5 Reasons Small Businesses Are Outsourcing IT

Small business owners are busy with the day-to-day operations of running a business. This often means that technology support becomes an afterthought.

In-house IT might be on the plate of one employee, or maybe it’s something that’s briefly touched on when there’s time to spare. IT outsourcing is changing that reality for many businesses. 

Outsourcing has become the new standard. With persistent cybersecurity threats and evolving technological needs, outsourcing means less downtime, fewer breaches, and greater productivity. 

Here are five reasons why small businesses are outsourcing their technology needs: 

1.        The cost is more predictable than in-house IT.  

Emergency repairs, unexpected hardware failures, and unplanned downtime all come with unpredictable costs. IT outsourcing usually follows a flat or flexible monthly plan agreed upon at the time of signing. 

No surprises and no scrambling for your technology budget. 

2.        You’ll have a full IT team, not just one person.  

One in-house individual can only handle so much, and their scope may be limited. 

Outsourced IT gives access to a wide range of specialists: network engineers, security analysts, and help desk technicians, all available without the cost of keeping them on the payroll full-time.  

3.        Problems get caught before they become crises.  

Skipped patches, old hardware, and security gaps left unmonitored can build up and cause costly downtime, security risks, and performance issues. Proactive managed support tracks systems continuously and addresses issues early. 

4.        Cybersecurity gets the attention it needs.  

For small businesses managing their IT, security often falls to the side. Outsourced providers keep security tools updated, monitor for threats, strengthen your defenses, and respond quickly when issues arise. 

5.        Growth becomes easier to manage.  

Hiring new staff, moving to a new location, or upgrading infrastructure goes more smoothly when a knowledgeable team knows your setup. 

Learn more in our latest article.

The Bigger Picture  

Outsourcing allows small businesses to proactively manage technology needs with an experienced team, with predictable costs that fit your budget. 

Ready to see what it looks like in practice? 

NSG has provided IT outsourcing in Ann Arbor and the surrounding Southeast Michigan area for 25 years. Call 877-815-6974 or visit the contact page to get started.

Back-to-School IT Refresh Tips for Ann Arbor Small Businesses

As summer winds down and students head back to classrooms across Southeast Michigan, small business owners are preparing for the fall rush. New devices, updated software, and increased online activity bring new opportunities; however, they also bring a noticeable increase in cybersecurity risk.

Why Fall Brings More Risk

Cybercriminals follow a predictable calendar. 

Phishing emails often pose as school administration or seasonal sales. Unsecured business networks create entry points for personal and family devices. After the summer slowdown, many systems are running on outdated software unnoticed. 

Limited in-house technology support can lead to prolonged downtime, lost data, or reputation damage. Having an on-call IT Support Specialist in Ann Arbor can help prevent further system damage and prevent issues before they occur. 

The 7-Point IT Refresh

1. Update everything ASAP! 

Computers, phones, tablets, routers, and firewalls all need the latest patches. Enabling automatic updates allows you to go about your day while your devices work hard in the background. 

2. Strengthen passwords and sign-in methods.

Now is the time to strengthen passwords and enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) on your email, banking, cloud tools, etc. Ensure that all access has been removed from former and seasonal workers. 

3. Secure new and returning devices.

Connect trusted devices to your business network, and keep personal and business use separate where possible. Ensure that connected devices are current and secure. 

4. Refresh email security.

Spam and phishing filters should be up to date and working hard this time of year. Advanced scanning and secure webmail access are critical when schedules are busy, and business is flowing. 

5. Review the backup strategy.

Follow the 3-2-1 rule. 

Have 3 copies, 2 media types, 1 offsite. Test the restore, not just the backup. A backup that doesn’t undergo routine testing might fail when the time comes to use it. 

6. Train your team and make an ongoing effort.

Security awareness and phishing emails are more than onboarding topics. Quick routine check-ins regarding phishing red flags and password hygiene can prevent most clicks that allow cybercriminals into your data and devices. 

7. Schedule a professional IT assessment.

A short review of network health, security posture, and hardware often catches what daily use misses. Our IT Support Specialists in Ann Arbor serve Southeast Michigan businesses, both in-person and remotely. Learn more in our latest article. 

