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What Are The Different Types Of Cloud Services That I Can Use In My SME?

The cloud has become an increasingly popular method for businesses to access IT services. Cloud services enable businesses of all sizes to access computing resources, such as servers, databases, networking, software, analytics, and intelligence, through the internet. In this article, we’ll discuss the different types of cloud services that SMEs […]

A person dressed in a suit using lots of different cloud services in his SME

The End written on a blackboard in chalk and underlined showing that support for Microsoft 2013 is ending and SMEs need to consider their options.

Now That Microsoft Office 2013 Is Ending Support, What Are My SME’s Options?

Microsoft Office 2013 has been a staple productivity suite for many small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) around the world. With its comprehensive set of programs including Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook, and OneNote, it has aided businesses in various tasks. However, support for Microsoft Office 2013 has finally come to a […]


How To Protect Your SME Against Malware

SMEs around the world are increasingly reliant on computer systems to carry out day-to-day operations. However, this dependence on digital systems comes with the ever-present threat of malware. In this article, we’ll explore what malware is and how you can implement simple computer security measures to protect your SME against […]

A laptop with a person reaching their hand through a laptop screen showing how people need to protect their SMEs against malware

A laptop with a padlock symbol on the screen showing how IT Security protects SMEs from online threats

How IT Security Can Protect Your SME From Online Threats

Just like their larger competitors, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) face a myriad of online threats that can compromise their sensitive data, disrupt operations, and even lead to a complete shutdown. Implementing robust IT security measures is crucial to safeguarding your business from these threats. In this article, we’ll explore […]


How Can Ransomware Affect Your SME?

Ransomware has become a prevalent and concerning threat in the digital landscape, posing a significant risk to businesses of all sizes, including small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). In this article, we’ll explore what ransomware is and the impact of ransomware on businesses.

A person typing on a laptop wondering what types of ransomware exist and how they can affect your SME.

Why Your SME Should Use Vantage IT Support In Bedfordshire

Today’s small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) need all the help they can get to compete with their larger international competitors. Secure and efficient IT systems can help to streamline operations and reduce costs, but obtaining this goal can be a challenge without a dedicated IT department. At Vantage IT, we […]

A SME in Bedfordshire using Vantage local IT support to help with their IT problems.

An image featuring code from an IT provider

What To Look For When Choosing An IT Provider For Your Business

When you’re considering IT-managed support for your business, it’s vital that you approach it with a clear plan. After all, a good IT provider will act as a strategic partner and enabler to your business; providing you with the vital IT support and infrastructure that your business needs to thrive […]


How Can IT Systems Help Schools Save Money?

We all know schools don’t have spare cash, but with advancements in technology constantly improving, there can actually be a financial benefit to setting aside some of the budgets to invest in effective IT services. To find out more about how IT support services for schools can help staff and […]

An image of a school IT room representing how IT systems help schools save money

Everything You Need To Know About Being GDPR Compliant

The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) came into effect in 2018 and gives people far more control over their data. It also enforces strict limitations on how organisations can use personal data. UK GDPR compliance is important, so if you are unsure what is required for GDPR compliance or how […]

A graphic containing drawn padlocks and code to show everything you need to know about being GDPR compliant

How Cybercrime Affects SMEs

Cybercrime is a mounting problem for businesses worldwide – and even the smallest businesses are at risk of an attack. In fact, SMEs are a particularly enticing target for cybercriminals because they tend to have less robust systems and easy access points for hacking. Research shows that 43% of cyber-attacks […]

A cybercriminal that has hacked a SME

close up of work telephone to show three signs that your business needs a VoIP system

3 Signs That Your Business Needs A VoIP System

More and more businesses are moving to VoIP to simplify their telecommunications – and this is hardly a surprise, given the significant cost savings and a vast array of available features. If you are not already using VoIP, there are lots of reasons why you should make the change now. […]


How Vantage IT Can Provide You With The Best Complete Managed IT Services

When you are searching for the best IT managed services company to support your business, the choice can be overwhelming. We believe that Vantage IT is the best selection you could make when it comes to providing you with complete Managed IT service. Read on to find out more about […]


How Choosing The Right Managed Service Provider Is Vital To Long-Term Success

If you are considering choosing a managed service provider (MSP) to support your SME or larger business, you might be wondering how important this would be for your long-term success. Here, we look at how choosing the right provider can be important to help your business thrive – and see […]


What Is a VoIP Phone And How Do They Work?

