NetSource Discovery Hub

Designed to give you the freedom to research NetVisor services at your convenience.

Pricing  

How is NetVisor Priced?

NetVisor is our Managed IT Services offering. Our pricing strategy is based on the employee count in your company. NetVisor is intended to be a comprehensive product that can meet the needs of most small businesses.

Last Updated: 
November 1, 2023

What Is The Ideal Customer Size For Managed IT Services?

Our NetVisor Managed Services are designed for companies with a workforce ranging from 20 to 100 employees in a wide variety of industries.

Last Updated: 
December 7, 2023

How Do Changes in My Employee Count Impact My Monthly Invoice?

When you sign a NetVisor contract with Net Friends, the agreement will clearly state the personnel count you are contracted for and the cost implication for each added employee. The base-line monthly fee and the supplementary employee charges are predetermined at the contract initiation stage. These rates remain constant throughout the contract's duration.

Last Updated: 
November 27, 2023

Are There Any Hidden Charges?

Our billing structure is transparent with no concealed fees. We are committed to delivering a comprehensive service to our clients, eliminating any surprises during service requests. There is no need to worry about how many times you call or if your request is covered by your contract.

Last Updated: 
November 8, 2023

Are There Discounts Available?

Net Friends offers two types of discounts: length of contract and volume.

Last Updated: 
November 16, 2023

Why does Net Friends charge sales tax to non-profit organizations?

Net Friends is headquartered in North Carolina and is subject to the North Carolina Department of Revenue (NCDOR) rules and regulations. NCDOR considers IT support services, equipment, and software sales, etc. to be subject to sales tax. Net Friends is required by law to collect and report regularly on sales tax to NCDOR.

Last Updated: 
July 26, 2024

What Other Services Do You Provide?

In addition to our expert support services, we offer a comprehensive suite of IT solutions.

Last Updated: 
December 6, 2023

Do We Need To Have An On-site IT Person?

There is no requirement for you to have an on-site IT technician, though we do request that you have a point person for us to work with. Our remote IT support and help desk are fully equipped to address all your day-to-day technical issues promptly.

Last Updated: 
December 6, 2023

Are The NetCore Services Included In The NetVisor Product?

NetCore Services are separate from NetVisor. NetCore provides support for your infrastructure, which includes Firewalls, Switches, Wireless Access Points, and Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) systems.

Last Updated: 
November 29, 2023

What Kind Of Reporting And Analytics Do You Offer?

We offer a robust suite of reporting and analytics to keep you informed and strategic in IT management.

Last Updated: 
November 30, 2023

Essentials & Getting Started

How do you Manage New Device Onboarding?

It is a simple 3 step process to purchase a new device and have it configured for use.

Last Updated: 
October 28, 2024

How do you Manage New Employee Onboarding?

If you have a new employee, follow this simple 4-step process to ensure they are optimally onboarded.

Last Updated: 
October 28, 2024

Is There a Charge for the Implementation Project?

Yes. The Implementation Project marks the beginning of our collaboration. The project is typically four weeks from start to finish, but it can be done in a more compressed timeframe under certain conditions.

Last Updated: 
October 28, 2024

What is the Go-Live Date?

The Go-Live Date is the day that your contract services fully begin. It also marks the conclusion of the initial Implementation Project.

Last Updated: 
October 28, 2024

What is the Effective Date in your contract?

The Effective Date, whether new or a renewal, is when the terms in the contract you signed go into effect. For the Effective Date to apply, your contract must be fully signed by all parties, and your Implementation Fee paid.

Last Updated: 
October 28, 2024

Do You Provide Support During the Implementation Project?

If you have any immediate needs, we are committed to resolving them promptly. Additionally, if you are aware of any issues before your onboarding process, we strongly recommend informing your Customer Success Manager (CSM) so that we can incorporate them into your project plan.

Last Updated: 
October 28, 2024

How Do You Manage the Transition from Our Current Managed Service Provider (MSP)?

Net Friends recommends an overlap between your outgoing MSP and the start date of our service with you. This is important to ensure sufficient time for knowledge transfer and to collaborate with your current MSP to maintain the security of your data and systems

Last Updated: 
October 28, 2024

What is the NetVisor Implementation Project Timeline?

