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CEO Interview: WorkSmart’s Vision for Lasting Client Success – More Than Just Managed Services

Mike Hamuka Michael Hamuka joins us with an impressive track record of success in transforming businesses and driving sustainable growth. Most recently, as the Chief Revenue Officer at NexusTek, Michael was instrumental in reshaping their go-to-market strategies and leading the integration of multiple acquired companies. His leadership resulted in a stronger, more cohesive organization that thrived in an ever-evolving market.

Prior to NexusTek, Michael held senior roles at IBM, Wipro, and DXC, leading growth initiatives and transformation projects for clients ranging from small and mid-sized businesses to large enterprises. His ability to blend technical expertise with strategic insight has positioned him as a trusted leader in the IT services industry.

“I am honored to join WorkSmart as the CEO,” Michael shared. “The company has a strong foundation built on innovation and delivery excellence. I am excited to work with this talented team to lead the next phase of growth and deliver unparalleled value to our clients.”

Please provide your feedback on how GoodFirms has contributed to increasing your visibility among potential clients.
GoodFirms has provided a valuable platform for us to share our story with a broader audience. It’s helped position WorkSmart not just as a service provider, but as a trusted advisor in the IT space. The ability to highlight our expertise, culture, and client success stories in one place makes it easier for potential clients to connect with what we do and why we do it. It’s also opened the door to conversations we may not have had otherwise.
Please introduce your company and describe your role within the organization.
WorkSmart provides technology-based services to small and medium businesses that view IT as a strategic differentiator. We partner with these organizations to advise, manage, and innovate in ways that reduce risk and support long-term growth. As CEO, I lead the company in delivering on this mission and ensuring we remain a trusted partner for our clients.
What inspired you to join WorkSmart?
In 2001 the ownership team saw a gap in the market—small businesses were beginning to embrace technology but lacked access to quality technical resources without becoming IT experts themselves. WorkSmart was created to offer advisory, engineering, and management services in a predictable model, helping these businesses leverage IT strategically, not as a burden. I’ve long believed this segment is underserved, and joining WorkSmart aligned perfectly with my mission to support small and medium businesses with enterprise-level service. The company’s values and team culture made it an easy decision.
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What are the core values and principles that drive your company’s culture, and how do you ensure alignment with these values across your team?
Our core values—Do the right thing, Put people first, Own it, and Be curious—are more than just words on a page. They shape how we operate every day and are deeply embedded in our culture. We use them as a lens for hiring, decision-making, and recognizing team members who exemplify these values in their work. It’s how we stay aligned as we grow.
Can you highlight some of the key achievements or milestones your company has accomplished since its inception?
We’ve served clients across North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia for over two decades, consistently delivering excellent service and innovative solutions. This commitment has earned us recognition from CRN MSP 501, Best Places to Work, Fast 50 awards, and inclusion in the Inc. 5000 list. We have a long history of being top in our field, top in our geographies, and top in the level of service that we deliver to our clients.
Could you explain your company’s business model?
Our business mantra is pretty straightforward—we meet clients where they are and advise them on opportunities that can improve their business, whether that’s accelerating a desired outcome or solving a complex challenge. We tap into a deep ecosystem of partners, which allows us to not only deliver a world-class experience but also provide best-in-class solutions tailored to each client’s unique needs.
“We don’t see ourselves as a contractor or vendor—we are our clients’ trusted partner, fully invested in helping them achieve their goals.”
How does your company differentiate itself from competitors in the industry?
Our differentiators are the quality of our service and our genuine curiosity about our clients and their success. We aim to understand their business as well as we know our own. We don’t see ourselves as  a contractor or vendor we are our clients trusted partner, fully invested in helping them achieve their goals.
How would you describe the dynamics within your team, and how do you foster collaboration and teamwork to achieve common goals?
We combine the experience of long-tenured employees with the fresh insights of new hires. Our hiring process is centered around our core values, which help ensure a strong cultural and performance fit.
“Our goal is to develop the whole person and support them not just at WorkSmart, but wherever their career may take them.”
What measures do you take to support the professional development and growth of your employees?
We have our own in-house Learning and Development leader—something you don’t often see in companies our size—which gives us a strategic edge. Our programs go beyond technical training to include leadership development, soft skills, and even personal growth. We’ve also launched a mentorship program to connect employees with mentors who can support their individual career goals. Our goal is to develop the whole person and support them not just at WorkSmart, but wherever their career may take them.
Could you share a notable success story or case study that exemplifies the impact your company has had on a client’s business?
