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Articles written by Ryan LaFlamme
Network management
The Ultimate Guide to SNMP
The ultimate guide to network management, the ongoing monitoring, administration, and maintenance of any networked system of computers.
Network management
What is Network Management?
The ultimate guide to network management, the ongoing monitoring, administration, and maintenance of any networked system of computers.
Auvik
The True Cost of Switching to Auvik
In the day-to-day grind of IT, getting lost in the details can be easy. Taking a systems view of your network and understanding how it…
Tech industry
5 Networking Trends IT Admins Need to Know for 2023
A new year can only mean one thing: it’s time to break out the lingo bingo cards and take a look at networking trends in the year to…
Auvik
Auvik’s Top Ten Blog Posts of 2022
We published a finger-aching 73 articles this year, with topics ranging from Networking 101,to Navigating to IT career, to how to play…
Managing an MSP
Top MSP Books for 2023: 10 Recommended Books for Growing Your MSP Business
We asked leaders from IT channel companies and MSPs which book they’ve read that left them with actionable learning. Here are their top…
Auvik
The 2022 Auvik Holiday Gift Guide for IT Pros!
It's that time of year. We’ve scoured the internet, and plumbed the depths of our company Slack channels, to bring you a round-up of…
Just for fun
Network Nightmares, Vol. 2
The time has come, friends... We asked you for your most frightening tales of networks gone amok! Of cabling that keeps you awake at…
Tech industry
IT Asset Lifecycle Management: Why Is It Important?
IT assets are a crucial part of any organization, and IT asset lifecycle management of performance and efficacy throughout helps ensure…
Just for fun
Network Nightmares Vol. 2: Open Call for Submissions
Auvik wants your nightmares (your network nightmares)! Our open call for Network Nightmares, Vol. 2 is here! Spooky season is back, and…
Managing an MSP
Make Your MSP a Recession-Proof Business
Many believe we’re either in a recession or on the brink of one. It’s a familiar cycle: high inflation, international strife, supply…
Network protocols
What is DHCP?
In the early years of the internet, it was common to simply use a spreadsheet to manually assign and track IP addresses. We’d be given…
Network configuration
What is Edge Computing?
Data has become an incredibly valuable commodity for most businesses. With so many people connected to the internet, the data we generate…
Events
15 Business-Boosting Conferences for MSPs in 2022 & 2023
Attending conferences is a small investment that can yield huge results for your MSP. Which events should you attend in 2020? We’ve…
Managing an MSP
What’s the Perfect IT Support Staff Ratio?
What's the tech to user ratio in your MSP—and what should it be? We dig into the numbers.
Network management
What Does SASE Mean (for VPN)?
The basic idea is great: all your security and network services are on one platform. The problem comes when you get into the specifics.…
Tech industry
IT Asset Disposition: An MSP Opportunity That’s Anything But Trash
Managing old gear is the bane of many an MSP’s existence. But why not turn that problem into a revenue stream by offering end-of-life…
Leading an IT Team
What is IT Outsourcing?
Outsourcing is a common business practice, and the IT industry is no exception. It shouldn’t be a surprise that companies are…
Cloud
Sustainable Technology: Can Clouds Save The Planet?
Sustainable technology has become a hot topic in the tech world over the past few years. From the escalating environmental impact of heat…
Tech industry
The Big -aaS List of As-a-Service Offerings
If your head is spinning with all those cloud acronyms, don’t worry—you’re not the only one. To help, we’ve pulled together a…
Managing an MSP
What is an MSP SLA? Everything You Need to Know
As a managed service provider, your success depends largely on the satisfaction of your customers. If they’re happy, they’ll…
Cybersecurity
Using the NIST Cybersecurity Framework to Assess Your Clients’ Network Security
The NIST Cybersecurity Framework was intended to be used by internal IT teams, but its five major themes—identify, protect, detect,…
Network management
Help Desk vs Service Desk: How to Choose the Right One
An IT help desk is meant to be a single point of contact (SPOC) that employees and customers can use to get support from your business.…
Network monitoring
Agent vs Agentless Monitoring: Which is Best?
Agent-based and agentless monitoring are the two main approaches network monitoring tools use to capture and report data from network…
Network management
The Auvik Network Device Buyer’s Guide
Buying the right network devices is an essential part of network design, and can have an impact throughout the network lifecycle. Get it…
Network configuration
Is it Time to Retire Your VPN?