The onboarding process is designed to ensure a smooth and hassle-free transition. We are committed to providing you with all the necessary tools and resources, including templates and draft emails, to make this process as seamless as possible. Onboarding begins with the creation of a formal project in our system. This process will guide the project and help keep things on track. While the process outlined below is a general representation, we stay flexible and adaptable, prioritizing continuous forward momentum.

Last Updated: 
October 28, 2024

What is the Process for Transferring Services to a New Provider if We Decide Not to Renew with Net Friends?

Net Friends is committed to ensuring a smooth transition for your company during the offboarding process. We will share a base level of documentation that will empower you to support yourself and facilitate a straightforward handoff to a new Managed Service Provider (MSP).

Last Updated: 
October 28, 2024

Employee Offboarding

When an employee leaves your organization, Net Friends is prepared to safeguard your data. We utilize remote access to your company’s devices, which enables us to remove access to your sensitive data promptly.

Last Updated: 
October 28, 2024

How Do You Handle My Custom / Unique Business Critical Application?

We will provide support for your line-of-business (LOB) software, with the primary condition being that any critical LOB software must have an active support or maintenance agreement established with your vendor.

Last Updated: 
October 28, 2024

What Permissions Do You Need? 

Net Friends requires administrative or super-administrative privileges for all your accounts. These permissions are essential for us to effectively oversee your software ecosystem, manage your staff's identity and access rights, and provide comprehensive support to your employees.

Last Updated: 
October 28, 2024

What Changes Do You Make To Our Workstations, Servers, Network, and M365 Licenses That are Under Contract?

Net Friends will add software to your devices and manage your M365 portal to update software, monitor for security concerns, and help your staff with issues.

Last Updated: 
October 28, 2024

What Are the Benefits of Hiring an MSP?

Choosing Net Friends as your Managed Service Provider (MSP) brings key advantages: expert IT support from certified professionals, enhanced cybersecurity measures, reliable data protection, assured business continuity, scalable solutions for growth, and 24/7 system monitoring, giving you more bandwidth to focus on your core business. Knowing that your technology needs are expertly managed and secure will allow you to focus on your core business.

Last Updated: 
October 28, 2024

What Can I Expect from the NetCore Implementation Project?

The Net Friends onboarding process for NetCore Infrastructure Services.

Last Updated: 
October 28, 2024

What is the NetSafe Server Implementation Project?

When you sign-up for NetSafe Server, your initial onboarding is a critical first step to harden your server. During your onboarding, Net Friends will conduct a comprehensive review of your server, ensure the server’s configuration is aligned with best practices, and provide you with a detailed report documenting any changes made.

Last Updated: 
October 28, 2024

What is a Unified Service Contract?

The Net Friends unified service contract is a single document that brings together all a client’s active contract services. Even though a client may have enrolled in multiple services on a staggered schedule, the unified contract combines those services with a single invoice with a single contract term.

Last Updated: 
October 28, 2024

What is the onboarding process for NetVisor Inventory?

As soon as you sign up for NetVisor Inventory, we will create a dedicated space in our secure facility for your inventory. You will be able to start sending devices to us to manage or we can begin purchasing devices for your inventory.

Last Updated: 
October 28, 2024

What is the process to deploy devices?

To send a device to an employee, simply submit a ticket, and we will handle the rest. Their device will arrive ready to use.

Last Updated: 
October 28, 2024

Support & Services  

How Does Net Friends Handle IT Emergencies?

At Net Friends, our extensive team of IT professionals is always prepared to tackle urgent and critical support issues. When an emergency arises, we promptly classify it as a high-priority case within our system, ensuring immediate attention and tracking.

Last Updated: 
Oct 28, 2024

What Is Your After-Hours Support Policy?

Net Friends provides continuous support, 24/7, with no added charges for nights, weekends, or holidays. Our commitment to uninterrupted IT support is a cornerstone of our service, and it is included in all our SLA contracts.

Last Updated: 
Oct 28, 2024

How Experienced Are Your Techs?

Net Friends’ technical staff have extensive IT expertise. With a commitment to professional development and retention, when you call our Support Center the team will be ready to solve your problem.

Last Updated: 
Oct 28, 2024

How Does Net Friends Train Their IT Support Technicians?