One client came to us with a clear need to improve their risk posture, but a limited budget constrained them. Their clients were demanding higher levels of security, and they risked losing key business if they couldn’t meet those expectations. We collaborated with two trusted partners to create a cost-effective solution that meets all their requirements.
Together, we delivered the services within budget and on an acceptable timeline, helping the client retain two critical customers and strengthen their position in the market. It’s a strong example of the value we bring through partnership and creative problem-solving.
What industries do you primarily cater to, and do you have a significant percentage of repeat clients?
We’re a cross-industry provider, but we have particularly strong concentrations in architecture, engineering, construction, and nonprofit organizations. Many of our clients have been with us for over eight years, and some since the company’s inception. Our client retention is consistently high, which we see as a reflection of the long-term value we bring and the trust we build over time.
What initiatives does your company undertake to foster innovation and stay at the forefront of industry trends?
We provide each of our technical team members with dedicated time every month for training and education. Continuous learning is not an afterthought—it’s core to our culture and long-term growth strategy. We operate with a systems integrator mindset, meaning we don’t just sell services—we solve problems. Whether or not a solution generates immediate revenue for us, we prioritize helping our clients stay viable, secure, and positioned for growth. That spirit of innovation is what keeps us ahead.
Please share some of the most sought-after services that clients approach your company for.
Clients typically come to us with three core challenges: improving their risk posture, supporting revenue growth, and enhancing operational and financial performance. To meet those needs, we focus on key areas like end-user experience, resilient and secure cloud environments, and robust business continuity strategies. We don’t just sell services—we engage in meaningful conversations to understand the business problem first, then help clients navigate the best path forward. Our holistic approach ensures we’re delivering real outcomes, not just technical fixes.
How do you build and maintain strong relationships with your clients?
By the nature of our work, we’ve built a model that’s resilient—even during economic downturns, when many businesses cut internal IT roles. In fact, IT services often thrive in those moments. We continuously evaluate how to drive greater accuracy and efficiency, leveraging automation, agentic and generative AI, and streamlined processes. Our mission is simple: to be more effective today than we were yesterday. That mindset, along with a flexible cost structure and commitment to innovation, positions us to adapt and grow through any challenge.
How has your company adapted to changes and challenges in the business landscape?
We’ve built a resilient business model that not only withstands economic fluctuations but often thrives in them. When organizations cut internal IT resources, they turn to trusted partners like us. To stay ahead, we’re constantly refining our processes, exploring automation, and integrating both agentic and generative AI. This ongoing evolution ensures we remain agile, cost-effective, and positioned to deliver even greater value to our clients every day.
“Anyone can offer IT support. What makes us different is our relentless focus on people—our team and our clients.”
What payment structure do you typically follow when billing clients?
Our payment structures are designed to be flexible and client-focused. Most of our services operate on a monthly recurring fee model, which works well for ongoing support and managed services. We also offer fixed-cost, milestone-based, and time-and-materials billing for project or product-based work. Whether it’s a phased implementation or a one-time engagement, we tailor our billing to what makes the most sense for the client. Ultimately, our goal is to keep the experience clear, predictable, and easy to manage.
Do you accept projects that meet your basic budget requirements?
We don’t set a fixed minimum budget. Instead, we evaluate whether we can deliver the desired outcome successfully, on time, and within budget. If a project aligns with our capabilities and we believe we can provide real value—even if it’s a smaller engagement—we’re happy to take it on. It’s about the impact, not the dollar amount.
Can you provide an overview of the price range (minimum and maximum) of the projects your company worked on in 2024?
We work on a wide range of project sizes, with scope and complexity being the primary factors. From small, targeted initiatives to large, enterprise-level engagements, our team is equipped to deliver at every scale. What matters most is alignment with the client’s goals and our ability to drive successful outcomes.
What technological capabilities does your company possess?
We leverage a full spectrum of best-in-class tools for monitoring, automation, and service management. While we regularly evaluate new technologies to ensure we’re delivering maximum value, we’re mindful not to make frequent tool changes that could disrupt operations. Our goal is to stay ahead of the curve without compromising the consistency and reliability our clients depend on.
“Anyone can offer IT support. What makes us different is our relentless focus on people—our team and our clients.”
Where do you envision your company in the next 10 years?
In the next 10 years, we will be the highest-ranked provider of IT advisory and managed services for small and mid-sized businesses in the Southeast. Our continued focus will be on strengthening our expertise in security and business continuity—positioning us as a trusted advisor for compliance and risk mitigation. Just as important, we’re committed to building a workplace that attracts and grows top talent, creating a cycle of innovation and leadership that fuels long-term success.
If you’re a business that’s ready to grow, and you want a partner who understands your challenges and is in it for the long haul — let’s have a conversation. We’d love to hear your goals and explore how we can help you get there.
Categories
Blog

