June 24th, 2019 by admin
Having available on-going support for your IT services is vital for your business to thrive, and we want to ensure that your business stays on top of its operations. Should questions arise or unexpected issues happen, you need responsive experts to...
Posted in: Solutions
December 7th, 2018 by admin
MPA networks provide IT consulting services for many industries, from nonprofit and Legal sectors to healthcare and biotech, we offer industry expertise to help you expand your business to the next level. As companies start to grow and evolve, many...
Posted in: Partners and Industries
July 3rd, 2018 by admin
If your business is considering a Bring Your Own Device environment, there's a great deal of security preparation work to do beforehand. A successful BYOD strategy and BYOD policy is all about finding the sweet spot of control, where your business is...
Posted in: Cyber and Data Security
June 27th, 2018 by admin
Shifting to IT management support services can make a huge difference in reducing your business' operational bottom-line. IT management goes a long way to streamline both infrastructure and support while providing access to a larger knowledge pool than...
Posted in: Solutions
June 19th, 2018 by admin
Financial services providers find their IT challenges list is always growing because of security issues, employee needs, customer protection, regulatory laws and business requirements. Keeping up with IT concerns is important not just because failing...
Posted in: Cyber and Data Security, Partners and Industries
May 21st, 2018 by admin
To understand why some industries are targeted in cyber attacks more often than others, it's important to understand what drives hackers and what makes a target appealing. Of the two, hackers are easier to understand: According to a Verizon data security...
Posted in: Cyber and Data Security, Partners and Industries
May 3rd, 2018 by admin
Often, businesses don't prepare for email disasters until after one has hit. But while email may comprise just a small part of a company's day-to-day operation, an email disaster can have a staggering impact on your business. The 2016 Democratic National...
Posted in: Solutions
April 26th, 2018 by admin
It's easy to grow jaded about presentation software. After all, each new version of PowerPoint and Keynote may feel like the equivalent of the same old room getting a new coat of paint. However, new tools and apps offer all sorts of fresh and clever ways...
Posted in: Solutions
April 19th, 2018 by admin
The FCC net neutrality 3–2 repeal vote of December 2017 could lead to major concerns for IT staff at small and medium businesses. As of February 2018, the FCC is continuing to move toward the net neutrality repeal, but actual business changes will take...
Posted in: Solutions
April 11th, 2018 by admin
Law firms face many unique IT management challenges that stem from the confidential nature of the information they work with. And that confidential data is why law firms must make the protection of information a key IT priority. Threats can come from...
Posted in: Partners and Industries
April 3rd, 2018 by admin
While there's plenty of technology available to keep your business's data protected, the human element is still the most important piece to consider in safeguarding your company's data. Properly training employees to understand and implement data security...
Posted in: Cyber and Data Security
March 29th, 2018 by admin
Cyberattacks are a major security concern for any business that uses the Internet. Even if your company doesn't have a website, hackers can go after your email address and business service accounts. Though they represent one of the more severe risks of...
Posted in: Cyber and Data Security
March 26th, 2018 by admin
While all employees need to be mindful of security, the nature of C-level executives makes them more attractive targets for hackers. That means it's necessary for them to take greater precautions. According to TechRepublic, C-level executives are more...
Posted in: Cyber and Data Security
March 19th, 2018 by admin
Giving a presentation can be stressful, so dealing with technology issues at the last minute is the last thing you want when attempting a professional delivery. The following technology preparedness checklist can help you make a good impression rather...
Posted in: Solutions
March 5th, 2018 by admin
When used well, instant messaging tools can increase productivity while offering secure information exchange in your office. Messaging works in business environments because it's less involved than email, easy to queue and fast to respond. Several free...
Posted in: Cyber and Data Security
February 28th, 2018 by admin
Because IT staff get so invested in making sure software, networking and security elements are working, they sometimes overlook the human, environmental and contingency planning factors that can invite workplace IT disasters. In many cases, preventative...
Posted in: Cyber and Data Security
February 8th, 2018 by admin
A cyberattack crisis management plan is your business's best defense for minimizing cyberattack damage after technology-based preventative measures have failed. Unfortunately for most businesses, cyberattacks are not a matter of if, but a matter of when....
Posted in: Cyber and Data Security
January 22nd, 2018 by admin
For many businesses, it is difficult to gauge how helpful IT management can be in the workplace on a day-to-day basis — mainly because when things are going well, there's little to notice. Some of the most important benefits of an IT managed services...
Posted in: Solutions
January 16th, 2018 by admin
Hot off the tail of the massive 2017 Equifax breach that exposed personal information of 143 million customers, businesses are on high alert concerning IT security in 2018. While the IT security industry has been successful in mitigating and cracking...
Posted in: Cyber and Data Security
December 28th, 2017 by admin
Avoid costly data security breaches by training your staff to check for secure connections when handling private information on the Internet. Secure Hyper Text Transfer Protocol, or HTTPS, is a technology legal, healthcare, and financial businesses use...
