Generated by All in One SEO Pro v4.9.10, this is an llms.txt file, used by LLMs to index the site. # Sierra Experts We do IT differently. ## Sitemaps - [XML Sitemap](https://www.sierraexperts.com/sitemap.xml): Contains all public & indexable URLs for this website. ## Posts - [Cybersecurity Insurance Requirements Explained: What Businesses Need Before Applying for Coverage](https://www.sierraexperts.com/cybersecurity-insurance-requirements-explained/) - Learn how often businesses should conduct cybersecurity audits, what to review, common audit mistakes, and how regular security assessments reduce risk. - [10 Signs Your Business Needs Better Cloud Solutions](https://www.sierraexperts.com/signs-your-business-needs-better-cloud-solutions/) - Struggling with remote access, slow systems, file-sharing issues, or aging infrastructure? Learn the signs your business may need better cloud solutions. - [Exchange Server Migration Checklist: How to Move to Microsoft 365 Successfully](https://www.sierraexperts.com/exchange-server-migration-checklist/) - Exchange Server Migration Checklist for Microsoft 365 (2026) - [How Long Does Cloud Migration Take? A Realistic Timeline for Businesses](https://www.sierraexperts.com/how-long-does-cloud-migration-take/) - Learn how long cloud migration takes, what affects migration timelines, common project phases, and how businesses can reduce disruption during migration. - [Hybrid Cloud vs Full Cloud: Which Approach Is Right for Your Business?](https://www.sierraexperts.com/hybrid-cloud-vs-full-cloud/) - Compare hybrid cloud vs full cloud environments, understand the benefits and challenges of each approach, and determine which cloud model best fits your business. - [Why Businesses Move to Cloud Infrastructure: Benefits, Challenges, and What to Expect](https://www.sierraexperts.com/why-businesses-move-to-cloud-infrastructure/) - Learn why businesses move to cloud infrastructure, the benefits of cloud computing, common migration drivers, and what organizations should consider before making the transition. - [How to Secure Microsoft 365 Accounts: A Practical Guide for Businesses](https://www.sierraexperts.com/how-to-secure-microsoft-365-accounts/) - Learn how to secure Microsoft 365 accounts with MFA, conditional access, account monitoring, email protection, and other security best practices. - [Common Microsoft 365 Security Mistakes Businesses Make (And How to Avoid Them)](https://www.sierraexperts.com/common-microsoft-365-security-mistakes/) - Learn the most common Microsoft 365 security mistakes, how they create risk, and what businesses can do to better protect email, files, users, and cloud data. - [Microsoft 365 Licensing Explained: Which Plan Is Right for Your Business?](https://www.sierraexperts.com/microsoft-365-licensing-explained/) - Learn how Microsoft 365 licensing works, compare Business Basic, Standard, and Premium plans, and choose the right Microsoft 365 license for your business. - [SharePoint vs OneDrive Explained: When Should Businesses Use Each?](https://www.sierraexperts.com/sharepoint-vs-onedrive-for-businesses/) - Confused about SharePoint vs OneDrive? Learn the differences, when to use each platform, and how businesses can organize files more effectively in Microsoft 365. - [Microsoft 365 vs Microsoft Office: What Changed?](https://www.sierraexperts.com/microsoft-365-vs-microsoft-office/) - Confused about Microsoft 365 vs Microsoft Office? Learn the key differences, what changed, and which option makes the most sense for your business. - [Cybersecurity Checklist for Small Businesses (2026)](https://www.sierraexperts.com/cybersecurity-checklist-for-small-businesses/) - Use this practical cybersecurity checklist for small businesses to improve security, reduce risk, strengthen employee awareness, and prepare for modern cyber threats. - [How Much Does Cybersecurity Cost in 2026? A Practical Pricing Guide for Small and Mid-Sized Businesses](https://www.sierraexperts.com/how-much-does-cybersecurity-cost-for-businesses/) - Learn what cybersecurity costs in 2026, what affects cybersecurity pricing, and what small and mid-sized businesses should expect to budget for protection and risk reduction. - [How Often Should Companies Conduct Security Audits? A Practical Guide for Growing Businesses](https://www.sierraexperts.com/how-often-should-companies-conduct-security-audits/) - Learn how often businesses should conduct cybersecurity audits, what to review, common audit mistakes, and how regular security assessments reduce risk. - [Managed Detection and Response (MDR) Explained: What It Is and Why Businesses Are Adopting It](https://www.sierraexperts.com/managed-detection-and-response-mdr-explained/) - Learn what Managed Detection and Response (MDR) is, how MDR services work, and why businesses use MDR to improve cybersecurity visibility and threat response. - [Is Antivirus Enough in 2026? What Businesses Need to Know About Modern Cybersecurity](https://www.sierraexperts.com/is-antivirus-enough-for-modern-cybersecurity/) - Is antivirus enough in 2026? Learn the limitations of antivirus software, how modern cyber threats work, and what businesses need beyond traditional protection. - [What Happens During a Cybersecurity Incident? A Step-by-Step Look at Incident Response](https://www.sierraexperts.com/what-happens-during-a-cybersecurity-incident/) - Learn what happens during a cybersecurity incident, how incident response works, common business mistakes, and what organizations should expect after a cyber attack. - [MFA vs Password Managers: What Businesses Need (And Why the Answer Isn't Either-Or)](https://www.sierraexperts.com/mfa-vs-password-managers-for-businesses/) - Compare MFA vs password managers, understand how each improves security, and learn why businesses should use both to reduce cybersecurity risk. - [Business Email Compromise Explained: One of the Most Expensive Cyber Threats Facing Businesses](https://www.sierraexperts.com/business-email-compromise-explained/) - Learn what business email compromise (BEC) is, how these attacks work, common warning signs, and how businesses can reduce the risk of email fraud. - [Most Common Cybersecurity Mistakes Employees Make (And How Businesses Can Prevent Them)](https://www.sierraexperts.com/common-cybersecurity-mistakes-employees-make/) - Learn the most common employee cybersecurity mistakes, why human error remains a major security risk, and how businesses can reduce avoidable incidents. - [24/7 IT Monitoring Explained: What Businesses Need to Know Before an Issue Becomes Downtime](https://www.sierraexperts.com/24-7-it-monitoring-explained-business-guide/) - Learn what 24/7 IT monitoring is, how it works, what gets monitored, and how proactive monitoring helps businesses reduce downtime and improve reliability. - [Why Businesses Switch IT Providers (And How to Know When It’s Time)](https://www.sierraexperts.com/why-businesses-switch-it-providers/) - Thinking about changing IT providers? Learn the most common reasons businesses switch IT companies and how to evaluate whether it’s time to make a change. - [How Managed IT Improves Employee Productivity (And Why It Matters More Than You Think)](https://www.sierraexperts.com/how-managed-it-improves-employee-productivity/) - Discover how managed IT improves employee productivity by reducing downtime, speeding up support, improving collaboration, and keeping business systems running smoothly. - [Managed IT for Multi-Location Businesses: How to Support Growth Without Creating IT Chaos](https://www.sierraexperts.com/managed-it-multi-location-business-growth/) - Learn how managed IT supports multi-location businesses through centralized support, security, monitoring, and standardized operations across offices. - [What Happens During Managed IT Onboarding? A Step-by-Step Guide for Businesses](https://www.sierraexperts.com/what-happens-during-managed-it-onboarding/) - Learn what happens during managed IT onboarding, including discovery, documentation, monitoring, security setup, and how businesses transition with minimal disruption. - [How Often Should Businesses Review Their IT Infrastructure? A Practical Guide](https://www.sierraexperts.com/how-often-should-business-review-it-infrastructure/) - Learn how often businesses should review IT infrastructure, what to assess, warning signs to watch for, and how regular reviews improve performance and security. - [How Managed IT Prevents Downtime (And Why Waiting for Problems Costs More)](https://www.sierraexperts.com/how-managed-it-prevents-downtime/) - Learn how managed IT prevents downtime through monitoring, maintenance, cybersecurity, backups, and proactive support that keeps businesses running. - [Co-Managed IT vs Fully Managed IT: Which Model Is Right for Your Business?](https://www.sierraexperts.com/co-managed-vs-fully-managed-it-model/) - Compare co-managed IT vs fully managed IT services. Learn differences, benefits, costs, and how to choose the right IT support model for your business. - [Signs Your Business Has Outgrown Internal IT (And What to Do Next)](https://www.sierraexperts.com/signs-business-has-outgrown-internal-it/) - Wondering if your business has outgrown internal IT? Learn the common warning signs, hidden costs, and when managed IT support starts making sense. - [What Does Managed IT Services Include? A Complete Checklist for Businesses](https://www.sierraexperts.com/what-does-managed-it-services-include/) - Wondering what managed IT services include? Learn the full checklist of support, monitoring, cybersecurity, cloud management, help desk, backups, and more. - [Why Pittsburgh Businesses Are Ditching Landlines for Cloud Phone Systems](https://www.sierraexperts.com/pittsburgh-businesses-ditching-landlines-for-cloud-phone-systems/) - Learn why Pittsburgh businesses are replacing traditional landlines with cloud phone systems to improve flexibility, reliability, collaboration, and business communication. - [Google Workspace vs Microsoft 365: Which Is Right for Your Pittsburgh Business?](https://www.sierraexperts.com/google-workspace-vs-microsoft-365-pittsburgh-business/) - Compare Google Workspace vs Microsoft 365 for business. Learn differences in collaboration, security, pricing, productivity, and which platform fits your business needs. - [How to Migrate to Microsoft 365 Without Losing Data or Downtime](https://www.sierraexperts.com/migrate-to-microsoft-365-without-losing-data-or-downtime/) - Learn how to migrate to Microsoft 365 safely with minimal downtime. Understand planning, data migration, user setup, security, testing, and common mistakes to avoid. - [How to Prevent Ransomware Attacks Before They Shut Down Your Business](https://www.sierraexperts.com/prevent-ransomware-attacks-before-they-shut-down-business/) - Learn how businesses can prevent ransomware attacks using practical strategies including backups, employee awareness, monitoring, access controls, and recovery planning. - [Managed IT vs In-House IT Services: What’s Better for Pittsburgh Businesses?](https://www.sierraexperts.com/managed-it-vs-in-house-it-services/) - Compare managed IT vs in-house IT services and learn which approach makes more sense for your business based on cost, support, security, growth, and operational needs. - [Break-Fix IT vs Managed IT: Which One is Right for Your Business?](https://www.sierraexperts.com/break-fix-it-vs-managed-it-which-one-is-right-for-your-business/) - Compare Break-Fix IT vs Managed IT to discover the best model for your business. Stop letting unexpected tech downtime drain your budget and productivity. - [Cybersecurity for Small Businesses: A Complete 2026 Guide](https://www.sierraexperts.com/cybersecurity-for-small-businesses-2026-guide/) - Discover cybersecurity for small businesses in 2026. Learn threats, costs, and the best cybersecurity solutions to protect your business and data. - [The Real Cost of IT Downtime for Small Businesses in Pittsburgh](https://www.sierraexperts.com/cost-of-it-downtime-for-small-businesses-pittsburgh/) - Discover the true cost of IT downtime for small businesses in Pittsburgh, its financial impact, and how to reduce risks with proactive IT support. - [Managed IT Services for Manufacturing: Reduce Downtime & Increase Output](https://www.sierraexperts.com/managed-it-services-for-manufacturing-reduce-downtime-increase-output/) - Explore how managed IT services for manufacturing reduce downtime, improve productivity, and strengthen cybersecurity for manufacturers in Pittsburgh. - [How Much Does Managed IT Services Cost in Pittsburgh? (2026 Pricing Guide)](https://www.sierraexperts.com/how-much-does-managed-it-services-cost-pittsburgh-2026/) - Discover the managed IT services cost in Pittsburgh for 2026. Learn pricing models, monthly costs, and factors affecting IT budgets for SMBs and enterprises. - [Summer IT Checklist: Prepare Your Pittsburgh Business for Peak Season](https://www.sierraexperts.com/summer-it-checklist-prepare-your-pittsburgh-business-for-peak-season/) - Don’t let summer downtime ruin your peak season. Use this summer IT checklist for Pittsburgh businesses – backups, security, and more from Sierra Experts. - [Spring Forward with Confidence: Why April Is the Perfect Time for US Businesses to Switch to Proactive Managed IT](https://www.sierraexperts.com/spring-forward-with-confidence-why-april-is-the-perfect-time-for-us-businesses-to-switch-to-proactive-managed-it/) - Spring Forward with Confidence: Why April Is the Perfect Time for US Businesses to Switch to Proactive Managed IT Spring has arrived, bringing that annual wave of renewal, fresh starts, and