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# Optimal Networks | Managed IT Services | Washington D.C.

The Premium Provider of IT Services for Legal, Associations, and Consulting Firms

## Sitemaps

- [XML Sitemap](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/sitemap.xml): Contains all public & indexable URLs for this website.

## Posts

- [Insights](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/optimal-insights/) - Plain-English answers to your questions about technology best practices for the Legal, Association and Consulting industries.
- [Why Zero-Trust Security Is Gaining Momentum in the Age of AI](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/why-zero-trust-security-is-gaining-momentum-in-the-age-of-ai/) - At Optimal Networks, we’ve worked alongside law firms, associations, and consulting firms long enough to recognize when a shift in cybersecurity strategy is more than incremental. The growing adoption of zero-trust security reflects one of those moments. Organizations are facing a new reality: AI is accelerating both cyber threats and cybersecurity capabilities. That tension is
- [The Rise of Shadow AI: What It Means for Your Organization & How to Respond](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/the-rise-of-shadow-ai-what-it-means-for-your-organization-how-to-respond/) - At Optimal Networks, we’ve guided organizations through decades of technology change—from early internet adoption to cloud and remote work. Each wave has followed a similar pattern: leadership evaluates, plans, and proceeds carefully, while individuals quickly adopt the latest and greatest in their personal lives. AI is following that same trajectory. If you’re evaluating how to
- [4 Cybersecurity Myths That Put Your Organization at Risk](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/4-cybersecurity-myths-that-put-your-organization-at-risk/) - Think your organization is secure? These four common cybersecurity myths could be exposing your law firm, association, or consulting firm to unnecessary risk.
- [3 AI Myths Holding Your Organization Back (and What Leaders Should Know Instead)](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/3-ai-myths-holding-your-organization-back-and-what-leaders-should-know-instead/) - With AI evolving at a rapid pace, it’s no surprise that misinformation is keeping up. At Optimal Networks, we’ve been guiding professional service organizations through major technology shifts since 1991. From the rise of the internet to cloud computing and remote work, we’ve seen firsthand how confusion can stall progress—and how clarity can unlock it.
- [How to Use AI and Automation in Employee Onboarding (Without Increasing Risk)](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/how-to-use-ai-and-automation-in-employee-onboarding-without-increasing-risk/) - We’ve recently published a few different articles on how employee onboarding impacts retention and corporate culture: How IT Shapes Company Culture and Employee Engagement During Onboarding Remote Work and Employee Onboarding: How to Meet New Hire Expectations in a Remote-First World 5 Proven Employee Onboarding Strategies to Improve Retention and Reduce Early Turnover In
- [5 Proven Employee Onboarding Strategies to Improve Retention and Reduce Early Turnover](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/5-proven-employee-onboarding-strategies-to-improve-retention-and-reduce-early-turnover/) - Your employee onboarding process can accomplish one of two things: assure your new hire that they were right to accept the position, or plant concerns that they made a mistake. They may not be idle concerns, either: 20-50% of employees quit within the first 100 days of a new job. As an IT service
- [Remote Work and Employee Onboarding: How to Meet New Hire Expectations in a Remote-First World](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/remote-work-and-employee-onboarding-how-to-meet-new-hire-expectations-in-a-remote-first-world/) - Imagine you’ve hired two new employees: one remote, and one local. The local employee arrives on-site at your office to a fully furnished workspace: A new laptop with a stand Dual monitors Wireless keyboard and mouse Speakerphone and external camera Ergonomic chair High-speed connectivity The remote employee received a repackaged laptop in the mail. After
- [Why the Lack of Return on AI Is Good News for Many Businesses](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/why-the-lack-of-return-on-ai-is-good-news-for-many-businesses/) - Businesses are not doing a great job with AI right now. Over the past year employees, executives, and stakeholders alike have all felt the pressure to leverage AI in pursuit of efficiency and innovation. Yet as we round out this first calendar quarter, businesses are still not doing well with this new technology at all.
- [How IT Shapes Company Culture and Employee Engagement During Onboarding](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/how-it-shapes-company-culture-and-employee-engagement-during-onboarding/) - When’s the last time you took a holistic look at your onboarding process from the new employee’s perspective? When most organizations think about onboarding, they think about HR paperwork, benefits enrollment, and maybe a welcome lunch. If you put yourself into the new hire’s shoes, is the experience going to inspire confidence? Excitement?
- [Why Your AI Bot is Producing Slop & 5 Ways to Fix It ](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/why-your-ai-bot-is-producing-slop-5-ways-to-fix-it/) - Building your own custom GPT is not hard to do, but it can be surprisingly hard to do well. At Optimal, we help law firms, associations, and consulting firms get meaningful business results out of their IT systems. When it comes to AI, 95% of organizations have seen no measurable return on their investment. We’re also seeing more and
- [How Law Firms Are Using AI—and the Opportunities This Presents](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/how-law-firms-are-using-ai-and-the-opportunities-this-presents/) - According to ILTA’s 2025 Technology Survey, 80% of law firms are either “using or exploring” artificial intelligence. That number is striking—but it deserves some context. “Exploring” is really the first stage of any AI journey, and it can mean everything from attending a webinar… to running a small pilot… to simply keeping an eye on
- [The Cost of a Data Breach Has Finally Gone Down. AI Gets… Partial Credit](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/cost-of-a-data-breach-down-ai-gets-partial-credit/) - The average cost of a data breach is finally trending down—but law firms and associations must not get complacent. Learn what’s changing and how to stay protected with Optimal’s strategic guidance.
- [How Do You Know If It’s Time to Change Your IT Support Model?](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/time-to-rethink-your-it-support-model/) - Not sure if your IT support model is the right fit? Discover the 5 biggest signs your organization has outgrown its current approach—and what to do about it.
- [What’s the Best Way for a Mid-Sized Law Firm or Association to Manage IT? (Insourcing vs. Outsourcing IT)](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/whats-the-best-way-for-a-mid-sized-law-firm-or-association-to-manage-it-insourcing-vs-outsourcing-it/) - Explore six IT support models for mid-sized law firms and associations — from full insourcing to full outsourcing and hybrid approaches — to find the right fit for your organization.
- [What Does IT Management Include for Mid-Sized Law Firms and Associations?](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/what-does-it-management-include-for-mid-sized-law-firms-and-associations/) - Learn the key components of IT management mid-sized law firms and associations need to cover — from networks and cloud systems to employee support and strategy — to boost productivity and growth.
- [How to Set Your Acquisition Up for Technology Success](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/how-to-set-your-acquisition-up-for-technology-success/) - Planning an acquisition? Here’s how to approach technology integration thoughtfully—so you retain the best of both organizations while avoiding common pitfalls.
- [Optimal Networks Ranked on Channel Partners MSP 501 for 13th Time](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/optimal-networks-ranked-on-channel-partners-msp-501-for-13th-time/) - Annual Channel Partners MSP 501 Identifies Best of the Best in the Managed Services Industry June 26, 2025 / Rockville, MD - Optimal Networks, Inc. has been named as one of the world’s top-performing managed service providers in the prestigious 2025 Channel Partners MSP 501 rankings. The annual Channel Partners MSP 501 list, a technology
- [Master Employee Onboarding with Thoughtful IT: Top 6 Tips](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/master-employee-onboarding-with-thoughtful-it-top-6-tips/) - To help give your new hires an overwhelmingly positive start to their employment we’ve compiled 6 tips gathered over our three decades in technology support.
- [Executive Travel Tech Tips: How to Stay Secure, Connected, and Productive on the Go](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/executive-travel-tech-tips-how-to-stay-secure-connected-and-productive-on-the-go/) - Traveling for work or vacation? Learn how to secure your devices, protect your data, and stay productive with this checklist from Optimal Networks—trusted IT advisors for 34+ years.
- [Phishing Scams that Bypass Microsoft MFA: How to stay protected](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/phishing-scams-that-bypass-microsoft-mfa-how-to-stay-protected/) - We’ve seen a surge in these attacks across the law firm and association space, so let's work through how these attacks work and how to minimize your risk.
- [Optimal Networks Acquires Elevative Networks, Expanding Reach in the Mid-Atlantic IT Services Market](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/optimal-networks-acquires-elevative-networks-expanding-reach-in-the-mid-atlantic-it-services-market/) - March 13, 2025 / Rockville, MD – Optimal Networks, Inc., a premier provider of managed IT services and strategic technology consulting, has acquired Elevative Networks, a respected Managed Services Provider (MSP) with a strong reputation for client-focused IT solutions. This acquisition marks a significant step in Optimal Networks’ expansion strategy, strengthening its position as the
- [What to Look for in IT Vendor (MSP) Contracts: A Law Firm Admin's Guide](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/firm-admins-guide-to-it-vendor-msp-contracts/) - Law firms aren’t monoliths, but there are some things we recommend all firms consider when signing a contract with an IT vendor. We've outlined them here.
- [How Poor IT Support Threatens Cybersecurity](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/how-poor-it-support-threatens-cybersecurity/) - What We Recommend To solve the root of this problem we do, of course, recommend you vet alternative IT partners to see if you can't find a helpdesk that your team can rely on, not avoid. Addressing the problem of shadow IT (which has other causes besides poor support) needs to start with an assessment
- [Yes, You Should Probably Replace that Windows 10 Machine](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/yes-you-should-probably-replace-that-windows-10-machine/) - You’ll need to deal with your Windows 10 devices one way or another by September. And that means you need to begin planning your upgrade project now.
- [How to Incorporate Artificial Intelligence (AI) into Your 2025 Strategy ](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/how-to-incorporate-artificial-intelligence-ai-into-your-2025-strategy/) - While AI can inspire wonder and awe, it need not inspire fear. Here's a clear and concise framework that you can use to incorporate AI into your 2025 strategy.
- [Implementation vs. Adoption: How to Successfully Roll Out a New Technology Solution](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/implementation-vs-adoption-how-to-successfully-roll-out-a-new-technology-solution/) - Beyond the ability to use the tools your organization has put into place, it’s critical to fold new technologies it into your operations and culture.
- [The Best Office and Mobile Work Setups (According to a 30-year IT Veteran)](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/the-best-office-and-mobile-work-setups-according-to-a-30-year-it-veteran/) - Join Heinan, Optimal's CEO, as he shares his tried-and-tested office and mobile work setups. Discover how to optimize your workspace for seamless productivity.
- [How to Build an Effective Business Continuity Plan](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/how-to-build-an-effective-business-continuity-plan/) - Business continuity planning spans everything from calculating losses to mapping recovery processes to running simulations. We've outlined the full scope here.
- [Why You Need an (Updated) Acceptable Use Policy](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/why-you-need-an-updated-acceptable-use-policy/) - An Acceptable Use Policy is a formal written document that includes clear guidelines on how employees are able to use company equipment, systems, and data...
- [Top 5 IT Considerations When Starting Your New Law Firm](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/top-5-it-considerations-when-starting-your-new-law-firm/) - We’ve recently had the pleasure of helping several law firms and consulting firms split off from one entity to form a new, growing entity of their own. While there are many technology problems we love to solve for our clients, being the team to design, build, standardize, secure, and support a network from scratch is
- [Hybrid Work Revisited: Where we are EOY 2023](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/hybrid-work-revisited-where-we-are-eoy-2023/) - As an IT services firm we have unique insight into how organizations are operating—from where, with what tools, and how successfully. Here’s what we’ve seen.
- [3 Ways Your Technology is Annoying Your Clients](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/3-ways-your-technology-is-annoying-your-clients/) - Law firms and consulting firms are in a position you might call unfair: your clients expect you to be masters of your craft and also of technology. Take these three scenarios for example: You have the most mind-blowingly brilliant answer to a client question. You send it to them via fax. You have the best
- [Top 5 IT Budgeting Pitfalls – What not to overlook](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/top-5-it-budgeting-pitfalls-what-not-to-overlook/) - It's not easy to build an IT budget that is both accurate and agile. But it's not impossible, either. We'll help set you in the right direction.
- [MSP vs. MSSP vs. CISO - Who is responsible for cybersecurity?](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/msp-vs-mssp-vs-ciso-who-is-responsible-for-cybersecurity/) - Between the volume of abbreviations in technology and the scope of cybersecurity, it’s easy to lose track of who is responsible for what when it comes to keeping your data protected and your reputation intact. As is the nature of leadership, your organization’s top executive (CEO, ED, etc.) is ultimately accountable for all things cybersecurity.
- [The Executive’s Guide to Artificial Intelligence](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/the-executives-guide-to-artificial-intelligence/) - We’ll help isolate what’s important for executives to focus on and what you can safely delegate when it comes to AI.
- [AI, Impersonation, and Cybercrime: What’s Ahead for Our Businesses](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/ai-impersonation-and-cybercrime-whats-ahead-for-our-businesses/) - We're on the brink of huge innovation in cybercrime. Let's explore impersonation as a scam tactic and how that might evolve in the wake of mainstream AI.
- [Scam Tactics You Need to Know](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/scam-tactics-to-know/) - As was bound to happen, our cybersecurity baseline is now waning in effectiveness as cyber criminals continue to advance their tactics. Here's what to know.
- [Associations Now Feature: Cybersecurity Tips for Executives](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/associations-now-cybersecurity-tips/) - As originally published in Associations Now, May 14, 2019. Top 10 Security Tips Every Association Executive Needs to Know You need not be a security expert to bolster your association’s security posture. In fact, the single most effective way to keep your data secure isn’t any sophisticated technical defense at all: it’s education. According
- [Associations Now Feature: Five Tech Issues New CEOs Should Focus on First](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/tech-issues-association-ceo-focus/) - Five Tech Issues New CEOs Should Focus on First When a new association CEO starts the job, the responsibilities and pressures of the role can feel exciting and overwhelming at the same time. Talk to any new CEO, and they’ll tell you that the first day on the job and the weeks that follow involve
- [The LeX Factor Podcast: Law Firms Benefit From Adapting Technology](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/lex-factor-podcast-adapting-tech/) - As originally aired on the LeX Factor Podcast December 29, 2020 Law Firms Benefit From Adapting Technology with Heinan Landa | Optimal Networks, Inc. Lexicon Brand Manager Lauren Hoffmann and Chief Information Officer Brad Paubel host The LeX Factor, A Lawfully Good Podcast. They are rejoined by Heinan Landa, the founder and CEO of Optimal Networks Inc.,
- [The LeX Factor Podcast: Presenting the Technological Approach for Law Firms](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/lex-factor-podcast-technological-approach/) - As originally aired on the LeX Factor Podcast December 30, 2020 Presenting the Technological Approach for Law Firms with Heinan Landa | Optimal Networks, Inc. Lexicon Brand Manager Lauren Hoffmann and Chief Information Officer Brad Paubel host The LeX Factor, A Lawfully Good Podcast. They are joined by Heinan Landa, the founder and CEO of Optimal Networks
- [CNN: How to Recognize if You Are the Target of ‘Smishing’ Scam](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/how-to-recognize-if-you-are-the-target-of-smishing-scam/) - Image Source: CNN Our CEO Heinan Landa was interviewed by CNN to explain the new “smishing” scam targeting version users CNN's Joe Johns reports on the cellphone scam known as "smishing" and what to do if you receive a text from your own phone number. "The Newscast with Wolf Blitzer" is available on CNN+ --
- [Grow Law Firm Podcast: De-Risking Your Firm](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/podcast-de-risking-your-firm/) - This February Heinan was invited to join Sasha Berson and the Grow Law Firm Podcast. Heinan shares how rewarding it is for law firms to embrace technology and the growing importance of taking care of the security side of the business. Topics include: The technology operational maturity model Heinan shares in his book, “The Modern
- [ACBJ: Key Elements of Due Diligence When Considering a Cloud Solution](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/key-elements-of-due-diligence-when-considering-a-cloud-solution/) - For years providers have been touting the benefits of a migration to the cloud: increased productivity, morale, and security, and decreased management burden and risk of downtime. And as companies have shifted into the cloud, they have taken these promises to heart. According to McAfee’s 2019 Cloud Adoption and Risk Report: 69% trust their provider
- [ACBJ: The Risks of Giving Your Employees the Technology They Want](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/the-risks-of-giving-your-employees-the-technology-they-want/) - Technology service providers have been preaching standardization since the 90s. Identify your chosen hardware and software “stack,” and stick to those technologies. The fewer options you have running around, the better. For a while, most organizations went along with this approach. Today, the flexibility of cloud computing combined with a desire to maximize employee engagement
- [ACBJ: The Art of the Virtual Coffee: Building relationships from a safe distance](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/the-art-of-the-virtual-coffee-building-relationships-from-a-safe-distance/) - As more of us shift to working from home and generally practicing social distancing, it’s important that we still find creative ways to build our personal and professional relationships. A surprisingly effective way to do this is what a business partner of mine affectionately dubbed the “virtual coffee.” We can’t very well meet in a
- [ACBJ: How to Mitigate Cybersecurity Risks We Face Working From Home](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/how-to-mitigate-cybersecurity-risks-we-face-working-from-home/) - As we continue to observe social distancing guidelines and stay-at-home orders, it’s clear that we’ll all be working from home for at least another several weeks. While many of us might have worked from home a day or two a week prior to the pandemic, few organizations are used to having all their staff work from home
- [ACBJ: 4 Hidden Ways Hybrid Work Erodes Your Culture (and How to Avoid Them)](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/4-hidden-ways-hybrid-work-erodes-your-culture-and-how-to-avoid-them/) - Over a year after the pandemic turned much of the workforce virtual, less than 1 in 5 business owners intends to return to pre-pandemic office conditions, and the majority of U.S. workers want to maintain some regular telework schedule going forward. Ultimately, most of us will settle into hybrid work where some employees are in the office and some are working remotely on any given
- [ACBJ: IT Service Provider Acquisitions - 3 ways to set new partnerships up for success](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/it-service-provider-acquisitions-3-ways-to-set-new-partnerships-up-for-success/) - Few business owners I know are pleased to find out that a service provider of theirs has been acquired. This is especially true in the case of managed IT service providers, who more or less hold your ability to operate in their hands. If this provider has been purchased… what does that mean for your
- [ACBJ: It's 2022. Should You Switch from PC to Mac?](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/its-2022-should-you-switch-from-pc-to-mac/) - Should you stick with your PC or switch to a Mac? As the owner of a technology consulting firm I had always been a PC guy, believing that Macs were geared more toward creative types and didn’t play a large role in the Microsoft-dominated corporate world. And then I bought a Mac. Why did this
- [Global Trade Magazine: Tech's Starring Role in The Great Resignation](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/global-trade-magazine-great-resignation/) - As originally published in Global Trade Magazine November 15, 2021 Retaining Talent Through Sustaining Momentum: Tech’s Starring Role in the Great Resignation by Heinan Landa | Optimal Networks, Inc. We’re in the middle of a major shift in the workforce. Priorities are shifting and that has spawned what is now being referred to as the Great
- [WUSA9: Be Safe with Your Cyber Monday and Holiday Shopping](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/wusa9-safe-holiday-shopping/) - As seen on WUSA 9 November 26, 2021 Be safe with your cyber Monday and holiday shopping Unfortunately, cyber criminals might be even more excited about the holiday season than we are! Scams continue to get more sophisticated and harder to spot before it's too late. Heinan joined WUSA9 to share some tips to stay
- [Legal Reader: Retaining Talent Through Sustaining Momentum](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/legal-reader-retaining-talent/) - As originally published in Legal Reader November 29, 2021 Retaining Talent Through Sustaining Momentum: Tech’s Starring Role in the Great Resignation by Heinan Landa | Optimal Networks, Inc. We’re in the middle of a major shift in the workforce. Priorities are shifting and that has spawned what is now being referred to as the Great Resignation.
- [Legal Reader: Avoiding Subtle Threats to Firm Culture Post-COVID](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/legal-reader-culture-post-covid/) - As originally published in Legal Reader July 14, 2021 Top 5 Unexpected Culture-Killers for Post-COVID Hybrid Work by Heinan Landa | Optimal Networks, Inc. We’re nearly there. In just a few months, almost all organizations will allow their employees to return to their offices after over a year of working from home. And even at
- [WURD Radio: Reality Check Podcast with Heinan Landa](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/wurd-radio-reality-check-podcast-with-heinan-landa/) - As originally aired on WURD radio March 17, 2020 Cybersecurity during COVID-19 with Heinan Landa | Optimal Networks, Inc. Optimal Networks CEO Heinan Landa joined Charles to discuss cybersecurity during this coronavirus pandemic. Listen to the radio spot here!
- [The Partner Podcast: Leveraging Technology to Build and Strengthen Client Relationships](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/the-partner-podcast-leveraging-technology/) - As originally aired on The Partner Podcast July 31, 2020 Leveraging Technology to Build and Strengthen Client Relationships (From Anywhere) with Heinan Landa | Optimal Networks, Inc. The Partner Podcast is a show hosted by Scott Love with content exclusively for law firm partners. Topics range from productivity, mental health and wellness, marketing, diversity issues,
- [Legal Marketing Association: The Client Experience of the Future](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/legal-marketing-association-client-experience-future/) - As originally published in Legal Marketing Association, August 26, 2020 The Client Experience of the Future with Heinan Landa | Optimal Networks, Inc. The success of the modern law firm hinges on its ability to adapt and pivot. Even before being struck by a global health crisis, the profession has been experiencing significant disruption due to
- [Law Technology Today: Leveraging Technology to Attract, Delight, and Retain Clients](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/law-technology-today-leveraging-technology/) - As originally published on Law Technology Today, October 8, 2020 Leveraging technology to attract, delight, and retain clients by Heinan Landa | Optimal Networks, Inc. For years there has been a crisis of customer service within the legal industry. Even before the pandemic created a physical disconnect between your attorneys and your clients, many firms
- [Attorney at Law Magazine: Working from Home is Here to Stay](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/attorney-at-law-working-from-home/) - As originally published in Attorney at Law Magazine, November 1, 2020 Working from Home is Here to Stay: How to Set Your Firm Up for Success by Heinan Landa | Optimal Networks, Inc. As we’ve learned, living in a global pandemic means doing our best to navigate a laundry list of uncertainties: how and when should
- [Crushing Chaos Podcast: Pivoting Performance Post-Pandemic With Heinan Landa](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/crushing-chaos-podcast-pivoting-performance-post-pandemic/) - As originally published in Law Firm Mentor, January 19, 2021 Pivoting Performance Post-Pandemic With Heinan Landa In this episode we discuss: The uncertain future of continuing to work from home, post-pandemic. The time and energy savings of working from home. How connecting with people is more difficult with only Zoom call interactions. Opportunities for hiring
- [ABA The Modern Law Library Podcast: How Your Firm Can Use Technology to Build Business and Keep Clients](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/the-modern-law-library-podcast-how-your-firm-can-use-technology-to-build-business/) - As originally published in the ABA Journal and Legal Talk Network, January 27, 2021 THE MODERN LAW LIBRARY How your firm can use technology to build business and keep clients BY LEE RAWLES JANUARY 27, 2021, 9:14 AM CST As a longtime technology consultant to law firms, Heinan Landa knows that lawyers are cautious customers who
- [Global Trade Magazine: COVID-19, Remote Work, and Technology: Was 2020 Just a Blip?](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/global-trade-covid-19-remote-work-and-technology/) - As originally published in Global Trade Magazine, January 30, 2021 COVID-19, Remote Work, and Technology: Was 2020 Just a Blip? by Heinan Landa | Optimal Networks, Inc. How did 2020 reshape your business? While some organizations were better prepared for a shift to working from home, only 14% of businesses worldwide had fully remote workforces
- [BlackLetter Podcast: Modernizing Law Firms and their Technology](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/blackletter-podcast-modernizing-law-firms/) - As originally posted on The BlackLetter Podcast, February 3, 2021 In this episode, Tom Dunlap chats with Heinan Landa, President & CEO of Optimal Networks, about how law firms can modernize their use of technology to better meet the changing world's needs. Listen in as they cover topics such as using and adopting technology as
- [Training Magazine: Zoom Fatigue Threatens Workplace Engagement](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/training-magazine-zoom-fatigue-threatens-workplace-engagement/) - As originally published in the Training Magazine, February 5, 2021 Zoom Fatigue Threatens Workplace Engagement by Heinan Landa | Optimal Networks, Inc. The COVID-19 pandemic has caused employees all over the world to pack up their desks, transform kitchen tables into home offices, and replace in-person meetings with video calls. Months upon months of video calls
- [HR Daily Advisor: The Evolution of Cybersecurity](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/hr-daily-advisor-evolution-cybersecurity/) - As originally published in the HR Daily Advisor, March 31, 2021 The Evolution of Cybersecurity by Heinan Landa | Optimal Networks, Inc. Today is World Backup Day, a day dedicated to protecting your vital information by backing up all critical files, and locking them away from scam artists and hackers. That has never been more important
- [Legal Reader: How Law Firms Can Master the Hybrid Work Environment](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/legal-reader-law-firms-hybrid-work/) - As originally published in Legal Reader April 1, 2021 How Law Firms Can Master the Hybrid Work Environment by Heinan Landa | Optimal Networks, Inc. In their December 2020 “Future of Workforce Pulse Report”, UpWork found that 56.8% of the American workforce is now working from home (WFH) at least part of the time. This
- [Law.com: ROI and Accountability - Building cybersecurity into your budget](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/cybersecurity-law-strategy-cybersecurity-budget/) - As originally published in Law.com and Cybersecurity Law & Strategy Newsletter April 2021. Copyright ALM Media Properties, LLC. Accountability and ROI: Building Cybersecurity into Your Budget by Heinan Landa | Optimal Networks, Inc. Last year we watched cybercriminals seize a massive business opportunity. Our rapid shift to working from home plus heightened financial, political, social,
- [Chief Executive: Post-Covid - Which Trends Will We Abandon?](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/chief-executive-covid-trends/) - As originally published in Chief Executive April 15, 2021 Post-Covid: Which Trends Will We Abandon? by Heinan Landa | Optimal Networks, Inc. How did 2020 reshape your business? While some organizations were better prepared for a shift to working from home, only 14% of businesses worldwide had fully remote workforces prior to the pandemic. This
- [Law Entrepreneur Podcast: How Modern Law Firms Use Technology to Thrive](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/law-entrepreneur-law-firms-technology-thrive/) - As originally released in the Law Entrepreneur Podcast May 10, 2021 How Modern Law Firms Use Technology to Thrive with Heinan Landa | Optimal Networks, Inc. Heinan Landa is the Founder and CEO of Optimal Networks, an IT company that promises to provide a measurable impact on your organization by meeting the technology and networking
- [Law Firm ILN-telligence Podcast: The Post-Pandemic Workplace](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/law-firm-podcast-post-pandemic-workplace/) - As aired on the Law Firm ILN-telligenc Podcast May 14, 2021 Episode 33: The Post-Pandemic Workplace with Heinan Landa and David Campbell | Optimal Networks, Inc. On Law Firm ILN-telligence, host Lindsay Griffiths interviews International Lawyers Network member firm lawyers to discuss the challenges of running a law firm and practice in today's marketplace, the
- [ALA's Legal Management: The Evolution of Cybersecurity](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/legal-management-evolution-cybersecurity/) - As originally published in Legal Management May 2021 The Evolution of Cybersecurity by Heinan Landa | Optimal Networks, Inc. Last year we saw cybercriminals seizing a massive business opportunity. Our rapid shift to working from home due to COVID-19, plus heightened financial, political, social and emotional stressors, presented a perfect storm: The consumer-grade routers and
- [Rainmaking Podcast: Build and Strengthen Client Relationships from Anywhere](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/rainmaking-podcast-strengthen-client-relationships/) - As originally released for the Rainmaking Podcast May 27, 2021 Leveraging Technology to Build and Strengthen Client Relationships (From Anywhere) with Heinan Landa | Optimal Networks, Inc. The Rainmaking Podcast will help you to get more business, better business, and all the business from your clients. This podcast is for professional services firms, law firms,
- [My Tech Decisions Podcast: Managing the Transition Back to the Office](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/tech-decisions-transition-back-to-office/) - As originally released in the My Tech Decisions Podcast June 11, 2021 Managing The Transition Back To The Office with Heinan Landa | Optimal Networks, Inc. On this episode of the My TechDecisions Podcast, we speak with Heinan Landa, founder of managed services provider Optimal Networks, about what IT professionals can do to manage the
- [Chief Executive: Top 5 Unexpected Culture-Killers for Hybrid Work](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/chief-executive-unexpected-culture-killers-hybrid-work/) - As originally published in Chief Executive and MultiBriefs June 2021 Top 5 Unexpected Culture-Killers for Hybrid Work by Heinan Landa | Optimal Networks, Inc. We’re nearly there. In just a few months, almost all organizations will allow their employees to return to their offices after over a year of working from home. And even at
- [Bar Leader: What Now? Easing Toward Recovery, Bars Contemplate What ‘Reopening’ Means](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/bar-leader-what-reopening-means/) - As originally published in ABA'S Bar Leader Vol. 46, No. 6 July-August 2021 What now? Easing toward recovery, bars contemplate what ‘reopening’ means by Dan Kittay, ABA | Featuring Heinan Landa, Optimal Networks As pandemic restrictions ease and bars contemplate how to best return to their offices, there is a range of opinions on how
- [Business Mogul: Top 5 Unexpected Culture Killers for Post-COVID Hybrid Work](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/business-mogul-culture-hybrid-work/) - The summer issue of Business Mogul Magazine features Heinan's insight on subtle factors that can slowly but surely erode your corporate culture--and threaten engagement and retention--as we transition to hybrid work environments. Preview the issue below! Purchase the magazine here!
- [ABA Journal: Maintaining Firm Culture, Retaining Talent in a Hybrid Scenario](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/aba-journal-culture-killers-hybrid-work/) - As originally published in ABA Journal August 17, 2021 Top 4 Unexpected Culture Killers for Post-COVID-19 Hybrid Work by Heinan Landa | Optimal Networks, Inc. Over the next few months it will, at long last, be safe for attorneys and staff to return to their offices. While each firm’s exact approach to re-entry will vary—and
- [Business View Magazine: The Key to Retaining Top Talent](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/business-view-magazine-retain-top-talent/) - As originally published in Business View Magazine December 2, 2021 Retaining Talent Through Sustaining Momentum: Tech’s Starring Role in the Great Resignation by Heinan Landa | Optimal Networks, Inc. We’re in the middle of a major shift in the workforce. Priorities are shifting and that has spawned what is now being referred to as the Great
- [Chief Executive: The Key to Thriving Through the Great Resignation](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/chief-executive-great-resignation/) - As originally published in Chief Executive December 20, 2021 Retaining Talent Through Sustaining Momentum: Tech’s Starring Role in the Great Resignation by Heinan Landa | Optimal Networks, Inc. We’re in the middle of a major shift in the workforce. Priorities are shifting and that has spawned what is now being referred to as the Great Resignation.
- [SharkPreneur Podcast with Seth Greene: IT Department in a Box](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/sharkpreneur-it-department-in-a-box/) - As originally aired January 2, 2022 Heinan Landa founded Optimal Networks in 1991. The goal? Build a technology services company that would not only provide its clients with mind-blowing results, but have serious fun doing so. We'd say it worked out well. Listen to this illuminating Sharkpreneur episode with Heinan Landa about Optimal Networks, your
- [Recruiting Daily: Retaining Talent through Sustaining Momentum](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/recruiting-daily-sustaining-momentum/) - As originally published in Recruiting Daily January 4, 2022 Retaining Talent Through Sustaining Momentum: Tech’s Starring Role in the Great Resignation by Heinan Landa | Optimal Networks, Inc. We’re in the middle of a major shift in the workforce. Priorities are shifting and that has spawned what is now being referred to as the Great Resignation.
- [Business Mogul Magazine: Tech's Starring Role in the Great Resignation](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/business-mogul-magazine-techs-starring-role-in-the-great-resignation/) - The winter issue of Business Mogul Magazine features Heinan’s insight on how businesses can retain their top talent by leaning even harder into the technology that got us through quarantine. Preview the issue below! Purchase the magazine here!
- [Kolibri Club Podcast: How Attorneys Have Navigated COVID](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/kolibri-club-podcast-attorneys-covid/) - As originally aired April 11, 2022 We're joined today on The Kolibri Club podcast by Heinan Landa, the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Optimal Networks, Inc., a globally ranked IT services firm, and author of The Modern Law Firm: How to Thrive in an Era of Rapid Technological Change. Given his strong background in
- [The Entrepreneur's Journey: NABOE CEO Breakfast](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/entrepreneurs-journey-naboe/) - Heinan was thrilled to join the National Association of Business Owners & Entrepreneurs (NABOE) to share his entrepreneurial journey. Program details follow. Can you survive and grow over 30 years and still be excited about your business? We are excited to introduce to the NABOE audience, Heinan Landa, CEO of Optimal Networks. Heinan proves
- [Switching Your DMS Doesn't Have to be Scary: Webinar with NetDocuments](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/change-management-netdocs/) - Does your current document management solution provide a platform for productivity that enables your lawyers and staff to do their very best work? It might be time to assess your options, but how do you guide people through the change? Learn more in this on-demand webinar. Find a solution that better fits your needs —
- [How to Do an IT Assessment](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/how-to-do-an-it-assessment/) - Not only are IT assessments important for evaluating your company's network security (which should be enough reason to do them), they are also good at identifying any tech inefficiencies, highlighting potential opportunities for cost savings. In his latest article for the American City Business Journals, Heinan explains how to conduct an IT assessment and shares
- [What to Expect When Your IT Provider (MSP) Has Been Purchased](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/what-to-expect-when-your-it-provider-msp-has-been-purchased/) -  There is a lot of merger and acquisition activity in the IT outsourcing industry today, including plenty here in the in the DC area. While this isn’t necessarily a new trend – private equity firms have been busy in the IT space for several years now – it does seem to be escalating and
- [6/10 Optimal Discusses Private Cloud in Associations Now](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/610-optimal-discusses-private-cloud-in-associations-now/) - Heinan's article, written for Associations Now, explores the private cloud computing environment and how it can help manage risk. Read the full article below!
- [How Much Does Remote Access Cost?](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/how-much-does-remote-access-cost/) - Increasingly, organizations are viewing remote access solutions as a necessity, not an option. Whether your staff is snowed in, whether they want to get some extra work done over the weekend, or whether they live ten states away from your office, they need some method of tapping into your network from afar. As a technology
- [What are the Best Ways to Prevent Malware for Law Firms?](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/what-are-the-best-ways-to-prevent-malware-for-law-firms/) - Did you know that in Cisco Systems Inc.’s 2015 Annual Security Report, law firms were ranked as the seventh most-vulnerable industry? That’s scary, considering how heavily law firms rely on data, and how heavily their clients rely on privacy. In a previous blog, we investigated the top cybersecurity threats to law firms. We discussed malicious attacks
- [Physical Servers vs Virtual Servers for Business](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/physical-servers-vs-virtual-servers-for-business/) - Servers: the foundation of your IT systems, and the powerhouse for your mission-critical company data. When it comes to crafting your organization’s infrastructure, there are two main options to compare: a physical server environment, or a virtual server environment. Over and over again our clients have asked which environment would be the best fit for
- [What are the Best Ways to Prevent Malware for Nonprofits?](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/what-are-the-best-ways-to-prevent-malware-for-nonprofits/) - Nonprofit organizations handle volumes of sensitive data every day—from donor information to client financial records to confidential emails. It stands to reason, then, that cybercriminals are targeting nonprofits at an alarming rate—trade associations, professional associations, and 501c3 organizations alike. In a previous blog, we investigated the top cybersecurity threats to nonprofits. We discussed malicious attacks
- [How to Tell if Your Data Backup is Working](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/how-to-tell-if-your-data-backup-is-working/) - We all know how critical data backup is to your organization’s longevity (at least, you will if you’ve been paying attention to any of our other articles on the subject). In fact, many organizations are willing to invest thousands of dollars each month in a comprehensive backup and disaster recovery solution just in case something
- [How Much Should Law Firms Spend on IT Annually?](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/how-much-should-law-firms-spend-on-it-annually/) - Recently, we spent some time working through the key elements to consider when it comes to crafting your law firm’s IT budget. While this discussion digs into the nuts and bolts of what specific pieces combine to form a successful budget, it opens the door to another side of the conversation: when these pieces come
- [What are the Best Ways to Prevent Malware for Small Business?](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/what-are-the-best-ways-to-prevent-malware-for-small-business/) - Frightening facts: A recent Symantec study found that 40% of cyber-attacks are against organizations with fewer than 500 employees. And, according to the National Cyber Security Alliance, one in five small businesses falls victim to cybercrime each year. Of those, some 60% go out of business within six months after an attack. It’s no wonder,
- [IT Best Practices: 7 Quick Tips for Your Business](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/it-best-practices-7-quick-tips-for-your-business/) - Our firm has helped companies achieve their business goals with technology for nearly three decades. Over this time, we’ve learned that there is absolutely no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to IT; every organization is unique, and your technology must be responsive to your specific needs, preferences, and culture. There are, however, some basic best
- [How Much Do Network Engineers Make?](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/how-much-do-network-engineers-make/) - At Optimal Networks, engineers are the backbone of our white-glove technology services and we treat them as such. Below, we’ll walk you through the common salary range for Network Engineers, typical turnover rates, and how we manage to retain our elite personnel. Salary Range for Network Engineers Network Engineers certainly have high earning potential, but
- [Will the Cloud Save My Law Firm Money?](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/will-the-cloud-save-my-law-firm-money/) - When it comes to cloud computing, providers tend to harp on the idea of mind-blowing cost savings in their promotional material. In fact, this notion has saturated the IT landscape to the point where many firms will reflexively equate “cloud” with “cheap,” even if they’ve never actively explored a cloud solution. We hear it over
- [4/13 Six-Time Success: AWE Honors Optimal With Workplace Excellence Award](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/413-six-time-success-awe-honors-optimal-with-workplace-excellence-award/) - The Alliance for Workplace Excellence names Optimal as winner of 2013 Workplace Excellence Award Rockville, MD, April, 2013—Optimal Networks, Inc. has been selected to receive the Workplace Excellence Award for the sixth year in a row; they are only the second company in their category to have accomplished this since the award’s inception in 1999.
- [Optimal Awarded Global MSP Ranking for Seventh Year](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/optimal-global-ranking-seventh-year/) - Optimal Networks has been named one of the world’s premier Managed Service Providers on the elite 12th-annual Channel Futures MSP 501 rankings for 2019. Every year, MSPs worldwide complete an extensive survey and application to report their product offerings, growth rates, annual total and recurring revenues, pricing structures, revenue mix and more. IT service providers
