The IT Experts

Why This Matters

Imagine getting a cool tech gift during the holidays. Now, what if that gift became the way someone hacked into your Wi-Fi? What if your pet camera was used by someone else to spy on you instead of you checking in on your dog? Or what if your new gaming console led to someone stealing your credit card info?

These risks come from one major problem: smart devices rely on software manufacturers to keep updated and supported. If they don’t:

• The device won’t stay secure.
• It might stop working as promised.

That’s what the FTC is trying to fix.

What the FTC Found

The FTC looked into 184 smart devices to see how long manufacturers support their products. The results weren’t great:

• 89% of manufacturers didn’t say how long their devices would be supported.
• When companies did share this info, it was often hidden or unclear.
• Many devices didn’t even list their release date, making it impossible to tell if they should still get updates.

Even searching on Google wasn’t much help. For example, one product claimed to have “lifetime support,” but further investigation revealed that updates would end in 2028. Another said the same thing but stopped receiving updates in 2021.

Is This Legal?

The FTC thinks hiding this information might break a law called the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act. This law says companies have to be clear about what they’re promising in their warranties. For smart devices, that means clearly explaining how long updates will last.

When companies don’t provide updates, even though they’ve promised things like “lifetime support,” it can be misleading and hurt consumers.

This isn’t just a problem for people at home. Businesses also use lots of smart devices, and employees often bring their own to work. Without clear information about updates and security, individuals and businesses could make bad decisions about what devices to buy.

If the FTC gets its way, companies will need to be upfront about updates and support, which will make it easier for people to choose secure, reliable devices.

Stay Secure

Of course, staying informed about your devices is still up to you. That’s where working with an IT team like KB Technologies helps. We can monitor your tech, update your devices, and ensure your business stays secure.

Want to know more? Call us at (954) 834-2800 for an IT check-up and better peace of mind.

What’s a Technology Needs Assessment and Why Do It?

A technology needs assessment is a way to check if your business is getting the most out of its tech. It looks at how your systems are being used and uncovers any problems or inefficiencies. Think of it as a big-picture review of your technology.

Doing this lets you find out what’s working well, what needs fixing, and where improvements are possible. For instance, if you notice a recurring issue, a needs assessment can help you find a better solution to solve it for good.

Looking at the Past, Present, and Future

We all make mistakes, and business decisions are no different. Sometimes, choices that seemed smart years ago can cause headaches today. A needs assessment helps you reflect on those past decisions to spot areas for improvement. Don’t dwell on mistakes—it’s about learning and moving forward.

Here are some questions you can ask yourself about past decisions:

• Did certain tools or systems pay off in the long run?
• Were your employees able to adapt to them easily?
• How much time or money was wasted during setup?
• Did you get the results you expected? If not, why?

You should also think about the present and future. Ask yourself:

• Are employees able to do their jobs effectively with the current tools?
• Are the issues due to policies, lack of motivation, or outdated technology?
• Could upgrading technology actually make a big difference?
• Where do you want your business to be in five or ten years?
• How can you prepare for unexpected challenges?

How to Conduct a Needs Assessment

Here are some tips to help you through the process:

• Take inventory - Before making any changes, make a list of all the technology you currently use.
• Review processes - Sometimes, the problem isn’t the tech itself but how it’s being used. Look at your workflows and processes to see if something is slowing you down.
• Match your technology investments to your goals - Think about your business goals. Does your current setup support them? If not, figure out what changes are needed.
• Stay flexible - Not every solution that works for other businesses will work for you. Don’t be afraid to try different options, but make sure they’re a good fit before committing.

If all this feels like a lot, don’t worry—you’re not alone. KB Technologies can guide you through the process and ensure your technology works for your business. Call us at (954) 834-2800 to get started.

Explaining the Project Management Triangle

Simply put, if you make any adjustments to the three points of this triangle, you’ll impact the others.

For example, increasing the quality of your project might require more investment of time and money. Completing your goal in less time might result in higher costs and less end quality. And if you try to save money on a project, you could spend longer on completion and decrease the quality of it at the same time.

The trick with this triangle is to find a balance between the three and identify what you’re willing to sacrifice to get the end result you want.

Managed Services Makes This Process Much Easier

Now, what happens when you substitute a business project in the above scenario with a business relationship with a managed service provider? All of the variables associated with the iron triangle—time, costs, and quality—are still present, but rather than each one making a tradeoff with the others, you can have all three increase at the same time by outsourcing your IT.

How Outsourcing Your IT Can Help Your Business and Project Management Initiatives

With the right IT provider on your side (like us), you can ensure that all three of the factors listed above see significant increases:

Higher Quality

A managed IT provider has a team of professionals keeping an eye on the tools you use every day, ensuring that they are working efficiently and effectively. Your provider will also be able to help you improve your hardware and software infrastructure to allow for new opportunities.

Less Time

Look, managing an IT infrastructure takes time… time that your business doesn’t have. But with a managed IT provider like KB Technologies on your side, you have more resources to work toward your desired end goal, all without putting too much pressure on your in-house team.

Fewer Costs

Your typical outsourced IT provider—KB Technologies included—will set a price based on an inclusive subscription model. This allows businesses like yours to have set, predictable costs that make budget integration easier and more reliable.

Ready to Get Started?

If you’re ready to take your project management seriously in 2025, don’t wait any longer. Give KB Technologies a call at (954) 834-2800 to get started today.