It’s a new year. The new calendar creates a fresh start for a lot of people both personally and in their businesses. In 2020 we spent more time online than any year before! If your business doesn’t have an up-to-date and attractive website, it could really be hurting you. Here are 10 questions to ask […]
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An advisory was published by the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency on Sunday that stated hackers had penetrated a US Federal Agency. The method of hacking used was a new and unique form of malware that likely hid in the network monitoring software for months. The full scope of the hack remains unknown, but it […]
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Taking over may be an exaggeration, but there will be more robots around the Burgh. Autonomous delivery robots have been legalized and classified as pedestrians in PA. These little guys can weigh up to 550 lbs., even without their cargo! Let’s go over what you need to know before you share the sidewalk. PA […]
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We have all been using video chat this year more than ever before. Here are some of the updates Microsoft Teams has made to improve your virtual meetings. Large Gallery View You will now be able to see up to 49 participants at a time! Together Mode It uses AI segmentation technology to basically cut […]
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Regardless of your industry, social media is no longer an optional part of your marketing strategy. In the U.S., people spend an average of 2 hours on social media every day. That number will only likely increase as we continue to see a decline in traditional media consumption. Paid vs Organic Your social media will […]
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Don’t get us wrong, we love technology. We use it every day! The amazing advancements that have been made over the last decade have changed the way we live. However, over the last few years, people are questioning the lack of regulation and monopolization of “Big Tech” companies. Let’s look at what is currently going […]
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94% of cyber-threats start with an email. It is important that everyone in your company is aware of the signs of phishing. Here are 10 warning signs that the email you received may be a phishing email. It has a public email domain Most organizations, even small businesses, have their own email domain. That […]
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Cyberattacks are increasing every year. Your organization’s cyber safety requires a proactive approach. You would not wait until someone walks into your house and steals something to decide to put a lock on your door. Cybersecurity and its prevention tactics, such as Penetration Testing, can be looked at in a similar way. It is better […]
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Microsoft has extended its support of Windows 10, version 1803 for 6 more months. To help ease the pressure on IT staff impacted by COVID-19, Microsoft has pushed back the end of service date until May 11, 2021. This means security updates will continue to be released monthly until then. End of services for the […]
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What is the “Apple Tax”? In case you weren’t aware, Apple automatically takes a 30% cut of app revenue for all purchases. This “Apple Tax” has added up to nearly $275 billion in annual sales. It was originally introduced in 2011, but has gained a lot more attention lately due to increased scrutiny of “big […]
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Your business needs help! Maybe you are growing and can no longer handle your IT needs internally. You currently use a Managed Service Provider (MSP) but don’t feel like it is the right fit, or you are hoping to save money by switching to an MSP. Regardless of the reason, choosing your MSP correctly is […]
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What is TikTok? TikTok is a social media platform that started off as a “lip-syncing” app. It has grown to be one of the most popular social media platforms (especially with teenagers) with an estimated 65 million active U.S. users. With comparisons commonly made to Vine, people can share short videos that are set to […]
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These last few months have been crazy for all of us. We are fortunate to be able to continue to grow and serve our customers through this difficult time. Sierra Experts is proud to announce some new faces around the office this month as well as some new positions we are still hoping to fill. […]
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Disasters come in a variety of shapes and sizes. What’s important is that you have a plan in place prior to them occurring. 46% of users experience data loss every year! This is especially important if you are a small business. 60% of small businesses go out of business within 6 months of a data […]
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As more of our life becomes digital it is no surprise that the need for digital forensics increases exponentially every year. However, IT forensics can still be a confusing topic for some. If you find yourself in any one of these 5 situations below, you may want to call a Digital Forensic specialist. 1. Internal […]
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You can’t avoid it any longer, you realized that a portion of your advertising dollars need to go to digital ads. Google is so ingrained in our daily routines that it has become a verb. If you don’t prioritize how you show up on Google, you risk not being able to be found by your […]
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It can be hard to sort through all of the headlines these days about COVID-19. As the full impact of it continues to unfold, we want to focus on some ways that the Tech industry is making positive strides. Here are some ways different companies have been trying to help. Google They used their data […]
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Over 4.7 million people in the U.S. work remote full time. Whether you are permanently working remote or just temporarily working from home, we have compiled some tech tips to help make your remote office more useful. This isn’t going to be a list of tips like, change out of your sweatpants or have a […]