WorkSmart Recognized as a Top Managed Service Provider in North Carolina by Clutch

We are proud to announce that WorkSmart has been named a 2025 Top Managed Service Provider by Clutch for three key regions: Charlotte, Durham, and the entire state of North Carolina.

Clutch is a trusted platform that evaluates companies based on client feedback, market presence, and service excellence. These awards are a meaningful reflection of the consistent value we deliver, the strong partnerships we’ve built, and the results our clients see every day. We’re honored to be recognized among the best in the region.

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A Company Built on Partnership, Trust, and Results

WorkSmart provides strategic IT services to small and mid-sized businesses, empowering them with enterprise-level technology solutions tailored to their goals. With offices across North Carolina and a team of dedicated professionals, we support organizations across industries with services that include:

  • Managed IT support
  • Cloud solutions
  • Cybersecurity and risk mitigation
  • Business continuity planning
  • Strategic IT consulting

Our approach is rooted in listening, solving real business problems, and helping our clients navigate complex technology with confidence.

“We don’t just sell services – we solve problems. Whether or not a solution generates immediate revenue for us, we prioritize helping our clients stay viable, secure, and positioned for growth.”

Mike Hamuka, CEO of WorkSmart

WorkSmart’s mission is to be more than a provider – we strive to be a trusted advisor. That’s why we invest heavily in our people, our tools, and our client relationships. We measure success not only by performance metrics, but by the loyalty of our clients and the impact we help them create.

Recognition That Reflects the Work

Being named a top provider by Clutch reinforces that we’re on the right path. We’ve built a culture around core values that guide everything we do: Do the right thing. Put people first. Own it. Be curious. These values shape how we hire, how we engage with clients, and how we adapt in an ever-evolving industry.

To our clients – thank you. Your trust allows us to grow and continuously improve. This award is not just a recognition of our efforts, but of the shared work and collaboration we do together. To our team – thank you for showing up every day with commitment, integrity, and a passion for helping others succeed.

As we look ahead, we remain focused on delivering even more value, continuing to evolve with our clients, and upholding the standards that earned us this recognition.

Curious how we can support your business?
Schedule a free consultation and let’s explore how the right IT strategy can help you reach your goals.

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Microsoft 365 Blog

Upcoming OneDrive Changes in 2025: What You Need to Know

Big changes are coming to OneDrive this year – and if you’re not prepared, you could lose access to important data. Microsoft is updating its policies for unlicensed OneDrive accounts, with strict timelines for when access is removed and data is archived or deleted.

If your organization uses OneDrive, now’s the time to make sure your data is protected.

What’s Changing?

Starting in 2025, Microsoft will automatically move unlicensed OneDrive accounts to read-only mode, then archive or delete them, based on when the license was removed.

For accounts unlicensed before February 17, 2025:

  • April 25, 2025: Account becomes read-only
  • May 16, 2025: Account is archived

For accounts unlicensed after February 17, 2025:

  • Day 60: Account becomes read-only
  • Day 93: Account is either archived or deleted, depending on your data protection settings

Example: If a user’s license is removed on March 1, 2025:

  • April 30 (Day 60): Account is read-only
  • June 2 (Day 93): Account is archived or deleted

Learn more from Microsoft

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What This Means for Your Organization

  1. Potential Loss of Access
    Unlicensed accounts will lose edit access quickly – and data could be deleted if not backed up.
  2. Admin Awareness Is Key
    Admins (or IT partners like WorkSmart) need to monitor OneDrive accounts and act early, especially during user offboarding.
  3. Backups Matter More Than Ever
    If your business doesn’t use a third-party backup solution, OneDrive files may be permanently lost when accounts are decommissioned.