Training for our IT support technicians at Net Friends encompasses four key approaches—blending initial onboarding with ongoing professional development to keep our team at the forefront of industry knowledge.

Last Updated: 
Oct 28, 2024

How Does Net Friends Ensure Data Privacy?

Ensuring data protection and transparency is at the core of our services.

Last Updated: 
Oct 28, 2024

How Does Leadership Influence IT Support At Net Friends?

At Net Friends, our leaders prioritize skill enhancement and encourage team-wide learning.

Last Updated: 
Oct 28, 2024

What  is in your Service Level Agreement? 

Net Friends is committed to ensuring that all customer service requests, or tickets, are addressed promptly and professionally. The following guidelines detail how Net Friends manages these requests during both office and after-hours.

Last Updated: 
Oct 28, 2024

What is a Service Level Agreement? 

A Service Level Agreement, or SLA, outlines the expectations and responsibilities between a service provider (Net Friends) and the client (you)

Last Updated: 
Oct 28, 2024

Does Net Friends Customize IT Support To Each Business?

Yes. Our mutual goal is to create value for your business.

Last Updated: 
Oct 28, 2024

Will Net Friends Support My Business-Specific Tools? 

Yes, we support your business specific tools, which we typically refer to as “line of business” applications. However, we do require that all businesses maintain an active support agreement with their original vendor. The vendor support agreement ensures that Net Friends can engage with the vendor on your behalf to resolve problems with the line of business applications.

Last Updated: 
Oct 28, 2024

How Does Net Friends Monitor Client Satisfaction?

Net Friends is committed to being more than just a service provider - we aim to be a trusted technology partner. We take your feedback seriously. To ensure we are not just meeting but exceeding your expectations, we have developed a variety of methods to gauge your satisfaction with our services.

Last Updated: 
Oct 28, 2024

How Does Net Friends Measure And Share Support Metrics?

We measure our performance against six key metrics, ensuring we meet and exceed defined goals in each area. These metrics are integral to our support strategy, providing clear, measurable targets that guide our team's performance and customer service quality:

Last Updated: 
Oct 28, 2024

How Is Customer Feedback Handled?

Net Friends actively seeks feedback through both formal and informal channels. Every support incident, handled request, or completed project comes with a feedback invitation.

Last Updated: 
Oct 28, 2024

What is White Glove Employee Onboarding?

If you are looking for a more personalized onboarding, Net Friends offers white glove onboarding, a premium service. Follow the same onboarding process as our standard service, then create a ticket for white glove service.

Last Updated: 
Oct 28, 2024

What is White Glove Device Onboarding?

White glove service is a premium offering that delivers an unparalleled level of support and attention to detail when setting up your new device. This premium service ensures a seamless transition and optimal performance.

Last Updated: 
Oct 28, 2024

Backups  

How Do You Back Up Workstations?

We recommend cloud-based data backups for workstations.

Last Updated: 
Oct 28, 2024

How Does Net Friends Ensure Robust Security and Compliance for Your Business?

Net Friends, upholding SOC 2 Type II compliance, integrates trust and compliance across our services, including backup and disaster recovery. Our solutions, conforming to high security and availability standards, undergo annual independent audits by Kirkpatrick Price.

Last Updated: 
Oct 28, 2024

How Does Net Friends Manage Data Backups?

Net Friends manages data backups with a straightforward and effective strategy with tailored backup plans, latest technology, regular testing, monitoring, and expert support.

Last Updated: 
Oct 28, 2024

How Does Net Friends Help With a Smooth Transition for Businesses Switching from Their Current MSP?

When considering a switch to a new Managed Service Provider, it is crucial to have a transition that is as seamless as it is secure. Read this overview of how Net Friends ensures your move is a seamless transition, with data integrity as a foundation.

Last Updated: 
Oct 28, 2024

How Do Net Friends' Backup Services Support Security and Follow SOC 2 Standards?

Net Friends' backup services are rigorously designed to adhere to and exceed SOC 2 security standards, reflecting our unwavering commitment to data security and compliance. Learn more about how we ensure adherence to these standards.

Last Updated: 
Oct 28, 2024

How Does Net Friends Handle Ongoing Data Backup Management?

