Managed IT Services

The Success of Your Business Depends on IT

Unified Communications

Boost your team's productivity with our unified communications solutions. We seamlessly federate tools like mobile devices, online meetings, file sharing, VoIP, Microsoft Teams, and Slack, ensuring a smooth experience for end-users. Our approach connects disparate platforms, streamlining workflows and keeping everyone connected. With reliable, scalable, and user-friendly communication tools.

icon with map markers that shows our experience helps get you from here to there

Monitoring & Maintenance

We keep your technology running smoothly with our proactive monitoring and maintenance services. Our team tracks the health of your network 24/7, addressing issues before they become problems. Automated security and performance updates ensure your systems stay secure and efficient. By continuously monitoring your network, we help prevent cyberattacks and optimize performance, freeing you to focus on growing your business.

Onsite and Remote Support

We provide fast, reliable IT support tailored to your needs. Whether you require on-site assistance or remote troubleshooting, our expert technicians are ready to help. Our services include everything from routine maintenance and resolving common issues to advanced support for complex problems. We ensure your systems run smoothly and securely, minimizing downtime and keeping your business productive. With 24/7 support, you can trust us to be there whenever you need us.

Business Continuity and Data Protection

We ensure your business is prepared for any disruption with comprehensive data backup and business continuity planning. From creating easily recoverable backups on-premises and in the cloud to implementing robust recovery strategies, we protect your data and keep your operations running smoothly. Our solutions include automated backups, secure storage, and quick recovery, ensuring your business can quickly bounce back from unexpected events.

Cloud Services

Simplify your IT with our cloud services. We help you move to the cloud, enabling secure, seamless access to your data and applications from anywhere. Whether you have onsite, remote, or hybrid work environments, we ensure your systems are integrated and scalable. Our services cover everything from file sharing and remote access to disaster recovery, providing a robust and flexible IT infrastructure. Enhance your productivity with expert, reliable management of your cloud solutions.

Network Management

We make managing your network easy and secure. From setting up secure Wi-Fi and configuring routers to handling switches and firewalls, we’ve got you covered. CMIT Solutions oversees network configuration and user access by adopting a robust network maintenance plan to mitigate potential risks. We also implement disaster recovery and business continuity strategies to fortify your network’s resilience against unforeseen security breaches.

Simplify. Optimize. Secure.

CMIT Managed IT Solutions

The success of your business depends on reliable technology. Investing in IT can be challenging, especially with pace of change in IT and the difficulty of retaining talent.

At CMIT Solutions of Dallas, our Managed IT Service model simplifies your tech stack management. We handle people, communication, data, infrastructure, applications, security, compliance, support, and innovation.

Flexible

Our services are flexible to right-size your IT needs, allowing you to scale up or down as your business requires. By handling all aspects of IT management, we enable you to concentrate on your core activities. This adaptability helps drive growth, innovation, and expansion, ensuring your business thrives without IT distractions. Our expert support allows you to leverage technology as a strategic asset, improving overall business performance.

Always Available

Our 24/7 monitoring and support ensure your technology is always up and running. Unified communication tools like VoIP, mobile device management, and online meetings keep your team connected and productive from anywhere. We handle routine maintenance and proactive issue resolution, so your employees can focus on their work without IT interruptions.

Cyber Readiness

Continuous security updates and vigilant monitoring protect your business from cyber threats. Our services include disaster recovery planning, secure backups, and robust network management, ensuring your data is safe and your operations can quickly recover from any disruption. Enhanced security measures build trust with clients and partners, maintaining your reputation and compliance with regulations.

Cost Effective

Outsourcing IT management reduces operational costs and frees up resources for other business areas. This not only cuts expenses but also improves profitability, allowing more investment in growth opportunities. With predictable monthly costs, you can budget more effectively and avoid unexpected expenses.

IT That Simply Works

Learn how our managed services can help your business do more in less time and for less money.

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7 Important Considerations Before You Buy Smart Home Tech

Smart Homes

August 29, 2024•4 min read

Is Your Smart Home Turning into a Smart Mess? Matter is the Solution

Smart homes seem like something straight out of a sci-fi movie. Lights respond to your voice commands, thermostats auto-adjust, and robot vacuums clean your floors while you relax.

It's all very tempting. But before you rush out and buy the newest gadget, there are some crucial considerations. Here are 7 essential things to ask yourself before diving headfirst into new smart home tech.

1. Does it Solve a Real Problem?

Not all smart home devices are created equal. Some offer genuine solutions to everyday problems. Others might be more novelty than necessity. Think critically about your daily routine and identify tasks that you could streamline with smart technology.

Do you constantly forget to turn off the lights when you leave a room? Smart bulbs with motion sensors could be a game-changer (CNET). But a smart toaster might not be the most practical addition to your kitchen, especially if your mornings are already a hectic rush.

2. Is It Compatible with Other Devices?

The world of smart home devices can be a bit like a high school cafeteria. Not all device brands play well together. Many smart devices rely on a central hub or app to function. Ensure the gadget you choose is compatible with the ones you already have or plan to buy.

