EPK Solutions Blog | Westminster, CO Area

Microsoft is giving Windows 10 a Gold Watch Retirement Party

Fri, 27 Dec 2024 20:11:00 GMT

It’s been a loyal servant for the past ten years. Released in 2015, rock-solid, without major issues, it’s been running our computers for almost a decade. It’s been a stable operating system in our offices and lives. As with all good operating systems & things, they must come to an end. Microsoft has set that date.

On October 14, 2025 , Microsoft will stop supporting and delivering security updates unless you purchase extended support for Windows 10 for each machine. Microsoft estimates that there are 240 million computers that are unable to be upgraded from Windows 10 to Windows 11.

Why does this matter? – Outdated PCs can lead to data breeches, and hinder productivity due to compatibility issues with newer software.

What’s should you do? – If you’re not sure about the status of the computers in your office, let’s have a conversation. You have options and we’re here to help you design a plan to keep your business safe.

Call us today at 303-395-3314 or email us at engagewithus@epk-solutions.com

Time to Look for a New MSP

Mon, 21 Oct 2024 16:49:00 GMT

In today’s fast-paced digital landscape, businesses rely heavily on their IT infrastructure. With two months to go until the new year, the right time to evaluate your current provider and consider a new one is right now. Here are 5 questions to ask yourself about your IT:

3. Scalability Needs: As your business grows, so do your IT needs. An MSP that can’t scale with your business can become a liability. Is your MSP keeping up with the flexible solutions you need to address evolving requirements? If there’s any question, let’s talk about it.

4. Cost Efficiency: While changing MSPs might seem daunting, typically during the discovery phase of the transition, your new MSP will likely uncover hidden areas of vulnerability and find new cost savings that are available to you. Is your current MSP always looking for ways to save you money on your IT spend? At EPK-Solutions, we will always strive to offer competitive pricing, better service packages, or more efficient solutions that reduce your overall IT expenditure.

5. Customer Service: Excellent customer service is non-negotiable. If your current MSP is unresponsive or fails to meet your expectations, have you considered the additional cost in staff productivity, frustration and morale that poor customer service is taking on your business? Let EPK-Solutions show you what good customer service is.

In conclusion, evaluate your current MSP over the next two months and consider how a new one can significantly impact your business’s success. EPK- Solutions is looking to take on new clients heading into 2025 and beyond. Don’t wait until issues arise—be proactive and ensure your IT infrastructure is in the best hands.

Contact EPK-Solutions today to discover how we can elevate your IT experience and drive your business forward.

Phone# 303-395-3314

Email: engagewithus@epk-solutions.com

SD-WAN+SASE: Simplifying Networks for the Future

Tue, 23 Jul 2024 16:22:00 GMT

1. Cost Savings: Traditional WANs can be expensive to maintain. SD-WAN + SASE optimizes traffic, reduces reliance on expensive MPLS lines, and leverages affordable broadband connections. Say goodbye to overpriced circuits!

2. Agility and Flexibility : SD-WAN + SASE adapts to your changing needs. Whether you’re opening a new branch or expanding globally, it scales effortlessly. Plus, it supports multiple transport options, including 4G/5G, broadband, and MPLS.

3. Enhanced Security: Security is paramount. SD-WAN+SASE provides end-to-end encryption, application-aware policies, and zero-trust access. Protect your data without compromising performance.

4. Application Performance : SD-WAN+SASE intelligently routes traffic based on application requirements. Video conferencing? Prioritized. Email? Efficiently handled. It’s like having a traffic controller for your network.

5. C entralized Management: No more juggling configurations across different devices. SD-WAN+SASE centralizes management, allowing you to monitor, troubleshoot, and optimize from a single dashboard.

Why Choose EPK-Solutions?

At EPK-Solutions, we’re passionate about empowering businesses with cutting-edge networking solutions. Our team of experts specializes in SD-WAN+SASE deployment, optimization, and ongoing support. Here’s what we offer:

1. T ailored Solutions : We understand that every business is unique. Our experts work closely with you to design an SD-WAN+SASE solution that aligns with your specific needs.

