{"@attributes":{"version":"2.0"},"channel":{"title":"Blog","link":"https:\/\/blog.gomainspring.com","description":"Get the latest insights and information related to cybersecurity, IT services, and automation from MainSpring.","language":"en-us","pubDate":"Thu, 16 Apr 2026 15:11:42 GMT","item":[{"title":"MainSpring Named To CRN\u2019s MSP 500 List For 2026","link":"https:\/\/blog.gomainspring.com\/crn-msp-500-2026","description":"
\n \"MainSpring <\/a> \n<\/div> \n

Frederick, MD, February 12, 2026<\/span> \u2014 MainSpring, a cybersecurity, IT support, and automation firm, announced today that it has once again been named by CRN<\/a>\u00ae, a brand of The Channel Company<\/a>, to the Managed Service Provider (MSP) 500 list in the Security 100 category for 2026. <\/p>","category":"Award","pubDate":"Thu, 12 Feb 2026 18:00:31 GMT","author":"accounts@onefire.com (Adam Bockler)","guid":"https:\/\/blog.gomainspring.com\/crn-msp-500-2026"},{"title":"Honoring A Legacy: MainSpring Founder Marshall Micheals Retires As Ownership Passes To Tom Keller And Ray Steen","link":"https:\/\/blog.gomainspring.com\/honoring-a-legacy-mainspring-founder-marshall-micheals-retires","description":"

\n \"Honoring <\/a> \n<\/div> \n

For more than 30 years, Marshall Micheals III has carried a pocket watch that reminds him what truly powers success: legacy.<\/p>","pubDate":"Fri, 10 Oct 2025 21:00:00 GMT","guid":"https:\/\/blog.gomainspring.com\/honoring-a-legacy-mainspring-founder-marshall-micheals-retires"},{"title":"MainSpring Named to CRN\u2019s MSP 500 List for 2025","link":"https:\/\/blog.gomainspring.com\/msp-500-2025","description":"

\n \"MainSpring <\/a> \n<\/div> \n

Frederick, MD, March 4, 2025 \u2014 MainSpring, a cybersecurity, IT support, and automation firm, announced today that CRN\u00ae<\/a>, a brand of The Channel Company<\/a>, has recognized MainSpring on its Managed Service Provider (MSP) 500 list in the Security 100 category for 2025<\/a>. <\/p>","category":["MSPs","CRN 500"],"pubDate":"Tue, 04 Mar 2025 13:00:00 GMT","author":"accounts@onefire.com (Adam Bockler)","guid":"https:\/\/blog.gomainspring.com\/msp-500-2025"},{"title":"MainSpring Is A Champion For Cybersecurity Awareness Month To Reduce Cyber Risk","link":"https:\/\/blog.gomainspring.com\/2024-cybersecurity-awareness-month","description":"

\n \"MainSpring <\/a> \n<\/div> \n

MainSpring today announced its commitment to cybersecurity education by participating in the 21st Annual Cybersecurity Awareness Month.<\/p>","pubDate":"Tue, 01 Oct 2024 12:00:00 GMT","author":"rsteen@gomainspring.com (Ray Steen)","guid":"https:\/\/blog.gomainspring.com\/2024-cybersecurity-awareness-month"},{"title":"The Evolution of IT: Leveraging Automation for Continuous Improvement","link":"https:\/\/blog.gomainspring.com\/the-evolution-of-it-leveraging-automation","description":"

\n \"IT <\/a> \n<\/div> \n

In today's rapidly evolving business landscape, the role of IT is more critical than ever. <\/p>","category":["FileMaker","Automation"],"pubDate":"Tue, 03 Sep 2024 19:23:11 GMT","author":"rsteen@gomainspring.com (Ray Steen)","guid":"https:\/\/blog.gomainspring.com\/the-evolution-of-it-leveraging-automation"},{"title":"The Importance of Network Security in Healthcare","link":"https:\/\/blog.gomainspring.com\/network-security-importance-healthcare","description":"

\n \"Healthcare <\/a> \n<\/div> \n

Working in healthcare, you have plenty to consider.<\/p>","category":["Cybersecurity","Healthcare IT Systems"],"pubDate":"Tue, 16 Jul 2024 16:52:37 GMT","author":"marenberg@gomainspring.com (Mark Arenberg)","guid":"https:\/\/blog.gomainspring.com\/network-security-importance-healthcare"},{"title":"Best Practices for Healthcare Data Backup and Recovery","link":"https:\/\/blog.gomainspring.com\/data-backup-recovery-healthcare","description":"

\n \"Healthcare <\/a> \n<\/div> \n

If the computers in your workplace crashed today, what would that mean for your organization?<\/p>","category":["Cybersecurity","Healthcare IT Systems"],"pubDate":"Mon, 24 Jun 2024 13:30:00 GMT","author":"marenberg@gomainspring.com (Mark Arenberg)","guid":"https:\/\/blog.gomainspring.com\/data-backup-recovery-healthcare"},{"title":"Cybersecurity Threats to Healthcare Practices","link":"https:\/\/blog.gomainspring.com\/cybersecurity-threats-healthcare","description":"

