McLane Intelligent Solutions offers co-managed IT services in central and southern Texas. We can assist your IT department with projects, planning, proactive monitoring, data backups and more. If you need…
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Are you looking for a responsive, experienced IT services partner for your business? McLane Intelligent Solutions offers full-time IT management and support across Texas. Founded in 1999, we provide a…
If you’ve never heard of a virtual CIO, you probably assume you don’t need one. But, virtual CIOs, or vCIOs, give companies the benefit of a high-level technology executive without…
The Internet of Things (IoT) is impacting thousands of businesses every day, from connecting endpoints – like mobile devices, televisions and security systems – to streamlining processes by customizing experiences….
“Disasters don’t happen here.” That kind of thinking can be tempting when you’re deciding what IT recovery plan to include in your budget. But the truth is that major disasters…
It’s human nature to be wary of something new, something different – something that seems too good to be true. Especially when it comes to your precious business dollars. After…
Chances are that your competition is already using the Microsoft Office 365 suite of tools to maximize their productivity and grow their business, so why aren’t you? This is a…
Unified communications (UC) integrates instant messaging, presence information, voice, mobility, audio, web and more services to make the communication process between internal teams and customers easier. So, why haven’t you…
Learn How to Solve the 3 Toughest Challenges So, you’re thinking about implementing a remote workforce, huh? That’s smart… like, saving-thousands-of-dollars smart. With transportation and car-related expenses—on average—your employees are…
What’s the key to getting ahead of your competitors? Integrating new technology into your infrastructure. You want your business to be more competitive in 2018, and thankfully hundreds of new…
Target, Sony, Home Depot—you’ve witnessed how impactful data security breaches can be to an organization and its customers. But did you know you could pay $100,00 or more a month…
Phishing scams like this one are more common than ever – without the right cybersecurity services, your business will be left vulnerable. You and I know that effective communication with...
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Nonprofits need tech solutions that work: Here’s how the market is helping out. Technology and NPOs have always had an interesting relationship: Nonprofits tend to be less impressed customer-focused marketing,…
The Aftermath of the Equifax Hack Do you have a credit report in the US? Then there’s a good chance your private information is now in the hands of hackers….
The only thing more essential than online privacy protection, in general, are the laws, rules, and regulations designed to protect the most vulnerable among us: our children. Here’s what you…
WordPress is a great content management system for personal use, but is it safe for businesses? When small-business owners come together, there are often heated discussions about which back-end platform…
The IRS is warning of a new ransomware threat that is targeting businesses throughout the United States. On August 28th, 2017, the IRS sent out a bulletin advising people to…
As an employer, it’s essential that you understand the responsibility you have when managing your employees’ social media use. How should you regulate the social media activities of your employees?…
FUN WITH NUMBERS! You Can Now Collaborate in Real-time with Excel. Have you ever wanted to work on a spreadsheet with someone, and the technology didn’t work as expected? If…
That Are Costing Your Business Money. Have you fallen prey to these common website mistakes— Ones that will alienate your customers and deplete your revenue? If you tried to save…
The full cost of a data breach can be enormous: Here’s what’s at stake when it comes to hacking. IT service and security companies always warn their clients about…
Are you frustrated by low website conversion numbers? Maybe it’s not your product or service. You may just need to rethink your website. Even though your website is generating…
To stay safe in terms of cyber security, you must separate fact from fiction. Hacking and forms of cyber crime are nothing new. However, one recent study reveals the problem…
How much do you know about your company’s IT network? What type of cabling system do you use? When was the last time you upgraded your network cabling? These are…
Email marketing is far from dead. In fact, it’s seen increased success in recent years. Both prospects and marketers find it to be one of the most flexible, useful channels…
Are you tired of the high cost of using a traditional business phone system? You can save money while still getting the same quality with a VoIP System for your…
You spend a lot of time commuting—Don’t let this time go to waste! Skype and BMW want to help you be more productive while driving. How much time do…
Today’s timesheets are adaptable digital tools: Here are the features that can make them truly useful. Are your timecards still languishing in the last century? Do you have troubles with…
Here Are a Few Smart Communication Tips. Talking to vendor tech support doesn’t have to be a challenge. Here are the top things to keep in mind. Organizations’ relationships with…
Data solutions can bring needed change to NPOs: Here’s why a managed services provider is the answer. One of the most annoying things for nonprofit organizations is finding that their real goals…
There are three types of technologies that every business needs if they want to transform, grow, and achieve new levels of success. Technology has been at the forefront of…
