Directive Blogs

Is your business technology a source of uncertainty and frustration? Are you constantly reacting to IT problems when you would prefer to proactively leverage technology to drive your business’ growth? This struggle is often the result of the Executive IT Gap, a phenomenon that traps businesses in an endless cycle of reactive, costly, and inefficient technology decisions that slow down growth.

Small and medium-sized businesses are continuously grappling with the complexities of their supply chain. If you're trying to compete with industry giants, the right technology is more accessible and affordable than ever. This month, we will go into some of the ways you can make your supply chain more efficient.

Your IT budget can cause you a lot of stress, but if you approach it right, it doesn’t have to. Like every other part of your business, you want to have a good idea where to invest your technology budget. Not that many people do. We recommend you build out an IT roadmap, and a strategy on how to keep downtime to a minimum; and a lot of that is getting experts to manage and maintain your business’ IT.

Regardless of how big or small your business is, chances are you have at least one server unit that holds sensitive data. Ask yourself this question: do you have the knowledge and expertise to properly care for and maintain that server unit? The best way to ensure your business takes care of its server technology is to work with a managed service provider. Here's why:

Your small business works with vendors to ensure it has access to all of the tools and services it needs to function, but managing them all can be tedious and tiresome. If you’re not careful with how you manage your vendors, it can become a job in and of itself—and you don’t have time for that. Vendor management doesn’t have to be hard, though, and with Directive, it can be a breeze.

Proactive IT is something we harp on a lot, and that’s because it works… especially compared to the alternatives. However, what does proactive IT mean, and how can you get the most out of your business technology?

Perhaps more importantly, how can you make sure your technology doesn’t become a liability rather than an asset?

Real talk: does running your business feel less like you’re crushing it and more like you’re the unpaid, stressed-out IT guy? One second you're closing deals, the next your whole system crashes and you're stuck on a support forum trying to figure out what a "DNS propagation error" is. I can easily say, that’s not the vibe you’re looking for.

You see it everywhere, again and again: how much return an investment into proper business technology will bring, with little to no context behind these claims. We want to fix that.

Let’s examine why so much information about modern IT options can be less than helpful, and see if we can’t clarify what it means. Simplifying tech for the businesses we work with is one of our primary goals, after all.

Throughout the workday, you’re likely juggling a multitude of responsibilities, from strategic planning to ensuring smooth day-to-day operations. Let’s face facts here: technology underpins nearly every aspect of your business… but what happens when that technology falters? 

Reactive fixes can be costly, disruptive, and ultimately hinder your growth. This is where the power of proactive business technology support truly shines.

Data storage is hardly the most interesting topic out there, but it’s one that your business needs to consider if it’s going to flourish in the modern era. The cloud offers you real benefits from traditional on-premises file storage, all while being cheaper and more efficient. Let’s take a look at three reasons you might consider cloud storage over in-house infrastructure for your company’s data storage needs.

It is great to have pride and confidence in your business, especially in the team you’ve assembled… including your in-house technical support team. That said, even the most capable IT team may not fully meet a business’ needs.

Let’s explore why this is and what can be done to correct any deficits your team may encounter.  

Data storage can be difficult for SMBs to manage, but the cloud can make it significantly easier (and cheaper). There are real, tangible benefits of using the cloud for your data storage needs. Today, we’ll look at three major reasons why your organization should have cloud storage on its list of tech infrastructure priorities in the coming months.

Running a business today without technology is pretty much impossible. Whether it’s email or messaging for communication or point-of-sale software for stores, every business depends on tech. Where there’s tech, there has to be someone to manage it.

Who makes the tech decisions for your business? If it’s you, are you sure you know enough to make the best choices for your company’s tech future? If you’re not sure, don’t stress—we’re here to help with a service called a Virtual CIO.

There is a concept known as the iron triangle that provides a simple framework for project management by outlining the balance between your costs, your available time, and the desired quality of your outcome.

Traditionally, the iron triangle helps illustrate how these factors impact each other. Instead, we wanted to take advantage of the principles of the triangle to explore how beneficial it can be to outsource IT services.

Reaching out for support involves admitting that there is a problem in the first place—a sore spot for some individuals. It can also be time-consuming, which is more of an issue for busy individuals. However, with the right approach, you can make asking for help during the IT support process much easier.

"I don’t need to worry about cybersecurity… my business is too small for hackers to target."

This is one of the most dangerous misconceptions a small business can have. If you believe this, you may not fully understand how modern cyberattacks work. Let’s break down why this mindset can leave your business vulnerable.

“I don’t need to worry about cyberattacks… my business is too small to be of any interest.”

This brief rationalization is one of the most dangerous fallacies a modern business can make concerning cybersecurity, and shows a fundamental misunderstanding of how modern cyberthreats operate. If this has been your mindset, we urge you to read on so we can help set you on a more realistic path.

Your business needs IT expertise, regardless of how much it is integrated into your operations. You need someone on staff who not only understands your technology, but someone who can help you make the most of it to get the leg up on competition. Today, we want to explore how you can hire the right IT professionals for your organization’s specific needs, including both hard and soft skills.

The business landscape is ever-evolving, and in today’s tech-driven world, having the right IT consultant by your side is not just an advantage—it's a necessity. Whether you’re a small mom-and-pop shop, a non-profit organization, or a larger business in Oneonta, New York, the expertise of a skilled IT professional can be the cornerstone of your operational success. From computer support to comprehensive IT solutions, the right technology partner can transform the way you do business.

In this guide, we’ll navigate the path to finding the best IT consultant in central New York that aligns with your organization’s needs, ensuring compliance and technological efficiency.