the urge to get organized for the months ahead. While many are decluttering homes and offices, forward-thinking business leaders are applying the same mindset - [Hybrid IT Support: How Pittsburgh Companies Combine Internal Staff With Managed IT Providers](https://www.sierraexperts.com/hybrid-it-support-how-pittsburgh-companies-combine-internal-staff-with-managed-it-providers/) - Hybrid IT Support: How Pittsburgh Companies Combine Internal Staff With Managed IT Providers In 2026, co-managed IT (also called hybrid IT support) is one of the fastest-growing models for Pittsburgh businesses. It combines the strengths of an internal IT team with the resources and expertise of a Managed Service Provider (MSP).Many Pittsburgh SMBs in healthcare, - [Spring Forward Securely: Why 2026 Is the Year Pittsburgh Businesses Upgrade to AI-Powered, Proactive IT — Before Luck Runs Out](https://www.sierraexperts.com/spring-forward-securely-why-2026-is-the-year-pittsburgh-businesses-upgrade-to-ai-powered-proactive-it-before-luck-runs-out/) - Discover why 2026 is the year Pittsburgh businesses upgrade to AI-powered, proactive IT, stronger cybersecurity, and resilient backup solutions. - [Managed IT Services vs. In-House IT vs. Break-Fix: What Is Best for Pittsburgh Businesses?](https://www.sierraexperts.com/managed-it-services-vs-in-house-it-vs-break-fix-what-is-best-for-pittsburgh-businesses/) - Explore managed IT, in-house teams, and break-fix support to find the best IT strategy for Pittsburgh SMBs — weighing cost, risk, security, and scalability. - [Phishing in 2026: Why Pittsburgh Businesses Are Still Getting Hooked—and How to Fight Back This February](https://www.sierraexperts.com/phishing-in-2026-why-pittsburgh-businesses-are-still-getting-hooked-and-how-to-fight-back-this-february/) - Let’s talk backups. The kind that keeps your business running after a ransomware attack, server crash, or a coffee spill on your only laptop. For Pittsburgh businesses (or anywhere else, really), data protection is no longer optional. - [Why Pittsburgh IT Decision-Makers Are Making These 5 Strategic Moves in 2026 (And How To Stay Ahead)](https://www.sierraexperts.com/why-pittsburgh-it-decision-makers-are-making-these-5-strategic-moves-in-2026-and-how-to-stay-ahead/) - Let’s talk backups. The kind that keeps your business running after a ransomware attack, server crash, or a coffee spill on your only laptop. For Pittsburgh businesses (or anywhere else, really), data protection is no longer optional. - [What's Faster Than a Pittsburgh Marathon Runner? Your Website Should Be!](https://www.sierraexperts.com/whats-faster-than-a-pittsburgh-marathon-runner-your-website-should-be/) - Let’s talk backups. The kind that keeps your business running after a ransomware attack, server crash, or a coffee spill on your only laptop. For Pittsburgh businesses (or anywhere else, really), data protection is no longer optional. - [5 Common IT Mistakes Pittsburgh Small Businesses Make (and How to Fix Them with Managed IT Services)](https://www.sierraexperts.com/5-common-it-mistakes-pittsburgh-small-businesses-make-and-how-to-fix-them-with-managed-it-services/) - Avoid costly IT mistakes, Pittsburgh SMBs! Sierra Experts reveals 5 common pitfalls & fixes to keep your business secure with expert IT support. - [How Local MSPs Are Tackling Cyber Threats](https://www.sierraexperts.com/how-local-msps-are-tackling-cyber-threats/) - Pittsburgh MSPs like Sierra Experts are redefining cybersecurity with Zero Trust, EDR, and tailored solutions. Discover how we protect local businesses - [6 Steps to Successful Disaster Recovery](https://www.sierraexperts.com/6-steps-successful-disaster-recovery/) - Successful Disaster Recovery | Being prepared for potential disasters is key to keeping your business running. Read our blog to learn more. - [Behind the Bracket: How Data Centers Power March Madness](https://www.sierraexperts.com/behind-the-bracket-data-centers-march-madness/) - Discover how data centers and cloud technology support the massive digital infrastructure behind March Madness. - [Unfreeze Your Tech: Top Tips for Winter](https://www.sierraexperts.com/unfreeze-your-tech-top-tips-for-winter/) - IT or not, winter can be a cold and grueling time for businesses and tech-goers alike. Cold weather can wreak havoc on devices and disrupt critical systems, but Sierra Experts are here to help. We took the time to troubleshoot some common problems that can halt your technology from running smoothly. Stay connected and trust us as your partner in tech survival. - [A Wild Day of Pittsburgh Volunteering](https://www.sierraexperts.com/sierra-experts-pittsburgh-volunteering/) - One of the most rewarding Pittsburgh volunteering experiences our team had was at the Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium. - [The Pittsburgh IT Playbook: 3 Ways to Keep Your Business Cyber-Safe](https://www.sierraexperts.com/the-pittsburgh-it-playbook-3-ways-to-keep-your-business-cyber-safe/) - Discover 3 practical ways to keep your business secure from cyber threats with insights from the Pittsburgh IT Playbook. - [The Pittsburgh Business Data Backup & Cloud Security Guide](https://www.sierraexperts.com/pittsburgh-it-guide-data-backup-cloud-security/) - Pittsburgh IT Guide for business data backup & cloud security solutions from local IT experts serving Western PA companies for 15+ years. - [What are Sierra Experts' Most Popular IT Services?](https://www.sierraexperts.com/what-are-sierra-experts-most-popular-it-services/) - Pittsburgh businesses rely on Sierra Experts for the most popular IT services, including managed IT, VoIP, and proactive network monitoring. - [The Ethics of AI](https://www.sierraexperts.com/the-ethics-of-ai-it-msp/) - Explore the Ethics of AI in managed IT services. Learn how ethical AI and secure IT solutions protect businesses and build trust. - [Don’t Let Cybersecurity Haunt You This Halloween](https://www.sierraexperts.com/dont-let-cybersecurity-haunt-you-this-halloween/) - This month we recognize National Cybersecurity Awareness Month, and to do our part we wanted to remind everyone about the importance of being secure online. - [Sierra Spotlight: Mark Sokolowski](https://www.sierraexperts.com/sierra-spotlight-mark-sokolowski/) - Time for our next Sierra Spotlight. This week we are spotlighting Sierra’s Vice President of Sales, Mark Sokolowski. Mark has been with Sierra Experts for about 3 years now. He worked on the Support side of Sierra for several years and eventually worked his way over to the sales team. Mark expressed how he loves % - [Are You Ready For Your Employees to Work from Home?](https://www.sierraexperts.com/are-you-ready-for-your-employees-to-work-from-home/) - Amongst the spread of COVID-19 many companies are preparing for their employees to work from home. Here are some things to consider. - [February was Full of Fantastic News](https://www.sierraexperts.com/february-was-full-of-fantastic-news/) - 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 - [National Radio Day – The Evolution of Radio](https://www.sierraexperts.com/national-radio-day-the-evolution-of-radio/) - Aug 20 is National Radio Day, and we gather and celebrate the great invention of radio. Radio has been providing us with a great source of entertainment, news, and so much more since early 1900. As of today, radio has been with us for over 100 years. The History In the very beginning before radio - [Sierra Experts Strikes Again as A Leading MSP 500 Winner in 2025](https://www.sierraexperts.com/sierra-experts-a-leading-msp-500-winner/) - Sierra Experts earns a spot on CRN’s MSP 500 2025 list, highlighting its IT excellence, innovation, and top-tier customer service. - [The CIOs Guide to Modern Data Storage](https://www.sierraexperts.com/the-cios-guide-to-modern-data-storage/) - Making smart storage decisions has never been more critical for your business. Upgrading to modern data storage can make a difference. - [A Local Pittsburgh MSP Win: Sierra Experts Recognized for the Corporate America Today Award 2025](https://www.sierraexperts.com/pittsburgh-msp-corporate-award-winner-2025/) - Looking for an award-winning Pittsburgh MSP? Sierra Experts has proudly received recognition for leading IT innovation. - [Simplifying Data Storage | Sierra Experts](https://www.sierraexperts.com/explain-it-like-im-five-series-data-storage/) - Data Storage Explained. “Explain It Like I’m Five,” where we break down complex tech topics in a way that’s simple. - [What Manufacturing Companies Need to Know About DDoS Attacks](https://www.sierraexperts.com/what-manufacturing-companies-need-to-know-about-ddos-attacks/) - Protect your manufacturing operations from costly disruptions with Sierra Experts. Learn how to defend against manufacturing DDoS attacks. - [Sierra Experts Hosts a Virtual Event with IBM: NOW LIVE](https://www.sierraexperts.com/sierra-experts-ibm-free-webinar/) - Sierra Experts, your local Pittsburgh MSP, partnered up with IBM for an On-Demand Webinar. Now live! Free Access. - [Multi-Factor Authentication 2025: Why MFA Isn't Optional](https://www.sierraexperts.com/learn-why-multi-factor-authentication-mfa-is-essential-for-business-cybersecurity-in-2025-sierra-experts-provides-secure-mfa-solutions/) - Sierra Experts offers managed services that help you implement an Multi-Factor Authentication strategy that works. - [Best Tech Holiday Gifts for the Tech Lovers in Your Life](https://www.sierraexperts.com/tech-holiday-gifts/) - Looking for last minute gift ideas that be a hit with all the tech lovers in your life? Well, look no further! We put together a list of the best tech holiday gifts that are sure to impress your friends and family this holiday season. Don’t worry, these won’t all break the bank. We did - [Let's Celebrate Social Media Day!](https://www.sierraexperts.com/lets-celebrate-social-media-day/) - History of Social Media Day: World Social Media Day was first recognized on June, 30 2010. Social media day was created to raise awareness of the social impact of media on global communication. Every day, people use social media to connect with people all over the world. The first modern social media platform was Friendster - [Manufacturing Success](https://www.sierraexperts.com/manufacturing-success/) - ...With the constant evolution of today’s technology-driven world, having a solid IT strategy in place is the only way to keep your manufacturing business competitive in today’s market... - [National App Day: 10 Best Apps to Download Today!](https://www.sierraexperts.com/10-best-apps-to-download-today/) - Today is National App Day, not to be mistaken for National Appetizer Day. This day is all about the celebration of apps that allow us to explore, learn, entertain, and more. National App Day has only been recognized as an important day in the tech world since 2017. CJ Thompson was the founder of National National App Day: 10 Best Apps to Download Today! - [10 Technological Advancements that are Helping Save Our Planet](https://www.sierraexperts.com/10-technological-advancements-that-are-helping-save-our-planet/) - What better way to prepare for Earth Day then by recognizing some technological advancements that are helping to save our planet. Humans have sadly been destroying the earth for a while now, but clever heads are always looking for ways to save it. The following are some of the most interesting uses of technology that - [2018 Holiday Tech Deals [So Far]](https://www.sierraexperts.com/2018-holiday-tech-deals/) - This week is Thanksgiving, and in a flash it will be the biggest shopping weekend of the year... That’s why we put together a list of some pretty cool tech deals from our partners, as well as other larger retailers, that you can take advantage of this week. - [7 Common Habits Leaving You Vulnerable Online](https://www.sierraexperts.com/7-habits-leaving-you-vulnerable-online/) - Whether you’re checking your work email or scrolling through your Twitter timeline, chances are you use the internet for large quantities of your day... you are probably so used to these everyday online tendencies that you may not even realize you could be putting you and/or your company at risk... - [Incident Management: What Is It & Why Does It Matter?](https://www.sierraexperts.com/incident-management/) - Incident Management is the process of thoroughly recording an event to quicken the problem-solving time in future instances of that event, ensure customer satisfaction, and to overall increase productivity. In most cases, such as ours, Incident Management is used in Information Technology environment to get, and keep, a handle on IT service management problems. However, - [Prevent Malware: Proactive vs. Reactive](https://www.sierraexperts.com/malware-prevention-proactive-vs-reactive/) - Read some simple ways to prevent malware. Train your team on best practices, while making sure that your network is secure enough when they make mistakes. - [The Next Generation of Wireless: 5G](https://www.sierraexperts.com/next-generation-wireless-5g/) - 5G is an upgraded, newer generation of wireless technology that boasts better speeds, reliability, and connectivity than its predecessor, 4G. - [Penetration Testing - Know Your Network](https://www.sierraexperts.com/penetration-testing-know-network/) - What are you doing to make sure that your network is secure? Learn why and when your company should be penetration testing. - [Sierra Experts Hosts the Pittsburgh Office 365 User Group](https://www.sierraexperts.com/pittsburgh-office-365-user-group/) - As defined by WhatIs.com, "In personal or business