ThrottleNet

Managed IT services, support and cybersecurity

What to Look for in a Managed Network

Awards

Some Managed Networks Are Better Than Others

Your company needs technology to thrive, but you don’t have time to get into the technical weeds. Hiring a large IT team is costly, and managing one distracts you from focusing on your business. Trusting your IT services to a managed network provider can help you get the technology solutions you need while freeing up time and resources to focus on the big picture.

Some managed networks are better than others, though, so look for all of the following when selecting an IT company.

Dedicated IT Success Team

The simplest way to get the best managed network is by partnering with an IT company that realizes their success is tied to yours. When you find a true partner, you can lean on them to provide the most appropriate IT services for your specific needs. Look for things like the following from your dedicated success team:

  • Virtual Chief Information Officer (VCIO) who will meet with your internal team on a regular basis to discuss network performance, ongoing IT support, technology budgets, and more
  • Network engineer with experience supporting businesses like yours
  • Dedicated onsite support analyst to install new equipment, set up new users, and provide other IT services
  • Remote support technician to perform nightly backup checks and routine patches for your applications

IT Security Services

Your technology isn’t worth much if it isn’t secure. The cost of ransomware is high enough that it can seriously hurt a business. Make sure your managed network comes with an anti-virus and anti-malware solution. Real-time management, maintenance, and monitoring can go a long way toward protecting your business. Security is one of the most important parts of your technology plan because it can prevent data breaches, financial losses, and unplanned downtime.

Vendor Management

You shouldn’t have to juggle IT companies or spend time coordinating between different technology vendors. The right managed service provider can handle procurement and resolve issues with your other hardware, software, and service vendors without putting extra work on your plate. After all, outsourcing IT is supposed to make life easier for you, not harder.

Local Help Desk Support

Here at ThrottleNet, our award-winning customer service team is locally based right here in St. Louis. We offer unlimited remote support, and you can also opt for a plan that includes unlimited onsite support and project labor. No matter which type of plan you select, you’re only paying one fixed fee per month. That way there are no surprises that might otherwise blow up your IT budget. This ability to balance remote and onsite support is something you will only get from a local IT support team. Not every customer needs an onsite IT partner, but many feel more comfortable knowing we are nearby if needed.

A great managed network provider won’t just set up your technology, they’ll teach you how to use it. At ThrottleNet that means our team will conduct a thorough onboarding as we begin our partnership with your company. We’ll introduce ourselves to your entire staff, show them how to get support, and give them other training. Every one of your employees will learn about the best practices for avoiding common security risks and getting the most out of your managed network services. An effective managed network should tie everything together while making your other essential IT services easier to scale and customize.

How to Choose the Right Managed Network Service Provider for 2021

Here at ThrottleNet, we follow a three-phase approach to providing a managed network. This allows us to get to know you, assess your needs, then make customized recommendations to facilitate success. We’re regularly ranked among the best IT companies in St. Louis because we provide a level of hands-on attention that other IT service providers just don’t. Contact us today to find out what it’s like to have a more reliable technology partner.

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Explore New IT Strategies for the Year Ahead

2020 has taught us a lot about the type of technology it takes to run a successful business in a modern world. When times are uncertain and normal operations are interrupted, companies need to be able to rely on critical IT services that can help them survive and thrive. Many businesses have learned some hard lessons and made quick adjustments to keep moving forward, but the future will continue to present more challenges. The following IT strategies for 2021 will help ensure that your business is ready for the next calendar year.

Focus on Remote Access

The world was already becoming decentralized as more and more business transactions occur online, but the digital shift has been accelerated due to recent events. It’s important for employees to stay connected and productive even when they can’t physically be in the office. Secure remote access makes it possible to maintain business continuity even when people have to work remotely.

Consider all of the following as you secure your remote access for the future:

  • Hardware like headphones, microphones, and cameras
  • Reliable solutions for calls and video meetings
  • Virtual desktop solutions to connect you to the main office
  • Secure access to files, folders, and everything else you need

Fix Technology Issues of 2020

Address any technology issues that caused the most business disruptions and dissatisfaction in 2020. This year put a lot of strain on companies and pushed technological solutions to the limit. You may have had to modernize your IT services more quickly than you originally planned, but the trial by fire has given business leaders an opportunity to see which technological gaps are preventing them from reaching future business goals. If you don’t have the resources to address all of your vulnerabilities with your internal IT team, this may be the time to get a competitive advantage with outsourced IT.

Be Aware of the Latest IT Security Threats

Just as IT services are evolving to provide better solutions for your business, hackers are getting more sophisticated. Staying ahead of ransomware and other cybersecurity threats may feel like a full-time job at times. The good news is that you don’t have to make it your full-time job. You can outsource cybersecurity to take the pressure off of your internal team as you receive the most effective protection available.

Identify the Most Important IT Services for You

The pace at which technology evolves makes it hard for business leaders to keep up. If you have bigger things to focus on than the latest and greatest IT Services, some of the lingo might sound a little bit foreign. Between meaningless buzzwords and technical jargon, some IT strategies start to read like alphabet soup. It’s important to form a partnership with a managed service provider that will take the time to explain the true business benefits behind the technology.

