Managed IT Services

IT Industry Notes

Sponsored by our friend at Arcoa

• Cybersecurity - Acrisure

  • Acrisure offers managed IT services to enhance your organization's efficiency and security.
  • Their cybersecurity risk management solutions are designed to meet the needs of modern businesses.
  • Explore how Acrisure's services can help you scale and protect your operations......Read more

• Ideal Integrations Announces Recapitalization in Partnership with Private Equity Firm, Frontenac - Morningstar

  • Ideal Integrations, a Pittsburgh-based IT and cybersecurity provider, announces a strategic recapitalization.
  • The partnership with Frontenac aims to fuel growth and expand service offerings.
  • Learn more about how this move will impact their future endeavors......Read more

• How to lead through challenging times and ongoing transformation - EY

  • EY interviews Adrian Moorhouse, Olympic gold medallist, on leadership during transformation.
  • The discussion focuses on overcoming challenges and driving organizational change.
  • Gain insights into effective leadership strategies during turbulent times.....Read more

• Frontenac recaps IT managed services provider Ideal Integrations - PE Hub

  • Frontenac's recapitalization includes Nelson Eng joining Ideal Integrations' board as chairman.
  • This partnership is set to enhance the IT managed services provider's strategic direction.
  • Discover the potential impacts of this leadership change on the company......Read more

• 3 Ways Small Business IT Leaders Can Rightsize Their Tech Investments - BizTech Magazine

  • Small businesses often face challenges in managing limited IT resources efficiently.
  • This article provides strategies for optimizing technology investments.
  • Learn how to address security and efficiency gaps in small IT teams......Read more

• AI-infusion - IBM sets out its new approach to Application Managed Services - Diginomica

  • IBM introduces a new approach to application management and cloud operations.
  • The new division focuses on enhancing service delivery through AI-infused solutions.
  • Explore how this approach is set to modernize and streamline application services......Read more

• Chris Richter | Global Detect and Respond Product Leader - Deloitte

  • Chris Richter leads Deloitte's global cybersecurity consulting practice.
  • His expertise includes managing Fortune 500 accounts and holding multiple certifications.
  • Discover his insights on managing cybersecurity at a global scale......Read more

• Managed service providers get ready for Climb's next event - TECHNOLOGY RESELLER

  • Managed Services Providers (MSPs) can learn about Azure support at Climb's upcoming event.
  • Topics will cover cost management and building service capabilities.
  • Find out how to optimize your managed services for Azure environments......Read more

• AWS Marketplace: Spryker Cloud Commerce OS managed by Telekom - AWS

  • Telekom MMS presents Spryker on AWS Marketplace for customizable e-commerce solutions.
  • The platform empowers businesses to manage their commerce operations efficiently.
  • Explore the features of Spryker Cloud Commerce OS and its benefits for your business......Read more

• FinOps, cloud spend platform Vantage launches MSP-focused solution - Channel Insider

  • Vantage introduces a new MSP-focused solution for managing cloud spending.
  • The platform offers multi-cloud visibility and custom billing tools.
  • Learn how this solution can streamline your cloud expense management......Read more

• Thaicom + Hughes Communications India sign satellite capacity agreement - SatNews

  • Thaicom and Hughes Communications India partner to provide satellite capacity over India.
  • This agreement enhances managed network services across the region.
  • Learn about the impact of this collaboration on India's connectivity......Read more

• Maximize IT Efficiency and Drive Business Growth with Moro Hub's Managed Services - Intelligent CIO

  • Moro Hub offers managed services designed to maximize IT efficiency and business growth.
  • Their solutions help organizations streamline operations and enhance scalability.
  • Find out how Moro Hub's services can support your business objectives......Read more

• Norfolk's Mode5 voted 81st best managed service provider - The Suffolk News-Herald

  • Mode5 is recognized as the 81st top-performing managed service provider globally.
  • The company is also ranked #1 in Hampton Roads for its exceptional service.
  • Learn more about Mode5's achievements and what sets them apart in the MSP industry......Read more

• Partners Offering Managed Cybersecurity End Up In Court - Channel Futures

  • MSPs offering managed cybersecurity services face legal challenges and risks.
  • The consequences of these legal battles can be severe for the companies involved.
  • Discover the legal pitfalls MSPs need to navigate in the cybersecurity space.....Read more

Optimize, Transform & Grow

Sponsored by

January 22nd, 2024

Arcoa Group

Why partnering with ARCOA makes sense
Electronics Recycling is an important and profitable part of the IT asset lifecycle, but it can be overwhelming with all you already do, varying state regulations, and the limited resources at hand. That’s where ARCOA comes in. When you partner with ARCOA, you get all the benefits of a big company without any of the capital investment. We’ve been doing this since 1989 and have the expertise, certifications, and nationwide resources to get the most for all your clients’ retired IT assets. Plus, positioning your clients as environmental stewards not only elevates their appeal to consumers, it meets government requirements and avoids fines.

