves a flat monthly fee for a defined set of services, regardless of how often support is needed.
  • Best for: Businesses heavily reliant on technology hardware and software, and those seeking to optimize IT for growth. Businesses that want some level of proactive support but do not require a fully managed IT environment.

Choosing the Right Partner

Choosing an unreliable managed service provider can lead to operational disruptions and costly downtime. To make the best decisions when choosing an IT managed partner, consider these requirements.

  1. Experience and technical expertise: Look for a proven track record. Ask for client references and choose providers with knowledge of a full range of services.
  2. Transparent pricing models: Service pricing can be complex with hidden fees or unexpected costs. The best option is to hire a provider with a flat-rate fee. Make sure you partner with a company that communicates effectively and maintains transparency in all their interactions.
  3. Quick Response & Resolution: Check the details of their day-to-day management processes and how quickly they can address critical issues. Prompt, effective support is critical for minimizing downtime and ensuring smooth operations.

Bottom Line

R&D Computers’ Managed break/fix services ensure potential issues are addressed before they escalate, reducing downtime significantly. According to efficiency reports, this type of efficiency translates into cutting hardware maintenance and replacement costs by 25% while also significantly increasing operational performance.

Call us today at 770-416-0131 or visit randdcomp.com/contact for a free discovery call. Let’s discuss how we can help your business gain control of your technology costs.

Fixing Printer Stink and Free Up Your IT Staff with Managed Print Services

Let R&D Computers Worry About Your Printers

According to the whitepaper,‘Take the Pain Out of Printing’ by CDW, 40% of all printer-related issues account for half of help desk calls. This problem means that your IT department is busy dealing with toner and printer service calls rather than handling strategic IT projects.

Benefits of Managed Print Services

  1. Cost Savings – Avoid premature equipment replacements and prevent staff interruptions.
  2. Better Equipment Performance – Benefit from the expertise of highly qualified technicians.
  3. Improved Efficiency and Flexibility– Printers never down with managed ink/toner delivery and onsite repair services.

Why Do You Need Managed Print Services?

Let’s look at what makes printer and ink maintenance ‘stink’, and ways managed print services can help you solve these problems.

  1. Hardware & Software Problems – Outdated software, broken or obsolete hardware, unsecured networking, insufficient quality, or performance are often overlooked problems ready to bring your daily operations to a halt.
    • Solution: Professional Installation. One way to prevent future printer problems is to hire an experienced company to manage the installation of your new equipment. When R&D performs the setup and installation as a part of our managed print services, we guarantee that your devices are perfectly installed and 100% ready to use.
    • Solution: Preventive Maintenance: Managed Print Service provides a list of predefined procedures and tasks needed to keep printers in good condition and running smoothly.
    • Benefits: Performing regular maintenance tasks keeps printers running smoothly and anticipates future issues, such as software updates. Equipment not properly maintained often requires premature replacements. The cost of purchasing new hardware far exceeds the monthly investment of managed print services’ preventive maintenance.
  1. Printer Down – Automatic Printer Repairs. Regardless of the reason, when business printers go down, it can significantly impact workflow and productivity. Printing delays occur. Urgent tasks may be postponed. And employees waste time troubleshooting or waiting for the printer to be fixed. Your business experiences reduced efficiency, which affects overall work output.
    • Solution: Guaranteed Perfect Printer Repair and Installation. Remove replacing printers from your IT Team’s management list. Managed print services provide onsite and next- day service. R&D Computers’ managed print services contract includes delivery, installation, and integration of equipment. No wait time on ordering and installation.
    • Benefit: Fast response with warehoused hardware and onsite and depot repair extends your hardware lifespan and guarantees uptime
    • Benefit: All hardware assets are tagged to ensure smooth adoption and simplified support.
  1. Run Out of Ink – Statistics suggest that many organizations spend 1-3% of their total annual revenue on toner and ink. And most of the time, no one knows manages the cost or use of printer supplies.
    • Solution: Save money. R&D Computers offers brand replacement or to save money, will suggest fully compatible replacement ink and toner that are remanufactured for all brands.
    • Solution: We automatically coordinate the delivery of replacement cartridges, so the printer does not stop in the middle of an important job.
    • Benefit: Printer and toner supplies are delivered and installed before our clients even notice they are needed.

