Blog
From the blog
Check out the Open Tier blog for tech news, new products, software updates and more!
Stop Second-Guessing IT Support: A Better Model for Growing Businesses
Wondering whether to use Claude or Copilot? Microsoft Copilot now supports Claude — with the security businesses need.
Claude vs. Copilot: Why You No Longer Have to Choose
Wondering whether to use Claude or Copilot? Microsoft Copilot now supports Claude — with the security businesses need.
When IT Has a Day Job: A Common Small Business Risk
In many small businesses, IT is handled by someone capable—but not full time. When IT has a “day job,” important questions around security, risk, and long‑term planning often go unanswered. This case study explores why that model creates hidden risk and how a co‑managed IT approach helped one growing business close the gap.
The Password Habits Putting Small Businesses at Risk
Passwords remain one of the easiest ways for attackers to access small businesses. From sticky notes and reused logins to browser‑saved credentials, poor password hygiene creates real risk. In this post, we break down why password hygiene matters and how our upcoming webinar helps businesses adopt safer, more practical password practices.
A Real World Warning: When AI Agents Have No Guardrails
AI agents promise speed and automation—but without clear guardrails, they can introduce serious security and governance risks. Here’s what businesses need to know.
Cybersecurity Threat Report 2025: Lessons Learned and What’s Next
2025 was a wake-up call for small businesses. From Microsoft 365 compromises to VPN vulnerabilities and poor password hygiene, these trends cost companies time, money, and trust. Here’s what happened—and what it means for 2026.
AI Without Governance Is a Risk: Why Paid Copilot Gives You Control
Employees are already using free AI tools, putting sensitive data and compliance at risk. Learn why governance matters, how Microsoft Copilot offers a secure alternative, and why Copilot Chat alone isn’t enough.
How AI is Driving Efficiency, Compliance, and Resilience for Small Businesses
See how AI empowers operations teams to streamline processes, optimize resources, and improve compliance. Insights from Open Tier Systems’ “AI in Action” webinar.
Smarter Risk Management for Small Businesses with AI
Learn how AI empowers finance teams in small businesses—enhancing risk management, improving forecasting, and streamlining audits. Based on insights from Open Tier Systems’ “AI in Action” webinar.
AI in Customer Service: How Small Teams Can Deliver Faster, Smarter Support
Discover how AI tools like Copilot help small customer service teams deliver faster, smarter support. From reducing issue resolution time to improving first call resolution and client satisfaction, learn practical ways AI can transform your service strategy. Based on insights from Open Tier Systems’ “AI in Action” webinar.
How AI Empowers Marketing Teams to Drive Client Retention
Discover how small marketing teams can use AI tools like Copilot to personalize content, streamline campaigns, and boost client retention. Learn practical tips from Open Tier Systems’ “AI in Action” webinar.
Is AI Safe for Your Business? 7 Smart Ways to Use Copilot Without Risking Your Data
Discover how small businesses can safely harness AI tools like Microsoft Copilot. Learn 7 essential do’s and don’ts to protect client data while boosting productivity, collaboration, and customer experience.
Why It’s Time to Replace Your Outdated VPN
Legacy VPNs are no longer secure. Learn why SMBs are replacing outdated VPNs with WireGuard on Ubiquiti Dream Machine (UDM) for faster, safer remote access.
How AI Helps Small Sales Teams Drive Retention
Planning an office move? Don’t overlook your IT infrastructure. From server room placement to network wiring and equipment lead times, early involvement from your tech partner can prevent costly delays and downtime. Discover 10 essential IT tips to ensure your team walks into a fully operational office on day one.
Top 10 AI Tasks to Try with AI
Planning an office move? Don’t overlook your IT infrastructure. From server room placement to network wiring and equipment lead times, early involvement from your tech partner can prevent costly delays and downtime. Discover 10 essential IT tips to ensure your team walks into a fully operational office on day one.
Open Tier Systems Hosts Webinar to Help Small Businesses Transform Client Experiences with AI
Discover how AI is helping small businesses meet rising client expectations—fast. In this exclusive webinar, Open Tier Systems shows how every role that touches the client experience can use AI to personalize service, boost efficiency, and stay competitive.
Why Your Tech Partner Should Be at the Table Before You Pack a Single Box
Planning an office move? Don’t overlook your IT infrastructure. From server room placement to network wiring and equipment lead times, early involvement from your tech partner can prevent costly delays and downtime. Discover 10 essential IT tips to ensure your team walks into a fully operational office on day one.
How Small Businesses Can Unlock the Real Value of AI
Artificial intelligence isn’t just for tech giants—it’s a practical partner for small businesses.
In this post, Brian M. McCarthy, President of Open Tier Systems, shares how small teams can unlock real value from AI by starting with everyday problems and using intuitive, low-cost tools like Copilot and ChatGPT. Learn how to craft effective prompts, protect your data, and empower your team to work smarter, respond faster, and think bigger.