- [Crushing Chaos Podcast Discussion with Heinan Landa: In the Age of Virtual Law](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/crushing-chaos-virtual-law/) - As originally published in Law Firm Mentor, May 5th, 2020 In The Age Of Virtual Law: What Lawyers Can And Should Be Doing To Protect Client Information with Heinan Landa | Optimal Networks, Inc. As more firms are going virtual increased risks pose a threat to privacy security. When it comes to technology we as lawyers
- [Optimal Named Top MSP in North America for Eighth Time](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/optimal-top-msp-eighth-time/) - CRN's Managed Service Provider 500 list recognizes the top technology providers and consultants whose forward-thinking approach to providing managed services is changing the landscape of the IT channel. For the eighth time, Optimal Networks was named to CRN's MSP 500 list as part of the Pioneer 250. This annual list recognizes North American solution
- [Celebrating International Women's Day! Employee Spotlight](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/international-womens-day-spotlight/) - While EVERY day is a great day to celebrate women, we are happy to spend International Women’s Day shining an extra bright spotlight on the incredible women at Optimal. If you’re a client of ours, you’ve likely worked with the fantastic Katie Stute who has been an Escalation Specialist in our SupportCenter for the past
- [Optimal Secures 10th Global MSP Ranking](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/optimal-secures-10th-global-msp-ranking/) - Optimal Networks, Inc. Ranked on Channel Futures 2022 MSP 501—Tech Industry’s Most Prestigious List of Managed Service Providers Worldwide Annual MSP 501 Identifies Industry’s Best-in-Class Businesses Growing Via Recurring Revenue and Innovation JUNE 14, 2022: Optimal Networks has been named as one of the world’s premier managed service providers in the prestigious 2022 Channel
- [The Myth of the Paperless Office](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/the-myth-of-the-paperless-office/) - I’ve been hearing empty promises for actual decades. Remember Wang word processors? How about WordStar? For years and years the folks marketing these products have been dangling this nirvana of the “paperless office” in front of our faces. No paper documents flitting about, no filing cabinets clogging up precious real estate, no document storage boxes
- [Why Business Owners Should Turn Their Attention to LinkedIn](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/why-business-owners-should-turn-their-attention-to-linkedin/) - I’ve predicted that LinkedIn is going to explode over the course of 2018. As you might expect, this has gotten me a lot of raised eyebrows over the past couple months. Why LinkedIn? Why now? Allow me to present my case. Why LinkedIn could be so powerful for our businesses this year There are a
- [Why Personal and Work Technology Feel So Different](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/why-personal-and-work-technology-feel-so-different/) - Is it frustrating for you, too? You’re at home and all your technology does exactly what you need it to do. You check in with your family and friends over any number of social media platforms. You pop open your internet browser and have your grocery shopping finished in minutes. You update the shared Google
- [Before Taking More of Your Business to the Cloud, Don’t Overlook This Productivity Killer](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/before-taking-more-of-your-business-to-the-cloud-dont-overlook-this-productivity-killer/) - Let’s talk about your bandwidth. Bandwidth, Heinan? Really? Yes, really. It’s not a particularly sexy topic, but it’s one that can have crippling effects on our productivity (and therefore our revenue) if we don’t give it proper attention. What’s the big deal? The big deal is that businesses are increasingly going all-in with cloud computing.
- [Why You Probably Don't Need to Care About Blockchain (Yet)](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/why-you-probably-dont-need-to-care-about-blockchain-yet/) - Between 2014 and 2015, investors poured $800 million into blockchain startups. The market for blockchain is expected to reach $7.7 billion by the year 2022, up from $411.5 million last year. Today, no one can seem to stop talking about this fancy new technology that will fundamentally uproot the world as we know it. If
- [What to Consider Before Shrinking (or Eliminating) Your Office Space](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/what-to-consider-before-shrinking-or-eliminating-your-office-space/) - On a typical day at your office, how many desks are empty? For many businesses, the answer is “enough to make me question why I’m shelling out so much cash for all this vacant square footage.” According to Global Workplace Analytics, half of the US workforce holds a job that is compatible with at least
- [How to Regain Control of Your Company Data](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/how-to-regain-control-of-your-company-data/) - Remember the days of having one file server that housed all of your invaluable company data in a single secure spot? Sure, there were some limitations to this technology (say, for example, only being able to access your files when you were literally seated at your desk…), but for the most part we all made
- [Slack vs Microsoft Teams: Which is Best for Your Business?](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/slack-vs-microsoft-teams-which-is-best-for-your-business/) - By now you’ve probably heard about Slack, the fastest-growing Software-as-a-Service startup ever, and a $5 billion business just 5 years after its launch. For quite a while Slack was the major player when it came to all-in-one communication and collaboration tools for business. Then, in 2017, the ever-dominant Microsoft threw its hat in the ring
- [How Laptops Put Our Businesses at Risk (And What to Do About It)](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/how-laptops-put-our-businesses-at-risk-and-what-to-do-about-it/) - Remember when the iPad came out as the “laptop killer”? For a while there, it seemed like tablets might be able to claim the top spot as theprimary device corporations would use to get their work done. They’re slick,ultra-portable, and can do many of the things a desktop or laptop can do. But today, almost
- [Why Your Business Needs to Implement a Password Manager](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/why-your-business-needs-to-implement-a-password-manager/) - Will 2019 be the year that businesses finally implement and enforce company-wide use of password management software? I sure hope so. Why our businesses must consider a password manager Thanks to the rise in cloud applications and web resources, most of us are juggling a massive number of accounts on a day-to-day basis. Your
- [Top 12 Signs Your IT Provider is Ripping You Off](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/top-12-signs-your-it-provider-is-ripping-you-off/) - Outsourcing your business’s IT services and support sounds great on paper. You have an entire team of technology experts at your disposal who will take care of everything from server patching to issue remediation to upgrade projects to high-level strategy. Meanwhile, you can focus your time and effort on your actual job, not your technology.
- [The Tech Choices that Will Let You Relax on Your Summer Vacation](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/the-tech-choices-that-will-let-you-relax-on-your-summer-vacation/) - Thanks to technology, the lines between “work” and “home” are blurred at best, and often not existent whatsoever; we have the ability to work from anywhere, at any time, so we end up working everywhere, at all times. It’s no wonder we’re seeing more and more research on burnout—a condition the World Health Organization now
- [The Advent of 5G: A Pivotal Opportunity for Innovation](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/the-advent-of-5g-a-pivotal-opportunity-for-innovation/) - Remember what it was like trying to browse the web on a 3G connection? Or—heaven forbid—trying to stream a video? It was painful. So painful, in fact, that a lot of us only bothered with the internet on our cell phones when we were able to connect to WiFi. Then 4G came along and the
- [Phishing vs Spear-Phishing vs Email Spoofing: How to stay protected](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/phishing-vs-spear-phishing-vs-email-spoofing-how-to-stay-protected/) - If you’re anything like our clients, you’re worried about being vulnerable to email scams. Our company has been providing IT support for over 25 years, and never before have we seen this level of concern about phishing, spear-phishing, and email spoofing – all of which are forms of malicious emails. It makes good sense to
- [Why Our Businesses Should Consider Two-Factor Authentication](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/why-our-businesses-should-consider-two-factor-authentication/) - If you’re anything like our clients, you’re always looking for ways to bolster your organization’s security defenses. One simple solution with big impact is two-factor authentication. What is two-factor authentication, and why do our businesses need to give it some serious consideration? We’ll walk you through it below. What is two-factor authentication? Two-factor authentication means
- [Top 8 Considerations to Master Hybrid Work (Both In-Office and WFH)](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/top-8-considerations-to-master-hybrid-work-both-in-office-and-wfh/) - As vaccine distribution ramps up, a safe return to our offices will soon be possible. Based on all indications, however, almost none of us are going to have 100% of our teams in on office 5 days a week; now that we know working from home works, most businesses will settle into a hybrid work
- [Top 9 Cybersecurity Questions to Prepare for Hybrid Work](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/top-9-cybersecurity-questions-to-prepare-for-hybrid-work/) - Cybercriminals are more organized, disciplined, and persistent than ever. Compared to 2019, the FBI saw a 70% increase in reported attacks in 2020. This is not so surprising when you realize that cybercrime is a $1.5 trillion industry (more revenue than Facebook, Walmart, Apple, Tesla, and Microsoft combined). When you take an already dangerous landscape
- [The 6 Most Important Considerations for Re-Entry with Hybrid Teams](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/the-6-most-important-considerations-for-re-entry-with-hybrid-teams/) - Business leaders have no shortage of challenges to wade through these days; between the ongoing pandemic, the Great Resignation, and evolving cyber threats, it's easy to feel overwhelmed and even a little lost as to where to start. This is why we've spent the past few months taking a deep dive into what it's going
- [Finding a Fit: Top 13 Questions to Ask Your IT Team](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/finding-a-fit-top-13-questions-to-ask-your-it-team/) - Whether you're starting the search for an IT firm or looking to strengthen your partnership with your existing IT team, it's important to determine how your needs as an organization align with what a particular provider will deliver. We've reached the point in time where technology can single-handedly make or break our success as a
- [The Anatomy of Comprehensive Ransomware Protection](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/the-anatomy-of-comprehensive-ransomware-protection/) - The average downtime for a ransomware attack (defined as "material interruption" to operations) is 22 days. In DC, the average lawyer's billing rate is $380 per hour. Multiply that by the number of attorneys in the firm, and multiply that by 8 hours and by 22 days... and you can see why we keep seeing
- [How to Choose the Right Document Management System (DMS)](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/how-to-choose-the-right-document-management-system-dms/) - After serving the DC law firm community on a strategic consulting level for over 30 years, you can imagine that we’ve managed our fair share of DMS selection projects. As a result, we’ve become quite familiar with how to analyze a particular DMS solution and whether or not it may be a good fit for
- [What to Do When You Don't Trust Your IT Team](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/what-to-do-when-you-dont-trust-your-it-team/) - While in a perfect world no one would ever find themselves feeling as though they were being held hostage by their IT team... we have unfortunately encountered this quite a few times over our three decades in the IT outsourcing industry. Many of us are in a position where our business literally cannot function without
- [Top 4 Tips for Responding to A Client Security Audit](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/tips-client-security-audit/) - Receiving a request from a client to audit your cybersecurity can lead to anxiety. Not only do you want to make sure you’re responding accurately, but you also want to be certain you don’t give too much, or too little, information. We’re seeing law firms, consulting firms, and associations alike having to respond to questionnaires
- [How to Streamline Your Communication Tools](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/how-to-streamline-your-communication-tools/) - There was a time when you needed a variety of tools to communicate in the office. One for video conferences, another for phones, another for text, another for fax, another for webinars, and -- oh yeah -- physical phones too. That’s multiple vendors that you are paying each month, and multiple tools that you are
- [Will Sloppy IT Cost You Talent?](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/will-sloppy-it-cost-you-talent/) - There is a link between technology and employee engagement. But let's be real: Are you ACTUALLY at risk of losing talent due to a poorly architected or supported IT environment? As our businesses become more dependent on technology, our employees require -- AND EXPECT -- a higher-level IT environment. While you are not likely to
- [Top 4 Tips for Responding to Security Audits from Insurers](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/top-4-tips-for-responding-to-security-audits-from-insurers/) - So you’re buying or renewing your cyber liability insurance and the provider has a ton of questions for you. How do you respond to get the best and price and the best coverage? Cyber liability insurance is still a fairly new concept, so our clients often turn to us for guidance on which policies to
- [Questions to Ask When Your IT Provider (MSP) Has Been Purchased](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/questions-to-ask-when-your-it-provider-msp-has-been-purchased/) - As we explored in our previous article, mergers and acquisitions are prevalent in the managed service provider (MSP) space. If your provider has recently been purchased, you might be feeling some anxiety about the transition – organizations like yours put a lot of trust in the partner they’ve chosen to take care of their technology
- [The Dangers of Online Shopping and How to Stay Safe [Video]](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/the-dangers-of-online-shopping-and-how-to-stay-safe-video-infographic/) - This past Cyber Monday, consumers spent nearly $8 billion online, with over 54% of purchases made directly from smartphones. Two days prior, on Black Friday, online sales surpassed $6 billion. The holidays are, of course, prime time for purchases in general, and are an extreme example of the amount of shopping we do online.
- [Which IT Decisions You Should Worry About (and Which You Shouldn't)](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/which-it-decisions-you-should-worry-about-and-which-you-shouldnt/) - Executives have a lot on their plate. This is not news to anyone. When it comes to IT decisions, though, there are some elements that leaders can brush off of that plate altogether. Find out which decisions should keep you up at night, and which absolutely should not in Heinan's latest piece in
- [How Much Does a Security Audit Cost? (Video)](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/how-much-does-a-security-audit-cost-video/) - Unless you’ve been living under a rock (which isn’t looking like such a terrible setup these days), you’ve seen all of the headlines reporting cyberattack after cyberattack after cyberattack. If billion-dollar companies like Target, Home Depot, and Sony are vulnerable to hacks, where does that leave your organization? Over and over we get questions from
- [How Much Does Server Colocation Cost? (Video)](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/how-much-does-server-colocation-cost-video/) - Having servers on-site at your office can be a pain—your equipment needs to be in a strictly temperature-controlled area that is completely secure from all angles but is still relatively accessible so that it doesn’t take you ten minutes just to access your device and don’t even get us started on cabling. Some organizations don’t
- [Can Dropbox Replace a File Server? (Video)](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/can-dropbox-replace-a-file-server-video/) - We all know what Dropbox is. It’s that handy little blue box icon that conveniently stores all of our files across all of our devices and has made USB drives a distant memory. It’s easy to use, and the interface is both attractive and operationally seamless. In a previous article, we mentioned Dropbox in our
- [Spear-Phishing and W-2 Scams: How to Stay Protected](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/spear-phishing-and-w-2-scams-how-to-stay-protected/) - As originally published in the American City Business Journals. “The most devastating attacks by the most sophisticated attackers almost always begins with the simple act of spear-phishing.” – Jeh Johnson, former Secretary of Homeland Security Phishing attacks are the definition of a tried-and-true cyberattack; they’ve been circulating for decades, and boy are they still good
- [In An Era of Cyberterrorism, Email Alternatives Start to Gain Traction](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/in-an-era-of-cyberterrorism-email-alternatives-start-to-gain-traction/) - Sony sure knew how to send off 2014 with a bang. And I bet they are starting 2015 using email very sparingly. At the end of November, cybercriminals hacked into Sony’s computer systems and tapped into sensitive internal information. On top of threats of violence and the release of an overwhelming amount of Sony employees'
- [Net Neutrality and the FCC: What it All Means](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/net-neutrality-and-the-fcc-what-it-all-means/) - Around a year ago, we almost lost the Internet. Then the people and media united in an effort to tell the government what we thought about giving ISPs the power to control our access to the Internet. In fact, the net neutrality debate drew more than four million comments and crashed Federal Communications Commission servers. The
- [Why Tablets Will Never Replace Laptops](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/why-tablets-will-never-replace-laptops/) - Have you noticed anything on the tablet front recently? Probably not. Outside of a new iPad every year, the media has gone radio silent on tablets — partially because the manufacturers have gone silent regarding innovation in this space. In fact, just a year after experts were predicting that tablets would replace laptops, Gartner's final
- [When to Move to Cloud Computing](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/when-to-move-to-cloud-computing/) - As originally published in the American City Business Journals. -- If I had a penny for every time a client or prospect asked me about the cloud…well, I’d be very, very wealthy. Today, the intrigue and uncertainty that once surrounded the cloud have dissipated. Everyone now knows what the cloud is, and they feel comfortable
- [The Pros and Cons of Using Bitcoin](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/the-pros-and-cons-of-using-bitcoin/) - Wondering what the heck "bitcoins" are, and how they might begin playing a larger role in the corporate world? Read Heinan's piece in the American City Business Journals to learn more about how bitcoins work, what the advantages and disadvantages of using them are, and whether or not we would recommend using this virtual currency
- [Kids and Screen Time: Where Do We Draw the Line?](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/kids-and-screen-time-where-do-we-draw-the-line/) - A child's brain develops all sorts of faculties, from sensory and motor systems to simple conversation skills. But what effect does overexposure to technology have on children? It has long been recommended that we limit kids' time on devices, but as the world continues to embrace more and more digital interactions, these recommendations are being
- [What is the "Internet of Things" and Why Does it Matter?](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/what-is-the-internet-of-things-and-why-does-it-matter/) - You may have noticed that more and more objects and appliances are becoming internet enabled. From refrigerators to thermostats and televisions, household items are becoming increasingly "smarter" with the ability to monitor themselves. This technology can be convenient, but what makes it particularly significant? In his latest article for the American City Business Journals, Heinan explains
- [The Top 5 Security Tips You Must Pass to Your Staff](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/the-top-5-security-tips-you-must-pass-to-your-staff/) - As originally published in the American City Business Journals. (Or, take a look at this same piece as it was published in the Upstart Business Journal!) -- Raise your hand if every single member of your organization is supremely tech-savvy and 100 percent up-to-date with the latest trends and threats that are out there. No
- [Boomers Out, Millennials In: 4 Ways to Keep Your Company Relevant](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/boomers-out-millennials-in-4-ways-to-keep-your-company-relevant/) - As originally published in the American City Business Journals. -- Millennials are officially the largest generation in the U.S. workforce. Now, before I go any further, let me be very clear: I’m not here to talk stereotypes; every generation seems to like to pick on the one that comes after it, and I find most
- [Why I Can't Wait to Implement Slack for My Business (Video)](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/why-i-cant-wait-to-implement-slack-for-my-business-video/) - As originally published in the American City Business Journals. -- Now that Millennials make up the majority of the U.S. workforce, fostering collaboration in the workplace isn’t just a matter of productivity; our ability to attract and retain top talent rests quite heavily in the tools we offer, and how effectively our teams are
- [5 Secrets to Connecting Your Remote Employees (Video)](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/5-secrets-to-connecting-your-remote-employees-video/) - As originally published in the American City Business Journals. As more and more businesses incorporate remote workers into their team, the question we’re forced to answer is how we can best keep these employees connected. “Connected,” of course, has two meanings: technical and cultural; having the right tools in place is useless if you
- [Why Keeping Your Servers "Where You Can See Them" Doesn't Keep Them Safe](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/why-keeping-your-servers-where-you-can-see-them-doesnt-keep-them-safe/) - As originally published in the American City Business Journals. -- Do you know any of those people who keep their money under their mattress? The rationale behind this practice is that your money will be safer under that quilt your grandmother made you than it would be in some bank. From a pure security
- [How to Get Buy-In for Cybersecurity Investments](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/how-to-get-buy-in-for-cybersecurity-investments/) - There’s not a technology initiative under the sun that will be successful without buy-in. We've seen this first-hand over the three decades we've been in the IT service industry. Something else we've seen more than a few times: No matter how frightening cybersecurity statistics get, your leadership doesn’t think anything bad will happen to them. They
- [Key Elements of a Successful Security Awareness Training Program](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/key-elements-of-a-successful-security-awareness-training-program/) - Over the past 30 years our company has seen cyber threats evolve in a nasty way. In 2021 the cost of a breach hit an all-time high of $4.24 million. Over three-fourths of organizations experienced a ransomware attack, and on average the victims could only recover 64% of their data. Needless to say, organizations are
- [The Best Datacenters in DC/Maryland/Virginia (Reviews/Ratings)](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/the-best-datacenters-in-dc-maryland-virginia-reviews-ratings/) - A datacenter is a datacenter is a datacenter. Server racks here, fans there, and cables wrapped every which way to Sunday. Simple, right? ...Not so much. When it comes to datacenters, there is an unsettlingly wide spectrum ranging from the truly robust and reliable, to even less secure than the average office server room. If
- [The Best Managed Service Providers (MSPs) in DC, MD, VA (Reviews/Ratings)](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/the-best-managed-service-providers-msps-in-dc-md-va-reviews-ratings/) - After being in business for over 30 years, we at Optimal aren’t strangers to the IT industry. We’ve seen many Managed Service Providers (MSPs) come and go in the local area, and many of the companies we’ve worked with over the past few decades have expressed their thoughts on particular providers—what they liked, what they
- [How Much Does Data Backup Cost for Small Business?](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/how-much-does-data-backup-cost-for-small-business/) - If disaster were to strike your small business, would you be able to recover? Without any data backup solution in place, your answer to this question is probably going to be “no.” This leads directly into the next question: how much will it cost your business to get the level of data backup that it
- [How to Choose the Right Email Marketing Platform](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/how-to-choose-the-right-email-marketing-platform/) - Despite any trends toward replacing email with things like instant messaging or video conferencing, mass emailing remains a staple when it comes to marketing tactics. Choosing the right platform for these email marketing campaigns, however, can start to get…complicated. With all of the options out there, how are you to go about evaluating which is
- [How to Compare File Sync and Share Solutions](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/how-to-compare-file-sync-and-share-solutions/) - In a previous article, we worked through a few of the leading file sync and share solutions for business. This touched on the key elements to consider when making your selection: data security, ease of use, cost, location of your data, and integration. When it comes to directly comparing the platforms that have made
- [How Much Does Hiring a CIO Cost for Law Firms?](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/how-much-does-hiring-a-cio-cost-for-law-firms/) - Law firms cannot function without intelligent, reliable technology systems. We’ve talked about this before, whether it’s within the context of strategic consulting, backup and disaster recovery, or just plain outsourcing IT. Firms must be up and running at all times, and cannot lose (or lose track of) any data whatsoever. That’s just the way
- [How Much Should 501c3 Nonprofits Spend on IT Security?](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/how-much-should-501c3-nonprofits-spend-on-it-security/) - What would happen if cybercriminals gained access to your donor information? Your accounting software? Your event registration? While you might not necessarily expect a 501c3 organization to be appetizing to hackers, nonprofits are actually brimming with sensitive information that can be sold for a pretty penny on the black market. And, since this is
- [What are the Top Cybersecurity Threats to SMBs?](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/what-are-the-top-cybersecurity-threats-to-smbs/) - The other day, one of our clients asked me about network security; specifically he asked about the top cybersecurity threats to small- to medium-sized businesses. It is a great question—one I’ve been asked time and time again since a recent Symantec study found that 40% of cyber-attacks are against organizations with fewer than 500 employees.
- [What are the Top Cybersecurity Threats to Law Firms?](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/what-are-the-top-cybersecurity-threats-to-law-firms/) - Our law firm clients are scared—and they should be. It’s a scary, data-filled world and they want to know how Optimal recommends protecting that data. They also want to know what exactly it is they should be scared of: what are the top cybersecurity threats to law firms? Given that in 2014 cybercrime incidences increased
- [What are the Problems with Microsoft Office 365?](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/what-are-the-problems-with-microsoft-office-365/) - Since 2011, Microsoft has been putting considerable time and effort into promoting their Office 365 package. This is presented as an all-in-one, low-cost cloud solution for businesses large or small, and it has been gaining some serious ground in the marketplace. When you look at this venture from a business perspective, their motivation is clear:
- [How Much Should Small Businesses Spend on IT Security?](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/how-much-should-small-businesses-spend-on-it-security/) - A not-so-fun fact for you: 40% of cyber-attacks are against organizations with fewer than 500 employees. And, according to the National Cyber Security Alliance, one in five small businesses falls victim to cybercrime each year. Of those, about 60% go out of business within six months after an attack. In a different article, we dug
- [What are the Top Cybersecurity Threats to Nonprofits?](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/what-are-the-top-cybersecurity-threats-to-nonprofits/) - Reputation is everything to a nonprofit organization—and a data breach can destroy a reputation in one fell swoop. That’s why, time and again, our lengthy list of nonprofit clients asks us what they should be doing to better protect themselves—and what, exactly, they should be protecting themselves against. These are smart questions given that a
- [How Much Should Associations Spend on IT Security (Trade/Professional)?](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/how-much-should-associations-spend-on-it-security-trade-professional/) - Here’s an unsettling statistic for you: according to The Ponemon Institute’s 2014 Global Report on the Cost of Cybercrime, 2014 cybercrime incidences increased by 10.4% over 2013 numbers. Another from IBM: after a breach, an organization loses, on average, 29% of market mindshare due to reputation and brand damage, 21% of potential revenue due to
- [How Much Should Law Firms Spend on IT Security?](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/how-much-should-law-firms-spend-on-it-security/) - If you came across an article we recently posted about the top cybersecurity threats to law firms, you may have seen some rather disconcerting results from a 2013 ILTA survey. Take a look: 76% of law firms surveyed did not require two-factor identification 72% did not issue encrypted USB drives 64% did not automatically encrypt
- [How Much Does Video Conferencing Cost for Business?](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/how-much-does-video-conferencing-cost-for-business/) - Today’s workforce is ultra-mobile—so much so that CIO magazine recently ran a piece on “19 Ways to Stay Ahead of the Needs of the Modern Mobile Workforce” (you may or may not find a familiar name in #17). Just think: when was the last time your entire staff was in the same physical space for
- [The Best EMR Systems for Home Health Care (Reviews/Ratings)](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/the-best-emr-systems-for-home-health-care-reviews-ratings/) - Not long ago, we published another article on how to choose the right Electronic Medical Record (EMR) system for home health care. While we hope that this piece gave you a solid footing as far as making a software selection on your own, what it didn’t do was to outright name some of the
- [What are the Problems with Internal IT Teams?](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/what-are-the-problems-with-internal-it-teams/) - DISCLAIMER: You are about to read an outsourced IT firm’s account of what challenges are inherent to maintaining an in-house technology staff. While we have already acknowledged the problems with our own service model in this article, the fact remains that we benefit from organizations choosing not to maintain an in-house team. But here’s the
- [How to Safely Share Passwords](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/how-to-safely-share-passwords/) - Recently, we published an article detailing the key elements of a successful password policy. With the increasing frequency (and severity) of cyberattacks, this is a hot-button issue. No matter how strong your passwords may be, however, you won’t be protected from much of anything if they find their way into the wrong hands. Just
- [The Best Remote Access Solutions for Business (Reviews/Ratings)](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/the-best-remote-access-solutions-for-business-reviews-ratings/) - Being able to securely access your business files and documents from anywhere is now just as important as being able to receive your email from anywhere. In today’s world, business – quite literally – moves at the speed of light. Many times, you need to have instant access to ALL of your files and documents,
- [3 Easy Steps to Improve Network Security](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/3-easy-steps-to-improve-network-security/) - Every. Single. Time. Every single time I open a news website or publication, I learn about yet another cyber-attack. Based on this, I’m not surprised that a recent Symantec study found that 40% of cyber-attacks are against organizations with fewer than 500 employees. And, according to the National Cyber Security Alliance, one in five
- [Do I Need a CIO for My Law Firm?](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/do-i-need-a-cio-for-my-law-firm/) - This is going to be a short read. When it comes to whether or not your law firm needs a CIO, the greatest and most clear indicator is that you’re asking the question to begin with. After helping DC law firms navigate technology for nearly 25 years, our company has seen firms in all stages
- [How to Evaluate an Outsourced IT Team](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/how-to-evaluate-an-outsourced-it-team/) - Recently, we published a piece on how to evaluate an internal IT team. Here, we discussed how to assess your employees based on their customer service skills, system uptime, communication skills, and organization and time management. When it comes to outsourced IT teams, though, the story changes a bit. For one thing, you can’t exactly
- [How Much Does Disaster Recovery Cost?](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/how-much-does-disaster-recovery-cost/) - So you have a solid backup and disaster recovery solution in place. You’re investing over $1,000 each month in this service, you’ve tested it, and you’re confident that your business would recover quickly and seamlessly in the event of a catastrophe. But if a disaster really were to strike… how much are you going to
- [What to Consider Before Upgrading a Desktop OS](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/what-to-consider-before-upgrading-a-desktop-os/) - Whenever a desktop (or server) operating system upgrade starts making headlines, the questions start flooding into our outsourced IT firm before we can blink: “Should we upgrade?” Upgrade projects are no small feat, so a question like this is not one that can be answered with a simple “yes” or “no” response. In fact, there
- [How to Identify a Dangerous/Malicious Email](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/how-to-identify-a-dangerous-malicious-email/) - Between Trojans, spyware, and ransomware, your data and your operations can be severely and irreparably affected by just one successful cyberattack. How can you lessen your chances of falling victim to these different kinds of malicious software? There is, of course, a technical piece here: having updated anti-virus, robust firewalls, and other solutions that we
- [The Best Anti-Virus Solution for Business (Reviews/Ratings)](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/the-best-anti-virus-solution-for-business-reviews-ratings/) - So we’ve talked about the different kinds of malware, and we’ve talked about the different ways to identify a dangerous, infected email. What we haven’t yet explored are the specific technology solutions that can help keep your machines and network protected in the event that you do come across malicious software. As an outsourced IT
- [What is Email Spoofing?](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/what-is-email-spoofing/) - Recently, we wrote an article about how you can identify a dangerous email. In this piece, we touched briefly on the subject of email spoofing, but within the context of many other types of malware. Email spoofing, however, has become such a prevalent threat that we felt it appropriate to dedicate more time to
- [Why Do I Get Viruses When I Have Anti-Virus Software?](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/why-do-i-get-viruses-when-i-have-anti-virus-software/) - So you understand the dangers of viruses infecting your machines (lost time, lost data, all-around bad news). You’ve purchased anti-virus software (either on your own or through your IT provider’s workstation management solution). You’re 100% protected now, right? Unfortunately not. As some of you may know from experience, it is possible to be infected by
- [Can Multiple Monitors Increase Productivity?](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/can-multiple-monitors-increase-productivity/) - When you’re in the IT industry, one of the most rewarding things you can do for your clients is to help them increase their productivity with technology. But if we step back and take a look at upgrades across the computer industry over the past, say, twenty years, there really aren’t many mind-blowing developments in
- [What to Do if You Get Ransomware](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/what-to-do-if-you-get-ransomware/) - So, you’re already familiar with the best ways to protect your business from ransomware, the vicious form of malware that encrypts all your files and demands a ransom to regain control of them. But what exactly happens if your machine does get infected? And what should you do in response? These are excellent questions; we’ve
- [How Much Do Help Desk Specialists Make in the DC, Maryland, Virginia Area?](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/how-much-do-help-desk-specialists-make-in-the-dc-maryland-virginia-area/) - We recently worked through the typical salary range for Network Engineers, breaking down the various factors that affect their pay. Well, Help Desk Specialist earning potential is based on many of the same factors (as well as some unique considerations). Take a look below to see how Help Desk Specialist salaries are typically determined. Factors
- [Key Elements of Proper IT Asset Disposition (ITAD)](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/key-elements-of-proper-it-asset-disposition-itad/) - An important part of IT asset management is recognizing when a piece of hardware is no longer suitable for regular use within your organization. When that’s the case, there are a few common ways you can let go of your old electronics, or, you can employ an IT asset disposition (ITAD) vendor to take the
- [Is Cyber Liability Insurance Right for Your Business?](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/is-cyber-liability-insurance-right-for-your-business/) - In the wake of never-ending cybersecurity threats, our clients are always looking for ways to protect their businesses. We’ve spent a lot of time talking about measures that companies can take to prevent an attack in the first place, but it’s also important to consider what would happen if an attack were ever successful. (Remember:
- [What is a "Virtual Office" for Business?](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/what-is-a-virtual-office-for-business/) - Have you been hearing whispers about “virtual offices” lately? Some of our clients have been asking about this new trend, so we thought we’d spend some time talking about what exactly virtual offices are, why the trend is gaining steam, and whether or not a transition might be a good idea for your business. What
- [Millennials in the Workplace: Top Stats Every CEO Should Know](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/millennials-in-the-workplace-top-stats-every-ceo-should-know/) - By 2025, millennials will make up 75% of the global workforce. There’s no shortage of literature out there about this generation (almost 44,000 articles in 2015 alone, if you can believe it), but what do CEOs actually need to know? We’ve cut through the fluff and compiled the most important stats here: Most are not
- [How Much Does Data Backup Cost for Associations (Trade/Professional)?](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/how-much-does-data-backup-cost-for-associations-trade-professional/) - Your server goes down. It doesn’t matter why—all that matters is that your network is down, and you and your 40 staff members need to get back up and running. With your current backup solution, it takes three days to get that server rebuilt and operational. In that time you've lost: Almost 1,000 hours of
- [How to Choose the Right Laptop for 501c3 Nonprofits](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/how-to-choose-the-right-laptop-for-501c3-nonprofits/) - Laptops. There are swarms of them on the market these days, not to mention all the foreign technical features to consider when you compare one machine to the next. How do you even begin the selection process? After serving the technology needs of DC’s nonprofit community for over two decades, we’ve lost count of
- [How Much Does Data Backup Cost for Law Firms?](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/how-much-does-data-backup-cost-for-law-firms/) - Here’s a scenario for you. You’re a 50-attorney (100-person) law firm. Your sprinkler system malfunctions and soaks your server room. All of your servers go down in a spark and a fizzle. With your current backup solution, it takes one day to get your systems back up and running at full capacity. In that time,
- [How Much Should Associations (Trade/Professional) Spend on IT Annually?](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/how-much-should-associations-trade-professional-spend-on-it-annually/) - For many trade and professional associations, IT is inextricable from the success of your mission; from member management to event planning to effective communication, operations tend to have their roots firmly embedded in dedicated technology solutions. In a different article, we spent some time working through the key elements to consider when it comes to
- [How Much Should 501c3 Nonprofits Spend on IT Annually?](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/how-much-should-501c3-nonprofits-spend-on-it-annually/) - Recently, we spent some time working through the key elements to consider when it comes to crafting your nonprofit’s IT budget. While this discussion digs into the nuts and bolts of what specific pieces combine to form a successful budget, it opens the door to another side of the conversation: when these pieces come
- [The Best Donor Management Software for Nonprofits (Reviews/Ratings)](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/the-best-donor-management-software-for-nonprofits-reviews-ratings/) - Trying to select the best donor management software for your nonprofit can be daunting. What options are out there? How do they compare? How do you determine which is the right fit for your organization? Can you make the decision yourself, or do you need to engage a consultant of some sort to help?
- [How Much Should Small Businesses Spend on IT Annually?](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/how-much-should-small-businesses-spend-on-it-annually/) - While associations tend to have very specific member management needs, and while law firms have equally as unique disaster recovery and document management needs, the over-arching needs of small businesses are far more fluid in comparison. The good news is this: not only have we at Optimal served the small- to mid-sized business community for
- [How to Choose the Right Donor Management Software for Nonprofits](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/how-to-choose-the-right-donor-management-software-for-nonprofits/) - For nonprofits—of the 501c3 variety especially—properly managing your donations, the life of each donation, and your donors themselves is absolutely critical to the success of your organization and the advancement of your mission. This, by extension, means that choosing your donor management software is not a task to be taken lightly; to really determine which
- [How Much Does a Network Upgrade Project Cost?](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/how-much-does-a-network-upgrade-project-cost/) - The words “network upgrade” are enough to make any CFO’s skin crawl. These large-scale projects are a necessary evil when it comes to technology, and the price tag is going to be substantial no matter which way you cut it. After providing technology services to various small businesses, law firms, and nonprofits in the
- [How Much Does an Office Move Cost for Law Firms?](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/how-much-does-an-office-move-cost-for-law-firms/) - Office moves are a hassle. There’s just no way around it. Even if you're moving up to bigger and better things, the process of picking up your entire firm and placing it back down somewhere new is incredibly complex and stressful--and that's before money even enters the picture. Having served the DC law firm community for almost
- [How Much Does an Office Move Cost for Small Business?](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/how-much-does-an-office-move-cost-for-small-business/) - After serving the small business community in the DC Metro area for over two decades (and after being a small business for just as long), you can imagine that we've been through more than a few office moves in our day. Across the board, one thing is certain: office moves are, put very bluntly, a