Don't Overlook Cybersecurity This Fall! 

Ready to work through your IT refresh? 

Whether you need a full assessment or it's simply time to upgrade your devices before the fall rush, our IT Support Specialist in Ann Arbor can help you cover everything your business requires.

 Call 877-815-6974 or visit the contact page to get started.

IT Support Without a One-Size-Fits-All Model

Many business owners assume that working with an IT provider requires signing a long-term contract for services they may not fully use.  

However, there are fully customizable options available, with flexible support options.

 

For organizations seeking an IT Support Specialist in Ann Arbor, flexibility is often as important as expertise. The right support model enables businesses to get the help they need today while keeping options open for the future.  

 

Starting Where You Are  

 

Every business has different technology needs, and support can be structured in different ways:

• On-demand break-fix assistance 
• Proactive monitoring and maintenance 
• A hybrid approach combining both 

The key is not locking into a rigid model, but adjusting support based on how the business actually uses technology.

Some organizations have a stable setup that requires occasional support when problems occur, while others rely heavily on technology and require proactive monitoring, maintenance, and planning.  

 

The right solution depends on factors like:

• Team size
• Growth plans
• Technology usage
• Internal resources

Support should reflect these realities rather than push businesses into a set package.  

 

One Team That Understands the Full Picture  

 

Access to a local IT Support Specialist in Ann Arbor who fully understands your setup takes IT support to the next level. 

 

Rather than coordinating between different vendors for networking, email, website hosting, web design, programming, and computer support, businesses can work with one team that understands how their systems interact, leading to quick reaction times and better recommendations.  

 
Support That Evolves with Your Business  

 

Technology needs evolve, and what your company requires right now may be different a year from now. The ability to adjust support as needs change helps businesses maintain a reliable technology environment without unnecessary complexity. 

 

Learn more about creating a technology partnership that grows alongside your business in our latest article. 

Choosing a Local Provider 

 

We’ve served businesses throughout Southeast Michigan with computer support, email, networking, website hosting, web services, and technology planning since 2001. 

Our IT Support Specialists in Ann Arbor can help identify an approach that fits your current needs. 

Call 877-815-6974 or submit a contact form to start the conversation.

The Benefits of Working with One Technology Partner

Many businesses take the approach of having multiple vendors for the different areas of their technology setup. This may work for some time – until issues start to pile on.  

A computer issue goes to one vendor, email issues to another. Soon, valuable time is wasted coordinating between vendors instead of fixing the issue.  

 

For many businesses seeking an IT Support Specialist in Ann Arbor, the challenge isn’t finding support; it’s locating support that collaborates well. 

 

The Hidden Cost of Vendor Handoffs  

 

Most business technology is interconnected. 

 

When different providers manage various parts of the environment, troubleshooting often focuses on figuring out responsibility instead of finding a solution. Each handoff causes delays, repeated information, increased response times, and disruptions. 

 
One Point of Contact, Better Results  

 

Working with a single technology partner streamlines communication. 

 

Instead of juggling separate providers for computers, email, networking, website hosting, and support, businesses have one team that understands how everything works together.  

 

This consistency leads to:  

• Faster troubleshooting  
• Fewer gaps in communication  
• Better long-term planning  
• Improved understanding of business needs  
• Less downtime when problems arise  

This achieves convenience and a reliable technology environment.  

 

Flexibility Without Complexity  

 

Choosing one technology partner doesn’t mean committing to a one-size-fits-all service model. Smaller organizations may benefit from hourly support, while others prefer proactive monitoring and maintenance. Many find that a mix of both works best.  

 

The right approach depends on how technology supports daily operations, not on a set service package. Having one trusted partner makes it simpler to adjust services over time without bringing in new vendors or starting relationships from the ground up.  

 

Local Support Matters  

 

There is value in working with a team that understands the local business community. When on-site help is needed, proximity matters. With local IT Support Specialists in Ann Arbor, we reliably serve the Southeast Michigan area. 

 

Over time, familiarity with systems, workflows, and business goals leads to better support and more informed recommendations.  

 

Learn more about building a technology partnership that fits your business in our latest article.   

 

The Local Difference 

 

We’ve served businesses throughout Southeast Michigan with computer support, email, networking, website hosting, web services, and technology planning since 2001. 

