Managed IT services involve outsourcing your IT management to a third-party provider who takes responsibility for monitoring, maintaining, and securing your technology systems. There are many benefits to engaging with a managed services partner, and they can significantly improve your company's overall efficiency and bottom line. In this blog post, we'll explore the key advantages of using managed IT services, focusing on four key aspects: access to reliable experts, predictable IT costs, proactive patching, and the ability to focus on growing your business.

1) Gain Access to Reliable Experts Ready to Address Any Issues That Arise

One of the primary benefits of managed IT services is having a team of reliable experts at your disposal. IT systems can be complex and challenging to manage, especially when something goes wrong. Whether it's a server crash, network downtime, or a cyberattack, IT issues often require quick resolution to minimize disruptions to business operations. Add the ever-changing technology landscape and it can be difficult to keep up.

With managed IT services, you gain access to a team of experienced professionals who specialize in various areas of IT. These experts are equipped to handle any issues that arise, ensuring your systems stay up and running smoothly. Instead of scrambling to find solutions when problems occur, you can trust that your managed service provider (MSP) will handle the monitoring and troubleshooting for you.

MSP providers offer around-the-clock monitoring of your systems. This means they can detect potential issues before they become significant problems, often preventing downtime before it happens. This proactive approach not only reduces the number of disruptions to your business but also ensures that your IT infrastructure is always operating at its best.

2) Predictable IT Costs: Budgeting for the Future

Managing IT costs can be a headache for businesses, particularly when unexpected expenses arise. The need for equipment replacements, software upgrades, and emergency fixes can quickly drain your budget, leaving little room for other investments. However, managed IT services offer a solution to this unpredictability.

By outsourcing your IT needs to an MSP, your IT expenses become a predictable line item in your budget. Instead of facing surprise costs for unplanned technology upgrades or repairs, you pay a fixed monthly fee for ongoing support and services. This approach allows you to manage your IT spending more effectively and ensures that your business is always prepared for future technology needs.

Additionally, an MSP will work with you to forecast your IT requirements based on your business goals. Whether you plan to expand your workforce, open new locations, or launch new services, your managed IT provider can help you develop a strategic IT budget that aligns with your objectives. This helps you make informed decisions about when to invest in new technologies, and it ensures that your IT systems grow alongside your business.

3) Proactive Patching: Keeping Your Systems Secure

Cybersecurity threats are a growing concern for businesses of all sizes. Hackers are constantly developing new methods to exploit vulnerabilities in software and operating systems, putting your company’s data and reputation at risk. One of the most effective ways to protect your business from cyber threats is through proactive patching and patch management.

Proactive patching involves regularly applying updates and security fixes to your business’s servers, operating systems, and software. These patches help address known vulnerabilities, ensuring that your systems are secure and up to date. Failure to apply these updates leaves your systems exposed to the latest security threats, which could result in costly data breaches or system compromises.

With managed IT services, patch management is handled on your behalf. Your MSP will ensure that all necessary updates are applied promptly, so you never have to worry about falling behind on critical security patches. This proactive approach to cybersecurity not only protects your business but also saves you the hassle of manually managing updates or worrying about security risks.

4) Focus on Growing Your Business, Not Your IT Needs

One of the most significant advantages of outsourcing your IT management to a third-party provider is the ability to shift your focus from technical issues to more strategic business matters. When you're not bogged down by IT problems and maintenance tasks, you have more time and energy to focus on what truly matters—growing your business.

Whether it’s expanding your customer base, improving your products or services, or exploring new markets, the less time you spend thinking about IT, the more you can invest in the future of your company. With managed IT services, you can rely on a team of experts to handle the day-to-day management of your technology systems, freeing you up to focus on your core business activities.

Additionally, your MSP can offer valuable insights and advice on how to leverage technology to improve your business processes and achieve your goals. Whether it's recommending software tools to streamline operations or helping you adopt cloud-based solutions to increase flexibility, a good managed service provider acts as a trusted technology partner who can help guide your business to success.

The Strategic Advantage of Managed IT Services

In today’s competitive business landscape, having a robust and secure IT infrastructure is essential to success. Managed IT services offer businesses of all sizes a range of benefits, including access to reliable experts, predictable IT costs, proactive security patching, and the freedom to focus on strategic growth. By outsourcing your IT needs to a trusted provider, you can ensure that your technology systems are always running at their best, while also freeing up valuable resources to focus on what really matters—taking your business to the next level.

