Technology
Tech Debt, A Silent Risk

A constant wave of innovation has reshaped every corner of business. Technological debt is the hidden cost of neglecting routine IT maintenance and upgrades.

Cybersecurity
What To Do If You're Denied Cybersecurity Insurance?

Explore the 5 common reasons why businesses are denied cybersecurity insurance and what you can do if you are facing one of these scenarios.

Cybersecurity
Level Up Your Cybersecurity with Game Night

How prepared is your team for a real cyberattack? This innovative card game simulates a cyberattack, so you can learn how to defend against real-world threats.

Business Strategy
Are You Ready for a HIPAA Audit?

The Office for Civil Rights (OCR) recently announced that they will resume HIPAA compliance audits in 2024.

Managed IT Services
Top 4 Things to Consider When Building an IT Budget

A well-planned IT budget is not just about numbers; it is about making informed decisions to fuel your company's long-term success.

Managed IT Services
Why Partnering With An MSP Can Be Your Game-Changer

Looking for an MSP partner? Discover how Net Friends stands out, offering a wide range of IT services tailored to support your operations.

Business Strategy
2024 Outlook with Net Friends CEO

"As I look ahead to another awesome year in business, I see 2024 as a deeply collaborative year with high levels of engagement," John remarks.

Managed IT Services
Secure Your Business with Automated Device Offboarding

Employee offboarding is a critical, yet often overlooked, aspect of the HR process. Managing offboarding through an automated system can simplify the process.

Business Strategy
Top 4 Qualities to Look for in a vCIO

Discover the essential traits to look for in a Virtual Chief Information Officer (vCIO) to unlock greater business growth.

Business Strategy
Decoding the Four Chief Information Officer (CIO) Archetypes

Navigating the sometimes-seismic shifts in technology is no small feat, and that's why companies turn to a CIO to guide the way.

Business Strategy
Boosting Business Success with a Virtual CIO (vCIO)

A full-time CIO comes with a high salary that is not practical for a small business. What can a business do to close the gap?

Business Strategy
How Neelesh Patel Became Partner at Net Friends

Net Friends CEO, John Snyder, shares from his perspective how Neelesh Patel came to be his business partner.

News
Net Friends Receives SOC 2 Type II Attestation for Fourth Consecutive Year

Net Friends, Inc. announces it has completed its fourth annual SOC 2 Type II audit, performed by KirkpatrickPrice.

Business Strategy
Why You Need Technology Business Reviews

Technology Business Reviews play a powerful role in enabling decision-makers to limit unnecessary expenses and reallocate resources to promising IT initiatives.

Cybersecurity
5 Tips to Improve Your Cybersecurity Culture

Empower your employees to contribute to a robust cybersecurity culture that promotes security awareness, compliance, and incident response.

Business Strategy
Why Businesses Are Switching from CapEx to OpEx for their IT Investments

Is it better to buy your IT assets outright or lease them? Let's examine capital expenses vs. operating expenses, and how OpEx can optimize your IT budget.

Business Strategy
Pro-Tips for the SMB's Digital Transformation Journey

Digital transformation is no longer exclusive to enterprise organizations seeking a competitive edge; SMBs are embracing it to improve core business functions.

Business Strategy
2023 Strategic Priorities with Net Friends CEO

"All in all, being the Best MSP in 2023 is already more achievable given the groundwork we’ve accomplished in 2022," John Snyder shares.

Business Strategy
2022 in Retrospect with Net Friends President

In 2022, Net Friends increased growth by a staggering 43%—an extraordinary feat that not only sets a new bar for Net Friends, but for all MSPs in our area.

Business Strategy
ChatGPT and Our MSP

A new interactive artificial intelligence (AI) tool called ChatGPT captivated my team this week and this is how we're experimenting with it.

Business Strategy
Embracing A Schism to Clarify Our Mission

As Net Friends approached 10 years in business, the company became alarmingly fractious. However, the decisions we had to make led us straight into new growth.

Business Strategy
5 Business Decisions to Make Before Your Azure Deployment

Creating a new Microsoft Azure deployment is a relatively straightforward process. However, a business needs to consider a few key decisions first.

Cybersecurity
How We Developed Our Approach to Security

Our cybersecurity culture is deeply informed by our vision for Universal Safe Networks and our commitment to help businesses fortify their security.

Cybersecurity
Zero Cost Security Improvements to Protect Your Business

Nearly 1 out of 4 small businesses suffered at least one cyber attack last year. Discover cost free protections you can implement now to improve your security.

Business Strategy
Top 4 Tips to Prepare Your Technology for Hurricane Season

With an above-average hurricane season ahead of us this year, now is the time to prepare for any adverse weather that could impact your business.