Our IT Support Specialists in Ann Arbor can help identify an approach that fits your current needs. 

Call 877-815-6974 or submit a contact form to start the conversation.

Older Systems Won’t Be Compatible with Windows 11: Here’s What You Need to Know

Has your office tech been around 5 years or longer?

If so, it may be in your best interest to replace it before October 2025. 

Microsoft has announced that by October 2025, Windows 10 will come to an end. Users must update before then, or be charged with a hefty subscription fee. While this upgrade is free, it’s not compatible with many older devices. Here’s what you need to know: 

Older Systems Will Not Be Compatible with Windows 11 

Older systems will not be eligible to upgrade to Windows 11. The recommended lifespan for a computer is 5 years, so if your device is that age or older then it’s time to start looking into a replacement anyway. 

If you have several devices running on Windows 10 then it’s time to start coming up with a plan for upgrading or replacing. 

A good way to start this process is to perform a system inventory that includes the age of each device, as well as the specifications like CPU, RAM, model number, etc. This will help you determine which devices are compatible with Windows 11 and how many will need to be replaced in the near future. 

How We Can Help! 

If you would like assistance with this, we have IT support specialists in Ann Arbor who are available to help you upgrade your compatible systems to Windows 11. 

We sell laptops and computers, so we can also help with the process of performing a system inventory and help you replace any devices that are due to be upgraded. 

Read our latest article here to learn more! 

Our IT Support Specialists in Ann Arbor Can Help You Replace Your Old Systems 

Don’t put off replacing your older systems for too long or else you could wind up dealing with some messy technical difficulties come next fall. 

If you have any questions, or need help finding new systems that are compatible with Windows 11, our IT support specialists in Ann Arbor are only a phone call away! 

What You Should Know About Microsoft’s Subscription-Based Support for Windows 10

Still using Windows 10? 

According to statistics, so are 69% of all Windows users.

Microsoft announced that by October 2025 support will be coming to an end for Windows 10. They are encouraging users to upgrade to Windows 11. 

Unfortunately, many older devices are not compatible with this new upgrade, so a good chunk of users have chosen to continue using Windows 10. In order to help smoothen the transition, Microsoft has created a subscription-based support plan. 

Here’s what you need to know about it: 

Microsoft Will Offer Subscription Based Support Beyond the October 2025 Deadline  

For those who need more time, Microsoft has announced that they will be offering subscription-based support for Windows 10 users beyond their October 2025 deadline. 

Pricing will start off fairly inexpensive at a rate of $61 per device for the first year. Unfortunately, the price will double every year after and support will end altogether after 3 years. 

Users will also not have the option to jump into this plan on the second or third year, if they do the pricing will be cumulative. 

Read our latest article here to learn more!

IT Support Specialists in Ann Arbor Are Here to Help You Create a Plan!

You have 15 months to prepare for the end of Windows 10! If you need help creating a plan of action for the tech at your business, we’re here to help.  

If you have any questions, or need help finding new systems that are compatible with Windows 11, our IT support specialists in Ann Arbor are only a phone call away! 

Rank Higher on Google by Custom-Building a Website with Network Services Group

The beauty of WordPress lies in the power to easily change the look of your site by installing themes and plug-ins. This also is the most frightening thing about WordPress. Popular themes and plug-ins are at risk should hackers ever discover any an unexpected vulnerabilities. 

This along with several other factors are why custom-built sites are a smarter option. Learn more about the great benefits of a custom-built website from our Webmaster, Autumn Mahoney, and Web Developer Dan Holland:

Search Engine Friendly

Custom-built websites typically rank higher in search results than WordPress sites. This can result in better leads and more traction to your site. 

Google constantly changes how it evaluates websites for search engine placement. Even if a website was well-built in the past, it doesn’t mean it will remain in good standing as new standards are imposed. 

Our sister company Michigan SEO Group consistently monitors how users find your site and tweaks keyword usage for superior optimization. This paired with our updates, ensures your site ranks higher in search results. 