Simplify Your IT Requirements

Simple Program, Simple Process. Customized ink/toner delivery and printer replacement/repair services provide a range of options that address current and future technology issues. Managed printer repair services aim to save you money while keeping your technology running smoothly by preventing glitches and hiccups in your daily operations. And best of all, Customizable monthly billing strategies cover all consumables, monitoring, repair, and software costs!

R&D Computers employs certified technicians with vast experience in working with hardware, software, operating systems, and security enhancements.

Schedule a FREE Consultation

R&D Computers’ Managed Print Services lower your equipment and repair costs and decreases the incidence of hardware failure. Customize your services to meet your needs and budget.

We work locally, respond quickly, understand your technological needs, and ensure operational and regulatory needs for your industry are met. Call us today at 770-416-0131 or visit randdcomp.com/contact for a free discovery call. Let’s discuss how we can help your business gain control of the hidden costs of hardware repair.

How Artificial Intelligence Can Help Your Operation

The use of Artificial Intelligent (AI) is not new. The groundwork for AI began in the early 1990. However, since AI has become mainstream in the last few years, it is no longer a technology reserved for big companies. As AI reaches deeper into the daily processes, it becomes increasingly important for companies of all sizes to understand and benefit from its potential.

The Power of Artificial Intelligence

A study by National University of trends for 2024 paints a vivid picture of AI’s widespread adoption and impact.

  • 77% of companies are either using or exploring the use of AI.
  • 63% intend to adopt it in the next 3 years.
  • AI can be applied to various aspects of business. The top 3 most notable areas include customer service, cybersecurity/data center management, and marketing design and content production.

So, What Can AI Do for Your Business?

The three top AI applications for businesses are:

  1. Technology and Data Processing
    • Performance: AI can enhance the efficiency and performance of technology components by optimizing power usage, cooling systems, network configuration and workload distribution. AI can also detect and prevent potential failures, errors, and threats in the infrastructure.
    • Data Security: AI can help detect and prevent cyberattacks by learning normal network behavior and identifying anomalies. Managed IT Services can ensure that AI solutions are robust, transparent, and ethical.
    • Data Analysis: AI can provide faster and more accurate data analysis and processing. It can also generate insights and recommendations from large volumes of data that can help businesses make better decisions and strategies.
  1. Streamlining Content Creation
    • Natural language processing (NLP) teaches computers to understand and produce written and spoken language like humans. Companies use it to create personalized marketing and educational content (recommended with the aid of a copywriter).
    • Executives and marketing departments use AI’s ability to take natural-language prompts and generate conversational text to write emails, letters and other content with speed, in a myriad of formats and with different conversational styles.
  1. Boosting the Customer Experience
    • Customer Service Reps are increasing customer satisfaction by providing personalized services and responding in seconds to customer inquiries. They have immediate access to relevant account and history information.
    • Customer service reps are using AI to automate repetitive tasks. It can be applied through user personalization, chatbots and automated self-service technologies to make the customer experience more seamless.

For business processes, data center management and customer service, AI not only offers competitive advantages, but also is becoming a necessity. Businesses that adopt AI can benefit from improved productivity, quality, innovation, and profitability.

AI Applications for Specific Industries

In addition to the top three areas of impact, AI can have significant applications in industries served by many of our clients.

Healthcare – Strengthening Healthcare Diagnostics and Treatment

  1. Secure Data – Support accurate medical diagnoses by providing sensitive patient data from electronic health records, intake notes and sensors.
  2. Administrative Tasks – Manage patient records and automate online patient experiences through digital communications, schedule reminders and test outcomes.
  3. Patient Follow-up – Aid in the development of personalized content, tailored health tips and recommendations for next steps.
  4. Marketing – Speed up the creation of written copy, code, and digital art for marketing and educational materials.