2. Smooth Transitio n: Worried about migrating from your existing network? Fear not! EPK-Solutions ensures a seamless transition, minimizing disruption to your operations.

3. Constant Network Monitoring : Network issues don’t follow a 9-to-5 schedule. Our round-the-clock monitoring ensures that your network remains visible so we can support you, no matter time it is where you are.

Ready to Transform Your Network?

Contact EPK-Solutions today to explore the world of SD-WAN+SASE. Unlock agility, security, and cost savings. Your network will thank you!

Phone: 303-395-3314

Email: engagewithus@epk-solutions.com

Why Does a Business Switch Managed Service Providers (MSPs)? Here’s a Hint

Wed, 01 May 2024 16:20:00 GMT

1. **Cost Considerations**: The primary factor leading businesses to consider changing their MSP is cost. Many businesses view technology as a cost center, essential for planning, implementing, and supporting technology needs but not directly tied to revenue generation.

2. **The Tipping Point**: An event or situation may arise that pushes the business to its limits, compelling it to seek a change. This “last straw” can trigger a decision to find a new MSP.

3. **Feeling Neglected**: Clients often report dissatisfaction due to the lack of timely responses and poor communication from their MSP. This perception of being constantly sidelined can drive the desire for a change.

4. **Unresolved Issues**: Encountering problems is expected, but issues that remain unresolved can create feelings of being disregarded or overlooked. Businesses question the value of maintaining a partnership that leaves them feeling neglected.

5. **Attractive Value Proposition**: An MSP might present an offer that seems too beneficial to refuse. While cost is a significant factor here, businesses are cautioned to ensure that the services offered align with their needs to avoid disappointingly basic or inadequate solutions.

6. **Exploring the Benefits**: Companies new to outsourcing IT support may decide to switch to an MSP in hopes of experiencing improved service and achieving a more robust IT infrastructure.

7. **Need for Future-ready Advice**: With the business climate evolving rapidly, businesses may seek a new MSP that offers strategic guidance and recommendations to keep pace with changes and future-proof their operations.

8. **Intuitive Doubts**: Sometimes, a general sense of dissatisfaction or concern about the current state of IT services, even without specific incidents, can motivate businesses to consider a switch. This gut feeling that “there must be something better” can be a powerful motivator.

If any of these issues are issues that you are facing, EPK Solutions can step up and step in to provide you with the services you need. Let’s start with a conversation. Tell us why you’re thinking about changing MSPs.

Phone: 303-395-3314

Email: engagewithus@epk-solutions.com

Changing Your MSP, Now’s the Time

Fri, 01 Dec 2023 17:21:00 GMT

December and January are the perfect months for changing Managed Service Providers (MSPs). During this time of year, many businesses are busy setting goals for the new year. This is the time to ask yourself if you’re getting the most out of your current MSP.

If the answer is maybe or no were not, then perhaps a classic pros and cons list could be a good place to start. Begin by identifying what your pain points are, then take the second step and evaluate potential replacements. Another good place to start is by polling your staff to find out if they have concerns about the service they are receiving from your current provider. If the answer is yes or, it could be better, it’s probably time to consider a change.

At this time of year, organizations can request proposals from different vendors, compare costs and services, hold informative conversations with potential vendors to discuss options and see how the services will address the organization’s needs. Furthermore, the holiday season offers plenty of downtime that organizations can use to read reviews and research MSPs, as well as take their time when making decisions. Finally, the ability to utilize the holiday season to change MSPs allows businesses to plan and execute the transition so they can start the fiscal year with a fresh start.

We all love a fresh start. Take advantage of the downtime during this time of year and use it to evaluate the options for your business. Not sure where to start? Contact EPK Solutions today and let’s have a business conversation about your pain points and see if we’re a good fit to step in and make a difference for your business.