Mixing and matching brands can lead to a frustrating user experience. Devices may refuse to communicate or need several apps to manage. Researching compatibility beforehand will save you a lot of headaches (PCMag).

PS: Help is on the way in the future. A new Matter standard aims to address cross-brand compatibility (CSA-IOT).

3. Is Your Wi-Fi Up to the Challenge?

Smart homes are like data-hungry beasts. They rely heavily on a strong and stable Wi-Fi connection to function properly. Is your internet slow, unreliable, or have limited bandwidth? If so, your smart home dreams might quickly turn into a frustrating nightmare.

Potential problems with a weak Wi-Fi connection include:

Smart lights flickering on and off
Thermostats refusing to adjust
Voice assistants lagging behind your commands

Before investing in smart devices, consider upgrading your Wi-Fi router or internet plan. This helps ensure it can handle the increased data traffic (TechHive).

4. Privacy Concerns Deserve Attention

Smart home devices collect data on your habits and routines, from the times you turn on the lights to the temperature you prefer in your home. These gadgets are constantly gathering information. Some companies may use this data to personalize your experience, but others might sell it to third-party vendors (usually advertisers).

Before bringing a smart device into your home, take time to read the device's privacy policy. What data does it collect? How is it used? Do you have any control over how your data is shared? If the privacy policy raises red flags, it might be best to look for a different device with stronger data protection practices (Consumer Reports).

5. Security Matters: Protect Your Smart Home

The convenience of smart homes comes with an increased security risk. These devices connect to your Wi-Fi network, making them vulnerable to hacking attempts. Hackers could potentially gain access to your home's controls, adjust settings, or even steal sensitive data.

To mitigate these risks, choose devices with strong security features such as encryption and two-factor authentication. Additionally, keep your devices updated with the latest software patches to address any known security vulnerabilities. Consider creating a separate “guest” Wi-Fi network for your smart home devices to isolate them from your personal computers and other data-rich devices, providing an extra layer of security (Kaspersky).

6. Future-Proofing Your Smart Home

Technology evolves at a rapid pace. What's cutting-edge today might be obsolete tomorrow. Before investing in a smart home device, consider the manufacturer's reputation for software updates and long-term device support. Will the company continue to provide security patches and updates in the years to come?

If a device lacks a history of consistent software updates, it might be wise to look elsewhere to ensure your smart home doesn't become outdated quickly (Digital Trends).

7. Start Small and Scale Up Gradually

Don't get carried away and try to automate your entire home overnight. Smart home technology can be a significant investment. It's wise to take things slow. Start with a few key devices that address specific needs or pain points in your daily routine.

For example, consider starting with smart lights or a smart thermostat. These can help you experience the benefits of smart home technology before diving into a full-blown home automation setup. This measured approach allows you to assess the usefulness of smart home devices and identify any issues before committing to a larger investment (TechCrunch).

Carefully consider these 7 essential questions before buying smart home devices to ensure your foray into the world of home automation is a success.

Need an Expert to Help with Smart Home Setup & Security?

Those “DIY” smart home setups are not always as easy (or secure) as they may sound. If you need help from a friendly technology expert, give us a call. We can help you craft a smart home that’s connected, secure, and truly helpful.

Jamie Rodriguez

As the leader of CMIT Solutions of Dallas - White Rock and Highland Park, I am passionate about relieving you from IT headaches so you can focus on your business. Our team leverages extensive experience and the expertise of over 1000 CMIT professionals nationwide to provide the right solutions, proactively reduce risks, and prevent future issues. We deliver the local service you deserve, backed by the technological depth of a nationwide firm. Tired of IT jargon and no real solutions? We’re here to help.

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CMIT Security Solutions

There is no cybersecurity silver bullet.

Cyberattacks can take many forms, from infected emails to compromised admin accounts.

Defending against these threats requires a layered approach, where if one defense fails, another can identify and stop the attack.

This includes keeping people routinely trained and informed about the latest threats

Our security checklist identifies 15 recommended strategies, tailored to align with CIS and NIST frameworks.

This comprehensive approach ensures robust protection suited to your business's security posture, covering all bases to keep your business safe.

"CMIT has given me peace of mind in my business by providing me with ongoing protection, monitoring and an invaluable resource of providing technical help 24/7 if needed. They have assisted me with various technical needs in my business and I appreciate small businesses supporting other small businesses in our community."

Swiss Learning Center

"CMIT sent Leslie out to deal with my computer issue - which she handled so fast I can't remember now what it was! Leslie was patient, informative, and engaged me with confidence and relief. She did not talk down to me as if I didn't have a modicum of sense - electronically - but instead was in a teaching mode. I'm so glad to know I can call CMIT whenever I have a problem and allay my fear!"

Shari

"Every business NEEDS Carmen and Jaime with CMIT Solutions. They have taken my business to the next level and I am so grateful to have them on our team. It's like having our own personal IT department. We are more productive, more professional, and ready to worry about things other than IT. As a construction company - it is not in our wheelhouse to manage this side of the business and as a small business it's not super easy to know who to contact. They are affordable and knowledgeable and can easily take any business to where they envision. They come with my highest recommendation."