Merrick Sloss, Author at Bellwether Technology

10 Questions to Coordinate Hardware Updates with Your Transition to Windows 11

Posted on August 7, 2024 by Merrick Sloss

With Windows 10 End of Life (EOL) approaching on October 14, 2025, it pays to be proactive. While you might be focused on software upgrades, there are also important questions about hardware refreshes that often get overlooked. Updating your operating systems is just one piece of the puzzle; updating your hardware is essential to protect your business and boost performance. When Windows 10 reaches EOL, Microsoft will stop providing updates and security patches, leaving your systems exposed to cyber threats and compliance issues. This means you need to replace devices that can’t run Windows 11. However, this necessity also presents […]

Bellwether Technology Corporation Named Implementation Partner for iManage Document Management Software

Posted on July 24, 2024 by Merrick Sloss

(New Orleans, LA – July 22, 2024) – Bellwether Technology Corporation is now an Implementation Partner for iManage, the leading document management software platform trusted by law firms, financial service industries and other organizations that handle vast amounts of information. This partnership allows Bellwether to offer seamless, end-to-end solutions that transform how organizations manage and secure their vital documents. With Bellwether’s expertise and iManage’s advanced technology, clients get a streamlined document management experience from purchase to implementation and beyond. The Necessity of Document Management Systems Modern businesses, especially law firms, financial services, and healthcare organizations, generate and manage huge amounts […]

Red Flags to Watch for After Your MSP Has Been Acquired

Posted on July 17, 2024 by Merrick Sloss

Mergers and acquisitions have become common in the managed IT service provider industry. Owners often choose to sell their companies for various reasons, such as retirement, access to additional resources, or the desire to cash in on their investments. While acquisitions can bring benefits like increased financial stability, expanded service offerings, and access to new technologies, they can also pose significant challenges that may negatively impact the quality of service provided to clients. It’s important that business leaders recognize the signs that their managed service provider’s (MSP) acquisition might not be going as smoothly as intended. By understanding these potential […]

Hungry to Learn – Spotlight on Andy

Posted on June 28, 2024 by Merrick Sloss

There is no standard day for Andy, a Project Engineer at Bellwether Technology Corporation. One day he’s working from home on a new SharePoint rollout, and the next he could be loading 100-pound battery backups into a network rack at a client site. Andy is ready for whatever the task the day calls for, whether it’s putting in a couple of hours’ drive time to work onsite, or sitting comfortably at his desk. Andy’s career at Bellwether began more than 10 years ago when he started out as a Service Desk Technician shortly after he finished college. He spent a […]

Bellwether Technology Corporation is a New Orleans Top Workplace 2019 – 2024

Posted on June 24, 2024 by Merrick Sloss

(New Orleans, Louisiana, June 23, 2024) – Bellwether Technology Corporation is recognized as a Top Workplace by The Times-Picayune and The New Orleans Advocate for the sixth consecutive year. This award is determined entirely by employee feedback collected through a third-party survey that assesses crucial elements of employee experience, including feelings of respect and support, opportunities for growth, and empowerment in their roles. “Being recognized as a Top Workplace is a significant achievement because it comes directly from the voices of our employees,” said Steven Ellis, CEO of Bellwether. “We strive to be a place where talented professionals want to […]

The Business Case for Upgrading to Microsoft 365 Business Premium

Posted on June 17, 2024 by Merrick Sloss

Have you been hesitant to upgrade your organization’s Microsoft 365 subscriptions from Standard to Premium because you’re not sure it’s worth the extra cost? It’s understandable to be cautious about spending more. However, it might be time to reevaluate the long-term value and return on investment (ROI) that the Premium subscription offers, especially in terms of security. Understanding the Difference Between Standard and Premium Microsoft 365 Business Premium includes advanced security features designed to counter modern cyber threats. In contrast, the Standard subscription offers only basic protection, which may not be enough against today’s sophisticated cyberattacks. Upgrading to Premium better […]

Start Planning Now for Windows 10 End of Support

Posted on May 30, 2024 by Merrick Sloss

Microsoft has announced that Windows 10 will reach its End of Life (EOL) in October 2025. EOL refers to the date when Microsoft officially ends support for the operating system (OS), including software updates, security patches, and technical assistance. After the EOL (or end of support) date, Windows 10 systems will no longer receive these vital updates and services. The implications of Windows 10 EOL are significant for businesses still running the operating system. Without continued support, Windows 10 will become increasingly vulnerable to security threats as new weaknesses are discovered. Additionally, businesses may encounter compatibility issues with newer software […]

Visualize Microsoft Copilot in Action: Practical Applications for Your Team

Posted on May 16, 2024 by Merrick Sloss

Understanding that Microsoft Copilot can make work faster and more efficient is valuable, but it’s the practical, real-world applications that truly demonstrate its usefulness. The application of this advanced AI within your team’s daily tasks is where the abstract concept of AI meets the concrete reality of improved workflows and productivity. Microsoft’s familiar tools—Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint—might be commonplace across desks, but Copilot’s integration with these applications shows up differently depending on the user’s role. This article offers a glimpse into how your team can harness Copilot in ways that matter most to their specific duties. We’re sharing these […]

Crafting Prompts for Microsoft 365 Copilot

Posted on April 11, 2024 by Merrick Sloss

Have you ever wished for an assistant who understands your needs perfectly and helps with your daily tasks? That’s exactly what you get with Copilot for Microsoft 365, the AI-powered partner integrated right into your Microsoft environment. It’s designed to understand and respond to your instructions as naturally as you’d talk to a person. To make the most out of Copilot, there are a few simple strategies you can learn to engage with it. Prompt engineering is the term that has been coined to describe the process of interacting with AI tools such as Copilot. It refers to the thoughtful […]

Bellwether Technology Corporation Named to CRN’s 2024 Managed Service Provider 500 List

Posted on April 2, 2024 by Merrick Sloss

(New Orleans, April 2, 2024) – Bellwether Technology Corporation, a leading provider of managed IT services, announced that CRN®, a brand of The Channel Company, has named the company to its Managed Service Provider (MSP) 500 list in the Pioneer 250 category for 2024. This marks the 11th consecutive year BTC has been selected for this prestigious list. The MSP 500 list annually honors managed IT service providers who have demonstrated their ability to successfully deliver IT solutions that empower clients to improve their operations and fuel overall growth. Bellwether has built a business model focused on providing comprehensive managed […]