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When businesses start thinking about outsourcing IT, optimizing their print environment, or upgrading physical security, the same questions come up again and again. And that’s a good thing, asking the right questions upfront leads to better decisions, fewer surprises, and stronger long‑term results. At Crew‑Tech, we believe informed clients make the best partners. Below are the most common questions we hear about IT services, managed print, and security solutions, along with clear, practical answers to help you understand what really matters. IT Services: What Businesses Really Want to Know 1. What does Managed IT Services actually cover? Managed IT services are designed to proactively support and maintain your technology, not just fix things when they break. This typically includes network monitoring, help desk support, patch management, data backups, and cybersecurity protections. The goal is predictable performance, fewer outages, and reduced risk. Businesses that rely solely on reactive “break/fix” IT tend to experience more downtime and higher long‑term costs. 2. Is Managed IT only for large companies? Not at all. In fact, small and mid‑sized businesses (SMBs) are some of the biggest beneficiaries of managed IT. SMBs are frequent targets of cyberattacks because they often lack internal resources or formal security strategies. Proactive monitoring and layered defenses help close those gaps without the cost of hiring a full in‑house IT team. 3. How does Managed IT help with cybersecurity? Cybersecurity is no longer optional. Managed IT providers monitor systems around the clock, apply security updates, protect endpoints, manage firewalls, and help safeguard backups. Many ransomware attacks go undetected for days or weeks before causing damage, which is why early detection and response matter so much. 4. What about backups and disaster recovery? Reliable backups are a cornerstone of modern IT management. Properly configured backup systems ensure your data can be restored quickly after hardware failure, ransomware, or human error. Without them, recovery can be costly—or impossible. Experts consistently recommend layered backups that are monitored and tested regularly, not just set and forgotten. Managed Print Services: The Questions People Forget to Ask 5. What are Managed Print Services (MPS)? Managed Print Services take a strategic approach to your entire print environment, devices, supplies, usage, support, and security. Instead of juggling multiple vendors and reacting to printer issues, MPS streamlines everything under one managed plan, which typically reduces waste, lowers costs, and improves reliability. 6. Do we have to replace all of our printers? No. Most MPS programs start by assessing your existing devices. If equipment is reliable and cost‑effective, it can usually stay in place. The focus is on optimization, not unnecessary replacement. Right‑sizing your print fleet helps eliminate excess devices while ensuring employees have what they actually need. 7. How does Managed Print save money? Unmanaged print environments often have hidden costs, unused devices, wasted toner, inefficient workflows, and emergency service calls. Managed print programs provide visibility into usage patterns and implement controls that stabilize spending. Studies consistently show organizations can reduce print costs and improve efficiency when output is properly monitored and managed. 8. Is print security really a concern? Yes. Printed documents often contain sensitive information, and unsecured printers can become data leakage points. Managed print solutions frequently include user authentication, secure release printing, and monitoring tools that reduce the risk of exposed documents, which is especially important for compliance‑driven industries. Security Services: Protecting More Than Just the Front Door 9. What types of security systems should businesses consider? Modern business security goes beyond traditional locks and alarms. Today’s solutions often combine access control systems, CCTV surveillance, and monitoring services into a single, integrated approach. These systems work together to prevent unauthorized access, deter theft, and provide visibility when incidents occur. 10. How do access control systems improve security? Access control systems allow businesses to decide who can enter specific areas and when. Unlike physical keys, digital credentials can be tracked, limited, and instantly removed. This is especially important when employees change roles or leave an organization. Integrated access control significantly reduces after‑hours and internal security risks. 11. Are CCTV systems still effective today? Absolutely, especially when properly designed and maintained. Modern CCTV systems offer high‑resolution footage, remote viewing, and integration with access control. Beyond deterrence, video evidence plays a major role in resolving incidents, supporting investigations, and improving overall site awareness. 12. Can security systems integrate with IT infrastructure? Yes, and integration is becoming the standard. Many physical security systems now tie directly into network infrastructure, cloud platforms, and monitoring tools. When set up correctly, businesses gain centralized visibility and faster response times, but proper configuration is critical to avoid creating new security gaps. Final Thoughts: The Right Questions Lead to Better Outcomes Technology, print, and security systems all play a role in keeping your business running smoothly and protected. Asking informed questions early helps avoid mismatched solutions, hidden costs, and unnecessary risk. At Crew‑Tech, our role isn’t just to provide services, it’s to educate, recommend, and support solutions that actually fit how your business works today and where it’s going tomorrow. If you’re exploring IT support, print optimization, or security improvements, we’re always happy to walk through the options and help you decide what makes the most sense.