- [How to Choose the Right IT Provider (MSP) for Your Business](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/how-to-choose-the-right-it-provider-msp-for-your-business/) - So, you’re in the market for outsourced IT services. Comparing providers in this industry is not easy, especially in the DC Metro area. We should know – we’ve been in it for nearly 30 years now. Anyone can give a good presentation, but how are you to know if you’re really going to get the
- [How Much Does Strategic IT Planning Cost for 501c3 Nonprofits?](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/how-much-does-strategic-it-planning-cost-for-501c3-nonprofits/) - We know how difficult it can be for 501c3 organizations to prepare an IT budget. When funds are limited, it can feel like you're stretching to cover just your basic technology functions, never mind when you're venturing out into more advanced services like strategic IT planning. But, while a well-crafted budget can take the surprise
- [Comprehensive Security Audits: Key Elements to Consider](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/comprehensive-security-audits-key-elements-to-consider/) - After what has happened to Target, Home Depot, and Sony, network security is making headlines left and right and six ways to Sunday. And it’s not just multi-billion dollar companies in the crosshairs—according to the National Cyber Security Alliance, one in five small businesses falls victim to cybercrime each year. When it comes down to
- [How Much Does Cloud Storage Cost?](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/how-much-does-cloud-storage-cost/) - Recently, we explored the different kinds of server backup solutions that can keep your critical data protected in the event of a disaster. One of the options we explored in brief is cloud backup, or keeping a copy of your server data off-site in a cloud provider’s datacenter. Cloud backup is perhaps the most widely-used
- [How Much Does Strategic IT Planning Cost for Small Business?](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/how-much-does-strategic-it-planning-cost-for-small-business/) - As we’ve mentioned before, budgets are far from infinite where small business is concerned. That’s why uncovering ways to maximize efficiency, productivity, and scalability through the use of your technology systems can make such a drastic impact on your overall operations. Unfortunately, this kind of harmony between IT and business does not tend to
- [How Much Does Outsourced IT Cost for Small Business?](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/how-much-does-outsourced-it-cost-for-small-business/) - Outsourced IT, or managed IT services, means placing some or all of your information systems in the hands of an outside technology consulting firm (or Managed Service Provider). In many cases, companies will outsource when they simply don’t want to shoulder the burden of technology in-house, or when they need to supplement the resources they
- [How Much Does Strategic IT Planning Cost for Law Firms?](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/how-much-does-strategic-it-planning-cost-for-law-firms/) - There are two things law firms absolutely cannot afford to lose: time and data. This, by extension, means that there is one thing law firms absolutely cannot afford to ignore: technology. If done right, a firm’s technology can not only guarantee uptime (no matter what), but also maximize efficiency when it comes to your
- [How Much Does Outsourced IT Cost for 501c3 Nonprofits?](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/how-much-does-outsourced-it-cost-for-501c3-nonprofits/) - Outsourced IT, or managed IT services, means placing some or all of your information systems in the hands of an outside technology consulting firm (or Managed Service Provider). In many cases, 501c3 nonprofit organizations will opt to outsource when they simply don’t want to handle their IT in-house, or when limited budgets put having
- [Why Most Cloud Solutions Are Not HIPAA Compliant](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/why-most-cloud-solutions-are-not-hipaa-compliant/) - In 2016, HIPAA violation fines totaled nearly $23 million. The pressure to meet compliance regulations is high; after over 25 years of serving the technology needs of DC-area healthcare organizations, we’ve seen both the requirements and the consequences of noncompliance increase dramatically. If your organization is subject to HIPAA regulations, you might find yourself in
- [How Much Does Server Backup Cost?](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/how-much-does-server-backup-cost/) - There is nothing more valuable to an organization than its data. This, by extension, means there is no piece of hardware quite so critical to an organization’s success as its servers. What would happen if something were to go wrong with one of them? Would your operations be able to recover? You can imagine that
- [How Much Does Outsourced IT Cost for Associations (Trade/Professional)?](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/how-much-does-outsourced-it-cost-for-associations-trade-professional/) - Outsourced IT, or managed IT services, means placing some or all of your information systems in the hands of an outside technology consulting firm (or Managed Service Provider). In many cases, associations will outsource when they simply don’t want to handle their IT needs in-house, or if they need a more expansive technology resource than
- [How Much Does Outsourced IT Cost for Law Firms?](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/how-much-does-outsourced-it-cost-for-law-firms/) - Outsourced IT, or managed IT services, means placing some or all of your information systems in the hands of an outside technology consulting firm (or Managed Service Provider). In many cases, law firms will opt to outsource when they don’t want to handle their IT in-house, or when they want to supplement their existing IT
- [How Much Does Strategic IT Planning Cost for Associations (Trade/Professional)?](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/how-much-does-strategic-it-planning-cost-for-associations-trade-professional/) - For trade and professional associations in particular, technology can have an incredibly large impact on the efficiency of your operations and the overall success of your mission. Unfortunately, this kind of harmony between IT and business does not tend to flow naturally and of its own accord; in order to align your systems with your
- [The iPhone5 and Expectations](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/the-iphone5-and-expectations/) - I had to get the iPhone5—and I’m very glad I did. Everything about it is just a little bit better than my 4s. I like that it is 20% lighter and thinner because I carry it in my pocket, I love the higher-quality camera, and I’m impressed with the new power adapter. Is it an
- [How to Choose the Right Cyber Liability Insurance Plan for Business](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/how-to-choose-the-right-cyber-liability-insurance-plan-for-business/) - Not long ago we published an article that discusses what cyber liability insurance is, what it covers, what it doesn’t, and whether or not it might make sense for your business to invest in. In this piece, we touched briefly on the matter of working with your insurance agent to select a plan that makes
- [The Most Common Misconceptions About Remote Work (Telecommuting)](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/the-most-common-misconceptions-about-remote-work-telecommuting/) - Are you feeling the pressure to allow your staff to work from home? As remote access technology continues to evolve, and as millennials continue to flood the workforce, the question of telecommuting is one that’s hard to avoid. Is it the right move for you? This is a discussion we’ve had with dozens and dozens
- [Top Tech Trend Predictions for Business in 2018](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/top-tech-trend-predictions-for-business-in-2018/) - The pace of technology is dizzying. If you’re like most executives, you don’t have the time to navigate this ever-changing landscape, and to anticipate what it all means for your business. Fortunately, we do! To help you stay ahead of the curve, we’ll work through our top tech predictions for 2018 below. What should our
- [What Your Law Firm Needs to Know About Artificial Intelligence (AI)](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/what-your-law-firm-needs-to-know-about-artificial-intelligence-ai/) - If you’ve been reading any sort of industry publications these days, you have heard about Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the supposed threat it’s posing to the legal profession as a whole. First, let us say this: we don’t expect lawyers to become completely obsolete in the face of AI. But we do anticipate some interesting
- [COVID-19 Scams on the Rise: How to Stay Safe](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/covid-19-scams-on-the-rise-how-to-stay-safe/) - A pandemic is a scammer's dream. We at Optimal Networks have been serving the IT and cybsersecurity needs of law firms and associations in the DC Metro area for nearly 3 decades, and we've never experienced a time like this before. As we all look out for the health and safety of ourselves and
- [How to Navigate IT Equipment Shortages Caused by Supply Chain Disruption](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/how-to-navigate-it-equipment-shortages-caused-by-supply-chain-disruption/) - Technology equipment is in short supply due to two distinct but related issues: a semiconductor chip shortage, and severe supply chain woes. The pandemic delivered a knock-out blow to an already fragile global supply chain. Starting in early 2020: Pivotal manufacturing plants in China and beyond were shut down by the coronavirus Quarantine reshaped how
- [Optimal Networks Talks Company Culture With Inc. Magazine!](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/optimal-networks-company-culture-inc-magazine/) - As originally published in Inc. Magazine on September 19, 2017 Here's What Happens When Work Is Fun "Every company has a culture. The question is whether or not it is intentional and recognized. Company culture needs to align with your business objectives," says Heinan Landa, founder and CEO of Optimal Networks, a full-service IT firm that
- [How Much Does an IT Audit Cost?](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/how-much-does-an-it-audit-cost/) - If you’re in the position to ask about an IT audit (or, as we affectionately refer to them, a technology assessment), chances are you have enough on your mind without worrying about the size of the investment you’re about to make. Well, dear reader, you’re in luck—I’m here to break down how much a quality
- [How Much Does Server Monitoring Cost?](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/how-much-does-server-monitoring-cost/) - Ensuring server health is critical to the success of an organization’s operations, so it’s no wonder that many people are wondering how much it costs to monitor a server’s performance. It’s an important question not only for budgeting purposes, but also so that you can make sure you aren’t being grossly overcharged. It may seem
- [How Much Does Workstation Management Cost?](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/how-much-does-workstation-management-cost/) - If you’re reading this article, chances are you’re using some sort of computer—be it a desktop PC, laptop, Mac, or otherwise (if you’re on some sort of fancy crystal space tablet thing then, well, good for you because that sounds pretty cool). It’s an undeniable fact that nowadays we are all incredibly dependent upon our
- [The Key to Saving Money on IT Upgrades for Your Small Business](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/the-key-to-saving-money-on-it-upgrades-for-your-small-business/) - Despite all of the mind-blowing advances with technology over the past few decades, the unfortunate reality is that devices like computers and servers still have life cycles: they are built, they age, and they die. For small businesses, this means that you simply have no way around IT upgrade projects (sorry). In many cases, we’ve
- [How Much Does an Office Move Cost for Nonprofits?](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/how-much-does-an-office-move-cost-for-nonprofits/) - Office moves are a pain in the neck. There’s just no way around it. Even if you’re moving up to bigger and better things, the process of picking up your entire organization and placing it back down is incredibly complex and stressful, not to mention hard on your wallet. It’s no surprise, then, that we
- [What Are the Best Alternatives to Internal Email?](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/what-are-the-best-alternatives-to-internal-email/) - The very first email was sent back in 1971 (from Ray Tomlinson to himself, but whatever). Forty-some years later, electronic mail functions in essentially the very same manner as it did then. While this form of communication is solid as ever, we’re starting to see a downturn in use as organizations opt for more modern,
- [What is the Best Laptop for a Small Business Sales Team?](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/what-is-the-best-laptop-for-a-small-business-sales-team/) - Sifting through the number of laptops on the market today can be exhausting, and can leave you more confused than confident in your decision-making. It’s not just you; the number of times our clients have asked us for guidance is too high to possibly count. And for good reason—it’s an important decision that can make
- [Creating a Successful Business Continuity Plan: Key Elements to Consider](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/creating-a-successful-business-continuity-plan-key-elements-to-consider/) - According to the Institute for Business and Home Safety, 25% of businesses don’t reopen following a major disaster. Perhaps more alarming: the Federal Emergency Management Agency reports that 75% of companies without business continuity plans fail within 3 years of a disaster. Where safeguarding your critical data is concerned, the stakes could not be higher.
- [Why Can't I Use My Personal Software at Work?](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/why-cant-i-use-my-personal-software-at-work/) - Because I said so. Or, if that answer doesn’t satisfy you (and I can't imagine why not...), because consumer-grade solutions are very rarely up to corporate snuff with regard to security, standardization, and manageability. When a program is designed for use by a single user at their home, the security measures are typically only as
- [How Much Does Remote IT Support (Help Desk) Cost?](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/how-much-does-remote-it-support-help-desk-cost/) - With all of the advances in remote access, the IT industry has reached the point where roughly 95% of all network management and support can be performed from afar. From server patching, to helpdesk services, to firmware updates for your firewall, all it takes are some keystrokes from an engineer and you’re golden. While it
- [IT Budget for Law Firms: Key Elements to Consider](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/it-budget-for-law-firms-key-elements-to-consider/) - In over two decades, we’ve yet to come across a law firm that finds joy in putting together their IT budgets. It’s an arduous process, but a necessary evil if you want to keep a solid handle on your finances. While some may assume that a profitable industry like law has little to worry about
- [Apple vs Samsung: Who is the Real Market Leader?](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/apple-vs-samsung-who-is-the-real-market-leader/) - This September—though we’re not really sure exactly when—Apple will release its latest edition of their iPhone. My reaction? When the first iPhone launched in 2007, it turned the cellphone marketplace on its head; Steve Jobs promised that this product would “reinvent the phone,” and it did—for a while, at least. The large, flat touch screen
- [What is the Average IT Consulting Rate in DC, MD, and VA?](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/what-is-the-average-it-consulting-rate-in-dc-md-and-va/) - More and more, organizations are outsourcing the support and maintenance of their technology systems to consulting firms. As one of these same outsourced consulting firms, you can imagine that we field many questions about average hourly rates. Even if the prospect doesn’t end up using Optimal’s services, we still like to give them a feel
- [How Much Does Hosted Exchange Cost?](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/how-much-does-hosted-exchange-cost/) - These days, few companies could function properly without email communication. Fortunately for us business-folk, it’s only becoming easier to have a reliable, inexpensive, stress-free Microsoft Exchange email solution delivered directly to an Internet near you. With so many options for hosted Exchange solutions out there, we at Optimal often get questions about how much this
- [The 5 Summer Apps Not to Miss](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/the-5-summer-apps-not-to-miss/) - None of them. Let me start off with a story. Just last week, I took my daughter to the beach to see her cousins for the first time in seven months. Next to the sand and surf was an indoor play facility complete with trampolines and, well, basically everything an 8-year-old could ask for. I
- [IT Budgets for 501c3 Nonprofits: Key Elements to Consider](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/it-budgets-for-501c3-nonprofits-key-elements-to-consider/) - Budgets in general are an incredibly stressful undertaking. For organizations specifically designed not to make profit, they can be a flat-out nightmare. After working hand-in-hand with DC, Maryland, and Virginia 501c3 nonprofits for almost 25 years, we know all too well how challenging it can be for organizations like yours to fit even basic operating
- [Update on Net Neutrality](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/update-on-net-neutrality/) - The last time we addressed the net neutrality saga, we were…rather distraught. At this stage in the game, we are slightly less troubled by the Internet’s future, but troubled nonetheless. First, let’s recap: net neutrality is the idea of free and open Internet, where all data on the Internet is treated (and charged) equally. This
- [IT Budgets for Associations (Trade/Professional): Key Elements to Consider](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/it-budgets-for-associations-trade-professional-key-elements-to-consider/) - Many of Optimal’s longest-standing clients are trade and professional associations in the DC, Maryland, and Virginia area. After working with these types of organizations for over two decades, we’ve become quite familiar with not only how associations are unique in the nonprofit arena, but also how technology tends to play a critical role in achieving
- [When Should I Tell My IT Provider I'm Moving Offices?](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/when-should-i-tell-my-it-provider-im-moving-offices/) - Office moves are one of the most consistently overlooked undertakings of all business operations. I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve been speaking with a client when they mention, in passing and ever-so-nonchalantly, that their organization is moving spaces. Sometimes, the move is set to take place within the month. In these situations, the
- [Creating a Successful Data Privacy Policy: Key Elements to Consider](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/creating-a-successful-data-privacy-policy-key-elements-to-consider/) - The news these days is all but overrun with stories of hackers, cyberattacks, cyberterrorism, and the importance of cybersecurity. While concerns about external threats to network security are completely valid (I think Target and its former CEO would vouch for us here), this only makes up one side of the coin; to be truly
- [How Do I Know My Service Provider is Doing Their Work?](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/how-do-i-know-my-service-provider-is-doing-their-work/) - No news is good news in IT, right? Technology is generally supposed to function behind the scenes. When you become aware of technology’s presence during your workday, then, it is almost always because something is going wrong. This puts your IT provider in a peculiar position—if your systems are well-oiled and healthy, it might not
- [How Much Does a Cloud (Virtual) Desktop Cost?](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/how-much-does-a-cloud-virtual-desktop-cost/) - More and more, organizations are looking for technology solutions that eliminate the burden of hardware and increase the mobility of their workforce. Perhaps one of the most attractive of these solutions is cloud desktops (also known as hosted desktops, virtual desktops or VDI), which essentially deliver computing power to any device connected to the Internet
- [How Much Does Cloud File Sharing Cost?](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/how-much-does-cloud-file-sharing-cost/) - These days, tools that make it easy for your team to collaborate on projects and work on important documents from anywhere are—for good reason—steadily gaining in popularity. These are precisely the benefits that you can reap from a cloud file sharing solution. And this isn’t even to mention the more unique cases, like one we
- [Should Mobile Devices be in my Organization's Security Policy?](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/should-mobile-devices-be-in-my-organizations-security-policy/) - If your employees are accessing your network from their mobile device in any way, shape, or form, the answer is absolutely, 100%, unequivocally, positively, “yes.” No organization out there can afford to believe that their data is not worth protecting. Far too often, however, security policies stop at the door; while server rooms are on
- [How Much Does Instant Messaging (IM) Cost for Business?](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/how-much-does-instant-messaging-im-cost-for-business/) - “Instant.” Sounds nice, right? These days we business-folk just can’t keep our hands off of technology solutions that give us immediate access to information we need, and that help us stay connected to our (sometimes quite distant) coworkers in real time. This is precisely why instant messaging platforms are gaining more and more traction in
- [Do I Really Need to Secure My Smartphone?](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/do-i-really-need-to-secure-my-smartphone/) - There are almost 1.5 billion smartphones in use worldwide. 5% of smartphones were lost or stolen last year. That means that 75 million phones were left vulnerable to intrusion. Do you have credit card information on your cell? Your social security number? How about access to your work email (and, thus, your company’s network)? If a
- [Is Microsoft Office 365 Right for Law Firms?](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/is-microsoft-office-365-right-for-law-firms/) - A low-cost cloud solution for the corporate world. It’s an attractive concept, and one Microsoft has been working overtime to promote in the form of their Office 365 services. It’s a smart business move on their part: historically, Microsoft’s revenue has been tied directly to their product upgrade cycles—what better way to supplement the
- [Do I Need a Server Warranty?](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/do-i-need-a-server-warranty/) - Warranties on the consumer level are typically a bad idea. Say you want to buy a new TV. For the past few weeks you’ve been educating yourself on all things television. You’ve consulted CNet. You’ve read Consumer’s Digest. You’ve asked your nerdiest of nerd friends for their expert opinions. You know what you want, and
- [What is Net Neutrality?](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/what-is-net-neutrality/) - This could be devastating. You may be hearing whispers about “net neutrality” these days, but these whispers need to turn into shouts. At hand is the absolute biggest blow to the Internet since the day it was created, and you will be affected if it comes to fruition. Under the terms of net neutrality, all
- [What do all these tech abbreviations mean?](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/what-do-all-these-tech-abbreviations-mean/) - When you’re speaking with a service provider, few things are more off-putting than the constant use of acronyms and three-letter sets that you aren’t familiar with. Information is only as good as it is understandable, after all. So, what do some of these abbreviations actually mean? We’ve picked some of the most widely used abbreviations
- [Is Microsoft Office 365 Right for Small Business?](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/is-microsoft-office-365-right-for-small-business/) - A low-cost cloud solution for the corporate arena. It’s an attractive concept, and one Microsoft has been working overtime to promote in the form of their Office 365 services. It’s a smart business move on their part: historically, Microsoft’s revenue has been tied directly to their product upgrade cycles—what better way to supplement the stream
- [What do all these cloud terms mean?](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/what-do-all-these-cloud-terms-mean/) - There are a lot of buzzwords flying around these days. While every industry has its fair share of jargon, technology tends to have just about as many acronyms and strange-sounding terms as the government. And, since everyone (no really, everyone) is affected by technology, clarifying all these terms becomes all the more critical. We’ll roll
- [How Can I Keep All My Mobile Devices Charged?](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/how-can-i-keep-all-my-mobile-devices-charged/) - Whenever I fly or am on the road and in client and prospect meetings all day, I find myself asking that very same question. I have an iPhone, iPad, Bluetooth headset, Bluetooth keyboard, a laptop, and a Bluetooth mouse—none of which can keep their charge for a full 8-10 hour day of productivity. Compounding this
- [How Can I Get Tech Problems Solved Faster?](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/how-can-i-get-tech-problems-solved-faster/) - As I’ve mentioned in previous entries, outsourced providers are constantly juggling a whole litany of client issues; when you call for the helpdesk, you might not be able to speak with an engineer right away. (It really, truly, honestly isn’t anything personal.) While it is 100% your provider’s responsibility to resolve your issues, there are
- [Apple vs Android: Which is Really Better?](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/apple-vs-android-which-is-really-better/) - Even though BlackBerry is still (technically, barely) alive, and even though Windows has finally crossed into the mobile market with Windows 8, the fiercest battle on the phone front is still between two primary parties: Apple and Android. So, what’s the big difference? Aren’t all smartphones basically the same thing? Not exactly. While there are
- [IT Budgets for Small Business: Key Elements to Consider](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/it-budgets-for-small-business-key-elements-to-consider/) - Budgets are a pain. We know. We're sorry. After working with small businesses for over two decades (and after being one for just as long), we understand what it's like to create a budget when the funds at your disposal are all but infinite. We also understand the incredible benefits that can result from a
- [Can IT Increase Productivity?](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/can-it-increase-productivity/) - Whether I'm at a networking event, sitting down with clients, or talking with a prospect, I spend a lot of my time surrounded by executives. While this is certainly a diverse bunch, I feel that it's fair to make one generalization: executives love productive employees. And it makes sense—more and more, it seems as though there
- [Is Microsoft Office 365 Right for 501c6 Nonprofits?](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/is-microsoft-office-365-right-for-501c6-nonprofits/) - A low-cost cloud solution. It’s an attractive concept, and one Microsoft has been working overtime to promote in the form of their Office 365 services. It’s a smart business move on their part: historically, Microsoft’s revenue has been tied directly to their product upgrade cycles—what better way to supplement the stream than by creating a
- [What's the Best Laptop to Buy for Work?](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/whats-the-best-laptop-to-buy-for-work/) - From Manassas to DC to Philadelphia to Rockville, our engineers are schlepping their laptops from client site to client site. Once they arrive at their appointments, their laptop must perform. Want an IT specialist who can’t get his own technology to work properly? Me neither. We rely on our machines to execute long and complex security
- [The Best Strategic IT Consulting Firms in DC, MD, VA (Reviews/Ratings)](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/the-best-strategic-it-consulting-firms-in-dc-md-va-reviews-ratings/) - Technology cannot exist within a silo. Okay, let me rephrase: effective, strategic technology cannot exist within a silo. Too often IT is seen as a tool, as little more than a means to an end in the grand scheme of things. This mindset is costing organizations more than you might realize; if you take
- [How Much Does Cloud Computing Cost?](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/how-much-does-cloud-computing-cost/) - When you’re calculating the cost of your next big trip to Europe, there’s a whole laundry list of specifics that feed into each portion of your budget. Take airfare, for example. Wrapped up in this charge are: the city you’re leaving from, your time of departure, the day of the week, the city and airport
- [How Much Does Email Encryption Cost?](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/how-much-does-email-encryption-cost/) - Let me ask you something: how many emails would you say you send within one week? Now, of those emails, how many of them contain sensitive information of some sort? Last question: if one of those sensitive emails were intercepted, what would happen? It’s no secret that cybercrime has reached an all-time high (to the
- [Is Microsoft Office 365 Right for 501c3 Nonprofits?](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/is-microsoft-office-365-right-for-501c3-nonprofits/) - A low-cost cloud solution. It’s an attractive concept, and one Microsoft has been working overtime to promote in the form of their Office 365 services. It’s a smart business move on their part: historically, Microsoft’s revenue has been tied directly to their product upgrade cycles—what better way to supplement the stream than by creating a
- [How Much Will it Cost to Outsource My Network?](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/how-much-will-it-cost-to-outsource-my-network/) - It all...you guessed it...depends. To answer this question (which we've done over and over again for the past two decades), you have to consider a number of multi-faceted variables. IT support is customized based on your organization, what you need, and how much you need of it. Have thousands upon thousands of employees? You’re going
- [The Best File Sync and Share Solutions for Business (Reviews/Ratings)](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/the-best-file-sync-and-share-solutions-for-business-reviews-ratings/) - File sync software and services are only becoming more and more prevalent in the business arena as time goes on; as workforces become increasingly mobile, and as collaboration remains crucial to successful business operations, companies simply cannot do without a seamless and secure way to sync and share files between people, locations, and devices. And
- [How Much Does Hiring a CIO Cost for Associations? (Trade/Professional)](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/how-much-does-hiring-a-cio-cost-for-associations-trade-professional/) - Where C-level executives are concerned, “CIO” is one of the newcomers in the game; not many associations were concerned about aligning their overall strategy with their technology resources back in the seventies. But as organizations become more and more dependent upon their technology, as data security and integrity becomes more and more difficult to achieve,
- [How Much Does Hiring a CIO Cost for Small Business?](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/how-much-does-hiring-a-cio-cost-for-small-business/) - Today, business owners feel so much anxiety about getting lost in the tide of technology that our company based an entire campaign on alleviating this stress. Operations are becoming more and more dependent upon sound and reliable technology. Data security and integrity is becoming more and more difficult to achieve. Overseeing all of the
- [How to Choose the Right Laptop for Law Firms](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/how-to-choose-the-right-laptop-for-law-firms/) - When it comes to outfitting your attorneys with new machines, the questions that come to mind can be flat-out overwhelming. Of all the machines out there (and there are a lot out there), which are actually equipped to handle their workload? Which features are absolutely critical to have, and which will just drive cost
- [11/12 Heinan Selected as Tech Blogger for Washington Business Journal](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/11-12-heinan-selected-as-tech-blogger-for-washington-business-journal/) - In November 2012, Heinan was selected to be the Washington Business Journal's only non-staff technology blogger for their e-newsletter, TechFlash. His pieces will appear twice a month. To read Heinan's first contribution, click here or below.
- [12/12 Hello Tablet, Bye-Bye Laptop](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/12-12-hello-tablet-bye-bye-laptop/) - Want to learn more about the current version of the Windows Surface tablet? Wondering if tablets will ever really replace laptops? Heinan discusses both in his recent Washington Business Journal blogs. Click here to read them.
- [12/12 Dealing With Smartphone Addiction](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/12-12-dealing-with-smartphone-addiction/) - Why are we so addicted to our smartphones? Why are we destroying relationships to respond promptly to texts and emails? Find out in Heinan's latest Washington Business Journal Blog. Click here to get tips on how to curb your addiction.
- [12/12 How Much Should Your Organization Spend on IT?](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/12-12-how-much-should-your-organization-spend-on-it/) - Wondering how much you should be spending on IT? Wondering how you should be spending it? Heinan addresses this and more in his latest Washington Business Journal blog. Read it by clicking here.
- [The Internet is Ours Again...But the Fight Continues](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/the-internet-is-ours-again-but-the-fight-continues/) - The Internet is ours again—as it should be. Around a year ago—we almost lost it. Then, the people and media united in an effort to tell the government what we thought about giving ISPs the power to control our access to the Internet. The government listened—and on February 26 it became official. The Federal Communications
- [1/13 Technology Predictions to Look—and Look Out For—in 2013](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/1-13-technology-predictions-to-look-and-look-out-for-in-2013/) - Want to know which tech headlines you should be watching in 2013? Heinan gives you a list in his latest Washington Business Journal blog. Read it by clicking here.
- [1/13 Top 4 Myths of Cloud Computing](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/1-13-top-4-myths-of-cloud-computing/) - Think everything you hear about cloud computing is true? Heinan dispels some of the most common cloud computing myths in his latest Washington Business Journal blog contribution. Read it by clicking here.
- [1/13 You vs. Your Inbox](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/1-13-you-vs-your-inbox/) - Are you losing the battle with your inbox? Most of us are. Heinan addresses how to gain control--and prioritize your own agenda--in his latest Washington Business Journal blog contribution. Read it by clicking here.
- [2/13 To Cloud or Not to Cloud?](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/2-13-to-cloud-or-not-to-cloud/) - Heinan discusses the five things you should consider before deciding if the cloud is the right computing model for you in his latest Washington Business Journal blog contribution. Read it by clicking here.
- [2/13 Heinan Discusses Top CIO Qualities in WBJ](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/2-13-heinan-discusses-top-cio-qualities-in-wbj/) - Heinan discusses the qualities to look for in an effective CIO in his latest contribution to the Washington Business Journal's technology e-newsletter. Read it here.
- [2/13 What Does Cloud Computing Have in Common With Pizza Delivery?](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/2-13-what-does-cloud-computing-have-in-common-with-pizza-delivery/) - What do the cloud and pizza delivery have in common? Find out in Heinan's contribution to The Washington Business Journal's, e-newsletter, TechFlash, by clicking here.
- [3/13 Are You Ready for the Cloud?](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/3-13-are-you-ready-for-the-cloud/) - You might be considering the cloud...but are you ready for it? In Heinan's latest contribution to theWashington Business Journal's e-newsletter, TechFlash, he outlines the categories to consider before jumping head first. Read more here.
- [3/13 Will Windows 8 Be the One OS the Unites Us All?](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/3-13-will-windows-8-be-the-one-os-the-unites-us-all/) - Are you considering Windows 8 for your organization? In Heinan's latest contribution to the Washington Business Journal's e-newsletter, TechFlash, he shares the pros and cons of Microsoft's newest operating system. Read more here.
- [4/13 The Five Biggest Technology Mistakes Executives Make](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/4-13-the-five-biggest-technology-mistakes-executives-make/) - Are you making some of the biggest (and most common) tech mistakes? In Heinan's latest contribution to the Washington Business Journal's e-newsletter, TechFlash, he shares the top 5 biggest technology mistakes executives make. Read more here. WTOP also picked up the article. Read it here.
- [How Much Does Data Backup Cost for 501c3 Nonprofits?](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/how-much-does-data-backup-cost-for-501c3-nonprofits/) - When it comes to industries that require extensive data backup solutions, the 501c3 nonprofit sector probably isn’t the first to come to mind. If you think about it though, proper data backup is no less critical to nonprofits than it is to, say, law firms; in order for your organization to serve its mission,
- [4/13 Need a Tech Tool to Boost Productivity?](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/4-13-need-a-tech-tool-to-boost-productivity/) - Ever wished for more time in the day? While that might not be possible, it is possible to make your workday more productive. Click here to read how in Heinan's latest contribution to the Washington Business Journal'se-newsletter, TechFlash.
- [How to Choose the Right Laptop for Associations (Trade/Professional)](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/how-to-choose-the-right-laptop-for-associations-trade-professional/) - Your association is due for new laptops. You know you need a machine that is powerful enough to handle your applications seamlessly, one that is durable enough to last, and one that is actually still portable once you factor those first two criteria in. So...how does all that translate into the actual selection process?
- [5/13 Could the Cloud Solve the Work-life Balance Problem?](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/5-13-could-the-cloud-solve-the-work-life-balance-problem/) - Could the cloud technology that makes your desktop available to you--from anywhere--actually help solve the work/life balance problem? Click here to find out in Heinan's latest contribution to the Washington Business Journal's e-newsletter, TechFlash.
- [5/13 Five Ways Technology Can Energize Your Business](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/5-13-five-ways-technology-can-energize-your-business/) - How can you use technology to make you (and your employees) more productive? Click here to discover 5 ways technology can energize your business in Heinan's latest contribution to the Washington Business Journal's e-newsletter, TechFlash.
- [How to Choose the Right Laptop for Business](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/how-to-choose-the-right-laptop-for-business/) - It’s time for your business to purchase new laptops, and you’re stuck; amidst the sea of manufacturers and types and strange technical abbreviations, how to you begin the selection process? Are there simple tips that can help you narrow your search? After serving the technology needs of DC’s small- to mid-sized business community for
- [6/13 Ten Questions To Ask To Ensure Security in the Cloud](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/6-13-ten-questions-to-ask-to-ensure-security-in-the-cloud/) - Worried about the security of your data in the cloud? You are not alone. Find out the top 10 questions you should be asking your cloud provider before you commit in Heinan's latest contribution to the Washington Business Journal's e-newsletter, TechFlash.
- [6/14/13 Why You Can't Ignore Strategic Tech Planning](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/6-14-13-why-you-cant-ignore-strategic-tech-planning/) - Think strategic tech planning is just a buzz word? Read why you can't afford to ignore it in Heinan's latest contribution to The Washington Business Journal's e-newsletter, TechFlash here.
- [7/1/13 Top 5 Things to Consider When Vetting Your Strategic Tech Consultant](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/7-1-13-top-5-things-to-consider-when-vetting-your-strategic-tech-consultant/) - Is your technology partner qualified to consult on strategic business technology direction? Read about the top 5 things you should consider when vetting a tech partner for this specialized service offering in Heinan's latest contribution to The Washington Business Journal's e-newsletter, TechFlash here.
- [7/15/13 How to Define Expectations After Signing the Strategic IT Consultant Dotted Line](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/7-15-13-how-to-define-expectations-after-signing-the-strategic-it-consultant-dotted-line/) - Once you've selected a strategic IT consultant, how can you be certain that you've made the right choice? Read Heinan's latest TechFlash article to see which specific features you should expect from your provider.
- [7/29/13 Why the IT Industry Sucks](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/7-29-13-why-the-it-industry-sucks/) - Read Heinan's recent TechFlash article to discover why he thinks the industry is starting to, well, decline...
- [8/14/13 Why the IT Industry Must Get Better](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/8-14-13-why-the-it-industry-must-get-better/) - The IT industry must improve. Click here to read why Heinan thinks it started to decline and how it will begin to recover...
- [8/29/13 Simplifying Your Cloud Rollout Plan](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/8-29-13-simplifying-your-cloud-rollout-plan/) - Click here to read why Heinan says moving to the cloud SHOULD be complicated.
- [9/11/13 Is Your Company Immune to Hackers?](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/9-11-13-is-your-company-immune-to-hackers/) - How vulnerable is your organization? Click here to find out.
- [9/18/13 How Safe is Your Data?](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/9-18-13-how-safe-is-your-data/) - Few organizations are completely protected. Find out how yours stacks up here.
- [10/2/13 Where Do You Draw the Line with the Influx of Tech Ideas?](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/10-2-13-where-do-you-draw-the-line-with-the-influx-of-tech-ideas/) - Constantly chasing the latest technology solution can send your business in all the wrong directions. Heinan can help you set boundaries for your IT team here.
- [Why Your IT Guy is Hesitant About Cloud Computing](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/why-your-it-guy-is-hesitant-about-cloud-computing/) - Maybe you’ve knocked on your IT manager’s door wanting to talk about the cloud. Maybe potential economies of scale have been brought up in a board of directors meeting and that prompted you to call him. Whatever the situation, your IT resource seems reluctant to explore cloud computing with you. This is not an uncommon
- [Is Microsoft Office 365 a True Cloud Solution?](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/is-microsoft-office-365-a-true-cloud-solution/) - Microsoft Office 365 is advertised as a low-cost cloud solution for businesses. When it comes down to it, though, is this package actually a "cloud" offering? Well, kind of. Find out more in Heinan's latest article in the American City Business Journals.
- [4 Key Elements of a Successful Data Privacy Policy](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/4-key-elements-of-a-successful-data-privacy-policy/) - The news these days is all but overrun with stories of hackers, cyberattacks, cyberterrorism and the importance of cybersecurity. While concerns about external threats to network security are completely valid (I think Target and its former CEO would vouch for us here), this only makes up one side of the coin. To be truly secure,
- [IaaS vs. DaaS Cloud Solutions](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/iaas-vs-daas-cloud-solutions/) - If you're an executive considering a move to the cloud, it is essential to know which solution is right for your needs. Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) and Desktop as a Service (DaaS) each demand very different levels of maintenance from within your organization. In his latest article for the American City Business Journals, Heinan
- [What 'Proactive' Technology Service Actually Means](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/what-proactive-technology-service-actually-means/) - “Proactive” is one of those buzzwords that everyone is throwing around in the technology sphere these days. “Proactive” is also one of those buzzwords that has a vastly different meaning depending on who you ask. To some IT support firms, having a complex alerting system in place qualifies as proactive service, since at times the
- [How to Protect Your Digital Legacy](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/how-to-protect-your-digital-legacy/) - As originally published in the American City Business Journals. -- Not too long ago a client of mine came to me with a personal information technology question that I — believe it or not — had never been asked before: “What happens to all my online accounts when I die?” This was the first time