Small Business – Enhance Marketing Efforts and Manage Inventory

  1. Inventory – Automate inventory management to track shipments, monitor inventory levels and identify potential bottlenecks in supply chains.
  2. Marketing – Create written copy, code, and digital art for marketing materials and development of personalized content and recommendations.
  3. Customer Satisfaction – Target communications and promotions based on purchase history.
  4. Customer Service – Automate repetitive tasks and assist with customer support, follow-up and feedback management.
  5. Level the Playing Field – Position the company competitively with larger businesses.

Governments – Security and Future Development

  1. Endpoint Protection – AI can assist in securing endpoints or entry points of end-user devices such as desktop apps, laptops and mobile devices where exploitation may occur. AI also provides greater security management for networks.
  2. Transitioning to Digital Platforms – AI allows more rapid advancement through digitalization, testing and adoption to a digital platform.
  3. Planning – AI can cut through the layers of bureaucracy and expedite the review and approval cycle of the planning department.
  4. Productivity – AI can automate and manage repetitive tasks, giving employees more time to handle higher-priority initiatives.

Problems with the use of Artificial Intelligence

According to the Bipartisan Policy Center Blog, “The biggest barriers to AI use among small businesses include the cost of AI tools (55%), uncertainty over possible government regulation (50%), data privacy (49%), not knowing what tools to use (48%), and employees’ lack of digital skills (46%). [1]”

On October 30, 2023, President Biden signed an Executive Order on artificial intelligence. The order reduced the barriers to adopting AI and established new safety and security standards.

For small business owners, the order provides technical assistance and resources for adoption of AI technologies, but no financial assistance.

Managed IT Helps You Transition

Artificial intelligence is quickly changing business as we know it. AI has the potential to transform how businesses operate. It also presents opportunities for malicious attacks that present difficult, dangerous, and costly consequences.

R&D Computers can help you stay ahead of the curve by providing technology support and Managed IT services all in one place. We will protect your current and planned AI implementations by monitoring your network, maintaining security measures and software, and providing training to support the growing demands on your IT staff.

R&D Computers’ Managed IT Services can help you handle your transition to AI operations by:

  • Assisting in determining the best applications for your business and handling the deployment of AI solutions in business processing and data centers.
  • Helping your business scale up your AI capabilities and keep up with the latest innovations.
  • Providing additional certified professionals to expand your staff.
  • Providing an affordable path to AI implementation, network security and ongoing IT consulting through a predictable and inclusive monthly contract.

What Can R&D Computers Do for Your Company?

Let’s talk. Our processes and systems are built to serve a wide variety of industries navigate the fast-paced world of technology with ease. If you’re interested in learning how your company can utilize the power of AI, consider letting R&D Computers provide you with a free needs assessment. Call (800) 350-3071 over visit www.randdcomp.com/contact for details.

Sources:

  1. https://bipartisanpolicy.org/blog/poll-shows-small-businesses-are-interested-in-and-benefit-from-ai/
  2. https://www.orionpolicy.org/orionforum/256/empowering-small-businesses-the-impact-of-ai-on-leveling-the-playing-field
  3. https://www.dlapiper.com/en/insights/publications/2024/01/how-ai-can-be-used-in-local-government-in-2024
  4. https://explodingtopics.com/blog/technology-trends
  5. https://www.nu.edu/blog/ai-statistics-trends/

 

Wading Into the Benefits of Co-Managed IT Services

Companies often experience gaps in IT coverage as new hardware requirements, security concerns, or staff changes introduce new demands to the organization.  Co-Managed IT services are designed to complement in-house IT departments by easing the financial and technical challenges, allowing companies to focus on core operations and trust their technology is flexible and responsive.

Co-Managed IT is a service model that allows companies to customize their IT through a blend of internal staff resources and the expertise of an outside managed service provider.  This roll-your-own approach offers companies an easy avenue to shore up their internal staff with additional services that eliminate their IT pain points and protect their data from scary vulnerabilities.

