CAI Managed IT blog

Businesses of all sizes rely on data to operate, which means that this data needs to be collected somehow. Let’s consider how the concept of data automation has assisted these businesses to successfully accomplish more.

Google Chrome is adding a cool feature over the next week or so (it may already have been released for you). The next feature is sure to make a big difference for some and will be non-descript for others. Let’s unpack colorful tabs in Google Chrome.

November 19, 2018 – Smithfield, RI -- CAI Software LLC today announced that Frank Motta, Executive Vice President for CAI’s Managed IT division, has been selected to speak as part of The Rhode Island Corporate Cybersecurity Initiative’s (RICCI) 2019 Cybersecurity Seminar Series.

Mr. Motta’s presentation, Data Security: Best Practices for SMBs in Today’s Cyber-connected World, to be held on Wednesday, February 6, 2019 will highlight discuss the major risks facing SMBs and how they can deploy industry best practices to keep themselves, their employeesand their data safe from cybercrime.

The Rhode Island Corporate Cybersecurity Initiative is part of the Pell Center’s Cyber Leadership Project—an ongoing effort to provide thought-leadership, policy recommendations, and in-depth research in the ever-expanding field of cybersecurity.

“As a company working with small and medium-size businesses on the front line of keeping their data secure from cyber threats, we bring a unique perspective on the tactics and solutions that SMBs are finding to be the most effective at keeping their computer network’s running and their data safe,” Mr. Motta said. “We will share information lessons learned from the field about some of the most prominent attacks and as well as affordable, best practices to minimize the damage they inflict.”

For more information click here.

November 8, 2018 -- Smithfield, RI -- CAI Managed IT today announced that the company has been selected by International Packaging Corp. (InterPak) to deploy a virtualized computer network and IT infrastructure at InterPak's Pawtucket, Rhode Island-based manufacturing and distribution facility.

InterPak had been operating in a sophisticated but dated IT infrastructure consisting of both physical and virtualized servers. “As our hardware aged, the servers were becoming increasingly unstable,” said Joe P. Checrallah, Jr., Director of Information Technology for InterPak. “At the same time, our Storage Area Network (SAN) device, critical for transmitting and storing our large design files, was beginning to create bottlenecks and impact productivity. We knew we needed to upgrade the infrastructure and, at the same time, automate the security process for our network-connected servers and PCs. We felt the time was right to look at outsourcing the overhaul of our Microsoft Windows operating environment and systems,” Checrallah continued. “After our initial meeting with CAI Managed IT, we were convinced they were the right team for the job.”

CAI conducted an initial network assessment to understand the scope and complexities of InterPak’s infrastructure. This assessment mapped the company’s current network configuration and identified connected endpoints and their individual security safeguards. Based on this analysis ― as well as feedback from InterPak’s staff regarding specific issues ― CAI recommended a consolidation of InterPak’s server environment and the deployment of software to provide 24/7 monitoring and problem remediation for all network-connected devices. Frank Motta, Executive Vice President for CAI Managed IT said, “As we planned the project with InterPak, the goal was to build out a reliable, long-term and scalable IT solution that would secure the architecture and provide unhindered business growth.”

CAI monitors InterPak’s servers and workstations and automatically updates the devices with the latest security patches from Microsoft. The server and desktop management service provides remote management, problem remediation and automatic updates of all critical components in InterPak’s Windows-based operating environment.

To learn more, read the case study: https://www.caiservice.com/case-studies.

July 24, 2018 -- Smithfield, RI -- CAI Managed IT today announced that it has been selected by Steere Engineering of Warwick, Rhode Island to help protect the company from cyber threats. Under CAI's fully managed IT service, CAI monitors Steere’s main domain server and employee workstations 24/7 to identify potential issues before they cause a business disruption. In addition, CAI deployed a network attached storage (NAS) appliance to ensure business continuity by backing up the servers at regularly scheduled intervals throughout the day.

Founded in 2010, Steere Engineering Incorporated is a full-service, Northeast regional structural civil engineering firm located in Warwick, Rhode Island. The company is certified by the National Highway Institute (NHI) to offer National Bridge Inventory System (NBIS) bridge inspections, bridge ratings, highway and traffic design, 3D CAD modeling and rendering services, construction services, as well as highway, civil, traffic, and environmental permitting capabilities. Steere Engineering’s services encompass the full scope of project delivery from type selection through final design, and construction phase support.

Steere Engineering is led by a team of professionals who have been responsible for some of largest bridge related projects in New England. Its engineers are professionally licensed in multiple states, including Connecticut, Massachusetts, New York, Florida, Rhode Island, and Maine and utilize advanced CAD software to create easily modifiable, accurate models for Structural Analysis, Clash Detection, 4D Scheduling, Virtual Reality Visualization, Sales/Marketing Graphics, and more.

At the outset, Steere’s IT system was setup and handled by a freelance acquaintance who possessed sufficient knowledge and expertise to meet their needs at the time. However, as the company grew, the requirements of its IT system started to become more complex and demanding. They realized they needed to address these new changing demands. Martin Pierce, Vice President for Steere said, “CAI was willing to take on the challenge of working closely with us to learn and understand the individual software license and maintenance requirements for the numerous programs required by our industry,” Pierce added. In addition, CAI guided us through the process of installing a state of the art backup system for our data.”