\n \"Cybersecurity <\/a> \n<\/div> \n

Nobody suggests that healthcare is easy.<\/p>","category":["Cybersecurity","Healthcare IT Systems"],"pubDate":"Thu, 23 May 2024 14:00:00 GMT","author":"marenberg@gomainspring.com (Mark Arenberg)","guid":"https:\/\/blog.gomainspring.com\/cybersecurity-threats-healthcare"},{"title":"The Role of Managed IT Services in Healthcare","link":"https:\/\/blog.gomainspring.com\/managed-it-services-role-healthcare","description":"

\n \"The <\/a> \n<\/div> \n

As a healthcare provider, technology plays a key role in everything you do, and it\u2019s obvious that you need professional-grade support for that technology.<\/p>","category":"ProSuite","pubDate":"Thu, 18 Apr 2024 15:09:34 GMT","author":"marenberg@gomainspring.com (Mark Arenberg)","guid":"https:\/\/blog.gomainspring.com\/managed-it-services-role-healthcare"},{"title":"Understanding HIPAA Compliance for Healthcare IT Systems","link":"https:\/\/blog.gomainspring.com\/hipaa-compliance-healthcare-it","description":"

\n \"Understanding <\/a> \n<\/div> \n

For many, working in healthcare is a dream.<\/p>","category":["Cybersecurity","HIPAA Penalties","HIPAA Audit","HIPAA Risk Management","Healthcare IT Systems","HIPAA Compliance"],"pubDate":"Tue, 19 Mar 2024 13:35:06 GMT","author":"marenberg@gomainspring.com (Mark Arenberg)","guid":"https:\/\/blog.gomainspring.com\/hipaa-compliance-healthcare-it"},{"title":"AI Automation is Coming to Your Organization - But What Does That Mean?","link":"https:\/\/blog.gomainspring.com\/automation\/ai-automation-is-coming-to-your-organization-but-what-does-that-mean","description":"

\n \"AI <\/a> \n<\/div> \n

ChatGPT, Copilot and other AI automation tools are rapidly arriving \u2013 but how can your business leverage them effectively? Read on for guidance.
<\/p>","category":["machine learning (ML)","AI automation","Automation","ChatGPT business benefits","Microsoft Copilot","large language models (LLMs)","ChatGPT benefits","ChatGPT","AI","AI automation benefits"],"pubDate":"Wed, 19 Jul 2023 15:19:26 GMT","author":"rsteen@gomainspring.com (Ray Steen)","guid":"https:\/\/blog.gomainspring.com\/automation\/ai-automation-is-coming-to-your-organization-but-what-does-that-mean"},{"title":"Reduce Shadow IT, Take Control of Your SaaS Apps","link":"https:\/\/blog.gomainspring.com\/cybersecurity-awareness\/reduce-shadow-it-take-control-of-your-saas-apps","description":"

\n \"Reduce <\/a> \n<\/div> \n

IT\u2019s reputation as \u201cthe department of no\u201d is a tongue-in-cheek recognition of IT workers\u2019 status as the gatekeepers of workplace technology, and their tendency to keep that gate sealed shut. <\/p>","category":["Cybersecurity","ProSuite","risks of shadow IT","SaaS","SaaS applications","shadow IT","SaaS apps","sales as a service","shadow IT solutions","Cybersecurity Awareness"],"pubDate":"Wed, 26 Apr 2023 15:06:38 GMT","author":"rsteen@gomainspring.com (Ray Steen)","guid":"https:\/\/blog.gomainspring.com\/cybersecurity-awareness\/reduce-shadow-it-take-control-of-your-saas-apps"},{"title":"5 Reasons You Should Outsource Your IT Strategy in 2023","link":"https:\/\/blog.gomainspring.com\/it-managed-services\/5-reasons-you-should-outsource-your-it-strategy-in-2023","description":"

\n \"5 <\/a> \n<\/div> \n

With 2022 behind us, we at MainSpring look back on a year full of challenges and successes. In the midst of an IT landscape filled with complexity and risk, we are proud of the difference we have made for our partners and clients \u2013 meanwhile, we\u2019re hopeful that we will make an even bigger difference in the coming year.
<\/p>","category":["Cybersecurity","ProSuite","AI","cyber threats","IT challenges","Support & Help Desk","5G","cloud migration","talent gap","IT trends 2023","CMMC","recession"],"pubDate":"Wed, 21 Dec 2022 16:16:01 GMT","author":"rsteen@gomainspring.com (Ray Steen)","guid":"https:\/\/blog.gomainspring.com\/it-managed-services\/5-reasons-you-should-outsource-your-it-strategy-in-2023"},{"title":"The Most Common Ways Small Businesses Waste Money on IT Security","link":"https:\/\/blog.gomainspring.com\/business-strategy\/the-most-common-ways-small-businesses-waste-money-on-it-security","description":"

\n \"The <\/a> \n<\/div> \n

This article was originally published by Brilliance Security Magazine, view here<\/a>.<\/p>","category":["information technology","Cybersecurity","ProSuite","Small Businesses","Support & Help Desk","Business Strategy","Cybersecurity Awareness"],"pubDate":"Fri, 09 Dec 2022 21:47:03 GMT","author":"rsteen@gomainspring.com (Ray Steen)","guid":"https:\/\/blog.gomainspring.com\/business-strategy\/the-most-common-ways-small-businesses-waste-money-on-it-security"},{"title":"Why Your Small Business is a Target, and 6 Ways to Protect it","link":"https:\/\/blog.gomainspring.com\/why-your-small-business-is-a-target-and-6-ways-to-protect-it","description":"

