Managed Services

A process-based approach to IT management focused on security, reliability, performance and employee enablement.

The term “managed services” gets thrown around a lot in the IT industry. So, just to be clear, at EpiOn, when we talk about EmPower’s “Managed Services” process, we are referring specifically to the suite of proactive processes and tools used in the management of your IT environment. Taken together with EmPower’s Alignment process, you get a powerful one-two punch that “empowers” your team and knocks out most potential issues before they can impact your productivity.

Proven, Integrated Solutions

For more than 20 years, we’ve identified and utilized the absolute best-in-class tools for IT management. Tools that have stood the test of time for security, reliability, and performance. Each solution is deeply integrated into our process and interconnected with the other tools in our toolbox. The end result for you is improved security and fewer issues. When issues do arise, we can resolve them faster because our teams know these applications so well.

For security reasons, we don’t advertise our specific tools to the public, but here is an idea of what’s included:

• Device Security: Antivirus, antimalware, email threat filtering, safe web browsing
• Device Management: Remote access, performance monitoring, preventative maintenance, patch management, mobile device management
• User Security: Password management tool, “dark web” monitoring, security awareness training, phishing attack simulation, web content filtering
• User Training / Enablement: Training program for Office 365, Windows, security best practices, organization skills, etc.

Centralized Services

The tools by themselves are not much of a differentiator when it comes to choosing between IT firms. All IT firms have tools. What separates EpiOn is our process-driven approach that takes these tools and utilizes them in a way that truly improves security and reduces the potential for IT issues. Our dedicated Centralized Services (CS) team oversees this process.

The CS team starts with the consistent deployment of the tools and related updates for every device and user. Through these tools, we implement a consistent management framework that locks down devices and user permissions to reduce the potential for issues – while not interfering with the usability of the environment. Through a daily and weekly rhythm, the CS team manages your environment, reviews alerts, and pushes out updates.

Simply stated, there are no absolutes when it comes to IT security. Having said that, EmPower utilizes a best-practices approach to protect you from most threats. Ultimately, your end users often prove to be the weak link in your IT security. All it takes is one click, browsing to an unsafe website, or opening a suspicious e-mail and you are compromised. That’s why EmPower includes an ongoing Security Awareness Training program for your end users. The CS team administers this program and even injects fake threats into your users’ e-mail stream to test for their understanding and compliance with your security guidelines.

User Enablement

Abraham Lincoln was quoted as saying “Give me six hours to chop down a tree and I will spend the first four sharpening the ax.” An ax is a strength multiplier. You can be the strongest lumberjack in the world, but with a dull axe, you are in trouble! For our clients, technology is the “strength multiplier” that drives their productivity.

For that reason, EmPower includes an user training program centered around Microsoft Office – the most common productivity application in use today. Based upon an initial assessment of the user’s current knowledge and daily job function, they are enrolled in a personalized learning path. Through a series of short videos, users are taught new tools, tips for existing tools, and best practices for things like organization, data security and delivering effective presentations. At the end of each series, there are quick assessment quizzes and new learning paths established.

Turn-Key IT

EmPower’s Managed Services process along with our Alignment process constitute the core of our proactive approach to IT management. From time to time, we add or replace tools as better solutions enter the market, but you don’t have to sweat the details... It’s all part of our turn-key approach to IT management.

To learn more about the specific solutions included as a part of Managed Services, use the form at the right or call us at (931) 526-3742.