Cybersecurity threats continue to evolve, but one thing hasn’t changed: many breaches still succeed because basic protections are overlooked. As businesses rely more heavily on cloud applications, remote work tools, and connected devices, revisiting cybersecurity fundamentals is no longer optional...it’s essential. In 2026, cybercriminals aren’t just attacking large enterprises. Small and mid‑sized businesses (SMBs) are now prime targets and are 4 times as likely to get hit over large enterprises, often because their defenses cannot keep up with modern threats. Recent data shows ransomware, phishing, and credential abuse remain the most common entry points into business networks. Below are the core cybersecurity basics every business should review this year, along with why they matter more now than ever. 1. Strong Authentication as the Front Line Passwords alone are no longer sufficient protection. According to Verizon's 2025 Data Breach Investigations Report, in SMBs 88% of breaches involve the use of stolen credentials. Multi‑factor authentication (MFA) dramatically reduces the risk of unauthorized access, especially against phishing and business email compromise (BEC). What to revisit in 2026: Ensure MFA is enabled for email, cloud applications, VPNs, and administrative accounts Eliminate weak or reused passwords Aduit dormant or former employee accounts The FBI reports that phishing and credential‑based attacks remain the most reported cybercrimes, leading to billions in losses annually. 2. Employee Awareness Matters...More than Tools Despite advances in security technology, human involvement remains a factor in over half of all breaches. According to Verizon's 2025 Data Breach Report, 60% of all breaches involved a human element which could mean clicking a suspicious link, not having MFA enabled, or simply not being aware. Attackers are increasingly using AI‑generated emails, voice impersonation, and social engineering tactics that bypass traditional filters. Best practices to reinforce: Regular phishing awareness training Clear verification procedures for data requests or payment Encouraging employees to report suspicious activity immediately According to Keepnet, organizations that conduct ongoing training see significantly higher reporting rates and faster response times during incidents. 3. Patch Management Importance is Rising Unpatched systems and outdated devices remain a major vulnerability. Verizon’s 2025 Data Breach Investigations Report found a significant rise in breaches caused by exploited vulnerabilities, particularly in perimeter devices and VPNs. While unpatched vulnerabilities were present in 15% of intrusions. Key areas to re-evaluate: Operating systems and software update policies Firmware updates for firewalls, routers, and printers Responsibility and accountability for patching Many organizations delay updates due to downtime concerns, but attackers actively exploit these delays. 4. Backups Are Only Helpful If They Work Ransomware continues to disrupt businesses of all sizes, and modern attacks often target backups first. Incidents increasingly involve both data encryption and data exfiltration, leaving organizations vulnerable even if systems are restored. Backup basics to verify: Backups run automatically and frequently Copies are stored off-network or in immutable storage Data restoration is testes regularly According to industry and federal data, ransomware remains one of the most financially damaging threats to SMBs. 5. Vendor and Cloud Security Can't Be Ignored Third‑party access and cloud misconfigurations are now among the fastest‑growing risk areas. In 2025, third‑party involvement in breaches doubled (from 15% to 30%), affecting organizations that otherwise had solid internal security controls What businesses should review: Vendor access permissions and data sharing Cloud platform security settings Who has administrative access and why Your security posture is only as strong as the systems connected to it, so be sure to maintain a strong relationship with vendors. Cybersecurity is a Business Risk (Not Just an IT Issue) Federal agencies like CISA and NIST emphasize that cybersecurity is a business continuity concern, not purely a technical one. Downtime, data loss, regulatory exposure, and reputational damage directly affect operations and revenue. Frameworks such as the NIST Cybersecurity Framework provide scalable guidance for organizations of all sizes, helping leadership align cybersecurity efforts with business goals. Final Thoughts Cybersecurity in 2026 doesn’t require chasing every new threat headline. It requires strengthening the fundamentals, reviewing existing protections, and ensuring people, processes, and technology work together. For many organizations, partnering with a managed IT provider helps bridge the gap, providing proactive monitoring, security assessments, and guidance without overwhelming internal teams. Revisiting these basics now can help prevent far more costly issues later. Reach out to find out how Crew-Tech can be a reliable and trustworthy cybersecurity vendor for your business today!