- [How to Protect Your Company from Forged or Malicious Emails](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/how-to-protect-your-company-from-forged-or-malicious-emails/) - As originally published in the American City Business Journals. -- Not too long ago my COO received an email from my address. The chain started out simply: Hi David Are you at the office? Write me back when you are. Kind Regards Heinan A few exchanges later, David uncovered the real motive: David, Process payment
- [4 Reasons Why Video Needs to Be Part of Your Employee Onboarding](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/4-reasons-why-video-needs-to-be-part-of-your-employee-onboarding/) - As originally published in the American City Business Journals. -- When you’re a small business, much of your employee onboarding is hands-on. We don’t have dedicated training teams, and we don’t have extravagant “boot camp” events to get our new hires up to speed — we have our leadership teams who will usually take a
- [Why The Cloud Might Not Be Right For Your Long-Time Employees](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/why-the-cloud-might-not-be-right-for-your-long-time-employees/) - Deciding to abandon your company’s entire on-site infrastructure in favor of a cloud-based environment is no quick and easy process. Besides weighing the big-picture costs and benefits to your business, it’s also critical to consider the individual personalities inside your company and how they’ll receive this kind of transition. Will they welcome the change with
- [The Dangers of Assuming "IT Support" and "Security" Are the Same](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/the-dangers-of-assuming-it-support-and-security-are-the-same/) - As originally published in the American City Business Journals. -- After 25 years in the information technology (IT) industry, you start to see some trends. One of the most troubling patterns I’ve noticed recently is that many business owners equate IT support with network security; they believe that because someone is managing their infrastructure, they
- [Now is (Finally) the Time to Switch Your Business to Windows 10](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/now-is-finally-the-time-to-switch-your-business-to-windows-10/) - As originally published in the American City Business Journals. -- That’s right, folks — one year later, it’s finally the right time to consider moving your business over to a Windows 10 platform. As of July, Windows 10 is running on 350 million devices. And while I previously preached caution and patience regarding this new
- [When Your Business Can Use Dropbox to Store and Share Files](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/when-your-business-can-use-dropbox-to-store-and-share-files/) - As originally published in the American City Business Journals. -- “Can’t we just use Dropbox?” It’s a question I hear over and over again from business owners. Can’t they just store and share their company files in that familiar blue box? Wouldn’t that make working on files from home so much simpler? Couldn’t that take
- [How to Choose the Right EMR System for Home Health Care](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/how-to-choose-the-right-emr-system-for-home-health-care/) - For the home health care industry in particular, properly and intelligently managing your clients, caregivers, and medical records is absolutely critical to the success of your mission and the quality of the care you’re providing. This, by extension, means that the Electronic Medical Record (EMR) system you select to perform that very function has to
- [How to Avoid Going Overboard with Tech Security](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/how-to-avoid-going-overboard-with-tech-security/) - As originally published in the American City Business Journals. -- Security. It’s a word that’s thrown around every day on every news outlet. When there’s not a new security breach to report, there’s a new security vulnerability or security tool that your organization must look into immediately or else! Are we blowing this topic out
- [The Risks of Using Social Media in Business](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/the-risks-of-using-social-media-in-business/) - As originally published in the American City Business Journals. -- About 1.72 hours. This is how much time the average person spends on social media each and every day. That amount of time, 1.72, hours also happens to make up more than one-fifth of the typical eight-hour work day. Multiply this over a five-day week,
- [Technology Budgets: What to Put In, What to Leave Out](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/technology-budgets-what-to-put-in-what-to-leave-out/) - As originally published in the American City Business Journals -- Ahhh... don’t you just love the smell of fresh budgets in the air? It’s that time of year for a lot of us, and the questions have started popping up almost as frequently as holiday ads: What are the key pieces of a solid IT
- [How to Ruin Your Software Selection Process](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/how-to-ruin-your-software-selection-process/) - Just the other week I had the pleasure of speaking with a group of fundraising consultants in DC. These consultants serve nonprofit clients exclusively, and were having trouble finding proper guidance on donor management software. There were two main challenges at hand: (1) they couldn’t find an objective perspective on the subject and were just
- [Top 5 Technology Predictions for 2017](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/top-5-technology-predictions-for-2017/) - As originally published in the American City Business Journals. -- Technology touches all parts of our lives — from accessing your desktop anywhere to ordering laundry detergent through Amazon Dash buttons. Phones are exploding, social media heavily influenced the presidential election, and people now have the capability to order groceries through a speaker. So, can
- [3 Signs Your Business Isn't Ready to Move to the Cloud](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/3-signs-your-business-isnt-ready-to-move-to-the-cloud/) - As originally published in the American City Business Journals. -- Feeling the pressure to move your company to the cloud? While most companies have at least part of their operations in the cloud — email, backup, applications, or files — many have yet to transition into a full virtual desktop environment, one where the entire
- [Still Wary About Security in the Cloud? Here's What to Look For](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/still-wary-about-security-in-the-cloud-heres-what-to-look-for/) - As originally published in the American City Business Journals. -- The cloud computing market is, in three letters, H-O-T. While hosted email and file storage have been massively popular for some time now, full cloud infrastructure is also on an aggressive upward trajectory; according to a Technavio report, the global virtual desktop market will grow
- [Where Voice Command is Falling Short (But Not For Long)](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/where-voice-command-is-falling-short-but-not-for-long/) - As originally published in the American City Business Journals. -- Are you talking to your technology yet? For a few years now we’ve seen an uptick in speech recognition technology. We’ve had Siri in our pockets since 2011 (hands-free since 2014), we’ve had Google Voice Search since about that same time, and we’ve had Cortana
- [Top 10 Lessons in Running Your IT Right](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/top-10-lessons-in-running-your-it-right/) - After 25 years in the IT industry… I’ve seen some stuff. While there is certainly nothing cookie-cutter about technology solutions, there are some tried-and-true lessons about technology management that will help get (and keep) your business on the right track. Here’s a compilation of the top 10 lessons in running your IT right: 1. Simplify
- [3 Reasons to Upgrade to Microsoft Office 2016](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/3-reasons-to-upgrade-to-microsoft-office-2016/) - In late 2015 – to much fanfare – Microsoft released the latest version of their productivity suite: Office 2016. Most of us were not compelled to rush into a relationship with this new platform; we were content and comfortable with our current setup, and didn’t feel the need to shake things up. You know, the
- [Use These 2 Tech Tools to Increase Engagement and Reduce Turnover](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/use-these-2-tech-tools-to-increase-engagement-and-reduce-turnover/) - Millennials might be the largest generation in the U.S. workforce, but they certainly aren’t the most engaged. According to Gallup, only 29% of millennials are engaged at work. And this isn’t a group that will remain passive about their disengagement, either; a full six out of ten are actively seeking new employment opportunities. On the
- [The Key to Saving Money on IT Upgrades for 501c3 Nonprofits](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/the-key-to-saving-money-on-it-upgrades-for-501c3-nonprofits/) - We’ve yet to come across any industry that will balk at the opportunity to save money. For 501c3 nonprofit organizations in particular, though, finding opportunities to cut costs isn’t merely a way to increase profits—it’s a way to stay afloat. When it comes time to consider very large capital expenses like IT upgrades, then,
- [How (and Why) to Shush All Those Phone Notifications](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/how-and-why-to-shush-all-those-phone-notifications/) - Think of your last meeting. Was everyone checking their phone before it started? Then, once it began, did they leave their phone on the table and throw it a furtive glance every now and then? Did they snatch it up immediately after the meeting ended to see what they’d missed? Between email, text messages, instant
- [Virtual Offices: Is it Time for Your Company to Forego Office Space?](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/virtual-offices-is-it-time-for-your-company-to-forego-office-space/) - For many of us, our two biggest business expenses are, far and away: (1) our people, and (2) our rent. Would be nice to eliminate one of the two, right? No, I’m not here to talk a robot takeover (at least not yet); I’m here to talk about this concept of “virtual offices,” otherwise referred
- [Will Your Remote Workers Cost You Thousands in Overtime?](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/will-your-remote-workers-cost-you-thousands-in-overtime/) - There’s some trouble lurking beneath all this remote access technology. Thanks to advancements in cloud computing and solutions like virtual desktops, it’s increasingly easy for us to “work anywhere.” This level of mobility has serious appeal across industries – attorneys can bill from a cabin in the woods, caregivers can record their visits from their
- [Does Your Business Need Cyber Liability Insurance?](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/does-your-business-need-cyber-liability-insurance/) - We’ve all heard about the various security measures our businesses should have in place to defend against cyberattack. We know this is something we need to invest both time and money into if we want to remain safe. We know what we’re supposed to do before a potential breach… but what happens after the fact?
- [How Much Does a Computer Upgrade Project Cost?](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/how-much-does-a-computer-upgrade-project-cost/) - No matter how advanced, state-of-the-art, or robust your organization’s computers may be, all machines will age and eventually fail. The unfortunate reality is that computers generally have a lifespan of about 5 years—beyond this point, performance, security, and overall reliability become a very real issue (in fact, speed starts to be an issue after
- [The Key to Saving Money on IT Upgrades for Associations (Trade/Professional)](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/the-key-to-saving-money-on-it-upgrades-for-associations-trade-professional/) - No matter how advanced technology gets, the unfortunate fact of the matter is that it won’t last forever. Your staff’s machines will begin to show signs of slowness after about 3 years. After 5, you’ll be lucky if they’re running anywhere close to full capacity. Your servers will start generating more alerts. Your warranties will
- [Do You Need a VPN to Keep Your Personal Information Safe?](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/do-you-need-a-vpn-to-keep-your-personal-information-safe/) - I’ve dedicated a lot of articles to the dangers of the World Wide Web. Our personal information – credit card numbers, bank account information, social security number – will sell for a pretty penny online, and hackers are relentless in their hunt for more product. Just the other day an old friend of mine, wary
- [Do We Actually Need to Care About Net Neutrality?](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/do-we-actually-need-to-care-about-net-neutrality/) - You’ve probably been hearing “net neutrality” pop up in the news, just like it did a couple years back. You’re probably hearing a lot of outrage right along with it, too. So what’s all the fuss about this time? What is “net neutrality”? The concept of net neutrality dictates that all Internet content is treated
- [How Virtual Desktops Give Outsourcing A Whole New Meaning](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/how-virtual-desktops-give-outsourcing-a-whole-new-meaning/) - Outsourcing your technology support is nothing new. In fact, some argue (not unfairly) that traditional IT services are a commodity at this point. But just as technology itself has made incredible strides over the past few decades, outsourcing is also evolving in ways that can eliminate the need to manage your IT altogether. What traditional
- [​Why a CIO Might be Overkill for Your Business](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/​why-a-cio-might-be-overkill-for-your-business/) - Do I really need another executive running around the place just to oversee my technology? Don’t I already pay people to do that?” After 25 years in the IT support business, this is a sentiment I’ve heard over and over again; business owners just can’t seem to justify the need for a C-suite employee when
- [The Biggest Mistakes Businesses Make With Their Office Moves](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/the-biggest-mistakes-businesses-make-with-their-office-moves/) - Moving to a new space is a pain. While I have only had to endure a few of these projects personally, I’ve worked with dozens upon dozens of businesses as they’ve moved into, across, or out of the DC Metro area. And there’s one huge, expensive, stressful mistake that I’ve seen organizations make over and
- [​OneLogin Hack: Is it Time to Reject Password Managers for Good?](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/​onelogin-hack-is-it-time-to-reject-password-managers-for-good/) - Earlier this month we learned of yet another breach that targeted password management software. In this instance, hackers accessed OneLogin, a password manager and single sign-on platform, for a full seven hours. They stole a large amount of user data, and may have decrypted sensitive information as well. These programs are a treasure trove of
- [What Are the Problems with Outsourcing IT?](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/what-are-the-problems-with-outsourcing-it/) - There aren’t any! Outsourcing is perfect. Call us? ...Okay, kidding. As wonderful as it would be for an outsourced IT firm to say that there isn’t a single fundamental problem with the concept of outsourcing, that of course cannot logically be true. In fact, it is outsourced IT firms who are the most intimately
- [Amazon Eats Whole Foods: A Win for All](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/amazon-eats-whole-foods-a-win-for-all/) - If there’s a service on this planet that saves me time and effort and frustration, color me interested. Like most businessfolk (and like most parents), I’m constantly on the move, and I’m constantly looking for ways to move around a little less. Saving myself a trip to the store and having all my day-to-day items
- [3 Core Elements of a Security Awareness Training Program](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/3-core-elements-of-a-security-awareness-training-program/) - So, you’ve accepted the fact that your employees (including you – and me for that matter!) are far and away your weakest link when it comes to the security of your data. You know that even if you perform periodic risk assessments, and even if you create and document the most airtight IT policies,
- [What Are the Problems with Cloud Computing?](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/what-are-the-problems-with-cloud-computing/) - You can’t step into the tech world without hearing something about the cloud. “It’s so cheap!” “You can access your data from a submarine!” “All you have to do is sign up!” “Once you’re there, you’ve made it to Valhalla!” The conversation is certainly warranted, but there are several key points missing; we all know
- [How to Set Up Your Mobile Workforce for Success](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/how-to-set-up-your-mobile-workforce-for-success/) - It’s 2017 – anyone can work from anywhere at any time on any device now, right? Not exactly. We as a workforce are definitely the most “connected” bunch yet; we carry tiny computers in our pockets that connect to any number of free WiFi connections to give us access to more information than we could
- [Tesla Rules, Apple Drools: The Key to Tech Innovation](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/tesla-rules-apple-drools-the-key-to-tech-innovation/) - I watched Elon Musk’s presentation at the 2017 TED conference the other day. If you haven’t seen this yet, I challenge you to watch it the whole way through without your jaw dropping. In it, we learn about his plans to: Build subterranean highway systems in Los Angeles on the West Coast and from New
- [3 Ways to Set Up Your Outsourced IT Partnership for Success](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/3-ways-to-set-up-your-outsourced-it-partnership-for-success/) - You did it. You decided that maintaining your company’s technology was not one of your core competencies, and that rather than fussing with it internally like you have been, you’re going to outsource that responsibility to another company. Your business partners referred you to a few outsourced IT firms that you have met with and
- [The 3 Levels of IT Support: Knowing Which is Right For Your Business](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/the-3-levels-of-it-support-knowing-which-is-right-for-your-business/) - If I were to ask you what your IT team actually does for your business, what would you say? Over the past 3 decades I’ve watched my industry slowly split itself into 3 distinct categories, all of which fall under the “IT support” umbrella. While the split has been evident to those of us on
- [Stop Asking if Your Business is “Safe” From a Cyberattack](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/stop-asking-if-your-business-is-safe-from-a-cyberattack/) - We’ve been hearing about Equifax ad nauseam. We’ve learned that the Yahoo hack was even worse than we had thought, and that all 3 billion accounts were compromised in their 2013 breach. If I asked you to, I’m sure you could rattle off at least half a dozen other big-name companies (or government bodies) that
- [How One of the Founders of Trello is Keeping his Remote Workforce Engaged](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/how-one-of-the-founders-of-trello-is-keeping-his-remote-workforce-engaged/) - I recently spoke with Michael Pryor, one of the founders of Trello, about what it takes to keep a widely dispersed workforce effective, productive, and engaged. If you don’t know about Trello yet (despite there being 25 million registered users), it’s a collaboration tool that uses moveable tiles (“cards”) much in the same way you
- [Top 3 Signs You Could Be Getting More Return on Your IT Investment](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/top-3-signs-you-could-be-getting-more-return-on-your-it-investment/) - We can’t avoid spending money on IT. We can, however, avoid spending money on IT that isn’t properly supporting and advancing our business objectives. Here are the top 3 signs that you aren’t getting the best value out of your IT spend. 1. Your CEO, COO, or CFO is spending an inordinate amount of
- [Top 10 Technology Trend Predictions for 2018](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/top-10-technology-trend-predictions-for-2018/) - It’s that time of year again! As we cross into 2018, what can we expect to see on the technology side of things? Here are my top 10 predictions. 10 – TVs will get smarter and way, way cheaper. Ever heard of Element Electronics brand televisions? I hadn’t either until I found that their sets
- [Review of the Lenovo Yoga 2 Pro for Business](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/review-of-the-lenovo-yoga-2-pro-for-business/) - Let me start out by saying that the Lenovo Yoga 2 Pro has not been designed or touted as a business machine. Our company uses Lenovo ThinkPad models internally, and we supply many of our clients with similar devices for their own organizations. But when I saw this machine, I had to have it,
- [How to Test a Disaster Recovery Plan for Associations (Trade/Professional)](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/how-to-test-a-disaster-recovery-plan-for-associations-trade-professional/) - According to the ESG Research Review Data Protection Survey from Enterprise Strategy Group, 53% of organizations can tolerate less than an hour of downtime before experiencing significant revenue loss or other adverse business impact. Of those that experience a significant business interruption, 30 percent never recover. This is especially alarming data for associations and nonprofits. Too
- [How to Evaluate Technology (IT) Vendor Proposals](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/how-to-evaluate-technology-it-vendor-proposals/) - The IT industry is unpredictable (to the point where we’ve written an article entitled—and I quote—Why the IT industry sucks). With no equivalent to the bar exam for entrance, and given how easy it is for just anyone to create their own start-up tech company (experienced or not), it can be hard to tell
- [Key Elements of a Successful Password Policy](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/key-elements-of-a-successful-password-policy/) - Did you know that specialized computers can crack an 8-character password in 6 hours? If there’s one thing that hackers have an ample amount of, it’s patience. And yes, your organization is vulnerable; many small businesses serve as vectors into larger corporations, and cybercriminals tend to pursue the path of least resistance to reach
- [Microsoft Office 365 vs. Hosted (Cloud) Desktops for Business](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/microsoft-office-365-vs-hosted-cloud-desktops-for-business/) - A cloud is a cloud is a cloud, right? Absolutely and positively not. Especially not when what is being advertised as a "cloud" solution is really only partially rooted in cloud computing. When it comes to really digging into Microsoft Office 365 and a hosted desktop platform (otherwise referred to as "cloud desktops," "virtual desktops,"
- [How to Test a Disaster Recovery Plan for Law Firms](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/how-to-test-a-disaster-recovery-plan-for-law-firms/) - Disasters can be, well, even more disastrous to law firms because their responsibility to protect client data does not dissipate post-disaster. In fact, former ABA President Steve Zack was quoted as saying, “They [law firms] must represent the client competently and diligently, safeguard client’s property, and maintain client confidentiality and communications. These obligations are neither
- [How to Test a Disaster Recovery Plan for Small Businesses](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/how-to-test-a-disaster-recovery-plan-for-small-businesses/) - Forrester data from March 2015 shows that 63% of SMBs, globally, consider purchasing or upgrading their disaster recovery or business continuity capabilities to be a high or critical priority. Top drivers behind the need to improve disaster recovery capabilities are regulatory and legal pressures (38%), fiduciary responsibility to various stakeholders (37%), the cost of
- [What is "Vishing" and How Can You Stay Protected?](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/what-is-vishing-and-how-can-you-stay-protected/) - Previously we’ve published several articles about email phishing scams and how to best avoid them. We even put together an infographic on the Top 5 Phishing Red Flags, which you can take a look at here. What we haven’t yet discussed is a different kind of scam that doesn’t rely on email to capture your
- [Top 5 Phishing Red Flags (Infographic)](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/top-5-phishing-red-flags-infographic/) - Did you know that 95% of successful cyberattacks begin with a phishing scam? “Phishing” is an umbrella term used to describe an email scam where the sender tries to trick you into handing over valuable information such as account credentials, banking information, social security numbers, or other sensitive data. The email will appear to
- [Top 10 Tips to Avoid Social Engineering Hacks](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/top-10-tips-to-avoid-social-engineering-hacks/) - Did you know that 95% of all successful cyberattacks begin with a phishing scam? And that’s just one type of social engineering, a hacking method that puts us, our families, and our businesses at risk on a daily basis. The unfortunate truth is that our personal information has a hard dollar value, and bad actors
- [Windows 7 End of Life: What Your Business Needs to Know (and Do)](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/windows-7-end-of-life-what-your-business-needs-to-know-and-do/) - As you’ve probably (hopefully) heard by now, Microsoft will be ending support for Windows 7 as of January 14, 2020. For the past three decades we’ve managed technology systems for small and mid-sized law firms and associations in the DC Metro area. Over that time, we’ve learned a great deal about how these software lifecycles
- [How to Block Spam Emails in Microsoft Outlook](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/how-to-block-spam-emails-in-microsoft-outlook/) - Spam! Those annoying, useless email messages that clutter up your Inbox. Even if you have a spam filter in place, a few spam messages are bound to slip by. Fortunately, Microsoft Outlook makes it very simple to block spammers and prevent them from sending you more emails. Your IT team can, of course, take
- [Top 5 Tips to Reduce Video Fatigue While Working from Home](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/top-5-tips-to-reduce-video-fatigue-while-working-from-home/) - Before the pandemic, the number of daily Zoom users peaked at 10 million. That number has since exploded to over 300 million—and Zoom’s market value now surpasses the top seven airlines combined at nearly $50 billion. It’s no big surprise that organizations have leaned into video conferencing during quarantine—especially internally. But what many people have
- [WFH Best Practices: How to Maintain Productivity and Security](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/wfh-best-practices-how-to-maintain-productivity-and-security/) - After a year of WFH, most business leaders have firmly established their stance on the practice. Jack Dorsey, CEO of Twitter (and Square), told his employees in a May 2020 email that they could WFH forever. While Netflix employees remain WFH as a safety precaution, CEO Reed Hastings called the arrangement “a pure negative.”
- [How to Protect Your Law Firm from a Data Breach When Working from Home (WFH)](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/how-to-protect-your-law-firm-from-a-data-breach-when-working-from-home-wfh/) - In the three decades that we’ve been serving the technology and security needs for law firms, we have never seen such dramatic, rapid change as we did in 2020 when COVID-19 sent us all home. While the pandemic will (eventually) pass, many of the law firms we’ve spoken with have plans to continue allowing attorneys
- [What Are the Best Ways to Secure PII/PHI?](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/what-are-the-best-ways-to-secure-pii-phi/) - Let’s start with a story. Back in February 2011, a well-intentioned employee of Massachusetts General Hospital took various files home with her so that she’d be able to continue working over the weekend. Come Monday, she bound the files back up with a rubber band, put them in her bag, and hopped on the subway
- [How to Get Executive Buy-In for Technology (IT) Projects](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/how-to-get-executive-buy-in-for-technology-it-projects/) - No large-scale corporate initiative will be successful without executive buy-in. This holds true whether we’re talking about marketing, sales, accounting, or otherwise. It can seem particularly difficult to get this kind of buy-in, however, when the initiative you’re promoting is technical in nature. Let’s face it: no matter how far technology advances, most businessfolk
- [How to Evaluate an Internal IT Team](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/how-to-evaluate-an-internal-it-team/) - When you’re a non-technical person, it isn’t always easy to know whether your technical resource truly knows what they’re doing, or if they’re just really good at Googling quick fixes and feigning confidence. We’ve seen it over and over again when organizations call our company in to assess their technology and the team behind it—they
- [Key Elements of an Employee Separation Policy](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/key-elements-of-an-employee-separation-policy/) - Whether the separation is amicable, hostile, or indifferent, letting an employee go is never an easy process—as the COO of our outsourced IT firm, I know this all too well. Besides any emotional burden, there is also a lot for the employer to take care of on the tactical side to make sure that
- [Is Data Safe in the Cloud?](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/is-data-safe-in-the-cloud/) - There’s a very real separation anxiety that comes with surrendering your network to an outside provider; putting the fate of your data in someone else’s hands is, quite simply, a frightening concept. In fact, this is such a common occurrence that we’ve crafted our cloud migration process specifically to alleviate this fear, and to make
- [The Best File Backup Solutions for Business (Reviews/Ratings)](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/the-best-file-backup-solutions-for-business-reviews-ratings/) - File backup has become commoditized. Plain and simple. There are too many solutions out there to possibly name or count, and at a glance they all look to be basically the exact same solution, just under a different name. With so many options out there, how are you to know which solutions are truly up
- [Should My Small Business Upgrade to Windows 10?](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/should-my-small-business-upgrade-to-windows-10/) - We’ve all heard about it by now—Microsoft has released Windows 10, and everyone wants to know whether or not they should make the leap (and if so, when). Already we’ve seen reports that 75% of businesses plan to adopt Windows 10 in the first two years of its release, and that an overwhelming 96%
- [How to Extend the Life of a Desktop Computer](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/how-to-extend-the-life-of-a-desktop-computer/) - Your desktop computer has slowed to a crawl. You try to open multiple applications at the same time and BOOM, you’re frozen for good. It’s old, it’s failing, it’s nearing its death bed. You have to get a new one now, right? Maybe not. After serving the IT needs of organizations in the DC
- [Can I Use an iPad for Business?](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/can-i-use-an-ipad-for-business/) - Just a couple months ago, Apple released their iPad Pro – a nearly 13-inch iteration of the tablet with a stylus and side connector for an integrated keyboard. The display is impressive, and the size resembles that of an actual computer monitor. Despite all the big-wigs predicting the death of the laptop, however, we have
- [What to Consider When Selecting a Hosted Email Provider](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/what-to-consider-when-selecting-a-hosted-email-provider/) - These days, finding a hosted email provider is far from difficult. Heck, your local church can probably host your email—that’s how common this service has become. Each and every provider will tell you about the same thing about their services, too: we’ll provide you with hosted Microsoft Exchange, setup will be quick and painless,
- [What Are the Problems With Businesses Being "Bleeding Edge"?](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/what-are-the-problems-with-businesses-being-bleeding-edge/) - Technology develops at an astonishingly rapid pace. Just 15 years ago we had to choose between using our landline or using the Internet. Now, you could be reading this article on your tablet while talking on your phone using a Bluetooth headset while also putting together a complex spreadsheet on your laptop while also streaming
- [Do I Need to Renew My Firewall Service and Support?](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/do-i-need-to-renew-my-firewall-service-and-support/) - Nearly one million forms of malware are released each and every day. That’s almost 700 threats per minute. You need only browse to a certain website and your machine (and, by extension, your network) could become infected with damaging malware. This is why firewalls are so important. Your firewall is the device responsible for protecting
- [Key Elements of Proactive Technology (IT) Support](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/key-elements-of-proactive-technology-it-support/) - When it comes to marketing technology support services, “proactive” is one of those words that gets thrown around left and right. The problem is that, across the IT industry, there seem to be fairly loose definitions of what the term “proactive” actually means. This not only makes it hard for businesses to differentiate between support
- [What to Do With Old Technology Hardware](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/what-to-do-with-old-technology-hardware/) - Isn't it something how, as the processing power of computer chips increases, technology that was once cutting edge quickly becomes obsolete? If you’re in the middle of replacing your old hardware with more advanced technology, you may be wondering, “What should I do with the old equipment?” This is a great question to ask, as
- [Is the Cloud Secure?](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/is-the-cloud-secure/) - It's very common for organizations to avoid cloud computing out of legitimate concern for their data’s safety. "What if someone gains access to my environment?" "Since it's not in my control, what if something goes wrong?” "Wouldn't my data be more susceptible to cyberattack?" Indeed, there are many pervasive misconceptions about the cloud, all fueling
- [Review of Slack Communication Tool for Business](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/review-of-slack-communication-tool-for-business/) - If you’re like many organizations, you might find yourself juggling a whole host of different communication tools. You have your email, an instant messaging application, a separate video conferencing tool, another platform for virtual water cooler talk… the list could go on. The intent here is actually quite forward-thinking; especially now that Millennials make up
- [How to Craft a Successful Security Awareness Training Program for Your Law Firm](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/how-to-craft-a-successful-security-awareness-training-program-for-your-law-firm/) - Over the past 25 years our company has seen cyber threats evolve in a nasty way. Last year a startling 4,000 ransomware attacks occurred every day. One out of every 131 emails sent was malicious. Businesses with fewer than 1,000 employees now have a 90% likelihood of a breach costing them over $216,000. Needless to
- [How to Choose the Right Cloud Provider for Small Business](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/how-to-choose-the-right-cloud-provider-for-small-business/) - More and more, businesses are getting rid of the servers in their office and migrating their entire technology infrastructure to the cloud. In fact, according to a Technavio report, the global virtual desktop market is expected to grow at a pace of 11% year over year through 2020. This isn’t the only trend we’re seeing,
- [The Key to a Successful Office Move Project](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/the-key-to-a-successful-office-move-project/) - Over the past three decades our company has helped businesses of all shapes and sizes move from one office space to another. While each of these projects is unique, they are invariably complex by nature. But this doesn’t mean that they have to be a nightmare; with proper planning, your office move project could very
- [Cybersecurity: The Dangers Of Asking If Your Business Is “Safe”](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/cybersecurity-the-dangers-of-asking-if-your-business-is-safe/) - Let’s start with an analogy. You take home security pretty seriously. You have deadbolts on every door, and a security bar for your slider. You have an alarm system with motion sensors, which you arm when you leave and before you go to sleep. You have cameras keeping watch from all angles, at all times.
- [The Key Elements of a Successful MSP Onboarding Project](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/the-key-elements-of-a-successful-msp-onboarding-project/) - You’ve just signed on with a new managed service provider who will be taking responsibility for your technology systems and support. Their team is celebrating the latest win for their sales team. Your anxiety level is at an all-time high. Did you make a smart investment? Will this new company make good on all of
- [Top Cybersecurity Stats Every Managing Partner Needs to Know](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/top-cybersecurity-stats-every-managing-partner-needs-to-know/) - According to the 2016 ILTA survey, security is absolutely top-of-mind for law firms. This is for good reason – threats continue to be on the rise, and the cost of a breach is astronomical from both a financial and reputation standpoint. We at Optimal have been working with law firms in the Washington DC Metro
- [2/15/07 SmartCEO Magazine Features Optimal's Dynamic Culture](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/21507-smartceo-magazine-features-optimals-dynamic-culture/) - Washington SmartCEO magazine features Optimal's dynamic culture.
- [5/15/07 SmartCEO's "Tap Room" features Optimal Breakfast](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/51507-smartceos-tap-room-features-optimal-breakfast/) - Friday morning breakfast at Optimal Networks -- it's a good thing. A footnote to the February article featuring Optimal's unique corporate culture, Washington SmartCEO magazine highlights Friday Morning Breakfast at Optimal, a beloved company tradition.
- [9/20/07 Heinan Landa Featured as a "Leader You Need to Know"](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/92007-heinan-landa-featured-as-a-leader-you-need-to-know/) - Heinan Landa recognized as one of nine 'Leaders You Need to Know' in Business Gazette. Heinan Landa, founder and President of Optimal Networks, was featured as one of nine "Leaders You Need to Know" in a recent issue of the Business Gazette. In addition to Heinan's professional affiliations, the write-up includes a brief company history
- [12/03/07 "Planning Predictable IT Budgets" by Heinan Landa](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/120307-planning-predictable-it-budgets-by-heinan-landa/) - The December 2007 online issue of "Associations Now" features an article by Heinan Landa on effective budgeting. While technology's sometimes erratic march forward can be chaotic, planning for your organization's IT costs doesn't have to be.
- [3/05/08 Heinan featured in SmartCEO's "Talk of the Town"](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/30508-heinan-featured-in-smartceos-talk-of-the-town/) - Heinan Landa, President of Optimal Networks, shares a tip in SmartCEO's public speaking feature, "Talk of the Town."
- [4/21/08 "Back It Up (And How!)" in eTECHnews](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/42108-back-it-up-and-how-in-etechnews/) - Heinan's article on backup solutions featured in the April issue of eTECHnews. eTECHnews, "the monthly technology insider for legal professionals," has featured Heinan Landa's article on selecting the right backup solution for your organization.
- [9/05/08 Heinan featured in Gazette's Top 25 CEOs](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/90508-heinan-featured-in-gazettes-top-25-ceos/) - Heinan Landa named one of Maryland's 25 CEOs You Need to Know Our very own Heinan Landa was featured in the September 5 issue of The Gazette of Politics and Business, in the section, "25 CEOs You Need to Know 2008."
- [6/23/08 Legal Times features Heinan's article on IT in a recession](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/62308-legal-times-features-heinans-article-on-it-in-a-recession/) - The Legal Times features Heinan's article on IT in tough economic times.
- [7/24/08 ASAE features Heinan's article on IT in a recession](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/72408-asae-features-heinans-article-on-it-in-a-recession/) - ASAE's Dollars & Cents features Heinan Landa's article on IT during a recession. Dollars & Cents, the online newsletter for associations published by ASAE & The Center for Association Leadership, has featured Heinan Landa's article on IT strategies during a recession.
- [8/5/08 Heinan featured in SmartCEO article on fun](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/8508-heinan-featured-in-smartceo-article-on-fun/) - Heinan talks about "Fun and Games" in Washington's SmartCEO. The Washington, DC edition of SmartCEO recently featured an article on fun in the workplace.
- [10/01/08 Legal Management features Heinan's article on IT budgeting](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/100108-legal-management-features-heinans-article-on-it-budgeting/) - ALA publication features Heinan's article, "Planning Predictable IT Budgets." Legal Management, the award-winning bimonthly journal of the Association of Legal Administrators (ALA), recently featured Heinan Landa's article, "Planning Predictable IT Budgets."
- [10/26/09 Optimal Talks Culture on TV!](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/102609-optimal-talks-culture-on-tv/) - Our very own President of Fun (Heinan) and Head Comic (David) were interviewed on We Mean Business! a cable television show (on MMC TV Channel 16) about business strategy and growth. During a segment devoted to corporate culture, they spoke to host Steve Dorfman about Optimal's high-performing, service- and values-based, fun culture. It all started with a gridle and a dream...find
- [11/09 Optimal Networks Wins Top Ethics Award](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/1109-optimal-networks-wins-top-ethics-award/) - National Capital Chapter of the Society of Financial Service Professionals recognizes Optimal’s commitment to integrity with top honor GAITHERSBURG, MD—Optimal Networks was selected from a group of five semi-finalists to receive the 2009 National Capital Business Ethics Award (NCBEA). The National Capital Chapter of the Society of Financial Service Professionals recognized Optimal for employing the highest
- [3/9 Optimal Networks Works Out for the Cure for the Susan G. Komen Foundation!](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/optimal-networks-works-out-for-the-cure-for-the-susan-g-komen-foundation/) - On March 28 2009, together with Willoughby Consulting Group, MyerEmco AudioVideo, Derick Lighting Solutions, and Blackbaud, Optimal Networks will help support an all-day workout event to support the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. All 24 Sport and Health Club locations in the Maryland, Washington, D.C., and Virginia areas will participate in the Workout for the Cure event. Non-club
- [5/11 Optimal Wins Workplace Excellence Award for Fourth Year in a Row](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/ptimal-wins-workplace-excellence-award-for-fourth-year-in-a-row/) - The Alliance for Workplace Excellence names Optimal as winner of 2011 Workplace Excellence Award Rockville, MD, May 2, 2011—Optimal Networks, Inc. has been selected to receive the Workplace Excellence Award for the fourth year in a row. The Alliance for Workplace Excellence recognized Optimal in 2008, 2009, 2010, and now, in 2011, as a visionary
- [8/11 Heinan Talks Social Networking Policies in InformationWeek.com](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/811-heinan-talks-social-networking-policies-in-informationweek-com/) - InformationWeek.com interviewed Heinan about the need for social networking policies. Read what he had to say here or by clicking on the PDF below. Attachments: File Description File size 8_11 InfoWeek Social Networking Policy.pdf (DOWNLOAD) 571 Kb
- [8/11 Heinan Talks Disaster Recovery Planning in PC Today](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/811-heinan-talks-disaster-recovery-planning-in-pc-today/) - In the August 2011 issue of PC Today, Heinan gave a few tips about disaster recovery planning and preparation. Check out the article below. Attachments: File Description File size PC Today_Aug 2011.pdf 488 Kb
- [02/12 Computer Outlook Talk Radio features Heinan](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/0212-computer-outlook-talk-radio-features-heinan/) - Heinan was interviewed by the host of Computer Outlook Talk Radio, John Iasiuolo, in February 2012. Click below or HERE to listen to the interview, during which Heinan talks about the beginnings of Optimal, the evolution of the company, computing models, and more. www.computeroutlook.com
- [3/12 David Named One of DC's Top COOs by SmartCEO](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/312-david-named-one-of-dcs-top-coos-by-smartceo/) - David Campbell, Optimal’s Chief Operating Officer, has been recognized as one of 10 top COOs in the DC metro area. Click HERE to see David's piece in the March issue of SmartCEO. Before you read the press release below, check out the following video of the event and watch this one too...David is a rockstar! Optimal’s COO Chosen as Top
- [5/12 Five Years and Counting: AWE Honors Optimal With Workplace Excellence Award](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/512-five-years-and-counting-awe-honors-optimal-with-workplace-excellence-award/) - The Alliance for Workplace Excellence names Optimal as winner of 2012 Workplace Excellence Award Rockville, MD, May 7, 2012—Optimal Networks, Inc. has been selected to receive the Workplace Excellence Award for the fifth year in a row. The Alliance for Workplace Excellence recognized Optimal as a 2012 visionary employer for creating an environment in which
