Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about our managed IT services, cybersecurity, cloud solutions, VoIP, and more. Can't find what you're looking for? Contact us directly.
General
General IT Questions
Managed IT services are outsourced, comprehensive technology management where a provider takes responsibility for monitoring, maintaining, securing, and supporting your entire IT infrastructure for a predictable monthly fee -- instead of paying after problems occur. This proactive approach prevents issues before they cause downtime and includes 24/7 monitoring, patch management, help desk support, security, and strategic planning.
Costs depend on your business size, number of users, and the scope of services needed. Most small business clients invest $100-$250 per user per month -- significantly less than hiring even one full-time IT employee. Book a discovery call and we'll provide a customized quote based on your specific needs and infrastructure.
Break-fix is the traditional reactive model where technicians respond only after issues occur, charged hourly at $150-$300 per emergency. Managed IT is a proactive subscription-based model with continuous monitoring that prevents problems before they happen. Managed IT clients typically experience significantly fewer IT emergencies because issues are caught and resolved proactively, and they often save 30-50% on overall technology costs compared to break-fix.
Critical issues receive response in minutes, not hours. Most remote issues are resolved within 15-30 minutes. On-site support is available same-day from our Lawrenceville location for hardware and infrastructure issues. Our proactive monitoring often detects and resolves issues before you even discover them.
Yes. Our services include secure VPN connections, cloud-based collaboration tools, VoIP phone systems that function from anywhere, and remote desktop solutions providing full access to office resources from home or on the road. All remote endpoints are fully secured and monitored just like in-office equipment.
Cybersecurity
Security Questions
Managed Cybersecurity is a comprehensive cybersecurity service that provides ongoing monitoring and management of all your security systems as a unified stack. This includes endpoint detection and response (EDR), email filtering, firewall management, vulnerability scanning, security awareness training, and compliance support -- all monitored 24/7 by our security team.
Traditional antivirus catches only a fraction of modern threats. Today's cyber attacks use sophisticated techniques like fileless malware, social engineering, and zero-day exploits that bypass basic antivirus. Managed Cybersecurity provides multiple protective layers -- endpoint detection, email filtering, firewall management, user training, and backup recovery -- working together to protect your business from all angles.
We implement comprehensive technical safeguards required by HIPAA including data encryption at rest and in transit, role-based access controls, audit logging and monitoring, secure backup systems, and network segmentation. We also provide documentation support for your compliance program and help prepare for audits. Our team has extensive experience with dental practices and healthcare offices throughout Gwinnett County.
Our team responds immediately with a proven incident response protocol: isolate affected systems to prevent spread, identify the threat vector and scope of the breach, remediate vulnerabilities and remove the threat, restore data from secure backups, and assist with regulatory notification requirements if applicable. Our proactive approach is designed to prevent breaches, but we're fully prepared to respond if one occurs.
Cloud & Communications
Cloud & VoIP Questions
Yes -- and in most cases, cloud storage is significantly more secure than on-premise alternatives. Both Microsoft Azure and Amazon Web Services invest billions of dollars annually in security infrastructure, employ thousands of security engineers, and maintain compliance certifications including HIPAA, SOC 2, and PCI-DSS. We add additional layers of protection with access controls, encryption, and monitoring.
Timeline depends on your data volume and complexity. Small offices with under 500 GB of data typically complete migration in 1-2 weeks. Larger environments with multiple terabytes and complex configurations may take 4-8 weeks. We use a zero-downtime migration methodology with parallel systems running during the transition to ensure no disruption to your business.
Azure is typically the better choice for businesses heavily invested in the Microsoft ecosystem (Microsoft 365, Windows Server, Active Directory). AWS excels for businesses needing maximum flexibility, a broader range of services, or specific development tools. As certified partners with both platforms, we evaluate your specific needs and recommend the best fit on a case-by-case basis -- we're vendor-neutral.
VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) converts your voice into digital data packets that are transmitted over the internet instead of traditional phone lines. This means you can make and receive calls using IP phones, computers, or mobile apps. VoIP delivers enterprise-grade features like auto-attendants, call recording, and conferencing at a fraction of the cost of traditional phone systems.
Most businesses save between 40% and 60% on their monthly phone costs after switching to VoIP. Savings come from eliminating per-minute charges, reducing hardware costs, and consolidating multiple systems into one platform. Exact savings depend on your current provider, number of lines, and long-distance usage. Book a discovery call and we'll walk you through a detailed cost comparison.
Yes. Number porting is a standard part of every VoIP migration. The process typically takes 7-14 business days to complete. During the transition period, we configure temporary call forwarding so you never miss a call. Your customers, clients, and contacts will continue reaching you at the same numbers they've always used.
Support & Infrastructure
Support & Network Questions
Our standard help desk operates Monday through Friday during business hours. For managed IT clients, we provide 24/7 emergency support covering critical incidents like server outages, ransomware attacks, and system-wide failures. You always reach real technicians who know your systems -- never a phone tree or chatbot.
Yes. We attempt remote resolution first for speed -- most issues are resolved within minutes via secure remote connection. When the issue requires hands-on attention (hardware failures, cabling, server work), we dispatch local technicians for same-day on-site support throughout Gwinnett County and the greater Atlanta metro area.
Common signs include frequent slowdowns or dropped connections, Wi-Fi dead spots and inconsistent wireless coverage, difficulty adding new devices or users, and networking equipment that is over 5-7 years old. If you're experiencing any of these issues, a discovery call is a great first step -- we can talk through what's going on and recommend cost-effective solutions.
Yes. Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) and Wi-Fi 6E access points are our standard recommendations for new installations and upgrades. These newer standards deliver faster speeds, better performance in dense device environments, improved security protocols, and lower power consumption -- all important benefits for modern business networks.
Yes. We use centralized management platforms to monitor and manage networking equipment across all locations from a single dashboard. Site-to-site VPNs securely connect your offices with consistent security policies, unified communication systems, and shared resources. This approach provides enterprise-level connectivity while keeping management simple and costs predictable.
Call our main line at (404) 990-4540 for after-hours emergency support. Critical incidents like server outages, ransomware attacks, and data breaches receive immediate attention 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Our team is trained to respond quickly and effectively to minimize downtime and protect your business.
Still Have Questions?
Our team is ready to answer any questions about your specific IT needs. Schedule a free consultation or call us directly -- no obligation, no pressure.