Blog - Page 23 of 24

5 Things to Back Up in Microsoft 365 That Most Businesses Forget

Microsoft 365 has become the default productivity platform for businesses of all sizes — and with good reason. It’s powerful, flexible, and packed with tools that keep teams connected. But there’s a common and dangerous misconception about Microsoft 365: that everything is automatically backed up.

It’s not.

While Microsoft protects your data from things like infrastructure failures and short-term glitches, it’s not responsible for all the things that can go wrong on your end — like accidental deletions, overwrites, security breaches, or long-term data retention needs.

If you assume Microsoft 365 has it all covered, you’re likely missing some critical pieces.

What Most Businesses Overlook

You might think email is covered (and to a point, it is), but what about documents stored in OneDrive? Shared data in Teams? Calendar entries? Without the right backups in place, recovering this information can be time-consuming — or impossible.

Here are five things in Microsoft 365 that often go unprotected:

Teams chats and shared files – Teams is now a central hub for collaboration, but messages and shared content can be lost or become inaccessible after account changes or deletions.
OneDrive files – If an employee leaves and their license is removed, their OneDrive files can be permanently deleted after a short window.
Shared mailboxes – These aren’t always backed up by default and can contain important client or internal communication.
Calendar data – Lost meeting records, appointments, or shared scheduling data can impact coordination — especially for teams handling client work or deadlines.
Deleted emails and folders – After the recycle bin period ends (typically 30 days), deleted content is gone for good unless a third-party backup is in place.

You Need More Than Built-In Retention

Microsoft 365’s retention policies are designed for short-term recovery — not full business continuity. If you’re handling sensitive data, managing multiple user accounts, or simply want peace of mind, a purpose-built backup solution is essential. It ensures you can recover lost or deleted content, comply with retention rules, and stay protected in the event of accidental or malicious data loss.

Get a Free Backup Check

Not sure what your current setup is actually backing up? At Cost+, we offer a free evaluation to identify gaps in your Microsoft 365 data protection. We’ll give you a clear picture of what’s covered — and what’s not — so you can make the right decision before it becomes a problem.

Book your free Microsoft 365 backup check today and protect what matters.

Get Started

cmcwplgnomg4042025-05-25T18:36:33-05:00May 23, 2025|

The True Cost of Downtime (and How to Avoid It)

When your systems go down, it’s more than just a tech issue — it’s a business problem. Whether it’s a server crash, a network outage, or a ransomware attack, downtime costs you in ways that go far beyond IT. Lost productivity, missed sales, frustrated customers, and damage to your reputation all add up. And for many businesses, the impact starts immediately.

You don’t have to be a massive enterprise for downtime to hit hard. Even a few hours of disruption can throw off your entire team, delay projects, or put you at risk of non-compliance if you’re in a regulated industry.

How Downtime Happens

Downtime doesn’t always come from catastrophic events. Sometimes, it’s caused by something as simple as an expired SSL certificate, a failed software update, or an overlooked hardware issue. Other times, it’s more serious — like ransomware encrypting your files or cloud systems being unavailable when you need them most.

Most businesses aren’t prepared. They assume “we’ll cross that bridge when we get there,” until they get there — and realize they don’t have a plan.

What It’s Really Costing You

Downtime impacts your bottom line more than you may realize. It stops your team from working, disrupts customer communication, and can even cost you clients who need consistent service. It also puts pressure on your employees to recover quickly — and sometimes forces costly last-minute fixes.

Here are just a few of the ways downtime hits:

Lost productivity from employees who can’t access systems or tools
Missed revenue from interrupted sales, bookings, or transactions
Reputation damage if customers experience delays or poor service
Data recovery costs if files or systems need to be restored
Compliance penalties if sensitive data is affected and reporting is delayed

Most of these losses aren’t visible until after the fact — and by then, they’re expensive.

How to Minimize the Risk

Avoiding downtime isn’t about eliminating every possible failure. It’s about having the right systems and safeguards in place so that if something does happen, it’s brief, contained, and recoverable.