Technology is changing nearly every industry, but few as significantly as the accounting field. Here’s what you need to know about staying in business. Accounting firms have always had a…
Many businesses cannot survive a data attack: Here’s how to focus on the latest effect prevention. Don’t get us wrong, disaster recovery is and will be an important part of…
The world is a more dangerous place for kids than ever before in history. Here is how to keep your kids safe online. Kids spend an average of nine…
It’s a question all business owners in Texas need to be asking themselves. “Do I have a right and proper disaster recovery plan in Austin TX for my business?” Well,…
Discover four tried and proven ways to keep your company’s computer systems and data safe and secure from cyber-criminals A high standard of cybersecurity can mean the difference between a…
Reports have begun to pour in regarding a new ransomware infection currently wreaking havoc in Russia, Ukraine, France, Spain, and several other countries. This highly sophisticated Russian strain is known…
Digital transformation – is your business ready? Do you have a solid grasp of the true essence of the process? If not, it’s not too late – learn more here:…
Public Wi-Fi can be quite dangerous. Here is a detailed list of the most common risks of using it and how to mitigate them. June is the Official National Candy…
There are many things that go into the making of a good business continuity (BC) plan. From assessment and analysis to communicating and coordinating with your staff, network administrator, users,…
Ransomware attacks are now being delivered via voice message notification emails to unsuspecting victims. A June 2016 Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) report revealed that an average of 4,000 ransomware…
A discussion of a particularly nasty strain of malware downloader and what you need to know to keep yourself, your business and your employees protected. Conventional wisdom tells us…
Superman Day Is a Perfect Time To Start Your Journey To Becoming Your Own Information Technology Superhero You don’t have to rely on an outside savior to fix your IT emergencies….
While you’re working out your long-term data security plans, here are the steps to take in the meantime. There are three general responses to a data attack like WannaCry. The…
Undeniable Link Between Strategic Tech Implementation and Sustainable Business Practices Now more than ever, business professionals in every industry are looking for the most sustainable and cost-efficient ways to reduce…
So your boss gives you the task of creating a presentation based on your company’s expense vs. profit over the last seven years. He wants to know what was spent,…
Getting ready to adopt a new security strategy? Here are the top tips on preparing your company! All right: Let’s assume your organization has taken note of WannaCry and other…
Need to approach a manager or board about data security? Here’s how to make sure it goes smoothly. Do you need to sell a data security or IT plan to…
Memorial Day has been observed on the final Monday in May each year since 1971, but this occasion traces its roots back much farther in our country’s history. Originally known…
WannaCry’s ransomware attack is mostly over – here are the lessons businesses must learn from the experience. WannaCry was a particularly nasty bit of ransomware that infected Windows systems via…
“Rockdale is a beautiful place to live, as well as a great place to own and operate a business.”
Facebook Groups can be a valuable tool for your business – if you use them correctly! A Facebook Group allows you to connect with a community of Facebook users over…
The Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) lets manufacturers optimize their factory with sensors, internet connectivity, and data analysis. This streamlines manufacturing increases collaboration and creates new experiences for the customer….
Mobile solutions offer more for manufacturing than ever before: Here’s why. They call it “industry 4.0,” or the next evolution of the manufacturing industry, where manufacturing processes hop online, starting…
Got Gmail? Great! Now get one — or all eight! — of these great extensions that promise to bump up your productivity today! Gmail boasts more than one billions global…
Apple gained significant market share among business users, but the Mac Pro stalled their massive and unprecedented growth. Learn why flash and hype aren’t good reasons for buying a desktop…
Moving to a new location is never completely hassle-free, but with careful planning, you can make a move with minimal disruption. Making the move to a new location is an…
Microsoft Teams is a chat-based work hub destined to change the way you communicate with team members. Follow these tips and tricks to make the most of your Office 365…
Why Your Small to Medium Business Needs a Managed Services Provider. Small to medium-sized businesses should consider the proactive IT strategy that comes with selecting a managed services provider. …
When someone thinks of spam they typically think of unsolicited bulk commercial email they receive in their inbox. However, the concept of spam started a little earlier than you might…
Need a fast Windows screenshot? We’ll show you how to do it! Do you need to take a quick Windows screenshot for work or fun, but can’t figure out how…
A talented sales team can perform well, but if they harness the power of data they can beat the competition by forming strategies that have the insights of data to…
Why CPA Firms Need to Use Secure File Sharing CPA firms of all sizes handle personally-identifiable information every day. This presents significant risks of their clients’ data being hacked. Secure…
Every business needs IT solutions of some type in place to compete today. Small businesses that have fewer resources face more challenges in managing their technological needs. Does it make…