computing, a user group is a set of people who have similar interests, goals, or concerns. The members have regular meetings where they can share their ideas." Most user groups are based around discussing certain technologies such as a specific software, application, or corporation. Typically, these user groups - [Security In-Depth: Passwords](https://www.sierraexperts.com/security-depth-passwords/) - There's a lot of confusion about what is and isn’t a strong password. We'll tell you why and how to make a strong password that you will actually remember. - [Tech the Halls for Christmas 2022 | Sierra Experts](https://www.sierraexperts.com/tech-the-halls-for-christmas-2022-sierra-experts/) - Now it is finally the season to put up some lights and deck your halls again! If you want to use your holiday decorations and do it the traditional way, no problem at all. But if you want to spice things up a bit with some techy decors and elevate the festival vibe, look no - [What is Microsoft Dynamics?](https://www.sierraexperts.com/what-is-microsoft-dynamics/) - Imagine having the capability to combine components of customer relationship management (CRM) and enterprise resource planning (ERP), along with productivity applications and artificial intelligence tools. This service is called Microsoft Dynamics 365 and is offered here at Sierra Experts. Dynamics 365 aligns with Sierra Experts’ approach to streamlined solutions that make our customers’ lives easier! - [What Your Favorite Holiday Cookie Says About You](https://www.sierraexperts.com/what-your-favorite-holiday-cookie-says-about-you/) - As Andy Williams sang, “it’s the most wonderful time of the year”, and that means family, friends, presents, and most importantly… cookies! Have you ever wondered what your favorite cookie might say about you? Probably not, but because we are always thinking outside the box, we decided to make up a list of cookies and What Your Favorite Holiday Cookie Says About You - [Most Common Data Backup Mistakes](https://www.sierraexperts.com/most-common-data-backup-mistakes/) - Electronic data has become one of the most important aspects of any type of work in the digital age; without it, work would stop, and money would disappear. That is why data backup is extremely important. Nevertheless, the art of backing up data, like the possibility of saving data, also offers the opportunity to make - [Red, White, and Revolutionary Bytes: Happy 4th of July](https://www.sierraexperts.com/red-white-and-revolutionary-bytes-technology-innovation/) - Celebrate America's revolutionary spirit driving technology innovation this Fourth of July! Happy Independence Day! - [Sierra Spotlight: Aaron Rodeheaver](https://www.sierraexperts.com/sierra-spotlight-aaron-rodeheaver/) - The role of the Server Operations Engineer is vital to not only the customers, but the success of the company. Sierra Experts prides itself on having people in this role that have a thorough understanding of each client’s business. The people in this role also offer support and solutions to all the customer facing needs. - [Sierra Spotlight: Adam Woodcock](https://www.sierraexperts.com/sierra-spotlight-adam-woodcock/) - Here at Sierra Experts, we provide various managed services across the board. That is why we hire people like Adam Woodcock to ensure that all our customer’s needs are taken care of. In fact, Adam does his job as a Network Engineer so well at Sierra that we made him one of this month’s Sierra - [February Employee Spotlight: Bradley Ferris](https://www.sierraexperts.com/february-employee-spotlight-bradley-ferris/) - You can have an amazing product, but without a successful pitch, it will likely fail... that’s why we have account executives like Bradley Ferris... - [November Employee Spotlight: Stephen Kaechele](https://www.sierraexperts.com/november-employee-spotlight-stephen-kaechele/) - We provide various managed services across the board, and we hire people like Stephen Kaechele to ensure that all our customer’s needs are taken care of. - [What is a Veteran?](https://www.sierraexperts.com/what-is-a-veteran/) - 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 - [Tech Terms 101: The Beginner's Guide to IT Lingo](https://www.sierraexperts.com/tech-terms-101-it-lingo/) - Not sure what all the acronyms and complicated lingo that you see in the IT industry means? You’re not alone! We put together a list of 25 tech terms and phrases with simple definitions, use-case scenarios, and examples to get you acclimated. So, the next time your boss or tech-savvy friend throws out a term like “colocation” or “the - [Introducing xBert! The Newest Member of Sierra Experts](https://www.sierraexperts.com/introducing-xbert/) - Introducing xBert! XBert does a fantastic job ensuring our team isolates and remediates issues long before they ever become service critical to you. - [Understanding the Difference Between Front-End and Back-End Development](https://www.sierraexperts.com/difference-between-front-end-and-back-end-development/) - Difference Between Front-End and Back-End Development | Discover the difference between the two in our recent blog post. - [Security Update for Windows 8.1 & RT 8.1](https://www.sierraexperts.com/security-update-for-windows-8-1-rt-8-1/) - 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 R2, Windows 8.1 RT and Windows 8.1, this update will be considered a new servicing/support baseline. What this means is those users who have elected to install updates manually - [Three Key Benefits of Remote IT Support](https://www.sierraexperts.com/three-key-benefits-of-remote-it-support/) - 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 - [Email Marketing: What and Why?](https://www.sierraexperts.com/email-marketing-what-and-why/) - 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 - [June Employee Spotlight: Andy Boggess](https://www.sierraexperts.com/june-employee-spotlight-andy-boggess/) - For Sierra's June employee spotlight, we are featuring a member of our sales team, Andy Boggess. - [Maintenance Window Basics](https://www.sierraexperts.com/maintenance-window-basics/) - In a well-designed network, maintenance windows are a must. While rebooting and installing patches, it’s best to follow some general rules. - [Knowing the Risks of Cyber Security](https://www.sierraexperts.com/knowing-the-risks-of-cyber-security/) - The risks of Cyber Security include infiltration of information such as company assets, employee and customer information, confidential company data, etc. - [Pittsburgh – A City of Many Names Turns 200](https://www.sierraexperts.com/pittsburgh-a-city-of-many-names-turns-200/) - Pittsburgh turns 200 this year. As the city comes together for a yearlong celebration, perhaps it’s time to rename it Cyburgh. - [Patch Automation](https://www.sierraexperts.com/patch-automation/) - Patch management is extremely important to avoid security breaches, but the task itself can be time consuming and burdensome on an IT department. - [The Dwindling Windows GUI](https://www.sierraexperts.com/dwindling-windows-gui/) - For those who love the familiarity of the Windows GUI, we’re sorry. While the GUI has served its purpose, abandoning it may be the best move. - [Two-Factor Authentication: What it is and Why it Matters](https://www.sierraexperts.com/two-factor-authentication-matters/) - Anyone who’s used Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) knows that it’s supposed to keep your data secure, but how exactly? Find out what 2FA is. - [Shadow IT](https://www.sierraexperts.com/shadow-it/) - Find out what Shadow IT is, why it exists, the risks, and how to promote a culture within your organization that eliminates it. - [June Employee Spotlight: Kelsey Lucas](https://www.sierraexperts.com/june-employee-spotlight-kelsey-lucas/) - This month in our employee spotlight, we’re featuring Kelsey Lucas, an Account Executive who always puts the customer first. - [August Employee Spotlight: David Thiry](https://www.sierraexperts.com/august-employee-spotlight-david-thiry/) - Sierra Experts is proud of our software development team. We hire talented and driven developers, like this month’s featured employee, David Thiry. David is one of our best software developers, and has been with the team at Sierra for more than three years. Before David joined the Sierra team, he attended Pittsburgh Technical College (formerly - [IT Myth Busted: You Can’t Get a Job in IT Without a Degree](https://www.sierraexperts.com/it-job-without-degree/) - Today, more than 30% of American adults have a bachelor’s degree. But did you know you can get a IT job without a degree? - [5 Jobs You Can Get "In The Cloud"](https://www.sierraexperts.com/5-cloud-jobs/) - Here are 5 examples of jobs that have been invented with the implementation of cloud computing into the Information Technology world. - [A Beginner's Guide to the WordPress Dashboard](https://www.sierraexperts.com/beginners-guide-wordpress-dashboard/) - Our design and development team here at Sierra are developing more and more WordPress websites for our clients. WordPress websites account for more than a quarter of all sites today. This CMS is free to install, deploy, and upgrade and has tons of flexibility for customization. - [Heat Advisory: How To Keep Your Data Cool This Summer](https://www.sierraexperts.com/heat-advisory-how-to-keep-your-data-cool-this-summer/) - 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, - [Friday the 13th Flashback: Jerusalem](https://www.sierraexperts.com/friday-the-13th/) - It’s Friday the 13th and most people think of today as a day full of silly superstitions, but for computer users in the 1980’s and 90’s, Friday the 13th was a day to truly be afraid. The Beast Itself In 1987, a virus called “Friday the 13th” (aka Jerusalem) was created to activate and reactivate - [Sierra Celebrates Internship Month](https://www.sierraexperts.com/sierra-celebrates-intern-month/) - April is National Internship Awareness Month, and here at Sierra we’re always supporting the next generation of the working force by hiring on interns. - [From Steel City to Smart City](https://www.sierraexperts.com/from-steel-city-to-smart-city/) - 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 - [12 Windows 10 Tips & Tricks Everyone Should Know](https://www.sierraexperts.com/12-windows-10-tips-tricks-everyone-should-know/) - Windows 10, the latest version of Windows, was released in July of 2015, but there are constant updates to make improvements, provide patches, and unveil new features. The newest version of Windows was meant to help integrate those loyal to older versions (7 and XP), while adding relevant and exciting features that align with what’s - [6 Signs Your Business Needs An MSP](https://www.sierraexperts.com/6-signs-business-needs-msp/) - We can’t stress enough how important it is to keep up with updating, enhancing, and monitoring your business’ technologies... As a Managed Service Provider, Sierra Experts is here to make sure that your company doesn’t fall behind... - [2018: That's A Wrap](https://www.sierraexperts.com/2018-thats-a-wrap/) - With less than 2 weeks left in 2018, it’s time to reflect on the year... From company buyouts to losses of some of technology’s greats, 2018 was a big year for some major headlines in tech... - [4 Scams You Won’t Love This Valentine’s Day](https://www.sierraexperts.com/4-valentines-day-scams/) - With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, keep your eyes peeled for any suspicious internet content related to love, dating, and romance. - [How To Ensure the Success of Your Business Website](https://www.sierraexperts.com/successful-business-website/) - Simply having a business website isn’t enough these days. It’s important that your site is easy to navigate, interesting and eye-catching, and consistently usable no matter what device or browser it’s being viewed on. - [‘Egg’cellent Secrets of the Internet](https://www.sierraexperts.com/internet-easter-eggs/) - The term “Easter egg” has a different meaning in the tech world. When on the internet, an Easter egg is a message, image, or joke hidden inside of a site. - [First Comes UX/UI... Then Comes Sales and Marketing](https://www.sierraexperts.com/first-ux-ui-then-sales-marketing/) - Leading influencers have been focusing on UX (User Experience) and UI (User Interface) BEFORE the sales process instead of after. - [Going On Vacation? Stay Secure... Cybersecure!](https://www.sierraexperts.com/vacation-cybersecurity/) - Cybersecurity should be on your list of concerns when traveling and vacationing this summer. After all, cybercriminals don’t take vacations. - [Your Marketing Professional: Dynamic, Detailed, and Data-Driven](https://www.sierraexperts.com/data-driven-marketing/) - Your marketing person should be more than just a sales-minded, creative, they should be data-driven, analytical, and interested in the details. - [Fireworks In The Sky, Not In Your Network](https://www.sierraexperts.com/fireworks-in-the-sky-not-in-your-network/) - Ransomware is a threat every day, but you should be hyperaware around the holidays because that’s when cybercriminals like to get creative. - [Interview Series, Episode 1: Marketing & IT Relationships](https://www.sierraexperts.com/interview-series-upcontent/) - We interviewed Scott Rogerson, CEO of UpContent, to get his take on the importance of collaborative working between Marketing and IT teams. - [3 Silly Myths About "Digital Marketing" (From Non-Marketers)](https://www.sierraexperts.com/3-digital-marketing-myths/) - We're busting 3 common myths surrounding digital