Benefits of a Co-Managed partnership

  1. Cost Savings
    This blended approach allows companies with limited budget resources to choose and pay for managed services they really need the most.
  2. Growth Path
    If your company is outgrowing business demands on your IT staff, a co-managed IT relationship can provide a growth path while you evaluate your needs and devise a plan for expanding internal IT capabilities.
  3. Cover IT Gaps
    A Co-Managed partnership covers the most troublesome pain points with fewer contractual obligations and provides a path to add or modify services as needed based on changing conditions.

Consider a Strategic Blend
Internal and External Support Help Define Outcomes

  1. PC and Network Monitoring
    Managed IT can provide access to robust enterprise tools and talented resources to free up the workload on your internal staff.
  2. Hardware and Software Updates
    Tracking patches and installing new releases add a big workload for many smaller and mid-sized companies. Offloading these critical tasks to managed IT professionals provides immediate relief to in-house departments.
  3. Network Setup
    If you are considering moving to a network environment, managed IT is the preferred way to enter and maintain a more complex operating environment.
  4. Print Management and Training
    Printer issues and employee support issues notoriously eat up huge chunks of IT staff resources. Managed IT can provide 24/7 management, including automated updates and printer supplies management.
  5. Basic Security Support
    Keeping up with the latest security issues and installing patches for various hardware and software products is a heavy load for any IT staff. Managed IT has many high-end tools that monitor your business flow and provide early warnings for intrusion problems.

Bottom Line

According to a recent forecast on the growth of managed IT services through 2030 [1], “Managed services deliver effective functionalities at minimal costs without compromising on quality. In addition, managed services also support and ensure the reliability and consistency of services offered for various business processes.”

For small and medium-sized businesses, deciding between managed IT and co-managed services is a matter of determining the services a company truly needs and can afford to add. The beauty of Co-Managed IT is its flexibility. Working with a managed IT firm with co-managed options ensures that problem areas get professional attention from the experts in ways that make good business sense and solve the problems at hand. The managed service provider’s role is to support the internal staff and make it more efficient. Most small and medium sized businesses will benefit from this al la carte IT services approach. As company needs or resources change, your co-managed strategy can adapt with appropriate modifications to services.

Surprising Ways Managed Print Services Saves Money for Small Businesses

Looking for ways to save money and increase employee productivity? Managed Print Services (MPS) can be a game changer for your business.

Local Printer Support. MPS provides printer troubleshooting and help desk support that otherwise robs your employee and IT resources from more important initiatives.  Working with a local provider ensures a technician can be available on short notice.

Reduce Printer Waste. MPS monitors and controls the misuse of your printing hardware and supplies to prevent wasted resources and theft.  System monitoring also ensure that your printers will always have toner, and regularly serviced parts will be addressed before they cause downtime.

Secure Printer Hardware. MPS provides ongoing printer fleet software monitoring, automates and manages printer hardware updates, and monitors network activity to reduce vulnerabilities to prevent costly data breaches.

MPS Magic
And no, your business is not too small to benefit!

There are so many hidden costs and time-consuming tasks that lurk below budget expectations. They eat away at your profit. In fact, estimates predict that 50% of the costs of printing are indirect costs.

Reputable companies that offer managed print services go beyond traditional printing support by offering a comprehensive solution. Benefits are efficient print management, cost control, and workflow optimization.

Take Control of Hidden Printing Expenses

  1. Lower Unexpected Expenses. With MPS, small businesses pay a consistent monthly fee, allowing better financial planning and eliminating unexpected expenses for toner, maintenance and hardware/software updates.
  2. Reduce Wasted Employee Resources. MPS vendors handle print-related tasks, freeing staff and IT from customer support, installation, and troubleshooting. Additionally, an MPS provider can preassemble all printer equipment prior to delivery to ensure plug and play equipment installations.
  3. Enhanced Security. MPS ensures business owners that their printing environments are secure by monitoring, authentication protocols and encryption processes that protect sensitive data and help prevent costly data breaches. They can also handle employee training on saving ink and paper. More importantly, they can teach security processes and procedures that protect client information.
  4. Planful Purchasing. MPS prevents unnecessary purchases and allows efficient utilization of existing devices with periodic assessments of actual printing needs.
  5. MPS vendors ensure both hardware and software components are current and compatible with IT technology.
  6. Predictable Toner Installation: MSPs have software in place that alerts them to low toner levels for each printer. Vendors usually warehouse on-demand toner to ensure that no printer is down due to insufficient toner. They will ship, or even come onsite to replenish toner supplies on a regular basis.