Microsoft Surface devices and software can help your company succeed: Here’s how. Is your company considering a switch to new computer services or a device upgrade? It’s time to consider…
Do you remember the very first Netscape Navigator web browser? It made the internet accessible to everyone. Most of us elder citizens of the web recall the first consumer friendly…
Considering virtualization or a new server approach? Microsoft’s RDS offering is more valuable than ever! Microsoft Remote Desktop Services (RDS), once known as Terminal Services, is the system of virtualization…
Here are eight highly effective guidelines for better website conversions. When designing buttons — particularly those for landing pages — it’s important to note a few fundamental principles that will…
Malware attack seeks to disable user systems by targeting Microsoft Office vulnerability Microsoft Office users are on edge after being made aware of a new threat that has been targeting…
Looking for a new outside IT solution? Here’s how to find the best possible provider. As a business grows, it’s common to seek the help of outside IT specialists or…
Who remembers dealing with dial-up? It was technology that changed the world, but how did it start? There was a time when the telephone line ruled the world. It did…
Although there are loads of security vulnerabilities built into IoT devices, there are some simple steps to take to protect your business. When the Internet of Things was first talked…
If you are giving a presentation and part of it involves a shared display or handouts of a spreadsheet what can you do to keep the group awake? Let’s face…
LastPass has been busy fixing significant security flaws discovered that allowed malicious websites to steal password and log in information for users. When using a password manager, the last thing…
When it comes to social media marketing, Facebook, Twitter and YouTube are no longer enough. Get an edge over your competition by mastering Snapchat now! Since all but taking over…
Maybe, but It’s Complicated So far, scientific research has failed to firmly establish a link between cell phone use and cancer. But, that leaves us with the answer of probably…
Caution: Companies That Allow Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) or Telecommuting Run the Risk of a Data Breach Companies have solid reasons for embracing Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) and…
Most of today’s businesses know that it is vital to make a backup of data and program files that you don’t keep on premise. To meet this need, companies may…
Ransomware is malware that either freezes your computer or locks it so you cannot access data and programs that your company normally uses. The criminal that is holding your system…
“Time is money”. We’ve all heard it before. In the end, there are only so many hours in the day, and when it comes to business, each one counts. Every…
For those of you in our community who are looking for deeper answers and more efficient strategies for cyber and network security, we are hosting a special event in Round…
Because Google always changes the algorithm that it uses to determine search engine rankings, your business’ website needs to stay on top of the current key features that can help…
Time management apps are the solutions that small business owners need to maximize efficiencies throughout their day. Small business owners are notorious for being pulled in one thousand directions at…
Many of you are looking for IT security services you can trust to deliver you the high level of network defensibility you require to do business in the long-term sense….
McLane Intelligent Solutions is a proud member of the local communities we serve and believe we have a responsibility to always look for opportunities to give back. In February, we…
Having top-tier computer and network security for your business venture is priceless. The premium has been placed on it because without it – your business venture is put at great…
Since 1986, Navasota Industrial Supply has established a reputation for excellence throughout the petroleum and manufacturing industries which has allowed them to expand to a wide variety of customers, ranging…
Teresa Smetana, mother of two grown kids (and three cats), has worked as a Sourcing Analyst here at McLane Intel for the past two years. Teresa enjoys working at McLane…
Cyber attacks are on the rise and there are a number of steps your company can take to reduce risk and mitigate success of an attack. Many experts in the…
The annual Temple Independent School District (TISD) 8th Grade Career Fair offers an incredible opportunity for local youth to learn about the career options available to them in a range…
The market for IT contractors in 2017 remains strong if the candidate has the right skill set and the ability to handle the challenges of freelancing. As we move into…
It’s important to keep in mind today the fact that heartless con artists use social engineering tactics to trick people looking for love. The FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center warns every…
Kevin Harris returned to McLane Intel as a Help Desk Technician at the beginning of this year, after having worked with us for four years from 2011- 2015. He is…
Austin’s commitment to music, culture, lifestyle and a robust 21st-century economy have made it the best place to live in America. When Austin earned the ranking of “Best Place to…
Consider implementing multifactor authentication that requires additional information beyond a password to gain entry. Check with your vendors that handle sensitive data, especially financial institutions, to see if they offer…
A look at the seven predicted partner possibilities for Microsoft in 2017 It’s important to focus your energy on the things that matter the most regarding your business and its…