Cybersecurity
How to Secure the Best Price for Cyber Insurance

Well-run businesses in high-risk industries have lots of sensitive records & are going to actively seek cybersecurity liability coverage to offset their risks.

Managed IT Services
Top 7 Signs That Your IT Isn't Working

The drive to be a dominant player in your market requires leveraging the latest tech innovations. Your IT should make you more competitive, not hold you back.

Business Strategy
‍How Anywhere Operations Improves Customer Experiences

Anywhere Operations yields many benefits for companies that adopt the model. Let’s explore how it also enhances customer experiences.

Managed IT Services
6 Critical Factors Overlooked When Choosing a Managed Services Provider

Hiring a Managed Services Provider (MSP) is a significant decision. Most businesses take one of three approaches, yet overlook a few key consideration factors.

Cybersecurity
What Does Cyber Insurance NOT Cover?

While cybersecurity insurance helps alleviate the financial risks and burden of doing business online, there are liability limitations to this type of policy.

Cybersecurity
What Is Cyber Insurance & What Does It Cover?

Cybersecurity insurance is a contract that the policyholder purchases to help reduce the financial risks of doing business online. Learn about cyber liability.

Managed IT Services
Patch Management: Why Your Business Needs It

Patch management is crucial to ensure business continuity. Learn more about how software patching can safeguard your organization.

Managed IT Services
Top 5 Reasons Why Zero-Touch Provisioning (ZTP) is Critical to Anywhere Operations

Anywhere Operations is the new preferred work model. Let’s explore how zero-touch provisioning (ZTP) facilitates quick, easy, and safe remote work processes.

Business Strategy
How to Update Your IT Budget When Switching from CapEx to OpEx

Companies are switching their mode of IT investments from CapEx to OpEx. Discover how to adjust your IT budget to support the switch to OpEx.

Managed IT Services
Top 7 Reasons Businesses Switch to OpEx for IT Investments

Anywhere Operations requires significant IT investments. Explore why businesses prefer Operating Expenses (OpEx) for powering Anywhere Operations.

Managed IT Services
Top 5 Critical IT Projects for Small Businesses

Small businesses need to keep up with digital transformation to thrive. Let’s discuss four critical IT projects that can boost your success.

Business Strategy
Tips for Adapting Your Business Continuity Plan for Anywhere Operations

Remote and hybrid work models are here to stay. Discover how Anywhere Operations can enhance your business continuity plan for sustainable growth.

Business Strategy
Top 5 Reasons a Business Continuity Plan is Critical

A business continuity plan is crucial for your company’s risk mitigation strategies. Let’s consider the top benefits of this risk management tool.

Managed IT Services
Solving the Cloud Transition & Security Challenge

Learn more about NetVisor Architect, our solution for IT projects that assist in cloud transitions and modernizing your operations to improve business.

Technology
Top 12 Technology Buzzwords Every Small Business Should Know

Every SMB needs to innovate to thrive in the marketplace. Technology buzzwords also hold value in helping SMBs position for greater competitiveness.

News
Net Friends Leadership Team Certified in IT Service Management

As of April 2022, all eight individuals on Net Friends’ Leadership Team achieved their certification in IT Service Management (ITIL).

Cybersecurity
What is a Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB)?

As more companies adopt cloud applications, there is a need for greater cloud security. Discover how a CASB can help with your IT security policies.

Business Strategy
5 Ways for Small Businesses to Invest in Sustainable IT

Green IT helps businesses save on costs while preserving the environment. Let’s consider a few sustainable IT projects that companies can implement.

Business Strategy
Top 13 Employee Onboarding Tips for Anywhere Operations

Anywhere Operations is the new frontier for work. Let’s discuss the top employee onboarding training tips to maximize performance and growth.

Managed IT Services
Addressing IT Talent Attrition with On-Demand IT Staffing

Choosing to go the outsourced IT staffing route eases the burden on your current IT department.

Cybersecurity
IT Security Tips for Employee Offboarding

In 2021, it was reported that 1 in 4 employees still had access to company files of a previous employer. Discover our IT pro-tips for employee offboarding.

Business Strategy
Beyond the Hybrid Work Model with Anywhere Operations

By 2023, approximately 40% of organizations are predicted to transition towards Anywhere Operations.

News
Net Friends Receives SOC 2 Type II Attestation for Third Year, Adding Confidentiality Trust Services Criteria

“By engaging in the SOC 2 Type II audit every year, we are motivated by transparency and accountability,” said John Snyder, CEO of Net Friends.

Business Strategy
Top 5 Strategies for Managing a Hybrid Workplace

Anywhere Operations and the hybrid work model are the new normal. Let’s explore the top five management strategies for today's hybrid workplace.

Business Strategy
How to Budget for Anywhere Operations

The new normal requires adopting an Anywhere Operations model. Let’s explore the top budget areas that will help your company work from anywhere.