Bottom Line

By leveraging the services of an MPS vendor, small businesses benefit from cost savings, improved security, and streamlined printing processes. If you’re a small or medium-sized business owner, consider exploring managed print services to enhance your overall efficiency and eliminate unnecessary spending by up to 30%.

Schedule a FREE Consultation

R&D Computers Managed Print Services lowers your print costs, not your quality. With our managed services, we offer no-charge parts and labor warranty. And if your hardware fails, we provide free replacement.

Call us today at 770-416-0131 or visit randdcomp.com/contact for a free discovery call. Let’s discuss how we can help your business gain control of the hidden costs of printing.

6 Reasons Why Asset Tagging Is Important

Reduce Costs, Risks and Waste

Keep your printers, as well as other hardware and software assets, in good operational condition with an Asset Tagging management plan. The purpose of asset tags is to automatically deliver hardware, supplies, track locations, manage repairs and anticipate replacements as your devices age.

Benefits of Asset Tagging

  1. Quickly retrieve identification information.
  2. Provide real time location information to secure your assets from misuse or theft.
  3. Track hardware as it moves among employees, departments, and locations.
  4. Automatically schedule delivery of supplies like toner and ink cartridges.
  5. Manage updates to reduce record keeping errors.
  6. Streamline software updates and maintenance to prevent unexpected breakdowns.

What is Asset Tagging?

Asset Tags are unique identifiers for your physical and digital assets. They should include product name and serial number, and other information that needs to be tracked. Tags need to be placed on sign off forms, outside of the product box for delivery, directly on the product, and logged into a tracking application.

Some companies try to maintain their own tracking system, but the best way to manage devices from purchase through tracking, ordering supplies, repair, maintenance, and replacement is with a reputable Managed Print Company (MPS).

How to Choose an MPS Partner to Manage Asset Tagging

Look for an MPS company that is willing to customize their services to meet your needs. Services should include:

  1. Providing competitive pricing on new equipment
  2. Warehousing replacement equipment and products
  3. Providing overnight and next day on site or depot service
  4. Employing skilled and certified technicians
  5. Including tracking support with up to the minute information for supply delivery, performance, and maintenance.
  6. Agreeing to a monthly all-inclusive invoice with no hidden costs

Bottom Line

Asset tagging is a valuable practice for companies of all sizes. The practice reduces costs, risks and waste and ensures just-in-time support during all phases of a product’s lifecycle. One monthly invoice covers all aspects of the company’s services, including implementing and managing Asset tagging and reporting. An MPS company will provide reports and insights to supply usage, product and software updates and forecast of obsolete product replacement.

With R&D Computers Managed Print Services, you lower your print costs, not your quality. With our managed services, we offer no-charge parts and labor warranty. And if your hardware fails, we provide free replacement.

Call us today at 770-416-0131 or visit www.randdcom.com for a free discovery call. Let’s discuss how we can help your business with asset tagging as a part of our managed print services.

7 Reasons to Purchase Toner as Part of a Managed Print Service

Bundling Toner with Managed Print Services Saves Time and Reduces Downtime

Every business regardless of size has problems with printers. Generally, little thought goes into the upkeep of these devices until the toner runs out, or the printer stops working.

According to the whitepaper, ‘Take the Pain Out of Printing’ by CDW, 40% of all printer-related issues account for half of help desk calls. This problem means that your IT department is busy dealing with toner and printer service calls rather than handling strategic IT projects. Statistics suggest that many organizations spend 1-3% of their total annual revenue on toner and ink.