\n \"Why <\/a> \n<\/div> \n

John Ambrose Fleming was about to unveil a wireless technology before the public that was sure to change their lives. After investing weeks of effort into his demo, the day finally came. He was just about to send a transmission before an eager crowd of onlookers when suddenly the device came to life.<\/p>","category":["cyberattacks","Phishing","Cybersecurity","social media attacks","how to harden your business","cyber resilience","small business cybersecurity","News & Events","small to medium sized businesses (SMBs)","vCIO"],"pubDate":"Wed, 07 Dec 2022 21:42:53 GMT","author":"rsteen@gomainspring.com (Ray Steen)","guid":"https:\/\/blog.gomainspring.com\/why-your-small-business-is-a-target-and-6-ways-to-protect-it"},{"title":"Top IT Challenges and Trends for Businesses in 2023","link":"https:\/\/blog.gomainspring.com\/business-strategy\/top-it-challenges-and-trends-for-businesses-in-2023","description":"

\n \"Top <\/a> \n<\/div> \n

This article was originally published by Spiceworks, view here<\/a>.<\/p> \n

Disruption is the only constant in today\u2019s rapidly evolving tech landscape \u2013 not only does your business need to be prepared for the challenges it is facing today, but also for challenges approaching on the horizon. Ray Steen, CSO at MainSpring, shares top IT trends and challenges that your business needs to prepare for.<\/i><\/b><\/p>","category":["information technology","Cybersecurity","ProSuite","Support & Help Desk","Business Strategy","Cybersecurity Awareness"],"pubDate":"Mon, 28 Nov 2022 19:24:19 GMT","author":"rsteen@gomainspring.com (Ray Steen)","guid":"https:\/\/blog.gomainspring.com\/business-strategy\/top-it-challenges-and-trends-for-businesses-in-2023"},{"title":"Cloud is a Safe Place to Put Your Data \u2013 If You Configure it Properly","link":"https:\/\/blog.gomainspring.com\/it-security\/cloud-is-a-safe-place-to-put-your-data-if-you-configure-it-properly","description":"

\n \"Cloud <\/a> \n<\/div> \n

In 2023, many businesses will be migrating their data and applications to the cloud, with Gartner predicting that global cloud spend will approach $600 billion<\/span><\/a> in the coming year. If you've read our previous blog post<\/span><\/a> about managed hosting services, you'll know we consider this a good thing: among other things, cloud is easy to deploy, flexible and low cost compared to alternatives.<\/p>","category":["Cloud","Cybersecurity","Cloud Security","FedRAMP","cloud breaches","why move business to the cloud","AWS","shared responsibility","cloud-based data breaches","Azure","Google Cloud Platform","NIST 800-171"],"pubDate":"Wed, 09 Nov 2022 17:04:33 GMT","author":"rsteen@gomainspring.com (Ray Steen)","guid":"https:\/\/blog.gomainspring.com\/it-security\/cloud-is-a-safe-place-to-put-your-data-if-you-configure-it-properly"},{"title":"Why Your MSP\u2019s Managed Hosting Plan is a Trap","link":"https:\/\/blog.gomainspring.com\/it-managed-services\/why-your-msps-managed-hosting-plan-is-a-trap","description":"

\n \"Why <\/a> \n<\/div> \n

Imagine yourself in the following scenario: you go out to eat at a fancy restaurant. When you pull up, a valet offers to park your car. You toss the valet your key, leave a tip and head inside for dinner. Unfortunately, you didn\u2019t notice a sign at the entrance which says: \u201cwe charge parking by the hour.\u201d
<\/p>","category":["ProSuite","managed IT services","managed hosting","MSP managed hosting","managed hosting cost","managed hosting vs cloud"],"pubDate":"Tue, 11 Oct 2022 16:11:42 GMT","author":"rsteen@gomainspring.com (Ray Steen)","guid":"https:\/\/blog.gomainspring.com\/it-managed-services\/why-your-msps-managed-hosting-plan-is-a-trap"},{"title":"The Hidden Cost of Cutting Corners: Why IT Modernization isn\u2019t Optional","link":"https:\/\/blog.gomainspring.com\/it-security\/the-hidden-cost-of-cutting-corners-why-it-modernization-isnt-optional","description":"

\n <\/a> \n<\/div> \n

Today the word \u2018modernization\u2019 gets thrown around a lot \u2013 it has been on the lips of every CIO and CISO for years. In spite of that, most businesses today have more modernizing to do: according to one study, <\/span>nearly 80%<\/span><\/a> of U.S businesses are behind on IT transformation, depending on legacy equipment, software, and systems to run their organization.<\/span> <\/span><\/p>","category":["Cybersecurity","IoT security","IT transformation","legacy IT","IT modernization","maintaining legacy systems","cost of modernization","Managing IT Costs"],"pubDate":"Fri, 09 Sep 2022 17:58:41 GMT","author":"rsteen@gomainspring.com (Ray Steen)","guid":"https:\/\/blog.gomainspring.com\/it-security\/the-hidden-cost-of-cutting-corners-why-it-modernization-isnt-optional"},{"title":"The Future of Ransomware Defense: a Primer for Business Leaders","link":"https:\/\/blog.gomainspring.com\/ransomware\/the-future-of-ransomware-defense-a-primer-for-business-leaders","description":"

