Futureproofing Longwood’s Businesses: The Silent Role of Managed IT

August 18, 2023| Victoria| 0 Comment| 12:00 am

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In the age of rapid technological advancements, Longwood’s commercial heart is pulsing to a digital beat. The future of local businesses lies firmly in the realm of digital prowess, and managed IT Longwood is the unsung hero ensuring their survival and prosperity. Are you prepared for this digital revolution?

Why Managed IT is the Silent Backbone of Longwood Enterprises

As tech seamlessly integrates into every business facet, Longwood companies are faced with a conundrum – to develop an in-house IT powerhouse or seek external expertise? Enter Managed IT. Acting as a silent but robust backbone, Managed IT ensures businesses in Longwood are equipped with the latest tech solutions without the accompanying headache of maintenance, updates, and troubleshooting. With the freedom to focus on core business endeavors, local companies can thrive and evolve in an ever-changing digital landscape.

Cost-Savings vs. Traditional IT: The Numbers Speak

Traditionally, businesses would invest heavily in an internal IT department, but this model is becoming less sustainable. Let’s break it down:

Hardware and Software Costs: With Managed IT, businesses can often utilize shared resources, reducing hefty initial investments.
Personnel Costs: Hiring, training, and retaining an in-house IT team is an expensive endeavor compared to the predictable monthly expenses of a managed service.
Maintenance and Upgrade Costs: Managed IT providers handle updates, Security patches, and system maintenance, eliminating unforeseen costs and ensuring businesses run on the latest tech.

The Security Fortress: How Managed IT Protects Longwood Firms

In today’s volatile digital climate, cyber threats are an ever-present danger. Managed IT services act as a fortress for Longwood businesses, guarding them against:

Data Breaches: With state-of-the-art encryption and security protocols, Managed IT providers ensure that company data remains impenetrable.
Ransomware Attacks: Regular system backups mean that, in the event of an attack, businesses can be up and running in no time, reducing potential revenue loss.
Phishing Scams: Continuous employee training and advanced email filters can significantly reduce the risk of a successful phishing attempt.

Preparing for Tomorrow: Scalability and Managed IT

The beauty of Managed IT lies not just in its present capabilities but in its future promise. As businesses grow, their IT needs evolve. Managed IT services in Longwood offer:

Flexible Packages: Whether it’s expanding storage or adding new software, Managed IT packages can be tailored to fit changing needs.
New Tech Integration: As technology advances, Managed IT ensures businesses aren’t left behind, offering the latest tools and software for optimal efficiency.
Consultation: Expert guidance helps businesses make informed decisions about future tech investments.

Finding Your Match: Tips for Longwood Businesses Seeking Managed IT Services

For those considering the switch, here are some pointers:

Reputation Matters: Check for reviews, testimonials, and case studies from other local businesses.
Assess Their Tech Prowess: Are they well-versed in the latest technologies and security protocols?
Scalability: Ensure they can accommodate growth and changing needs.
Communication: A good Managed IT provider will be accessible, offering regular updates, reports, and consultations.

To conclude, as Longwood marches into a digital future, Managed IT stands as the beacon guiding businesses to success. For longevity, efficiency, and robust security, it’s a partnership that’s not just recommended, but essential. Dive deep and ensure your company isn’t left in the digital dust. Are you onboard?

Managed Services vs Professional Services: What’s the Difference?Managed Services vs Professional Services: What’s the Difference?

June 25, 2023| Victoria| 0 Comment| 12:00 am

When it comes to outsourcing services for your business, you may come across two terms that seem similar but have different meanings: Managed services and professional services. It's important to understand the difference between them so you can make an informed decision about which type of service is best for your needs.

https://www.managedservicesproviders.net/what-is-the-difference-between-managed-and-professional-services

Managed Services

Managed services refer to a proactive approach where a third-party provider takes responsibility for managing and maintaining specific IT functions for your business. This includes monitoring, support, and maintenance of hardware, software, networks, and security systems.