There is no doubt that being able to communicate effectively with colleagues, clients, stakeholders and customers is key for any business. The major way to go about this is via the telecoms network you use. While traditional landline systems have dominated this area for a long time, VoIP networks have […]


IT School Support - How Is This Helpful For Schools?

School IT Support – How Is This Helpful For Schools?

These days, most organisations have embraced technology to perform many of their day-to-day functions, and schools are no exception. With blackboards and textbooks confined to history, most modern schools now use a wide range of IT facilities to promote learning and communicate with staff and parents, as well as managing […]


Snom D895 VoIP Deskphone from Vantage IT

Snom Presents New Deskphone Series

After more than 20 years’ experience in the field of IP phones, Snom is introducing a new range of deskphones with advanced functionality. Snom has drawn on their years of expertise to develop a telephone series where the main requirement was their exceptionally high quality standards. Key features include: Superb […]


Storing data in the cloud, such as Dropbox, can be useful. Don't think this means the data doesn't need to be backed up, because it most certainly does!

Dropbox without Backup is a Bad Idea

Many people use Dropbox to store data and assume that, as it is in the cloud, it must be safe. Think again! Without a backup, data is in danger. A woman in North Yorkshire has been sentenced for deleting 5,000 files from her former company’s Dropbox account. She spent five […]


VoIP Telephone System - Latest Technology, Reduced Costs

Has Your Phone Provider Lost its Focus?

The past few weeks have strained everything – people, relationships and systems at work. How have your communications survived? Keeping in touch with colleagues, customers and suppliers is vital at all times. If your telephone system isn’t helping you, stress levels rise.   If you have problems with your telephone […]


Lockdown is Over. What Happens Now?

It won’t be long until the government announces the end to the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown, but that certainly won’t mean life will return to normal. We would be foolish to imagine when the government lifts the lockdown that the world won’t have changed. We won’t all be going back to […]

Has the COVID-19 lockdown made you re-asses your goals and aspirations? Will you change your way of working or are you desperate to get back to the office?

Vantage IT is sponsoring a puppy at the Guide Dogs for the Blind Association. It will be trained to become a guide dog, providing someone with independence.

Pupdate from Bailey

Bailey is the gorgeous guide dog sponsored by Vantage IT. Training is taking place to make him a working dog and family pet. Bailey has settled very easily into life with his trainers. He has a very laid-back and cuddly personality and often attempts to give his love to Edmund, […]


Great Customer Feedback Helps!

The past few weeks have been unprecedented for all of us. For IT companies such as Vantage IT, there has been an immense amount of effort in a very short period of time to ensure users are able to effectively work from home. Many IT companies will be very proud […]

Great customer feedback helps!

Do you need remote connection to your network? So many people are working remotely to keep businesses running. Vantage IT can set up the remote connections.

Emergency Remote Connection

We recently started providing our managed IT support service to a new customer. Then within days, the country went into lockdown! Members of staff were required to work from home with remote access to the on-site systems. Unfortunately the customer had not had the opportunity to upgrade their firewall to […]


Vantage IT enables remote working during Coronavirus scare. The Coronavirus / Covid-19 alert is making many companies think about working remotely. Vantage IT can facilitate remote working for your team members.

Do You Need to Work Remotely?

With the current Coronavirus scare, many people are either working from home or planning to. This is something we do regularly and at the moment, members of our ream are working remotely without our customers being aware! With the right security infrastructure in place, it is easy to have people […]


VoIP Telephone System - Latest Technology, Reduced Costs

Telephone System Delivers Latest Technology and Dramatically Reduced Costs

The Vantage VoIP Telephone System uses state-of-the-art technology to provide you with modern telephones and very cheap calls. With our hosted telephone system, you don’t even have the worry of maintaining your own in-house telecoms system. Vantage does all that for you and supplies the handsets for your desks.  There […]


Is Your PC On The Go-Slow?

Has your PC got slower and slower over the years, to the point that you now have enough time to make a coffee while it boots? You might be tempted to bite the bullet and purchase a new PC, although sometimes there is another way, which might be more cost […]

Vantage IT can upgrade your old PC

Contact Vantage IT to get the HPE server you need for your business

Is It Time To Replace Your Server?

IT can sometimes be perceived as an unnecessary cost, particularly where a server is concerned. But could your business operate without reliable IT? Persevering with an old server simply because it has been reliable for many years can be a false economy. Replacing servers can be dismissed due to the […]


How to Save Money on your IT Support

How to Save Money on your IT Support

First and foremost, our proactive IT support contract will save you money when compared to employing a dedicated IT manager or even a pay-as-you-go service. With all our contracts, we provide a discounted hourly rate and monthly retainer, designed specifically around your requirements. This is a cost-effective way of providing […]


This is Why You Need to Trust Your IT Support Provider!