marketing, and preaching the importance of investing in DM for your business! - [How the ADA Compliance Lawsuit of Domino’s Pizza Could Affect You](https://www.sierraexperts.com/the-ada-compliance-lawsuit-of-dominos-could-affect-you/) - ADA compliance and accessibility have long been a confusing issue for businesses when it comes to the thier website and the digital world. - [Custom Software vs Off-The-Shelf – What is right for you?](https://www.sierraexperts.com/custom-software-vs-off-the-shelf-what-is-right-for-you/) - Your business is unique, and your software might need to be too! Here are some things to consider when deciding between custom software or off-the-shelf. - [SEO, PPC and Other Confusing Three Letter Acronyms Digital Marketers Use](https://www.sierraexperts.com/seo-ppc-and-other-confusing-three-letter-acronyms-digital-marketers-use/) - Everyone wants to be on the top of the Google Search Results. Yet, there are still a lot of misconceptions and mystery when it comes to SEO and PPC. - [How Industry 4.0 Will Change the Manufacturing Industry](https://www.sierraexperts.com/how-industry-4-0-will-change-the-manufacturing-industry/) - 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 - [5 Signs It's Time to Outsource Your IT](https://www.sierraexperts.com/5-signs-its-time-to-outsource-your-it/) - There are a lot of benefits to outsourcing your IT support. Here are some indicators that you should explore an outsourced IT department. - [How Unsecured Cloud Databases Are Exposing Your Personal Information](https://www.sierraexperts.com/how-unsecured-cloud-databases-are-exposing-your-personal-information/) - It seems like every week we hear of another data breach or leak. Your information is just sitting there, exposed, ready for someone to search and find it. - [Fired for Failing A Phishing Test?](https://www.sierraexperts.com/fired-for-failing-phishing-test/) - A phishing test is one way to educate your employees about phishing scams. Phishing tests should always be followed by training that's educationa. - [Understanding Google Ads – Search vs Display](https://www.sierraexperts.com/understanding-google-ads-search-vs-display/) - If you don’t prioritize how you show up on Google, you risk not being able to be found by your customers. Let's go over Google Ads: Search and Display. - [5 Reasons You Might Need IT forensic Services](https://www.sierraexperts.com/5-reasons-you-might-need-it-forensic-services/) - If you find yourself in any one of these 5 situations below, you may want to call an IT Forensic specialist. 1. Internal Investigations - [What is Your Disaster Recovery Plan?](https://www.sierraexperts.com/what-is-your-disaster-recovery-plan/) - 60% of small businesses go out of business within 6 months of a data breach or cyber-attack. Make sure your disaster recovery plan is in place. - [How to Choose The Right MSP](https://www.sierraexperts.com/how-to-choose-the-right-msp/) - Regardless of the reason, choosing your MSP correctly is important. Here are some factors to consider while evaluating which MSP is right for your business. - [Let Us Break in So Others Can’t!](https://www.sierraexperts.com/let-us-break-in-so-others-cant/) - Your organization’s cyber safety requires a proactive approach. Cybersecurity and Penetration Testing is a great place to start. - [10 Ways to Spot a Phishing Email](https://www.sierraexperts.com/10-ways-to-spot-a-phishing-email/) - 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 means - [How to Plan Your Social Media Strategy](https://www.sierraexperts.com/how-to-plan-your-social-media-strategy/) - Regardless of your industry, social media is no longer an optional part of your marketing strategy. Here is how to plan yours. - [How Blockchain Is Used for Business and Not Just to Buy NFTs of A Tweet.](https://www.sierraexperts.com/how-blockchain-is-used-for-business-and-not-just-to-buy-nfts-of-a-tweet/) - If you have been on the internet recently you have probably heard about NFTs and how they are selling for crazy amounts of money. These NFTs offer a blockchain-created certificate of authenticity for digital assets. However, NFTs and Cryptocurrency are not the only uses of blockchain. Let’s talk about what Blockchain is and how it - [Stay Secure on Data Privacy Day!](https://www.sierraexperts.com/stay-secure-on-data-privacy-day/) - Today is Data Privacy Day! January 28th reminds us to review our data usage from the previous year. It’s an excellent opportunity to evaluate our personal cybersecurity and make sure that we are staying secure on Data Privacy Day. HISTORY OF DATA PRIVACY DAY Data Privacy Day was first proclaimed by the Council of Europe in 2007. In 2009, the United States House of Representatives and Senate formally recognized it as - [5 Myths About Working in Tech](https://www.sierraexperts.com/5-myths-about-working-in-tech/) - Sierra Experts is about to MythBusters on everyone and crack the code to all the myths and stigmas that surround the ideas of working the tech. There are plenty of misconceptions about this industry, however, through research and just by talking to people in the tech industry, we were able to debunk some of these - [Valentine’s Day: Best Dating Apps of 2022](https://www.sierraexperts.com/best-dating-apps-of-2022/) - Valentine's Day 2022 sees a unique challenge for people's dating lives. Some people think that things have gone back to normal after the pandemic, but that isn’t entirely true. Since 2020, dating has been completely changed. Going out and meeting people organically is not the same as it was pre-pandemic. With Valentine's Day 2022 around - [Sierra Spotlight: Josh Knox](https://www.sierraexperts.com/sierra-spotlight-josh-knox/) - This week’s Sierra Spotlight is Josh Knox. Josh is the Manager of our Support team and a member of our Service Delivery department here at Sierra Experts. He has been a part of the Sierra family for over 8 years. Josh oversees all of Support projects, interactions with customer relations, and works closely with all - [The Most Effective Ways to Unplug on National Day of Unpulgging](https://www.sierraexperts.com/the-most-effective-ways-to-unplug-on-national-day-of-unpulgging/) - To say that we depend heavily on our phones and gadgets is an understatement. As we are hyper-connected with friends, family, and strangers via social media, we can sometimes miss what is going on right in front of our eyes. During the National Day of Unplugging, we encourage you to spend time in nature, make - [Sierra Spotlight: Aaron Brown](https://www.sierraexperts.com/sierra-spotlight-aaron-brown/) - Here at Sierra Experts, 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, Aaron Brown. Aaron has been with the Sierra family for 13 years working on the Application Development and Development Operations teams. Prior to joining the Sierra Spotlight: Aaron Brown - [Sierra Spotlight: Andrew Barnosky](https://www.sierraexperts.com/sierra-spotlight-andrew-barnosky/) - The role of Service Delivery Coordinator is vital to the ongoing success of the support team here at Sierra Experts. The person in this role makes sure all new projects and customer inquiries are handled in a timely manner, as well as maintains team focus. That is why this week's Sierra Spotlight is Andrew Barnosky, - [Sierra Spotlight: Breanna Rock](https://www.sierraexperts.com/sierra-spotlight-breanna-rock/) - When it comes to becoming a successful business there are multiple roles that come to mind. One important person that helps drive the idea of the brand is the Marketing Specialist. From Search Engine Optimization to posting on social media, our Marketing Specialist, Breanna Rock, handles all the facets that help to make a business - [Sierra Spotlight: Lauren Bartley](https://www.sierraexperts.com/sierra-spotlight-lauren-bartley/) - The role of the graphic designer is crucial to the business. Their ability to produce brand materials and compelling marketing assets is key to obtaining new clients. At Sierra Experts, we’re lucky to have a great creative team. This month in our Sierra Spotlight, we’re featuring Lauren Bartley, Graphic Designer for Sierra Experts. Lauren works - [National Telephone Day!](https://www.sierraexperts.com/national-telephone-day/) - You can call, text, or video chat anyone from your mobile device, but imagine a world without global unified communications. We would live in a stagnant world if businesses didn't have the ability to pick up the phone and hold a conference call. Today, IP communications allows them to stay connected digitally with their employees, - [Don't Get Hooked: Tips to Spot a Phishing Email](https://www.sierraexperts.com/dont-get-hooked-tips-to-spot-a-phishing-email/) - Learn how to identify and avoid phishing emails with practical tips to keep your inbox and personal information safe, with examples. - [Five Love Languages of IT: How We Show Our Love (Without the Roses)](https://www.sierraexperts.com/five-love-languages-of-it-how-we-show-our-love-without-the-roses/) - In IT, we may not be sending flowers or writing love poems, but we have our own unique ways of showing our clients some love. - [The Power of the Crowd](https://www.sierraexperts.com/the-power-of-the-crowd/) - Discover the power of crowdsourcing on TikTok, a platform that transformed global creativity with over 2 billion users—now navigating life after its 2025 U.S. ban due to data privacy concerns. - [Why Data Backup and Recovery is Critical for Your Business](https://www.sierraexperts.com/data-backup-and-recovery-is-critical-for-your-business/) - Data backup and recovery is critical for your business. Learn why in our latest blog. | 60% of companies that lose won't be able to recovery. - [Why Reliable Networking is Crucial for Business Growth](https://www.sierraexperts.com/why-reliable-networking-is-crucial-for-business-growth/) - Reliable Networking drives efficiency and customer satisfaction. Read on to learn how networking enhances productivity and drives business. - [The Importance of Website Accessibility](https://www.sierraexperts.com/website-accessibility-importance/) - Website Accessibility | Learn the importance behind ensuring everyone can navigate your website effectively and what to consider. - [Sierra Experts Ranked on Channel Futures 2024 MSP 501-Tech Industry's Most Prestigious List of Managed Service Providers Worldwide](https://www.sierraexperts.com/2024-top-managed-service-provider/) - Channel Futures has identified Sierra Experts as a top managed service provider in 2024. The industries top MSPs. - [Ransomware Statistics All Businesses Must Know](https://www.sierraexperts.com/ransomware-statistics-all-businesses-must-know/) - Ransomware Statistics | Uncover the true impact of ransomware in this blog and learn what you need to do to protect your business. - [Cookie Compliance & Your Website](https://www.sierraexperts.com/cookie-compliance-and-your-website/) - Cookie Compliance | Read this blog to understand cookie consent and how to ensure your website stays compliant with regulations. - [Tech-or-Treat! Halloween Costume Ideas for IT and Tech Lovers](https://www.sierraexperts.com/tech-or-treat-halloween-costume-ideas-for-it-and-tech-lovers/) - Still have no idea what to be for Halloween? Have no fear! We put together a list of simple and clever Halloween costumes that are perfect for the office or that Halloween party you forgot to RSVP to. Let’s just say if you show up in one of these costumes, you will be looking spec-TECH-ular! - [World Radio Day](https://www.sierraexperts.com/world-radio-day/) - Radio has shaped society’s experience by providing a wide variety of experiences, programs, viewpoints, and content. February 13th, 2023 celebrates World Radio Day; this was proclaimed in 2011 by the Members States of UNESCO (United National Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization) and was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 2012 as an International - [The Importance of a Business Logo](https://www.sierraexperts.com/the-importance-of-a-business-logo/) - Business Logo Importance | Read this blog to uncover why you need a quality logo, the benefits it provides and how Sierra can help. - [The Importance of Zero-Trust Security in Today's Cyber Landscape](https://www.sierraexperts.com/zero-trust-security/) - Zero-Trust Security | Defend against cyber threats with proactive zero-trust security. Learn how ThreatLocker enhances protection. - [Clutch Names Sierra Experts as a Leading IT Services Company in Pennsylvania](https://www.sierraexperts.com/clutch-names-sierra-experts-as-a-leading-it-services-company-in-pennsylvania/) - At Sierra Experts, we love to do IT differently! From managed services, marketing, design, and development, our team has got you covered. Clutch Names Sierra Experts as a Leading IT Services Company in Pennsylvania - [The Ultimate Summer 2022 Reading List](https://www.sierraexperts.com/the-ultimate-summer-2022-reading-list/) - There is no surprise that people read the most during the summer months. Nothing is more relaxing than hanging out in the sun and diving into a good book. The only issue is, there are so many options that it sometimes gets overwhelming. We have put together the ultimate summer reading list to help you - [Sierra Spotlight: Steve DiVittis](https://www.sierraexperts.com/sierra-spotlight-steve-divittis/) - Here at Sierra Experts, we provide various managed services across the board. That is why we hire people like Steve DiVittis to ensure that all our customer’s needs are taken care of. In fact, Steve does his job as a Network Engineer so well at