- [Optimal Networks, Inc. Wins Tech Council of Maryland's "Oustanding Place to Work" Award](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/optimal-networks-inc-wins-tech-council-of-marylands-oustanding-place-to-work-award/) - Rockville, MD—The Tech Council of Maryland (TCM) has honored Optimal Networks, Inc., a technology support, management, and strategic consulting company serving the DC Metro area, with their “Outstanding Place to Work” award. Chosen from among 40 nominations, Optimal was selected for the company’s commitment to innovation and the well-being and professional advancement of their workforce.
- [12/19/2013 TechBisnow Featured Optimal's Culture in their December Newsletter](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/techbisnow-optimals-culture-december-newsletter/) - This month, TechBisnow sat down with Heinan to see how he managed to create such a fun culture at Optimal. See the article that headlined their newsletter below! The Most Fun Tech Company in Maryland Creating a fun working environment is not as easy as it sounds. It took Optimal Networks over a decade and a
- [12/19/2013 ALA Currents Features Heinan's 2014 Tech Predictions](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/ala-currents-2014-tech-predictions/) - In their December 19, 2013 issue, ALA Currents shared Heinan's tech predictions for 2014. Read the full Special Feature below! 2014 Tech Predictions and Opinions By Heinan Landa In 2013 we saw the creation of the laptop/tablet hybrid, more iterations of the iPhone and several mergers. Countless articles were written about the big four information technology
- [1/17/14 Legal Management Feature's Heinan's 2014 Predictions](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/legal-management-2014-tech-predictions/) - Technology is an ever-evolving industry, so what's in store for 2014? Read what Heinan told Legal Management below: 2014 Tech Predictions and Opinions By Heinan Landa In 2013 we saw the creation of the laptop/tablet hybrid, more iterations of the iPhone and several mergers. Countless articles were written about the big four information technology (IT)
- [4/14 Lucky Number Seven: AWE Names Optimal as Winner of 2014 Workplace Excellence Award for Seventh Year in a Row](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/optimal-winner-2014-workplace-excellence-award/) - Rockville, MD, April, 2014—Optimal Networks, Inc. has been selected to receive the Workplace Excellence Award for the seventh year in a row. Only 35 companies in the DC Metro area have achieved this status in the 15 years since The Alliance for Workplace Excellence (AWE) was founded. The AWE recognized Optimal as a 2014 exemplary
- [9/19/14 Optimal Networks, Inc. Walks to End Homelessness in DC Area](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/optimal-networks-walks-to-end-homelessness/) - The company’s Champion Sponsorship will help to benefit six area non-profits dedicated to eliminating the local homeless epidemic Rockville, MD—Optimal Networks, Inc. announces its participation as a Champion Sponsor for the 4th annual Rock & Stroll to End Homelessness on Saturday, October 11 in Alexandria. The 10K, 5K, and 1K Fun Run/Walk will begin at
- [10/9/14 ALA Currents Features Heinans 2015 Tech Predictions](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/ala-currents-2015-tech-predictions/) - In their October 2014 issue, ALA Currents shared Heinan's tech predictions for 2015. Read the full Special Feature below! What's Next in Tech for 2015? By Heinan Landa This year was stagnant for information technology (IT); there were no significant hardware innovations, and industry leaders were consumed with reactively responding to increasingly complex and widespread cyberattacks.
- [10/20/14 Legal Management Talks Tech in 2015 with Heinan](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/legal-management-tech-2015/) - What do we think 2015 will bring for the tech industry? Read what Heinan told Legal Management below: What's Next in Tech for 2015? By Heinan Landa This year was stagnant for IT; there were no significant hardware innovations and industry leaders were consumed with reactively responding to increasingly complex and widespread cyber-attacks. While improvements
- [10/29/14 David Bernstein Interviews Heinan About Corporate Culture](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/david-bernstein-interview-corporate-culture/) - How a small IT company built an incredible organizational culture Interview with Heinan Landa – CEO of Optimal Networks How would you describe Optimal’s culture? Work hard, play hard, united in a common mission, values driven. We have our values posted all over the place. Our values—tell the truth, do the right thing, and everyone
- [Optimal Named Top Managed Service Provider by CRN](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/optimal-named-top-managed-service-provider-by-crn/) - Company Recognized for Exemplary Approach to Delivery of Managed IT Services Rockville, MD – Optimal Networks today announced it has earned recognition on The Channel Company’s 2015 CRN Managed Service Provider (MSP) 500 list as one of the MSP Pioneer 250. This is the second year Optimal has been recognized in this category. The MSP500
- [Chris Abel Talks Growth and Technology with Home Care Magazine](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/growth-and-technology-home-care-magazine/) - In the wake of an aging baby boomer generation, the home health care industry will be seeing tremendous growth in the not-so-distant future. That's why Home Health Care Magazine turned to Chris Abel to talk about how technology can help support this growth, and what questions home health care organizations need to ask to make sure
- [CIO Talks Modern Mobile Workforces with Heinan](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/cio-modern-mobile-workforces/) - One-third of all employees can now be classified as "anywhere/anytime workers." With a mobile workforce comes an entirely new set of opportunities, especially where technology is concerned. How can you stay ahead of the needs of this modern mobile workforce? Read CIO's full article here (and pay special attention to #17!).
- [3/26/15 MSPmentor Selects Optimal as Top Managed Service Provider](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/mspmentor-optimal-top-managed-service-provider-2015/) - Out of thousands of managed service providers worldwide, MSPmentor ranked the top 501. Ranking criteria included annual recurring revenue percentage growth (year over year), number of customer devices managed, devices managed percentage growth, employee headcount, and employee headcount percentage growth. Optimal Networks ranked 184. Optimal also made the MSPmentor 200 list, which ranks the top 200 managed service providers in
- [4/15/15 AWE Names Optimal as Winner of 2015 Workplace Excellence Award for Eighth Year in a Row](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/awe-optimal-2015-workplace-excellence-award/) - Rockville, MD, April, 2015—Optimal Networks, Inc. has been selected to receive the Workplace Excellence Award for the eighth year in a row. Only 32 companies in the DC Metro area have achieved this status in the 16 years since The Alliance for Workplace Excellence (AWE) was founded. The AWE recognized Optimal as a 2015 exemplary
- [8/12/15 Optimal Recognized as One of the Nation's Fastest-Growing Companies by Inc.](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/optimal-recognized-fastest-growing-companies-inc/) - Rockville, MD—Optimal Networks, Inc., a firm that provides outsourced IT, consulting, and premium cloud services, has been recognized by Inc. Magazine, a resource for entrepreneurs nationwide, for the second time on the Inc. 5000 list of the fastest-growing private companies in the country. Optimal was selected for inclusion on this prestigious list based on revenue,
- [2/17/2016 Chris Abel Talks Healthcare Tech with Accountable Care News](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/home-healthcare-technology-ac-news/) - As America's senior citizen population continues to rise, healthcare providers are faced with a growing list of questions about their capacity to provide quality care and remain competitive. Chris Abel, our Manager of Consulting Services, joins Accountable Care News to explain why strategic technology guidance will dictate the future of home healthcare providers. Read Chris's full feature
- [3/1/2016 Optimal Networks Recognized for Excellence in Managed IT Services](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/optimal-recognized-msp500/) - Rockville, MD—Optimal Networks, Inc. announced today that CRN®, a brand of The Channel Company, has named Optimal to its 2016 Managed Service Provider (MSP) 500 list in the MSP Pioneer 250 category. This annual list recognizes top North American technology providers and consultants who have demonstrated innovations in managed services delivery. Optimal was recognized, in
- [Optimal Networks Talks Cybersecurity Education with NIST](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/optimal-networks-talks-cybersecurity-education-nist/) - As published in NIST’s National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education (NICE) 2017 Summer eNewsletter. SMALL BUSINESS CYBERSECURITY: SHIFT FROM FOCUS ON TECHNOLOGY TO FOCUS ON PEOPLE by Heinan Landa, Optimal Networks Finally. My company, Optimal Networks, has provided outsourced technology support to Washington DC-area small businesses (SMBs) for over 25 years. Finally, our clients
- [4/25/2016 Optimal Networks Recognized with Workplace Excellence Award for Ninth Year in a Row](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/optimal-wins-workplace-excellence-award/) - Rockville, MD, April, 2016—For the ninth year in a row, Optimal Networks, Inc. has been selected to receive the Workplace Excellence Award by the Alliance for Workplace Excellence. Less than 30 companies in the DC Metro area have achieved this status in the 17 years since The Alliance for Workplace Excellence (AWE) was founded. Optimal
- [6/16 MSPmentor Ranks Optimal as a Top Managed Service Provider](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/mspmentor-ranks-optimal-top-managed-service-provider/) - Out of thousands of managed service providers worldwide, MSPmentor ranked the top 501. Ranking criteria included annual recurring revenue percentage growth (year over year), number of customer devices managed, devices managed percentage growth, employee headcount, and employee headcount percentage growth. Optimal Networks ranked 146.
- [Optimal Appears on Inc. 5000 List for Third Time](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/optimal-inc-5000-third-time/) - Rockville, MD – Optimal Networks, Inc., a firm that provides outsourced IT, consulting, and premium cloud services, has been recognized by Inc. magazine on its 35th annual Inc. 5000—the most prestigious ranking of the nation's fastest-growing private companies. The list represents a unique look at the most successful companies within the American economy’s most dynamic
- [Optimal Networks Ranked Among Top 100 Cloud Services Providers](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/optimal-top-100-cloud-providers/) - 6th Annual Talkin’ Cloud 100 Report Identifies Top Cloud Services Providers NOVEMBER, 2016: Optimal Networks, Inc. ranks among the world’s Top 100 cloud services providers (CSPs), according to Penton’s sixth-annual Talkin’ Cloud 100 report. The full report is available now by visiting http://www.talkincloud.com/tc100. Based on data from Talkin’ Cloud’s online survey, conducted through June to August 2016, the Talkin’
- [Connection Newspapers Talk Optimal, 2017 Tech Trends](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/connection-newspapers-tech-trends/) - As originally published by Peggy McEwan in Connection Newspapers. For a complete look at our 2017 technology predictions, see our other Connections feature here. As 2016 drew to a close and 2017 loomed in the future, Heinan Landa, CEO of Optimal Networks in Rockville, considered the changes in technology he thought would most affect businesses,
- [Optimal Named Top 2017 Managed Service Provider by CRN](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/optimal-top-2017-managed-service-provider-crn/) - Rockville, MD – Optimal Networks today announced it has earned recognition on The Channel Company’s 2017 CRN Managed Service Provider (MSP) 500 list as one of the MSP Pioneer 250. This is the third year Optimal has been recognized in this category. The MSP500 is an annual list which recognizes the top technology providers and consultants
- [Chief Executive Talks Collaborative Software with Heinan](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/collaborative-software-chief-executive/) - The demand for collaborative software is on the rise; as the workforce grows younger and as software programs grow more and more sophisticated, businesses are realizing that their ability to attract and retain new talent depends (in part) on the collaboration tools they have to offer. What sort of impact could collaborative software have on
- [SmartCEO Features Optimal's 25th Anniversary Tour](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/smartceo-25th-anniversary-tour/) - This March we took our annual Open House on the road to celebrate 25 years in business! From PassionFish in Virginia, McCormick & Schmick's in DC, and Cesco Osteria in Maryland, we raised a glass to the clients, partners, and friends who have made it all possible. Besides our usual food, drinks, music, interactive technology
- [A Decade of Recognition: Optimal Networks Receives AWE Workplace Excellence Award for Tenth Year](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/awe-workplace-excellence-award-tenth-year/) - Rockville, MD, April, 2017—Optimal Networks, Inc. has been selected to receive the Alliance for Workplace Excellence (AWE) Award for the tenth year in a row. Only a handful of companies have achieved this status in the 18 years since the AWE was founded. Optimal will be recognized for their exemplary commitment to building an outstanding
- [Optimal Networks Receives Inc. Magazine’s Best Workplace Award](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/optimal-networks-inc-best-workplace-award/) - Rockville, MD – Optimal Networks, Inc., a firm that provides outsourced IT, consulting, and premium cloud services, has been recognized by Inc. Magazine with a 2017 Best Workplaces Award. Two hundred companies were selected after a rigorous evaluation of thousands of organizations. The list shines a spotlight on innovative workplace cultures and recognizes organizations going
- [MSPmentor Ranks Optimal as a Top Managed Service Provider for the Fifth Year in a Row](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/mspmentor-ranks-optimal-fifth-year/) - For the fifth year in a row, Optimal Networks has earned a spot on the prestigious MSPmentor501 list. For ten years, MSPmentor has ranked the most respected managed services providers (MSPs) across the globe. Ranking criteria includes annual recurring revenue percentage growth (year over year), number of customer devices managed, devices managed percentage growth, employee headcount,
- [Heinan Talks Cybersecurity Budgeting with Change Magazine!](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/heinan-talks-cybersecurity-budgeting-change-magazine/) - "As organizations increasingly rely on information technology services and products to run their daily operations, the threats of malicious cyber hacking and system disruption pose a risk too great to ignore." Optimal's CEO, Heinan Landa, is featured in Change Magazine's July/August issue! The article, "Preparing for Battle," gives a detailed look into: Minding the "information
- [Heinan Talks Security Awareness Training with Chief Executive!](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/security-awareness-training-chief-executive/) - The cost of cybercrime and data breaches is significantly on the rise. Traditional defenses like antivirus software and firewalls clearly aren't doing the trick. What are we missing? Your newest employee might be the answer... What is an example of people issues in cybersecurity? How can we change how we prepare? What can businesses do
- [Heinan Talks Virtual Offices for Law Firms with Legal Management!](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/virtual-office-benefits-law-firms/) - As originally published in the ALA's Legal Management Magazine in November 2017 Virtual Offices: Is It Time for Your Firm to Say Goodbye to Office Space? For most small- to midsized law firms, the two largest expenses are employees and rent. In today’s age of economic uncertainty, many firms are seeking ways to eliminate one
- [Optimal Ranked Among Top 100 Cloud Providers for Second Year in a Row](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/optimal-top-100-cloud-providers-second-year/) - 7th Annual Talkin’ Cloud 100 Report Identifies Top Cloud Services Providers DECEMBER 8, 2017: Optimal Networks, Inc. ranks among the world’s Top 100 cloud services providers (CSPs), according to Channel Futures seventh-annual Talkin’ Cloud (TC) 100 report. The full report is available now by visiting ChannelFutures.com. Based on data from Channel Futures’ online survey,
- [WJLA 7 On Your Side Feature: Phishing Scams During the Holidays](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/wjla-7-on-your-side-phishing-scams-during-the-holidays/) - Cybercriminals know that the holidays are prime time to scam unsuspecting shoppers. In fact, according to the Better Business Bureau, a full one-fifth of online scams take place in December. One of the most popular scams is for bad actors to spoof emails from "FedEx" to secure sensitive information from consumers. Optimal Founder & CEO
- [WJLA 7 On Your Side Feature: Online Gift Dangers](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/wjla-7-on-your-side-online-gift-dangers/) - This holiday season Optimal Founder & CEO Heinan Landa sat with WJLA's Linsdsey Mastis to discuss online gift dangers. If you don't take proper precautions, online shopping can put you at risk of: Viruses and malware Bogus sales that scam you out of money Stolen account credentials Stolen financial information Stolen identity Privacy violations And
- [WJLA Feature: Technology Predictions for the New Year](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/wjla-feature-technology-predictions/) - What does 2018 have in store for us in terms of technology? Optimal Founder & CEO Heinan Landa sits down with WJLA's Autria Godfrey to discuss what he predicts will improve, and what will get worse over the course of the new year. Watch the full Good Morning Washington feature here!
- [Heinan Talks Top 10 Tech Predictions for 2018 with Chief Executive!](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/tech-predictions-2018-chief-executive/) - As we cross into 2018, what can we expect to see on the technology side of things? Here's what Heinan told Chief Executive in their January 2018 piece, "Top 10 Tech Trend predictions for 2018 From A Tech CEO." The top 10 predictions (in countdown fashion) are listed here: 10. TVs will get smarter and way,
- [Optimal Networks Selected as Winner of CEO Report’s Corporate Culture Awards](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/winner-ceo-corporate-culture-awards/) - CEO Report, Washington, DC recognized Optimal Networks with its 2018 Corporate Culture Award, which honors companies that understand the importance of building an innovative and collaborative workplace culture. The winning companies demonstrated a corporate culture that honors fulfilled and empowered employees for greater organizational success. “We have intentionally created a unique culture that combines unwavering
- [Optimal Networks Recognized for Excellence in Managed IT Services](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/managed-it-excellence-award/) - CRN®, a brand of The Channel Company, has named Optimal Networks to its 2018 Managed Service Provider (MSP) 500 list in the Pioneer 250 category. The MSP 500 is CRN’s annual list recognizing 500 of the top managed service providers in North America. The Pioneer 250 category includes SMB-focused solution providers with cutting-edge approaches to
- [Optimal Networks Receives Workplace Excellence Award for the Eleventh Year in a Row!](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/optimal-networks-receives-workplace-excellence-award-for-the-11th-year-in-a-row/) - Rockville, MD -- Optimal Networks, Inc. has been selected to receive the Alliance for Workplace Excellence (AWE) Award for the eleventh year in a row. Only a few companies have achieved this status in the 19 years since the AWE was founded. Optimal Networks is being recognized for their dedication to building an outstanding place
- [Heinan Talks Cybersecurity with Associations Now](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/cybersecurity-associations-now/) - As originally published in Associations Now on June 1st, 2018 3 Steps to Better Cybersecurity Most association leaders take cybersecurity seriously, but few feel confident that they know how to analyze and address cyber risks. To heighten your cybersecurity awareness and bolster your protection against a breach, experts recommend three practical steps: train staff to
- [Associations Now Discusses Getting Employees Up To Speed on Tech Tools with Heinan](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/tech-tools-staff-training/) - As originally published in Associations Now on June 1st, 2018 Training Camp: Get Employees Up to Speed on Your Tech Tools Planning to shed your old technology for a hot new product or service? You’ll need to condition your staff to accept and adopt the upgrade. Here’s how to build an agile, multiphase training plan
- [Optimal Networks Ranked Among Top 501 Global Managed Service Providers](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/optimal-ranked-top-global-managed-service-providers/) - For the sixth year in a row, Optimal Networks has earned a spot among the world’s 501 most strategic and innovative managed service providers (MSPs), according to Channel Futures 11th-annual MSP 501 Worldwide Company Rankings. For 11 years, MSPmentor has ranked the most respected managed services providers (MSPs) across the globe. Ranking criteria includes annual
- [Heinan Talks Data Harvesting with Chief Executive Magazine](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/data-harvesting-chief-executive/) - As originally published in Chief Executive. Data Harvesting: Are We Putting Our Businesses At Risk? Though security breaches are what come to mind when business owners think about cybersecurity, there is another practice that is perfectly legal, but that could also put your business at risk if you are not aware of it: Data
- [Chief Executive Magazine Talks 2019 Tech Trend Predictions with Heinan](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/tech-trends-2019/) - As originally published in Chief Executive Magazine December 21, 2018. Top 10 Technology Trend Predictions for 2019 What can we expect from technology in 2019? Here are my top ten predictions for consumers and businesses alike. 1. “Artificial Intelligence” will take over. That’s in quotation marks for a reason – we won’t see a robot
- [Interview with Great Day Washington WUSA9 - 2019 Technology Predictions](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/great-day-washington-2019-predictions/) - What does technology have in store for us and our businesses in 2019? This January, Optimal Founder & CEO Heinan Landa sat down with Markette Sheppard and Kristen Berset-Harris on WUSA9's Great Day Washington to talk through his top technology trend predictions for the new year. Watch the full interview to see: How Artificial Intelligence
- [Optimal an "Excellent Workplace" for the Twelfth Year Running](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/optimal-excellent-workplace-twelve-years/) - Optimal Networks Receives Workplace Excellence Award For the twelfth year in a row, Optimal Networks has received the Workplace Excellence Award from the Alliance for Workplace Excellence (AWE). The company will be recognized for their dedication to building an outstanding place to work at the Annual Awards Celebration Friday, June 7 at the Gaithersburg Marriott
- [ALA Feature: Comprehensive Threat Protection for Law Firms](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/ala-threat-protection-law-firms/) - The Anatomy of Comprehensive Cyber Threat Protection for Law Firms by Heinan Landa / Founder & CEO / Optimal Networks, Inc. You deposited the cashier’s check and released the funds from your client trust account immediately. According to their emails, your client was in quite a hurry, and was depending on you to move
- [15+ Ways to Help During the Coronavirus Pandemic](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/15-ways-to-help-during-the-coronavirus-pandemic/) - As originally published in Parade, March 13, 2020 Keep Calm — Here Are 15+ Ways to Help During the Coronavirus Pandemic by Jessica Sager Coronavirus is scary, and it’s easy to feel helpless during a global pandemic—but you don’t have to. There are ways to help those around you without risking infection, and chances are they’ll
- [How to Work from Home During Coronavirus—13 Tips to Stay Motivated, Sane and Productive](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/how-to-work-from-home-during-coronavirus/) - As originally published in Parade, March 17, 2020 How to Work from Home During Coronavirus—13 Tips to Stay Motivated, Sane and Productive by Jessica Sager This info was accurate at press time, and we’re continuing to update our coronavirus coverage as we learn more. The coronavirus pandemic forced a slew of companies to work remotely during social distancing periods. Working from
- [Compliance Week: Don’t Let Coronavirus Fears Leave You Vulnerable to Hacking Schemes](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/compliance-week-coronavirus-fears-hacking/) - As originally published in Compliance Week, March 17, 2020 Don’t Let Coronavirus Fears Leave You Vulnerable to Hacking Schemes By Jaclyn Jaeger As more companies around the world require, or highly recommend, that their employees work remotely to prevent the further spread of the novel coronavirus, hackers who thrive off fear see this as an opportune
- [LivePure: How to Work from Home During the Coronavirus](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/livepure-how-to-work-from-home-during-the-coronavirus/) - As originally published in LivePure Global, March 18, 2020 How to Work from Home During the Coronavirus: Tips for staying motivated, sane & productive The coronavirus pandemic has forced a slew of companies, including the PURE Corporate Office, to work remotely during social distancing periods. Working from home definitely has its perks, but it also
- [Fast Company: We’re in the Midst of a Massive Work-From-Home Experiment. What if it Works?](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/fast-company-work-from-home/) - As originally published in Fast Company, March 26, 2020 We’re in the Midst of a Massive Work-From-Home Experiment. What if it Works? By Lindsay Tigar Life has changed enormously over the course of a few short weeks. Schools are closed, some cities have curfews, and more Americans than ever before are crawling out of bed
- [NBC Tulsa: Experts Warn of Coronavirus Related Scams Targeting Oklahomans](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/kjrh-news-experts-warn-of-coronavirus-related-scams/) - As originally published on KJRH.com, March 27, 2020 Experts Warn of Coronavirus Related Scams with Heinan Landa | Optimal Networks, Inc. The Oklahoma attorney general is cracking down on people looking to take advantage of Oklahomans during the coronavirus outbreak. It’s not just price gouging they’re worried about, cyber security experts say the current environment
- [Security Informed: Working From Home Creates New Security Concerns for Companies](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/security-informed-working-from-home-creates-new-security-concerns-for-companies/) - As originally published in the Security Informed.com, March 2020 Working From Home Creates New Security Concerns for Companies The global pandemic caused by the novel coronavirus is changing work environments to an unprecedented degree. More employees than ever are being asked to work remotely from home. Along with the new work practices comes a variety of
- [Techopedia: Cybersecurity Concerns Rise for Remote Work](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/techopedia-cybersecurity-concerns-rise-for-remote-work/) - As originally published in Techopedia, April 7, 2020 Cybersecurity Concerns Rise for Remote Work By Ariella Brown Technological advances have enabled more people to work remotely, and there was a clear trend in place that was noted at the beginning of 2020. Those numbers would have multiplied in the wake of COVID-19, which prompted many businesses to shift
- [Global Trade Magazine: Top 4 Teleworking Vulnerabilities (and How to Mitigate Them)](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/global-trade-magazine-top-4-teleworking-vulnerabilities/) - As originally published in Global Trade Magazine, April 8, 2020 Top 4 Teleworking Vulnerabilities (and How to Mitigate Them) by Heinan Landa | Optimal Networks, Inc. Between social distancing guidelines and stay-at-home orders, it’s clear that we’ll all be spending a lot of time at home. While many of us might normally work from home
- [Real Simple: 4 Ways to Avoid Getting Hacked While Working From Home](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/real-simple-4-ways-to-avoid-getting-hacked-while-working-from-home/) - As originally published on RealSimple.com and Yahoo! Money, April 15, 2020 4 Ways to Avoid Getting Hacked While Working From Home By Alice Williams While an unprecedented number of people have shifted to remote work or work-from-home companies in response to COVID-19, it was already on the rise before physical or social distancing took over. In 2017, more than 8
- [Optimal Founder & CEO Publishes Book, "The Modern Law Firm"](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/optimal-ceo-publishes-modern-law-firm/) - Rockville, MD - Heinan Landa, Founder and CEO of Optimal Networks, a globally-ranked IT services firm, has announced the release of his new book, titled The Modern Law Firm: How to Thrive in an Era of Rapid Technological Change. In the book, Landa addresses the rapid technological advances that have fundamentally altered how law firms
- [Techopedia: Implementing a Successful Remote Work Strategy](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/techopedia-implementing-a-successful-remote-work-strategy/) - As originally published in the Techopedia, April 24, 2020 Implementing a Successful Remote Work Strategy By Ariella Brown The number of employees working at least part time from home has been rising over the past few years According to Global Workplace Analytics: “69% of employers offer remote work on an ad hoc basis to at least some employees,
- [New York Public Personnel Law: Cybersecurity and COVID-19](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/new-york-public-personnel-law-cybersecurity-and-covid-19/) - As originally published in the New York Public Personnel Law, April 24, 2020 Cybersecurity and COVID-19 Concerns about the impact of COVID-19 individuals and the economy has resulted in a variety of efforts by some individuals to use email, text messages, telephone calls and postings on the Internet to persuade organizations and individuals to reveal financial and other confidential information
- [Profit with Law Podcast: Create an Unforgettable Client Experience Using Technology](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/profit-with-law-client-experience/) - As originally aired on the Profit with Law Podcast April 30, 2020 Create an Unforgettable Client Experience Using Technology with Heinan Landa | Optimal Networks, Inc. Covid-19 has hit us really hard and we are realizing now more than ever how integral technology is to our law firms. Heinan Landa is the go-to resource for
- [Small Biz Daily: Top 4 Teleworking Vulnerabilities (and How to Mitigate Them)](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/small-biz-daily-top-4-teleworking-vulnerabilities/) - As originally published in the Small Biz Daily, May 5, 2020 Top 4 Teleworking Vulnerabilities (and How to Mitigate Them) by Heinan Landa | Optimal Networks, Inc. Between social distancing guidelines and stay-at-home orders, it’s clear that we’ll all be spending a lot of time at home. While many of us might normally work from home
- [Forbes: Everyone Seems Okay With Remote Digital Collaboration, Except Maybe Managers](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/forbes-remote-digital-collaboration/) - As originally published on Forbes.com, May 10, 2020 Everyone Seems Okay With Remote Digital Collaboration, Except Maybe Managers Joe McKendrick, Contributor Two-thirds of U.S. workers say their quality of worklife has improved amid the recent COVID-19 disruptions. However, managers and executives are having a tougher time with things. That’s the word from a survey of 1,000 employees
- [Market Scale: What Salesforce’s Purchase of Slack Means for End Users](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/market-scale-salesforces-purchase-of-slack/) - As originally published in Market Scale, December 7, 2020 What Salesforce’s Purchase of Slack Means for End Users with Heinan Landa | Optimal Networks, Inc. CRM leader Salesforce is set to acquire collaboration and communication solution Slack, with Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff stating that the two “will shape the future of enterprise software and transform the way
- [Authority Magazine with Heinan Landa: Five Things Every Business Needs To Know About Storing and Protecting Their Customers’ Information](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/authority-magazine-with-heinan-landa/) - As originally published in Medium.com and Thrive Global, January 27, 2021 Heinan Landa of Optimal Networks: Five Things Every Business Needs To Know About Storing and Protecting Their Customers’ Information It has been said that the currency of the modern world is not gold, but information. If that is true, then nearly every business is
- [Optimal Named 2021 Best Place to Work by Washington Business Journal](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/optimal-best-place-to-work-wbj/) - Rockville, Maryland - Optimal Networks, a globally ranked IT services firm, received the Washington Business Journal 2021 Best Places to Work award on Thursday, April 8th. While Optimal has over a dozen workplace achievement awards to its name, this is the first year Optimal has achieved this particular local honor. Recipients are selected based on
- [Top 5 Benefits of Embracing Remote Work (Telecommuting) in Your Business](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/top-5-benefits-of-embracing-remote-work-telecommuting-in-your-business/) - On the fence about whether or not you want to embrace telecommuting in your business? After nearly three decades in the IT industry, our conclusion is this: remote work isn’t right for everyone, but for some, it can unleash some truly powerful, tangible business results. Here are the top 5 benefits that our clients have
- [How to Choose the Right Phone System for Your Business](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/how-to-choose-the-right-phone-system-for-your-business/) - On the surface, replacing the phones at your office probably seems like a fairly straightforward project; in the grand scheme of technology projects, this one is pretty simple, right? There are of course far more complex initiatives for your business to take on, but make no mistake: if you don’t approach the selection of your
- [Key Elements of a Successful Bandwidth Strategy (and Why It's So Important)](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/key-elements-of-a-successful-bandwidth-strategy-and-why-its-so-important/) - According to RightScale’s 2017 State of the Cloud Survey, companies now run 79% of workloads in the cloud on average. After nearly three decades serving the IT needs of law firms, associations, and small businesses in the DC Metro area and beyond, we’ve seen (and, in many cases, initiated) this shift across our client base.
- [What is "Blockchain," and How Will it Impact Law Firms?](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/what-is-blockchain-and-how-will-it-impact-law-firms/) - Between 2014 and 2015, investors poured over $800 million into blockchain startups. The market for blockchain is expected to reach $7.7 billion globally by the year 2022, up from $411.5 million in 2017. And in 2018, no one can seem to stop talking about it. What, in plain English, is blockchain, and how can we
- [Top Cybersecurity Stats Every Executive Should Know for 2018](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/top-cybersecurity-stats-every-executive-should-know-for-2018/) - As we make our way into 2018, one of the questions we’re hearing from our clients is this: how can we expect the cybersecurity landscape to change, and what will this mean for our business? Unfortunately, recent data indicates that cyberattacks will continue to rise in quantity and severity as time goes on, and that
- [Should You Have a Team Full of Slackers? (Infographic)](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/should-you-have-a-team-full-of-slackers-infographic/) - Are you considering Slack at your organization? It's a smart question to ask. Slack, an incredibly popular communication platform, now boasts: 500,000 organizations on board (70,000 paying) 8 million daily active users (3 million paid) 10 hours of average use per day We've been using Slack at Optimal for about a year and a half
- [Top 3 Technology Items Executives Must Consider](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/top-3-technology-items-executives-must-consider/) - What one tool directly influences your business’s ability to attract and retain top talent, minimize risk, and gain competitive advantages? Your technology. While many executives are tempted to stay out of their IT altogether, we’ve reached a point in time where leaders must pay mind to how our organizations are using technology, and what effect
- [Top 8 Teleworking Considerations for Executives](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/top-8-teleworking-considerations-for-executives/) - As more organizations shift to teleworking in response to the coronavirus outbreak, many business leaders find themselves navigating brand new territory. Even if part of your workforce regularly works from home at least part of the time, having your entire team at home for weeks at a time is a much different dynamic that
- [Optimal Achieves Ninth Global Ranking Among Top 501 MSPs](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/optimal-ninth-global-ranking/) - Optimal Networks, Inc. Ranked on Channel Futures MSP 501—Tech Industry’s Most Prestigious List of Global Managed Service Providers JUNE 23, 2021: Optimal Networks, Inc. has been named as one of the world’s premier managed service providers in the prestigious 2021 Channel Futures MSP 501 rankings. Optimal Networks has been selected as one of
- [DC Bar: Digital Security: The Most Vulnerable Part of Technology in Your Office Is You](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/dc-bar-digital-security-vulnerable/) - As originally published by the DC Bar, April 3, 2020 The Most Vulnerable Part of Technology in Your Office Is You by Jeremy Conrad You’ve got VPN, end-to-end encryption, multifactor authorization, and top of the line antivirus protection for all your devices, but none of these precautions will protect your clients unless you maintain
- [Law Firm Summit: The Modern Law Firm, A talk by Heinan Landa](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/law-firm-summit-the-modern-law-firm/) - As delivered for the Law Firm Summit June 30, 2020 Leveraging the Power of Technology by Heinan Landa | Optimal Networks, Inc. Over the past three decades, the legal industry has been flipped on its ear. Increasingly rapid advances in technology have fundamentally altered the way in which law firms function. Pressure to
- [Optimal Awarded 8th Global MSP Ranking by Channel Futures](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/8th-global-msp-ranking/) - Annual MSP 501 Identifies Best-in-Class Global MSP Businesses & Leading Trends in Managed Services Rockville, MD—Optimal Networks, Inc. has been named as one of the world’s premier managed service providers and one of the top MSPs in Maryland on the prestigious 2020 annual Channel Futures MSP 501 rankings. For the 13th year, MSPs from
- [Legal IT Strategist Frank Schipani Joins Optimal Networks Team](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/legal-it-strategist-frank-schipani-joins-optimal-networks-team/) - Rockville, MD – Optimal Networks, a globally ranked IT services company known for taking a business-focused approach to technology challenges, announces the addition of Frank Schipani to the team as a Senior Consultant as of July 6, 2020. In this role, Schipani will advise the organization’s clients on IT strategies to drive revenue and retention.
- [Attorney at Law Magazine Feature: Harnessing Tech for Competitive Advantage](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/attorney-at-law-harness-tech/) - As originally published in Attorney at Law Magazine, March 18, 2020 How to Harness Technology for Your Firm’s Competitive Advantage Below is an excerpt adapted from Heinan Landa’s upcoming book The Modern Law Firm: How to Thrive in an Era of Rapid Technological Change. In his excerpt Landa reviews how to harness technology to your firm’s
- [Optimal Receives AWE Workplace Excellence Award for 13th Year](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/awe-workplace-excellence-13th-year/) - Gaithersburg, MD—Optimal Networks, a globally ranked IT services firm, received the Workplace Excellence Award from the Alliance for Workplace Excellence (AWE) on July 15, 2020. For thirteen consecutive years, Optimal Networks has been recognized for their exemplary commitment to building a top-tier place to work in Montgomery County, MD. The IT firm along with 39
- [Optimal Named to CRN’s Managed Service Provider 500 List for 6th Time](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/optimal-crn-msp-500-sixth-time/) - Rockville, MD ‑ Optimal Networks has been named to CRN’s®, a brand of The Channel Company, 2019 Managed Service Provider (MSP) 500 list in the Pioneer 250 category for the 6th time. This annual list recognizes North American solution providers with innovative approaches to managed services. These services help customers improve operational efficiencies, maximize return
- [Same Side Selling Podcast - Optimal COO Talks Helping Non-Salespeople Sell](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/podcast-helping-people-sell/) - For many of us, "selling" has a negative connotation -- it means forcing people to buy things they don't necessarily need or want. So when we ask other people on our organizations to help bring on new business, they usually resist. If we shift our paradigms, though, we can begin to leverage a much larger
- [Interview with WJLA's Good Morning Washington - 2019 Technology Predictions](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/wjla-good-morning-washington-2019-tech-predictions/) - Will 2019 be the year that Artificial Intelligence takes over? How will technology change the way our businesses get work done? Which tech giants will remain dominant as the year progresses? To help answer these questions, Optimal Founder and CEO Heinan Landa sat with Jessob Reisbeck and the folks at WJLA's Good Morning Washington to
- [5/10/2016 Heinan Talks Email Spoofing in Chief Executive!](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/heinan-talks-with-chief-executive-magazine/) - In the past few years, businesses across the country have lost hundreds of millions of dollars to spoofed emails. What’s more, these fraudulent wire transfer requests are on the rise, accounting for a significant percentage of all cyber attacks. Heinan joins Chief Executive to explain how you can protect your organization from these forged emails. Read his full
- [1/1/16 CCTV Talks the Future of Tech with Heinan](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/cctv-heinan-talk-tech/) - Many notable consumer products released in 2015, but which gadgets will be used for business this year? Heinan visits CCTV to highlight the latest "productivity gizmos," and to give his thoughts on automotive trends for 2016.
- [11/23/15 Heinan Talks Tech Trends on WUSA9's Great Day Washington](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/tech-trends-wusa9-great-day-washington/) - What devices do you need to be on the lookout for in 2016? Are the days of PCs numbered? What changes should we expect in cloud computing and cybersecurity over the next year? Heinan talked all things tech on Great Day Washington this November. Take a look at the full segment here!
- [9/22/15 Business Value Exchange features Heinan's Productivity Tip](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/business-value-exchange-productivity/) - Businesses are always looking for new, creative ways to boost productivity across their workforce. While not all of these methods are based in technology, many of them are. What tip did Heinan have to offer? To find out, take a look at this Business Value Exchange piece, "20 Techniques to Improve Corporate Productivity" (and pay
- [NAHC Talks Home Health Care Technology with Chris Abel](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/nahc-home-health-care-technology/) - This July, the National Association for Home Health Care & Hospice (NAHC) published Chris Abel's piece about home health care technology. Click here for the full article in NAHC's CARING magazine, and a look into what 10 questions you need to ask to make sure that your home health care technology is actively supporting your growth.
- [6/3/15 CIO Talks Measuring Cloud Success with Heinan](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/cio-measuring-cloud-success/) - There are a lot of lofty promises associated with cloud computing. How can you actually measure the success of your cloud investment? CIO polled industry experts, and compiled their advice here (pay special attention to #17!).
- [1/5/15 Business News Daily Talks Small Business Predictions with Heinan](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/business-news-daily-small-business-predictions/) - What does 2015 have in store for small businesses? Will we finally achieve that elusive work-life balance? Read Heinan's thoughts, along with 50 other "big ideas," in the full Business News Daily article.
- [11/2014 Chief Executive Magazine asks Heinan How CEOs Can Fix Data Sprawl](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/chief-executive-magazine-how-ceos-fix-data-sprawl/) - You can't very well protect your company's data if you don't know where it is. With both mobile devices and file-sharing software, much of your sensitive data may be outside of your network's protective barriers (and vulnerable to theft). So, how can you fix this dangerous data sprawl? See what Heinan told Chief Executive Magazine