Back to the question at hand: Is it time to move on from VPN? For an enterprise-wide greenfield deployment or network refresh? Sure,…
Troubleshooting
Find and Fix Network Loops
Network loops are one of those things that can have you tearing your hair out for days, burning through billable hours while your client…
Managing an MSP
The 5 Levels of MSP Operational Maturity
In this interview with Paul Dippell of Service Leadership Inc., we walk through the levels of operational maturity for MSPs, how those…
Network management
What is ITIL? IT Infrastructure Library Guide
What is ITIL? The Information Technology Infrastructure Library (ITIL) is a framework of best practices for providing various information…
The Springboard
The Springboard Video Series
Welcome to The Springboard, where we take ideas to the deep end! In this video series, subject matter experts from the Auvik team share…
Network protocols
What’s next for the Internet of Things?
IoT devices seem to be ubiquitous, but the truth is we’re not nearly there yet. In fact, IoT Analytics continues to predict steady…
Network management
What Does it Take to Run a Smart City?
From smart lighting, to waste management, to air quality, IoT devices and other “smart city technologies” are rapidly changing life…
Network management
Insider Risk: The Call is Coming from Inside the House
[BONUS POINTS IF YOU CAN NAME THE MOVIES THESE GIFS COME FROM IN THE COMMENTS] In IT, we tend to think of threats as external. Hackers,…
Cybersecurity
What is a Supply Chain Attack (and What Can You Do About It)?
Any cybersecurity breach is damaging to individual companies. But when it becomes a supply chain attack, the results can be chaotic and…
Auvik
Live Auvik Demo
Fast-track your evaluation of Auvik’s network monitoring and management software at our next live group demo. 30 mins or less | Hosted…
Trends, forecasts & research
3 MSP Trends on the Rise in 2022
For smaller independent MSPs to survive, it’s time to take advantage of scale. Employing a network monitoring and management system…
Network management
Network Management in a Nutshell
If you're looking for a crash course on network management for MSPs, here it is. The experts at Auvik Networks break it down.
Cybersecurity
To Protect and Secure: Selling Cybersecurity as a Service (Webinar)
A new year brings new threats, new exploits—and new MSP opportunities in cybersecurity. Understanding global technology trends and…
Managing an MSP
MSP Business Models: When Bigger Isn’t Always Better – FMSP 014
David Pence, CEO of Acumen IT, shares his personal insights on MSP growth—and why he decided to downsize his business. Richard Tubb &…
Auvik
The 2021 Auvik Holiday Gift Guide for IT Pros!
It's that time of year. We’ve scoured the internet, and plumbed the depths of our company Slack channels, to bring you a round-up of…
Network management
The Lights Never Go Out For Financial Services
The financial sector is in a constant state of change, and institutions must continually adjust to the evolving needs of their customers…
Just for fun
Network Nightmares, Vol. 1
The time has come, friends... We asked you for your most frightening tales of networks gone amok! Of cabling that keeps you awake at…
Leadership & team management
20 KPIs Your MSP Should be Tracking (Webinar)
Auvik’s Patrick Aubert and Larry Garcia of BrightGauge hosted a great conversation worth sharing about how to do just that: find the…
Tech industry
What’s in a Name? “Network Specialist” vs. “Network Engineer”
Network engineers design networks, while network specialists or technicians maintain these networks. Learn more about these IT roles &…
Network management
The Auvik Guide to Figuring Out What’s Hogging Your Bandwidth
Knowing how to tell what users and devices are using high levels of your network bandwidth is key to proper management. Learn everything…
Auvik
Have Your Say in the new Idea Portal
Auvik is excited to launch the all-new idea portal: where great ideas can grow, build support, and help shape the future of Auvik. Find…
Productivity
Power Your Productivity With These Simple Biohacks – FIT 082
Neurologist Dr. Mary Rensel shares her tips for increasing your productivity with a little brain care.
Trends, forecasts & research
Machine Learning & AI Need to Be Part of Your Tech Strategy in 2021 – FIT 081
Now’s the time to add artificial intelligence & machine learning to your organization. The benefits are huge but the costs don’t have…
Business skills
Where to Invest in IT With Stimulus Money – FIT 080
Strategically using PPP dollars or other stimulus money on technology can build resilience into your business
Productivity
Getting Strategic With Automation and Scripting – FIT 079
We explore the criteria for deciding which IT tasks to automate with scripting, how to find an automation solution that works for your…
Trends, forecasts & research
Networks at Risk Due to Widespread Gaps in Basic Network Management Activities: Report
The Network Field Report 2021, a new study from Auvik Networks, reveals how in-house IT administrators manage their networks.
Tech industry
The Cybersecurity Skills Shortage? It Doesn’t Exist – FIT 078
We don't lack qualified cybersecurity & IT pros, says Spirion CIO Gabe Gumbs. The real problem is technology.