Net Friends employs a proactive approach to data backup management. Learn more about our process and comprehensive approach to data backup management.

Last Updated: 
Oct 28, 2024

How Does Net Friends Back Up Your Data?

Net Friends aims to provide a robust, secure, and effective data backup solution tailored to your business’ unique needs and operational requirements.

Last Updated: 
Oct 28, 2024

What is the Importance of Backup Management?

Effective backup management is crucial for ensuring operational efficiency, compliance, and financial stability in business. It ensures the integrity and reliability of your data, ensuring it remains unaltered and accessible, thus safeguarding your business's core information. Learn more about how we achieve this.

Last Updated: 
Oct 28, 2024

What is The 3-2-1 Rule for Backups?

The 3-2-1 rule, as outlined in our backup strategy, emphasizes having three total copies of your data, two local on different devices, and one off-site. This redundancy is key to safeguarding against various forms of data loss. Backup refers to the act of creating copies of data, while disaster recovery is the strategic use of these backups to resume business operations swiftly after an outage. Read our overview to learn more.

Last Updated: 
Oct 28, 2024

Do You Offer Off-site Backups?

Net Friends provides robust off-site backup services, learn more about our offsite backups. Off-site backups are essential for thorough data protection, particularly in scenarios like natural disasters or cyberattacks that could impact onsite data storage.

Last Updated: 
Oct 28, 2024

Do You Offer Onsite Backups?

Yes, Net Friends offers comprehensive onsite backup solutions. Continue reading to learn more. Our approach involves not just the integration of backup systems into your current IT setup but also the crucial step of finding critical data that might be hidden in plain sight.

Last Updated: 
Oct 28, 2024

What Is Your Process For Auditing The IT Environment Of A Business?

Net Friends conducts a comprehensive audit of your IT Infrastructure. This is a vital step in understanding your specific IT landscape covering immediate concerns, potential risks, and solutions inventory.

Last Updated: 
Oct 28, 2024

Does Net Friends Provide Backup Services to Businesses?

Net Friends offers managed backups as part of our Managed IT Services. This solution integrates Microsoft Entra ID (formerly Microsoft Azure AD) to improve security. This robust solution offers secure adaptive access, seamless user experiences, and unified identity management.

Last Updated: 
Oct 28, 2024

Equipment & Licensing  

Do You Offer Online Technology Purchases?

Yes, we offer Net Friends Quoter – an online technology purchasing service.

Last Updated: 
Oct 28, 2024

What is the Deployment Date in your contract?

The Deployment Date signifies the anticipated day when your equipment will be fully installed, configured, and operational at its designated location. This is only applicable for contracts where devices are deployed, such as NetCore Elements.

Last Updated: 
Oct 28, 2024

How Do You Support M365?

Net Friends is Microsoft partner, and we specialize in Microsoft 365 (M365) as our primary tech platform, though we can also support clients who use Google Workspace. We recommend the M365 Business Premium collaboration suite as the best option for small businesses.

Last Updated: 
Oct 28, 2024

Why Do You Recommend Business Premium For Small Businesses?

We recommend Microsoft 365 Business Premium for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs), seeking a powerful suite of tools without the hefty price tag.

Last Updated: 
Oct 28, 2024

How Do You Support Google Workspace?

Net Friends has dedicated experts available to provide support and help you harness the full potential of Google Workspace, thanks to a comprehensive approach that blends technical expertise with a deep understanding of business needs.

Last Updated: 
Oct 28, 2024

Can You Support Discounted Software Owned By Our Non-profit?

Yes! Net Friends works with a lot of non-profits and is well-equipped to support the software that your agency is using. We encourage non-profit organizations to purchase Microsoft products directly and utilize TechSoup for other products.

Last Updated: 
Oct 28, 2024

How Do We Purchase New Software Or Licenses?

There are two main categories of licenses, Microsoft 365 (M365) and Net Friends managed licenses. How each of those are handled varies slightly, but you can count on Net Friends to help you manage your licenses, so you have all the tools you need.

Last Updated: 
Oct 28, 2024

How Can You Purchase New Computers?

There are 2 primary ways to obtain a new device: through our customer support portal or by working directly with your Customer Success Manager (CSM).

Last Updated: 
Oct 28, 2024

Do You Manage Mac Computers?