“The staff at CAI have been very professional and have worked closely with us to ensure our computer systems and network infrastructure function properly and efficiently,” Pierce added. “If I had to come up with a phrase that best describes our relationship with CAI it would be Team Member!”

May 9, 2018 – CAI Managed IT today announced that it has been selected by Wannamoisett Country Club a private golf course located in Rumford, Rhode Island to help the club modernize its Information Technology and enhance the “Wannamoisett Experience’ for its members.

Ellen Girelli, controller for Wannamoisett said, “Last fall, the board of directors discussed how we could enhance the overall experience for our members and guests.  We spoke with a number of our members to solicit ideas for improvements and amenities they’d like to see.  Next we set out to find a local company who we could partner with to make everyone’s wish lists, within reason, come to life! One of our members who had recently hired CAI Managed IT to manage the computer network for his personal business suggested we have them in to see how we could really modernize the facility,” Girelli said. Representatives from CAI visited the club, interviewed key personnel and reviewed our member’s input and then performed a comprehensive Site Survey of the facility to identify areas of focus.

Frank Motta, EVP for CAI Managed IT said, “Right from the get-go it was clear that the building was in need of a pretty significant upgrade to its entire IT infrastructure, including a complete rewiring of the facility’s network and communications equipment. This established a solid underpinning for the range of technology-based enhancements and audio/visual amenities requested by the club membership and spec’d out during our initial site survey.”

New Servers and Workstations Monitored and Managed 24/7

After the wiring project was completed, CAI Managed IT installed two new servers.  One server is dedicated to their business management software, Jonas Club Management, which handles Wanamoisett’s point-of-sale, accounting, installment billing, locker management, and other aspects of the operation, and a second domain controller.  In addition, the club invested in new Windows™ 10 workstations for their entire business office.

October 27, 2017 – CAI Managed IT today announced that Frank Motta, EVP for CAI Managed IT has been selected to speak at the Massachusetts Association of Insurance Agents (MAIA)'sAnnual Conference and Tradeshow, The Big Event, October 26-29, 2017 at the Copley Marriott Hotel in Boston.

August 16, 2016 – CAI Managed IT today announced its Managed Office 365 Service aimed at helping small and medium-size businesses move to the cloud for greater efficiency and productivity, and reduced cost and complexity of server management and maintenance.

The cloud is deeply-seated in the way that the modern business handles its day-to-day operations. It’s great for managing access to critical data and applications, making it vastly easier for businesses to optimize operations. With so many great technology innovations revolving around the cloud, how does your business plan on implementing the cloud in 2016?

Do you have Windows 10 on your workstation or PC? You’ve probably realized that it’s a pretty sweet operating system. Still, there’s a reason why so many people have been bothered by it, and it’s because of its practically omnipresent attempts to advertise to consumers.

Have you ever been stuck in a technology rut while working on a major project? If this is an everyday occurrence for you, your gut might be telling you that there’s a better way to handle your business’s IT. Most of the time, there’s usually a better way to handle these issues, and it’s with the latest and greatest technology. Your IT provider needs to be familiar with the most recent developments, good or bad, to deliver you the best quality services available.

The latest in a string of costly settlements associated with the violation of the HIPAA law highlights the importance of your health care organization closely following HIPAA’s mandates. Is your practice’s IT infrastructure HIPAA compliant? If not, then even an overlooked detail as seemingly-insignificant as updating software will subject you to penalties.

The Hackers on Planet Earth (HOPE) conference which took place on Saturday, July 21st 2014, had an important panelist, that being Edward Snowden. Whether he's a whistleblower or a traitor is a hot topic on the web, but one thing is certain - he has called for assistance in creating and promoting anti-surveillance technology to mitigate government spying.

Everybody loves their freedom, but for some, freedom is an illusion. Take for example the busy business owner. Often times, their work schedules are so packed with tasks that they don't feel free to take a break and enjoy themselves. Technically, they have the freedom to quit, but we think there's a better way to find freedom in the workplace!

For the past decade, touch-screens have changed the way that we as a society touch technology, and have greatly increased the mobility of business in that short time. This trend started with the smartphone, then spread to the 10-inch tablet and larger tablets - perfect for watching YouTube videos, Netflix, or other media consumption.

There are times when a specific task is asked of a server requiring all of its data to be moved. When this happens, all the files and applications are transferred to another server unit in a fascinating procedure called server migration.

Lighting up the airwaves in the United States is the issue of net neutrality. It's a complex and technical topic regarding Internet regulations, but don't let the fine print keep you from caring. This is an important topic that could affect how the Internet is consumed around the globe!

It has been two weeks since the National Communications Association warned the world about the GameOver Zeus and Cryptolocker ransomware, and if you haven't taken steps to avoid these threats, it's not too late - if you haven't been infected yet, do so as soon as possible. Otherwise, your network will be vulnerable, and so will your banking credentials.

Does your company have dedicated antivirus software to protect it against the annoying threats on the Internet? Sometimes, a computer virus can weasel its way past your software, but there's no greater frustration than when you realize that the reason you contracted a virus is because an employee disabled your software. Don't let this happen to you!

We've come across a fun, furry idea to relieve workplace stress. Kitties and puppies! In a fun twist to the workday, many companies are allowing staff to bring their pets with them to the office, and the results are adorable!