Leading an IT Team
20 Minutes, 7 Insights, 1 Interesting Year – FIT 077
Tune into our recap of some of the best & most popular Frankly IT episodes of 2020.
Auvik
The Top 8 Frankly IT Podcast Episodes of 2020
What were people listening to in 2020? These 8 Frankly IT podcast episodes were the most downloaded of the year.
Service desk
Service Desk for All – FIT 076
The service desk isn’t just for IT anymore—and that’s great news for IT teams.
Network Monitoring Tutorial with Auvik Software
Network management software doesn’t have to be a headache. Follow along with this tutorial of Auvik’s comprehensive network…
Trends, forecasts & research
SD-WAN in the Age of WFH – FIT 075
With more people working from home permanently, will we see SD-WAN become a viable solution for private residences? Experts say we’re…
Auvik
Auvik Roadmap Webinar – Q4 2020
Get a sneak peek into what’s ahead for Auvik in early 2021.
Team management
Experiment Your Way to Great IT Leadership – FIT 074
Unlock innovation & success from your technical team by applying familiar agile development principles to leadership. Author & coach…
Just for fun
Ghost in the Machine – FIT 073
In this special Halloween episode, we explore the intersection of IT and the paranormal. Yeah, that’s right. We’re taking our tech…
Business skills
5 Painless Ways to Trim IT Costs – FIT 072
Consultant John O’Shaughnessy shares his top 5 tips & tricks for uncovering big cost-savings in your IT budget.
Cybersecurity
Security for Humans – FIT 071
Struggling to get users to comply with your IT security practices? You might be going about it the wrong way. Rubica CEO Frances Dewing…
Team management
How to Step Up and Shine as the IT Service Manager – FIT 070
Leading the IT service team is a tough assignment. Consultant Todd Kane reviews common stumbling blocks and how to overcome them to…
Productivity
Driving IT Productivity With a Top 10 List – FIT 069
Julie Forsythe, VP of Engineering at Auvik Networks, shares how using a Top 10 list helps build efficiency, cohesion, and job…
Cloud
Making the Move to Windows Virtual Desktop – FIT 068
Should you move to virtual desktops? Nerdio’s Joseph Landes joins us to look at the trend, the tech, and how to know if it’s the…
Team management
Why Great Leaders Teach Their Teams to Break the Rules – FIT 067
Author & former IT pro Bob McGannon shows us how to cultivate growth, efficiency & engagement within our teams—by knowing when to go…
Cybersecurity
Network Security Threats From the “Light Web” – FMSP 066
Today’s biggest network threats might just be coming at you from scammers using totally legal and freely available data. Are you ready?…
Financials
How to Get Acquired for Maximum Dollar – FMSP 065
Deal broker & author Linda Rose share her tips for getting more money for your MSP and what COVID has done to the M&A market for…
Network Management and Monitoring with Auvik
Auvik is IT monitoring and management at astonishing speed. Find out how!
Auvik
Frankly MSP Is Taking a Summer Break
The Frankly MSP podcast will be paused on new episodes for two months but we’ll be back later in the year with more great content.
Client relations
Prepare, Communicate, Secure to Stay Steady in a Crisis – FMSP 064
Jim Millican and Travis Grundke share their approach to client management and communications at Ashton Technology Solutions during the…
Cybersecurity
How to Securely Enable Work From Home – FMSP 063
From developing BYOD policies to tips for helping workers secure their home networks, Webroot’s Ken Thon provides guidance on…
Sales & marketing
Selling Cybersecurity to Reluctant Clients – FMSP 062
How to initiate a security conversation with clients, making security part of your standard packages, and what to do when clients say…
Managing an MSP
Hot Topics, Frank Discussion (Recorded Live) – FMSP 061
The blue ocean of co-managed IT, seagull vendors, the infinite game of cybersecurity, and hard MSP lessons learned are all up for…
Client relations
Using Soft Skills to Deliver Hard Results in Your MSP – FMSP 060
Having trouble finding tech talent? Looking to make easier sales? Emotional intelligence could be your secret to cracking the code.