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Amongst the spread of COVID-19 many companies are preparing for their employees to work from home. However, if you do not have the proper remote set up, it could cause a serious disruption in your business. Here are some things to consider when preparing your team to work remotely. VDI – Virtual Desktop […]
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Your email is probably open all day at work. You might even be using it during the hours you aren’t at the office. Email is where much of our business takes place now. This makes it a perfect platform for scams. While it is rare to be fired for opening a phishing test email, it […]
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We are excited to have so many announcements in February we decided they need their own blog. First off, we have expanded the sales team! Michael and Mark will be working with customers to identify your needs and find the perfect solution. Their respective backgrounds in IT ensure that they understand the challenges you face […]
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It seems like every week we hear of another data breach or leak. Some notable past occurrences have been; Marriot exposed information of 383 million guests. 540 million records were exposed from Facebook and Instagram in the spring. 100 million insurance documents were leaked by real estate giant First American Financial Corp. Capital One exposed […]
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There are a lot of benefits to outsourcing your IT support. Increase quality and expertise, reduced financial costs, improve efficiency and more. Here are some indicators that you should explore an outsourced IT department. There is a Skills Gap Your business is growing! That’s great, but while you try to scale, you may find […]
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If you still haven’t upgraded to Windows 10, now is the time! A decade after its release, Windows 7 is still popular. In October, 36% of all active PCs were still running it, which was not far behind the 43.6% running Windows 10. However, as the end of life date quickly approaches, everyone needs to […]
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As 2019 comes to an end, we are not only starting a new year, but a new decade! Technology has advanced so much over the last 10 years and we have no reason to believe it will slow down now. In fact, many believe the pace of advancements will continue to speed up. With 2020 […]
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There is some debate whether industry 4.0 is just a clever marketing term or an actual industrial revolution, but regardless, technology is advancing, and it is impacting industries like manufacturing now more than ever. However, when surveyed, only 48% of manufactures consider themselves ready for industry 4.0. Let’s go over the things you need to […]
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Everyone wants to be on the top of the Google Search Results when someone is looking for businesses similar to theirs. Yet, there are still a lot of misconceptions and mystery when it comes to SEO and PPC. Back in the early years of the internet there were SEO tricks you could use to enhance […]
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Your business is unique, and your software might need to be too! We rely on technology so much to carry out our daily operations. It seems like there must already be a program for what you need. Canned software can be an easier choice but it’s not always a perfect fit and can end up […]
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October is known for being a month filled with ghosts and goblins, but did you know October is also dedicated to something that can be as equally scary? This month we recognize National Cybersecurity Awareness Month, and to do our part we wanted to remind everyone about the importance of being safe and secure online. […]
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ADA compliance and accessibility have long been a confusing issue for businesses when it comes to the thier website and the digital world.
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We’re letting you know how you can join Pittsburgh’s Microsoft Office 365 User Group!
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We’re busting 3 common myths surrounding digital marketing, and preaching the importance of investing in DM for your business!
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The city of Pittsburgh has undergone many transformations throughout its history. From being a steel industry titan to becoming a cultural center for food and the arts, Pittsburgh has always managed to successfully reinvent itself by remaining relevant in modern culture. Now, it seems another transformation has already begun. Over the last few years, Pittsburgh […]
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July has arrived and you know what that means… so has the heat. While you’re pulling out the fans and air conditioners, it’s important to note that you’re not alone in needing to stay cool this summer. Your data is also prone to feeling the adverse effects of extreme heat. Now you may be asking, […]
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The role of Project Manager is vital to the ongoing success of any business or organization, and at Sierra Experts this is no exception. From handling customer inquiries to making sure new projects are being completed in an accurate and timely manner, the person in this role helps to keep the business running smoothly. Our […]
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The term “Veteran” means a person who served in the active military, naval, or air service, and who was discharged or released therefrom under conditions other than dishonorable. That doesn’t come anywhere close to explaining it does it? A veteran is a person that one point in their life chose to write a blank check payable […]
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At Sierra Experts, we’re proud that our sales team works hard to find the best possible solutions to solve our customers’ problems and optimize their IT performance. This month in our employee spotlight, we’re featuring Kelsey Lucas, an Account Executive who always puts the customer first. To explain how Kelsey started in sales, we need […]