Business Strategy
5 Mistakes to Avoid When Adopting Anywhere Operations

Optimizing the Anywhere Operations model in your organization will yield several benefits, yet there are some common pitfalls to avoid. Let’s explore them!

Business Strategy
Top 5 Policies to Consider for Anywhere Operations

Anywhere Operations represent the new normal for business operations. Let’s explore the top five critical policies necessary for its adoption.

Business Strategy
18 Questions to Ask When Adopting Anywhere Operations

Anywhere Operations has emerged as a leading work model. Discover the key questions to ask your stakeholders before you adopt it.

Business Strategy
Top 7 Benefits of Anywhere Operations

The advantages of Anywhere Operations not only create a compelling business case for enhancing your company’s performance, but they can help you make an impact.

Business Strategy
Are You Ready for Anywhere Operations?

While "Work from Anywhere" is a common term, let's explore the future of "Anywhere Operations" and its implications for small businesses.

Managed IT Services
Navigating Microsoft Licensing Complexities for Our Customers

Two recent Microsoft licensing developments will impact how businesses obtain their subscriptions. Here is how we're navigating it on behalf of our customers.

News
Net Friends Owner John Snyder Named to National Small Business Association’s Leadership Council

NSBA’s Leadership Council to Advise Policymakers in Washington DC on Interests of Small Businesses

Business Strategy
2021 in Retrospect with Net Friends President

An end-of-year letter from Neelesh Patel, Net Friends President, about our Customer Success and Growth in 2021.

Business Strategy
2021 in Retrospect with Net Friends CEO

A 2021 reflection and end-of-year letter from John Snyder, Net Friends CEO.

Managed IT Services
Top 10 KPIs Your IT Provider Should Be Tracking

How do measure the success of your Managed IT Services Provider? By tracking their key performance indicators. These are the top KPIs your MSP should report on.

Business Strategy
A Tech CEO’s Shortcut to Business Impact Analysis (BIA)

Most businesses don’t have the luxury of conducting a formal Business Impact Analysis. Here's a BIA shortcut for your everyday business decisions.

Technology
5 Notable Microsoft Windows 11 Features for Business Productivity

Windows 11 is the latest release in the Microsoft Windows operating system. Here's our list of 5 notable features that increase business productivity.

Business Strategy
Top Creative Uses for Your Technology Roadmap

Leverage your Technology Roadmap in new ways by exploring its greater potential and unlock even more business growth.

Business Strategy
How to Maximize the Value of Your Technology Roadmap

Your Technology Roadmap is only as powerful as you allow it to be when you regularly consult it with your internal stakeholders to advance your goals.

Business Strategy
How to Capture IT Costs on Your Technology Roadmap

The Technology Roadmap should be a close companion to your IT Budget. Discover pro-tips from Net Friends on how to better capture your IT spending.

Business Strategy
How to Leverage Lists to Build Your Technology Roadmap

When targeting your desired outcomes is too difficult, try this brainstorming exercise to help you move forward with building your Technology Roadmap.

Technology
The First Cornerstone to Safe Network Design: Technology Stack

By cementing your Technology Stack from the onset, you dodge disruptions such as frequently recycling technology solutions and upending operational processes.

Business Strategy
Why Your Business Needs A Technology Roadmap

A Technology Roadmap will help any decision-maker capture a visual reference of the technology plans and enhancements that will drive their business forward.

Business Strategy
The Ultimate Guide to Technology Roadmaps

Discover a powerful tool that can help you capture your technology goals and scale your business. A Technology Roadmap is your IT Budget's missing companion.

Business Strategy
A Tech CEO's "Return to Office" Plan

Net Friends CEO John Snyder shares his motivations to create a demand-driven facility for his company to use as needed to collaborate and enrich their work.

Cybersecurity
What Does An MSSP Do For Your Business?

A mature MSSP is your preferred strategic partner for implementing a robust cybersecurity program that aligns with your business operations.

Technology
Why You Don't Need Another On-Prem Server

Cloud providers are constantly upgrading their services to adhere to the latest industry standards and regulatory requirements to offer unprecedented security.

Business Strategy
IT Grants 101: How An MSP Can Help You Secure IT Grants

Do you need grant funding for your IT? Unsure about how to acquire and maximize IT grants? Explore how a Managed IT Services Provider can help you!

Cybersecurity
How We Sustained Our Security Culture

At Net Friends, we have a long history of improving our cybersecurity posture and applying it to our services to promote secure environments for our customers.

Managed IT Services
Why You Need More Than A Break/Fix IT Partner

A Managed Services Provider gives your SMB access to several outsourced IT services at a predictable and affordable cost.