Whether you're looking to reduce IT headaches, improve security, or develop a long-term technology strategy, managed IT services offer a solution that can help your business thrive in an increasingly digital world.

Jason Hood

President, DMC Technology Group

Jason Hood brings over 30 years of IT leadership to DMC, having successfully guided companies through transformative business initiatives across a range of industries.

The post Why Outsourcing IT with DMC Technology Group Transforms Your Business appeared first on DMC Technology Group.

User and computer accounts lie at the heart of an Active Directory Domain, controlling who can log into the domain, from which computers, and with access to which resources. The Domain Controllers silently direct all of this traffic and do such a good job of staying "out of the way" that it's sometimes easy to forget about the underlying accounts and systems involved. As computers get replaced with new ones, the older computer object may remain in Active Directory for days, weeks, months or even years. In some cases, those computer accounts may be disabled, as happens when a computer is removed from the Domain. In other cases, the objects may simply continue to exist, untouched and forgotten about.

Similarly, user accounts may be disabled when people stop working for a company, but this is not always an automatic process, and it can sometimes be overlooked. This can lead to user accounts existing in the Domain for some time, often with a static password and with very little attention being paid to it. In cases where Entra Connect is being used to synchronize on-premises user and computer accounts with Entra ID, this can be particularly troubling. An enabled, but disused, user account can provide a possible entry point for malicious behavior.

Often flying even further under the RADAR, Group Policy Objects may be created for initial testing or used to perform a specific task, then forgotten about and left in place long after they've become irrelevant. In many cases, the settings contained in those policies are benign and unimportant, but a large number of applied and unnecessary Group Policy Objects can slow down Group Policy Processing on client computers and add unwanted network traffic between client computers and Domain Controllers. Group Policy issues become more likely, and potentially more disruptive, over many years as network administrators come and go. The combined efforts of several administrators over many years, combined with a reluctance to make changes to policies that are not fully understood, can lead to sprawl, complexity, and the potential for configuration issues on client computers and servers.

This can also be true of login scripts, which can "hide in plain sight" for years, without doing anything of any benefit. A legacy login script may be directing computers to map drives to servers and shares that no longer exist, or printers and print servers that haven't be in production for years. These scripts may be written to prevent error messages from appearing to the end user, but the time it takes to process invalid login script commands may increase login times.

Many companies also have a standard procedure for deploying new servers and computers, and this often involves the use of a standardized password for the local Administrator account. If that account is compromised on any one of the computers on the network, those same credentials can be used to remotely access other computers with the same username and password on them. This lateral movement can allow malicious software or hackers to move rapidly across the network, wreaking havoc and causing devastation as they go.

DMC Technology Group can help identify user and computer accounts that have not communicated with the domain for some time, which can help to identify those accounts that can be disabled or deleted from Active Directory. We can also assist with the implementation of Microsoft Defender for Identity, which can monitor the behavior on the local Domain, and alert administrators when dangerous or anomalous behavior is detected. We can help determine which Group Policy Objects and login scripts are still being used, and which are no longer relevant and can be removed from the network. To help prevent lateral movement, we can help install and configure the Local Administrator Password Service (LAPS) either on-premises using Active Directory or in the cloud, using Entra ID.

It's truly a testament to the longevity and effectiveness of Active Directory that we spend so little time thinking about the accounts, protocols and services that make it all work. But a little "Spring cleaning" now and then can help reduce the complexity of an Active Directory environment and streamline the communication process between client computers and their Domain Controllers. A few hours spent on this kind of tune-up now can yield benefits for months or years to come.

Jason Hood

President, DMC Technology Group

Jason Hood brings over 30 years of IT leadership to DMC, having successfully guided companies through transformative business initiatives across a range of industries.

The post Why Active Directory Domains Still Matter: The Overlooked Maintenance Tasks That Could Cost You appeared first on DMC Technology Group.