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In a company with complicated systems in place, sometimes a fresh perspective makes all the difference. At Sierra, we’re excited for the opportunity to help teach young professionals, and we learn a lot from their new perspective. In this month’s employee spotlight, we’re featuring one of our younger team members, Miles McLaughlin, Server and Network […]
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Two-factor isn’t new, and it definitely isn’t going away anytime soon. Two-factor authentication (2FA), also called multi-factor authentication, has seen a rise in adoption as cybercrime also increases. Social media platforms have even joined the party, like LinkedIn and Twitter. Anyone who’s used 2FA knows that it’s supposed to keep your data secure, but how […]
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In the age of the cloud, it’s become easy to find software to solve any problem. Further, it’s generally really easy to setup and begin using cloud applications without any help. Making this type of decision without discussing it with your company’s IT department can be a grave mistake, though. In the industry, this is […]
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Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) is changing the way businesses handle communication everywhere. Along with saving tons on your phone bill, VoIP gives you access to features unheard of with traditional phone lines. Businesses already using VoIP for communications are probably well-aware of the numerous practical benefits, but what about some of the more creative […]
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Sierra has been proud to be named one of the Best Places to Work in PA every year since inception. One of the biggest reasons that Sierra is a great place to work, is our outstanding team. We’ve been very lucky to have multi-talented team members like this month’s featured employee, Michael Chernay, Server and […]
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There is a lot of advice floating around the internet about picking passwords. A quick search will yield thousands of articles about the dangerous prominence of weak passwords. Most websites have password requirements before setting up an account. Generally, it’s become well known that it’s important to pick a strong password. There seems to be […]
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In information technology, everything revolves around uptime. Uptime is the percentage of time that systems run without interruption. High availability (HA, meaning all services are available), is essential for the majority of businesses’ core functions. This study by Emerson Network Power and Ponemon Institute suggests that the average cost of a single minute of data […]
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By now, everyone knows not to click suspect emails, and use passwords like ‘12345’ right? Actually, ‘12345’ is still the most commonly used password, followed directly by ‘password’. Malware prevention efforts seem to be lacking despite the risks, on a large scale. Training is only one, albeit important, part of malware prevention. Prevent Instead of […]
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For those systems administrators who love the familiarity of the Windows Graphical User Interface (GUI), we’re sorry. Folks have been predicting the end of the Windows GUI since 2011, but now it seems that Microsoft has taken the steps to make it happen, slowly. The Windows GUI has been around since 1985, which was at […]
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How does a company get brand recognition, produce sales materials that convert, and craft marketing assets that engage an audience? It definitely helps to have a great graphic designer on your team. At Sierra Experts, we’re lucky to have some of the best. This month in our employee spotlight, we’re featuring Noelle Snebold, Creative Designer […]
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It’s incredible to imagine how many security exploits are avoidable just by patching systems. According to Verizon’s 2016 Data Breach Investigations Report, 85% of successful exploits stem from the top 10 Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE’s) only. Those are known vulnerabilities with a patch readily available. Patch management is extremely important to avoid security breaches, […]
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There’s a special mix of skills that make up a successful inside sales representative. They must be driven, personable, and possess the logic and intellect to find the right solution to any problem quickly. In this month’s employee spotlight, one of Sierra’s most successful inside sales representatives, Louis Kuntz, is being featured. Louis notes that […]
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What are you doing to make sure that your network is secure? How do you know that it’s enough? New strains of malware are popping up constantly. The headlines are only getting worse, and organizations that exploit networks are cashing in. Ransomware, malvertising, malware as a service – with all of the threats that are […]
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If you ask a business owner what the most important aspect of their business is, you might get a plethora of answers. At the root of any answer you get will be the most obvious and important part of business: customers. How you keep customers happy defines your business. In this month’s employee spotlight, we […]
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Business Development at Sierra w/o Wires combines a passion for new technology and a strong desire to help customers solve the tough problems. This month in our employee spotlight, we would like to feature someone who exemplifies those qualities, Chad Koehler, Sierra’s Business Development Manager. Chad grew up in sunny Florida, where he acquired his […]
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At Sierra, custom software development is one of our core services. Our software engineering team loves a challenge, so they’re usually handling complex projects. We’re proud of the team, and this month in our Employee Spotlight, we’d like to honor Chris Chappel, Senior Application Engineer at Sierra w/o Wires. Before he joined the Sierra team, […]
