Business
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.

Managed IT Services
How to Outsource IT Needs & Keep Your In-House IT Team

Outsourced IT services allow SMBs to leverage the expertise and capacity of managed services providers to boost their productivity and profitability.

Technology
Net Friends Guide to Workspace Ergonomics for WFH

As the fully or partially remote work models proliferate, it has drawn attention to physical and mental health issues that employees should keep an eye on.

Sustainability
5 Earth Day IT Tips for Small Businesses

Discover IT pro-tips that help your small business improve its green IT practices.

Business
How We Deliver Value To Our Customers

Net Friends has made a commitment to our customers to deliver value through our IT Managed Services. Learn more about what that entails.

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
ChatGPT-4 and 4 Practical Uses in our MSP

Some words from Net Friends' CEO, John Snyder on ChatGPT-4 and practical uses in our MSP.

Business
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.

News
Net Friends Expands NetCore Infrastructure Management Offerings for SMBs

NetCore for Servers allows SMBs to bring the core engines of their business to a high level of performance and availability. Learn more...

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.

Managed IT Services
Maximizing Your AWS Benefits with an MSP

Amazon Web Services (AWS) provides flexible cloud computing and storage to small businesses without the need for any expensive equipment.

Business
6 Most Common IT Concerns for Small Businesses

With restraints on resources and manpower, small businesses face higher stakes when seeking to make smart and informed IT investments.

Business
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.

Cybersecurity
Net Friends Pro-Tips to Avoid Tax Phishing Scams

Approximately 56% of IT decision-makers indicate that targeted phishing attacks are their primary threat.

Business
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.

Life At Net Friends
Our Net Friends Mentoring Program

It's National Mentoring Month and a great opportunity for us to talk about our Mentoring Program at Net Friends.

Life At Net Friends
MLK Jr. Day and Community Service at Net Friends

Net Friends is celebrating the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. this year by reflecting on his impact and serving with our community partners.

Business
3 Simple Productivity Tips from the Net Friends C-Suite

Discover the three core things that the Officers at Net Friends do that help us execute consistently and at our best.

Business
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
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
Adapting to the Dark Side of High Growth

"I discovered the hard way that there is such a thing as too much growth," John Snyder shares. Read more about how high growth impacted our business.

Cybersecurity
How to Protect Your Business While on Vacation

You've worked hard and deserve your vacation time. However, cyber threats are on the rise & bad actors don't take time off. Here's how to stay secure while OOO.

Business
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
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
Our First “Near Death” Experience

As we celebrate 25 hard won years in business, I’d like to share some real-world crises that became crucial transitions into where we are today.

Life At Net Friends
Small Business Saturday 2022: Local Businesses We Love at Net Friends

Small businesses are the backbone to every local economy. That's why Small Business Saturday spotlights local establishments that keep communities thriving.

Business
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.

Business
Why Small Businesses Choose Microsoft Azure

Microsoft Azure is an awesome platform for small businesses (SMBs) to build from. Unpack Azure with us in terms that any SMB owner can understand.

Life At Net Friends
Q&A with Net Friend Shawn on Veterans Day 2022

U.S. Navy veteran Shawn Pate shares how his service experience has shaped his career and values on leadership.

Cybersecurity
5 Benefits to Partnering with a SOC 2 Compliant IT Company

Our greater reliance on IT increases security risks. Discover how partnering with a SOC 2 compliant Managed Services Provider (MSP) boosts your cybersecurity.

Business
6 Early Signs You Joined the Right Company

Let’s explore a few things you can look out for that indicate whether you made the right choice in joining a company.

Cybersecurity
Top 7 Questions to Ask a Cybersecurity Provider

Are you in the market for a new MSSP? Here are the top screening questions you need to ask when shopping for your next cybersecurity partner.

Life At Net Friends
Q&A with Kyle, SOC Operations Lead

Q&A with Kyle, SOC Operations lead

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.

Business
Not Just Luck - How to Land Your First Job Post Grad

Here, we'll discuss some best practices for landing a promising position as an early career job seeker.

Business
Why Your Business Needs A Microsoft Solutions Partner

Any business seeking a Managed Services Provider (MSP) can find it tricky to differentiate between the various companies that claim to provide IT services.

Cybersecurity
My First Cybersecurity Incident

You never forget your first cybersecurity incident. It was the summer of 2001, & I was working as a field tech, supporting several medical research departments.

Managed IT Services
Top 7 Signs You Deserve Better IT Support

How do you know when to cut ties with your IT provider? You watch for these warning signs that indicate low operational maturity.

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
Top 5 Future-Proof Business Skills to Cultivate

Let’s explore the top 5 skills that you’ll need to cultivate and maintain over the next 10 years.

Technology
Telecommuting Essentials

Take stock of your situation and confirm whether you have all the right tools in place to make you fully safe, productive, and inspired to work anywhere.