When it comes to managing office expenses, printing is one of the most overlooked—and surprisingly expensive—operational costs. Many businesses only track obvious expenses like toner or paper, but the true cost of printing goes far deeper. Understanding where these dollars go can help your company budget smarter, reduce waste, and streamline document workflows. Factors that Influence Cost In-House or Outsourced Print Management Managing print operations in-house vs. having a managed service provider (MSP) can significantly change costs. For example, the upfront cost of buying a printer for in-house management will be much higher than renting or leasing a printer from an MSP, which has fixed monthly rates. Company Size The number of employees directly affects how many printers you need and how much they’ll be used. Larger teams = higher print volumes. Printing Habits Ask yourself: - Do employees print only when necessary? - Are most jobs in black and white or full color? - Are finishing options such as stapling or folding required? Habits like these significantly affect your supply usage and overall print expenses. Average Cost of Printing While actual numbers vary by company, a typical business spends around $725 per employee each year, or about $60 per month. That estimate assumes roughly 10,000 prints annually per employee. Here’s the typical annual breakdown based on the 10,000 pages/one employee: Toner: $300-$500 per year According to Copier Guide, B/W toner costs around $120 per cartridge while color toner can be as much as $450 per cartridge (remember with color there are 4 cartridges, CMYK) Paper: $80-200 per year Standard 20 lb paper costs about $5-10 per reem (500 pages), but only costs $40 per case (5,000 pages). Service & Maintenance: $200-$800 per year Service and maintenance are much harder to calculate on a pay-as-you-go basis, but the lower end estimates one service call for the year with minimal issues and no parts needing to be replaced. The higher end estimates two services calls for the year with parts needed and added to the cost. Printer Equipment Costs Printer pricing varies widely depending on the model and features, but here are a few common examples: HP OfficeJet Pro 8125E: $129.99 (10-20 ppm, 225-page capacity; Office Depot) HP LaserJet Pro MFP 3101sdw: $249 (B/W only, 35 ppm, 250-page capacity; Amazon) RICOH IM 3500 MFP: $2,462 (B/W only, 35 ppm; Walmart) RICOH Pro C5300S: $21,250 (65 ppm; Alibaba B2B) These prices are for hardware only and don’t include toner, maintenance, or supplies. That’s why many businesses work with an MSP or technology dealer—bundled service and supplies can drastically reduce unexpected costs. Optional Add-Ons that Affect Cost: Depending on your office’s workflow, you may need accessories that add to total cost. Common add‑ons include: Paper tray extension: $174–$187 Finisher (stapling/folding): ~$1,600 Wi‑Fi dongle: ~$44 (often standard on newer models) These upgrades are helpful but should be considered carefully during budgeting. Hidden Print Costs Most Businesses Miss Not all expenses show up on invoices. A significant amount of cost comes from inefficiencies and employee behavior. Unnecessary Printing According to Scanse, 45-65% of prints are disregarded the same day with 17% never being read. IT Support Burden 23% of IT help desk calls are printer-related, which is time wasted your IT team could be spending on strategic tasks. Equipment Depreciation & Energy Consumption Like most equipment, the longer you have it, the less it will be worth. While many rental and leasing options allow you to upgrade at little to no upcharge when renewing your contract. Printers use a lot of energy, but as technology has advanced so have printers and new models use up to 65% less than they used too. But this is still a cost to factor in. Storage & Waste Disposal Finding somewhere to store your printer can be seen as a cost, without a central place to store the printer some employees may not be able to print as easily. Waste disposal is another cost to consider when managing your printer in-house, there are environmental restrictions on dumping waste toner, and the waste toner bottles themselves cost about $22. How to Reduce Printing Costs Without Reducing Productivity Good news: most businesses can lower their printing costs significantly by being a bit more mindful and taking a few extra steps. ✔ Encourage Smarter Printing Habits Promote thoughtful printing and reduce same‑day discard rates. ✔ Default to Double‑Sided Printing A simple switch that can cut your paper usage nearly in half. ✔ Partner With an MSP Since nearly a quarter of IT calls are print‑related, outsourcing printer management can lighten your IT load and improve uptime. ✔ Implement Managed Print Services (MPS) MPS or cloud‑based print solutions can reduce total printing costs by 20–30% while improving oversight and reducing waste, many MSP's have a managed print services option. Conclusion Printing may seem like a minor line item, but the true cost can surprise even seasoned business owners. Between supplies, service, hardware, and hidden inefficiencies, printing represents a sizable portion of your operating budget. Fortunately, with smarter habits, the right equipment strategy, and support from a trusted technology partner, companies can control and even reduce these costs—leading to more efficient workflows and healthier budgets.