\n \"The <\/a> \n<\/div> \n

Ransomware is a common threat most companies face today. While the relevant departments should take steps to combat and even prevent ransomware, decision-makers should understand the threat at a high level. Here, Ray Steen, CSO, MainSpring, answers a few questions about ransomware.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>","category":["Cybersecurity","IT"],"pubDate":"Mon, 22 Aug 2022 19:59:52 GMT","author":"rsteen@gomainspring.com (Ray Steen)","guid":"https:\/\/blog.gomainspring.com\/ransomware\/the-future-of-ransomware-defense-a-primer-for-business-leaders"},{"title":"Four Challenges to Help Desk Performance, and How We Solve Them","link":"https:\/\/blog.gomainspring.com\/four-challenges-to-help-desk-performance-and-how-we-solve-them","description":"

\n \"Four <\/a> \n<\/div> \n

In today\u2019s IT dependent world, a good help desk is one of the most important resources companies have for centralized problem-solving and support. <\/p>","category":["Outsourced IT","Cybersecurity","MSPs","Support & Help Desk","Help Desk Performance"],"pubDate":"Thu, 18 Aug 2022 13:30:31 GMT","author":"rsteen@gomainspring.com (Ray Steen)","guid":"https:\/\/blog.gomainspring.com\/four-challenges-to-help-desk-performance-and-how-we-solve-them"},{"title":"Network Mistakes, Misconfigurations Cost Companies Millions","link":"https:\/\/blog.gomainspring.com\/news-events\/network-mistakes-misconfigurations-cost-companies-millions","description":"

\n \"Network <\/a> \n<\/div> \n

Ray Steen, Chief Strategy Officer, MainSpring, Inc.<\/a> was quoted by CSO Online on a Titania research study that pegs losses from misconfigurations at average of 9% of annual revenue.<\/h3> \n

View the full article: Network mistakes, misconfigurations cost companies millions<\/a><\/p>","category":["Outsourced IT","Cybersecurity","MSPs","News & Events","virtual chief information officers","Support & Help Desk"],"pubDate":"Thu, 11 Aug 2022 20:43:42 GMT","author":"rsteen@gomainspring.com (Ray Steen)","guid":"https:\/\/blog.gomainspring.com\/news-events\/network-mistakes-misconfigurations-cost-companies-millions"},{"title":"Four ways vCIOs lower your IT costs, with real examples","link":"https:\/\/blog.gomainspring.com\/managing-it-costs\/four-ways-vcios-lower-your-it-costs-with-real-examples","description":"

\n \"Four <\/a> \n<\/div> \n

The virtual chief information officer (vCIO) is a uniquely versatile IT role \u2013 having one can positively impact business performance across so many domains, it\u2019s hard to list them all. As we explained in a recent blog post, vCIOs drive time and cost savings, improved resilience, stronger security, and long-term revenue growth.<\/span> <\/span><\/p>","category":["Cloud","technical debt","software as a service (SaaS)","planning an IT budget","vCIO","virtual chief information officer (vCIO)","Cost Management"],"pubDate":"Fri, 05 Aug 2022 20:27:59 GMT","author":"rsteen@gomainspring.com (Ray Steen)","guid":"https:\/\/blog.gomainspring.com\/managing-it-costs\/four-ways-vcios-lower-your-it-costs-with-real-examples"},{"title":"Are Donuts After Exercise Like Investing in an IT Plan with Inadequate Cybersecurity?","link":"https:\/\/blog.gomainspring.com\/cybersecurity-awareness\/are-donuts-after-exercise-like-investing-in-an-it-plan-with-inadequate-cybersecurity","description":"

\n \"Are <\/a> \n<\/div> \n

Why would someone run five miles on a treadmill, sweat through three sets of pushups and a hundred burpees, and then drop by a donut place on the way home from a workout?<\/p>","category":["Cybersecurity","IT"],"pubDate":"Tue, 19 Jul 2022 20:30:34 GMT","author":"ayaqub@gomainspring.com (Amer Yaqub)","guid":"https:\/\/blog.gomainspring.com\/cybersecurity-awareness\/are-donuts-after-exercise-like-investing-in-an-it-plan-with-inadequate-cybersecurity"},{"title":"5 Questions to Help You Find Better Metrics for Meaningful Reporting","link":"https:\/\/blog.gomainspring.com\/business-strategy\/5-questions-to-help-you-find-better-metrics-for-meaningful-reporting","description":"

\n \"5 <\/a> \n<\/div> \n

Metrics are an essential aspect of good reporting \u2013 they provide visibility into the success of your organization and direction<\/span>s<\/span> for improvement. Moreover, they align <\/span>your team<\/span> towards a common goal and help you to communicate with customers, <\/span>shareholders<\/span> and employees.<\/span> <\/p>","category":["big data","better metrics","benefits of metrics","predictive metrics","actionable metrics","metrics for reporting","vCIO"],"pubDate":"Thu, 14 Jul 2022 16:52:25 GMT","author":"rsteen@gomainspring.com (Ray Steen)","guid":"https:\/\/blog.gomainspring.com\/business-strategy\/5-questions-to-help-you-find-better-metrics-for-meaningful-reporting"},{"title":"Why IT Leaders Must Shift to Outcome-based Strategies","link":"https:\/\/blog.gomainspring.com\/business-strategy\/why-it-leaders-must-shift-to-outcome-based-strategies","description":"