The Upgrade Process: Is Your System Ready?
Windows 11 introduces stricter hardware requirements compared to Windows 10. Before upgrading, devices need to be evaluated to ensure they meet the minimum system requirements. While modest, the system requirements include:

• Processor: A compatible 64-bit CPU with at least 1 GHz clock speed and 2 or more cores.
• RAM: 4 GB or more.
• Storage: 64 GB or larger storage device.
• TPM: Trusted Platform Module (TPM) version 2.0.
• Graphics Card: DirectX 12 compatible with a WDDM 2.0 driver.
• Display: A high-definition (720p) display, 9” or larger, with 8 bits per color channel.

Microsoft provides a PC Health Check tool to verify system compatibility. This tool is very handy for taking the guesswork out of matching up requirements, especially on shop floor systems, or newly purchased hardware that seems as though it should be compatible. If your device fails the PC Health Check tool, its clear checklist style readout will tell you where things went wrong, so certain issues can be addressed, such as insufficient disk space. However, for some errors, like an incompatible TPM chip or CPU, you simply won’t be able to upgrade that system to Windows 11, and you’ll need to plan for purchasing new hardware.

CPU Compatibility: A Major Roadblock
One of the most significant hurdles for users upgrading to Windows 11 is CPU compatibility. Windows 11 requires a relatively modern processor for compatibility with its newer security features, which excludes many CPUs that were perfectly capable of running Windows 10. For example, Intel 7th Gen processors and older, as well as AMD Ryzen 1st Gen processors, are not officially supported.

This has left some users frustrated, as their otherwise functional systems running Windows 10 perfectly fine, are deemed incompatible. For those systems that can’t be upgraded, but are considered business critical, Microsoft Extended Security Updates may be an option for the short term.

Increased Security in Windows 11
One of the most compelling reasons to upgrade to Windows 11 is its enhanced security features. Microsoft has made significant improvements to protect users from modern threats, including:

• Hardware-Based Security: Windows 11 requires TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot, which work together to protect against firmware-level attacks and ensure that only trusted software runs during startup.
• Windows Hello: Improved biometric authentication (fingerprint, facial recognition) for secure and convenient login.
• Microsoft Defender SmartScreen: Enhanced protection against phishing and malicious websites.
• Virtualization-Based Security (VBS): Isolates critical system processes in a virtualized environment to prevent malware from accessing sensitive data.
• Zero Trust Architecture: Windows 11 is designed with a Zero Trust approach, ensuring that users and devices are continuously verified before accessing resources.

These security enhancements make Windows 11 a more robust choice for both individuals and businesses, especially in an era of increasing cyber threats.

Legacy Software: The Hidden Pitfall
Another critical consideration is legacy software. Many businesses rely on older applications that may not be compatible with Windows 11. This is especially true for specialized software for interfacing with hardware like PLCs, or an aging ERP system that is no longer actively developed or maintained.

Before upgrading, businesses should work with a trusted IT Partner to assess their readiness for the upgrade to Windows 11 and do the following:

Check Software Compatibility: Verify with software vendors whether their applications are compatible with Windows 11, or if not, what the timeline for compatibility may be, so you can accurately assess business impact.

Test in a Virtual Environment or New System: Run Windows 11 in a virtual machine or on new hardware to test critical applications before committing user systems to the upgrade.

Explore Alternatives: If legacy software is incompatible, consider finding modern alternatives or running the software in a virtualized Windows 10 environment. Leverage the experience and technical expertise of your IT Services Partner to build a solution that keeps business running with minimal impact.

Failure to address legacy software compatibility can result in disrupted workflows, lost productivity, downtime, and unforeseen costs for software upgrades or additional vendor support.

Windows 10 End of Support: The Clock is Ticking
Microsoft has announced that Windows 10 will reach its end of support on October 14th, 2025. After this date, the operating system will no longer receive security updates, leaving systems vulnerable to new threats. This deadline underscores the importance of planning your upgrade to Windows 11 sooner rather than later.

For businesses, the end of support means they must either upgrade to Windows 11 or invest in extended security updates (ESUs) for Windows 10, which can be costly. While it may seem like October is a long way away, the reality is that there’s no better time to start working with your IT Partners on a plan for upgrading your hardware.

Extended Security Updates for Windows 10
For organizations that cannot immediately upgrade to Windows 11, Microsoft is expected to offer Extended Security Updates (ESUs) for Windows 10, similar to the program provided for Windows 7. These updates will provide critical security patches for up to three years after the end-of-support date, but they come at an additional cost. Businesses should weigh the cost of ESUs against the benefits of upgrading to Windows 11 to determine the best course of action.