Faster Service

Our tech support’s consistent monitoring of your site results in faster loading times and better compatibility with mobile devices, modern browsers, and software. Websites are most effective when treated as a living system that needs ongoing care and attention. We see plenty of folks who hire someone to build a site, that then sits untouched until it’s broken, slow, and outdated by modern standards just a few years later.

We constantly follow technical advances with the experience to know when to take advantage of new possibilities and security advances – all while being discerning enough to know what works without chasing trends. 

Enjoy Customized IT Solutions Near Ann Arbor with Network Services Group

We’re eager to build custom solutions to help our partner companies take advantage of web-based technology, while providing security, SEO, speed and convenience. 

We would love to talk with you about ways we could do the same for you! If you are seeking IT solutions near Ann Arbor, submit a contact form today to get started.

Superior IT Solutions for Your Custom-Built Website

Is your website secure, regularly updated, and equipped to handle potential cyber threats?

WordPress dominates the website world. Today, over 800 million websites use WordPress. Because it’s so widely used, if hackers discover a flaw in the WordPress core, 800 million websites are at risk.

This along with several other factors are why custom-built sites are a smarter option. Learn more about the great benefits of a custom-built website from our Webmaster, Autumn Mahoney, and Web Developer Dan Holland:

Tighter Security 

Our custom-built Content Management System (CMS) is developed by a very small team of professional developers who are in constant communication with very tight standards. Because our CMS is customized in-house, we build solutions for our clients no one else is using (or will know how to use) which drastically cuts down the threat of hackers. Should you ever experience a website hack, know that you will be supported and won’t be left to figure it out alone with little to no help from WordPress. 

We go to great lengths to make sure websites and their data are backed up in multiple distributed locations. Every time an Amazon outage makes the news for taking out a large swatch of the web, our sites stay running.

Expert Tech Support

NSG is in a sweet spot to be uniquely responsive to the needs of our small and medium-sized clients. You’ll find cheap commodity hosting, but then you may become a commodity customer – dealing with automated systems, self-serve interfaces, and little help when issues arise.

With the tech support from us, you benefit from a team that works with you as a technology partner without having to hire your own programming department. WordPress only takes your website so far, and leaves little room for capability, flexibility, and personalization. Our programmers will hear out your vision for your site, and help you grow it along the way as your business expands. 

Enjoy Customized IT Solutions Near Ann Arbor with Network Services Group

We’re eager to build custom solutions to help our partner companies take advantage of web-based technology, while providing security, SEO, speed and convenience. 

We would love to talk with you about ways we could do the same for you! If you are seeking IT solutions near Ann Arbor, submit a contact form today to get started.

Ditch the Long Contract Lock-In

Looking for a provider that doesn’t lock you into a multi-year contract?

A lot of MSP's that we've encountered don't even want to talk to you unless you sign up for their full managed services plan, and even then, they want to lock you into multi-year contracts with built in price hikes each year. Yikes! 

At NSG, we work hard to provide great service and support with the goal of making our customers happy. We don't see the need to lock people into long term contracts. If you like what we do, then you'll stick with us. It seems that too many MSP's are interested in making their accountants happy as opposed to their customers.

Read more about MSP’s here.

Trust Your Managed Services to an Ann Arbor IT Support Specialist 

If you’re looking for an all-in-one MSP that cares about your business, look no further than Network Services Group. We’re an IT Support Specialist in Ann Arbor with twenty-two years of experience in the industry. Call (877) 815-6974 or submit a contact form here for all of your IT needs.

Managed Services from NSG

Does your business need a managed service provider?

NSG offers a wide range of services, including managed services. Under a managed service agreement, there is a fixed price that includes monitoring, maintenance, and support services. This is great for companies who want to know what they will be spending each month on IT support. 

We also provide some of these services separately, such as monitoring and maintenance plans, and then bill for any additional support services as they are utilized. 

The important thing is to have some kind of monitoring and maintenance plan in place to keep your systems up and running and secure, as well as having access to quality and experience support when you need it.

Read more about MSP’s here.

Managed Services from an Ann Arbor IT Support Specialist

If you’re looking for an all-in-one MSP that cares about your business, look no further than Network Services Group. We’re an IT Support Specialist in Ann Arbor with twenty-two years of experience in the industry. Call (877) 815-6974 or submit a contact form here for all of your IT needs.