Posted in: Cyber and Data Security
December 28th, 2017 by admin
There are many ways to reuse an old computer. Replacing an old computer that still works is a good feeling. The device survived the replacement cycle. However, some desktops and laptops have the potential to lead second lives in the workplace. Re-assigning...
Posted in: Solutions
November 22nd, 2017 by admin
After years of improving smartphone glass durability, a shift design is bringing back the perils of dropping the device only to discover the glass has cracked on impact. The newly released iPhone 8 and iPhone X aren’t doing well in drop tests, with screens...
Posted in: Hardware and Software
November 16th, 2017 by admin
Businesses use surge protectors every day without thinking about them; however, they are an incredibly important piece of technology that can make the difference between a $20.00 and a $2,000.00 equipment replacement. While uncommon, a power surge can...
Posted in: Hardware and Software
November 8th, 2017 by admin
It's inevitable: employees working hard on a time-consuming project and then out of nowhere, the lights start to flicker and the power goes out. Suddenly, those workers express their frustration by pulling out their hair because they've just lost hours'...
Posted in: Hardware and Software
October 17th, 2017 by admin
So far, 2017 has been an eventful year for increasing access to password-alternative smartphone and laptop unlocking techniques. Notably, Samsung added Face unlocking to the Galaxy S8 line and Apple introduced Face ID on the iPhone X. Of particular note,...
Posted in: Cyber and Data Security, Hardware and Software
October 10th, 2017 by admin
Wireless charging in the workplace has the potential to make it easier for your employees keep their arsenal of devices running throughout the day with fewer of those pesky low battery warnings. Until recently, wireless charging hasn't been as good at...
Posted in: Hardware and Software
September 6th, 2017 by admin
Online retailers are already working on business strategies for the Thanksgiving, Black Friday, and Cyber Monday online shopping weekend months in advance. These three days are the busiest online shopping days for retailers, bringing in nearly $6 billion...
Posted in: Hardware and Software
August 22nd, 2017 by admin
In July of 2017, some Windows 10 users received an error message when trying to install the Creators Update, stating, "Windows 10 is no longer supported on this PC." This first-of-its-kind problem stems from an incompatibility with a handful of Intel's...
Posted in: Cyber and Data Security, Hardware and Software
July 18th, 2017 by admin
Spending far too much money on excessively overpowered computer hardware can quickly deplete your company's IT budget, taking funding away from other important expenses. Two exciting products released in June 2017, Apple's new iMac Pro ($4,999) and Intel's...
Posted in: Hardware and Software
July 11th, 2017 by admin
If your business is using 2-factor authentication, or 2FA, methods to secure your important accounts, you may need to investigate better ways to implement the practice. Security experts widely recommend using 2FA, a system which utilizes a second security...
Posted in: Cyber and Data Security, Hardware and Software
April 5th, 2017 by admin
If one of your office computers always seems to shut down or slow to a crawl at the busiest of times, you may have a case of overheating on your hands—especially if IT can't find anything wrong on the software level. Performance hiccups might seem like...
Posted in: Hardware and Software
March 21st, 2017 by admin
With a little bit of effort, your staff can reap all the benefits of a laptop, and many of the perks of a desktop, with a little bit of planning and some additional hardware. It's a common perception that laptops lead in portability, while desktops specialize...
Posted in: Hardware and Software
January 18th, 2017 by admin
Depending on your industry, modern virtual reality (VR) devices could offer impressive options to improve productivity. The video game industry, for one, has been a major player in pushing VR technology. Despite a handful of flops like Nintendo’s 1995...
Posted in: Hardware and Software
January 5th, 2017 by admin
If your small-to-medium business (SMB) isn't looking at ways to increase productivity through Cloud services, you could be missing out on exciting opportunities. But while the Cloud offers countless opportunities for business expansion, it can also taking...
Posted in: Hardware and Software
December 7th, 2016 by admin
If your company’s antivirus software is letting you down, you should think twice before installing a second one on a computer: It may actually make things worse. Multiple antivirus programs working in conjunction on the same device is not a case of...
Posted in: Hardware and Software
November 23rd, 2016 by admin
In September 2016, half a billion Yahoo account users received the bad news that their names, email addresses, phone numbers, and security questions were potentially stolen in a 2014 hack. According to CNET, the Yahoo hack is the largest data breach...
Posted in: Cyber and Data Security
September 7th, 2016 by admin
Google’s Chromebook platform has the potential to replace traditional laptops and increase productivity for businesses, much like it has in the consumer market at large. For the uninitiated, Chromebooks are Cloud-oriented laptops that run most operations...
Posted in: Hardware and Software
August 16th, 2016 by admin
Secure passwords and recovery strategies are an essential part of doing business in the digital age—and password manager programs can help streamline the process. Password managers store and, often, automate login credentials for individuals across...
Posted in: Cyber and Data Security
July 12th, 2016 by admin
If you've looked over our previous posts since we've started our blog, you know how serious we are about protecting your company from everyday cyber-threats—mainly phishing, ransomware, and various other malware. Today we'd like to discuss a different...