- [9/23/14 Silicon Valley BizWomen Asks Heinan About Safeguarding Your Files](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/silicon-valley-bizwomen-safeguarding-files/) - Recovering from corporate data loss is an incredibly difficult feat. The key to avoiding disaster is of course being proactive, but what specific measures does your organization need to take? Click here to see what Heinan told The Silicon Valley Business Journal's BizWomen.
- [9/3/14 Baltimore SmartCEO Asks David About Mergers & Acquisitions](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/baltimore-smart-ceo-mergers-acquisitions/) - There are many, many layers to successful mergers and acquisitions. After completing two acquisitions since 2012, what is the most important lesson we've learned? See what David shared with Baltimore SmartCEO here.
- [8/19/14 The Washington Post's Capital Business Section Features Heinan's Advice to Aspiring IT Professionals](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/washington-post-capital-business-advice-aspiring-it-professionals/) - Since 2001, the D.C. area has seen 20.6% growth in technology employment. What does it take to succeed in this booming IT field? Is a knack for technology enough? See what advice Heinan shared with The Washington Post's Capital Business section here.
- [8/13/14 Forbes.com Asked Heinan What Role Formal Education Plays in Successful IT Careers](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/forbes-formal-education-successful-it-career/) - With today's emphasis on higher education, how closely is success in IT tied to formal training? Read what Heinan told Forbes here.
- [7/29/14 TechTalk Gets the Scoop on Secure File Sharing from Heinan](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/techtalk-secure-file-sharing/) - These days, it can appear as though all of cyberspace is crawling with hackers, malware, and a host of other security threats that can put your organization's data at serious risk. It is really as bad as it seems? What are the best ways to protect your business from losing control of its valuable information?
- [7/16/14 Optimal Introduces Two New Cloud Computing Solutions](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/optimal-networks-new-cloud-solutions/) - Rockville-based strategic IT support and consulting company expands cloud services offerings to address two common workplace tech challenges. Rockville, MD, July 16, 2014 – Optimal Networks, Inc., a technology support, management, and strategic consulting company serving the DC Metro area, has added two significant cloud solutions to their comprehensive list of service offerings as a response to
- [6/11/14 Consulting Magazine Features Heinan's File Sharing Warnings](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/consulting-magazine-file-sharing/) - Consulting Magazine included Heinan's thoughts on the dangers of file sharing in their June issue. Click here to learn how innocent attempts to work after-hours can turn into risky data sprawl.
- [5/14/14 Heinan's Smartphone Addiction Tips Picked up by WTOP](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/smartphone-addiction-tips-wtop/) - WTOP published Heinan's contribution to Business Journals across the country. Click here to learn more about how to curb your smartphone addiction.
- [4/29/14 Heinan Dispels Cloud Myths in Leading Tech Blog](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/heinan-dispels-cloud-myths/) - mrc's Cup of Joe Blog asked Heinan about cloud computing myths. Click here to find out what he and other IT experts said.
- [4/4/14 Optimal Receives 2013 Maryland Excellence Award](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/optimal-2013-maryland-excellence-award/) - Rockville, MD, April 4, 2014 – Optimal Networks, Inc. has been selected for the 2013 Maryland Excellence Award amongst all its peers and competitors by the US Institute for Excellence in Commerce (USIEC). Each year the USIEC conducts business surveys and industry research to identify companies that have achieved demonstrable success in their local business environment
- [4/1/14 Optimal Named as Finalist for 2014 IES&BD Sales & Business Development Award](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/optimal-finalist-2014-iesbd-sales-business-development-award/) - Optimal Networks, Inc. Announced as Finalist for the 2014 IES&BD Sales & Business Development Awards in the Excellence in Alliance Management Category Rockville, MD, April 1, 2014 –Optimal Networks has been selected as a finalist for the Fourth Annual Institute for Excellence in Sales & Business Development (IES&BD) Awards in the Excellence in Alliance Management award
- [3/31/14 Heinan Discusses Password Security with The Business Journals](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/password-security-the-business-journals/) - Passwords—we all have a million of them. Find out why what you may be doing with them may be exposing you to risk by clicking here.
- [3/4/14 Heinan Talks to CIO about Disaster-Proofing Data](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/cio-disaster-proofing-data/) - What do industry experts list as the top twelve steps to preparedness? Read the full article here.
- [2/28/14 MSPmentor Selects Optimal as Top Managed Services Provider](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/mspmentor-optimal-top-managed-service-provider/) - Out of 1200 managed services providers nationwide, MSPmentor ranked the top 501. Ranking criteria included annual recurring revenue percentage growth (year over year), number of customer devices managed, devices managed percentage growth, employee headcount, and employee headcount percentage growth. Optimal Networks ranked 138, moving 40 spots ahead of last year's ranking at 178.
- [2/18/14 Optimal Named to CRN's Managed Services Provider 500 List](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/optimal-crn-managed-service-provider-500/) - Company Recognized for Forward-Thinking Approach to Meeting the Needs of Today’s IT Channel Rockville, MD, February 18, 2014 – Optimal Networks, Inc., a managed IT services firm that provides technology support, a premier corporate cloud solution, and business-focused strategic IT consulting to clients throughout the DC Metro area, today announced it has been named to
- [2/14/14 Heinan Talks Business Continuity with The Gazette](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/business-continuity-the-gazette/) - Heinan talks teleworking in the midst of unpredictable weather in The Gazette.
- [1/10/14 Forbes.com Features Optimal's Culture](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/forbes-optimals-culture/) - IT companies aren't typically known for their fun and passionate culture. How does Optimal fight the stereotype? Why? Read the full article here!
- [1/9/14 Business News Daily Asks Heinan about the End of Windows XP](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/business-news-daily-end-windows-xp/) - Should you upgrade from Windows XP? Are there steps you need to take before making the switch? How do you go about making the actual upgrade? See what Heinan had to tell Business News Daily here.
- [1/3/14 TechRepublic Polls Tech Experts in Roundtable Discussion](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/techrepublic-technology-roundtable-2014/) - This month, TechRepublic asked a collection of CXOs about their technology predictions for the coming year. What did the group have to say? Read the roundtable discussion, including Heinan's thoughts on the cloud, here.
- [12/30/2013 Business News Daily Discusses 2014 Tech Trends with Heinan](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/business-news-daily-tech-trends-2014/) - What's on the horizon for IT? Will small business finally flock to Windows 8? Will we start using social media differently? Read all 10 tech trends for 2014 here.
- [12/30/2013 Heinan Talks Mergers with The Washington Post's "Capital Business" Magazine](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/mergers-washington-post-capital-business/) - According to international tax, audit, and advisory firm KPMG, over 50% of all mergers and acquisitions actually destroy shareholder value. How can you make sure that your business is in the (successful!) minority? Heinan offers his advice here.
- [11/13 Success Magazine Talks to Heinan About Cell Phones and Tablets](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/1113-success-magazine-talks-to-heinan-about-cell-phones-and-tablets/) - What are the best mobile phones and plans for your business? Which tablets are best—and are they really taking over the mobile computing world? In the November issue of Success Magazine, Heinan shares his thoughts. Read the piece about cell phones here and the piece about tablets here.
- [Optimal Networks, Inc. Walks to End Homelessness in DC Area](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/optimal-networks-inc-walks-to-end-homelessness-in-dc-area/) - The company’s Platinum Walker Sponsorship will help to benefit five area non-profits dedicated to eliminating the local homeless epidemic Rockville, MD—Optimal Networks, Inc. announces its participation as a Platinum Walker Sponsor for the 3rd Annual Acacia Federal Savings Bank Rock & Stroll to End Homelessness. The event, a community service and fundraising event benefitting five
- [8/19/13 Business News Daily Talks to Heinan About Windows 8.1](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/81913-business-news-daily-talks-to-heinan-about-windows-8-1/) - Should you upgrade? Or not? Find out what Heinan thinks here.
- [8/13 WSJ's MarketWatch, Yahoo! Finance and Other National Media Outlets Cover the Acquisition of DBLS by Optimal Networks](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/813-wsjs-marketwatch-yahoo-finance-and-other-national-media-outlets-cover-the-acquisition-of-dbls-by-optimal-networks/) - National Coverage of Optimal's Recent Acquisition of DBLS The Wall Street Journal's MarketWatch Yahoo! Finance Boston.com The Silicon Valley Mercury News Investor Place Market Intelligence Center Los Angeles Daily News Streetinsider.com American Business Media Dealbreaker Consumer Electronics
- [8/13 The Gazette, The Rockville Patch, and Other Local Media Outlets Cover the Acquisition of DBLS by Optimal Networks](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/813-the-gazette-the-rockville-patch-and-other-local-media-outlets-cover-the-acquisition-of-dbls-by-optimal-networks/) - Local Coverage of Optimal's Recent Acquisition of DBLS The Gazette The Montgomery County Sentinel The Annandale Patch The Rockville Patch The Gaithersburg Patch
- [Optimal Networks, Inc. Acquires Database & LAN Solutions (DBLS)](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/optimal-networks-inc-acquires-database-lan-solutions-dbls/) - Rockville-based strategic IT support and consulting company acquires managed services provider to enhance service and technical capacities Rockville, MD—Optimal Networks, Inc., a technology support, management, and strategic consulting company serving the DC Metro area, has acquired Database & LAN Solutions (DBLS), an IT support company based in Annandale, VA that has served the DC area
- [6/13 Heinan Addresses Strategic Tech Consulting in Consulting Magazine](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/613-heinan-addresses-strategic-tech-consulting-in-consulting-magazine/) - Wondering what strategic technology consulting is? And which companies are taking advantage of it? In the May 2013 issue of Consulting Magazine, Heinan is highlighted in the "Consultants on Consulting" section to give you the information you need to make the right decisions concerning this IT offering. Click here to read the article.
- [6/13 Heinan Talks BYOD Policies With Legal Management](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/613-heinan-talks-byod-policies-with-legal-management/) - What should your BYOD policy include? In the June 2013 issue of Legal Management, Heinan talks about what your organization's BYOD policy should include to protect your data--and your company. Read the article (reprinted with permission from Legal Management magazine, Volume 32, Issue 4, published by the Association of Legal Administrators) below. Attachments: File Description File size LM-June2013-Landa
- [5/13 Heinan Talks Security with SmartCEO](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/513-heinan-talks-security-with-smartceo/) - Read what Heinan has to say about protecting your organization's valuable data in the May 2013 issue ofWashington SmartCEO here.
- [12/08 Heinan contributes to Associations Now](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/1208-heinan-contributes-to-associations-now/) - Heinan talks about testing your disaster recovery plan in the December issue of Associations Now Magazine, a premier publication for the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE). Check it out! Do you know which disaster scenarios to test? How to test them? Read this article to get valuable information that could just save your organization!
- [4/13 Heinan Chosen to Present at Vistage All-City](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/413-heinan-chosen-to-present-at-vistage-all-city/) - Heinan will be speaking at the Vistage All-City Marketplace on Thursday, April 25 at the Hilton McLean in McLean, VA. The topic of his presentation will be "Are Your Dreams Dead?" and will address aligning entrepreneurial passion with corporate culture and profit. Two hundred CEO's and business leaders from DC and surrounding areas will be in attendance.
- [4/13 Heinan Profiled in The Gazette and WBJ](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/413-heinan-profiled-in-the-gazette-and-wbj/) - Heinan was profiled in The Gazette on Friday, April 5, 2013. Read the article here. The Washington Business Journal also picked it up for their TechFlash e-newsletter. Read it here.
- [4/13 Heinan Recognized as Outstanding Wharton Alum](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/413-heinan-recognized-as-outstanding-wharton-alum/) - Rockville, MD— Heinan Landa, CEO of Optimal Networks, Inc., has been selected as one of four outstanding Wharton alums by the Wharton Club of DC for his business accomplishments, service to the Wharton community, and contributions to the IT industry. Landa and his fellow three honorees will be recognized on Tuesday, April 23 at the 43rd
- [3/13 MSPmentor Selects Optimal as Top Managed Service Provider](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/313-mspmentor-selects-optimal-as-top-managed-service-provider/) - Out of 1200 managed service providers nationwide, MSPmentor ranked the top 501. Ranking criteria included annual recurring revenue percentage growth (year over year), number of customer devices managed, devices managed percentage growth, employee headcount, and employee headcount percentage growth. Optimal Networks ranked 178.
- [3/13 Heinan Chosen to Speak at ILTA Baltimore](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/313-heinan-chosen-to-speak-at-ilta-baltimore/) - On Wednesday, March 13, Heinan will be speaking to the membership of the International Legal Technology Association-Baltimore Area about competitive technology strategies for law firms. He will discuss: What should your firm's technology strategy include? Who should/is qualified to contribute? Who is responsible for driving the plan forward? How do you ensure that your firm's
- [3/13 Heinan Talks Windows 8 and Surface Pro in TechTarget](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/313-heinan-talks-windows-8-and-surface-pro-in-techtarget/) - Heinan contributed to two articles for TechTarget this month. One about Windows 8 (and transitioning to it) and one about Microsoft's Surface Pro (benefits and drawbacks).
- [2/13 Optimal Partners with NCBEA to Unite DC Ethical Companies](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/213-optimal-partners-with-ncbea-to-unite-dc-ethical-companies/) - Optimal Networks Partners with The National Capital Chapter of the Society of Financial Service Professionals to Recognize and Unite DC-area Ethical Companies Rockville, MD—Optimal Networks, Inc., a 2009 National Capital Business Ethics Award (NCBEA) recipient, has partnered with The National Capital Chapter of the Society of Financial Service Professionals to bring recognized ethical companies in
- [2/13 Heinan featured on CEO Blog Nation](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/213-heinan-featured-on-ceo-blog-nation/) - Read why Heinan started Optimal Networks in this special feature by CEO Blog Nation here.
- [12/12 Heinan Talks Tech Predictions in SmartCEO](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/1212-heinan-talks-tech-predictions-in-smartceo/) - SmartCEO put together a nice piece on what’s to come in 2013. Click here for a few technology predictions.
- [11/12 Heinan Discusses BYOD in Washington Business Journal](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/1112-heinan-discusses-byod-in-washington-business-journal/) - Wonder what your organization's Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) policy should include? Heinan gives details in this Washington Business Journal Expert Insight column. Attachments: File Description File size WBJ Expert Opinion - Employers Must Define their BYOD Policies.pdf 972 Kb
- [10/12 Gazette of Politics and Business Selects Optimal as One of Top 53 Area Businesses](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/1012-gazette-of-politics-and-business-selects-optimal-as-one-of-top-53-area-businesses/) - Rockville, MD— Optimal Networks has been recognized by The Gazette of Politics and Business as one of the53 top businesses and organizations in the State of Maryland. The company was chosen based on service innovations, community service efforts, and corporate culture. The fifth annual awards ceremony was held Thursday, October, 25th, 2012 at the Hilton Hotel in Gaithersburg. During the
- [09/12 David Talks to SmartCEO: Using Tech as Competitive Advantage](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/0912-david-talks-to-smartceo-using-tech-as-competitive-advantage/) - David was one of five DC IT industry leaders chosen to participate in a roundtable, the topic of which was how CEO's can identify and implement smart IT investments to enhance competitive advantages. Read what he had to say here, or listen to the entire podcast here.
- [7/12 Heinan Talks to CBS MoneyWatch](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/712-heinan-talks-to-cbs-moneywatch/) - Dave Johnson talked to Heinan about the DNS Changer malware that had organizations biting their nails when the FBI pulled the plug on servers that had been directing Internet traffic to support users who had been infected. Find out what he had to say here.
- [5/12 Heinan Talks E-mail Overload in The Business Insider](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/512-heinan-talks-e-mail-overload-in-the-business-insider/) - The Business Insider featured Heinan's thoughts on e-mail overload in this article. You can also read it by clicking on the PDF below. Attachments: File Description File size businessinsider 5_12.pdf (DOWNLOAD) 99 Kb
- [5/12 Optimal Networks Acquires Peak Hosted Solutions](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/512-optimal-networks-acquires-peak-hosted-solutions/) - Rockville-based technology support and management company acquires hosted solutions company to enhance cloud computing services offerings Rockville, MD—Optimal Networks, Inc., a technology support, management, and consulting company serving the DC Metro area, has acquired Peak Hosted Solutions, a hosted services provider, to augment their cloud computing services offerings. Official documents were signed by both
- [4/12 Heinan Talks IT Outsourcing with Consulting Magazine](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/412-heinan-talks-it-outsourcing-with-consulting-magazine/) - Heinan talks about what to consider before deciding to outsource your IT function in April's issue ofConsulting Magazine. Read the article here or click on the PDF below. Attachments: File Description File size ConsultingPDF.pdf (DOWNLOAD) 330 Kb
- [4/12 Optimal Networks Walks to Support Juvenile Diabetes Research and Staff Member’s Son](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/412-optimal-networks-walks-to-support-juvenile-diabetes-research-and-staff-members-son/) - The Rockville Patch picked up this story; it can be found here. Rockville, MD—Seven Optimal Networks employees will walk in the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation’s (JDRF) Walk for the Cure on Saturday, April 21 at the Baltimore Raven’s stadium. Optimal participants will walk as part of team “Wild Will’s Crew” to support the son of Optimal’s staff accountant, Joe Hodge,
- [4/12 Heinan on Leadership in SmartCEO](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/412-heinan-on-leadership-in-smartceo/) - In the April issue of SmartCEO, editors asked area CEOs to define their leadership styles...read what Heinan had to say about his style here.
- [3/12 Heinan featured as guest columnist in SmartCEO](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/will-apples-innovation-die-along-with-steve-jobs-click-here-to-see-what-heinan-had-to-say-in-his-guest-column-in-the-march-issue-of-smartceo-magazine-312-heinan-talks-cloud-based-data-recov/) - Will Apple's innovation die along with Steve Jobs? Click HERE to see what Heinan had to say in his guest column in the March issue of SmartCEO Magazine.
- [3/12 Heinan Talks Cloud-Based Data Recovery in PC Today](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/312-heinan-talks-cloud-based-data-recovery-in-pc-today/) - What should you be aware of when shifting data recovery and disaster planning to a cloud-based provider? Read what Heinan had to say in the March issue of PC Today below. Attachments: File Description File size March 2012 PC Today 198 Kb
- [2/12 The Washington Post on Optimal's Breakfasts](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/212-the-washington-post-on-optimals-breakfasts/) - The Washington Post came to us after hearing about our weekly company breakfasts...read what they had to say by clicking below. Attachments: File Description File size washpostarticle2-6-12.pdf (DOWNLOAD) 43 Kb
- [1/12 Heinan Talks Disaster Recovery with Processor](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/112-heinan-talks-disaster-recovery-with-processor/) - Heinan talked to Processor about a healthy dose of skepticism when it comes to automating disaster recovery programs. Read the full article below. Attachments: File Description File size Processor 12_11.pdf (DOWNLOAD) 148 Kb
- [12/11 Business News Daily Predicts 30 for 2012](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/1211-business-news-daily-predicts-30-for-2012/) - Heinan's prediction that Strategic IT Consulting will become a priority for organizations in 2012 madeBusiness News Daily's list of the top 30 trends to watch in 2012. Read full article below. Attachments: File Description File size SBN 12_11.pdf (DOWNLOAD) 921 Kb
- [12/11 Heinan Talks Consumerization of IT with Assoc. Tech News](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/1211-heinan-talks-consumerization-of-it-with-assoc-tech-news/) - Heinan talked association tech trends, including the consumerization of IT, with Association Tech News' George Breeden.
- [12/11 Heinan Shares 2012 Outlook with SmartCEO](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/1211-heinan-shares-2012-outlook-with-smartceo/) - Heinan spoke with SmartCEO's Dan Mills about what he expects to see from clients in 2012. Check it out here, or by clicking the PDF below. Attachments: File Description File size 12.11_SmartCEO.pdf 264 Kb
- [11/11 Heinan Talks Tablets on DC's Fox 5](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/1111-heinan-talks-tablets-on-dcs-fox-5/) - Wondering which tablet you should buy for your friends and family this holiday season? Heinan talked to WTTG Fox 5's Lauren DeMarco about it. Watch the interview below...
- [11/11 Heinan explores the Consumerization of IT in Association Trends](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/1111-heinan-explores-the-consumerization-of-it-in-association-trends/) - What is the consumerization of IT? Is your organization falling victim? Heinan's article on the topic was featured in the November 2011 issue of Association Trends. Read it below. Attachments: File Description File size 11-11 AssociationTRENDS.pdf 739 Kb
- [11/11 Heinan Talks IT Budgeting with The Matrix Group](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/1111-heinan-talks-it-budgeting-with-the-matrix-group/) - Wondering how to budget for IT? What elements should you consider and where do you begin? Find out as Heinan talks with Joanna Pineda of The Matrix Group.
- [11/11 Heinan Talks Cloud With The Matrix Group](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/1111-heinan-talks-cloud-with-the-matrix-group/) - Heinan was interviewed about cloud computing by Joanna Pineda of The Matrix Group, a client and friend. Insights about cloud computing--in plain speak--below.
- [10/11 Heinan Talks Apple in Business News Daily](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/1011-heinan-talks-apple-in-business-news-daily/) - Jobs was an innovator, a revolutionary. Business News Daily reached out to get Heinan's perspective on how Steve Jobs changed the way the world works. Read what he had to say here.
- [9/11 Key Takeaways from Tablet Shootout](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/911-key-takeaways-from-tablet-shootout/) - The Tablet Shootout was quite a draw for our almost 125 Open House Fiesta attendees. We reached out to top tablet vendors and asked them to talk about the business advantages their tablets provide. Although there was no gun slinging, it still proved exciting—and informative. For those of you who were unable to join us,
- [9/11 Optimal Chosen by The Gazette as Top Company in MD](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/911-optimal-chosen-by-the-gazette-as-top-company-in-md/) - Optimal Networks Selected as Recipient of The Gazette of Politics and Business Fourth Annual Exceptional 53 Business Award Gaithersburg, Md. – Optimal Networks has been recognized as one of the top 53 businesses and organizations in the State of Maryland by The Gazette of Politics and Business. Honorees are selected based on annual revenue, employee growth,
- [9/11 Heinan Talks IT Investment Mistakes in The Business Monthly](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/911-heinan-talks-it-investment-mistakes-in-the-business-monthly/) - Heinan discusses the top five investment mistakes in the September 2011 issue of The Business Monthly. Read the full article below. Attachments: File Description File size Business Monthly 9_11.pdf (DOWNLOAD) 562 Kb
- [9/11 Optimal Networks Celebrates 20 Years in Business](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/911-optimal-networks-celebrates-20-years-in-business/) - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Rockville, MD—Optimal Networks, Inc., a comprehensive computer and network support and consulting services firm located in Rockville, MD, celebrates two decades in business as of September 2011. The milestone anniversary comes on the heels of two other significant events: an office move (from Gaithersburg, MD to Rockville, MD) and winning the Alliance for Workplace
- [6/11 Heinan Discusses IT Investment Mistakes with MD Bar Bulletin](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/611-heinan-discusses-it-investment-mistakes-with-md-bar-bulletin/) - Heinan discusses IT investment mistakes in June 2011 issue of MD Bar Bulletin. To read the full article, click the pdf below. Note: This article was published in the June 15, 2011, edition of the Bar Bulletin and is reprinted/reposted with the permission of the Maryland State Bar Association. Attachments: File Description File size
- [5/11 Heinan Talks Cloud in Channel Insider](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/511-heinan-talks-cloud-in-channel-insider/) - Will cloud computing cause the demise of Managed Services Providers (MSPs)? John Hazard, of Channel Insider and eWEEK.com, interviewed Heinan for his perspective. Read the full article here.
- [5/11 Heinan Talks Cell Phone Selection with Inc.](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/511-heinan-talks-cell-phone-selection-with-inc/) - Inc. interviewed Heinan for tips on choosing the best cell phone--and plan. Read the full article by clicking here.
- [5/11 Amazon's Cloud Disaster: What Happened and What Does it Mean?](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/amazons-cloud-disaster-what-happened-and-what-does-it-mean/) - Last week, Amazon’s cloud service suffered a major disaster. Several businesses saw their networks and web sites go down for hours or even days. Amazon brought customers back up in phases, and hasn’t really explained what happened. . . until now. In a lengthy statement, Amazon has now described in deep technical detail what happened. Translated
- [4/11 Heinan Talks Green Tech in The Business Monthly](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/411-heinan-talks-green-tech-in-the-business-monthly/) - Heinan's article, How the Technologically-Savvy Can Go Green, was published in The Business Monthly. Check out the helpful tips here.
- [3/11 Optimal Moves to Rockville Office](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/optimal-moves-to-rockville-office/) - A Change of Address: Gaithersburg, MD-based Optimal Networks moves to Rockville Effective Monday, March 28, 2011, the growing IT services firm opens its doors in a custom-designed space located at 15201 Diamondback Drive Suite 220 Rockville, MD 20850 Rockville, MD — Optimal Networks, Inc., a comprehensive computer and network support services firm located in Gaithersburg, MD, will move to
- [3/11 Heinan Discusses E-mail Policies in Associations Now](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/311-heinan-discusses-e-mail-policies-in-associations-now/) - Read what Heinan has to say about e-mail retention, archiving, and storage in the below article originally published by ASAE in the Guide to Insurance and Financial Services supplement to Associations Nowmagazine, March 2011. Plus, find out what your e-mail retention policy should include! Attachments: File Description File size Assoc Now March 2011.pdf 119 Kb
- [2/11 Optimal's AJ Schuler talks to NY Times](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/211-optimals-aj-schuler-talks-to-ny-times/) - Our senior consultant, AJ Schuler is good. Really good. That's why The NY Times called on him when researching an article about comfort zones, change, and our natural resistance to it. Some great insights. Check it out here.
- [1/11 Heinan Talks Vision in SmartCEO](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/111-heinan-talks-vision-in-smartceo/) - It's no accident that working at Optimal is fun. Read what Heinan has to say about creating a supportive and fun corporate culture through a shared corporate vision in the January 2011 issue of SmartCEO.
- [12/10 Heinan Discusses IT Outsourcing with Association Trends](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/1210-heinan-discusses-it-outsourcing-with-association-trends/) - Many organizations think about internal IT management and IT outsourcing as an either/or choice. It's not. Because IT management for associations is complex, organizations should be constantly looking for ways to expand and strengthen their IT team’s knowledge base and toolkit. One of the best ways to do this is through outsourcing. Looks like a combination
- [10/10 Optimal Techfasts Gain Momentum](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/1010-optimal-techfasts-gain-momentum/) - On Tuesday, November 9, Optimal Networks will present its fifth "Executive Techfast." This technology strategy session for law firm executives will explore the opportunities and riska that cloud computing options present to law firms. How are other firms across the country dealing with the cloud hype? How do cloud computing models impact overall IT strategy? Comparative costs and
- [10/10 Optimal Talks Cloud Caution with Washington Business Journal](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/1010-optimal-talks-cloud-caution-with-washington-business-journal/) - To cloud or not to cloud? That is certainly the question of the day. Heinan was interviewed for an article that appeared in the Washington Business Journal on October 8, 2010 that addressed implementing cloud solutions only if they drive business goals. The cloud hype will dissipate; a rash technology decision will not. Learn more in the
- [10/10 Optimal Co-Sponsors Techfast with Alexandria Chamber of Commerce](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/1010-optimal-co-sponsors-techfast-with-alexandria-chamber-of-commerce/) - On Tuesday, October 19, Optimal Networks, together with the Alexandria Chamber of Commerce, will present an "Executive Techfast." This technology strategy session for association and non-profit executives will explore cloud computing options and solutions. What are other associations doing? What is the difference between private and public cloud computing? What are the potential costs and business benefits cloud computing
- [10/10 Optimal Networks Works Out for the Cure for the Susan G. Komen Foundation!](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/optimal-networks-works-out-for-the-cure-for-the-susan-g-komen-foundation-2/) - On Saturday, October 30 2010, Optimal Networks will join other area businesses in sponsoring an all-day workout event (8am-3pm) to support the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. All 24 Sport & Health Club locations in the Maryland, Washington, D.C., and Virginia areas will participate in the Workout for the Cure. Non-club members are welcome, and donations are
- [9/10 Optimal Talks Laptop Security with MEQ](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/910-optimal-talks-laptop-security-with-meq/) - Laptops are taken from college campuses, airports, coffee shops and offices more frequently than you would ever imagine. Heinan's article, "Is Your Laptop Secure?", outlines the top five things you should be doing to ensure the security of your laptop--and was featured in this month's issue of Maryland Entrepreneur's Quarterly. Check it out below!
- [9/10 Optimal Hosts Third Executive Techfast](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/910-optimal-hosts-third-executive-techfast/) - On Tuesday, September 14, Optimal Networks will present its third "Executive Techfast." This technology strategy session for law firm executives will explore document management platforms and solutions for small, medium, and large law firms. How are other firms across the country managing and sharing documents? What are Intranet and Extranet industry best practices for content management?
- [Optimal's Casino Open House 9/16/10](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/optimals-casino-open-house-91610/) - Never gamble on technology service providers. Only gamble at your technology service provider’s office. Who: YOU—our favorite clients, partners and friends; the Optimal team; and some of our key technology partners demonstrating new solutions to your technology challenges. What: A casino-themed afternoon of fun featuring table games; great food from David the grill master; great music
- [7/10 Optimal Hosts Second Executive Techfast](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/710-optimal-hosts-second-executive-techfast/) - On Tuesday, July 13, Optimal Networks will present the second in a series of three "Executive Techfasts." This technology strategy session for law firm executives will explore the composition and management of an IT department within a law firm. Is your current IT management model working? Are your technology systems positioned to change as your business evolves?
- [6/10 Optimal hosts Executive Techfast](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/610-optimal-hosts-executive-techfast/) - On June 8, Optimal Networks will present the first in a series of three "Executive Techfasts." This technology strategy session for law firm executives will explore the risks that cloud computing options present to law firms, the difference between public and private cloud computing, potential cost and business benefits cloud computing models offer, and more. Attendance
- [6/10 Optimal Announces Partnership with Geller Data Solutions](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/610-optimal-announces-partnership-with-geller-data-solutions/) - GAITHERSBURG, MD, June, 2010—Optimal Networks, Inc., a comprehensive computer and network support services firm located in Gaithersburg, MD, has partnered with Florida-based Geller Data Solutions, Inc. (GDSI), a document management solutions and development company, to offer a more comprehensive suite of content management solutions to clients. “As Optimal begins offering more strategic technology consulting services to
- [5/10 Optimal Talks Ethics With SmartCEO](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/510-optimal-talks-ethics-with-smartceo/) - As a National Council of Business Ethics Award winner, Optimal Networks was chosen by SmartCEO as a company with a strong moral guidepost. The publication interviewed Heinan and David for their ethics feature. They talked about a sticky situation--and how Optimal's values made the decision an easy one. Read more here.
- [5/10 Optimal Wins Workplace Excellence Award for Third Year in a Row](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/510-optimal-wins-workplace-excellence-award-for-third-year-in-a-row/) - The Alliance for Workplace Excellence names Optimal as winner of 2010 Workplace Excellence Award GAITHERSBURG, MD, May 3, 2010—Optimal Networks, Inc. has been selected to receive the Workplace Excellence Award for the third year in a row. The Alliance for Workplace Excellence recognized Optimal in 2008, 2009, and now in 2010, as a visionary employer
- [2/10 Heinan Talks Tech Trends in SmartCEO](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/210-heinan-talks-tech-trends-in-smartceo/) - Heinan joins other CEOs in sharing their thoughts about tech trends in February's SmartCEO. Read his comments in the Technology Resource Guide section below! Attachments: File Description File size SmartCEO_tech resource_feb10.pdf 181 Kb
- [1/10 Optimal talks Cloud Computing with Washington Business Journal](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/110-optimal-talks-cloud-computing-with-washington-business-journal/) - Heinan talked with the Washington Business Journal's technology reporter about cloud computing. Read the article below. Attachments: File Description File size Local companies wade into cloud computing - Washington Business Journal.pdf 134 Kb
- [1/10 Standing with Haiti](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/standing-with-haiti/) - We have all been saddened, shocked, and overwhelmed by the images and reports coming out of Haiti. It is difficult to imagine what we can do in the face of this immense tragedy, but that should not stop us from doing what we can. Optimal is making a donation to the “Stand with Haiti” campaign, an effort
- [12/09 Heinan Discusses Cloud Computing with Think Business](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/1209-heinan-discusses-cloud-computing-with-think-business/) - Think you know about cloud computing? Think again. Just as we were all "getting it"...here comes the private cloud. In the December 2009 issue of Think Business, Heinan compares public and private cloud computing. Read the article below! Attachments: File Description File size > ThinkBusiness.pdf 659 Kb
- [11/09 Heinan Talks Laptop Security with Bar Bulletin](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/1109-heinan-talks-laptop-security-with-bar-bulletin/) - Just because you have a password, doesn't mean your laptop is secure...find out what you should be doing to protect your physical laptop and all your data! Attachments: File Description File size MD Bar Bulletin_Nov 09_TECHNOLOGY TALK.pdf 52 Kb
- [11/09 Optimal Discusses Social Networking in ASAE pub](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/1109-optimal-discusses-social-networking-in-asae-pub/) - Social Networking...is it right for your organization? What exactly is a social networking site and how do the most popular social networking sites differ? Can they help you grow your business? Who is using these sites? Heinan's article that appeared in the November 2009 issue of the ASAE's publication, Dollars & Cents, answers these questions and
- [10/24/09 Optimal Talks Leadership on the Radio!](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/102409-optimal-talks-leadership-on-the-radio/) - On Saturday, October 24 at 10 am, Heinan and David were interviewed for Executive Leaders Radio on CBS Radio (WHFS, 1580 AM). Host Herb Cohen interviewed the dynamic duo about how they started working together, and what makes them tick and click as a leadership team. Check out this personal -- and entertaining -- look into
- [10/09 Optimal Talks Culture with SmartCEO](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/1009-optimal-talks-culture-with-smartceo/) - Heinan and David talk about Optimal's fun, energetic, and productive culture in the October 2009 issue ofSmartCEO. Read about it here!
- [9/09 Landa Discusses Internal IT Management vs. Outsourcing in The Business Monthly](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/909-landa-discusses-internal-it-management-vs-outsourcing-in-the-business-monthly/) - Think you have to choose between outsourcing your IT management needs or using an internal IT team? Think again! Check out the article below to get Heinan's views on the subject. Attachments: File Description File size Internal IT vs Outsourcing - The Business MonthlyHeinan Landa 9-09.pdf 187 Kb
- [7/09 Heinan discusses internal vs. external IT management in ALA's Legal Management](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/709-heinan-discusses-internal-vs-external-it-management-in-alas-legal-management/) - Is it better to outsource your organization's IT management or to keep that function in-house? Is there a combination solution that could work for you? Heinan discusses this in the below article. Check it out! Attachments: File Description File size LegalMgt-JuneJuly09-Landa1.pdf 728 Kb
- [7/09 Landa explores cloud computing for ALA's Legal Management](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/709-landa-explores-cloud-computing-for-alas-legal-management/) - How is cloud computing changing the landscape of IT services? What are the benefits? Drawbacks? Is it right for your organization? Find out in Heinan's article that appeared in the Association of Legal Administrators'Legal Management publication. Attachments: File Description File size LegalMgt-JuneJuly09-Landa2.pdf 444 Kb
- [6/09 Heinan's cloud computing article in Bar Bulletin](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/609-heinans-cloud-computing-article-in-bar-bulletin/) - Cloud computing--I'm sure you've heard the term, but do you know what it is? More importantly, is it right for your organization? Read all about it in the article Heinan authored for the Bar Bulletin in June. Attachments: File Description File size 2009 June - landa_bar bulletin.pdf 365 Kb
- [5/09 SmartCEO talks client retention with Optimal](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/509-smartceo-talks-client-retention-with-optimal/) - Client retention is of paramount importance in today's economy. But how do you let your best customers know how much they mean to you? SmartCEO interviewed Heinan and David--along with other leading CEOS and COOS--to find out what they are doing to keep their clients satisfied and coming back for more. Read more about it on page
- [4/09 Optimal Honored for Outstanding Workplace](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/409-optimal-honored-for-outstanding-workplace/) - The Alliance for Workplace Excellence names Optimal as winner of 2009 Workplace Excellence Award GAITHERSBURG, MD, April 1, 2009—Optimal Networks, Inc. has been selected to receive the 2009 Workplace Excellence Award. The Alliance for Workplace Excellence recognized Optimal as a visionary employer for its efforts in creating an environment in which employees experience personal and
- [2/09 Technoscope features Optimal's SmartRecruit](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/209-technoscope-features-optimals-smartrecruit/) - IT staffing is one of the toughest hiring challenges for any organization. Understanding how to find the IT professionals that will keep your association running will save you time and money. The American Society of Association Executives' (ASAE) newletter, Technoscope, featured an article about Optimal's IT recruiting service, SmartRecruit. Check it out below! www.asaecenter.org/PublicationsResources
- [02/09 Heinan talks data security in Legal Times](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/0209-heinan-talks-data-security-in-legal-times/) - A reporter from The Legal Times (http://www.law.com/jsp/dc/index.jsp) interviewed Heinan about IT security issues specific to law firms. The article appeared in the February 2009 issue.
- [01/09 Heinan speaks at ALA meeting](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/0109-heinan-speaks-at-ala-meeting/) - Heinan spoke to a group of human resources recruiters and administrators at an Association of Legal Administrators (ALA) meeting on January 29, 2009. The topic? Attracting and hiring the best IT personnel using Optimal's IT recruiting system--SmartRecruit.
- [11/08 Heinan in Baltimore Jewish Times](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/1108-heinan-in-baltimore-jewish-times/) - Heinan talks backup and disaster recovery with The Baltimore Jewish Times. Check out the PDF! Attachments: File Description File size Heinan Landa_Baltimore Jewish Times 08.pdf 5409 Kb
- [6/19/08 Press Release: Optimal Networks, Inc. Awarded for Creating Outstanding Workplace](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/61908-press-release-optimal-networks-inc-awarded-for-creating-outstanding-workplace/) - The Alliance for Workplace Excellence names Optimal as winner of 2008 Workplace Excellence Award GAITHERSBURG, MD, June 19, 2008—Optimal Networks, Inc. has been selected to receive the 2008 Workplace Excellence Award. The Alliance for Workplace Excellence recognized Optimal as a visionary employer for its efforts in creating an environment in which employees experience personal and
- [11/14/07 US-Based Advanced Technology Companies to Invest in India](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/111407-us-based-advanced-technology-companies-to-invest-in-india/) - Montgomery County technology firms visit Bangalore on a business mission. Posted November 14th, 2007 by Sahil Nagpal, India Business Bangalore A delegation of senior executives from Montgomery County-based advanced technology firms visited Bangalore on Wednesday, on a business mission to explore opportunities for joint ventures and partnerships with dynamic India-based advanced technology companies. Pradeep Ganguly, Director
- [9/12/07 Press Release: Optimal Networks Makes Inc. 5000 List](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/91207-press-release-optimal-networks-makes-inc-5000-list/) - Optimal Networks recognized by Inc. Magazine for rapid growth among companies nationwide. --FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE-- Gaithersburg, MD, September 12, 2007 — Inc. Magazine, a resource for entrepreneurs nationwide — recognized Optimal Networks, Inc., on its first-ever Inc. 5,000 list of the fastest-growing private companies in the country. Optimal's three-year sales growth rate of 61% was the