Attackers target IT managed service providers (MSPs) and cloud service providers (CSPs), intending to install ransomware within their infrastructure and customer base. This is reported in Secplicity, which is a leading source of information about IT and business security from WatchGuard Technologies.   The report states attacks are specifically targeting […]

You need to trust your IT support provider - you can trust Vantage IT.

Business Continuity from Vantage IT Support. Maintaining the stability of your business in times of trouble can be achieved with a reliable business continuity strategy.

Business Continuity from Vantage IT

Can your business continue to run in the event of failed server hardware? How would it affect your business if you could not use any of your IT equipment for several days? Backing up your data regularly is highly advisable, although depending on your IT equipment, it could take several […]


Are You Still Using Windows 7?

Windows 7 is still working hard on many computers used in businesses, even though it is almost a decade old. Microsoft’s Windows 10 operating system was first pushed out globally in July 2015. The new system introduced a number of changes over older versions of Windows.   However, despite some […]

Are You Still Using Windows 7? Windows 7 launched almost a decade ago and has been replaced with Windows 10, but it is still going strong on many PCs.

HP Secure Printing to Ensure IT Security

IT security is vital for all companies and this must include secure printing. Have you taken steps to safeguard your network-connected printers? An unsecured network printer can lead to a data breach in your company. Using HP’s well established secure printing solutions, Vantage IT can make security concerns a thing […]

HP Secure Printing to Ensure IT Security from Vantage IT Solutions. A secure printing environment is vital to ensure your entire IT network is safe. Do you safeguard your network-connected printers?

Is Buying Refurbished IT Equipment a Good Idea? Refurbished IT equipment sounds a great idea when you look at the initial cost savings, but are these genuine savings or a false hope? Buy cheap, buy twice?

Is Buying Refurbished IT Equipment a Good Idea?

Refurbished IT equipment sounds appealing with its cheaper price, but does it really offer benefits over buying new? Does the adage of ‘buy cheap, buy twice’ apply? When meeting new customers, we sometimes find they have purchased refurbished PCs or servers at some point. However, these are not always positive […]


APC Releases UPS with Lithium-Ion Batteries

Lithium-ion batteries (Li-ion) are more normally found in portable electronic devices but APC has just released some uninterruptible power supplies (UPS) using the technology. Li-ion batteries have much improved specifications when compared to traditional lead-acid batteries found in most UPSs. These will allow for better performance at higher temperatures and […]

APC UPS with Li-Ion Batteries from Vantage IT. APC has developed UPSs with Li-ion batteries. These have better specifications than traditional lead-acid batteries and are more normally found in portable electronic devices. The use of them should improve the overall performance of the latest APC range.

Bad Weather IT Support from Vantage IT. Adverse weather conditions can have a devastating affect on your business. Don't become a victim to bad weather. Protect yourself with environmental monitoring and uninterruptible power supplies (UPS). Vantage IT will provide the help you need.

Are You Ready For The Weather?

When storms hit, is your vital IT hardware safe? You need to know that adverse weather conditions will not affect your business. The storms in recent weeks have caused power cuts and flooding. Both of these occurrences are not favourable to sensitive IT equipment!   Water ingress will clearly damage […]


Life After SBS

Many small businesses have been enjoying the benefits of Microsoft Windows Small Business Server (SBS) since its introduction over 20 years ago. The last edition Microsoft introduced was SBS 2011 which first appeared in December 2010. Many SMEs still use the software today. However, are you aware that Microsoft will […]

Life After Microsoft SBS Help From Vantage IT Support. Are you enjoying the benefits of SBS? Microsoft will not support Windows Server 2008 R2 and Exchange Server 2010 beyond 14th January 2020. SBS is comprised of these two components so needs to be replaced in the near future. Vantage IT can supply the Server alternative you need.

Don’t Get Caught on a Hacker’s Line – Secure Yourself from Phishing Attacks

WatchGuard, a world leader in network security products, offers advice about protecting your business from phishing attacks. Phishing attacks continue to be a major concern for all of us. In fact, 76% of businesses report being a victim of a phishing attack in the last year alone. This is not […]

Don’t Get Caught on a Hacker’s Line from a Phishing Attack. Get help from Vantage IT. Phishing attacks continue to be a major concern for all of us. With education and good defence, it is possible to protect your organisation from a phishing attack. DNSWatch from WatchGuard will help prevent you getting caught on a hacker’s line.

