Waypoint Technology Solutions Blog

Many market analysts and industry experts foresee an increase in the cost of hardware. We recommend that you take matters into your own hands to dodge the price hike and purchase your new IT now before it costs you more to do so. The implementation of any proposed tariffs could impact the market as early as February 2025, so we wanted to discuss what you should consider when purchasing new hardware today.

If you want more productivity from the workday, then multiple monitors can help you achieve this goal. You might run into the issue of “ghost monitors,” though, where your PC believes you are connected to screens when you’re not. If you experience this issue and your application windows are off-screen and unobtainable, you’ll find this week’s tip helpful.

With the price of hardware at risk of skyrocketing, it’s no wonder that many businesses are looking to virtualize as much of their operations as they can. This is where the cloud comes in; you can virtualize just about any solution, including some that you might not have considered in the past. Let’s explore how an SMB might use virtualization and cloud computing to skirt hardware acquisition costs.

Do you ever feel at home in your business’ server room? That is, assuming you have a server room, and it’s more than just a stuffy closet in an isolated part of your office. If you’re not confident that you can provide your servers with the management, maintenance, and monitoring they need, we recommend you work with a managed IT company to ensure you get the most value you can from your server units.

Your Android device offers a lot of capabilities in its little frame, with many people relying on theirs to keep their lives organized and generally handled. Many businesses even rely on Android mobile devices. This should only reinforce how critical privacy and security are.

In light of this, we’ve shared a few simple tips anyone can do to help make a smartphone that much more secure. 

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.

Happy New Year! This time is usually dedicated to making plans and commitments to improve oneself over the coming months in the interest of the future. In the spirit of the holiday, let’s talk about how the right resolutions can help your career or your business’ use of technology.

Since so much of the world is now online, businesses and organizations interact with people online now more than ever. This means they also collect people’s information, a practice they do for various reasons. Individuals need to consider their own data privacy and how it might be affected by business practices.

The big thing in business computing is AI, or artificial intelligence, and businesses are implementing it to solve a lot of repetitive problems that free up their employees to serve other roles. One such area is for IT support. But is it worth it to chat with a robot when something as important as IT is on the line?

While we all know how much magic the workshops up at the North Pole rely on to produce presents for the good children of the world, we have it on good authority that they also rely on quite a bit of technology. For instance, there are a lot of letters that need to be sorted and read before Santa’s big ride. Let’s read up on what our partners up north frequently deal with in their critical operations.

If you want your business to succeed, you need to take care of your employees, but businesses sometimes let this important task slip in the throes of the day-to-day. Deloitte estimates that around 8 out of every 10 wage workers show signs of burnout. So the question then becomes… What are you doing about it?

Businesses have seen an increase in cyberattacks, and this trend is not slowing down in 2025. Today, we want to explore what the future could hold so you can take these insights and apply them to your cybersecurity initiatives in the coming year.

The Internet is right along with electricity as a completely essential part of doing business. Today, we take a look at the central metric of Internet usage: Bandwidth.

If you or your business are worried about cybersecurity, we’d like to say, “Congratulations, you get it!” Too many people fail to take cybersecurity seriously, and with hackers and data breaches making headlines worldwide, you cannot underestimate them. Today, we want to cover how a cybersecurity consultant can save you time, money, and stress over your security systems.

Bluesky is the new kid in town regarding social media platforms, which means that most users may not have a significant following on it yet… and new users may not be following many at all. However, a few baked-in options make it much simpler for the latter to curate their experience on the platform.

Let’s go over how a user can find new accounts to follow on Bluesky.

Sometimes problem solving requires you to step away and think about the issue at hand. Consider any great strategist out there and you’ll understand that it takes time and calculation to make moves that will benefit you now and in the future. Today, we’ll explore how you can be more productive through strategic pausing.

Technology is a big part of how businesses run today, but that also makes them prime targets for cyberattacks. These attacks can shut down operations and steal sensitive data. Let’s look at five common cybersecurity issues businesses deal with:

Last week, we discussed why X—the social media network once known as Twitter—has been losing many users. Here, we wanted to direct those seeking a move to consider the up-and-coming platform known as Bluesky in case you were one of those jumping ship.

Let’s talk about how Bluesky operates, including how to sign up.

Computer problems can be super frustrating, especially when they slow you down while working. Many times, it is something that can be fixed quickly, but then there are issues that an experienced IT professional has to address. Let’s take a look at some of the most common computer problems professionals run into.

Putting the pieces together.

The landscape of business is intrinsically tied to technology, and as companies evolve, so does the complexity of their IT requirements. From cybersecurity threats to remote work infrastructure, businesses face constant challenges that demand more than just reactive solutions. To stay competitive and secure while fostering growth, developing a well-thought-out IT strategy is no longer optional—it’s essential. 

A well-planned I.T. strategy must think beyond today, it must consider where the business is going, and use the experience of an IT expert to streamline how technology aligns with the business. At a minimum, a strategy should consider the next 5 years.

This blog will walk you through the importance of a comprehensive IT strategy, why it goes beyond individual components, and how aligning technology with business goals is key to long-term success.

What Is an IT Strategy?