Phone# 303-395-3314

Email: engagewithus@epk-solutions.com

Text Messaging as a Service for Your Business

Wed, 04 Oct 2023 17:53:00 GMT

Text messaging (SMS) is an incredibly powerful, yet underutilized tool for effectively engaging current customers. Think of appt reminders for Chiropractors, Dentists, Doctors, Auto Dealerships, or any Service Industry. Through SMS, businesses can create personalized messages to those who opt-in to their mailing lists, helping to develop a strong customer relationship. This kind of direct marketing has been incredibly successful for businesses both large and small, and it can help you rapidly corner a desired demographic.

The statistics for using SMS to communicate with customers looks like this: 99% is the average open rate for test messages sent, 89% is the percentage who have their smartphone easily accessible, 45% is the average response rate to text messaging. With no monthly contracts, no need for integration with your current communication system, and no maximums on the number of SMS messages sent, how can you ignore this valuable channel to communicate with your prospects & customers?

In addition, using SMS, you can confirm existing appointments, increase people’s interest in your products or services, inform them about promotions and discounts, give them special offers, and even ask them for feedback. Plus, SMS doesn’t require any hefty upfront investment, and it increases customer engagement (talk to your customers using the medium that they’re most comfortable with.)

*****Bonus Fact: SMS doesn’t require customers to give up their personal information, making them more comfortable with the information being shared.

In today’s business environment, it’s important to have effective SMS communications in place. If you’ve always wanted to have SMS communications for your business but you’re not sure what to do, contact EPK-Solutions today to find out how to maximize the use of SMS for your business.

Phone: 303-395-3314

Email: engagewithus@epk-solutions.com

The Cost of Inaction to Your Business

Wed, 27 Sep 2023 19:50:00 GMT

We all know that inaction can have disastrous results, acting on any issue, big or small, is an important part of life or business that can help us to avoid many pitfalls. The cost of not doing something can be far higher than expected and in many cases far more damaging than acting.

The consequences of inaction will often leave a business crippled without a plan or a coping mechanism to handle a situation. Problems left unsolved typically lead to a further buildup of complications. Businesses cannot afford to sit back and do nothing because the results will likely be things like an economic downturn, health/safety issues, missed opportunities, missed deadlines, reduction in customers, lost revenue, and loss of your competitive edge.

We are entering a busy season for many businesses and a slow season for others. If your business is retail, now is the time to be sure that your point of sales systems are updated and ready to handle the coming throng of transactions? Is your staff fully trained? Is the security on your registers up to date? Can you verify that your customer’s data will be safe?

EPK-Solutions is ready to help you be prepared for the coming busy season and beyond. We currently support single location retailers and multi-location retailers and it’s our job to help make sure you’re ready to enjoy the success you’ve worked so hard for. To use an often-heard cliché, “Your success is our success”.

If you happen to be moving into a slower portion of your season, now is an ideal time to do a review of your systems, EPK can perform a thorough analysis and make recommendations and changes to your infrastructure so that you’re prepared for when your business begins to pick up steam again.

Inaction is nothing to scoff at, and its consequences should not be underestimated. Busy season, slow season, whatever season, business waits for no-one. Act today and contact EPK so we can make sure you’re prepared for success.

Phone: 303-395-3314

Email: engagewithus@epk-solutions.com

EPK Solutions is Now a Fortinet Partner

Mon, 25 Sep 2023 17:14:00 GMT

EPK Solutions is proud to announce that we are now Fortinet partners and we’re positioned to help you with any Fortinet needs that you may have. Here’s a little video that explains, for anyone who’s not really sure, what a firewall does. (6 minute watch) It’s a nice overview for anyone who’s not the most tech-savvy person but is curious. If you have more questions or need some help with your Fortinet, reach out to us today, we’re here to help.

7 Tips for Reducing Technology Downtime

Thu, 14 Sep 2023 19:18:00 GMT

Technology downtime is a major source of revenue loss in the business world. Here are seven ways to reduce the risk of downtime and ensure that your business is prepared for any digital emergency.