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How to Prepare

  1. Audit your OneDrive accounts now
    Identify unlicensed or inactive users and review who owns important data.
  2. Backup before it’s too late
    Ensure critical OneDrive data is protected, especially if you don’t already have a third-party backup system.
  3. Review offboarding processes
    During user offboarding, Microsoft still allows 30 days of access after a license is removed. Use that time to reassign ownership or move files to an active account.
  4. Migrate important data early
    If a former employee’s OneDrive has files your team relies on, migrate those now to avoid disruptions.
  5. Communicate internally
    Make sure your team knows about these changes, especially those who manage licenses or access data from past employees.

Don’t Assume It’s Handled

Accounts tied to former employees often fly under the radar – but may still contain important files. Without the right protections, this data could be gone for good.

If you’re unsure whether your organization is covered, WorkSmart can help you:

  • Audit your Microsoft 365 environment
  • Set up reliable data backups
  • Update your offboarding and license management processes

Final Thoughts: Don’t Get Caught Off Guard

WorkSmart clients with Microsoft 365 backup in place likely have no action required – we’ll follow up directly if anything needs attention.

If you’re not using a third-party backup, now’s a great time to chat. Let’s make sure your data is protected before the deadlines hit.

Need help managing your Microsoft 365 environment?
Contact our team or schedule a free consultation with our Senior Business Advisor.

Categories
Blog Data Backups & Recovery

World Backup Day 2025: Why Backups Matter More Than Ever for Small Businesses

Every year on March 31st, World Backup Day serves as a timely reminder: your business is only as secure as your data protection strategy.

For many organizations, especially small and medium-sized businesses, data backup and recovery tends to fall into the “we’ll deal with it later” category – until something goes wrong. And by then, it’s often too late.

In a digital-first world, where ransomware attacks, hardware failures, accidental deletions, and natural disasters are all real threats, reliable backups are not optional—they’re essential.

 

Why Backups Matter More Than Ever

Today’s businesses rely heavily on data to operate, serve customers, and make strategic decisions. A single data loss event – whether from a cyberattack or human error – can bring operations to a halt, damage your reputation, and result in significant financial loss.

Unfortunately, too many companies believe they’re protected, when in reality they either:

  • Aren’t backing up everything they should

  • Don’t test whether their backups actually work

  • Rely solely on cloud platforms, assuming those count as full backups

This gap between perception and reality is one of the biggest risks in IT today.

Common Misconceptions That Put Businesses at Risk

It’s important to address some of the common myths about backups that create a false sense of security:

“We’re using the cloud—so we’re safe.”
Cloud services like Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace offer great redundancy, but they’re not backup solutions. They often lack protection against accidental deletion, ransomware, or insider threats.

“We already have backups.”
That may be true – but when was the last time you tested them? Many businesses don’t realize their backup failed until they try to recover something.

“We don’t need to back up everything.”
It’s tempting to cut corners, but even “less important” files can contain operational knowledge or compliance-critical data. The cost of not having access can be far greater than the cost of backing it up.

Backup vs. Business Continuity: There’s a Difference

A backup is just a copy of your data. Business continuity, on the other hand, ensures your business can keep running during and after an incident.

It’s not just about storing data – it’s about:

  • How quickly you can recover from an incident

  • How much downtime you can tolerate

  • How well your systems integrate with your business operations

This is where many off-the-shelf backup tools fall short. They may store your data, but they don’t help you plan for recovery speed, downtime cost, or strategic risk mitigation.

How WorkSmart Helps Businesses Build Smart Backup Strategies

At WorkSmart, we view data protection as a business conversation, not just a technical checkbox.

Our approach is designed for businesses that want more than “set it and forget it.” We help clients:

  • Identify which systems and data are most critical

  • Design a right-fit backup and disaster recovery plan

  • Regularly test and validate backups

  • Align their data protection strategy with business goals and compliance needs

From automated backups and offsite storage to ransomware protection and recovery testing, our team works proactively so our clients are always prepared—no matter what comes their way.

Ready to Strengthen Your Backup Strategy?

At WorkSmart, we help businesses build data protection plans that are resilient, tested, and ready to support your growth.
Contact us for a free IT health check or let’s schedule a quick conversation to review your current setup.

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Blog

The Importance of Regular IT Strategy Meetings: Leveraging Tools for Future Planning

Technology evolves rapidly, and if your business isn’t keeping up, you could be falling behind your competitors. With each of our ManagedShield plans, we include regular IT Strategy Meetings (ITSMs). 