An IT strategy is the foundation of how your business uses technology to achieve its objectives. It’s a roadmap designed to align your IT systems, resources, and processes with your company’s goals and values.

But it’s not just about choosing the latest software or hardware. A successful IT strategy takes a holistic view, ensuring that every decision integrates seamlessly across systems, applications, and teams. This alignment ensures resources are used efficiently, risks are minimized, and the business operates at its peak potential.

Why a One-Dimensional Approach Isn’t Enough

Imagine you’re implementing a cybersecurity initiative for your company. The immediate focus might be tightening firewalls or improving encryption protocols, but stopping there is a mistake. Without considering the overall IT environment, you risk creating inefficiencies or leaving gaps that a singular focus can’t address.

For example, have you thought about how your workforce accesses company apps and data? Are they working locally, nationally, or even internationally? Are current systems compatible with the new cybersecurity measures, or will adjustments be needed at the architecture level?

Taking a myopic approach to IT leaves room for costly errors. Instead of looking at isolated projects, businesses need strategies that encompass every layer of their technology system.

The Key Components of a Strong IT Strategy

1. Comprehensive Cybersecurity Framework

Cybersecurity isn’t just about safeguarding data—it’s about ensuring the entire IT ecosystem is secure. A robust strategy evaluates multiple facets, such as how employees log in remotely, data storage protocols, and threat prevention technologies.

Example: You might discover cost-saving opportunities by changing how employees connect to your network. Transitioning from traditional VPNs to Zero Trust network models can reduce recurring expenses while increasing security.

2. System Architecture Alignment

A cohesive IT strategy evaluates how your current systems and architecture interact. Outdated systems may bottleneck productivity or lead to costly inefficiencies. Aligning architecture with business goals ensures that IT supports—not hinders—growth.

Example: Transitioning to cloud-based systems can integrate better with remote work initiatives and scale as your company expands, future-proofing your infrastructure.

3. Remote Workforce Support

The shift to remote work has added layers of complexity to IT requirements. Previously, allowing employees to work exclusively from local offices simplified security and data access needs. Now, companies need strategies tailored to hybrid or fully remote teams spread across different regions.

Considerations include:

• Ensuring uninterrupted and secure access to company applications.
• Adjusting to time zone differences for global teams.
• Managing compliance with international data laws.

4. Proactive Cost Management

Many businesses handle IT reactively, addressing issues only when they arise. This approach often leads to higher costs over time. Instead, a proactive IT strategy evaluates opportunities to reduce expenses without sacrificing functionality or security.

For example, rather than repeatedly investing in new security solutions, reevaluating how users access systems might deliver similar results at a lower cost. Virtual solutions like desktop-as-a-service (DaaS) could provide significant savings compared to traditional setups.

5. Employee Training and Adoption

No IT strategy is complete without ensuring team members are equipped to use the tools you implement. Providing ongoing training not only improves efficiency but also prevents security vulnerabilities caused by human error. A plan that accounts for the human element will always outperform one that doesn’t.

6. Regular Review and Optimization

Technology evolves at lightning speed, making yesterday’s cutting-edge tools obsolete tomorrow. A reliable IT strategy isn’t static—it’s fluid and adaptable, scaling as your company grows and evolves alongside new technological advancements.

Think of it as an iterative process. Reviewing and revising your strategy ensures it remains aligned with both your current needs and the changing tech landscape.

Real-World Impact of a Comprehensive IT Strategy

Businesses that adopt holistic IT strategies gain a competitive edge in several ways:

• Enhanced Productivity - Synchronized systems reduce workflow disruptions, and employees spend less time working around technological inefficiencies.
• Reduced Downtime Risks - Keeping architecture and security updated minimizes risks of data breaches and unplanned system outages.
• Cost Savings - Proactively managing IT eliminates the need for emergency spending and optimizes resource use.
• Stronger Competitive Positioning - Staying technologically agile improves both customer satisfaction and operational scalability.

For instance, several organizations that partnered with IT consultants to create customized strategies reported 30% faster project completions and up to 50% lower cybersecurity costs over just one year. These results emphasize the tangible value of IT planning.

Partnering for IT Success

Developing a comprehensive IT strategy can feel overwhelming. That’s where a reliable IT partner comes in. At Waypoint, we don’t see ourselves as just a service provider. We’re an extension of your team, offering insight, expertise, and proactive solutions tailored to your unique challenges.

Here’s how we help businesses like yours succeed:

• Diagnostic assessments of current IT systems to identify inefficiencies or risks.
• Customized roadmaps for integrating or overhauling technology infrastructures.
• Ongoing support for employees during transitions to new tools or processes.
• Aligning IT with long-term goals to ensure sustainable growth.

Take the Next Step

Technology is no longer just a support tool—it’s the backbone of business operations. Without a thoughtful IT strategy, businesses risk falling behind competitors, overspending, and increasing operational vulnerabilities.

At Waypoint, we believe every organization deserves an ally to help them navigate the complexities of IT, enabling them to thrive in today’s digital world. Whether you’re just beginning to form your IT strategy or need help optimizing your current systems, we’re here to guide you.

Book a consultation with our Waypoint team today and discover how we can help align your IT systems with your business goals.