Every day, businesses and individuals send over 205 billion emails all over the world. Though many of these messages contain valuable information, a large portion of them are spam. Receiving…
Microsoft’s cybersecurity practices provide a model for small businesses, allowing them to minimize the risk of attack or theft. From data breaches to system slowdowns to denial-of-service disruptions, cyber attacks…
One of the main challenges of businesses today is controlling and avoiding IT and technology issues. Fortunately, a lot of these issues can be prevented by implementing smart and savvy…
As the network security risk for small businesses grows, Microsoft’s Office 365 Advanced Threat Protection adds new features to make its comprehensive email security system more robust. New malware attacks…
From the run-up to the Super Bowl through to the final score, Bing can help you optimize your game-related ad campaign in five key ways. The biggest game in football…
Read this blog to learn the top five reasons to subscribe to Office 365. We discuss its affordability, its super packed list of technologies and services, the perks you gain,…
It’s a direct question, and its implications can reveal things that many business owners would rather not face. As a leading managed service provider in Austin, we offer our clients…
If you are struggling to keep track of your passwords, you are not alone. With the amount of unique and different passwords that you need to remember for just about…
Mobile devices can create significant security and management challenges, especially if they hold confidential information or can access the corporate network. Require users to password protect their devices, encrypt their…
The latest iOS 10 release from Apple has iPhone lovers welcoming a host of new features. With more fancy tricks at your fingertips, the operating system might seem like a…
Prevent access or use of business computers by unauthorized individuals. Laptops can be particularly easy targets for theft or can be lost, so lock them up when unattended. Make sure…
As a small or mid-size business owner, you know if you are receiving the proper level of IT support or not. The only question that remains is, Are you going…
A look back at the iPhone’s rise to dominance on its tenth birthday Exactly a decade ago this January, the iPhone was unveiled to the masses. It was a momentous…
Microsoft makes business email security a top priority, so you can focus on what you do best. Here are 7 ways Office 365 keeps business email secure. These days, email…
Despite what a gloomy picture we all may think 2016 was, 2017 could boost growth and positive changes for small and medium businesses, if they embrace technological growth and diversity…
Regularly backup the data on all computers. Critical data includes word processing documents, electronic spreadsheets, databases, financial files, human resources files, and accounts receivable/payable files. Backup data automatically if possible,…
Utilizing the crowd and other smart strategies for optimizing your email productivity Email productivity — or lack of it — is an essential component of keeping your business running smoothly….
Data breaches are a constant threat in healthcare. Here are ten of the biggest breaches reported last year. Data breaches are a constant threat in healthcare. Even the possibility of…
If you haven’t yet discovered the benefits of having outsourced IT handling your computer network health, then it may be time to look into it. The various advantages of IT…
The latest version of Microsoft Outlook is designed to be a personal information manager, not just email. Learn the shortcut tricks and a user can become a power communicator very…
Cortana is becoming a very impressive personal assistant and now there is something else you can add to the capabilities: scheduling. Many companies struggle with scheduling. Whether you are trying…
Wow, 2016 is done already! Where did the time go? We would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone as safe and happy new year this weekend. See you…
The OneDrive Admin Center preview was just released. This is what you need to know. There are so many great changes happening to OneDrive and the most recent one that…
Technology has made pretty much everything easier, even paying for items. Although it is easier to pay with your phone, is it really smart to do it? How nice is…
Best wishes for a happy holiday season and our sincere thanks for your loyalty and goodwill throughout the year.
Saving time is very important in any business. Technology has helped make this more and more possible. Learn how Bitly came together with Flow to help make tedious tasks much…
Email attachment limitations can be frustrating but there are usually ways around them and we took the time to explore all of them. Security is increasing all over the internet…
When it comes to productivity, technology is a double-edged sword. Sure, modern advances in IT can help you and your staff get more work done in less time, keep in…
Educate your employees about online threats and how to protect your business’s data, including safe use of social networking sites. Depending on the nature of your business, employees might be…
Optimizing your technology for success in business won’t happen by accident. Achieving an efficient and effective IT environment requires time, expertise, structure and a proven strategy tailored to your needs,…
New Popcorn Time Ransomware Demands Cash Unless Infected User Agrees to Spread the Virus to Friends We’re Urging Local Individuals and Businesses to be Informed about Latest and Most Sophisticated…
Microsoft Band is a great option for tracking your exercise. Now, Microsoft Band has a new update that allows you to track your hiking paths and much more. Whether you…
In the course of running your business you have enough to worry about without the sometimes-unpredictable nature of dealing with a business IT network and its many ins and outs….