Moving Office?

If you have an upcoming office move, we hope the following proves helpful and prevents it becoming a major headache. If you have moved office in the past, you will be aware how much there is to organise, particularly in terms of your IT infrastructure. Thankfully, this does not need […]

Moving Office? Need IT Support for Your Move from Vantage IT Solutions? If you have moved office in the past, you will be aware how much there is to organise, particularly in terms of your IT infrastructure. Thankfully, with the help of Vantage IT this does not need to be stressful. Our IT support service will provide all the assistance you need.

#TakeTheLead

Attacks on guide dogs are more common than you would realise. The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association has started a new #TakeTheLead campaign that calls for pet dog owners to help prevent avoidable attacks on guide dogs. For a blind or partially sighted person, a guide dog can be […]

#TakeTheLead, avoiding attacks on guide dogs. Vantage IT Solutions

GDPR and Your IT. Keep Your Data and Business Safe. Vantage IT Solutions. The GDPR legislation is coming. Protecting your data is vital. It is one of the most valuable resources you have. The consequences of not keeping it safe could be disastrous for your business. Don't leave it to chance. Let Vantage IT help protect your network.

GDPR and Your IT

Protecting your data is vital. It is one of the most valuable resources you have and therefore the consequences of not keeping it safe could be disastrous. Vantage IT provides the assistance you need to help you find out where your data is and that it is securely controlled. We […]


Don’t Buy a Printer and Save Thousands!

We always look for ways we can save money for our clients. We would like to share a recent example of a customer with a faulty printer where we potentially saved them £3000! Case Study – Faulty Printer A customer contacted us to say they were experiencing problems with a […]

Don't Buy a Printer and Save Thousands! Advice from Vantage IT Solutions. There are many instances when we advice you not to purchase new equipment if the old equipment will still perform adequately. A customer with a faulty printer was one such case, where we potentially saved them £3000!

Wi-Fi Security Flaw Needs to be Patched. Security vulnerability in Wi-Fi networks secured with WPA and WPA2 needs to be patched. Vantage IT can provide the assistance you need to fix your Wi-Fi.

5 Tips to Improve Your Wi-Fi

How is your Wi-Fi? Is the connection a bit sporadic? If it isn’t as reliable as you would like, here are some tips for improving the situation. Change Your Router’s Location When routers are hidden behind other devices or tucked in a corner, wireless signals can be affected. Many routers […]


Give Your PC a Spring Clean

Despite the weather we have just experienced, spring is almost upon us, so why not give your PC a spring clean of its own? Why a Spring Clean? If your PC takes ages to boot up or respond to your inputs, there is a chance it requires some basic housekeeping. […]

Give Your PC a Spring Clean, from Vantage IT Solutions. Don't spend a penny on your computer to gain performance if you don't need to. Give it a spring clean! Try these tips before purchasing a new PC or upgrade your existing one. This is a bit of DIY IT support, but for the real thing, contact Vantage IT.

WatchGuard Firewalls Gain Additional Feature, For Free

WatchGuard firewalls currently block access to dangerous sites based on a feed of known malicious URLs and also allow customers to block traffic to potentially risky sites. The new service, based on technology called Strongarm, will add blocking based on known malicious domains. Furthermore, by monitoring requests at the domain […]

WatchGuard Firewalls Gain Additional Strongarm Feature, For Free. Vantage IT Support. WatchGuard firewalls will integrate the Strongarm technology to improve security. Strongarm stops phishing and malware attacks and will be added for free.

IT Failures

How many times did your IT fail last year? It never ceases to amaze us at Vantage IT how some businesses seem to be so accepting of IT failures, no doubt persuaded of such ‘normality’ by their service provider or internal IT support personnel.   However, IT failures should be […]

IT Failures Should be Highly Abnormal. They are when you use Vantage IT Solutions. How many IT failures did your suffer last year? It never ceases to amaze us at Vantage IT how some businesses seem to be so accepting of IT failures. They shouldn't be!

Happy Christmas from Vantage IT. Your Christmas holiday should be a relaxing time so we have provided a checklist to help. Enjoy your Christmas break and have a great New Year.

Happy Christmas from all of us at Vantage IT!

Your Christmas holiday should be a relaxing break from your busy work life. However, you don’t want to return feeling even more stressed than you did when you left! Efficient planning will allow you to enjoy your holiday worry-free, so we have put together a few tips that we hope […]