Sierra that we made him one of this month’s Sierra - [Sierra Spotlight: Scott Williams](https://www.sierraexperts.com/sierra-spotlight-scott-williams/) - The role of the Server Operations Engineer is responsible for installing, managing, and upgrading systems and servers within Sierra Experts. One of the many wonderful engineers we have in this role is Scott Williams. He is also responsible for managing data security, configuring user access, and maintaining the stability of the system. Scott is one - [CES 2023 Inventions and Innovations](https://www.sierraexperts.com/ces-2023-inventions-and-innovations/) - On January 5-8, 2023 in Las Vegas, NV, the annual CES (Consumer Electronics Show) took place; this is one of the most influential tech events in the world. At this event, the most groundbreaking technologies in the world are displayed and the sharpest innovators take the stage to share their developments. To put this event - [June Employee Spotlight: Becca Hays](https://www.sierraexperts.com/june-employee-spotlight-becca-hays/) - 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 - [What Tech is doing to Combat COVID-19](https://www.sierraexperts.com/what-tech-is-doing-to-combat-covid-19/) - As the full impact of COVID-19 continues to unfold, we want to focus on some ways that the Tech industry is making positive strides. - [New Years Resolution - Tech Edition](https://www.sierraexperts.com/new-years-resolution-tech-edition/) - Happy New Year 2023! Even though we’re a few weeks into the new year, it’s never late to start your New Year’s Resolution and set a few goals for the rest of the year. If you are looking to change your life but do not know where to start, this blog might bring you an - [Podcasts are Taking Over the World! Happy International Podcast Day!](https://www.sierraexperts.com/international-podcast-day/) - Podcasts have become a huge platform for artists, entertainers, scientists, and more over the past couple years. - [May Employee Spotlight: Gregory Crout](https://www.sierraexperts.com/employee-spotlight-greg-crout/) - Sierra's May employee spotlight features our Service Delivery Manager of over 5 years, Gregory Crout, the heart of Sierra’s customer satisfaction assurance. - [September Employee Spotlight: Noelle Snebold](https://www.sierraexperts.com/september-employee-spotlight-noelle-snebold/) - In our September employee spotlight, we’re featuring Noelle Snebold, Creative Designer at Sierra Experts. Noelle crafts quality customer and company assets. - [October Employee Spotlight: Michael Chernay](https://www.sierraexperts.com/october-employee-spotlight-michael-chernay/) - Sierra Experts' October employee spotlight is featuring the multi-talented Michael Chernay, Server and Network Operations Manager. - [March Employee Spotlight: Chad Koehler](https://www.sierraexperts.com/march-employee-spotlight-chad-koehler/) - For Sierra's March employee spotlight, we are featuring Chad Koehler, Sierra’s Business Development Manager. - [January Employee Spotlight: Miles McLaughlin](https://www.sierraexperts.com/january-employee-spotlight-miles-mclaughlin/) - In this month’s employee spotlight, we’re featuring Miles McLaughlin, Server and Network Operations Engineer at Sierra Experts. - [February Employee Spotlight: Chris Chappel](https://www.sierraexperts.com/february-employee-spotlight-chris-chappel/) - Sierra is proud of our team, and for our February Employee Spotlight, we’d like to honor Chris Chappel, Senior Application Engineer at Sierra w/o Wires. - [August Employee Spotlight: Louis Kuntz](https://www.sierraexperts.com/august-employee-spotlight-louis-kuntz/) - In this month’s employee spotlight, one of Sierra’s most successful inside sales representatives, Louis Kuntz, is being featured. - [Ways to Backup Your Data on World Backup Day](https://www.sierraexperts.com/ways-to-backup-your-data-on-world-backup-day/) - While we are privileged to have access to the latest and greatest computers, what would happen if we lost everything on our computer? Despite what you may think, computer crashes occur more frequently than you might expect. Data recovery can cost hundreds of dollars, and nothing is guaranteed if you try to retrieve everything from - [Tech Tips for Working Remote](https://www.sierraexperts.com/tech-tips-for-working-remote/) - Whether you are permanently working remote or just temporarily working from home, we have compiled some tech tips to help. - [RIP Windows 7 (2009 - 2020)](https://www.sierraexperts.com/rip-windows-7/) - On January 14th, 2020 Microsoft's Windows 7 OS will stop receiving support. Learn about what you can expect when the time comes. - [New Year, New IT](https://www.sierraexperts.com/new-year-new-it/) - In 2018, you may want to consider straying from the resolution norm and instead vowing to focus more on your personal and business technology. - [New Year, New IT - 5 Tech Trends We Are Watching This Year](https://www.sierraexperts.com/new-year-new-it-5-tech-trends-we-are-watching/) - With 2020 quickly approaching, it is important to look to the future and try to prepare for the new tech trends to come this year. - [Here We Grow Again](https://www.sierraexperts.com/here-we-grow-again/) - Sierra Experts is proud to announce some new faces on the team this month as well as some new positions we are still hoping to fill. - [Benefits of Virtualization for Your Business](https://www.sierraexperts.com/benefits-virtualization-business/) - Benefits of Virtualization | Virtualization separates software from hardware creating a simulated version in a different environment. - [AI and Its Effects Revolutionizing Managed Services](https://www.sierraexperts.com/ai-and-its-effects-revolutionizing-managed-services/) - AI revolutionizes managed services. Read the blog to explore the ways AI has impacted how MSPs conduct business. - [The Age of Custom Software Development](https://www.sierraexperts.com/age-of-custom-software-development/) - In 2019, pen and paper just can’t provide the insight and analytics that technology can. That’s why software development has sky-rocketed in recent years. - [7 Types of Computer Networks Explained](https://www.sierraexperts.com/7-types-of-computer-networks-explained/) - So, what is a network? 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We developed these security tips from our experience managing cybersecurity for businesses and professionals.1. Keep Your Software Up to Date:The older a system is, the more time hackers have to figure out the vulnerabilities. System updates can help to patch - [Data Center Hosting Services with Sierra Data Center in Pittsburgh](https://www.sierraexperts.com/data-center-hosting-services-blog/) - Data Center Hosting Services with Sierra Data Center in Pittsburgh. Discover everything you need to know about benefits of hosting services. - [Leveraging IT Services for Small Business Success](https://www.sierraexperts.com/it-services-for-small-business/) - IT Services for Small Business | Learn how leveraging an MSP can help you grow and allow you to focus more on your business. - [Insights into Networking Services](https://www.sierraexperts.com/networking-services-insights/) - Networking Services Insights | This blog aims to help you understand what is a network, networking services, and more. Read on to learn more. - [Definition of a Veteran](https://www.sierraexperts.com/definition-of-a-veteran/) - According to Merriam-Webster, the definition of a veteran is a former member of the armed forces.¹ This encompasses individuals from various branches: Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, National Guard, and Space Force. Yet the essence of a veteran goes beyond a dictionary definition. A veteran is someone who willingly devoted a chapter - [How Disaster Recovery Can Make or Break Your Business](https://www.sierraexperts.com/how-disaster-recovery-can-make-or-break-your-business/) - Disaster recovery is a pivotal strategy for companies to swiftly restore access and functionality to their IT infrastructure following a catastrophe. While it aligns with an organization’s broader business continuity plan, disaster recovery specifically concentrates on ensuring the uninterrupted operation of IT systems critical to the business immediately or soon after a disaster strikes. Diverse - [Custom vs. Out-Of-The-Box Software](https://www.sierraexperts.com/custom-vs-out-of-the-box-software/) - Custom software development vs. buying a solution? What's the best for your business. This blog sheds light on pros and cons of each. - [Cloud vs. On-Prem](https://www.sierraexperts.com/cloud-vs-on-prem/) - Cloud vs. On-Prem | Where should you host your critical applications and IT infrastructure? 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In our blog, we provide insight into everything you need to know about colocation. - [The Mysteries and Histories of Halloween](https://www.sierraexperts.com/the-mysteries-and-histories-of-halloween/) - Ready to learn more about the mysteries and histories of Halloween? Halloween has a rich and diverse history that has evolved over the centuries. Its origins can be traced back to the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, which was celebrated around 2,000 years ago in what is now Ireland, the United Kingdom, and parts of - [Apple’s Wanderlust Event – What We Learned](https://www.sierraexperts.com/apples-wanderlust-event-what-we-learned/) - Apple’s Wanderlust Event stood out to many viewers as breathtaking and innovative. The event started with a short film showcasing different birthday parties from around the world; the kicker being that all of those featured were celebrating another birthday thanks to Apple products (crash detection, low heart-rate alerts, etc.) Apple has taken a focus on - [Back to School Tech Necessities](https://www.sierraexperts.com/back-to-school-tech-necessities/) - As students settle back into their academic lives, we know that it’s vital to be equipped with the proper devices and tech accessories that will set students up for success. Having a reliable tech setup can make going back to school a bit less painful. We’ve carefully chosen accessories that can easily work with your - [Back to School Tips for Parents](https://www.sierraexperts.com/back-to-school-tips-for-parents/) - While the beginning of the school year is a big adjustment period for students, it’s just as much as an adjustment period for parents as well. To help ease the transition period, we’ve provided some tips and tricks to help you and your student(s) avoid being overwhelmed and stay on schedule! Get to know your - [Apps for College Students - 2023-2024 School Year](https://www.sierraexperts.com/apps-for-college-students-2023-2024-school-year/) - As the new academic year of 2023-2024 starts, college students have access to a plethora of helpful apps that aid in note-taking, organization, studying, and tracking. With an overwhelming number of options available on the App Store and Google Play, selecting the best ones can be a daunting task. In order to assist you in - [Flip Phones are Back in Style!](https://www.sierraexperts.com/flip-phones-are-back-in-style/) - Flip phones have made a comeback due to a mix of unique design, nostalgia, and the desire for digital detox; people appreciate the capability of disconnecting from constant notifications. Notable companies have unveiled recent devices that take a modern approach to a classic design. No matter is you’re looking to cut down screen time or - [Cables that Run the Internet](https://www.sierraexperts.com/cables-that-run-the-internet/) - Did you know there’s a network of subsea cables draped across the ocean floor transmitting audio and visual connectivity? These bundles of glass fiber that is as thin as hair, thousands of miles long, and as thin as a garden hose are high-tech marvels. Amitie, a newly completed transatlantic cable, funded by Microsoft, Meta, and - [AI Can Make Gaming Better for All Players](https://www.sierraexperts.com/ai-can-make-gaming-better-for-all-players/) - AI has lately taken the world by storm with new and innovative developments in all industries, including the gaming industry. AI aids in time-consuming technical processes, and with the right applications, more lean and permissive development cycles can be created. It can also majorly and positively impact accessibility for players, permitting developers more options to - [Best Twitter Alternatives](https://www.sierraexperts.com/best-twitter-alternatives/) - Twitter has recently introduced many stipulations that adds constraints to users’ experiences. Common user complaints include the 600 tweet read limit, poor algorithm that doesn’t match user preferences, subscription based services, and more. Many have decided to test new waters and inevitably switch from Twitter. For our readers’ convenience, we’ve compounded a list of the - [Fast 50 Award Recipient](https://www.sierraexperts.com/fast-50-award-recipient/) - In early July, the team at Sierra Experts received the wonderful news that we were named among Pittsburgh’s Fast 50. This is a yearly award held by Pittsburgh Business Times that recognizes the city’s fastest growing, privately held, for-profit regional companies based on revenue growth. 