\n \"Why <\/a> \n<\/div> \n

Today, businesses know that IT is essential to their mission: with 78% of small business leaders stating<\/a> that IT is a top investment for them in 2022, Gartner predicts<\/a> a worldwide IT spend of $4.4 trillion this year. Overall, this is good news for CIOs and other technology professionals \u2013 but it also represents a challenge that will require innovation to overcome.<\/p>","category":["capabilities for CIOs","virtual CIOs (vCIOs)","IT business outcomes","IT leaders","CIOs","scalability","vCIO","Cost Management"],"pubDate":"Tue, 28 Jun 2022 19:31:25 GMT","author":"rsteen@gomainspring.com (Ray Steen)","guid":"https:\/\/blog.gomainspring.com\/business-strategy\/why-it-leaders-must-shift-to-outcome-based-strategies"},{"title":"How Managed Security Service Providers Can Help Protect Against Ransomware","link":"https:\/\/blog.gomainspring.com\/it-managed-services\/how-managed-security-service-providers-can-help-protect-against-ransomware","description":"

\n \"How <\/a> \n<\/div> \n

Ray Steen, Chief Strategy Officer of MainSpring was the featured guest for Brilliance Security Magazine's podcast<\/a> discussing how managed security service providers can help protect against ransomware.
<\/p>","category":["Cybersecurity","ProSuite"],"pubDate":"Wed, 15 Jun 2022 18:42:45 GMT","author":"rsteen@gomainspring.com (Ray Steen)","guid":"https:\/\/blog.gomainspring.com\/it-managed-services\/how-managed-security-service-providers-can-help-protect-against-ransomware"},{"title":"Why vCIOs are in Demand, and Here to Stay","link":"https:\/\/blog.gomainspring.com\/it-managed-services\/why-vcios-are-in-demand-and-here-to-stay","description":"

\n \"Why <\/a> \n<\/div> \n

Like the role of chief information officer (CIO), the role of virtual CIO (vCIO) is steadily growing \u2013 so much so that the term \u201cvCIO\u201d has become a buzzword in some industries, with \u201creal\u201d vCIOs going out of their way to distinguish themselves from pretenders. But the position is not a fad, and demand for vCIOs won\u2019t disappear any time soon, especially among small businesses.
<\/p>","category":["ProSuite","IT transformation","vCIOs","vCIO","IoT risks","data breaches","vCIO demand","cyber threats","IT challenges","IT disruption"],"pubDate":"Tue, 14 Jun 2022 17:57:19 GMT","author":"rsteen@gomainspring.com (Ray Steen)","guid":"https:\/\/blog.gomainspring.com\/it-managed-services\/why-vcios-are-in-demand-and-here-to-stay"},{"title":"Dynamic Column Lists in FileMaker","link":"https:\/\/blog.gomainspring.com\/p945","description":"

I recently built an interesting tool for a client, which was based on the requests for having layout after layout of different lists. Some examples were a list for clients and their addresses, another a similar list, except for the need for the phone number to be attached, and than even later on the need for the email address, all as separate lists. Of course the differences for the column structure were based on what found set the users were working with. I decided that, instead of building a new layout for each list they needed, I would build one layout that gave them the ability to select the columns they wanted displayed after a Find had been done.<\/p>","category":"Support & Help Desk","pubDate":"Thu, 02 Jun 2022 18:16:00 GMT","author":"phin@gomainspring.com (Prat Hin)","guid":"https:\/\/blog.gomainspring.com\/p945"},{"title":"New Software Vulnerability Zeroes in on Microsoft Programs","link":"https:\/\/blog.gomainspring.com\/news-events\/new-software-vulnerability-zeros-in-on-microsoft-programs","description":"

\n \"New <\/a> \n<\/div> \n

Ray Steen, Chief Strategy Officer, MainSpring, Inc.<\/a> was quoted by TechNewsWorld on New Software Vulnerability Zeros In On Microsoft Programs<\/h3> \n

View the full article New Software Vulnerability Zeros In On Microsoft Programs<\/a>.<\/p>","category":["Outsourced IT","MSPs","News & Events","virtual chief information officers","Support & Help Desk","Business Strategy"],"pubDate":"Wed, 01 Jun 2022 20:16:32 GMT","author":"rsteen@gomainspring.com (Ray Steen)","guid":"https:\/\/blog.gomainspring.com\/news-events\/new-software-vulnerability-zeros-in-on-microsoft-programs"},{"title":"IT Strategy: The Benefits of a vCIO (and Why You Need One Now)","link":"https:\/\/blog.gomainspring.com\/business-strategy\/benefits-of-a-vcio","description":"

\n \"IT <\/a> \n<\/div> \n

In today\u2019s fast-moving world, information technology (IT) is not an optional investment: it is the foundation for workplace productivity, and the channel through which customers and clients interact with your business. But with cybercrime on the rise and major upheavals in the tech landscape, the risks of a poorly managed IT strategy are rising \u2013 with it, so is the cost of maintaining your IT infrastructure.<\/p>","category":["vCIO cybersecurity","vCIO benefits","Outsourced IT","Cybersecurity","ProSuite","What is a vCIO","Support & Help Desk","vCIO cost savings","Business Strategy","Managing IT Costs"],"pubDate":"Fri, 20 May 2022 14:15:25 GMT","author":"ayaqub@gomainspring.com (Amer Yaqub)","guid":"https:\/\/blog.gomainspring.com\/business-strategy\/benefits-of-a-vcio"},{"title":"2022 Study: 50% of SMBs Have a Cybersecurity Plan in Place","link":"https:\/\/blog.gomainspring.com\/news-events\/2022-study-50-of-smbs-have-a-cybersecurity-plan-in-place-2","description":"