What partnering with ARCOA looks like
Our role is to make it easy for you to bring more value to your clients. We work with you to help stretch your clients’ IT budget by reducing the total cost of ownership of their electronics. We’re experts at identifying and implementing the solutions your clients need for the end-of-use re-marketing, recovery, and recycling of their technology assets. The sooner you involve ARCOA, the sooner you and your client.

CrowdStrike Recognized by Global Governments for Compliance Standards

• Completed the IRAP (Australian InfoSec Registered Assessors Program) and TISAX (Trusted Information Security Assessment Exchange) assessments
• Previously certified by the Spanish National Cryptologic Center (CCN) and received Impact Level 5 (IL5) authorization from the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD)
• Certifications expand access to CrowdStrike's AI-native Falcon XDR Platform.
• Focus on providing leading protection to more organizations across the Australian government and the European automotive supply chain

"Navigating the IT Landscape in 2024: Key Insights from the State of IT Report"

• reported on Spiceworks
• Investment Trends:
  • 66% plan increased IT investments
  • 4% anticipate a decrease, 30% expect no change
  • Optimism prevails despite economic challenges
• Strategic Focus:
  • IT crucial for achieving organizational goals and managing risks
• Spending Categories
  • Assessed across eight categories, including hardware, software, and cloud services
• Challenges for ITDMs:
  • Decision-makers face complexity amid economic instability
  • Budget flexibility requires careful decision-making
• Technology Approaches:
  • Over 95% prefer a mix-and-match infrastructure approach
  • Less than 5% choose entirely in-house or outsourced strategies

• Impact of Cloud-Based Strategies:
• • Cloud strategies increasing but balanced with in-house importance.
  • Outsourced/in-house ratio is 40%, challenging one-size-fits-all cloud perceptions.
• Organization-Specific Decision-Making:
• • 'Right' technology decisions vary based on organization size, budget, and strategy.
  • Tailored approaches are essential

Verinext Names Matt Bynum, Senior Vice President, Managed Services

• appointed Matt Bynum as Senior Vice President, Managed Services
• is returning to Verinext after serving as a solutions architecture leader at Amazon Web Services for nearly two years
• Bynum will lead the Verinext managed services team to ensure effective delivery and accelerate customer adoption

AITech Interview with Arun Shrestha, Co-founder and CEO at BeyondID

• Over 20 years of experience building and leading enterprise software and services companies.
• Committed to partnering with customers for strategizing and deploying cutting-edge technology
• Career spanning over a decade supporting enterprise customers.
• Evolution from client/server architecture to Web 1.0, Web 2.0 (Service Oriented Architecture), and now toward Web 3.0
• Emphasis on app-to-app integration, APIs, and cloud-based services, including digital identities supported by Okta
• Adopt Zero Trust services as a fundamental principle for security planning and implementation

Aligning AI with Humanity: A Roadmap for Responsible Development

• AI is expected to enhance our lives in areas such as safe mobility and time-saving tasks, possibly reaching human-level performance
• crucial for business leaders to ensure AI aligns with human intent and product promises
• Clear rules for AI learning are crucial, and failure to express them may lead to disappointment in AI potential
• Recognizing the fast-changing world, shaping data with evolving expectations in mind informs AI products

Konica Minolta Delivers Layered Security Approach and Solutions for MFP Clients

• overview of Konica Minolta's dedication to ensuring the security of MFPs
• Emphasis on the importance of a layered security approach in the context of multifunction printers
• Explanation of secure printing features to prevent unauthorized access to sensitive documents
• Document management solutions to control and monitor the flow of information within organizations

Fulcrum IT Partners Outlines Expansion Strategy for 2024

• making significant investments, forming partnerships, and alliances in 2024
• plan aims to enhance business outcomes and value for Fulcrum customers by providing flexible, expansive, and secure managed IT services, particularly focusing on Microsoft solutions
• Acquisition of PayiQ to deliver data-driven insights to retail customers, focusing on understanding customer behavior, cryptocurrencies, and touchless payments
• Acquisition of Razor, a private AI-as-a-service provider specializing in data and AI for Retail, Healthcare, and Manufacturing, leveraging Microsoft and DataQI Generative AI

WidePoint Awarded More than $70.3 Million in IT and Security Services Contracts During Q4 2023

• Wins include $64.9 million in new business, $1.3 million in commercial contracts, and $69 million in government contracts
• Federal contracts involve key agencies such as DHS, Coast Guard, Customs and Border Protection, Courts, FEMA, and HHS.
• signed contracts in Telecom Expense Management and MMS with a major airline, and multi-year MPS contracts with healthcare and bottling enterprises