Key Considerations Before Upgrading

• Backup Your Data: Always back up important files before performing a major upgrade. OneDrive folder syncing and a robust backup platform help to curb fears of a catastrophic loss of user files during an upgrade gone awry.
• Check Hardware Compatibility: Use the PC Health Check tool to ensure your device meets the requirements.
• Evaluate Software Dependencies: Identify and test critical applications for compatibility.
• Plan for Hardware Upgrades: If your system is incompatible, budget for new hardware that supports Windows 11.
• Stay Informed: Keep an eye on Microsoft’s announcements regarding updates and support deadlines.

Conclusion
Upgrading from Windows 10 to Windows 11 is a significant step that requires careful planning. While the new operating system offers many benefits—including enhanced security, a modern interface, and innovative features—the stricter hardware requirements and potential compatibility issues with legacy software can pose significant challenges. With the end of support for Windows 10 looming, now is the time to evaluate your systems, address any roadblocks, and prepare for the transition. By taking a proactive approach, you can ensure a smooth upgrade process and continue to enjoy a secure and efficient computing experience.

By addressing these key points, businesses can make informed decisions about upgrading to Windows 11 and avoid the pitfalls that come with these forced upgrades.

Failing to plan is always planning to fail, and DMC is here to partner with you as your trusted advisor in the perilous process of upgrading to Microsoft’s latest operating system. Please reach out and the DMC Technology Group experts can get to work!

Jason Hood

President, DMC Technology Group

Jason Hood brings over 30 years of IT leadership to DMC, having successfully guided companies through transformative business initiatives across a range of industries.

The post Upgrading from Windows 10 to Windows 11: What You Need to Know appeared first on DMC Technology Group.

Recently, I found myself deep in conversation with my Managed Service Provider (MSP) customers as we prepared for M365 license renewals. It struck me how much digital clutter accumulates over time, and how important it is to regularly step back and clean house.

Unnecessary Licenses

Take, for example, a client I worked with last year. They had dozens of unused M365 licenses assigned to former employees, shared mailboxes still hosting outdated project emails, and a web of transport rules so tangled it was a wonder any emails reached their destination at all. Sound familiar? If so, it might be time for a little IT spring cleaning.

The first step? License assignments. It is easy for organizations to accumulate unnecessary licenses, driving up costs without adding value. By reviewing and reallocating these, we were able to optimize spending and ensure every user had exactly what they needed—no more, no less.

Unused Mailboxes

Next, we turned our attention to user accounts. Over the years, old accounts piled up like digital dust bunnies, often with permissions still lingering long after their owners have moved on. We combed through active directory, removing or disabling inactive accounts, and tightening access controls to improve security.

Then came the mailboxes. You would not believe how many standalone and shared mailboxes we found that had not been accessed in months, sometimes years. We archived what we needed, deleted the rest, and refined permissions to keep things lean and manageable.

But the real revelation was in the group structures. So many teams had created ad hoc groups for one-off projects that never were cleaned up, leading to confusion and misrouted emails. By streamlining these groups, we restored clarity and efficiency to their communication workflows.

Updates to Email Security 

And of course, no IT cleanup is complete without a deep dive into email security. We reviewed forwarding rules and transport policies, shutting down any unauthorized forwarding and ensuring phishing protections were properly configured. SPAM filters got a tune-up, and unnecessary rules were pruned to prevent disruptions.

By the end of this process, my client’s M365 environment was running smoothly—no excess, no confusion, just a clean, efficient system ready for the months ahead. 

It was a reminder that IT hygiene, just like home cleaning, should be a regular habit rather than a once-a-year scramble.

So, when was the last time you gave your IT setup a good spring cleaning? If you have not done so recently, now’s the perfect time to start. 

Need help with your IT spring cleaning? Please reach out and the DMC Technology Group experts can get to work!

Jason Hood

President, DMC Technology Group

Jason Hood brings over 30 years of IT leadership to DMC, having successfully guided companies through transformative business initiatives across a range of industries.

The post Spring Cleaning for IT: A Fresh Start for Your M365 Environment appeared first on DMC Technology Group.