Still, it can be hard to trust your technology to a third party. Look for an experienced managed service provider with a long track record of enabling success in your industry. When you partner with accomplished technology experts, it becomes easy to co-create a customized blend of the most important IT services.

Find an IT Company in St. Louis

Here at ThrottleNet, we’re proud to be awarded as one of the best IT companies in the St. Louis area. We’re even more proud of the way we help local businesses succeed. We’re so confident in our ability to serve your business goals, our whole business model depends on your continued satisfaction. Check out our win-win deal and contact us today!

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When your workforce goes remote, you need strong IT support.

Remote workforces are the new normal for most businesses here in the St. Louis area. The ability to work from home gives employees more flexibility and freedom. Secure remote access also allows companies to maintain productivity and business continuity in the event of unforeseen situations.

Working from home used to be a last resort for when employees had sick children or other important life events. It’s no longer a rare occurrence, and many businesses have had to transition to completely dispersed workforces for the foreseeable future. Remote IT help desk support and other IT services can help remove the burden from business leaders, new hires, and all of the individual contributors in between.

An IT Company for Your Whole Business

A variety of experts from the Harvard Business Review to Forbes have observed that future-minded companies are leaning into remote work. Unfortunately, many businesses have recently realized they weren’t ready to have everyone work from home at the same time. Managers are spending their days fielding questions and keeping everyone else on track instead of focusing on their own productivity. That’s why the best IT service providers have comprehensive onboarding processes for your entire company.

Business leaders and technologists shouldn’t be the only ones who know how to host a remote meeting or connect to the remote desktop. When your technology partner addresses everyone on your org chart, the leadership spends less time putting out fires and managing other snags. Every employee should know how to prevent security risks, navigate the technology they need to stay productive, and get support from the IT service desk when something does go wrong.

Remote IT Services for the Future

To continue moving forward on this path, companies are going to need strong IT help desk support. Responsive IT services allow companies to get back up to speed as quickly as possible and stay on the right track for the long haul.

As you address technical gaps your internal team can’t close alone, consider the following questions before choosing an outsourced IT company.
  • Can you troubleshoot remotely to keep your essential IT services in play everywhere?
  • How will working outside of a centralized office raise new cybersecurity risks that could jeopardize your business data and your customers’ privacy?
  • Will employees still have convenient access to all of the files, folders, and applications they need to stay productive?
  • Can you digitize your communication and processes to prevent interruptions to your workflows?

Why Choose an Award-Winning IT Company?

Recent history has been hard on small companies, and business leaders are looking for ways to recover as quickly as possible. Simply put, many organizations don’t have the time or resources to handle very many more setbacks right now. Choosing an outsourced IT company should inspire confidence and help you rest assured that your technology solutions are in good hands.

Refine your search by focusing on potential partners with proven track records. An IT company with experience in your industry will know what it takes to make you successful. The best IT companies in St. Louis also receive awards that speak to their capabilities.

Best IT Help Desk Support for 2021 & Beyond

Our team at ThrottleNet is regularly recognized as the #1 business IT support help desk in St. Louis because of the work we do for our customers. Since we’re so confident in our ability to support your business IT services, we’re able to offer free trials, monthly contracts, and real win-win opportunities. Either we’ll earn your business, or the first month is on the house. Contact us today to get started!

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Your Business Depends on Trustworthy IT Services

Trust is one of the most important things to consider when you choose a managed service provider. Outsourced IT management can save you time and resources, but it’s important to find a partner that will prioritize your business needs over its own corporate profits. Select a trustworthy IT company that you can count on to keep its word so you can focus on running your business.

How to Choose a Trustworthy IT Company

Most people don’t get into business to focus on technology, but they still rely on it to keep everything else running smoothly. Managed network services and professional IT security combine to protect companies from data loss, hacking, and unplanned downtime. The question is, how do you select a reliable IT company when technology isn’t your specialty?

Business leaders can gauge the trustworthiness of managed IT companies by focusing on five key ranking factors.

1 – Reviews

The opinions of previous customers will tell you a lot about almost any company. Here at ThrottleNet, we’re obsessed with customer success. We use Customer Thermometer to measure satisfaction and are proud to report a happiness score of 98.4%. Compare managed service providers on Google, too, where we’re the most reviewed and highest rated outsourced IT company in St. Louis.

2 – Awards

Demand a long track record of work that gets recognition from the experts. When an IT service provider earns the respect of its peers, you have social proof that this company does things the right way. Look for awards and accolades from respected organizations that know what it takes to run a successful business in St. Louis.

The Channel Futures MSP 501 List is a good place to find the best IT companies. You might also look to St. Louis Small Business Monthly. After polling thousands of business professionals in the Greater St. Louis area, they name an IT management and security company the Best in IT. We’re honored to be in their top five for the last five years and look forward to many more.