The main advantage of managed services is that it allows businesses to focus on their core operations while leaving the technical aspects to experts. Managed service providers (MSPs) use advanced tools and technologies to proactively monitor systems and detect issues before they become major problems. They also provide regular updates and upgrades to ensure that your systems are running smoothly.

Professional Services

Professional services refer to specialized skills or expertise provided by a third-party provider on an as-needed basis. This includes consulting, design, implementation, training, and project management.

The main advantage of professional services is that it allows businesses to access specialized skills or expertise without having to hire full-time staff. Professional service providers (PSPs) are typically hired for specific projects or tasks that require specialized knowledge or experience.

Managed Services vs Professional Services

Scope: Managed services focus on ongoing management and maintenance of IT functions while professional services are focused on specific projects or tasks.
Pricing: Managed services are usually priced on a flat Monthly fee while professional services are usually priced per project or task.
Expertise: Managed services are provided by MSPs who have expertise in managing and maintaining IT systems while professional services are provided by PSPs who have specialized knowledge or experience in specific areas.
Responsibility: Managed service providers take full responsibility for managing and maintaining IT functions while professional service providers are only responsible for the specific tasks or projects they are hired for.

In conclusion, managed services and professional services both offer valuable benefits to businesses. The key is to understand the differences between them and determine which type of service is best suited for your needs. Whether you need ongoing management and maintenance or specialized skills for a project, there is a third-party provider out there that can help you achieve your goals.

Balancing Work and Life: Strategies for Achieving Work-Life IntegrationBalancing Work and Life: Strategies for Achieving Work-Life Integration

January 13, 2024| Victoria| 0 Comment| 12:00 am

The old saying that goes, “All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy,” expresses the necessity of balancing our private lives and Career responsibilities. We live in a hectic world, where one might fear that once they stop working and decide to rest, more debt and obligations trample upon them. Some feel that doing other things apart from work is equivalent to loss of money, while others fear that the world will leave them behind as it is fast-paced and increasingly changing. But there are better ways to approach your professional responsibilities and private life than this. You need to change your mindset and adopt the right strategies. Take, for instance, Grant Kelley, the renowned Australian-born business expert and entrepreneur. He has perfected the art of work-life balance, and in this article, we will be learning a few techniques from him. These techniques will help you strike a healthy balance and enjoy optimal work-life integration.

1.Redefining Work-Life Balance:

Beginning our journey towards integrating our private lives with our work lives must involve redefining the conventional concept of work-life balance. It would be best if you did not view your work and Personal life as distinct entities but as areas of your lives that cannot exist without another. Therefore, don’t marginalize your time, but target an all-encompassing strategy that allows you to incorporate your work and personal responsibilities.

2.Make your preferences clear.

To achieve a work-life balance, you must declare and begin with activities or engagements that you prefer and are the most important. Assign the required time and energy from the most selected activities to the least. This approach will help you save a lot of time for your personal life if you are the kind that often gets too busy with work.

3.Don’t allow people to cross your boundaries.

When people see that you are always a ‘yes’ kind of person, they can use you to achieve their respective aims, but you will not have the opportunity to attend to your responsibilities and enjoy your leisure. By setting boundaries, such as limiting the time to receive phone calls during the day or only offering to handle another one’s concerns at your own scheduled time, you indirectly communicate to those who are always likely to border you in your no-go area.

4.Be Adaptable

When it comes to being adaptable, it means utilizing alternate means or tools at work and during leisure to deliver the same outcome. For instance, if your career okays working from home, you should learn to perfect yourself in it to maintain efficiency in the workplace irrespective of your geographical location. Furthermore, since you can work from home, it will be easier for you to attend to your personal life even as you are working, thereby integrating your profession with your personal life.