Business Strategy
How Net Friends Updates Our Contracts

At Net Friends, we regularly review our contracts to revise wording that is ambiguous, update service features, and assess how we can address risk exposure.

Technology
Top 7 Reasons Why Your Business Needs Microsoft 365 OneDrive

Microsoft 365 OneDrive (Business Premium) is the best cloud-based file storage and sharing solution. Explore the business benefits of this powerful tool.

Q&A with Bob Casey, Senior Business Advisor

Meet Bob Casey, our Senior Business Advisor. Did you know that Bob spent a month in his twenties on his bicycle, riding across Europe?

Technology
Creating a Media Disposal Policy for Remote Workers

Treatment of end-of-life devices requires policies for thorough data sanitization before e-waste recycling and disposal, especially with a remote workforce.

Business Strategy
Why Net Friends Relies on “Natural Language” Contracts

Net Friends aims to use "natural language" in our contracts, because we believe that they should be understood by the people who sign them.

Business Strategy
Top 8 Things to Include in Your IT Budget in 2021

Does your company have an IT budget? What are your tech spending categories? Keep reading for great insights on what should be included.

Business Strategy
What Should A CFO Know About IT? Q&A with Fourlane CFO Cynthia Hemingway

We interviewed Cynthia Hemingway, the Chief Financial Officer for Fourlane, about her perspective on being both a provider and consumer of IT.

Managed IT Services
How A Managed Services Provider Can Help You Manage Your IT Budget

Trying to keep IT costs low, or prioritize a fixed monthly cost? Let’s discuss how a managed IT services provider can help you manage your IT budget.

Business Strategy
A Tech CEO Shares 4 Lessons Learned the Hard Way

Net Friends CEO, John Snyder, shares hard-won knowledge to help others in business find a shorter path to success.

Business Strategy
A Tech CEO Shares 4 Lessons Learned the Hard Way (Part 2)

John Snyder, CEO of Net Friends, shares valuable insights gained from experience to help others in business achieve success more quickly.

News
Net Friends Receives SOC 2 Type II Attestation for Second Year in A Row

‍Independent Audit Verifies Net Friends’ Internal Controls and Processes

Business Strategy
Our Deep History With Developers

After years of parallel growth with our software sister company, we became a stronger business with greater clarity and focus on our best-in-class IT solutions.

Cybersecurity
How We Became HIPAA Experts

The story of how we went from a scrappy group of six technicians at Duke to a radically innovative IT partner that brought HIPAA expertise to the table.

Managed IT Services
Choosing Your IT Decision-Maker and Making the Outsourcing Decision

Who should be the IT decision-maker in your business? How do you decide whether to outsource or hire for your IT needs?

Cybersecurity
Leakware: The New Ransomware Targeting Hospitals, Law Firms, and... You?

The primary lever of extortion in leakware is to threaten to release a target’s confidential data. Here's how you can protect yourself against these attacks.

Business Strategy
4 Things a Tech CEO is Looking for in a New Hire

With over 15 years of hiring perspective, John Snyder, Net Friends CEO, shares his thoughts on the common traits he looks for when hiring new talent.

Managed IT Services
The Benefits of Hiring An Outsourced IT Company

Small and medium-sized businesses often hire managed IT service providers to reduce costs and leverage external expertise, assets, & direct vendor partnerships.

Technology
How Our Passion for Cortex XDR Paid Off

When we discovered Cortex XDR as the best detection & response tool on the market, we knew we'd do everything we could to create access to it for our customers.

Business Strategy
Our First Entrepreneurial Steps

How our Founder, David, fostered a culture of entrepreneurialism and experimentation that few IT Support companies have pursued...

Business Strategy
Top 5 IT Budget Questions to Consider in 2021

A typical small business' IT budget should be somewhere between 3-7% of its total revenue. Here are 5 key questions to consider before investing in your IT.

Life At Net Friends
Our 6-Month Head Start on the Pandemic

How on earth did we “predict” the pandemic? All “Back to the Future” jokes aside, the simple fact is we didn’t predict anything. What we did was more practical.

Business Strategy
"You're Doing It Wrong" Podcast Episode on The Reluctant Visionary

Business coach Mark Henderson Leary is the podcast host of "You're Doing It Wrong," where he interviewed John Snyder about implementing EOS at Net Friends.

Managed IT Services
How We Built Our Technology Stack: A Palo Alto Networks Case Study

Establishing our Palo Alto Networks partner status allowed us to differentiate ourselves as an MSP and MSSP in the local and regional market.

Life At Net Friends
What A Teacher Taught Us

In 2016, we hired a former educator with a Masters in curriculum development and instruction to join our team as our first Training Coordinator.

Managed IT Services
How We Apply Continual Improvement to IT

This battle-tested process is what lets us give our NetVisor customers a single monthly rate, guaranteed for up to three years.

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