Absolutely, we love working with Macs! Managing Mac computers is part of our expertise. In fact, 20% of our Net Friends team members prefer Macs for their day-to-day work. We support several hundred Macs for clients across multiple industries. We also have a team of experienced Mac specialists on hand, ready to address any technical issues that might arise.

Last Updated: 
Oct 28, 2024

Do you support out-of-date iOS systems?

No, we do not support out-of-date iOS versions. Apple regularly releases updates that include important security patches and performance enhancements. Using an outdated iOS leaves your device vulnerable to threats and can hinder its overall functionality.

Last Updated: 
Oct 28, 2024

What Equipment Is Typically Covered?

NetCore covers your network infrastructure: firewalls, switches, wireless access points, and uninterruptible power supply (UPS). This equipment makes up the core of your network, which all businesses rely on to function.

Last Updated: 
Oct 28, 2024

How Do You Maintain My Equipment?

As a NetCore customer, Net Friends will monitor and maintain your key infrastructure devices. These devices all require regular updates and health checkups. This process keeps the devices running at peak performance, utilizing the latest features, minimizing unplanned outages, and enhancing the overall security of the system.

Last Updated: 
Oct 28, 2024

Who Owns The Software And Technology You Manage For Us?

It varies, depending on the application. Each product has its own set of guidelines regarding ownership.

Last Updated: 
Oct 28, 2024

Why Does the Net Friends Service Contract Authorize its Employees to Accept Licensing Agreements on My Behalf?

We include this clause in our contract because it is our legal responsibility, and we want customers to be aware that it is happening.

Last Updated: 
Oct 28, 2024

What is Server Hardening?

Server hardening is the process of reducing a server’s exposure to cyber threats. It involves implementing a set of security measures to protect your servers from unauthorized access, data breaches, and other malicious activities. Hardening your server is like putting something together properly so it is sturdy, well assembled, and useful. Then it involves taking care of it to make sure that it is properly maintained.

Last Updated: 
Oct 28, 2024

How Can Net Friends Help Manage My Inventory?

Yes, we absolutely can manage your hardware and software inventory! Every month you will receive a report that details the status of all your devices. It provides you with information about the owner of the device, age, and warranty status. This information can be used to make decisions about what devices need to be replaced and when. It will show all the end-user devices and servers within your ecosystem. Additionally, we can provide this information upon request to meet your needs.

Last Updated: 
Oct 28, 2024

Can You Deploy Software For Us? 

Certainly! We can assist with deploying software as follows: routine software updates, new software deployment, and software removal.

Last Updated: 
Oct 28, 2024

Does NetVisor Include Support For Servers? 

Yes, NetVisor includes server support specifically for Windows-based servers as outlined in your contract. Our server support encompasses several key areas: routine maintenance, troubleshooting, security tools, and backups.

Last Updated: 
Oct 28, 2024

Are Workstations Regularly Maintained?

Absolutely, we ensure your workstations are operating at their best with regular computer maintenance, focusing on keeping your systems secure and up to date. Our service specializes in managing patches for Windows devices to maintain optimal performance and security. For Mac users, while we seamlessly deploy iOS updates through remote management tools, we empower users to update their applications, giving them control and flexibility over their software environment. This collaborative approach ensures all your devices remain current and perform efficiently.

Last Updated: 
Oct 28, 2024

Security & Compliance  

What is EDR and How Does it Work?

EDR, or Endpoint Detection and Response, is a cybersecurity solution used by Net Friends to protect client networks from cyberattacks.

Last Updated: 
Oct 28, 2024

What is the Cybersecurity Roadmap?

A cybersecurity roadmap is a report that outlines the steps your business should take to protect its digital assets and data.

Last Updated: 
Oct 28, 2024

What is NetSafe Strategy?

NetSafe Strategy empowers small businesses to strengthen their cybersecurity.

Last Updated: 
Oct 28, 2024

What Does a Chief Information Security Officer Do?

A Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) is a critical role for any organization, but the cost and specialized expertise often make it a luxury.

Last Updated: 
Oct 28, 2024

Why do small businesses need cybersecurity strategy?

Small businesses often face significant cybersecurity challenges due to limited resources and expertise. Without a well-thought-out plan, many adopt security measures that are inadequate or misaligned with their specific needs and risks.

