Device Lifecycle Management: Procurement, Patching and Secure Disposal
A practical guide to device lifecycle management for businesses: planning, procurement, setup, patching, refresh and secure data disposal of old devices.
IT Support
Insights & reviews
IT Blog & Technology Reviews
24 in-depth articles reviewing cloud platforms, security controls, web technology, networking, data tools and IT support models.
Networking
Network Monitoring Tools and Practices for Small IT Teams
A practical guide to network monitoring for small IT teams: what to monitor, types of tools, alerting that avoids fatigue and a phased rollout plan.
Cybersecurity
Phishing Awareness Training: What Actually Works and How to Measure It
What makes phishing awareness training effective, how to run fair simulations, which metrics matter beyond click rates, and how to build trust.
Networking
VPN Options for Remote Teams: Traditional VPN, ZTNA and Mesh VPNs Reviewed
A practical review of remote access options for distributed teams: traditional VPNs, zero trust network access and mesh VPNs, with pros, cons and guidance.
IT Support
Microsoft 365 vs Google Workspace for Small Businesses: A Detailed Review
A detailed review of Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace for small businesses, comparing email, documents, collaboration, security and management.
Cybersecurity
Zero Trust Security Explained for Growing Companies
Zero Trust explained in plain English for growing companies: core principles, key building blocks, a phased adoption roadmap and the pitfalls to avoid.
Cybersecurity
Multi-Factor Authentication Methods Compared: SMS, Authenticator Apps, Passkeys and Hardware Keys
A practical comparison of MFA methods, from SMS codes and authenticator apps to passkeys and hardware keys, with advice on choosing and rollout.
IT Support
How to Write an IT Service Level Agreement (SLA) That Works
How to write an IT service level agreement that works: defining scope, priority levels, response and resolution targets, measurement, reporting and remedies.
Networking
SD-WAN vs Traditional MPLS: Which Is Right for Multi-Site Businesses?
A balanced comparison of SD-WAN and MPLS for multi-site businesses, covering performance, cost structure, security, cloud access and migration planning.
Cybersecurity
Ransomware Protection for SMEs: A Layered Defence Review
A layered review of ransomware protection for SMEs, comparing preventive, detective and recovery controls, with a prioritised action checklist.
IT Support
Managed IT Services vs In-House IT: An Honest Comparison
Managed IT services or an in-house IT team? An honest comparison of cost structure, expertise, responsiveness, control and risk, plus hybrid models.
Networking
Business Wi-Fi Done Right: Planning Coverage, Capacity and Guest Access
How to plan business Wi-Fi properly: site surveys, coverage versus capacity, channel and band planning, secure guest access and ongoing management.
Cloud Computing
Backup and Disaster Recovery in the Cloud: Designing for RPO and RTO
How to design cloud backup and disaster recovery around RPO and RTO targets, comparing backup, pilot light, warm standby and active-active options.
Data & AI
Data Protection Basics for Businesses Handling Personal Data
A plain-English guide to core data protection principles for businesses handling personal data: lawful basis, minimisation, security and retention.
Web Development
Choosing a Web Hosting Plan: Shared, VPS, Managed and Cloud Hosting Reviewed
A balanced review of shared, VPS, managed and cloud hosting for business websites, with pros, cons, hidden costs and a checklist for comparing providers.
Cloud Computing
Cloud Cost Optimisation: How to Stop Overpaying for Compute and Storage
Practical cloud cost optimisation for compute and storage: right-sizing, scheduling, commitment discounts, storage tiers and lifecycle rules.
Data & AI
Data Backup Strategy: The 3-2-1-1-0 Rule Explained
The 3-2-1-1-0 backup rule explained: three copies, two media, one offsite, one immutable or offline, zero errors. Plus how to apply it in a small business.
Web Development
Website Security Essentials: HTTPS, Security Headers and Update Hygiene
A practical guide to website security basics: configuring HTTPS correctly, adding key HTTP security headers and building a reliable update routine.
Data & AI
Choosing a Business Intelligence Tool: Power BI, Tableau and Looker Studio Reviewed
An impartial review of Power BI, Tableau and Looker Studio, comparing data connections, ease of use, sharing, governance and fit for smaller businesses.
Web Development
Core Web Vitals Explained: A Practical Guide to Faster Websites
A practical guide to Core Web Vitals: what LCP, INP and CLS measure, how to diagnose problems with field and lab data, and the fixes that matter most.
Cloud Computing
A Practical Cloud Migration Checklist: Lift-and-Shift vs Re-Platforming
A step-by-step cloud migration checklist comparing lift-and-shift with re-platforming, from discovery and landing zone to cut-over and tuning.
Data & AI
Adopting AI Tools at Work Responsibly: A Governance Checklist for Businesses
A practical governance checklist for adopting generative AI tools at work: policies, data handling, approved tools, human review, training and oversight.
Web Development
WordPress vs Headless CMS vs Static Site Generators: An Honest Review for Business Websites
An honest comparison of WordPress, headless CMS platforms and static site generators for business websites, covering cost, security, speed and editing.
Cloud Computing
AWS, Azure or Google Cloud? A Practical Review for Small and Mid-Sized Businesses
An independent review of AWS, Azure and Google Cloud for SMEs, comparing services, pricing models, skills, support and lock-in to help you choose.