\n \"2022 <\/a> \n<\/div> \n

Ray Steen, Chief Strategy Officer, MainSpring, Inc.<\/a> was quoted by UpCity on Cybersecurity Threat Preparation and Prevention Measures.<\/h3> \n

View the full article 2022 Study: 50% Of SMBs Have A Cybersecurity Plan In Place<\/a>.<\/p>","category":["Outsourced IT","MSPs","News & Events","virtual chief information officers","Support & Help Desk","Business Strategy"],"pubDate":"Mon, 09 May 2022 22:28:25 GMT","author":"rsteen@gomainspring.com (Ray Steen)","guid":"https:\/\/blog.gomainspring.com\/news-events\/2022-study-50-of-smbs-have-a-cybersecurity-plan-in-place-2"},{"title":"Just What is a vCIO Anyways? Four Answers from our IT Professionals","link":"https:\/\/blog.gomainspring.com\/business-strategy\/just-what-is-a-vcio-anyways","description":"

\n \"Just <\/a> \n<\/div> \n

Just What is a vCIO Anyways? Four Answers from Our IT Professionals<\/strong><\/h3> \n

Today, small businesses and large enterprises alike need outsourced IT providers to manage the delivery of mission-critical services like networking, infrastructure, and security at an affordable cost. <\/p>","category":["Outsourced IT","MSPs","virtual chief information officers","Support & Help Desk","Business Strategy"],"pubDate":"Mon, 25 Apr 2022 19:03:02 GMT","author":"rsteen@gomainspring.com (Ray Steen)","guid":"https:\/\/blog.gomainspring.com\/business-strategy\/just-what-is-a-vcio-anyways"},{"title":"The Benefits of an Innovative IT Managed Service Provider","link":"https:\/\/blog.gomainspring.com\/innovative-ideas\/the-benefits-of-an-innovative-it-managed-service-provider","description":"

\n \"The <\/a> \n<\/div> \n

Today\u2019s small-to-medium sized businesses (SMBs) are struggling to remain competitive and grow their bottom line amidst changing workforce trends and a rapidly shifting tech landscape. From cybersecurity threats to the rise of remote employment, constant disruption has become the new normal, and business owners know that IT is key to their survival. <\/p>","category":["Cybersecurity","ProSuite","IT managed services provider","IT managed services trends 2022","Innovative Ideas"],"pubDate":"Mon, 28 Mar 2022 23:22:10 GMT","author":"rsteen@gomainspring.com (Ray Steen)","guid":"https:\/\/blog.gomainspring.com\/innovative-ideas\/the-benefits-of-an-innovative-it-managed-service-provider"},{"title":"Why the Right Metrics Matter","link":"https:\/\/blog.gomainspring.com\/business-strategy\/why-the-right-metrics-matter","description":"

\n \"Why <\/a> \n<\/div> \n

If you don\u2019t think curling up with the latest issue of the Journal of Econometrics<\/em> is the recipe for a fun weekend, you may not have heard of the Sokal hoax. In the 1990\u2019s, a mischievous physics professor at NYU was able to submit- and publish- many outlandish articles in legitimate academic journals.<\/p> \n

One of them was about whether \u201cdogs suffer oppression based on their perceived gender.\u201d (For a quick dive into the controversy, check out this great piece from the Atlantic<\/em><\/a>).  <\/p>","category":["IT Planning","IT Metrics","Cybersecurity","IT Strategy","Cybersecurity training","Process","Productivity","Business Strategy","Cybersecurity Awareness"],"pubDate":"Wed, 09 Mar 2022 18:35:18 GMT","author":"rsteen@gomainspring.com (Ray Steen)","guid":"https:\/\/blog.gomainspring.com\/business-strategy\/why-the-right-metrics-matter"},{"title":"The Cloud: a Hybrid Solution","link":"https:\/\/blog.gomainspring.com\/it-managed-services\/the-cloud-a-hybrid-solution","description":"

\n \"The <\/a> \n<\/div> \n

As you prepare for a new year, your IT Managed Services Provider may be considering a transition to the cloud. Or you may have migrated to the cloud a few years ago and want to optimize your infrastructure.<\/p>","category":["Work From Home","Cloud","ProSuite","Remote Workforce","IT Infrastructure","Cloud Computing"],"pubDate":"Mon, 13 Dec 2021 22:55:01 GMT","author":"rsteen@gomainspring.com (Ray Steen)","guid":"https:\/\/blog.gomainspring.com\/it-managed-services\/the-cloud-a-hybrid-solution"},{"title":"The Link Between Association Membership and Technology","link":"https:\/\/blog.gomainspring.com\/it-managed-services\/the-link-between-association-membership-and-technology","description":"

\n \"The <\/a> \n<\/div> \n

The DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia (DMV) regions are far more than just the center of our federal government. They are also home to a technology corridor and a center zone for most national associations.<\/p>","category":["ProSuite","Software Subscriptions","vCIO","Virtual CIO","Association Technology","Member Technology"],"pubDate":"Wed, 17 Nov 2021 16:10:41 GMT","author":"rsteen@gomainspring.com (Ray Steen)","guid":"https:\/\/blog.gomainspring.com\/it-managed-services\/the-link-between-association-membership-and-technology"},{"title":"Cybersecurity Threats in Your Emails, Texts, and Social Encounters","link":"https:\/\/blog.gomainspring.com\/it-security\/cybersecurity-threats-in-your-emails-texts-and-social-encounters","description":"