Types of Software Maintenance

 Did you know software maintenance is part of the software development life cycle?

Maintaining and updating are integral to keeping things functional. Updates help optimize system performance by reducing errors. There’s more than one type of software maintenance, which includes:

1. Adaptive: Some changes are made to the system to ensure its compatible with evolution.

2. Perfective: Checks on the fine-tuning of all elements of a system, the functionality, and capabilities to improve system performance.

3. Corrective: Detection of errors and mistakes in the existing solution and their correction to ensure the effective operation of your system.

4. Preventative: Helps to prevent potential system vulnerabilities. 

To read more about the importance of staying updated, click here! 

Maintain Your Systems with IT Support in Ann Arbor

Don’t fall behind on system updates. If your computer is falling short because of late maintenance, you should schedule an appointment with IT Support in Ann Arbor. 

Contact us or call 877.815.6974 to get your systems up to date.

Why You Should Stay Updated

 When was the last time you updated your website? 

Do you post content on your website? Feel like it’s going unseen? 

Regularly updating your website ensures you’re getting content that’s compatible with the current technology.

Why you need to stay updated: 

● Keeps things running smooth

● Improves data security 

● Improved performance

● Get new features 

● Ensures compatibility amongst platforms 

● SEO (Search Engine Optimization) - if your site falls behind the times it could also drop off in the search rankings!

To read more about the importance of staying updated, click here! 

Stay Up to Date When Working with IT Support in Ann Arbor 

Updates are important for maintaining a healthy online presence. Keeping your website updated will keep your content from getting lost on Google.

Working with professional IT support in Ann Arbor will keep you up-to-date and error-free. Contact us for a website assessment today! 

Are You Tired of Having Unreliable IT Support?

Are you a local business in Ann Arbor? 

Is your IT giving you trouble?

 

Do you keep leaving messages for an IT expert who doesn’t show up?

It’s not just you. It’s hard to find reliable IT support in Ann Arbor, Brighton, Wixom, and all the surrounding areas. When technology issues have brought business to a grinding halt and your IT support is unreliable, what is it costing you? 

• Lost productivity
• Potential for data breach or loss
• Lost revenue
• Potential damage to client relationships and reputation

That’s a lot of damage because someone didn’t care enough to show up. We think that’s unacceptable.

 

Dependable IT Support in Ann Arbor

You don’t need to be an IT expert or have an IT department on staff. With one phone call, you can have the experts at NSG on your team. So, you can worry about your business, and let us worry about your IT support in Ann Arbor.

Contact Us or give us a call at (877) 815-6974 to schedule a consultation.

We’ve served businesses in Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti, Howell, Brighton, Hartland, Pinckney, Novi, Farmington, Wixom, Adrian, Detroit, Troy, and surrounding areas for over 15 years.

Your Best Bet for Local IT Support in Ann Arbor

Are you a local business in Ann Arbor? 

Would you like to focus more on what you do, and less on your technology?

 

Do you need reliable IT support?

 

Technology and business requirements have changed over the course of the years, and as a company that provides IT Support services we strive to keep up with the times.

 

One thing that we are seeing more and more of is insurance companies providing our customers with cyber security questionnaires, asking them to answer questions about their firewalls, end point protection, network monitoring, multi factor authentication, backups, and numerous other topics.

 

The writing is on the wall – insurance companies are getting tired of paying out for cyber security attacks that could have been prevented and will either deny coverage or base your rates on your cyber security preparedness.

 

As an IT support company, we like to see that our customers are well protected, their systems are backed up and kept up to date with security patches, and their network and systems are proactively monitored.  In addition to this, many of our customers have additional requirements being imposed by their customers, partners, and vendors, such as data encryption, user training, and data retention policies.

 

Dependable IT Support in Ann Arbor

You don’t need to be an IT expert or have an IT department on staff. With one phone call, you can have the experts at NSG on your team. So, you can worry about your business, and let us worry about your IT support in Ann Arbor.

Contact Us or give us a call at (877) 815-6974 to schedule a consultation.

We’ve served businesses in Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti, Howell, Brighton, Hartland, Pinckney, Novi, Farmington, Wixom, Adrian, Detroit, Troy, and surrounding areas for over 15 years.