Posted in: Cyber and Data Security
July 7th, 2016 by admin
It's a fair bet that one of your employees has already shown off a trendy new wearable gadget around the office. What began with Bluetooth earpieces would branch off into smartwatches, smart glasses, wrist-worn fitness trackers, and even smart clothing...
Posted in: Hardware and Software
May 24th, 2016 by admin
Those “Upgrade to Windows 10” notifications seem to be showing up everywhere, even in the middle of a weather forecast on Iowa television. What would’ve otherwise been an embarrassing interruption turned into a watercooler moment that anyone who used...
Posted in: Hardware and Software
March 8th, 2016 by admin
February's big story in the tech world was the conflict between Apple and the FBI over the creation of a "backdoor" to retrieve encrypted data on iPhones. The government is looking for any clue as to what—or, more specifically, who—motivated Syed Farook,...
Posted in: Cyber and Data Security, Hardware and Software
September 4th, 2015 by admin
In our ever-expanding universe of high-tech acronyms, perhaps one you've recently heard is IPv6. What exactly is it? Why do some IT people embrace it as the foundation of a "new Internet," while the mere mention of it gives others an instant headache?...
Posted in: Hardware and Software
July 22nd, 2015 by admin
When we conduct our complimentary IT assessment for a prospective customer, one question we're frequently asked is "Can we do anything to cut down on the noise in our server room?" Most older office facilities in the Bay Area simply weren't designed...
Posted in: Hardware and Software
June 24th, 2015 by admin
As the Bay Area moves into the warmest months of the year, you can enjoy the summer knowing your annual home spring cleaning is behind you—when you tackled all those chores in (literally) one clean sweep over a weekend. With that taken care of, now’s...
Posted in: Hardware and Software
June 11th, 2015 by admin
April 22 marked the annual worldwide observance of Earth Day. This made us think about the role small businesses play in the "Go Green" movement. Many companies have a genuine concern for preserving our planet's natural resources—even if many hotels...
Posted in: Hardware and Software
June 4th, 2015 by admin
Let's face it—the humor on Saturday Night Live is pretty much hit-or-miss these days. But one classic SNL sketch from the late '90s remains our favorite: Nick Burns, Your Company's Computer Guy. Why are Nick's condescending remarks toward his fellow...
Posted in: Solutions, Hardware and Software
January 14th, 2015 by admin
It doesn’t take a psychic to know that one of your business goals is improving efficiency and productivity. You can do both with an IT managed service provider. MSPs specialize in finding technical solutions to streamline your work environment and preemptively...
Posted in: Solutions
December 12th, 2014 by admin
It doesn’t take a psychic to know that one of your business goals is improving efficiency and productivity. You can do both with an IT managed service provider. MSPs specialize in finding technical solutions to streamline your work environment and preemptively...
Posted in: Solutions, Hardware and Software
October 31st, 2014 by admin
Small and medium-sized business (SMB) computer networks are more of a living project than a one-and-done IT expense. Network-focused IT managed services guides you through the possibilities and challenges presented by changes in personnel and office...
Posted in: Solutions, Hardware and Software
April 1st, 2014 by admin
We are incredibly proud to launch into our 32nd year of business today! Thank you to our clients and wonderful team for making MPA Networks all it is today. "Without an amazing team, this simply does not happen," says Michael Price, CEO. Please take...
Posted in: Solutions
March 27th, 2014 by admin
By this point, nearly every small and medium sized business owner has heard of the cloud and has a basic understanding of cloud computing. A majority of them have probably even considered moving their data and applications to the cloud, not wishing to...
Posted in: Solutions
March 18th, 2014 by admin
With all the hype surrounding cloud computing, it may seem like any business that is NOT in the cloud is woefully behind the times. As an IT Managed Services Provider, we hear the following questions from clients and prospective clients all the time:...
Posted in: Solutions
February 24th, 2014 by admin
We are thrilled to be named to CRN’s Managed Service Provider (MSP) 500 list as one of the MSP Pioneer 250. CRN is the leading media outlet for technology vendors and solution providers attempting to understand sales and service channels. The annual...
Posted in: Solutions, Partners and Industries
January 30th, 2014 by admin
Escape the Dreaded 'IT Money Pit' Information Technology is the backbone of modern business - it is the infrastructure on which businesses run and employees work. It is the wheel that keeps everything rolling smoothly. As such, it makes perfect sense...
Posted in: Solutions
January 16th, 2014 by admin
The new year's festivities have come and gone, and for better or worse, it's time to get back in the saddle. This first month back at work is the perfect time to consider business goals for the coming year and determine how to make your business more...
Posted in: Solutions
September 30th, 2013 by admin
Partnering with a Managed Service Provider (MSP) is one of the most important decisions you can make to ensure the longevity and productivity of your SMB. Why? An experienced MSP is a true business partner, reduces and streamlines IT costs, and takes...
Posted in: Solutions, Partners and Industries