- [6/28/07 Optimal Hosts ASAE's Summer FBO Day](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/62807-optimal-hosts-asaes-summer-fbo-day/) - Optimal proudly hosted the ASAE's Finance and Business Operations Section Roundtable on June 28th. Back by popular demand, ASAE & The Center for Association Leadership's FBO Section Council is planning another set of local brown bag lunch programs all over the country. These FREE facilitated discussions give FBO professionals a chance to network and compare
- [6/21/07 Optimal Networks Serves on Advisory Board of The Entrepreneurship Institute](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/62107-optimal-networks-serves-on-advisory-board-of-the-entrepreneurship-institute/) - Optimal Networks has been chosen as an advisory board member of The Entrepreneurship Institute (TEI), and will co-sponsor TEI's annual President's Forum! About The Entrepreneurship Institute The Entrepreneurship Institute (TEI) is dedicated to meeting the knowledge and networking needs of America's small and mid-market company presidents; the organization provides opportunities for business owners to acquire
- [4/14/07 Heinan Landa and David Campbell Invited to Judge Georgetown Business Competition](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/41407-heinan-landa-and-david-campbell-invited-to-judge-georgetown-business-competition/) - Heinan Landa and David Campbell help judge third annual Business Strategy Challenge , sponsored by Hilltop Consultants and the McDonough School of Business at Georgetown University. Optimal's President, Heinan Landa, and Director of Operations, David Campbell, were chosen as two of 12 judges to evaluate 12 student teams as they presented their responses to a complex business
- [2/03/07 Workout for the Cure](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/20307-workout-for-the-cure/) - Optimal Networks helps raise $40,000 for the Susan G. Komen Foundation! On February 3, 2007, together with Sport & Health, The Gazette, Myer Emco, Shady Grove Adventist Hospital, and Willoughby Consulting Group (among others), Optimal Networks sponsored an all-day workout event at Rio Sport & Health to support the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.
- [Review of the Surface Pro 3 for Business](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/review-of-the-surface-pro-3-for-business/) - We’ve all seen the commercials. The Surface is “the tablet that can replace your laptop” (and apparently turn you into a really great dancer at the same time). When the Pro 3 was released, I decided to give it a try—with all of the traveling I do for client meetings, having something as portable
- [Windows Surface Tablet: A Story of Love and Hate](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/windows-surface-tablet-a-story-of-love-and-hate/) - I was so excited. Right after its release at the end of October, I had secured a Windows Surface Tablet. Touted as the business user's device, I was immediately enamored. It was sleek, beautiful, and seemed to be the first real alternative to the iPad style of tablet computing. It even had a detachable keyboard
- [The ABCs of IT: A Guide to IT Acronyms](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/the-abcs-of-it-a-guide-to-it-acronyms/) - It’s no surprise that one of the few professional industries named by an acronym is also defined by them. The field of Information Technology, more commonly known as IT, is rife with acronymic jargon. And, in an effort to minimize the head-scratching we’ve put together the following translation tool for your use (yes, this impact
- [What's the Best Speech-to-Text Software Out There?](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/whats-the-best-speech-to-text-software-out-there/) - I don’t have time to be injured. I’m the guy in charge of keeping the wheels turning on the right tracks. This March, when carpal tunnel syndrome progressed to the point where I needed surgery, I feared that I’d have to pull the emergency brake. On a scale of 1 to Catastrophic, the effects would
- [How Much Will it Cost to Secure My Network?](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/how-much-will-it-cost-to-secure-my-network/) - However much you’re willing to spend. There are two sides to network security: guarding unwanted users from getting in, and preventing your data from getting out. To both of these ends, there is a direct correlation between the amount of money you invest and the level of security you’ll be able to achieve. So how
- [How Do I Fire My IT Person?](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/how-do-i-fire-my-it-person/) - Pop Quiz: Who has the ability to inflict the most damage to your organization with the least amount of effort? If you guessed the owner, you’d be wrong. If you took a hint from the title of this blog and said the IT person, congratulations—you nailed it! Whoever is in charge of your company’s IT
- [4/17/14 Three Ways to Win the War Against Your Inbox](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/4-17-14-three-ways-to-win-the-war-against-your-inbox/) - It's a never-ending to-do list that anyone can contribute to, at any time. Your inbox. Click here to find out how to tame (or at least control) the beast in Heinan's latest contribution to Business Journals across the country.
- [4/8/14 Six Reasons to Move to the Cloud](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/4-8-14-six-reasons-to-move-to-the-cloud/) - Tech talk no more, the cloud is now a legitimate business term. Find out how your company could benefit by moving some or all of your network to the cloud in Heinan's latest blog that appeared in Business Journals throughout the country.
- [4/1/14 Six Reasons to Get Rid of Windows XP NOW](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/4-1-14-six-reasons-to-get-rid-of-windows-xp-now/) - It is dangerous to continue running your company on Windows XP. Find out just how dangerous it is in Heinan's latest blog that appeared in Business Journals throughout the country.
- [3/25/14 Four Ways to Increase Your Productivity](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/3-25-14-four-ways-to-increase-your-productivity/) - Want to know how to make the most of your limited time? Heinan addresses this all-too-common problem in his latest piece that appeared in Business Journals across the U.S.
- [3/18/14 Why You Should Dump Windows 8](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/3-18-14-why-you-should-dump-windows-8/) - Because Windows XP support is ending, Windows 8 is still part of the upgrade conversation. Click here to find out why it absolutely, positively should not be.
- [3/11/14 How Net Neutrality Affects You and Four Reasons Why You Should Care](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/3-11-14-how-net-neutrality-affects-you-and-four-reasons-why-you-should-care/) - What is net neutrality and how could it potentially change everyone’s relationship with the Internet? Click here to read Heinan’s piece that appeared on Business Journal websites across the U.S.
- [How to Share Corporate Files without Compromising Your Company](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/how-to-share-corporate-files-without-compromising-your-company/) - Heightened security risks. Data sprawl. Liability. Loss of control. Consumer-grade file sharing solutions invite all of these into your organization. How can you make sure your data stays safe and contained? Click here to see what Heinan told Business Journals across the country.
- [Why You Should Be Concerned About Net Neutrality](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/why-you-should-be-concerned-about-net-neutrality/) - The net neutrality debate continues to stir up strong feelings. What's really at stake here? Read about the latest developments and causes for concern in Heinan's latest contribution to Business Journals throughout the country.
- [How to Know When to Invest in New Technology](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/how-to-know-when-to-invest-in-new-technology/) - It's hard not to be pulled in by the gleam of the shiniest new tech trend, right? In Heinan's latest contribution to Business Journals throughout the country, he breaks down Gartner's tech Hype Cycle--and teaches us how to use it for our bottom-line benefit.
- [The Pebble Steel: An Innovative but Only Mildly Useful Gadget](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/the-pebble-steel-an-innovative-but-only-mildly-useful-gadget/) - A watch that communicates with your smartphone to send alerts straight to your wrist. Sounds fun and convenient, right? Kind of. After spending a week with the Pebble Steel, Heinan was less than overwhelmed with its capabilities. Click here to ride the highs and lows of the experience in his latest contribution to Business Journals across
- [Eight Tips for Creating Strong Passwords](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/eight-tips-for-creating-strong-passwords/) - Ever feel like you're drowning in a sea of passwords that may or may not be effective deterrents to hackers? Click here to gain helpful insight into creating secure passwords—and remembering them—in Heinan's latest contribution to Business Journals throughout the country.
- [How to Back Up Your Photos (and Everything Else)](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/how-to-back-up-your-photos-and-everything-else/) - Wondering what the best way to back up your personal computer and photos is? Are you feeling confident in your online service or external hard drive? Click here to find out what Heinan recommends in his latest contribution to Business Journals throughout the country.
- [How to Curb Your Smartphone Addiction](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/how-to-curb-your-smartphone-addiction/) - Can you make it through a meal without checking the notifications on your smartphone? A conversation? Experts say that up to 6% of smartphone users can be termed addicts—and that means millions. Find out how you can fight the urge in Heinan's latest contribution to Business Journals across the country.
- [5/6/14 How to Find an IT Partner](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/5-6-14-how-to-find-an-it-partner/) - Admit it. At some point in your life, you've though IT was a racket and that most IT providers were "out to get you." Heinan has had those same thoughts—especially after hearing horror story after horror story from prospects who become new clients. Find out how to vet an IT provider in his latest contribution
- [5/5/14 Five Apps Worth Investigating](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/5-5-14-five-apps-worth-investigating/) - The Business Journals came to Heinan with a question: What were his favorite apps? Find out what he said by clicking here.
- [4/29/14 Could Dropbox Be Your Downfall?](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/4-29-14-could-dropbox-be-your-downfall/) - Dropbox—a welcoming blue box of an application that provides unlimited convenience. But, is it really as harmless as it seems? Click here to find out how what you don't know about Dropbox could hurt you in Heinan's latest contribution to Business Journals across the country. And, if you think it is valuable information, share through
- [4/22/14 How to Create a Predictable IT Budget](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/4-22-14-how-to-create-a-predictable-it-budget/) - If it always seems as if your IT budget is "subject to change," this one's for you. Click here to find out how to bring predictability to the tech budgeting process in Heinan's latest contribution to The Business Journals network.
- [How Encryption Can Protect You From Cybercrime](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/how-encryption-can-protect-you-from-cybercrime/) - Cybercrime is at an all-time high. With the cyberattacks on Home Depot, Target, Adobe, Snapchat and eBay (big companies with big IT security budgets!), people are panicking. And they should be: Target reported in August that its November 2013 data breach cost it $148 million. Now, more than ever, people are investigating the best ways
- [Did Apple Release the Apple Watch Before It Was Ready?](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/did-apple-release-the-apple-watch-before-it-was-ready/) - Like thousands all over the world, I was excited for Apple's product announcement on Sept. 9. After all, I wanted an "iWatch," like, yesterday. But like thousands watching worldwide, I was more than a little disappointed. What did they do? They released a slightly better looking watch than their competitors--that still requires a phone to
- [Why You Should Delete Your Company Emails](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/why-you-should-delete-your-company-emails/) - Ever look through your archived email and feel...overwhelmed? With all of the media attention on the IRS and their email retention policies, it got me thinking about Optimal's email retention policies—and those of our clients. After all, email is the main communication medium for most organizations and so, to operate optimally, they must automate archiving, locating,
- [How to Protect Yourself Online...and at Home Depot](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/how-to-protect-yourself-online-and-at-home-depot/) - A few months ago I went to Home Depot to buy some light bulbs. I think I spent around $18. Now my credit card could be compromised. Home Depot recently announced that potentially 60 million customers’ credit card numbers had been compromised in more than 2,200 store locations throughout the U.S. and Canada since April.
- [To Buy a Printer or Copier? That is the Question.](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/to-buy-a-printer-or-copier-that-is-the-question/) - Does your staff complain non-stop about your printer's color quality? About spending half their day walking to and from the copier? They could be shedding light on a real issue of mismatched technology. Find out which printing solution will serve your organization best in Heinan's latest contribution to Business Journals across the country.
- [What to Look For When Hiring an IT Professional](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/what-to-look-for-when-hiring-an-it-professional/) - With cybersecurity spending at an all-time high, IT professionals are a hot commodity. But how can you be sure you're hiring the cream of the crop? Heinan gives Business Journals across the country four key characteristics to look for here.
- [How to Make an Informed Decision about Your Cloud Provider](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/how-to-make-an-informed-decision-about-your-cloud-provider/) - Putting some or all of your infrastructure into a hosted environment is a major technological change. How can you be sure that the cloud provider you've selected will take proper care of your network? Learn what you absolutely must consider before signing any contract in Heinan's latest contribution to Business Journals across the country.
- [An Easy Way to Test Your Disaster Recovery Plan](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/an-easy-way-to-test-your-disaster-recovery-plan/) - So you've developed a comprehensive, state-of-the-art, just-can't-beat-it kind of disaster recovery plan for your organization. How can you be sure it will really work in the event of a catastrophe? Find out in Heinan's latest contribution to Business Journals across the country.
- [Can Your Company Survive a Major Disaster?](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/can-your-company-survive-a-major-disaster/) - Say you lose an important file. Can you retrieve it? How quickly? Say you lose your entire office. Can you get back up and running? How quickly? Find out how prepared your company is for all levels of disaster in Heinan's latest contribution to Business Journals across the country.
- [Lessons from Lois Lerner and the IRS Email Controversy](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/lessons-from-lois-lerner-and-the-irs-email-controversy/) - Once an email is sent, can you ever really erase all traces of it? What can the recent IRS controversy teach us about email retention policies? Click here to read what Heinan shared with Business Journals across the country.
- [This Video Conferencing Tool Works Better than WebEx for Collaboration](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/this-video-conferencing-tool-works-better-than-webex-for-collaboration/) - Today, it seems as though video conferencing services are a dime a dozen; while the likes of ooVoo and WebEx are fairly well-known, their capabilities are generally underwhelming. Find out which tool finally impressed Heinan in his latest contribution to Business Journals throughout the country.
- [Five Keys to Hiring the Right Strategic IT Consultant](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/five-keys-to-hiring-the-right-strategic-it-consultant/) - The number of IT providers in the market can be overwhelming. How can you be sure the firm you choose has employees qualified to make long-term strategic recommendations for your organization? Click here to read the five tips Heinan gave Business Journal readers across the country.
- [Technology Trends to Watch for in 2015](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/technology-trends-to-watch-for-in-2015/) - Man, 2014 was a boring year for IT. There were no significant hardware innovations, and industry leaders were consumed with reactively responding to increasingly complex and widespread cyber-attacks. While improvements were made in software and security applications, from a technology innovation perspective, 2014 was pretty boring. With a new year here and the market eager
- [How an Email Retention Policy Could Have Saved Sony](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/how-an-email-retention-policy-could-have-saved-sony/) - As you've probably heard, Sony Pictures recently fell victim to a large-scale hack that many are calling an act of cyberterrorism. On top of threats of violence and the release of an overwhelming amount of Sony employees' personal information, the self-professed "Guardians of Peace" also targeted Sony's private email communications (which range from embarrassing to
- [How to Disconnect from Technology for the Holidays](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/how-to-disconnect-from-technology-for-the-holidays/) - If you are reading this, you are connected. You are sitting at your desk or somewhere staring at a laptop, tablet or phone screen. And you, my friend, are not in the minority. For years, companies were obsessed with making smarter devices that were portable so that we could connect to our work life from
- [The Best Bluetooth Headsets to Buy (or Give)](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/the-best-bluetooth-headsets-to-buy-or-give/) - It's that time of year again. The time when people search tirelessly for that perfect gift for everyone on their lists. Whether you've received hints about a Bluetooth headset from those closest to you or you have finally decided to comply with the traffic laws, here are a few questions to consider for making the
- [How to Choose the Right Technology Provider](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/how-to-choose-the-right-technology-provider/) - Do you know the top danger to your business? I'll give you a hint: It is something on which your entire organization depends, yet there is no industry-wide way to vet its competence. That's right, it's your IT function. Think about it for a minute: If a legal situation presents itself, you go to your
- [The 6 Most Important IT Security Topics for CEOs](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/the-6-most-important-it-security-topics-for-ceos/) - In May, Forbes ran an article titled "IT Security: The New Target for CEO Performance." The title of this article is telling. The evolution of data breaches and IT security in general is now a C-level concern because security has become a bottom-line issue. When you combine the recent iCloud breach with the cyber-attacks on
- [How to Use Your Cell Phone When Traveling Overseas](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/how-to-use-your-cell-phone-when-traveling-overseas/) - This is an embarrassing story, but it's a public service announcement of sorts. My hope is that it will keep you from making the same mistakes I did. Even though I know a lot about tech, I was clueless as to how to cost-effectively stay connected while dropping my oldest off at Oxford and helping
- [Is the iPhone 6 Worth Buying?](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/is-the-iphone-6-worth-buying/) - Apple shattered its first-day sales with the iPhone 6. I was one of the four million who did a pre-order and just received my phone. Personally, I'm excited. For the first time since the original iPhone was introduced, I get a charge when answering a call or responding to a message. It's sexy and practical.
- [If We're Happier Working From Home, Should We Do It More Often?](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/if-were-happier-working-from-home-should-we-do-it-more-often/) - When Yahoo CEO Marissa Mayer banned employees from working from home, many flinched — especially since the tech industry is known for its flexible work-from-home policies. Technology is, after all, what allows us to work from home, and she was going against the grain. Even though the total number of Americans in the workforce declined between
- [If You Still Have a Tech Superhero On Staff, Then You Have a Problem](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/if-you-still-have-a-tech-superhero-on-staff-then-you-have-a-problem/) - Rewind to 1997. One of the in-house IT guys employed by a company to which we were proposing our managed services was in high spirits, especially after being up all night getting the company’s email server back up and running. But back then that was the norm. Heck, if these guys hired us (which they
- [Tips on Spam: How to Make Your Filter More Effective](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/tips-on-spam-how-to-make-your-filter-more-effective/) - I love spam filters and the simple freedom of being able to browse my inbox without annoying "Lose belly fat in 2 days!" or "Miracle vitamin!" messages. But sometimes, my spam filter captures important email messages that I need to see. I'm not alone in this. With multiple sources reporting that more than 100 billion
- [Amazon WorkMail vs Exchange vs Gmail: Will Amazon Overtake Them All?](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/amazon-workmail-vs-exchange-vs-gmail-will-amazon-overtake-them-all/) - Amazon recently surprised everyone by announcing it would launch Amazon WorkMail, a secure, managed business email and calendaring solution, poised to compete with Microsoft Exchange and Gmail. My first thought: A little late to the game, eh? Secure, reliable email delivered through the cloud is not a new concept. In fact, the market is already
- [How to Stay Ergonomic on the Go](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/how-to-stay-ergonomic-on-the-go/) - I know your story. You are never in your office — the place where you've spent thousands to create an ergonomic workstation utopia. Instead, you are running between conference rooms and colleagues' offices for meetings, or in your car traveling to meetings, all the while carrying your iPad and phone to stay connected on the
- [Will Windows 10 be Worth the Upgrade?](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/will-windows-10-be-worth-the-upgrade/) - Microsoft unveiled the much-talked-about Windows 10 yesterday at its Redmond, Wash., headquarters. More than just an operating system, Microsoft leadership touted the release as a shift in how we perceive computing — more of a service, not a system. I was unimpressed. There were lots of promises that hinted at the false hopes (and hype)
- [How to Save Money on IT](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/how-to-save-money-on-it/) - Whether the economy is up, down, or somewhere in between, companies are always looking for smart ways to lower costs. That's why our IT consultants head into annual budget review meetings with our clients prepared to answer questions about where they may be able to save. When you're talking about saving on your IT systems,
- [Can We Regain Privacy Online?](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/can-we-regain-privacy-online/) - About three months ago, I bought a rose-patterned comforter on Amazon as a gift. Every single day since that time, I have been getting advertisements about rose-covered linens, throw pillows, afghans and more — and not just when I'm on Amazon. So, how did these other companies know about my purchase? Turns out, there are
- [How to Extend Battery Life on Smartphones](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/how-to-extend-battery-life-on-smartphones/) - I had a nightmare the other night. I was pinned down by shiny white cords. They kept coming out of the ground like weeds, trapping me. When I finally broke free, I could see that the cords had been plugged into outlets. Then the alarm on my iPhone rang. As I turned it off, I
- [How to Use Evernote More Effectively](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/how-to-use-evernote-more-effectively/) - Evernote has 100 million users, and I would bet that 90 percent of those users aren’t using the company's applications to full capacity. It’s a phenomenal tool, but like most things, it is only as good as your willingness to commit. With Evernote, you have to go all in. Otherwise, you’ll never have enough information
- [PayPal vs Square: Which is Best for Mobile Payments?](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/paypal-vs-square-which-is-best-for-mobile-payments/) - A client recently came to me wondering whether PayPal or Square is better for mobile processing. And although intuitively I wanted to say “PayPal,” I also wanted to do a bit of digging to support my experiential evidence. Square introduced us to mobile payment processing in 2009 and since then has amassed more than three million users.
- [What to Look (or Listen) for in a CIO Candidate](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/what-to-look-or-listen-for-in-a-cio-candidate/) - Organization CEOs and association executive directors ask me all the time what they should be looking for in a CIO candidate. More importantly, they are wondering how to assess if the candidate has the IT factor (get it? Pun intended). IT is now inextricably connected to business success (or failure), the stakes are higher and
- [4 Keys to Creating a Disaster Recovery Plan that Works](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/4-keys-to-creating-a-disaster-recovery-plan-that-works/) - Almost daily, my engineers hear comments from prospective clients saying that disaster recovery plans are too time intensive, or they can't possibly test for each scenario. Sometimes they say, "I think we have a shell of a plan." When I hear these comments, I think: It's only just a matter of time. A disaster, at
- [Tips for Typing More Efficiently on Your Smartphone](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/tips-for-typing-more-efficiently-on-your-smartphone/) - I’ve got fat fingers. I’m all thumbs. This is like Twister for your fingers. I’ve heard these phrases and more — all referring to the small and annoying smartphone keyboards. Seriously, whose fingers are that small? And when important texts or emails are at stake, do you really want to take a chance? Definitely not.
- [How to Extend Your Laptop Battery Life](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/how-to-extend-your-laptop-battery-life/) - Tired of having to carry your laptop power cord around with you everywhere you go? Ever have your battery fail just as you were about to finish an important document? Read Heinan's lastest Business Journals article for 4 easy ways to maximize your laptop's battery life
- [How to Easily Assess Your Organization's IT](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/how-to-easily-assess-your-organizations-it/) - Ever have a gut feeling that your organization's IT isn't where it needs to be? You're probably onto something. Take a look at Heinan's latest Business Journals article for a list of 10 simple questions that will indicate how your IT capabilities stack up.
- [Does Cloud Computing Really Offer Cost Savings?](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/does-cloud-computing-really-offer-cost-savings/) - When we talk to clients and prospects about cloud computing, one of the questions we hear most frequently is whether or not moving to the cloud will actually save their organization money. The answer is a bit complex, but we'll work through it in Heinan's latest article for the American City Business Journals.
- [What Viruses, Malware, and Spyware Actually Do to Your Organization](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/what-viruses-malware-and-spyware-actually-do-to-your-organization/) - We've all heard of Trojans and ransomware and spyware (oh my!)...but what do these things actually do to your organization and its data? Get the skinny on each of these malicious infections in Heinan's latest article in the American City Business Journals.
- [Why Voice Recognition Technology is So Impressive](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/why-voice-recognition-technology-is-so-impressive/) - Voice recognition technology (we're talking Siri, Cortana, OK Google) is by no means perfect. They'll garble your requests, they'll get confused, and you'll get frustrated. Still, it's an incredibly impressive technology when you take a closer look at it. To find out how Siri works, whether or not she'll get better, and what voice recognition
- [How to Improve Your Employee Onboarding with Video](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/how-to-improve-your-employee-onboarding-with-video/) - Find yourself spending hours of time on employee training? Looking for a method that's more scalable, more consistent, and more engaging? Video is your answer. Read more about the top four reasons you should incorporate videos into your employee onboarding in Heinan's latest article in Business Journals across the country.
- [What is the Biggest Security Threat to Businesses?](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/what-is-the-biggest-security-threat-to-businesses/) - Across the board, there is one single factor that puts businesses at greater risk of cyberattack than any other: improper employee education. Find out how to keep your staff properly informed (and your data safe) in Heinan's latest article in the American City Business Journals.
- [How to Protect Yourself After a Website Hack](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/how-to-protect-yourself-after-a-website-hack/) - A website you use has been hacked. What should you do in the aftermath to keep yourself and your personal data protected? Read Heinan's lastest article in the American City Business Journals to find out which four things you must do after the attack.
- [How to Safely Use Public Wi-Fi](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/how-to-safely-use-public-wi-fi/) - When you're using public Wi-Fi, you're putting your data at risk. There are, however, some easy ways for you to make your coffee shop surfing safer. Check out Heinan's piece in the American City Business Journals for 6 tips on how to protect yourself when using public wireless connections.
- [The 7 Most Practical Apps on the Market](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/the-7-most-practical-apps-on-the-market/) - With the thousands of apps on the market these days, how are you possibly to know which are duds, and which will actually add practical value to your day? For a list of Heinan's 7 favorite, convenient apps, check out his article in the American City Business Journals.
- [How the Runcible Could Revolutionize Smartwatches](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/how-the-runcible-could-revolutionize-smartwatches/) - How many notifications would you say your smartphone shoves in your face on a daily basis? For most people that number is both astronomical and exhausting. That's why we're so intrigued by Monohm's Runcible, a smartwatch that conjures up images of pocketwatches and old-school cameras. Read more about it in Heinan's latest article for the American
- [Dropbox vs. iCloud vs. Amazon Cloud Drive vs. Google Drive vs. OneDrive: Are they all worth it?](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/dropbox-vs-icloud-vs-amazon-cloud-drive-vs-google-drive-vs-onedrive-are-they-all-worth-it/) - Do we all really need a dozen different forms of cloud storage? The cloud computing market has exploded, and it can feel like we're juggling a whole collection of solutions. Is this the best way to go about it? Are each of these platforms really worth it? Find out what Heinan has to say about
- [Cable vs. Apple vs. Amazon vs. Netflix: Which is best?](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/cable-vs-apple-vs-amazon-vs-netflix-which-is-best/) - Now that Apple, Amazon, and Netflix are delivering entertainment on-demand, is there really any need for a cable subscription? Heinan gives his thoughts on which platform is best -- and whether they've effectively rendered cable obsolete -- in his latest article for the American City Business Journals.
- [Windows 10 Security Features for Business](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/windows-10-security-features-for-business/) - If you haven't heard about Windows 10 by now...well, we don't really understand how you managed that. Microsoft has been marketing their new desktop operating system to a mind-blowing degree, and it can be hard for business owners to uncover useful information amidst all of the hype. This is especially true when it comes to any security
- [How to Best Collaborate with Remote Workers](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/how-to-best-collaborate-with-remote-workers/) - If you have a widely-distributed workforce, you know how difficult it can be to bring your team together in a way that creates a unified whole. Fortunately, there are ways to create a workplace that is conducive to effective collaboration, no matter where your employees happen to be geographically speaking. Find out how in this
- [Windows 10: What You Need to Know](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/windows-10-what-you-need-to-know/) - There is no shortage of literature out there about what Windows 10 has to offer, what its shortcomings are, and what silly things Cortana will do if you ask her the right question. When you look at the new operating system from a business perspective, though, what are the key elements that you
- [Practical Take-Away from the Ashley Madison Hack](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/practical-take-away-from-the-ashley-madison-hack/) - We've all heard about it by now--hackers released personal information (including email addresses and credit card information) on Ashley Madison's 32 million registered users. Besides the obvious lesson (perhaps to not hand over all of your Personally Identifiable Information (PII) to a site dedicated to cheating on your spouse, or to *ahem* not sign up
- [Why Amazon Needs a Culture Overhaul](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/why-amazon-needs-a-culture-overhaul/) - As Amazon customers, we have little to complain about in the way of service. But when it comes to the company's own internal culture and management practices...there's an awful lot left to be desired. Take a look at Heinan's article in the American City Business Journals to see why we're worried about the fate of
- [Putting Accounting Software in the Cloud](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/putting-accounting-software-in-the-cloud/) - Software as a Service (SaaS) has become key to the operations of many small and mid-sized businesses. CRM and sales/marketing applications are the top types of software to find in the cloud. But what about accounting software? In his latest article for the American City Business Journals, Heinan shares his thoughts on moving accounting software to the cloud.
- [The 5 Biggest Tech Mistakes for SMBs](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/the-5-biggest-tech-mistakes-for-smbs/) - Technology mistakes are very typical of SMBs across the country, and the consequences are oftentimes devastating. But of all the tech blunders that a small- to medium-sized business can make, which are the most common? In his latest article for the American City Business Journals, Heinan shares his list of the 5 biggest technology mistakes that business make.
- [Here's One Great Productivity App](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/heres-one-great-productivity-app/) - If only there was an app that could organize your projects into elegant, shareable to-do lists. Oh, wait; there is one. Todoist is a mobile app and web platform that makes collaborative projects easy to manage. Heinan explains what makes this app so useful in his latest article for the American City Business Journals.
- [3 Things to Know About Big Data](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/3-things-to-know-about-big-data/) - When will small- to mid-sized businesses reap the benefits of big data? How do large organizations take advantage of it? What is big data, anyway? Heinan shares everything you need to know about big data in his latest article for the American City Business Journals.
- [Adobe Flash Player: Hackers' Best Friend](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/adobe-flash-player-hackers-best-friend/) - It's official: Adobe Flash is the program of choice for cyberattacks. But is dumping it a viable solution for increased system security? Heinan shares his thoughts on Flash's vulnerabilities, our need for the software, and the new beta version of Flash Player 20 in his latest article for the American City Business Journals.
- [Aid Your Sleep Patterns with These Tech Solutions](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/aid-your-sleep-patterns-with-these-tech-solutions/) - The use of bright screens late at night can do significant damage to our sleep cycles. Unfortunately, turning the brightness down isn't enough to protect our internal clocks from impairment. From relaxation apps to screen protectors, Heinan shares a range of tips for winding-down in his latest article for the American City Business Journals.
- [5 Tech Trends to Expect in 2016](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/5-tech-trends-to-expect-in-2016/) - It's been quite an eventful year of tech news, with the introduction of key consumer products, and instances of peculiar—and particularly frightening—cyberattacks. What's the forecast for tech trends in 2016? Take a look at Heinan's predictions in his latest article for the American City Business Journals.
- [What Tesla and the Apple Watch Teach Us About Innovation](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/what-tesla-and-the-apple-watch-teach-us-about-innovation/) - What does successful innovation look like? It looks like technology that has been completely repurposed, reimagined, and reinvigorated. What it doesn't look like is the same old functionality in a different shape or form. Read more about what Tesla got right and what the Apple Watch got wrong in Heinan's latest article in the American City
- [How to Stay Protected from Malvertising](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/how-to-stay-protected-from-malvertising/) - This summer, if you browsed to Yahoo.com while running an old version of Adobe Flash, you may have become infected with malware. How? It's called "malvertising," and we are all vulnerable to it. Find out how malvertising works, and how you can best keep yourself protected from it in this article that Heinan put together for
- [How to Get Rid of Those Yellow Legal Pads](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/how-to-get-rid-of-those-yellow-legal-pads/) - If you're anything like us, you've had tons of legal pads full of critical meeting notes. There must be an alternative to the clutter, right? As it turns out, there are several paperless options you can use to take and store all of your notes on a single device. In his latest article for the American City Business Journals,
- [How to Decide if You Need the Latest Software Upgrade](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/how-to-decide-if-you-need-the-latest-software-upgrade/) - New versions of programs are often presented as must-have software upgrades, regardless of how major or minor the changes actually are. Office 2016, for example, has cloud functionality features, but may or may not be worth an overhaul within your organization. In his latest article for the American City Business Journals, Heinan walks us through the various
- [How to Use Social Networking for Business](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/how-to-use-social-networking-for-business/) - Social networking platforms can be great for leisure and marketing, but what about for internal workplace communications? In his latest article for the American City Business Journals, Heinan explains how organizations can leverage social media for business operations.
- [How to Get Rid of that File Server in Your Office](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/how-to-get-rid-of-that-file-server-in-your-office/) - File servers can require quite a bit of maintenance. Not to mention, they take up valuable real estate that could be used for something else. While many people leap at the opportunity to replace their servers with a different option, it's important to first examine what you're using it for so you can choose the best alternative. In his
- [Why Banning Social Networks at the Workplace Doesn’t Make Sense](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/why-banning-social-networks-at-the-workplace-doesnt-make-sense/) - We all know social networking sites can pull attention away from the task at hand, but is banning these websites the best way to keep employees focused? Blocking access to social media to improve employee productivity is not a bad idea in theory; but in practice, it may not be as fruitful as you'd expect. In his latest article
- [One Tiny Gadget Just Changed the Entire Tablet Experience](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/one-tiny-gadget-just-changed-the-entire-tablet-experience/) - User-friendly. Economical. Highly portable. These are some of the main reasons people love their tablets. However, these devices haven't been able to replace laptops and desktops in most workplaces. They're perfect for email and basic word processing, but they haven't been optimal for most other day-to-day business tasks. Citrix has released a gadget that may change that: a mouse!
- [How to Protect Your Company from Email Spoofing](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/how-to-protect-your-company-from-email-spoofing/) - In the past few years, businesses across the country have lost hundreds of millions of dollars to spoofed emails. What's more, these fraudulent wire transfer requests are on the rise, accounting for a significant percentage of all cyber attacks. In Heinan's latest piece for the American City Business Journals, he shares advice on how to
- [Microsoft Office 2016: When Should Your Business Upgrade?](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/microsoft-office-2016-when-should-your-business-upgrade/) - If you have Microsoft Office 2013, the 2016 version of the software won't seem to be very different at first. However, Office 2016 does have a distinctive feature: directly integrated cloud functionality. With this, you're able to save documents right into Microsoft's cloud and collaborate with others on documents. When should you make a company-wide
- [Apple and the FBI: Personal Privacy vs. National Security](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/apple-and-the-fbi-personal-privacy-vs-national-security/) - You've likely heard by now that the FBI has ordered Apple to unlock an iPhone for them, as it was being used by the San Bernardino shooter. Apple has adamantly refused to do so, and the two parties are likely to continue clashing unless a third party is able to unlock the phone for the FBI. Why
- [4 Ways to Avoid Becoming a Cyberattack Statistic](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/4-ways-to-avoid-becoming-a-cyberattack-statistic/) - A common misconception is that hackers do not target smaller companies; but the truth is that no organization, regardless of their size, is inherently safe from cyberattacks. In his most recent article for the American City Business Journals, Heinan offers four ways to stay safe from devastating cybercrime.
- [How to Protect Your Business from Ransomware](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/how-to-protect-your-business-from-ransomware/) - Ransomware is among the most vile forms of malware out there right now; and it's becoming ever more popular. How can you stay protected? What is ransomware, anyway? Heinan shares the two best ways to combat this virus in his latest article for the American City Business Journals.
- [Will IT Speed and Storage Ever Max Out?](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/will-it-speed-and-storage-ever-max-out/) - Moore's Law suggests that the processing power and speed of computers double approximately every two years. So far, this theory has held true. However, will our ability to enhance the performance of our devices last forever? Or will we eventually max out? In his latest article for the American City Business Journals, Heinan shares his thoughts
- [Learning to Drive a Tesla Taught Me How to Improve My Business](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/learning-to-drive-a-tesla-taught-me-how-to-improve-my-business/) - The Tesla brings a new and unique driving experience to market, yet it's one that consumers widely regard as being easy to transition into. Are there business lessons that can be learned from the Tesla experience? In his latest article for the American City Business Journals, Heinan shares the business insights he's gained from driving a Tesla.
- [The Hidden Costs in Computer Replacement Projects](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/the-hidden-costs-in-computer-replacement-projects/) - Upgrading your organization's technology hardware can be a massive project. As such, some opt to spread the process out over a few years' time. But is this a better option than doing it all at once? In his latest article for the American City Business Journals, Heinan explains why extending the replacement project may not be such a
- [​iPad Pro vs. Surface Pro 4](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/​ipad-pro-vs-surface-pro-4/) - So, which is better for business: the iPad Pro or the Surface Pro 4? This type of question is certainly to be expected when a new mobile device becomes available for purchase. But in this case, comparing the features of these two devices is not the way to decide which one to go with. In his latest article
- [The Future of eCommerce Business](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/the-future-of-ecommerce-business/) - The basic premise of search engine reputation management is to use the following three strategies to accomplish the goal of creating a completely positive first page of search engine results for a specific term...