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This lawsuit was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington; it takes aim at a popular Amazon service that - [ChatGPT App & What This Means for Siri](https://www.sierraexperts.com/chatgpt-app-what-this-means-for-siri/) - Artificial intelligence and virtual assistants have become an integral part of our daily lives in ways we don’t even realize. With ChatGPT recently releasing an app in the App Store, iPhone and iPad users can now integrate this technology onto their personal devices. The ChatGPT app has all the same capabilities of the web version, - [Windows Copilot: Revolutionizing Coding Efficiency](https://www.sierraexperts.com/windows-copilot-revolutionizing-coding-efficiency/) - In the ever-evolving landscape of software development, tools that enhance productivity and streamline coding processes are highly sought after. Enter Windows Copilot; Windows’ response to a groundbreaking AI-powered assistant that has taken the industry by storm. Windows Copilot is an artificial intelligence-based coding assistant developed by GitHub, in collaboration with OpenAI (development company that developed - [FBI Warning About Public Charging Stations](https://www.sierraexperts.com/fbi-warning-about-public-charging-stations/) - A recent alert from the FBI warns individuals of potential threats while using free public charging stations. Apparently, hijackers have infected public chargers with various malware; malware is a software that can give hackers access to your devices, including phones, tablets, or computers. In 2021, the Federal Communications Commission warned the public about “juice jacking”; - [2023 Tech Updates in the MLB](https://www.sierraexperts.com/2023-tech-updates-in-the-mlb/) - With the 2023 MLB season now in full swing, we have all noticed new technology updates that impact the flow of the game and audience experience. Chris Marinak, the league’s chief operations and strategy officer, shared the changes prior to the start of the 2023 season; these initiatives are set forth in order to increase - [SpaceX Starship's Debut Launch](https://www.sierraexperts.com/spacex-starships-debut-launch/) - SpaceX’s first-ever test flight took place on Thursday, April 20th, 2023, from the company’s Starbase facility in South Texas. This gigantic Starship was considered the most powerful rocket ever built, stacking 394-feet-tall. The Starship reached its maximum altitude of 24 miles before experiencing several issues that led to the vehicle’s destruction over the Gulf of - [National Freelance Week](https://www.sierraexperts.com/national-freelance-week/) - National Freelance Business Week takes place the third week of April every year; this year, it takes place from April 17-23. This special week is dedicated to bringing freelance businesses and owners together by exchanging thoughts and ideas while feeling like a part of a community. For those who don’t know, a freelancer provides services - [What is a Smart City?](https://www.sierraexperts.com/what-is-a-smart-city/) - While not many people have heard of this upcoming trend, smart cities create growth and development opportunities through the collection of data. To improve operational efficiency, a smart city uses information and communication technology (ICT); this improves quality of government service, citizen welfare, and allows information to be seamlessly shared with the public. The primary - [Web3 and the Metaverse](https://www.sierraexperts.com/web3-and-the-metaverse/) - Imagine a secure, yet decentralized, user-controlled vision of an online universe that’s untethered from service-provider terms and servers; this concept is called Web3. This new internet is envisioned for the specific use of the metaverse among other emerging 3D network of virtual worlds. The metaverse is a “device- and -vendor independent collective virtual space created - [What is ChatGPT?](https://www.sierraexperts.com/what-is-chatgpt/) - ChatGPT is a natural language processing tool that permits human-like conversations through chat features on a website. This new tool launched on November 30, 2022, by OpenAI. It is powered by AI technology that can answer follow-up questions, along with assisting users with tasks such as composing emails, essays, and code; it can also reject - [Daylight Savings Time - Past & Future](https://www.sierraexperts.com/daylight-savings-time-past-future/) - Yesterday, our clocks sprung forward in accordance with Daylight Savings Time. Daylight Savings has a better goal than just messing up your sleeping schedule for a week. This change in time will give the Northern Hemisphere more hours of sunlight as we continue to move out of the winter season. Daylight Savings has been used - [What is Virtualization?](https://www.sierraexperts.com/what-is-virtualization/) - Imagine the possibility of having a virtual computer, also known as a virtual machine (VM), inside an actual computer performing the same tasks at the same time. This is precisely what the powerful tool of virtualization permits its user to do on both the enterprise and consumer side. The most common form of virtualization is - [2023 Tech Trends | Sierra Experts](https://www.sierraexperts.com/2023-tech-trends-sierra-experts/) - Technology is the primary catalyst for change in the world. Technology advances give businesses more possibilities to increase their productivity, invent and reinvent product and service offerings, and continue contribute to the overall well-being of humanity. While it remains difficult to predict how technology trends will play out, we researched and put together a list - [Holiday Gift List - The Tech Gadgets You've Never Seen Before](https://www.sierraexperts.com/holiday-gift-list-the-tech-gadgets-youve-never-seen-before/) - Don’t get me wrong, we know that Christmas is way more than just gifts, but we cannot deny that giving gifts to our loved ones on this holiday is part of the seasonal fun. However, even with all the love in our hearts, finding suitable gifts for everyone can be both costly and time consuming, - [World Television Day | Sierra Experts](https://www.sierraexperts.com/world-television-day-sierra-experts/) - World Television Day is on November 21. The United Nations in 1996 first declared that this day to be World TV day, and it has been observed every year since. History of World Television Day the world’s first electronic television was invented in 1927 by a 21-year-old inventor named Philo Taylor Farnsworth. Ever since then, - [Best Careers in STEM | Sierra Experts](https://www.sierraexperts.com/best-careers-in-stem-sierra-experts/) - STEM is a collective field that has become the hottest is the past decade. For those who don’t know, STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering and Math. STEM is a career field that is very competitive, with challenges and new technologies are discovered on the daily basis. But finding a career in these field also - [Halloween Safety Tips (For Everyone) | Sierra Experts](https://www.sierraexperts.com/halloween-safety-tips-for-everyone-sierra-experts/) - It is the season for Halloween once again! On this Spooktacular Day, many of us are so busy enjoying the holiday, and we may forget a thing or two about safety. After all, we may be out trick-or-treating, staying at home handing out candy, hosting a spooky party, or on the way to one, and - [7 Reasons to Choose Sierra Experts for Cybersecurity](https://www.sierraexperts.com/7-reasons-to-choose-sierra-experts-for-cybersecurity/) - Sierra Experts is an IT managed service and support provider headquartered in Pittsburgh, PA. Hera at Sierra, we provide a comprehensive range of cyber security services in remote monitoring and management of computing systems, backup and disaster recovering, aiming to protect your data and business information. Rest assured, you are in hand of the experts! - [5 Biggest Cybersecurity Mistakes | Sierra Experts](https://www.sierraexperts.com/5-biggest-cybersecurity-mistakes-sierra-experts/) - Here are five biggest cybersecurity mistakes that can bring serious damage to your business. We curated this list from our experience managing cybersecurity for businesses and professionals. 1. Only focus on breaches that are big events Cyber-attacks are many times hard to spot, when it comes to smaller breaches, it’s even so. Many times, even - [2022 Best Podcast to Listen to on International Podcast Day](https://www.sierraexperts.com/2022-best-podcast-to-listen-to-on-international-podcast-day/) - International Podcast Day, celebrated on September 30th since 2014. We have seen a huge rise of popularity in Podcasts in the past few years, it changed people’s way of enjoying audio entertainment completely. With Podcast, people can tune in to their favorite podcast when commuting to work or cooking dinner, and never have to worry - [Sierra Spotlight: Chenxi Zhang](https://www.sierraexperts.com/sierra-spotlight-chenxi-zhang/) - In every successful business, Marketing is one department that plays a vital role in promoting the business to the public. And here at Sierra Experts, our Marketing department does more than promoting for ourselves, but also for our clients. The role of Digital Marketing Specialist is essential to our marketing team, from Search Engine Optimization - [How to Celebrate National Coding Week](https://www.sierraexperts.com/how-to-celebrate-national-coding-week/) - It is time for National Coding Week 2022! During the week of September 14-20, it’s a good time to wear your coding hat and sharpen some digital literacy skills in a fun and engaging way. By gaining more knowledge about coding and digital skills helps everyone make sense of the rapidly changing world around us. - [Tech Tip for Teachers](https://www.sierraexperts.com/tech-tip-for-teachers/) - It’s been over 2 years since the pandemic led to remote and hybrid teaching. Many teachers have sharpened their tech skills and utilized many sophisticated tech tools to facilitate learning through remote teaching. But like any area of expertise, there are always new and smart ways to make life easier. So, for those of you - [Where people develop the own potential](https://www.sierraexperts.com/where-people-develop-the-own-potential/) - Our offices are located on the traditional, unced. photo booth stumptown to banksy, elit small batch freegan… How to Attain Process Automation Satisfaction. Naturally, the appeal of Robot for its market potential cannot fade away anytime soon, at least until another great technology can replace mobile apps. But surprisingly, only a handful of apps in - [2022 Tech Trends](https://www.sierraexperts.com/2022-tech-trends/) - As we enter this new year, it is important to look at some new and exciting tech-based trends that will be taking over the technology realm in 2022. From robotics to social media, here is a list of all the new trends to look out for. 1. Cryptocurrency Over the most recent years, cryptocurrency - [Sierra Spotlight: Stacy Freshwater](https://www.sierraexperts.com/sierra-spotlight-stacy-freshwater/) - Our next Sierra Spotlight is our very own Stacy Freshwater. Stacy is the CFO for Sierra Experts. This month is her 15 year anniversary with the company! In her current role, she administers all necessary items regarding new hires, payroll, expenses, health insurance, and paid time off for employees. She also monitors every aspect of - [Sierra Spotlight: Bruce Freshwater](https://www.sierraexperts.com/sierra-spotlight-bruce-freshwater/) - With the new year beginning, we felt it was important for our customers to learn about the amazing people behind Sierra Experts. We will be sharing a Sierra Spotlight each month to highlight a person or persons from our team. It will allow you to learn more about the different facets of the company and - [Watch Out Windows Users!- Fake Windows 11 Installer](https://www.sierraexperts.com/watch-out-windows-users-fake-windows-11-update/) - No one likes a faker, especially when it comes to fake software updates. There is a fraudulent Windows 11 update that has been tricking users into installing malicious programs. We don’t know about you, but this is something we don’t want anywhere near our PCs! When it comes to software updates, it is best to - [Happy World Wide Web Day!](https://www.sierraexperts.com/happy-world-wide-web-day/) - Each year on August 1st, World Wide Web day is celebrated globally. This celebration dedicates how web browsing allowed us to have the world at our fingertips! History of the World Wide Web It is crazy to think that the World Wide Web has only been around for 32 years. For over two decades people - [Happy IBM PC Day!](https://www.sierraexperts.com/happy-ibm-pc-day/) - Let’s take a trip back in time to August 12, 1981! On this day in history, IBM introduced the first-ever Personal Computer (PC). It was created by a team of engineers and designers directed by Don Estridge in Boca Raton, Florida. IBM was defining a moment in the tech industry with its launch of the - [Game On! Celebrate National Video Game Day!](https://www.sierraexperts.com/game-on-celebrate-national-video-game-day/) - This holiday is not just about buying video games, but highlighting how much joy video games bring to those who play. % - [Happy International Programmers Day!](https://www.sierraexperts.com/happy-international-programmers-day/) - Learn more about the history Programmers Day and why it is important to shine a light on the importance of programming. Tech Fun - [How to Keep Your Devices Secure on International Computer Security Day](https://www.sierraexperts.com/how-to-keep-your-devices-secure-on-international-computer-security-day/) - Official or not, technology lovers celebrate Computer Security Day on November 30th. The day serves as an important reminder to focus on strengthening the security of our electronic devices such as smartphones, tablets, computers, and other smart devices. International Computer Security Day encourages users to stay alert with electronic devices’ security and to keep an - [Best Tech Horror Movies to Watch This Halloween Season](https://www.sierraexperts.com/best-tech-horror-movies-to-watch-this-halloween-season/) - Whether it be internet stalkers or literal ghosts in a machine, here is a list of the best cyber/tech horror movies. - [New Year’s Resolutions That Will be Easy to Follow Through With](https://www.sierraexperts.com/new-years-resolutions-that-will-be-easy-to-follow-through-with/) - With the new year approaching, you know what that means… resolutions! This year is the year to pick resolutions that will be easy to achieve. Starting small and working your way up to bigger goals is always much more achievable than the other way around. We put together a list of some New Year's resolutions - [Five Ways Technology Can Help You This Thanksgiving](https://www.sierraexperts.com/five-ways-technology-can-help-this-thanksgiving/) - You might be wondering what technology can possibly have to do with Thanksgiving. Using technology might not be the first thought when prepping and preparing for your turkey day feast, but it a more valuable part of your day than you think. Here are five ways that technology can help you this Thanksgiving. 