That means having secure backups, keeping systems updated, monitoring hardware and network health, and putting a disaster recovery plan in place. It also means knowing who to call when something breaks — and having a team that can respond fast.

Get a Free Risk Assessment

Want to know how exposed your business might be to a downtime event? Cost+ offers free evaluations to help you identify gaps, risks, and opportunities to strengthen your IT systems before anything goes wrong.

Book your free risk assessment today and protect your business from the unexpected.

Get Started

cmcwplgnomg4042025-05-25T18:37:18-05:00May 23, 2025|

What Does a Managed IT Service Provider Actually Do?

The term “managed IT services” gets thrown around a lot — but what does it actually mean, and what does a managed service provider (MSP) really do for your business?

At its core, a managed IT service provider is a company you hire to handle your technology needs so you don’t have to. That includes everything from keeping your systems running smoothly to protecting your business from cyber threats, solving day-to-day tech problems, and helping you plan ahead. For many small and midsize businesses, it’s like having a full-time IT department — without the full-time cost.

Not Just Help Desk Support

While many people think of IT support as something you call when something breaks, managed IT goes far beyond that. A good provider proactively monitors your network to catch issues before they cause problems. They apply software updates, patch vulnerabilities, and make sure your systems are secure and performing well. Instead of reacting to problems, they help you avoid them in the first place.

You’ll also get guidance on technology planning, support for your email and cloud systems, data backups, and compliance if you’re in a regulated industry. It’s not just about fixing — it’s about improving, protecting, and future-proofing your business.

What’s Actually Included?

Every MSP is a little different, but here’s what most managed IT providers typically offer:

Remote monitoring and maintenance of workstations, servers, and networks
Help desk support for employees (via phone, email, or portal)
Cybersecurity protection, including endpoint security and threat monitoring
Cloud management and support (like Microsoft 365 or AWS)
Backup and disaster recovery planning
IT strategy and consulting to help your business grow with the right tech

The best providers don’t just respond to issues — they build systems that prevent them. And they explain things in plain English.

Do You Need One?

If you’re spending too much time solving tech issues, relying on a one-person IT solution, or juggling multiple vendors for email, backups, and security — a managed IT partner can bring it all together under one roof. It’s not about complexity; it’s about making your systems easier to manage, more secure, and better aligned with your goals.

Whether you’re in Jacksonville or anywhere across the U.S., having the right IT support in place means less downtime, less risk, and fewer surprises.

Schedule a Free IT Evaluation

Not sure if your current setup is working as well as it could be? At Cost+, we offer free consultations — no strings, no sales pitch. We’ll review your environment, answer your questions, and give you a clear picture of what’s working and what’s not.

Book your free evaluation today and take the guesswork out of managing your tech.

Get Started

cmcwplgnomg4042025-05-25T18:34:59-05:00May 23, 2025|

Why Cybersecurity Isn’t Just for Big Companies Anymore

For years, small and midsize businesses have told themselves a version of the same thing: “We’re too small to be a target.” Maybe you’ve thought that too — especially when every headline about cyberattacks seems to involve big corporations, hospitals, or massive data breaches.

But the truth is, that mindset is now outdated — and dangerous.

Cybercriminals have shifted tactics. Instead of going after Fortune 500 companies with complex defenses and full-time IT teams, they’re focusing more and more on local businesses with weaker protections and more to lose. In Jacksonville, Saint Johns, and across Northeast Florida, we’ve seen businesses of all sizes get hit — from professional firms to retail shops and even family-run service companies.

cybersecurity discussion for all size companies

The New Reality: Everyone’s a Target

Hackers aren’t sitting in basements manually typing code to break into your business. Most attacks today are automated. Tools like phishing kits and ransomware packages are sold on the dark web and deployed at scale — scanning the internet for vulnerabilities like open ports, outdated systems, or unprotected email accounts.