IT strategy meetings help businesses align their technology investments with long-term goals, ensuring resources are used efficiently and securely. Without a clear strategy, small to mid-sized businesses risk inefficiencies, security vulnerabilities, and missed opportunities for growth.

Regular IT strategy meetings keep your business agile, addressing immediate needs while preparing for future advancements. By leveraging the right tools and strategic planning, you can maximize efficiency, reduce risks, and create a roadmap for sustainable success.

Why IT Strategy Meetings Matter

Aligning Technology with Business Goals

Your business objectives drive technology decisions, not the other way around. IT strategy meetings help ensure that your technology supports your business needs—whether that’s enhancing security, improving workflow automation, or scaling your IT infrastructure.

Proactively Managing Risks

Cybersecurity threats, data loss, and compliance issues can derail business operations. Regular IT planning helps identify potential risks before they become critical, allowing for proactive solutions that protect your data and operations.

Optimizing IT Budgets

Wasted IT spending often results from a lack of strategic planning. IT strategy meetings allow businesses to assess current investments, eliminate redundant tools, and allocate resources toward technology that delivers real value.

Key Elements of Effective IT Strategy Meetings

We know your time is important – at WorkSmart, we want to make sure each and every IT Strategy Meeting is actionable for you and your business and gives you the information and insight you need to keep your technology as a strategic advantage.

In each meeting, we generally follow this process:

1. Define Clear Objectives

Each meeting will have a focused agenda. Whether it’s evaluating existing IT infrastructure, planning for an upgrade, or discussing security policies, defining goals ensures that time is well spent.

2. Review Performance Metrics

Tracking system performance, response times, and downtime metrics provides valuable insights into IT effectiveness. Reviewing these metrics helps businesses identify gaps and prioritize improvements.

3. Address Cybersecurity Concerns

Security threats are constantly evolving. IT strategy meetings should include discussions on data protection, employee training, compliance updates, and emerging threats to keep your business secure.

4. Assess Emerging Technologies

Technology advances quickly. Regular discussions around cloud solutions, automation, and AI-powered tools help businesses stay competitive and identify opportunities for innovation.

5. Plan for IT Scalability

As businesses grow, their IT infrastructure must adapt. Strategy meetings help forecast future needs, ensuring that systems and support services scale efficiently with business expansion.

Make IT Strategy a Priority With WorkSmart

Your business success depends on how well you align technology with strategic goals. IT strategy meetings provide a structured approach to managing IT resources, mitigating risks, and planning for the future.

Want to improve your IT strategy? Learn more about IT strategy and planning and see how WorkSmart can help drive your business forward. Or schedule a free consultation today.

 

Categories
Blog Microsoft 365

How Microsoft Teams Transforms Communication and Collaboration in the Workplace

Imagine a workspace where every tool you need is seamlessly integrated, allowing for effortless collaboration and communication. Microsoft Teams offers such a platform, revolutionizing how organizations operate by bringing together chat, video meetings, file storage, and app integration into a single, unified hub.

Unified Communication Platform

Microsoft Teams serves as a comprehensive communication solution that allows team members and external users to have real-time conversations through instant messaging. It also enables organizations to host high-quality audio and video calls, connecting participants from across the globe and enhancing remote collaboration. 

Teams also helps streamline meeting management by allowing users to schedule and join meetings directly within the platform, ensuring efficiency and that all participants remain in the loop.

Seamless Collaboration Tools

Beyond communication, Teams enhances collaboration through:

  • File Sharing and Co-Authoring: Share documents within channels and collaborate in real-time, with changes instantly visible to all team members.
  • Integration with Microsoft 365: Access and edit Word, Excel, and PowerPoint files directly within Teams, eliminating the need to switch between applications.
  • Third-Party App Integration: Incorporate tools like Trello, Asana, and GitHub to tailor the workspace to your team’s specific needs.

Enhancing Productivity with Advanced Features

Microsoft Teams keeps adding new tools to help people work better together. One useful feature is the Meeting Recap, which automatically creates a summary of meetings, including written records and important points discussed. This makes it easy for anyone who missed a meeting—or needs a quick reminder—to see what happened without watching long videos or taking detailed notes.

Another helpful feature is Customizable Notifications. This lets users choose what updates they want to get. By controlling these alerts, workers can focus better on important tasks without getting distracted by constant messages.