1. - [Time to Surf the Web on International Internet Day!](https://www.sierraexperts.com/international-internet-day/) - Time to Surf the Web on International Internet Day! - [The New Era of Hybrid Computing](https://www.sierraexperts.com/the-new-era-of-hybrid-computing/) - Windows is going to the Cloud. No – we’re not talking about the puffy ones in the sky. Microsoft just announced a new product that will let you stream Windows 10 or 11 from anywhere. By using Microsoft’s new hybrid “Cloud PCs” you can access your PC through a web browser. The Cloud PCs - [Security Threat that Affects All Windows Users](https://www.sierraexperts.com/windows-security-threat/) - Did you know…there are over 1 billion Windows-powered PCs in use around the world; and hackers just found a way into all of them. What is the vulnerability? The security flaw, known as PrintNightmare, affects the print spooler service. It allows attackers to infiltrate a user’s system through the spooler service and install programs; - [The End of Robocalls](https://www.sierraexperts.com/the-end-of-robocalls/) - "Hi, Can I Talk to you About your Cars Extended Warranty." If you have a cell phone, chances are you have received one of these annoying robocalls. The good news is change came June 30th. Every major voice provider in the US, including phone companies AT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile and cable provider Comcast, implemented - [Microsoft Announces Windows 11, with A New Design, Start Menu, and More](https://www.sierraexperts.com/microsoft-announces-windows-11-with-a-new-design-start-menu-and-more/) - Microsoft is officially confirming the name for the next release of Windows today: Windows 11. After months of teases, hints of the number 11, and a giant Windows 11 leak, Microsoft’s new operating system is official. The big focus for Windows 11 is a simplification of the Windows user interface, a new Windows store, and - [The Colonial Pipeline, Crypto Currency and Crime.](https://www.sierraexperts.com/the-colonial-pipeline-crypto-currency-and-crime/) - Last week a ransomware attack knocked the Colonial Pipeline offline, and it’s kind of a big deal. They ended up paying their attackers $5 dollars. Let’s look at what happened and how this might impact cyber security in the future. The Attack If I asked you where the gas you put in your car - [There is A Global Chip Shortage, and We Aren’t Talking About Lay’s](https://www.sierraexperts.com/there-is-a-global-chip-shortage-and-we-arent-talking-about-lays/) - Whether you work in tech or not, you may have heard that there is a global computer chip shortage. This week the CEO of Cisco said this problem could persist for another 6 months. These chips aren’t fried and covered in salt, but chances are you love them anyway. Let’s talk about why there is - [How to Tell If Your Information Has Been Leaked](https://www.sierraexperts.com/how-to-tell-if-your-information-has-been-leaked/) - 530 million Facebook user’s information was stolen in a breach. How do I find out if my info has ever been leaked on the internet? - [What Does Facebook’s Australian News Ban Mean for Everyone Else?](https://www.sierraexperts.com/what-does-facebooks-australian-news-ban-mean-for-everyone-else/) - Australia is fighting with Big Tech. Facebook has banned Australia from seeing or sharing any news on its platform. - [The 10 Types of People in Your Zoom Meetings](https://www.sierraexperts.com/the-10-types-of-people-in-your-zoom-meetings/) - Chances are you have been on a video call this year and come across at least one of these people or you are one of these people. - [Are You on MeWe?](https://www.sierraexperts.com/are-you-on-mewe/) - MeWe added 2.5 million new users in just the last week! Let’s talk about what MeWe is and if your business needs to be on it. - [Does Your Website Need an Update this Year?](https://www.sierraexperts.com/does-your-website-need-an-update-this-year/) - If your business doesn’t have an up-to-date and attractive website, it could really be hurting you. Should you update your site? - [US Government Agencies Have Been Hacked](https://www.sierraexperts.com/us-government-agencies-have-been-hacked/) - An advisory was published by the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency that stated hackers had penetrated a US Federal Agency. - [Robots Are Taking Over Pittsburgh](https://www.sierraexperts.com/robots-are-taking-over-pittsburgh/) - Autonomous delivery robots have been legalized and classified as pedestrians in PA. What you need to know before you share the sidewalk. - [New Features in Microsoft Teams](https://www.sierraexperts.com/new-features-in-microsoft-teams/) - 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 - [Scare Everyone and Dress Up as “Big Tech” This Halloween.](https://www.sierraexperts.com/scare-everyone-and-dress-up-as-big-tech-this-halloween/) - Over the last few years, people are questioning the lack of regulation and monopolization of “Big Tech” companies. - [Microsoft Extends Windows 10 Support Again](https://www.sierraexperts.com/microsoft-extends-windows-10-support-again/) - 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 - [Are You Angry About the Apple Tax?](https://www.sierraexperts.com/are-you-angry-about-the-apple-tax/) - Apple automatically takes a 30% cut of app revenue for all purchases. This Apple Tax has gained a lot more attention lately. - [Is TikTok a Security Threat to Your Business?](https://www.sierraexperts.com/is-tiktok-a-security-threat-to-your-business/) - 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 - [The Death of Windows 7](https://www.sierraexperts.com/the-death-of-windows-7/) - If you still haven’t upgraded to Windows 10, now is the time! As the end of life date quickly approaches for Windows 7 everyone needs to finally switch over - [What is VAM Software and Do I Need it?](https://www.sierraexperts.com/vam-software-need/) - Video asset management or VAM for short is defined as the way an organization manages, stores, and delivers its video content. - [Join the Pittsburgh Office 365 User Group](https://www.sierraexperts.com/join-the-pittsburgh-office-365-user-group/) - The Microsoft Office 365’s suite of technologies is constantly evolving. Our user group meetings cover everything from the basics to cutting edge topics. - [World Wide Web Easter Eggs](https://www.sierraexperts.com/world-wide-web-easter-eggs/) - 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 - [Do You Know What Industries Sierra Serves?](https://www.sierraexperts.com/do-you-know-what-industries-sierra-serves/) - 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 - [April Employee Spotlight: Justin Marks](https://www.sierraexperts.com/april-employee-spotlight-justin-marks/) - 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 - [May Employee Spotlight: Ryan Flynn](https://www.sierraexperts.com/may-employee-spotlight-ryan-flynn/) - 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 - [3 Questions to Ask About Your Business Website](https://www.sierraexperts.com/3-questions-to-ask-about-your-business-website/) - When it comes to a business website there are some important questions you should be asking yourself. Read about them here. - [Keep Calm and Maintenance On](https://www.sierraexperts.com/keep-calm-and-maintenance-on/) - 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 - [National Veterans Small Business Week](https://www.sierraexperts.com/national-veterans-small-business-week/) - =November 2nd- 7th, is recognized as National Veterans Small Business Week. Sierra w/o Wires is proud to be a Veteran Owned Business. - [A little History for the Holiday: Thanksgiving!](https://www.sierraexperts.com/a-little-history-for-the-holiday-thanksgiving/) - Bet you don’t know who declared Thanksgiving to be celebrated on the fourth Thursday of every November. Here's a brief history of Thanksgiving. - [5 Common Technology Issues for Small Business](https://www.sierraexperts.com/5-common-technology-issues-for-small-business/) - Find out some common technology issues. Is your business making any of these mistakes? It might be time to reconsider your plan. ## Pages - [Home](https://www.sierraexperts.com/) - From managed IT and help desk to cloud and data center hosting, Sierra Experts keeps businesses running—securely, reliably, and affordably. - [Hardware & Software](https://www.sierraexperts.com/hardware-software/) - Sierra Experts delivers optimized hardware, software & their proprietary Sierra Incident Manager (SIM) to transform workflows and boost IT productivity. - [Resource Library](https://www.sierraexperts.com/resource-library/) - Explore the Sierra Experts Resource Library—whitepapers, brochures, and tech insights to support your IT decision-making and strategy. - [Erie](https://www.sierraexperts.com/locations/erie/) - IT Services in Erie Designed to Help Businesses Stay Reliable, Secure, and Ready to Grow Technology should support day-to-day business operations, not become another challenge for teams to manage. Talk With Our Team Explore IT Services Why Businesses in Erie Are Taking a More Strategic Approach to Technology Businesses across Erie continue to evolve. Manufacturing, - [Locations](https://www.sierraexperts.com/locations/) - IT Services Supporting Businesses Across Pennsylvania, Ohio, Maryland, and Surrounding Markets Technology should make business operations easier, not create more complexity. Explore IT Services Talk With Our Team REGIONAL IT SUPPORT FOR MODERN BUSINESS OPERATIONS Technology Challenges May Look Different by Market, But Business Goals Stay the Same Businesses today are balancing more systems, more - [IT Services](https://www.sierraexperts.com/it-services/) - IT Services in Pittsburgh for Growing Businesses Sierra Experts provides reliable, scalable IT services in Pittsburgh designed to keep your business secure, efficient, and ready to grow. From proactive system monitoring to advanced cybersecurity and cloud solutions, we support every layer of your technology so you can focus on running your business. Get a Free - [Healthcare IT Services](https://www.sierraexperts.com/industries/healthcare-it-services/) - Healthcare IT Services in Pittsburgh for Secure and Reliable Operations Sierra Experts provides healthcare IT services in Pittsburgh designed to help healthcare organizations maintain secure systems, support operational continuity, improve technology reliability, and protect sensitive patient and business data. Healthcare environments depend on stable technology infrastructure, responsive support, and strong cybersecurity to support patient care - [Manufacturing IT Services](https://www.sierraexperts.com/industries/manufacturing-it-services/) - Manufacturing IT Services in Pittsburgh for Operational Reliability Sierra Experts provides manufacturing IT services in Pittsburgh designed to help manufacturers maintain operational continuity, reduce downtime, improve network reliability, and support connected production environments. Manufacturing operations rely on stable technology infrastructure, secure systems, and responsive support to keep production moving efficiently. Request a Manufacturing IT Consultation - [Industries](https://www.sierraexperts.com/industries/) - Industry-Focused IT Services for Businesses in Pittsburgh Sierra Experts provides industry-focused IT services in Pittsburgh designed to support businesses with different operational needs, security requirements, compliance expectations, and growth goals. From manufacturing and healthcare to multi-location operations and growing small businesses, we help organizations build reliable, secure, and scalable technology environments. Request an IT Consultation - [Microsoft 365 Management](https://www.sierraexperts.com/it-services/microsoft-365-management/) - Microsoft 365 Management Services in Pittsburgh for Secure and Efficient Operations Microsoft 365 can simplify communication, collaboration, and productivity, but as businesses grow, managing users, permissions, licenses, security policies, and collaboration environments becomes increasingly complex. Request a Microsoft 365 Assessment Speak with a Microsoft 365 Specialist Keep Microsoft 365 Working for Your Business, Not Against - [VoIP Business