If your business sends email, uses the internet, has a website, or relies on computers to serve customers — then you’re already on the radar. It’s not about size — it’s about surface area.

The Cost of Doing Nothing

When a breach happens, it’s rarely just an IT problem. It becomes a legal issue, a financial hit, and a reputation crisis. We’ve seen companies lose access to critical files for days. Others face client trust issues, insurance claims, and in some cases, lawsuits.

The real cost isn’t always in dollars. It’s the downtime, the lost business, and the sheer stress of navigating something that could have been prevented.

So What Should You Be Doing?

You don’t need a 12-person cybersecurity team — but you do need a plan. That means putting the right protections in place, like strong email filtering, regular software updates, secure backups, and basic cybersecurity training for your staff. These aren’t complicated steps, but they are essential — and they make all the difference when something goes wrong.

Cybersecurity Can Be Simple — If You Know Who to Call

At Cost+, we work with businesses throughout Jacksonville, Saint Johns and also throughout the country, to take the stress out of cybersecurity. Whether you need a second opinion, want to check your exposure, or just want things locked down quietly in the background — we’re here to help.

Schedule your free cybersecurity consultation today. It doesn’t cost anything to be sure.

Get Started

cmcwplgnomg4042025-06-21T21:21:36-05:00May 23, 2025|

Powering Local Innovation: Cost+ Partners with Decision Point Software for Custom Software Solutions in Northeast Florida

Businesses across Jacksonville, Saint Johns, and the greater Northeast Florida region are facing growing digital demands — and most off-the-shelf software just isn’t cutting it. That’s why Cost+ is proud to announce our partnership with Decision Point Software, a respected custom software development firm based right here in Florida. Together, we’re helping local businesses move beyond cookie-cutter tools and build smarter systems designed around how they actually work.

Why Custom Software?

Most companies are juggling disconnected platforms, manual tasks, and software that doesn’t quite fit their workflow. These inefficiencies slow down operations and create unnecessary complexity. Custom software allows businesses to take control — automating repetitive processes, integrating with the tools they already use, and building out features that match their specific needs. Whether it’s a client portal, scheduling system, internal dashboard, or something entirely new, this approach helps eliminate tech headaches and improve performance.

With Decision Point Software leading the design and development, and Cost+ handling infrastructure, hosting, and support, we’re offering something few can match: local, high-quality software solutions with personal service and built-in reliability.

A Local Approach with Real Results

Our collaboration brings together full-stack development expertise and hands-on IT support in one seamless experience. That includes custom application development for web and mobile, integrations with business-critical systems, secure hosting environments, and on-site support throughout Jacksonville and Saint Johns. Businesses working with us don’t have to choose between top-tier software and a team that’s easy to reach — they get both.

Who We Help

This partnership is ideal for professional firms in law, finance, and healthcare, as well as retail businesses, logistics companies, and fast-growing startups. Any organization that’s outgrown its current systems — or is stuck relying on spreadsheets and patchwork software — can benefit from a custom-built platform designed to match their operations. We work with teams that are scaling, evolving, and ready to invest in something that finally fits.

What to Expect

When you work with Cost+ and Decision Point Software, you can expect local project management, clear timelines, and practical solutions. We start with a conversation to understand your goals, walk you through the technical process in plain language, and offer guidance on infrastructure, compliance, security, and support. From there, you’ll get a plan — not a pitch — and full transparency as we move forward together.

Custom apps and internal tools
Integrated portals and dashboards
API development and software automation
Local consultation and ongoing support

Schedule a Free Consultation Today

If you’re in Jacksonville, Saint Johns, or anywhere in Northeast Florida and ready to explore what custom software could do for your business, we’d love to talk. The consultation is free, there’s no pressure, and we’ll give you honest answers about what’s possible — and what’s practical.

Book your free consultation today and discover what happens when local IT support meets world-class software development.

Get Started

cmcwplgnomg4042025-05-24T14:44:30-05:00May 23, 2025|

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