Business
How to Succeed at Work After Graduation: 6 Rookie-Friendly Tips

With these six suggestions at your fingertips, you'll stand out in the right ways and advance quickly in your profession.

Business
Top 7 Must-do's During a Job Interview – For Candidates

We've gathered some fundamental interviewing tips below to help you start your career on the right foot.

Cybersecurity
How to Determine if MAM or MDM is Best for Your Business

Securing mobile devices with MAM or MDM is so vital and too often overlooked. Whichever path your organization chooses, you are already ahead of the game!

Technology
How to Make Your WFH Machine Less Vulnerable to Kids and Life Events

As you work at home, you can protect your devices from children and life events by following these tips. 

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.

Business
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 Work Securely from an Airbnb or VRBO

As exciting as it is to have the luxury of working in a new destination, it is important to know how to remain secure while working in VRBO.

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
‍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 During the MSP Selection Process

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
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.

Cybersecurity
Leveraging Single-Sign-On (SSO) to Protect Your Business

Remote workforces are using more and more apps to complete tasks and remain productive during the workday. Single-Sign-On (SSO) helps secure network access.

Life At Net Friends
Summer 2022 Playlist ft. Net Friends Staff Picks

Get your day started with this set of staff picks, compiled by your Net Friends.

Cybersecurity
How Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) Secures Your Business Operations

With a greater reliance on Anywhere Operations and remote work, businesses today require more cybersecurity measures, including multi-factor authentication.

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
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.

Cybersecurity
Top 12 Mobile Security Tips to Protect Your Business

Business owners work on-the-go, so mobile security is paramount. Let’s consider the best practices to ensure your company and user data protection.

Managed IT Services
Solving the Cloud Transition & Security Challenge

Learn more about NetForce 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.

Cybersecurity
How to Minimize Business Risks with a SOC 2 Compliant IT Company

Greater IT reliance will increase cybersecurity risks. Learn why you need a SOC 2 compliant managed services provider to boost cybersecurity.

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
How to Create Strong Passwords

World Password Day is a global reminder to secure your credentials with complex and unique passwords to prevent data loss and identity theft.

Managed IT Services
What Is Shadow IT?

Shadow IT is a common issue with major security risks to consider. However, it is possible to leverage shadow IT to enhance your IT systems & security policies.

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
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
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.

News
Net Friends CEO Named to Information Technology Advisory Committee at Durham Tech

John Snyder, CEO of Net Friends, Inc., has been appointed to the Information Technology Advisory Committee at Durham Technical Community College.

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.

Life At Net Friends
Q&A with Holly, Finance Director

"Diversity in leadership is vital – it helps to prevent a business from becoming stagnant from groupthink, thus leading to greater innovation," Holly shares.

Business
Beyond the Hybrid Work Model with Anywhere Operations

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

Life At Net Friends
Q&A with Christine, HR & Office Administrator

"I grew up with this band of incredibly intelligent and insanely resilient women in STEM fields mentoring me," Christine shares. See Christine's full interview.

News
APC Vulnerabilities Notice

An important announcement from Net Friends to all customers who have an APC uninterruptible power supply supporting their network equipment.

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.

Life At Net Friends
Q&A with Chelsea, Cybersecurity Analyst

"Growing up, my dad was always into new tech, and that rubbed off on me," Chelsea shares. Discover more about her journey in our "Women at Net Friends" series!

Business
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
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
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
Top 5 Solvable Remote Work Challenges

While most industries appear to have adjusted to the work-from-anywhere model, we should consider several challenges that may arise in this mass shift.

Business
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
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.

Life At Net Friends
A Tale of Net Friendly IT Support (How I Met My Wife)

"In 1999, I was a new tech at Net Friends, enjoying my time supporting dozens of research departments at Duke University."

Business
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
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.

Cybersecurity
Is Your VPN Solution Optimized for Anywhere Operations?

Our four core recommendations to ensure your VPN solution is optimized for Anywhere Operations to support your distributed workforce.

Technology
Three Strikes Against Universal Print for Small Businesses

Currently, Net Friends does not recommend Microsoft’s Universal Print services to small businesses. Here are the core reasons why.

Cybersecurity
Social Engineering 101: How to Safeguard Your Business

Social engineering is one of the many cyberthreat tactics that put businesses at risk for substantial harm. Learn more about how to protect your business.

Cybersecurity
Social Engineering 101: Understanding Common Tactics

Social engineering lies at the root of roughly 98% of IT security attacks. Discover how to identify the most common tactics.

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

Cybersecurity
Top 10 Basic Security Trainings to Build Your Cybersecurity Culture

Security Awareness Training is essential to improving your cybersecurity culture. These are the core topics your company's training program should cover.

Cybersecurity
Why Security Awareness Training Is Important For Compliance

Many security compliance standards mandate regular security training. Explore how compliance requirements can boost your business longevity.

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