Benefits of Toner and Printer Management with Managed Print Services (MPS)

  1. Never Run Out of Toner
    Printer and toner supplies are delivered and even installed before you notice they are needed.
  2. Automatic Printer Repairs
    Fast response with warehoused hardware and onsite and depot repair extends your hardware lifespan and guarantees uptime.
  3. Intelligent Predictive Analysis
    Monthly data collection and reporting help predict your hardware and service needs and prepare for replacement and growth.
  4. Streamlined Device Management
    Continuous assessment for potential hardware and software issues allows you to control costs.
  5. Asset Tracking Program
    Asset Tag labeling allows tracking and lifespan management for hardware and software assets.
  6. Ongoing Printer Security
    Network and hardware monitoring protect your organization from the increasing frequency of cyberattacks.
  7. Controlled Monthly Costs
    Customizable monthly billing strategies cover all consumables, monitoring, repair, and software costs.

Timely Printer Toner/Cartridge Management
Simple Program, Simple Process

Remove ordering toner and repairing or replacing printers from your IT Team’s management list. Managed Print Services’ predictive analysis automatically allows you to receive toner, supplies and technical support when needed.

Getting fast and reliable toner shouldn’t be a headache. Local technicians and service associates are trained in efficiently getting you the premium or remanufactured toner your team needs. Onsite and overnight delivery and repairs speed up return to service.

Guaranteed Perfect Printer Repair and Installation
Get the equipment maintenance and replacement covered

One way to prevent future printer problems is to have an experienced company handle the installation of your new equipment. Managed Print Services guarantees that your devices are perfectly installed and 100% ready for use.

An MPS contract includes delivery, installation and integration of equipment, going way beyond simple cartridge management to include Asset Tag Labeling. All hardware and digital assets are tagged with a unique barcode identifier to ensure smooth adoption and simplified support. Asset labeling allows effective tracking overtime of fixed assets, such as printers, document scanners and industry specific devices.

Asset Tagging keeps track of assets with a defined inventory control process that provides instant details about an asset, including repair information. Asset Tagging provides a more accurate inventory count and location data to prevent losses for assets that are frequently moved or assigned to different departments or users.

Before You Buy

  • Ask if the program covers all printers, or just the ones you purchase from that company.
  • Look for an all-inclusive contract customized to your needs with no hidden fees.
  • Make sure your service includes Asset Tag Labeling and tracking
  • Does the potential vendor offer employee training?
  • Inquire whether your potential vendor participates in a recycling program. Used cartridges can be professionally cleaned, repaired, refilled, and resold.

Bottom Line
Buy the toner, get the equipment maintenance covered.

Make printer issues disappear. Keep your business running smoothly with optimized printer performance. By contracting with a qualified managed print service company for printer toner and cartridges, you can eliminate troublesome printer failures and delays.

  • Save Time – Reduced downtime and work environment disruptions.
  • Save Money – All support, maintenance and repairs, parts and labor included in one monthly invoice.
  • Protect your Business – Security to prevent hackers from using printer devices to access your IT network.
  • 100% Guarantee – Superior and dependable service that you can trust.

Look for a company with a commitment to personalized service. An MPS will partner on additional services, like consultation on solutions that fit your office environment. Ask for an initial complimentary assessment to evaluate the equipment you have and translate that information into equipment repairs, upgrades and new purchases, if deemed beneficial to your office processes.

About R&D Computers

Managed Print Services is a better, cheaper option. R&D Computers can save you money by providing insight and control over your printer costs, and by anticipating upcoming hardware and software upgrades.

When it comes to printer and device management, our R&D Computers’ expert and certified technicians will help with any issue you have from a paper jam to a broken machine. We offer peace of mind and a higher level of service. We will get you up and running again as quickly as possible. Call us at 770-416-0103 or visit www.randdcomp.com for a totally complimentary assessment of your business environment. As always, we customize our services to meet your business needs.