Cybersecurity
The Biggest Cybersecurity Threats for MSPs in 2020 – FMSP 059
What new and evolving security threats will you be grappling with this year? We dig into Trend Micro’s cybersecurity predictions for…
Financials
Growing Your MSP Through Acquisitions – FMSP 058
When do acquisitions make sense for your MSP? Greg Sharp, founder of a New Zealand MSP called base 2, has done three acquisitions so far.…
Managing an MSP
11 MSP Ideas to Start 2020 in High Gear – FMSP 057
All the greatest bits and bites from 2019, rounded up on one delicious episode. Start here for ideas and inspiration to make positive…
Tech industry
The New TSP-ISAO and Why It Matters – FMSP 056
MJ Shoer, executive director of the new TSP-ISAO, tells us what the ISAO is, who’s behind it, how it works, and why you as an MSP…
Sales & marketing
The Customer Is Always Wrong and Other MSP Sales Techniques – FMSP 055
Anthony English, author of How to Sell Your IT Services (Without Feeling Sales-y) shares a few simple techniques for taking the pressure…
Managing an MSP
Hustle and Grind: MSPs and Workaholic Industry Norms – FMSP 054
Former MSP Andrew Moon shares a personal story of burnout and recovery, the norms he sees pushing MSPs into workaholic mode, and advice…
Financials
What Every MSP Should Know About Cyber Insurance – FMSP 053
Justin Reinmuth, an insurance agent who specializes in working with technology service providers, walks us through what insurance…
Cloud
How to Make Money With Microsoft Azure – FMSP 052
Joseph Landes of Nerdio walks us through how to take advantage of four Microsoft programs that can save MSPs up to 80% on Azure costs and…
Cybersecurity
Fight Back: What You Can Do About MSP-Targeted Ransomware – FMSP 051
Wes Spencer of Perch Security reviews the practical steps you can take to protect yourselves, your clients, and the managed services…
Managing an MSP
How to Run Your MSP Business Like Clockwork – FMSP 050
Bestselling business author Mike Michalowicz joins us to chat about his newest book, Clockwork. We also discuss his former life as an IT…
Sales & marketing
Effective Low-Cost Video Marketing Strategies for Your MSP – FMSP 049
Scott Millar of IT Rockstars shares his proven methods for generating a steady stream of leads with video, and how to overcome common…
Auvik
Why 50,000 Podcast Downloads Is Kind of a Big Deal
Earlier this month, the Frankly MSP podcast crossed 50,000 all-time downloads. Next month, we’ll release our 50th episode. Here's why…
How to Track Network Traffic Spikes with Auvik
With Auvik TrafficInsights, you can monitor network traffic flow. Watch this video and learn how to spot suspicious traffic spikes before…
Tech industry
Small Island, Big Tech: Why Jamaica Is So Hot Right Now – FMSP 048
Chris Reckord, CEO of the only pure-play MSP in Jamaica, talks about what’s happening in tech on the island, a few of the successes and…
Cybersecurity
Trusted Wireless Environment Brings Opportunity for MSPs – FMSP 047
WatchGuard’s Ryan Orsi explains the Wi-Fi security framework he wants to see supported industry-wide—and how MSPs can use it to…
Leadership & team management
Improving MSP Efficiency With a Service Dispatcher – FMSP 046
Consultant Erick Simpson discusses why a dedicated dispatcher is well worth the investment for your MSP, how to know when you’re ready…
Client relations
Client or Customer: Does It Matter Which Label an MSP Uses? – FMSP 045
Craig Pollack of FPA Technology Services discuss why words matter to his MSP and how the language we use can shape market perceptions.…
Business skills
How to Make Better Decisions the Matrix Way – FMSP 044
Caleb Christopher of Infosec Consulting walks us through a weighted decision matrix and how to use one to make confident decisions with…
Managing an MSP
Be Slightly Famous, Close Lots of Deals – FMSP 043
Sitima Fowler reveals the powerhouse marketing tactics that have helped her build Capstone IT from startup to three locations and $6…
MSP efficiency
Growing Your MSP’s Profitability With a Hidden Gem – FMSP 042
Todd McQuilkin of Air IT shares how the Service Desk Institute has helped his MSP grow its efficiency and profitability. Aaron Marks of…
Just for fun
Office Technology You Might Someday Be Managing
Let’s hop in our DeLorean, set the date to 2029, and get a look at some smart office technology you might one day be expected to manage.
Managing an MSP
Survey Says! Managed Security Isn’t Optional – FMSP 041
Lynn Souza of Kyber Security shares why she chose to leave behind 30 years of branding to shift from MSP to MSSP, the pains and…
Managing an MSP
How to Bring in Leads With Your MSP Website – FMSP 040
Tobin Lehman of marketing agency New North tells us what makes an MSP website great at bringing in leads and where to focus your efforts…
Leadership & team management
Why Sales Is a Process, Not a Person – FMSP 039
Channel veteran Ted Hulsy shares his insider tips on preparing the ground for a successful first sales hire in your MSP. Beth Burnside,…
Leadership & team management
How Outsourcing Transformed This One-Man MSP – FMSP 038
MSP Martin Haak shares how outsourcing his IT service delivery grew his business by almost 50% in one year, shifted his mindset, helped…