\n \"Cybersecurity <\/a> \n<\/div> \n

What\u2019s wrong with an email that starts with \u201cDear valued customer<\/em>\u201d?<\/p> \n

Over 70% of businesses have been hit with a phishing attack, and data has been compromised. Your first red flag may be an email that starts with \u201cDear valued customer<\/em>.\"<\/p>","category":["Email security","Phishing","Cybersecurity","Human firewall"],"pubDate":"Tue, 26 Oct 2021 14:16:46 GMT","author":"rsteen@gomainspring.com (Ray Steen)","guid":"https:\/\/blog.gomainspring.com\/it-security\/cybersecurity-threats-in-your-emails-texts-and-social-encounters"},{"title":"If You See Something, Say Something: How to Recognize a Cyber-Attack","link":"https:\/\/blog.gomainspring.com\/it-security\/if-you-see-something-say-something-how-to-recognize-a-cyber-attack","description":"

\n \"If <\/a> \n<\/div> \n

We\u2019ve all heard \"if you see something, say something,\" especially if you live and work in the DMV region. That notable quote began almost two decades ago during a Department of Homeland Security information campaign and became the beacon for post-911 vigilance.<\/p>","category":["Cybersecurity","cybercrime","Hybrid Workforce","Cybersecurity Awareness","Cybersecurity Risks"],"pubDate":"Wed, 06 Oct 2021 20:54:13 GMT","author":"rsteen@gomainspring.com (Ray Steen)","guid":"https:\/\/blog.gomainspring.com\/it-security\/if-you-see-something-say-something-how-to-recognize-a-cyber-attack"},{"title":"MainSpring vCIO Insights: Current Technology Trends","link":"https:\/\/blog.gomainspring.com\/it-managed-services\/mainspring-vcio-insights-current-technology-trends","description":"

\n \"MainSpring <\/a> \n<\/div> \n

Recently, we published a blog outlining the reasons that some technology goals remain unmet<\/a>. Traditionally, IT professionals and teams plan for the incoming year in Q4. It's a time to reflect on what worked and what goals were not met. And it is a time for restructuring and planning.<\/p>","category":["Work From Home","ProSuite","vCIO","Hybrid Workforce","Technology trends","Windows 11"],"pubDate":"Wed, 29 Sep 2021 20:20:39 GMT","author":"rsteen@gomainspring.com (Ray Steen)","guid":"https:\/\/blog.gomainspring.com\/it-managed-services\/mainspring-vcio-insights-current-technology-trends"},{"title":"Your Cyber Insurance and MFA Requirements","link":"https:\/\/blog.gomainspring.com\/it-security\/your-cyber-insurance-and-mfa-requirements","description":"

\n \"Your <\/a> \n<\/div> \n

If your organization has a cyber insurance policy, you may have noticed a new requirement. Your insurance agent may have recently called to review your cyber security protocols.<\/p>","category":["Cybersecurity","Ransomwear","Cyber insurance","Multi-factor authentication","MFA"],"pubDate":"Tue, 21 Sep 2021 19:30:43 GMT","author":"rsteen@gomainspring.com (Ray Steen)","guid":"https:\/\/blog.gomainspring.com\/it-security\/your-cyber-insurance-and-mfa-requirements"},{"title":"Why IT Project Goals are Missed","link":"https:\/\/blog.gomainspring.com\/it-managed-services\/why-it-project-goals-are-missed","description":"

\n \"Why <\/a> \n<\/div> \n

Back to school, fall colors and pumpkin spice everything. Those are all signs that fall is arriving, and we are heading into Q4 of the calendar year. It is also the time that organizations realize that they may miss their annual IT project goals.<\/p>","category":["ProSuite","IT managed services provider","vCIO","Virtual CIO","IT Goals"],"pubDate":"Fri, 17 Sep 2021 13:40:06 GMT","author":"rsteen@gomainspring.com (Ray Steen)","guid":"https:\/\/blog.gomainspring.com\/it-managed-services\/why-it-project-goals-are-missed"},{"title":"Three Red Flags to Avoid in Your IT Strategy [VIDEO]","link":"https:\/\/blog.gomainspring.com\/it-managed-services\/three-red-flags-to-avoid-in-your-it-strategy","description":"

\n \"Three <\/a> \n<\/div> \n

One of the best parts of my job is that I meet a wide variety of business and non-profit leaders each week to learn how IT impacts their organization and to share my perspective. This unique vantage point allows me to hear, first-hand, the IT challenges across industries, and I can then serve as an early warning system for others.<\/p>","category":["Cybersecurity","ProSuite","IT Strategy"],"pubDate":"Tue, 14 Sep 2021 17:44:27 GMT","author":"ayaqub@gomainspring.com (Amer Yaqub)","guid":"https:\/\/blog.gomainspring.com\/it-managed-services\/three-red-flags-to-avoid-in-your-it-strategy"},{"title":"How to Rate Your IT Managed Service Provider [VIDEO]","link":"https:\/\/blog.gomainspring.com\/it-managed-services\/how-to-rate-your-it-managed-service-provider","description":"

