ZeroIn Blog

ZeroIn has been serving the Corte Madera area since 2008, providing IT Support such as technical helpdesk support, computer support and consulting to small and medium-sized businesses.

The Importance of Using Effective IT Services

I know very little about cars. When I take my car to a mechanic, I’m often left wondering if they’re addressing the root of the problem or just patching it up. Are they experienced with the issue? Most importantly, are they being honest about the diagnosis and cost?

Small and medium-sized businesses face the same uncertainty with their technology—computers, internet, networks, phones, and printers. Often, they hire the first “IT guy” that picks up the phone or offers the cheapest rate. Unfortunately, some IT providers speak in technical jargon to sound competent or use scare tactics, like warning of potential downtime, data loss, or system breaches, to sell their services. The business hires them, and it turns into a waste of money and sometimes leaves them worse off.

Recently, a business owner contacted us for help purchasing and setting up a new server. Our engineer assessed their current setup and found the existing server was working perfectly fine, despite being a bit older. However, we quickly realized that the network wasn’t even using the server properly—computers weren’t sending data to it, defeating its entire purpose. Additionally, the network equipment was disorganized and poorly maintained.

The previous IT provider clearly lacked expertise, but masked it with confusing terminology. The client didn’t know their data wasn’t being backed up, and they were unaware of how underperforming their network was. We updated the server, fixed the network, and organized the equipment. Now, their data is backed up regularly, and their network performs smoothly, allowing them to carry out basic tasks like printing without extra hassle.

In another case, a doctor’s office contacted us because their internet was slow. They had hired an IT person who, instead of identifying the real issue, added more access points, which only worsened the situation. Their equipment, including point-of-sale systems and printers, kept disconnecting because the overlapping signals from the access points interfered with each other. The real culprit was outdated equipment installed by their internet service provider. After removing the old equipment and properly configuring the access points, their internet and equipment started working flawlessly.

So, how can business owners ensure they’re hiring the right IT services provider and not frauds that can cause more harm than good?

1. Know What You Need:You don’t need to understand the specific technology you require, just know what tasks you need to accomplish. A good IT expert will help you determine the right technology to meet your needs.

2. Ensure a Thorough Assessment:If an IT provider gives you a proposal after asking only basic questions—like how many computers you have—they either lack expertise or are trying to push their own solutions. A thorough assessment of your systems is essential.

3. Check Their Experience and Reputation:Look for an experienced team with a solid reputation. Read reviews on platforms like Google and Yelp, and don’t hesitate to ask for references.

4. Evaluate Trust and Communication:Do you trust them? Do they communicate clearly and listen to your concerns? An IT provider should be a valuable part of your team, so make sure they’re someone you feel comfortable working with.

By following these steps, you’ll have peace of mind knowing that your technology is in capable hands, allowing you to focus on running your business.

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Monday, October 14, 2024

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News & Updates

Did you know that there are government funded hacking groups in China that target people in the United States? Per this NetWorkWorld article, the FBI uncovered a hacking operation by the China state-funded group Volt Typhoon where they targeted small businesses that used older network switches, the device used in your computer network to connect devices together. They used the access through the old switches as a launching point to target government entities such as water treatment plants, power grids, etc. The article outlines Volt Typhoon's efforts and what the United States had to do to thwart the attacks. This is just one group out of thousands that are always looking for vulnerabilities in computer networks and systems.

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ZeroIn
655 Irwin Street Suite B #1046
San Rafael, California 94901