Microsoft Band is a great way for people to focus on their fitness goals. Microsoft has taken it one step further and now allows friends to participate in friendly competitions….
Managed IT services make it easy for a small business to save time and money while improving security and efficiency. What makes outsourced IT so appealing to small business? More…
We are nearly at the end of 2016, which for most businesses means that planning for the year ahead is already well underway. A big part of preparing your business…
In late 2015, Congress passed and signed the PATH Act, which had the added bonus of increasing the Section 179 deduction cap to $500,000 for 2016. And as this deduction…
In order to avoid unwanted fines, companies must ensure that business, marketing, advertising, or commercial emails are compliant with the current anti-spam laws. The repercussions of sending emails that aren’t…
The holidays have a way of bringing out the very worst in the type of people who happily profit by preying on others. Phishing scams have been a favorite tool…
It’s tiring explaining yourself to someone who just isn’t getting it. They’ve made up their mind and they are stubbornly sticking to their opinion. You have facts to back-up your…
Smart small business owners look to non-traditional solutions to help them gain an advantage over their competitors, either by reducing costs or by improving workflows to gain efficiency. An often-overlooked…
There has been a lot of press lately about the release of Microsoft’s latest operating system, Windows 10. Whether you’re thinking about it from a personal or business angle, you…
If your business accepts credit card payments with a swipe machine you could be liable for counterfeit fraud! Scared? You should be! Europay, Mastercard, and Visa created a standard for…
Have you ever spent more than 10 minutes trying to craft the perfect email? Have you ever wondered how much time you could save if you didn’t waste time writing…
Do you ever wonder if your emails are actually being read? Outlook offers the read receipt option, but receiving a message every time someone reads your email can be tiring. …
What comes to your mind when you’re invited to a meeting? Do you think about how bored you will be or about how much other work you have to do?…
Have you ever noticed the impact of high stress on your personal productivity, or the productivity of your organization? Consider this vicious cycle: The cycle starts with increased stress. An…
It costs at least 20% of a person’s annual salary to replace an employee. That cost includes productivity loss during training, recruiting, and lost work while the position is vacant….
Would you make a critical client call on your smartphone while driving through a bad cell area? Absolutely not! Your client’s frustrations due to poor quality will be directed at…
“Collaboration – the action of working with someone to produce or create something” Really – what’s the big deal with this collaboration? When I was young, we traded files on…
Not sure what to look for when purchasing a server? Having trouble with your current server or in the market for a new one? Purchasing a server can be a…
Working on a team means that projects are passed from person to person. If one person makes an error, passes it on, and the error is not caught, then the…
When it comes to working remotely from home, the reviews are mixed. On one hand, you have employees that enjoy the freedom of working in their pajamas. On the other…
Take a minute to look at the computer you’re using to read this. Are you using a flat screen? How large is your hard drive? What do you use to…
How much do you spend on the workstations your employees use? Most business owners admit that it’s, “more than I would like,” and that’s because they would embrace a…
How do you take over the planet? First, you control it’s flow of information (Google Search). You then develop and analyze a map (Google Earth), then you send in reconnaissance…
It is the end of the day and you have been stressed from the days workload. You’re ready to just go home and spend some time with your family. As…
Nature has a special talent for ruining plans. Sometimes nature can be annoying, like when it rains out a picnic. Other times, it can be devastating, like having your office…
So your workstation is crawling along at a snail’s pace and you’ve decided to call your local computer fixer-upper to take care of it. After hours (or days) of twiddling…
Saving a little on your technology can go a long ways, but cutting too many corners can lead to additional problems and expensive downtime. Here are a few ways you…
When you mention the term ‘disaster recovery,’ most people think about the big ground-shattering events like earthquakes, fires, floods, tropical storms, etc. While these natural events are certainly disasters and…
Your identity has quite a lot of value, especially in the wrong hands. Security firm ZoneAlarm put together some numbers in 2011 concerning identity fraud, and it even shocked us….
Tablets are definitely becoming a staple in the consumer electronics world. For the longest time, the tablet PC was an expensive, clunky device that just didn’t wow consumers. Some…
Sometimes when your workstation feels bogged down, a relatively cheap and simply hardware update can make a huge difference in performance. Adding more RAM (Random Access Memory, often just referred…
Email is (and has been) a prime method of communication for businesses of all sizes. With email comes a whole slew of issues that are essentially synonymous with the technology;…
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