\n \"How <\/a> \n<\/div> \n

Students shouldn\u2019t be the only ones nervous about report cards. With IT becoming such an integral part of the DNA of every organization, isn\u2019t it time to evaluate your MSP (managed service provider) too? I regularly meet with senior business and non-profit leaders to learn about their IT challenges, first-hand and share best practices from the hundreds of clients our company has worked with over the years. <\/p>","category":["Cybersecurity","ProSuite","vCIO","Managed service provider","MSP rating","IT contracts"],"pubDate":"Tue, 31 Aug 2021 18:33:31 GMT","author":"ayaqub@gomainspring.com (Amer Yaqub)","guid":"https:\/\/blog.gomainspring.com\/it-managed-services\/how-to-rate-your-it-managed-service-provider"},{"title":"The Lifespan of Technology: Has it Changed?","link":"https:\/\/blog.gomainspring.com\/managing-it-costs\/the-lifespan-of-technology-has-it-changed","description":"

\n \"The <\/a> \n<\/div> \n

We all know that a lot has changed in the past two years. A worldwide pandemic has seeped into every aspect of our lives and our business. Browse through MainSpring blogs<\/a>, and you will find recent posts about IT budgets in uncertain times<\/a> and a hybrid workforce<\/a>.<\/p>","category":["IT budget","IT procurement","Tech hardware","IT asset management","Technology budget","Cost Management"],"pubDate":"Mon, 23 Aug 2021 21:10:48 GMT","author":"rsteen@gomainspring.com (Ray Steen)","guid":"https:\/\/blog.gomainspring.com\/managing-it-costs\/the-lifespan-of-technology-has-it-changed"},{"title":"Technology Budgeting in Turbulent Times","link":"https:\/\/blog.gomainspring.com\/managing-it-costs\/technology-budgeting-in-turbulent-times","description":"

\n \"Technology <\/a> \n<\/div> \n

Remember when the annual IT budget was due in September? We used to assume that we could make a fifteen-month prediction. That was back in 2019.<\/p>","category":["IT budget","Technology budget","Cost Management"],"pubDate":"Mon, 09 Aug 2021 16:39:13 GMT","author":"rsteen@gomainspring.com (Ray Steen)","guid":"https:\/\/blog.gomainspring.com\/managing-it-costs\/technology-budgeting-in-turbulent-times"},{"title":"The Risk of Outdated Information Technology (IT)","link":"https:\/\/blog.gomainspring.com\/it-security\/the-risk-of-outdated-information-technology-it","description":"

\n \"The <\/a> \n<\/div> \n

MainSpring team members are often asked, \u201cWhat is the lifespan of technology?\u201d The life of both hardware and software depends on the systems created. The better question is, \u201cWhat is the impact of outdated technology?\u201d<\/p>","category":["Cybersecurity","Outdated IT risks"],"pubDate":"Wed, 28 Jul 2021 20:32:25 GMT","author":"rsteen@gomainspring.com (Ray Steen)","guid":"https:\/\/blog.gomainspring.com\/it-security\/the-risk-of-outdated-information-technology-it"},{"title":"Why Michael Jordan Should not Paint Your House [VIDEO]","link":"https:\/\/blog.gomainspring.com\/it-managed-services\/why-michael-jordan-should-not-paint-your-house","description":"

\n \"Why <\/a> \n<\/div> \n

Somewhere in Pittsburgh, an economics professor at Carnegie Mellon must be smiling. It\u2019s rare that you can relate a theory from a freshman college class to your professional life decades later. Yet here I am.<\/p>","category":["Outsourced IT","ProSuite","IT Costs"],"pubDate":"Wed, 28 Jul 2021 14:22:10 GMT","author":"ayaqub@gomainspring.com (Amer Yaqub)","guid":"https:\/\/blog.gomainspring.com\/it-managed-services\/why-michael-jordan-should-not-paint-your-house"},{"title":"Cybersecurity: Close the Crack at Your Office","link":"https:\/\/blog.gomainspring.com\/it-security\/cybersecurity-close-the-crack-at-your-office","description":"

\n \"Cybersecurity: <\/a> \n<\/div> \n

As many organizations have been focusing on the COVID-19 pandemic, an old nemesis has been creeping forward. As I write this blog, the United States is facing the most significant cybersecurity attack of record, with thousands of businesses impacted.<\/p>","category":["Cybersecurity","LastPass"],"pubDate":"Mon, 19 Jul 2021 20:57:45 GMT","author":"rsteen@gomainspring.com (Ray Steen)","guid":"https:\/\/blog.gomainspring.com\/it-security\/cybersecurity-close-the-crack-at-your-office"},{"title":"Win the Talent War with Technology","link":"https:\/\/blog.gomainspring.com\/it-managed-services\/win-the-talent-war-with-technology","description":"

\n \"Win <\/a> \n<\/div> \n

A sign-on bonus, extra vacation time, a hybrid work schedule, and even a paid family adventure vacation. Those are just a few incentives that organizations in the DC, Virginia, and Maryland (DMV) region are offering potential new hires. The DMV talent war is here.<\/p>","category":["Employee Onboarding","ProSuite","Business Technology","talent wars"],"pubDate":"Mon, 28 Jun 2021 17:32:07 GMT","author":"rsteen@gomainspring.com (Ray Steen)","guid":"https:\/\/blog.gomainspring.com\/it-managed-services\/win-the-talent-war-with-technology"}]}}