Communication](https://www.sierraexperts.com/it-services/voip-business-communications/) - VoIP and Business Communication Services in Pittsburgh for Modern Businesses Sierra Experts provides VoIP and business communication services in Pittsburgh designed to help businesses improve connectivity, streamline communication, support remote teams, and modernize business phone systems. From cloud phone systems to unified communications and VoIP support, we help organizations build reliable communication environments that support - [Managed IT Services](https://www.sierraexperts.com/it-services/managed-it-services/) - Managed IT Services in Pittsburgh for Growing Businesses Sierra Experts delivers managed IT services in Pittsburgh with 24/7 monitoring, proactive cybersecurity, and fast, reliable support, helping your business reduce downtime, control IT costs, and scale with confidence. Get a Free IT Assessment Talk to an IT Expert What is Managed IT Services?Managed IT services are - [Cincinnati](https://www.sierraexperts.com/locations/cincinnati/) - IT Services in Cincinnati Built for Businesses That Need Technology to Perform Technology should make operations more reliable, teams more productive, and growth easier to manage. Talk With Our Team Explore IT Services Why Businesses Across Cincinnati Are Rethinking Technology Operations Businesses across Cincinnati continue to operate in environments that demand more flexibility, faster decisions, - [Columbus](https://www.sierraexperts.com/locations/columbus/) - IT Services in Columbus Built for Growing and Evolving Businesses Technology should help businesses move faster, support teams more effectively, and create a foundation for long-term growth. Talk With Our Team Explore IT Services Why Businesses Across Columbus Are Modernizing Their Technology Approach Columbus continues to grow as a business environment shaped by professional services, - [Cleveland](https://www.sierraexperts.com/locations/cleveland/) - IT Services in Cleveland Built to Keep Business Operations Moving Technology should support daily operations, reduce interruptions, and create a stronger foundation for growth. Talk With Our Team Explore IT Services Why Cleveland Businesses Are Taking a More Strategic Approach to Technology Cleveland continues to support a diverse economy built around manufacturing, healthcare, professional services, - [Baltimore](https://www.sierraexperts.com/locations/baltimore/) - IT Services in Baltimore Built for Businesses That Depend on Reliable Technology Technology should help businesses operate with more confidence, adapt to change, and reduce unnecessary operational friction. Talk With Our Team Explore IT Services Why Businesses Across Baltimore Are Taking a More Strategic Approach to Technology Baltimore continues to support a diverse business environment - [Harrisburg](https://www.sierraexperts.com/locations/harrisburg/) - IT Services in Harrisburg Built to Support Reliable Business Operations Technology should help businesses stay productive, secure, and prepared for growth. Talk With Our Team Explore IT Services Why Businesses Across Harrisburg Are Taking a More Strategic Approach to Technology Businesses across Harrisburg continue to operate in increasingly connected environments. Healthcare organizations, professional services firms, - [Philadelphia](https://www.sierraexperts.com/locations/philadelphia/) - IT Services in Philadelphia Built for Businesses That Need Reliable Technology to Grow Technology decisions influence more than infrastructure. Talk With Our Team Explore IT Services Why Philadelphia Businesses Are Rethinking Technology Operations Philadelphia continues to grow as a center for healthcare, education, professional services, finance, logistics, and modern business operations. Organizations are investing more - [Pittsburgh](https://www.sierraexperts.com/locations/pittsburgh/) - IT Services in Pittsburgh Built Around Reliable Operations and Long-Term Growth Technology should help businesses operate with more confidence, not create additional complexity. Talk With Our Team Explore IT Services Why Pittsburgh Businesses Are Changing How They Think About Technology Pittsburgh has transformed into one of the region’s most diverse business environments Healthcare systems, manufacturers, - [Private Equity IT Services](https://www.sierraexperts.com/industries/private-equity-it-services/) - Private Equity IT Services in Pittsburgh for Scalable Portfolio Operations Technology environments play an important role in operational performance, growth readiness, and business continuity across portfolio organizations. Request a Private Equity IT Consultation Speak with a Pittsburgh IT Specialist Today Technology Support Built for Growth and Operational Consistency Private equity firms often support businesses operating - [Multi-Location IT Services](https://www.sierraexperts.com/industries/multi-location-it-services/) - Multi-Location IT Services in Pittsburgh for Connected Business Operations Managing technology across multiple offices, facilities, or distributed teams creates operational challenges that go beyond traditional IT support. Request a Multi-Location IT Consultation Speak with a Pittsburgh IT Specialist Today Reliable IT Support for Multi-Location Operations Businesses operating across multiple sites often struggle with maintaining consistency. - [Small Business IT Services](https://www.sierraexperts.com/industries/small-business-it-services/) - Small Business IT Services in Pittsburgh for Reliable Growth Technology should help small businesses grow, not create operational complexity. Request a Small Business IT Consultation Speak with a Pittsburgh IT Specialist Today Reliable IT Support for Growing Small Businesses Small businesses face technology challenges that are often just as complex as larger organizations but with - [Remote Systems Monitoring](https://www.sierraexperts.com/managed-services/remote-systems-monitoring/) - Sierra Experts offers proactive remote systems monitoring to identify and resolve issues before they impact your business operations. - [Managed Services](https://www.sierraexperts.com/managed-services/) - Discover fully managed IT services from Sierra Experts. Scalable support, proactive monitoring, and expert solutions tailored to your business. - [Backup and Disaster Recovery](https://www.sierraexperts.com/managed-services/backup-and-disaster-recovery/) - Protect your data with Sierra Experts’ backup and disaster recovery solutions. Fast recovery, secure storage, and business continuity you can trust. - [Networking Services](https://www.sierraexperts.com/managed-services/networking-services/) - Sierra Experts provides secure, scalable networking services—design, installation, monitoring, and support for your entire IT infrastructure. - [Hosted Infrastructure and Colocation](https://www.sierraexperts.com/managed-services/hosted-infrastructure-and-colocation/) - Secure your IT systems with Sierra Experts’ hosted infrastructure and colocation services. Scalable, reliable, and fully managed for your business. - [Email Solutions](https://www.sierraexperts.com/managed-services/email-solutions/) - Get secure, reliable business email services from Sierra Experts. Managed email hosting, spam filtering, and expert support tailored to your needs. - [Virtualization](https://www.sierraexperts.com/managed-services/virtualization/) - Sierra Experts delivers custom virtualization services to streamline your infrastructure, boost performance, and enhance system flexibility. - [Cloud Microsoft 365](https://www.sierraexperts.com/it-services/cloud-microsoft-365/) - Cloud and Microsoft 365 Services in Pittsburgh for Modern Businesses Sierra Experts provides cloud and Microsoft 365 services in Pittsburgh designed to help businesses improve collaboration, support remote work, simplify operations, and scale more efficiently. From Microsoft 365 management to cloud migration and infrastructure support, we help organizations modernize their technology environments without unnecessary complexity. - [Cybersecurity Services](https://www.sierraexperts.com/it-services/cybersecurity-services/) - Cybersecurity Services in Pittsburgh That Help Protect Businesses from Modern Threats Sierra Experts provides cybersecurity services in Pittsburgh designed to protect businesses from ransomware, phishing attacks, data breaches, and evolving cyber threats. We help organizations secure their systems, protect sensitive data, and reduce operational risk through proactive monitoring, advanced security solutions, and ongoing threat management. - [IT Support Helpdesk](https://www.sierraexperts.com/it-services/it-support-helpdesk/) - IT Support and Helpdesk Services in Pittsburgh for Fast, Reliable Business Support Sierra Experts provides fast, reliable IT support and helpdesk services in Pittsburgh for businesses that need responsive technical assistance, reduced downtime, and dependable day-to-day IT support. Get a Free IT Assessment Speak with a Pittsburgh IT Support Specialist Today Fast Business IT Support - [Managed IT for Manufacturing](https://www.sierraexperts.com/managed-it-for-manufacturing/) - Managed IT services for manufacturing businesses. Improve efficiency, reduce downtime, and secure your operations with expert IT support. - [Interactive Conference Screens](https://www.sierraexperts.com/interactive-conference-screens/) - Discover OneScreen interactive conference screens for modern meeting rooms. Enhance collaboration with powerful, all-in-one touchscreen displays. - [Flash Forward](https://www.sierraexperts.com/flash-forward/) - Propel your organization into the future with Sierra Experts’ Flash Forward program. Explore IBM FlashSystem storage, expert deployment & IT modernization. - [FlashForward Infographic](https://www.sierraexperts.com/flashforward-infographic/) - View the FlashForward infographic from Sierra Experts—highlighting key features and benefits of this powerful digital signage solution. - [Telephony and VoIP](https://www.sierraexperts.com/telephony-and-voip/) - Sierra Experts delivers telephony and VoIP services tailored for business—cloud-based systems, setup, and ongoing expert support. - [Contact us](https://www.sierraexperts.com/contact-us/) - Contact Sierra Experts for personalized IT service and support. Let’s discuss how we can help your business grow and stay secure. - [FAQ](https://www.sierraexperts.com/faq/) - Explore our FAQ to learn how we work — service scope, pricing, billing, support guarantees, software & hardware policies, and more. - [Cybersecurity Quiz](https://www.sierraexperts.com/cybersecurity-quiz/) - Cybersecurity Quiz: Test Your Team's Knowledge How strong is your team’s cybersecurity knowledge? Take our quick quiz to find out! Step 1 of 5 - Question 1 20% What's the best way to spot a phishing email? Trust emails that use your name Check for spelling errors and suspicious links Reply to the sender asking - [3CX](https://www.sierraexperts.com/telephony-and-voip/3cx/) - Power your Pittsburgh business with 3CX: affordable PBX, video, chat, and contact center tools. Sierra Experts handles setup, management, and 24/7 support. - [About Us](https://www.sierraexperts.com/about-us/) - Learn about Sierra Experts: our mission, leadership, veteran‑owned roots, and commitment to delivering proactive managed IT solutions across the U.S. - [PBX Features](https://www.sierraexperts.com/telephony-and-voip/pbx-features/) - Explore advanced PBX features from Sierra Experts—voicemail, call routing, conferencing, and more to power your business communication. - [Development](https://www.sierraexperts.com/software-development/) - Software Development | Custom software that does exactly what you need it to. Custom software, middleware, apps, and more from Sierra Experts - [Marketing and Design](https://www.sierraexperts.com/graphic-design-services-marketing/) - Build your visual identity with expert graphic design and marketing from Sierra Experts. 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These people are curious about life. ## Team - [Josh Knox](https://www.sierraexperts.com/em_team/josh-knox/) - Josh Knox is the Manager of our Support team and a member of our Service Delivery department here at Sierra Experts. He has been a valued member of our Sierra family for over 6 years. Josh oversees all of Support projects, interactions with customer relations, and works closely with all of our Engineers. Before joining - [Stacy Freshwater](https://www.sierraexperts.com/em_team/stacy-freshwater/) - Stacy Freshwater has served as the CFO/HR Director at Sierra w/o Wires, Inc. since 2007. In her current role, she administrates all necessary items regarding new hires, payroll, expenses, health insurance, and paid time off for employees. She also monitors every aspect of the finances and accounting, including accounts payable, accounts receivable and relationships with - [Bruce Freshwater](https://www.sierraexperts.com/em_team/bruce-freshwater/) - Bruce Freshwater, CEO/CTO, founded Sierra and, while still running the organization as its Chief Executive, also guides its technical services and the evolution of its internal infrastructure. Bruce has been responsible for management of client network infrastructure for organizations ranging in size from SOHOs to large Enterprises. Bruce also oversees all of Sierra’s daily operations, ## Categories - [Uncategorized](https://www.sierraexperts.com/category/uncategorized/) - Uncategorized Archives | Sierra Experts | A collection of uncategorized blog posts from Sierra Experts. 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