Last Updated: 
Oct 28, 2024

Common Ways Attackers Compromise Small Businesses

Small businesses face a myriad of cyber threats, ranging from phishing and malware to ransomware and social engineering. Net Friends fortifies your business against these dangers: with phishing and smishing protection, malware defense, ransomeware recovery, Business Email Compromise (BEC) prevention, insider threat mitigation, and unintentional data disclosure reduction.

Last Updated: 
Oct 28, 2024

Does Net Friends Offer Cybersecurity Training?

We provide cybersecurity training through Hook Security, which incorporates thorough modules using easy-to-follow interactive training videos.

Last Updated: 
Oct 28, 2024

How Does Net Friends Protect Me from Cyberattacks?

The Net Friends approach to keeping businesses safe against cyberattacks follows the Safe Networks Philosophy, which is underpinned by the People, Process, and Technology (PPT) Framework. This approach begins with selecting the right Tech Stack. Additionally, we use vendor training for our IT experts to ensure they are on par with best practice processes for the specific software or tools.

Last Updated: 
Oct 28, 2024

Is Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) Safe?

Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) is a widely used tool for controlling computers remotely, particularly on Windows systems. It is important to use RDP with caution due to potential security vulnerabilities.

Last Updated: 
Oct 28, 2024

What are Types of Security Assessment?

Managed Service Providers (MSPs) like Net Friends offer a suite of security assessments, each designed to uncover and address different facets of cybersecurity vulnerabilities such as Risk Assessment, Vulnerability Scans, and Penetration Tests (Pen Tests).

Last Updated: 
Oct 28, 2024

Why Should My Business Perform A Risk Assessment?

A Risk Assessment is a comprehensive analysis that searches for potential threats and vulnerabilities within your systems. This evaluation plays a vital role in developing a robust cybersecurity strategy for your organization.

Last Updated: 
Oct 28, 2024

Why Should My Business Have a Penetration Test (PenTest)?

A Penetration Test (PenTest) is vital for businesses to identify and strengthen vulnerabilities in their computer systems. It involves a simulated cyberattack by experts using real-world tactics to uncover weak points where attackers could gain unauthorized access.

Last Updated: 
Oct 28, 2024

Why Should My Business Perform Vulnerability Scanning (VulScan)

Vulnerability Scanning (VulScan) is essential for businesses as it identifies weaknesses in your technology assets by scanning devices and software versions. This process results in a report highlighting vulnerabilities, helping businesses mitigate the risk of security incidents through timely updates and configurations.

Last Updated: 
Oct 28, 2024

What Security Vulnerabilities Does Net Friends Typically Find In Small Businesses?

Net Friends typically finds various security vulnerabilities in small businesses, which can be effectively addressed.

Last Updated: 
Oct 28, 2024

What is the Recommended Frequency Of the Risk Assessment?

Yearly. Every business benefit from regular, periodic evaluations of your most crucial assets.

Last Updated: 
Oct 28, 2024

Why Should You Perform a Risk Assessment?

Performing a Risk Assessment is not just a preventative measure; it is a strategic approach to supporting a secure, compliant, and efficient IT infrastructure. Read more for the key reasons for performing a Risk Assessment.

Last Updated: 
Oct 28, 2024

What Does Our Roadmap Include for Risk Identification and Remediation?

Our strategy includes in-depth evaluation of web applications, collaboration with key team members, and comprehensive risk analysis.

Last Updated: 
Oct 28, 2024

How Do We Scope and Focus Our Assessment Beyond Basic IT Infrastructure?

Our assessment looks beyond just your servers and cloud storage; we also evaluate essential web applications and consult key team members who use specialized software in your organization, as shown in our overview.

Last Updated: 
Oct 28, 2024

How Does Net Friends Prioritize Risk Assessment Reporting?

Our approach to risk assessment is comprehensive and action oriented. We believe in providing you with a clear plan for addressing vulnerabilities and mitigating risks in your IT environment.

Last Updated: 
Oct 28, 2024

Why Monitor Server Changes?

Actively monitoring your servers allows Net Friends to proactively address issues, improve security, and ensure the smooth operation of your IT infrastructure.

Last Updated: 
Oct 28, 2024