Teams also lets people use Collaborative Annotations during meetings. This means team members can draw or make notes directly on the shared screen while someone is presenting. This helps everyone stay involved, understand clearly, and share ideas more easily.

Security and Compliance

Microsoft Teams takes security very seriously to protect users and their information. It includes features that help keep private data safe and secure. Teams uses built-in security tools to guard against cyber threats and make sure important information doesn’t fall into the wrong hands.

Admins in Teams have special controls that let them decide who can see information or join meetings. They can manage permissions, set up rules, and limit who has access to different parts of the platform. This helps companies make sure that only the right people can get to sensitive information.

Another important security feature in Microsoft Teams is compliance. Compliance means following rules set by industries or governments to keep information safe and private. Teams is designed to meet these rules, so businesses can trust that their data stays protected and that they won’t break any important regulations.

WorkSmart: Your Partner in Leveraging Microsoft Teams

At WorkSmart, we specialize in helping small and midsized businesses harness the full potential of Microsoft Teams. Our services include:

  • Customized Implementation: Tailoring Teams to fit your organization’s unique workflows and processes.
  • Training and Support: Providing comprehensive training sessions to ensure your team is proficient in using all features Teams offers.
  • Ongoing Consultation: Offering strategic guidance to adapt and evolve your Teams environment as your business grows.

 

Embrace the future of workplace collaboration with Microsoft Teams, and let WorkSmart guide you every step of the way.

 

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Uncategorized Blog

How to Build an IT Roadmap for Small and Medium-Sized Businesses

Is your small or medium-sized business (SMB) navigating the complexities of technology adoption without a clear plan? Without a strategic IT roadmap, you risk misaligned investments and missed opportunities. An IT roadmap serves as a strategic blueprint, aligning your technology initiatives with your business objectives to ensure cohesive growth and innovation.

Understanding the IT Roadmap

An IT roadmap is a strategic document that outlines how your organization will leverage technology to achieve its business goals. It provides a structured approach to planning and implementing technology solutions that support your company’s mission and vision. For SMBs, an IT roadmap is essential to navigate the rapidly evolving technological landscape and maintain a competitive edge.

Benefits of an IT Roadmap for Small Businesses

Implementing an IT roadmap offers several advantages:

  • Alignment of Technology and Business Goals: Ensures that every tech initiative supports your overarching business objectives.
  • Optimized Resource Allocation: Helps in prioritizing investments, ensuring time and budget are spent on high-impact projects.
  • Enhanced Agility: Prepares your business to adapt swiftly to market changes with a proactive technology strategy.
  • Risk Mitigation: Identifies potential technological risks and outlines strategies to address them before they impact operations.

How To Build An Effective IT Roadmap

Step 1: Assess Your Current IT Infrastructure

Before you can plan for the future, you need to understand where your business stands today. Conduct an IT audit to evaluate your existing hardware, software, network, and security systems. 

Identify outdated technology, potential security risks, and inefficiencies that may be slowing down operations. Engage with employees to get feedback on their tech pain points and challenges—this can help you pinpoint areas for improvement.

Step 2: Define Business Goals and IT Needs

Your IT roadmap should be closely aligned with your company’s short-term and long-term objectives. Ask yourself:

  • Are you planning to scale operations?
  • Do you need better collaboration tools for remote teams?
  • Are you struggling with cybersecurity risks?
  • Do you want to migrate to cloud-based solutions for better flexibility?

 

By identifying your business priorities, you can determine which IT solutions are essential for achieving them.

Step 3: Prioritize IT Projects

Not all technology upgrades need to happen at once. Prioritize initiatives based on urgency, budget, and business impact. For example, cybersecurity enhancements should always be a top priority, while upgrading office computers may be a lower-tier investment if they’re still functional. 

A phased approach allows your business to implement changes efficiently without overburdening your team or finances.

Step 4: Budget and Allocate Resources

IT investments require careful budgeting. Factor in costs for new hardware, software licenses, cloud subscriptions, IT support, and training for employees. 

Managed IT services can help small businesses control costs while gaining access to expert support and enterprise-level technology. By setting a clear budget, you can avoid unexpected expenses and ensure that your IT initiatives are financially sustainable.

Step 5: Implement and Monitor Progress

Once you’ve outlined your IT initiatives, create a timeline for implementation. Assign responsibilities to key team members or partner with a managed IT services provider to oversee critical projects. Regularly review your IT roadmap, track progress, and adjust as needed based on evolving business needs, technology advancements, or cybersecurity threats.