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Let’s face the facts – while technology provides a measurable benefit to business of all sizes, it can be difficult for small business to know how much to budget, and where to invest in technology. With great benefit comes great responsibility, as well. Technology related security has become as important as a business’ physical security. […]
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Pittsburgh’s history is as rich and diverse as the landscape surrounding it. Pittsburgh has been aptly nicknamed the City of Bridges and Three Rivers as a tribute to the terrain the city grew around. It’s also been called Iron City, and later Steel City, for the industry that made it a powerhouse. This year, as […]
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Introducing xBert! One of our engineers was cleaning out old IT equipment to be recycled when he came across an old 128k memory chip from our CEO’s Tandy 1000. After some soldering, some twinax cables, a little bit of CPU grease to include our logo and some hot gluing capacitors together the end result was […]
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Cyber Security is always a treat waiting around the corner, and Sierra wants you to be aware of the risks your business could face. Educating the public about the threats that could be imposed should a cyber incident occur is a must. With the world being as connected as it is today, we need to […]
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Bet you don’t know who declared Thanksgiving to be celebrated on the fourth Thursday of every November. Hint: It’s the same person to serve as the first President of the United States… and no, it is not George Washington as many believe! The United States declared its independence in 1776, yet Washington did not take […]
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This week, November 2nd- 7th, is recognized for the second year as National Veterans Small Business Week. It is conducted by the U.S. Small Business Administration, where they host events across the country, to celebrate and support current and future veteran owned businesses. Small businesses are crucial to our nation’s economy. In the US, there […]
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Chances are your work environment will have scheduled maintenance done within. No need to panic, you can easily be prepared and keep your businesses valuable data safe and save yourself a lot of headaches. It is key to not only let everyone in the office know of the scheduled down time, but also you’re MSP […]
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In today’s technology driven world, every successful business has a website, but is their website successful? When it comes to a website there are three questions to ask yourself: Is my website appealing to my customers? Is my website’s data safe and secure? Is my website device agnostic? You can’t just slap your logo into […]
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Whether it be a website or logo, a t shirt or a pen, a table top sign or a banner, our Creative Services Lead, Megan McGregor, is the girl for the job. Megan has been Sierra’s in-house graphic designer for over 3 years now. She received her BFA in Graphic Design and a Minor in […]
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This month we put the spotlight on a member of our sales team, Andy Boggess. Andy has been working at Sierra for a little over 2 months and is our business Development Manager. He attended Gannon University and earned a Bachelor’s Degree of Science in Marketing. Andy’s interests inside of work consist of working closely […]
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Do you know what industries the Sierra companies serve? We can guarantee there are about 25 you never would image that are taking place in businesses all around you. Have you ever stayed at a hotel and connected to their Wi-Fi, or get an awesome new hairstyle? We were probably behind the scenes. Ever known […]
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This month we are putting the spotlight on our Director of Sales, Ryan Flynn. Ryan has been with Sierra for 2 years, but has been working in the IT industry for over 15 years. Before coming to Sierra, Ryan worked in programming and system management. He also ran a staff of 15 employees that oversaw 450+ servers. To […]
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Here at Sierra w/o Wires, we take pride in getting to know our employees, we’re like a family here! This month we wanted to put the spotlight on one team member, Justin Marks. Justin has been with the SWOW family for 2 months working as a Server Operations Engineer. Justin has an associate’s degree in […]
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Email marketing is sending an email to a group of potential or current customers that advertises service offerings, requests business, solicits sales or donations, or just offers a news update. Sending email campaigns can help to build loyalty, trust, and brand awareness. Some of the benefits of email marketing are: 1. It’s marketing with a […]
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Remote IT support allows a technician to diagnose a problem, troubleshoot possible solutions, and verify an implemented solution has resolved the issue, all via the internet through desktop sharing. Below we’ve outlined the three key benefits that having a remote IT support team will provide for your business. Three key benefits of remote IT support […]
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Since Microsoft wants to ensure that customers benefit from the best support and servicing experience and to coordinate and simplify servicing across both Windows Server 2012 wholesale mlb jerseys R2, Windows 8.1 RT and Windows 8.1, cheap nfl jerseys this cheap nba jerseys update will be considered a cheap nba jerseys new servicing/support baseline. What […]
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With Easter just passing can you think of a symbol that kids recognize during Easter? How about Easter Eggs? Easter Eggs aren’t just something children recognize or have fun with but programmers and developers have fun with them as well. Easter eggs however, have a different meaning to developers and programmers, they are unexpected hidden […]
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