3 – Certifications and Partnerships

  • Microsoft Certified Partner
  • Mac Certified to Work on Apple Devices
  • Partnerships and Authorizations with Other Solution Providers:
  • Dell
  • Cisco
  • Amazon
  • Google
  • Webroot
  • Datto

4 – Clients

Choose a managed service provider with experience working for businesses like yours. A trustworthy IT company should be comfortable working with top companies in St. Louis across many different industries. Look a little closer at review sources and ask for references before

5 – Transparency

You shouldn’t need to spend a lot of time managing your managed IT company, but you should definitely be able to see the proof that they’re working. A trustworthy IT company will use month-to-month agreements instead of holding clients hostage with long contracts.

At ThrottleNet, our business model requires us to earn your business every month– we’ll even help you transition to your next vendor if you want to leave. We also practice “open book management” and profit sharing to create transparency internally. Our entire team is

ThrottleNet: Your Trustworthy IT Company in St. Louis

Here at ThrottleNet, we pride ourselves on providing the best customer service in the industry. Combine our commitment to the St. Louis community with state-of-the-art technology, and you’re dealing with a leading IT service provider. Contact us to learn why we’ll be the best St. Louis IT company for years to come.

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ThrottleNet Named on Channel Futures MSP 501 List for Sixth Year in a Row

July 28, 2020—For the sixth year in a row, ThrottleNet is excited to announce that it has been named in the annual Channel Futures MSP 501 Rankings. 

Each year, Channel Futures selects the top 501 Managed Service Providers across the globe based on a variety of criteria, including best-in-class service, operational efficiency, and a higher rate of return on investments for their customers. 

Kris Blackmon, Content Director and Editor of the MSP 501, says, “Our winners represent the health and progressivity of the managed services market. They’re growing their revenue, expanding their customer influence and exploring new technology that will propel them for years to come.”

The accomplished MSPs who make the list work tirelessly to develop creative solutions for their customers that improve the industry as a whole. By making the list, MSPs mark their reputation as top industry leaders in IT managed services.

Becoming a Top-Ranked Managed Service Provider 

Our team’s goal at ThrottleNet is to continually develop innovative technology solutions that give businesses in our community a cutting digital edge. We are constantly evolving our services to ensure our customers are supported on every technological front. 

George Rosenthal, President and Founder of ThrottleNet, says, “We are honored to be listed on the MSP 501 list for another year. This prestigious recognition pushes our team to seek increased opportunities to hone our skills and provide the best solutions for our customers. Our clients’ valuable feedback and trust in us over the years has allowed us to prove ourselves not only as a top MSP in St. Louis but as one of the top MSPs in the world.”

How Channel Futures MSP 501 Companies Are Selected

Channel Futures compiled its 2020 MSP 501 list based on data including factors such as growth rates, service offerings, business and pricing models, and total and recurring revenues. 

This data also contributes to an annual study of IT industry trends, which will be released at the Channel Partners Evolution Conference. The full MSP 501 Report includes interviews with IT experts, valuable statistics, and more.

You can view the complete 2020 MSP 501 list at Channel Futures.

Learn About ThrottleNet’s Managed Network Services 

ThrottleNet Named #1 Best in IT by Small Business Monthly, Five Years in A Row

July 28, 2020—ThrottleNet is happy to announce that it has been recognized by Small Business Monthly as the #1 Best in IT in St. Louis. ThrottleNet works hard to provide top IT solutions for its local clients and is honored to receive this award.

After receiving multiple awards this year, including two others from Small Business Monthly (Best in Cybersecurity Firms in February of 2020 and Best in Reliability in April 2020), ThrottleNet is proud to now be recognized as the top IT company in St. Louis for FIVE YEARS in a row. We continue our mission to serve our community with top industry solutions and reliability.

Though the ongoing pandemic has impacted our business as well as many others in the area, we have recognized the need for us to be a trusted technology partner for each and every one of our clients. Their continued feedback has allowed us to tailor our services to better adapt to their needs, even in the middle of a global catastrophe.

George Rosenthal, President and Founder of ThrottleNet, expresses his appreciation for this award, saying, “Our team is concerned first and foremost with providing reliable IT services for our clients here in the St. Louis area. We have been fortunate enough to be named among the world’s top 501 MSPs, yet we feel truly humbled that our own community has put its trust in us so much that we can be named the best local Managed Service Provider. We are proud to offer advanced technology solutions to businesses and organizations right in our own backyard.”

About St. Louis Small Business Monthly

St. Louis Small Business Monthly is the source of strategy, management and innovation for St. Louis-area entrepreneurs and business owners. This popular local magazine offers Best in Business awards, Future 50 Business awards, and more based on votes from local readers and other reviews. 

Looking for More Robust IT Services?

At ThrottleNet, we get to know each of our clients and their particular technology needs to provide them with the most valuable IT solutions. We are proud to have a long-standing reputation as a top industry provider and would be happy to work with you to optimize your digital infrastructure.

If you’re interested in learning more about our top-rated managed IT services, please don’t hesitate to contact us today.