An IT roadmap is not a one-time document—it’s a living strategy that should evolve alongside your business. By taking a proactive approach to IT planning, small businesses can minimize risks, improve productivity, and stay ahead in an increasingly digital world.

How WorkSmart Can Assist You

As you can see, there’s a lot that goes into building an effective IT roadmap–but you don’t have to do it alone. At WorkSmart, we specialize in helping SMBs develop and implement effective IT roadmaps. Our team provides comprehensive technology support, strategic guidance, and managed IT services tailored to your unique business needs. 

By partnering with us, you can ensure that your technology investments are aligned with your business objectives, positioning your company for sustained growth and success. Contact one of our Senior Business Advisors today for a one-on-one consultation to help with your business technology needs.

Categories
Blog

WorkSmart Achieves Sophos Platinum Partner Status

sophos global partner program platinum

We are thrilled to announce that WorkSmart has been awarded the prestigious
Platinum Partner status by Sophos, a global leader in cybersecurity solutions.
This recognition places WorkSmart among an elite group of IT service providers with the highest
level of expertise and commitment to delivering advanced cybersecurity services.

Achieving Platinum Partner status signifies our dedication to providing top-tier security solutions and our proficiency in implementing Sophos’s comprehensive suite of products. This partnership enhances our ability to protect our clients against evolving cyber threats, including malware, ransomware, phishing attacks, and data breaches.

As a Sophos Platinum Partner, WorkSmart gains access to exclusive benefits, including:

  • Advanced Training and Certification: Ensuring our team remains at the forefront of cybersecurity developments.
  • Priority Support: Providing our clients with expedited issue resolution and dedicated assistance.
  • Collaborative Engagements: Working closely with Sophos on joint initiatives to deliver cutting-edge security solutions.

This milestone reflects our unwavering commitment to safeguarding our clients’ digital assets and reinforces our position as a trusted cybersecurity partner.

For more information about our cybersecurity services and how we can help protect your organization, please contact us.

Categories
Blog

Top 5 Phishing Attacks in 2025 and How to Protect Yourself

Phishing attacks are evolving rapidly, becoming more sophisticated and harder to detect. In 2025, cybercriminals are using AI-driven scams, deepfake technology, and advanced social engineering tactics to trick individuals and businesses into revealing sensitive information. Over 3.4 billion phishing emails are sent daily—many using AI.

With phishing responsible for over 90% of data breaches, understanding the latest threats and knowing how to protect yourself is crucial. Below are the top five phishing attacks in 2025 and what you can do to stay safe.

1. AI-Generated Phishing Emails

Attackers are now using AI-powered tools to create highly personalized phishing emails that mimic the writing style of real people. These emails often appear to come from a trusted colleague, your bank, or a known vendor, making them harder to spot. AI-generated phishing messages have fewer grammar mistakes, making them much more convincing than traditional scams.

How to protect your business:

  • Always verify unexpected emails by calling the sender directly.
  • Look for slight variations in email addresses or domain names.
  • Use email security filters that detect AI-generated phishing attempts.

Deepfake Voice & Video Phishing (Vishing)

Deepfake technology is being used to clone voices and even generate fake video messages to deceive people into transferring money or sharing confidential data. Attackers can now call employees and sound exactly like their boss, instructing them to approve wire transfers or reset passwords.

How to protect your business:

  • Always confirm financial or sensitive requests through a second communication channel.
  • Train employees to recognize and question suspicious or urgent requests.
  • Implement multi-factor authentication for financial transactions.

3. QR Code Phishing (Quishing)

QR code phishing, or “quishing,” has become a major threat in 2025. Hackers are placing malicious QR codes on emails, signs, or even fake customer service messages, tricking users into scanning them. Once scanned, they direct victims to fraudulent websites that steal login credentials or install malware.

How to protect your business:

  • Never scan QR codes from untrusted sources.
  • Use a QR code scanner that shows the full URL before opening the link.
  • Be cautious of urgent messages asking you to scan a QR code for verification.

4. SaaS & Cloud Account Takeover Phishing

With more businesses relying on cloud-based applications, attackers are targeting Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, and other SaaS platforms with fake login pages. Victims receive emails that appear to be from IT support, asking them to log in to “resolve an issue.” Once they enter their credentials, hackers gain full access to their business accounts.