Cybersecurity Notes

• Refuah Health Center of New York agreed to pay a $450,000 fine and spend $1.2 million on cybersecurity solutions to settle allegations of negligence after a ransomware attack.
• Capital Health of Trenton, NJ is reporting that the LockBit ransomware gang claims to have stolen 7 terabytes worth of PHI, which it could resell for as much as $250,000.
• The Folek Centers of Virginia notified 6,965 dental patients that their PHI was exposed after email phishing attacks.
• Mountain Dermatology Specialists of Colorado notified 2,705 patients that their PHI was exposed after email phishing attacks.
• Lone Peak Physical Therapy of Montana notified 5,809 patients that their PHI was exposed after paper medical records and laptop computers.
• First Choice Dental locations in Wisconsin notified 1,000 patients that their PHI was exposed after cyber attack.
• North Kansas City Hospital and Meritas Health of Missouri notified 502,438 patients that their PHI was exposed after cyber attack.
• Salem Community Hospital/Regional Medical Center of Salem, Ohio notified an unknown number of patients that their PHI was exposed after cyber attack.
• Northwell Health of New York has notified 3,891,565 patients that their PHI was exposed after cyber attack.
• Mercy Medical Center of Iowa notified 97,132 patients that their PHI was exposed after cyber attack.
• Cook County Health of Illinois notified an unknown number of patients that their PHI was exposed after cyber attack.
• Crouse Health of Syracuse, NY notified an unknown number of patients that their PHI was exposed after cyber attack.
• ProSmile Holdings of New Jersey notified an unknown number of patients that their PHI was exposed after cyber attack.
• Bosch Corp. notified customers in automotive industry of its Roxroth pneumatic torque wrenches that the devices could be exploited by hackers.
• LoanDepot, headquartered in Irvine, CA, notified an unknown number of customers that their info may have been exposed after ransomware attack.
• Mark Kevin Robinson, former VP of Commonwealth Health of Kentucky was sentenced to 2 years probation and $140,000 fine for illegally sharing PHI with a software vendor.
• Novant Health of Winston-Salem, North Carolina agreed to pay $6.6 million to settle allegations of negligence after HIPAA breach.
• The Erie VA Medical Center notified 2,380 patients that their PHI was exposed after mailing error.
• HMG Healthcare, headquartered in The Woodlands, Texas, notified an unknown number of patients that their PHI after cyber attack.
• Family Healthcare of North Dakota notified 53,000 patients that their PHI was exposed after cyber attack

Lock in on Cyber Security with ARCOA

• IT Asset Disposition (ITAD): Manages the secure disposition of end-of-life IT equipment
• Data Destruction: Ensures sensitive data is completely erased from devices before disposal
• Asset Remarketing: Resells refurbished IT assets to maximize value recovery
• Recycling Services: Provides environmentally responsible recycling of electronics
• Compliance & Reporting: Offers documentation and reporting to meet regulatory standards
• Secure Logistics: Handles the safe transport of IT assets throughout the disposal proces

Digitech Systems Recognized as Outstanding Cloud Information Management System

• Digitech Systems' ImageSilo received Buyers Lab (BLI) 2024 Pick Award as Outstanding Cloud Information Management System
• praised for easy implementation, lower costs, simple setup, superb cybersecurity, and powerful workflow engine that doesn't require coding
• ImageSilo, launched in 1999 as the world's first cloud-based enterprise content management service, continues to uphold traditions of information security, process automation, and safe document collaboration

Ricoh on ‘lack of technology adoption'

• reported on print monthly.co.uk
• Chancellor Jeremy Hunt emphasizes the need for combining the UK's startup culture with the productivity of Germany and the US to enhance overall performance
• 15% productivity gap with Germany, attributing it to Germany's higher investment in plant and machinery per worker
• findings reveal that 85% of UK businesses were not utilizing AI in December 2023, and 83% had no immediate plans to adopt AI in the near future
• Despite hosting the AI Safety Summit in November 2023 to position the UK as an AI innovation leader, the adoption gap raises doubts about the pace of integration
• Ricoh Europe research shows a misalignment between employee expectations of workplace technology and the actual technological provisions by employer
• In the printing industry, 77% express the desire to automate for efficiency, but 52% still operate on legacy or manual systems, highlighting a significant automation gap

HP sued for preventing non-OEM supplies

• Lawsuit filed in the U.S. District Court in the Northern District of Illinois
• Seeks an injunction against HP requiring the company to disable its printer firmware updates from preventing the use of non-HP branded supplies
• Also seeks monetary damages greater than $5 million

AI Adoption to Drive Revenue: 88% of Business Leaders Set to Prioritize

• 56% of global business leaders express confidence in future growth, up from 42% a year ago
• Focus on customer experience, innovation, talent, sustainability, and supply chains for increased investment
• 88% of leaders plan to invest in AI and generative AI for innovation and revenue growth
• AI expected to play a significant role in critical decision-making in the next five years
• Life sciences lead in AI adoption, with nearly half of critical decision-making supported by AI in five years
• 61% of leaders consider cybersecurity threats a risk to business growth, up from 39% in 2023

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