Conclusion

The journey to finding a balance between work and your private life is continuous and requires deliberate effort and dedication. Remember that the benefits surrounding you once you strike a proportion are significant, including prosperity in businesses like Grant Kelley.

For more information: Grant Kelley

Are Consulting Services Taxable in Ohio?Are Consulting Services Taxable in Ohio?

June 24, 2023| Victoria| 0 Comment| 12:00 am

No matter if your business is just getting underway or has been operating for some time, remaining informed on Ohio sales tax compliance requirements is key to staying successful. Here are a few useful tips to get you going in Ohio sales tax compliance:

https://www.helpdeskit.net/are-it-services-taxable-in-ohio

Work closely with your Marketing department to make sure you use consistent language when describing your services, since what words you choose could make a significant impactful statement about their taxability or nontaxability to states.

Taxation of Consulting Services in Ohio

Harper & Company CPAs Plus' Income tax planning and compliance services harness these advantages for maximum tax savings for clients.

As our economy shifts towards service industries, state revenue agencies have become more interested in taxing these services – leading to sales tax on services becoming a commonplace occurrence across the US.

Electronic information services are one form of taxable services that provide electronic content and data delivery to customers, including creation, maintenance and enhancement of websites and internet-related applications as well as data hosting in remote servers for their benefit.

If a business provides these types of services, they must collect and remit Ohio sales tax as well as any applicable local taxes. In case of audits, businesses can appeal the findings with the Ohio Department of Taxation.

Taxation of Information Technology Services

Ohio requires you to pay sales tax if you offer computer services like software development, programming or engineering that fall under Ohio's definition of computer services as "automatic data processing or electronic information processing services". However, this definition covers many services which would otherwise be exempt.

As an example, states tax charges associated with accessing cloud-based databases or SaaS (Software as a Service) software applications; such taxes apply regardless of whether these apps are used for personal or professional purposes.

Recently, the Supreme Court of Ohio upheld a ruling from the Board of Tax Appeals (BTA) that tax applies to certain automated data processing or electronic information processing services, but reversed their determination that charges for software customization are taxable. This ruling serves to clarify when personal or professional services may be bundled together with automatic data processing or electronic information processing services that would otherwise be subject to tax.

companies operating with nexus in Ohio typically must register, collect and remit Ohio sales tax on all taxable sales made within its borders. Nexus can be established when retailers or marketplace facilitators establish physical presence in Ohio through Fulfillment by Amazon or similar marketplaces or perform more than seven instances of activities that create nexus within one 12-month period.

Taxation of Legal Services

Tax laws can be complex and their consequences serious; consulting with an Ohio tax lawyer could save both individuals and businesses both money and headaches by helping avoid mistakes that cost both parties dearly.

Melissa Skilliter, Director of the Low Income Taxpayer Clinic at SEOLS and an attorney specializing in tax matters with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), including U.S. Tax Court cases and examinations as well as disputes. Melissa has represented individuals and businesses before state tax agencies such as Ohio Department of Taxation.

Since 2008, she has been a member of the Ohio Bar Association, certified as a specialist in tax law by the Supreme Court Commission on Certification. She has experience representing clients in various tax matters relating to preparation of returns and audit defense by Ohio Department of Taxation audits; as well as representing them before Board of Tax Appeals appeal hearings.

Taxation of Employment Services

Ohio has long imposed taxes on temporary employment services, also known as help supply or employment agency services. This tax is calculated based on the service fee charged to customers by service providers less any employee costs that must be separately reported in order for this fee to be tax-exempt.

From October 1, 2021 onwards, employment services no longer fall within Ohio's tax jurisdiction, per the repeal by Governor Mike DeWine as part of its budget legislation (Amended Substitute House Bill 110).

Purchasers of employment services should review their contracts and pricing to take full advantage of this new tax exemption and stop paying sales taxes that no longer need to be paid. Furthermore, purchasers may negotiate price reductions from providers of employment services to reflect this change, or refund opportunities may exist for services used previously.