1. Have a Disaster Recovery Plan: Making sure that there is a plan in place to remain in operation and have the company’s data protected is crucial for a business to sustain itself in times of unexpected loss of data. A Disaster Recovery Plan should include an executable series of procedures that the organization will undertake when the main data center fails. EPK can help you draft one.

2. Update Hardware/Software: Outdated hardware/software is vulnerable to cyber-attacks and viruses. Make sure that you keep up with the tracking of new software versions and upgrade any hardware/software needed for your systems before any issues arise. EPK Solutions can make this something you don’t even need to think about. Find out how.

3. Invest in Cyber Liability Insurance: Cyber Liability Insurance coverage helps protect your company from losses stemming from data breaches, stolen data, technical malfunctions, and other issues. Most programs include a Rapid Incident Response Team that if you’re in trouble, they can help your business quickly respond to a large variety of cyber related issues. These teams can shrink the impact of any incident that might occur. We can assist you and guide you through the process of right sizing a policy that’s a fit for your business. Reach out to us and let us help.

4. Utilize Backup Systems: Having an automatic system to back up your data is essential for any business. It helps guarantee the security of your company’s data in case of an emergency situation. Don’t forget to include both on-premise systems and cloud services, including both Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace. Don’t wonder if you’re covered, Let EPK Solutions ensure your data is backed up and secure.

5. Install Firewalls and Encryption: Using firewalls and encryption can protect your data from being accessed without authorization. This is an important mistake for any business to avoid, as the loss of data can cause major disruptions in workflow. It’s completely unnecessary. You may have a firewall or be using encryption already, but are you sure your firewall is properly configured? We’re ready to help you decipher your end-to-end data access policies to make sure you’re safe.

6. Educate Employees on Cyber Security: Training and workshops for your employees on cyber security is another key step in protecting your data. Creating human firewalls within your company will raise their awareness of common cyber threats and tactics and will help prevent any malicious activities that affect downtime. EPK Solutions has great programs to help with this. Just reach out for more information.

7. Hire an IT Professional: Having a professional IT services provider like EPK Solutions managing your systems and data is the best way to minimize the risk of downtime. As skilled IT professionals, we will be able to provide you with comprehensive solutions for any issues you may encounter.

If your business has suffered from technology downtime, make sure to reach out to EPK Solutions today. With our experienced IT professionals, EPK Solutions can customize a plan that fits your business’s needs in order to reduce your risk of further downtime. Contact EPK Solutions today to start protecting your data and your business.

Phone: 303-395-3314

Email: engagewithus@epk-solutions.com

The MSP & The Quickly Changing World of Technology

Fri, 08 Sep 2023 16:31:00 GMT

The world of tech is rapidly evolving. As technology moves forward, businesses of all sizes are turning to Managed Service Providers (MSPs) like EPK Solutions to help them keep up.

EPK Solutions can provide a full range of IT services that can be tailored to fit the individual needs of any business. We provide services like helpdesk, co-managed IT, server & network monitoring, consulting, and cloud solutions. EPK can provide the right mix of services that will improve the efficiency and effectiveness of most any organization.

Today, MSPs provide expertise on the technologies that are driving innovation and collaboration in the business world. With our skilled staff, EPK can help organizations with project work implementing those new technologies to provide a business with the edge they need to succeed. EPK will also work with businesses to keep their existing software and hardware up to date. This ensures that businesses remain efficient, reduce costs, and maintain a high-level of data security.

As cloud technology has become the new normal, having an experienced partner to help manage cloud costs and application overlap can be invaluable. EPK Solutions specializes in helping organizations navigate the complexities of the cloud, ensuring that data is kept safe, secure, and accessible.

It’s clear that the world of technology is changing at an increasingly rapid pace. Businesses of all sizes are turning to MSPs to stay ahead of the curve. EPK Solutions is an MSP that provides the expertise, service, and support necessary to ensure that every step of a company’s technological advancements is successful. Whether it’s implementing the latest cloud technology or improving the current systems in place, EPK Solutions can be your partner in keeping your business competitive in today’s and tomorrow’s tech landscape.

Phone: 303-395-3314

Email: engagewithus@epksolutions.com