How to protect your business:

  • Always check the URL of any login page before entering credentials.
  • Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) for all cloud accounts.
  • Train employees to recognize fake login attempts.

5. Supply Chain Phishing Attacks

Hackers are now targeting vendors and suppliers to compromise their communication channels. Instead of attacking companies directly, they infiltrate third-party systems and send fraudulent invoices, contract updates, or payment requests that appear to come from a trusted partner.

How to protect your business:

  • Verify any changes to payment details directly with the vendor.
  • Implement email authentication protocols like SPF, DKIM, and DMARC.
  • Use zero-trust security principles to minimize access to sensitive data.

Final Thoughts: Stay One Step Ahead of Phishing Attacks

Phishing attacks in 2025 are more advanced than ever, using AI, deepfake technology, and social engineering to deceive victims. Being aware of these threats and implementing strong security measures is key to protecting yourself and your business.

If you want to strengthen your cybersecurity posture, WorkSmart can help. We provide advanced phishing protection, employee training, and security solutions to keep your business safe.

Get in touch today and make sure your organization is phishing-proof.

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Why You Should Upgrade to the New Outlook for Windows

Microsoft has reimagined Outlook for Windows, bringing a fresh, modern experience designed to help you work smarter, not harder. With an updated interface, faster performance, and deep Microsoft 365 integration, the new Outlook is built to simplify email management, boost productivity, and enhance security.

If you’re still using the traditional Outlook, it’s time to explore what’s new. Let’s dive into how the latest version can help streamline your workflow and why it might be the upgrade you need.

Worksmart. Why Upgrade to the New Outlook?

What’s New in Outlook for Windows?

The new Outlook is more than just a redesign—it’s a smarter way to manage your emails, calendar, and tasks. Here’s what makes it stand out:

A Modern, Intuitive Interface

  • Say goodbye to clutter! The new Outlook offers a cleaner, more organized look that makes navigation effortless.
  • Focus on what matters with a simplified ribbon that keeps essential tools at your fingertips.

Faster & More Efficient

  • Lightning-fast search helps you find emails in seconds.
  • Enjoy real-time syncing across devices, so your inbox is always up to date.

Smarter Calendar & Scheduling

  • Use AI-powered scheduling to find the best meeting times.
  • Quickly switch between email and calendar with a seamless, built-in integration.

Deep Microsoft 365 Integration

  • Attach OneDrive files directly and edit them without leaving Outlook.
  • Get real-time collaboration with Microsoft Teams and Copilot.

Enhanced Security & AI Features

  • Advanced phishing and malware protection keep your inbox safe.
  • AI-powered email sorting helps prioritize important messages.

Outlook

Why Make the Switch?

Microsoft introduced the new Outlook for Windows in May 2022 as a preview, and by September 2023, it became generally available for personal accounts. The transition to this modern experience will continue over the next few years, with Microsoft planning to support the classic Outlook until at least 2029. However, starting January 2025, some business users on the Current Channel will automatically be switched to the new Outlook, though they’ll still have the option to revert for now.

It’s Built for the Future

  • Traditional email platforms were designed for an era before cloud-first work.
  • The new Outlook keeps everything in sync so you can access emails and files anytime, anywhere.

Seamless Workflow with Microsoft 365

  • If you use Teams, OneDrive, or SharePoint, you’ll love how easily everything connects in the new Outlook.
  • No more switching between apps—everything is right where you need it.

AI That Works for You

  • Outlook now intelligently sorts your inbox, so you spend less time managing emails and more time getting things done.
  • Built-in Copilot features help with drafting emails, summarizing conversations, and suggesting next steps.

How to Get Started with the New Outlook

  • Look for the “Try the new Outlook” toggle in your current Outlook or Windows Mail app.
  • Click the toggle to install the new version.
  • Sign in with your Microsoft account, and your settings and emails will sync automatically.
  • Start exploring the new features designed to save you time and simplify your workflow.

Final Thoughts: Ready to Upgrade?

The new Outlook isn’t just a redesign—it’s a smarter, more secure, and more connected experience. If you’re looking for a way to improve efficiency, integrate seamlessly with Microsoft 365, and take advantage of AI-powered tools, this is the upgrade you’ve been waiting for.

Try the new Outlook today and experience a more streamlined way to work!

Need help managing your Microsoft 365 setup? WorkSmart’s IT experts can help your business get the most out of its tools.