## Pages

- [Home](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/) - Premium IT Service Provider for Legal, Associations, and Consulting Firms A proactive, strategic approach to your organization’s technology that makes your business more efficient, secure, and profitable. Talk to an expert Law Firms Transform your IT from a liability to a competitive advantage. Associations Engage and grow your community without the threat of technology issues.
- [How A 50-Person Law Firm Overcame Inefficient Technology And Bloated Costs](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/case-studies-wmc/) - How a 50-person law firm overcame inefficient technology and bloated costs Client Success Story: Weisbrod Matteis & Copley PLLC When Quinton Bowman assumed his role as COO of Weisbrod Matteis & Copley PLLC in 2020, he quickly realized that the firm was investing heavily in its Information Technology (IT)—but getting marginal performance at best in
- [How a DC Law Firm Has Not Worried About Their IT In Years](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/case-studies-slover-loftus/) - How a DC law firm has not had to worry about their IT in years Client Success Story: Slover & Loftus LLP “They just didn’t give a damn.” This is how Anthony Shalita, Firm Administrator, used to characterize the firm’s technology partner. In a smaller firm like Slover & Loftus every billable hour counts. And
- [Webinars](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/webinars/) - Tech Education Webinars Watch past sessions on demand or register for an upcoming live event. “Thank you for always keeping your presentations concise, relevant, and entertaining. You guys are my favorite webinar hosts!” scheduled events Register for Upcoming Sessions Cybersecurity in a Nutshell: A High-Level Guide for Execs Thursday, May 7th at 11AM Cybersecurity in a Nutshell:
- [Optimal Networks Team](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/optimal-networks-team/) - Learn more about our team of IT experts.
- [AI Implementation & Consulting](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/ai-implementation-consulting/) - IT consulting services that help law firms, associations, and consulting firms adopt, govern, and manage artificial intelligence (AI) in a methodical and results-oriented manner.
- [Careers](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/careers/) - Interested in joining the Optimal Team? Check out our current job opportunities.
- [Acceptable Use Policy Template? Outsource Instead](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/acceptable-use-policy-aup-template/) - Leaders like you are wise to build a thoughtful Acceptable Use Policy for their organization. Optimal's CIO Consultants can do this for you for under $1,500.
- [SMARTswitch](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/smart-switch/) - Transition your IT services seamlessly with our unique, proprietary process for switching Managed Service Providers.
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- [Chat Test Page](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/chat-test-page/) - Thanks so much for contributing to Optimal's upcoming report on the state of association IT. Complete the survey here and receive a free gift of appreciation.
- [IT Maturity Scoring Tool](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/maturity-score/) - Calculate Your IT Maturity Score Free assessment tool Wondering how your technology strategy stacks up against your top-performing peers? Against industry best practices?After over three decades in business we know what organizations look and feel like at the highest levels of operational maturity. With that picture in mind, we developed a fourteen-point model to quickly
- [About Optimal Networks](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/about-optimal-networks/) - Learn more about the Optimal Networks team and company culture.
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- [Your Input: The Modern Law Firm](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/your-input-the-modern-law-firm/) - Thanks so much for contributing to Heinan Landa's 2025 update to The Modern Law Firm. Complete the survey here and receive a free gift of appreciation.
- [Software Selection Checklist Thank You](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/software-checklist-thank-you/) - Thank you! Thank you for your interest in our software selection checklist! To download, just click this link and the document will be delivered directly to you. If you have any questions about what you see, please don’t hesitate to email us, or give us a ring at 240-499-7900. We’re happy to chat about it! All the best, -Heinan
- [CEO Lunch and Learn](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/ceo-event-rsvp/) - Wednesday, September 18th 12:00-2:00 ET CEO Lunch and Learn Join us for CAE credit, lunch, and networking at Joe's Seafood Super interesting description goes here. Name(Required) First Name Last Name Email(Required) Phone(Required)Organization Name(Required)
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- [Case Studies - Outsourced Excellence](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/case-studies-outsourced-excellence/) - Outsourced Excellence The American Association of Colleges and Universities (AAC&U) is a 55-person professional association headquartered in DC. When the association unexpectedly lost their internal IT resources, a trusted colleague sent them our way. Here’s what AAC&U President, Lynn Pasquerella, has to say about our partnership. “At the American Association of Colleges and Universities, our
- [Thank you!](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/thank-you/) - Thank you! Thanks so much for reaching out. Our team will be back in touch soon. More Testimonials More Insights More About Us
- [Testimonials](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/it-services-client-testimonials/) - What’s it really like to work with Optimal Networks? Read our reviews and case studies.
- [Strategic CIO Services](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/strategic-cio-services/) - Strategic CIO Services Expert IT Consulting on a Fractional or Project Basis CommentsThis field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.Untitled(Required)Untitled(Required)Email(Required) “Before, our team would gather and say ‘it would be great if we could…’ but now we can. There is an increased organizational confidence in our technology which impacts the psychology of
- [Premium Managed IT Services in Washington DC](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/managed-it-services-washington-dc/) - Managed IT Services in Washington, D.C. Proactive, Strategic Technology Guidance with a Premium Support Experience InstagramThis field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.Untitled(Required)Untitled(Required)Email(Required) Premium Experience Your business has important goals, and you don’t have time to waste on an unreliable helpdesk. Here’s how clients feel about ours. "Very quick and thorough in
- [Optimal Event Follow-Up](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/event-follow-up/) - Optimal Event Follow-Up Thanks so much for joining our event! How'd We Do? This session with Optimal was worth my time.Strongly disagreeDisagreeNeutralAgreeStrongly agreeAny other feedback for us?
- [The Premium IT Services Provider](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/premium/) - Feeling stuck in a restrictive virtual desktop cloud environment? You're not alone, and you aren't trapped. Learn more about Optimal's premium IT experience here.
- [CyberSecurity Toolkit](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/cyber-security-toolkit/) - Tips and tools to keep your data, your business, and your people secure.
- [How Does Your Consulting Firm's IT Rank?](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/consulting-firm-scoring/) - How Do You Stack Up? Calculate Your Consulting Firm’s IT Maturity with Optimal’s Quick, Free Survey Tool Consulting Firm IT Maturity Score "*" indicates required fields Step 1 of 5 - Welcome 0% Name* First Last Company Name*Email* The FundamentalsWe have a library of checklists that our IT team follows without fail. New hires are
- [Connect](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/connect-optimal-networks/) - Get in touch with an Optimal Networks expert to learn more about premium IT services for your industry.
- [Your Association's IT Maturity Score](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/your-score/)
- [How Does Your Association's IT Rank?](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/association-tech-score/) - How Do You Stack Up? Calculate Your Association’s IT Maturity with Optimal’s Quick, Free Survey Tool Association IT Maturity Score "*" indicates required fields Step 1 of 5 - Welcome 0% Name* First Last Company Name*Email* The FundamentalsWe have a library of checklists that our IT team follows without fail. New hires are impressed with
- [Office Move Checklist](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/officemove-checklist/) - Want a smooth move? Office move projects are complicated. Are you comfortable that you’ve crossed every “t,” dotted every “i,” and that your team will be up and running without issue in your new space? Our Office Move Checklist will run you through all the questions you need to be asking during your move project, along with our
- [Vendor Proposal Checklist](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/vendor-proposal-checklist/) - How do you properly evaluate IT vendors? It’s not easy to compare technology support companies, especially when you aren’t a “technical” person yourself. It can also be difficult to tell whether potential providers will actually be capable of delivering on the promises they make. The good news is that you can learn a lot about
- [Software Selection Checklist](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/software-selection-checklist-2/) - Overwhelmed by your search? Choosing a software solution is an incredibly intricate process. Not only that, but selecting the right software is critical to the success of your organization. In our checklist, we’ll break down the key elements of your selection process to help take the anxiety out of your project, and to guide you down the
- [Re-Entry Checklist](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/reentry-checklist/) - Peace, joy, and... cybercrime? The holidays are, of course, prime time for purchases in general, and are an extreme example of the amount of shopping we do online.But if you’re like most of us, you do plenty of your regular, day-to-day shopping online too. Why go to a store and wait in line when, with
- [Network Security Checklist](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/network-security-checklist/) - Is your data truly secure? Cybercriminals are more organized, disciplined, and persistent than ever. When we combine this with the complexity of hybrid work environments, we get what The Wall Street Journal calls a cybersecurity nightmare. To help gauge your cybersecurity posture and how well it translates to our new way of working, we’ve compiled a
- [Cybersecurity Self-Assessment](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/cybersecurity-self-assessment-0/) - How does your security stack up against best practices? Our quick, free self-assessment will evaluate the key elements of a proper security strategy: Technical defensesAwareness trainingRisk assessment and remediationPolicyCyber liability insurance (And, if you have any questions about your results, we’re happy to set up some time to chat.) Cybersecurity Self-Assessment First Name First Name Last Email(Required)
- [Your Firm's IT Maturity Score](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/form-results/) - {A1}
- [How Does Your Law Firm's IT Rank?](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/law-firm-scoring/) - How Do You Stack Up? Calculate Your Law Firm’s IT Maturity with Optimal’s Quick, Free Survey Tool Law Firm IT Maturity Score "*" indicates required fields Step 1 of 5 - Welcome 0% Name* First Last Company Name*Email* The FundamentalsWe have a library of checklists that our IT team follows without fail. New hires are
- [Case Studies - Comprehensive Support](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/case-studies-comprehensive-support-2/) - Comprehensive Support Family & Nursing Care, a leading resource for private duty home care that has served seniors in the DC area for over 50 years, has been an Optimal client since 2012. Here’s what Jeff Zukerman, President, has to say about our partnership. “At Family & Nursing Care, we have grown considerably over the
- [Case Studies - Strategic Guidance](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/case-studies-strategic-guidance/) - Strategic Guidance Evans Consulting, a boutique consulting firm committed to co-creating healthy organizations where everyone can thrive, has been an Optimal client since 2017. Here’s what Richard Hudson, Director of Operations, has to say about our partnership. “The previous folks we worked with were more of a help desk. They weren’t particularly proactive in identifying
- [Case Studies - Seamless Mobility](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/case-studies-seamless-mobility/) - Seamless Mobility Fuerst Ittleman David & Joseph, a cutting-edge, results-driven law firm specializing in tax, compliance, and corporate law, has been an Optimal client since 2015. Here’s what Allan Joseph, Partner, has to say about our partnership. “Before we engaged Optimal, our technology was banal and basic. We experienced incredible amounts of pain. We were
- [Tech Maturity Assessment](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/tech-maturity-2/) - Law Firm IT Maturity Score "*" indicates required fields Step 1 of 5 – Welcome 0% Name* First Last Company Name* Email* The Fundamentals We have a library of checklists that our IT team follows without fail. New hires are impressed with our tech early on.* Select OneStrongly DisagreeDisagreeNot SureAgreeStrongly Agree Client security audits are
- [Publications & Features](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/publications-and-features/) - A complete list of publications Optimal Networks has been featured in and awards received.
- [About Us](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/about-us/) - // what we offer Your Partner for Software Innovation Engitech is the partner of choice for many of the world’s leading enterprises, SMEs and technology challengers. We help businesses elevate their value through custom software development, product design, QA and consultancy services.We can help to maintain and modernize your IT infrastructure and solve various infrastructure-specific
- [About](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/about-3/) - About Optimal Networks Optimal is a DC-area IT services company that helps law firms, associations, and consulting firms thrive by way of thoughtful technology guidance and friendly, efficient support. For three decades clients have turned to us when they are wasting time overseeing their IT team, are worried about data security, are concerned they can’t
- [Webinar Invite List](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/webinar-invite-list/) - Never Miss a Webinar
- [Modern law firm](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/modern-law-firm/) - Great Book to Modernize Your Law Firm to Attract and Retain Clients, Associates, and More || Praise for The Modern Law Firm This book illustrates how the way law firms used to do things might not be ideal, today. More importantly, you’ll discover how staying on that path could put your firm at a supreme disadvantage in
- [spotON Technology Trends Thank You](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/thank-you-tech-trends/) - Thank you! Thank you for your interest in our spotON technology trends briefing! To download, just click this link and it will be delivered directly to you. If you have any questions about what you see, please don’t hesitate to email us, or give us a ring at 240-499-7900. We’re happy to chat about it! All the best,
- [spotON Technology Trends](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/tech-trend-brief/) - spotON Technology Trends Want a look ahead at the technology trends most likely to affect your business over the coming months? Our spotON Technology Trends report will walk you through the most pressing trends, why they matter to you, and what action we recommend you take. Our current topics are: Home Offices. As we shifted to
- [Re-Entry Playbook Thank You](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/your-playbook/) - Your Re-Entry Playbook Thanks so much for your interest in our Playbook. You can view and download it here! If you have any questions, thoughts, or feedback, shoot us a message at info@optimalnetworks.com.
- [Re-Entry Playbook](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/reentry-playbook/) - Your Re-Entry Playbook In many ways, the transition to hybrid work is much more complex than our shift to working from home—and, if not tackled thoughtfully, it could have a huge impact on productivity, engagement, and revenue. To help us all navigate this new territory, we at Optimal Networks pulled together six industry experts to offer
- [Re-Entry Checklist Thank You](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/reentry-checklist-ty/) - Thank you! Thanks for your interest in our technical re-entry checklist! Just click this link to download the PDF. If they help, here are a few other resources related to building a flexible technology environment for your team without sacrificing security: Resources on hybrid work Resources on security Our full Technology Education Webinar Series If you have
- [Network Security Checklist Thank You](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/security-checklist-thank-you/) - Thank you! Thank you for your interest in our network security checklist! To download, just click this link and the document will be delivered directly to you. If you have any questions about what you see, please don’t hesitate to email us, or give us a ring at 240-499-7900. We’re happy to chat about it! All the best, -Heinan
- [Vendor Proposal Checklist Thank You](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/vendor-proposal-checklist-thank-you/) - Thank you! Thank you for your interest in our vendor proposal checklist! To download, just click this link and the document will be delivered directly to you. If you have any questions about what you see, please don’t hesitate to email us, or give us a ring at 240-499-7900. We’re happy to chat about it! All the best, -Heinan
- [Office move checklist Thank You](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/office-move-checklist-thank-you/) - Thank you! Thanks for your interest in our Office Move Checklist! To download, just click this link and the document will be delivered directly to you. If you have any questions about what you see, please don’t hesitate to email us, or give us a ring at 240-499-7900. We’re happy to chat about it! All the best, -Heinan
- [Cybersecurity Self-Assessment Thank You](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/security-self-assessment-thank-you/) - Thank you! Thank you for your interest in our cybersecurity self-assessment! To download, just click this link and the document will be delivered directly to you. If you have any questions about what you see, please don’t hesitate to email us, or give us a ring at 240-499-7900. We’re happy to chat about it! All the best, -Heinan
- [Culture engagement Thank You](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/culture-engagement-ty/) - Keeping a Dispersed Team Engaged Thanks for your interest in our webinar! You can watch the full recording of our 30-minute session below. For more related content, visit the following pages on our site: Resources on hybrid work Resources on security Our full Technology Education Webinar Series (including all previous and upcoming sessions) If you
- [Culture engagement](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/culture-engagement/) - Keeping a Dispersed Team Engaged It’s clear that our teams will continue to work from home for the foreseeable future. In fact, Gallup reports that a mere 35% of us are engaged with our work. To help your business maintain employee engagement while your team is not only widely dispersed, but feeling the effects of isolation and
- [Sustaining Remote Work Thank You](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/sustaining-remote-work-ty/) - Sustaining Remote Work for the Long Haul Thanks for your interest in our webinar! You can watch the full recording of our 30-minute session below. For more related content, visit the following pages on our site: Resources on hybrid work Resources on security Our full Technology Education Webinar Series (including all previous and upcoming sessions)
- [Sustaining Remote Work](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/sustaining-remote-work/) - Sustaining Remote Work for the Long Haul It’s clear that our teams will continue to work from home for the foreseeable future. To help you maintain “business as usual” in this unusual scenario, our webinar will cover tactics and strategies for how to: Set each individual up to work effectively from home Set your teams
- [Teleworking Securely Thank You](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/teleworking-security-training-thank-you/) - Deep Dive into Teleworking Securely Thanks for your interest in our webinar! You can watch the full recording below. For more related content, visit the following pages on our site: Resources on hybrid work Resources on security Our full Technology Education Webinar Series (including all previous and upcoming sessions) If you have any questions, thoughts,
- [Teleworking security training](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/teleworking-security-training/) - Deep Dive into Teleworking Securely Unfortunately, security threats have evolved right alongside the coronavirus pandemic. Bad actors are exploiting our vulnerable home networks, and have unleashed countless scams that take advantage of our fears. In fact, since February there has been a 37% increase in cyberattacks, and a 600% increase in phishing scams. To help
- [law firm security Thank You](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/thank-you-law-firm-security/) - Security Best Practices for Law Firms Thanks for your interest in our webinar! You can watch the full recording of our 50-minute session below. If you have any thoughts or questions along the way, please don’t hesitate to reach out! -Heinan
- [law firm security](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/law-firm-security/) - Security Best Practices When it comes to protecting your privileged client data, leaving any stone unturned can expose your law firm to significant risk. In this 50-minute webinar recording, our CEO Heinan Landa and COO David Campbell will walk you through: Why security matters (and what's at stake) Best practices your firm should consider The
- [Evolution of Cybersecurity Thank You](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/evolution-cybersecurity-ty/) - Evolution of Cybersecurity: How to hurdle and ever-rising bar Thanks for your interest in our webinar! You can watch the full recording below. For more related content, click here for our Full Technology Education Webinar Series, (including all previous and upcoming sessions). If you have any questions, thoughts, or feedback, don’t hesitate to reach out!
- [Evolution of Cybersecurity](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/evolution-cybersecurity/) - Evolution of Cybersecurity: How to hurdle and ever-rising bar As much as we’d all like to take a set-and-forget approach to cybersecurity, hacking has become its own evolving enterprise As we make continual improvements to our defenses, bad actors respond tirelessly with innovative techniques to bypass them. In this 30-minute technology trend session we’ll cover:
- [Employee Migration Thank You](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/employee-migration-ty/) - Employee Migration: Risk & benefits of relocation Thanks for your interest in our webinar! You can watch the full recording below. For more related content, click here for our Full Technology Education Webinar Series, (including all previous and upcoming sessions). If you have any questions, thoughts, or feedback, don’t hesitate to reach out!
- [Employee Migration](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/employee-migration/) - Employee Migration: Risks and benefits of workforce relocation With the pandemic cutting ties to our physical offices, employees are reevaluating where they live, and employers are reevaluating the need for local talent. In this 30-minute technology trend session we’ll cover: The opportunities this presents to employers Risks to consider (and mitigate) at the HR and
- [Digital fatigue Thank You](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/digital-fatigue-ty/) - Zoomed Out! Navigating digital fatigue and engagement Thanks for your interest in our webinar! You can watch the full recording below. For more related content, click here for our Full Technology Education Webinar Series, (including all previous and upcoming sessions). If you have any questions, thoughts, or feedback, don’t hesitate to reach out!
- [Digital fatigue](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/digital-fatigue-2/) - Zoomed Out! Navigating digital fatigue and employee engagement Video conferencing is a useful alternative to in-person meetings, but an excess of Zoom meetings can lead to exhaustion and disengagement even with more extroverted employees. In this 30-minute technology trend session we’ll cover: How the nature of employee engagement has changed What new challenges video conferencing
- [Document Collaboration Thank You](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/doc-collaboration-ty/) - Document Collaboration: How to do it well Thanks for your interest in our webinar! You can watch the full recording below. For more related content, visit the following pages on our site: Resources on hybrid work Resources on security Our full Technology Education Webinar Series (including all previous and upcoming sessions) If you have any
- [Home Offices](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/home-offices/) - Home Offices: How to set every employee up for success As we all quickly shifted to working remotely, organizations suddenly became at least partially responsible for the performance and security of dozens of individual home networks. In this 30-minute technology trend session we’ll cover: How working from home puts your corporate reputation at stake What
- [Home Offices Thank You](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/home-offices-ty/) - Home Offices: How to set every employee up for success Thanks for your interest in our webinar! You can watch the full recording below. For more related content, visit the following pages on our site: Resources on hybrid work Resources on security Our full Technology Education Webinar Series (including all previous and upcoming sessions) If
- [Doc collaboration](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/doc-collaboration/) - Document Collaboration: Why it matters and how to do it well While many employees had been slow to adopt digital document collaboration, necessity has pushed us into what is often a motley collection of tools that are not aligned with best practices. In this 30-minute technology trend session we’ll cover: The practical and emotional benefits
- [Optimal Networks Law MSP](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/optimal-networks-law-msp/) - Is your technology helping or hindering your business? Let us handle the technology while you focus on business. Get in Touch Rapid technology advances have radically changed the way your business operates from attracting and retaining clients and employees, to collaborating with colleagues in-person and remotely, and maintaining your reputation in the face of ever-evolving
- [Thank you - PPC](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/thank-you-ppc/) - Thank You for Your Submission. Take the stress and uncertainty out of your technology. Other Solutions
- [Optimal Networks Law PPC](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/cio-consulting-and-services/) - Is your technology moving your firm forward or holding it back? We’ll handle the technology while you focus on business. Schedule Your Consultation Rapid technology advances have radically changed every aspect of law firm operations — from attracting security- and diversity-conscious clients, to protecting privileged data, collaborating with colleagues, and hiring and retaining associates. Benefits
- [Blog](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/blog-2/) - Blog Plain-English answers to your questions about technology best practices. Search Search Why Zero-Trust Security Is Gaining Momentum in the Age of AI At Optimal Networks, we’ve worked alongside law firms, associations, and consulting firms long enough to Read More The Rise of Shadow AI: What It Means for Your Organization & How to Respond
- [Hybrid Work](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/hybrid-work/) - Hybrid Work A compilation of resources on keeping hybrid teams safe, productive, and engaged. Expert Guidance on Hybrid Work Your Re-Entry Playbook In many ways, the transition to hybrid work is much more complex than our shift to working from home. If not tackled thoughtfully, it could have a huge impact on productivity, engagement, and revenue.
- [Legal Tech](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/legal-tech/) - Legal Tech Amazon #1 Best Seller The Modern Law Firm Increasingly rapid advances in technology have radically changed everything about the way law firms operate—from attracting and retaining clients, to researching relevant case law, collaborating with colleagues, and filing documents. With competition coming not just from other traditional law firms but also from online legal
- [Cybersecurity](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/cybersecurity/) - Cybersecurity Toolkit Tips and tools to keep your data, your business, and your people secure. Evolution of Cybersecurity On-Demand Webinar While we’d all like to take a set-and-forget approach to cybersecurity, hacking has become its own evolving enterprise. In this 30-minute technology trend session we’ll cover: The latest developments in the cyber threat landscape Examples
- [Tech Trend Reports](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/tech-trend-reports/) - Tech Trend Reports Worried about getting blindsided by technology? We help our clients navigate this ever-changing landscape with ongoing, personalized technology trend briefings. We surveyed our clients and prospects to find out their biggest IT pain points. Know what we found? It was anxiety about “what’s next” when it comes to technology. CXOs were worrying
- [News](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/news/) - The Latest Buzz at Optimal Recent industry publications, podcast appearances, company news, and more. Search Search Optimal Networks Ranked on Channel Partners MSP 501 for 13th Time June 26, 2025 Annual Channel Partners MSP 501 Identifies Best of the Best in the Managed Services Industry Read More Optimal Networks Acquires Elevative Networks, Expanding Reach in
- [Team Scrapbook](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/team-scrapbook/) - Team Scrapbook Jeff and Juan Hit 10 Years! 12 images Spirit Day Weekend 2021 20 images Fall Spirit Day 2019 19 images "Then & Now" Open House 2019 20 images Chris's 10-Year Anniversary! 14 images Summer Spirit Day 2019: Family Picnic 20 images Summer Spirit Day 2019: Kayaking 20 images Eric's 10-Year Anniversary! 20 images
- [CEO Bizjournal](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/ceos-column/) - CEO's BizJournals Column Business guidance from Optimal’s Founder & CEO as published across 44 American City Business Journals. Search Search Grow Law Firm Podcast: De-Risking Your Firm This February Heinan was invited to join Sasha Berson and the Grow Law Firm Podcast. Read More ACBJ: It’s 2022. Should You Switch from PC to Mac? Should
- [Law Firm Tech Maturity](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/law-firm-tech-maturity/) - Law Firm Tech Maturity You learn a lot in 30 years. One thing that has become quite clear to us over three decades is how a law firm looks and feels when it’s operating at the top levels of technology maturity. With this picture in mind, we’ve developed a fourteen-point model to quickly and accurately
- [Assessments & CIO Services](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/assessments-cio-services/) - Assessments & CIO Services Our team of CIO Consultants are technology-agnostic, business-savvy professionals who are exceptionally skilled at aligning IT strategy with business goals. While they are steeped in technology and perfectly capable of getting into the weeds with the most specialized software packages, they also have advanced degrees in management and psychology and use
- [Consulting Firms](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/consulting-firms/) - Providing Consulting Firms Peace of Mind Since 1991. Take the stress and uncertainty out of your technology. Protect Your Firm Client Success Story The team at Evans Consulting, a boutique consulting firm, knew they could be getting an even better return on their IT investment. They took the extra step to make sure their technology
- [Associations](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/associations/) - Providing Associations Peace of Mind Since 1991. Empower your team to engage and grow your membership seamlessly. Talk to an Association Expert Client Success Story When the American Association of Colleges and Universities unexpectedly lost their internal IT resources, they planned to outsource support for a few months while they hired new staff. Here’s why
- [Technology Management](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/technology-management/) - Technology Management Back in 1991 when Optimal was founded, “technology management” meant sending a network engineer to your office to switch out your backup tapes and put eyes on the servers in your LAN room. Today, and especially with the advent of the pandemic, technology management means everything from protecting workstations and mobile devices, to
- [Heinan Landa](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/heinan-landa/) -  Rated 5 out of 5 “I expected to learn something, but the crackerjack surprise inside was how enjoyable it was to read.” Heinan Landa Linkedin Born in Israel, Heinan Landa made the trip to the States at the ripe old age of two. Here his parents built a successful instrumentation company, which they just
- [Leadership](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/about/leadership/) - Optimal Leadership Heinan Landa Founder & CEO Chris Goldberg Director of Tech Services Eric Ford Manager of Project Services Ryan Miller VP of Operations Chris Abel Manager of Consulting Services Plamen Cheshmedjiev Engineering Team Lead Joe Hodge Director of Finance & Admin Andre Coleman Vendor Relations Manager Christopher Doss SupportCenter Team Lead Sean Coleman Director
- [Resources](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/resources/) - Resources Search Search Search Search Newest Blogs: Other Resources: CEO Bizjournal’s Column Tech Trends Reports Cyber Security Hybrid Work Webinars Sign Up For Our Newsletter Our latest articles, webinars, infographics, and podcast episodes delivered to your inbox. [hubspot type=form portal=466549 id=18e908f9-8f1d-4c98-a2df-0304c422153a]
- [Solutions](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/solutions/) - Our Solutions Cut the Stress Too often we see technology giving organizations a searing headache. Between nagging issues that drag down your productivity, to the looming threat of a disastrous cyberattack, to the dizzying pace of tech advancement, it’s easy to associate “IT” with a lot of scary and annoying problems. It doesn’t have to
- [Law Firms](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/law-firms/) - Providing Law Firms Peace of Mind Since 1991. Transform your technology from a liability to a competitive advantage. Protect Your Firm Client Success Story The quick shift to remote work in 2020 left many firms struggling to keep their operations running, their clients happy, and their revenue on track. For the team at FIDJ, the
- [Contact](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/contact/) - Contact Our Location 15201 Diamondback Drive, Suite 220, Rockville, Maryland 20850 Quick Contact Email Here For Questions: info@optimalnetworks.com Client Support: support@optimalnetworks.com Call Here For Questions: 240.499.7900 Client Support: 240.499.7950 Let Us Know How We Can Help You
- [About](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/about/) - About Optimal Networks Optimal is a DC-area IT services company that helps law firms, associations, and consulting firms thrive by way of thoughtful technology guidance and friendly, efficient support. For three decades clients have turned to us when they are wasting time overseeing their IT team, are worried about data security, are concerned they can’t
- [IT Services](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/it-services/) - // our services We Offer a Wide Variety of IT Services Free Quote Web Development We carry more than just good coding skills. Our experience makes us stand out from other web development. QA & Testing Turn to our experts to perform comprehensive, multi-stage testing and auditing of your software. Mobile Development Create complex enterprise
- [Blog](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/blog/)

## My Templates

- [Global Single Post](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/?elementor_library=global-single-post) - At Optimal Networks, we’ve worked alongside law firms, associations, and consulting firms long enough to recognize when a shift in cybersecurity strategy is more than incremental. The growing adoption of zero-trust security reflects one of those moments. Organizations are facing a new reality: AI is accelerating both cyber threats and cybersecurity capabilities. That tension is
- [Footer](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/?elementor_library=elementor-footer-16003) - Content area
- [Elementor Archive #1872](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/?elementor_library=elementor-archive-1872) - Optimal Insights Plain-English answers to your questions about technology best practices. Blog Featured Publications Optimal News Blog Featured Publications Optimal News Why Zero-Trust Security Is Gaining Momentum in the Age of AI At Optimal Networks, we’ve worked alongside law firms, associations, and consulting firms long enough to recognize when a shift in cybersecurity strategy is
- [Default Kit](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/?elementor_library=default-kit)
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- [Elementor Header #16006](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/?elementor_library=elementor-header-16006) - Content area
- [Search Result Page](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/?elementor_library=search-result-page) - Search Search Why Zero-Trust Security Is Gaining Momentum in the Age of AI April 23, 2026 At Optimal Networks, we’ve worked alongside law firms, associations, and consulting firms long enough to recognize when a shift in cybersecurity strategy is more than Read More » The Rise of Shadow AI: What It Means for Your Organization
- [Chris Goldberg – Member popup](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/?elementor_library=chris-goldberg-member-popup) - Content area
- [Jennifer Fisher – Member popup](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/?elementor_library=jennifer-fisher-member-popup) - Content area
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- [Heinan Landa - Member popup](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/?elementor_library=elementor-popup-299) - Content area
- [Vacancies Default loop](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/?elementor_library=vacancies-default-loop) - optimalnetwork February 4, 2022 12:53 pm
- [Member popup old](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/?elementor_library=member-popup) - Content area
- [Default Kit](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/?elementor_library=default-kit-3)
- [Default Kit](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/?elementor_library=default-kit-2-2)
- [Default Kit](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/?elementor_library=default-kit-2)

## Portfolios

- [App for Virtual Reality](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/portfolio/app-for-virtual-reality/) - Published: October 12, 2019 Category: Design / Ideas Client: Oceanthemes How it Works M obile apps have already penetrated every sphere of our lives and every imaginable business niche. Naturally, the appeal of mobile apps for its market potential cannot fade away anytime soon, at least until another great technology can replace mobile apps. development
- [Mobile Coin View App](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/portfolio/mobile-coin-view-app/) - How It Works Mobile apps have already penetrated every sphere of our lives and every imaginable business niche. Naturally, the appeal of mobile apps for its market potential cannot fade away anytime soon, at least until another great technology can replace mobile apps. development company and its business clients. . So, what about the failure
- [Analysis of Security](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/portfolio/analysis-of-security/) - Published: March 11, 2018 Category: Ideas / Technology Client: Oceanthemes How it Works M obile apps have already penetrated every sphere of our lives and every imaginable business niche. Naturally, the appeal of mobile apps for its market potential cannot fade away anytime soon, at least until another great technology can replace mobile apps. development
- [eCommerce Website](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/portfolio/ecommerce-website/) - Published: April 20, 2019 Category: Design / Ideas Client: Oceanthemes How it Works M obile apps have already penetrated every sphere of our lives and every imaginable business niche. Naturally, the appeal of mobile apps for its market potential cannot fade away anytime soon, at least until another great technology can replace mobile apps. development
- [Responsive Design](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/portfolio/responsive-design/) - How It Works Mobile apps have already penetrated every sphere of our lives and every imaginable business niche. Naturally, the appeal of mobile apps for its market potential cannot fade away anytime soon, at least until another great technology can replace mobile apps. development company and its business clients. . So, what about the failure
- [App for Health](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/portfolio/app-for-health/) - Published: September 18, 2019 Category: Development Client: Oceanthemes How it Works M obile apps have already penetrated every sphere of our lives and every imaginable business niche. Naturally, the appeal of mobile apps for its market potential cannot fade away anytime soon, at least until another great technology can replace mobile apps. development company and
- [Basics Project](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/portfolio/basics-project/) - How It Works Mobile apps have already penetrated every sphere of our lives and every imaginable business niche. Naturally, the appeal of mobile apps for its market potential cannot fade away anytime soon, at least until another great technology can replace mobile apps. development company and its business clients. . So, what about the failure
- [Social Media App](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/portfolio/social-media-app/) - Published: February 05, 2020 Category: Design / Technology Client: Oceanthemes How it Works M obile apps have already penetrated every sphere of our lives and every imaginable business niche. Naturally, the appeal of mobile apps for its market potential cannot fade away anytime soon, at least until another great technology can replace mobile apps. development
- [Your New Reality](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/portfolio/your-new-reality/) - How It Works Mobile apps have already penetrated every sphere of our lives and every imaginable business niche. Naturally, the appeal of mobile apps for its market potential cannot fade away anytime soon, at least until another great technology can replace mobile apps. development company and its business clients. . So, what about the failure
- [Immersive Experience](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/portfolio/immersive-experience/) - How It Works Mobile apps have already penetrated every sphere of our lives and every imaginable business niche. Naturally, the appeal of mobile apps for its market potential cannot fade away anytime soon, at least until another great technology can replace mobile apps development company and its business clients. So, what about the failure of
- [Corporate Website](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/portfolio/corporate-website/) - How It Works Mobile apps have already penetrated every sphere of our lives and every imaginable business niche. Naturally, the appeal of mobile apps for its market potential cannot fade away anytime soon, at least until another great technology can replace mobile apps. development company and its business clients. . So, what about the failure
- [Crypto App Project](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/portfolio/crypto-app-project/) - How It Works Mobile apps have already penetrated every sphere of our lives and every imaginable business niche. Naturally, the appeal of mobile apps for its market potential cannot fade away anytime soon, at least until another great technology can replace mobile apps. development company and its business clients. . So, what about the failure

## Header Builder

- [Header Mobile](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/ot_header_builders/header-mobile/) - Services Technology Management (MSP) CIO Services (IT Consulting) AI Implementation & Consulting Technology Assessments Industries Law Firm IT Association IT Consulting IT Company About Us Team Testimonials Careers Resources IT Maturity Scoring Tool Insights Webinars

## Categories

- [Uncategorized](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/category/uncategorized/)
- [CEO's Column](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/category/featured-publications/ceos-column/)
- [Blog](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/category/blog/)
- [Optimal News](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/category/optimal-news/)
- [Featured Publications](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/category/featured-publications/)
- [Law Firms](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/category/featured-publications/law-firms/)
- [2007-10](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/category/2007-10/)
- [2011](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/category/2011/)
- [2012](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/category/2012/)
- [2013](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/category/2013/)
- [2014](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/category/2014/)
- [SMBs](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/category/featured-publications/smbs/)
- [Technology](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/category/technology/)

## Tags

- [cybersecurity,trends](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/tag/cybersecuritytrends/)
- [law firms](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/tag/law-firms/)
- [remote work](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/tag/remote-work/)
- [engagement,remote work,collaboration](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/tag/engagementremote-workcollaboration/)
- [SMBs](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/tag/smbs/)
- [associations](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/tag/associations/)
- [business,computing,consulting,service,productivity](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/tag/businesscomputingconsultingserviceproductivity/)
- [cloud](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/tag/cloud/)
- [review,surface tablet,Windows](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/tag/reviewsurface-tabletwindows/)
- [business,byod,computing,voip](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/tag/businessbyodcomputingvoip/)
- [engagement](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/tag/engagement/)
- [mobility](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/tag/mobility/)
- [collaboration](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/tag/collaboration/)
- [productivity](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/tag/productivity/)
- [outsourcing](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/tag/outsourcing/)
- [selection](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/tag/selection/)
- [service](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/tag/service/)
- [cybersecurity](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/tag/cybersecurity/)
- [scams](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/tag/scams/)
- [email](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/tag/email/)
- [tips](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/tag/tips/)
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- [Windows](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/tag/windows/)
- [malware](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/tag/malware/)
- [phishing](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/tag/phishing/)
- [protection](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/tag/protection/)
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- [trends](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/tag/trends/)
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- [hipaa](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/tag/hipaa/)
- [move](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/tag/move/)
- [office move](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/tag/office-move/)
- [cost](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/tag/cost/)
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- [law firm](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/tag/law-firm/)
- [legal](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/tag/legal/)
- [security](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/tag/security/)
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- [computing](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/tag/computing/)
- [Information technology](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/tag/information-technology/)
- [IT](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/tag/it/)
- [reommendations](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/tag/reommendations/)
- [strategic consulting](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/tag/strategic-consulting/)
- [Washington Business Journal](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/tag/washington-business-journal/)
- [data harvesting](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/tag/data-harvesting/)
- [policy](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/tag/policy/)
- [predictions](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/tag/predictions/)
- [budget](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/tag/budget/)
- [planning](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/tag/planning/)
- [strategy](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/tag/strategy/)
- [backup](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/tag/backup/)
- [disaster recovery](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/tag/disaster-recovery/)
- [disaster](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/tag/disaster/)
- [DR](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/tag/dr/)
- [office 365](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/tag/office-365/)
- [review](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/tag/review/)
- [recovery](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/tag/recovery/)
- [pricing](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/tag/pricing/)
- [laptops](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/tag/laptops/)
- [nonprofits](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/tag/nonprofits/)
- [blockchain](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/tag/blockchain/)
- [data](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/tag/data/)
- [file management](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/tag/file-management/)
- [workspaces](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/tag/workspaces/)
- [technology](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/tag/technology/)
- [mistakes](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/tag/mistakes/)
- [control](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/tag/control/)
- [customer service](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/tag/customer-service/)
- [innovations](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/tag/innovations/)
- [insurance](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/tag/insurance/)
- [risk mitigation](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/tag/risk-mitigation/)
- [artificial intelligence](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/tag/artificial-intelligence/)
- [budgeting](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/tag/budgeting/)
- [hybrid work](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/tag/hybrid-work/)
- [ai](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/tag/ai/)
- [helpdesk](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/tag/helpdesk/)
- [support](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/tag/support/)
- [shadow IT](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/tag/shadow-it/)
- [employee onboarding](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/tag/employee-onboarding/)

## Categories

- [Design](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/portfolio-category/design/)
- [Development](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/portfolio-category/development/)
- [Ideas](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/portfolio-category/ideas/)
- [Technology](https://www.optimalnetworks.com/portfolio-category/technology/)