AI for Small Business: Answers to the Questions You’re Actually Asking
Join us for a webinar specifically for small business leaders who want to understand how AI can help them:
Deliver faster, smarter service to clients
Empower their teams to do more with less
Gain real insights from their data to drive growth
This isn’t just a tech talk. We’ll break down the basics of AI, share real-world examples, and give you practical tips to start using AI securely and strategically—no jargon, no hype
Open Tier Systems Launches AI Webinar Series for Small Business Leaders
Join us for a webinar specifically for small business leaders who want to understand how AI can help them:
Deliver faster, smarter service to clients
Empower their teams to do more with less
Gain real insights from their data to drive growth
This isn’t just a tech talk. We’ll break down the basics of AI, share real-world examples, and give you practical tips to start using AI securely and strategically—no jargon, no hype
Avanan transition happening next week!
We’re excited to announce that starting the week of July 28, Open Tier Systems will begin transitioning client email security from Barracuda Email Gateway Defense to Avanan, a modern, AI-powered platform built natively for Microsoft 365. This transition had been...
Your Fingerprint Is the New Front Door Key: Why Small Businesses Must Prioritize Biometric Security Now
Did you know that 43% of cyberattacks target small businesses, yet only 14% are prepared to defend themselves? That’s not just a statistic, it’s a wake-up call. In today’s world, where your phone is your office and your laptop is your filing cabinet, securing your...
Open Tier Systems Announces Partnership with Villanova Athletics
Open Tier Systems has partnered with Villanova University Athletics for the 2025-26 season. This partnership coincides with Open Tier’s 20th year of helping local businesses boost productivity, engage clients, and make smarter decisions through technology.
The Clock’s Ticking: 3 Risks of Delaying Windows 11
Still on Windows 10? Delaying your upgrade to Windows 11 could expose your business to security threats, software issues, and compliance risks. Learn what’s at stake.
Cybersecurity On the Go: Best Practices for Traveling
Whether you’re heading to a conference, working remotely from a beachside Airbnb, or just checking emails at the airport, your data is traveling with you and it needs protection.
Making AI Work for Small Businesses: What Really Matters
Artificial intelligence (AI) is no longer just for big corporations with deep pockets and tech teams. Small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) are increasingly exploring how AI can help them work smarter, not harder. For AI to truly deliver value to small businesses, it must be designed with their unique needs in mind.
3 Ways Local Construction Firms Stay Connected
Construction businesses face numerous challenges: tight deadlines, dispersed teams, changing job sites, ever-evolving project specs, coupled with increasing demand from customers for rapid communication. Maintaining seamless communication between field crews and...
The Folder That Wasn’t There
I once sat across from a client, a seasoned business owner, sharp, no-nonsense, the kind of person who still prints receipts and files them alphabetically, while she explained how her team “lost a folder” on a Friday afternoon. “It was just gone,” she said....
The Future of AI-Powered Business Services & Best Practices
As we look to the future, AI is not merely a tool for automation—it is reshaping entire business ecosystems. From enhancing customer service to revolutionizing internal operations, AI-powered solutions are set to transform how businesses operate. This article examines...
Privacy, Data Storage, and Governance in AI
As AI technologies become more pervasive, ensuring data privacy and robust governance has never been more critical. Businesses adopting AI must navigate complex regulatory landscapes and establish robust data protection strategies. This article explores the privacy...
When IT Has a Day Job: A Common Small Business Risk
In many small businesses, IT is handled by someone capable—but not full time. When IT has a “day job,” important questions around security, risk, and long‑term planning often go unanswered. This case study explores why that model creates hidden risk and how a co‑managed IT approach helped one growing business close the gap.
Investing in Productivity: Why High-Quality Hardware and Licenses Are Worth It
In the modern workplace, employees rely on technology to perform at their best. Yet, many organizations hesitate to invest in high-quality computers and software licenses, often citing cost...
The Role of IT in Enhancing Client Communication for Professional Services
Imagine running a project with multiple clients, but suddenly, communication tools like email or project management systems go down. Now, you're left scrambling to stay in touch, and so are your...
The Most Effective Way to Collaborate with Your MSP
When your business teams up with a Managed Service Provider (MSP), the objective is to secure expert IT support that guarantees seamless operations, proactive maintenance, and prompt...
Benefits of outsourcing IT for SMBs
Small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) often face unique challenges when it comes to IT. They may not have the resources to hire full-time IT staff, or they may not have access to the latest...
What is a Managed Service Provider (MSP)?
A Managed IT Service Provider (MSP) is a third-party partner company that provides IT services and solutions to businesses on an ongoing basis. MSPs can manage all aspects of a company's IT...
Stop Second-Guessing IT Support: A Better Model for Growing Businesses
Wondering whether to use Claude or Copilot? Microsoft Copilot now supports Claude — with the security businesses need.
Claude vs. Copilot: Why You No Longer Have to Choose
Wondering whether to use Claude or Copilot? Microsoft Copilot now supports Claude — with the security businesses need.
The Clock’s Ticking: 3 Risks of Delaying Windows 11
Still on Windows 10? Delaying your upgrade to Windows 11 could expose your business to security threats, software issues, and compliance risks. Learn what’s at stake.
Cybersecurity On the Go: Best Practices for Traveling
Whether you’re heading to a conference, working remotely from a beachside Airbnb, or just checking emails at the airport, your data is traveling with you and it needs protection.
Making AI Work for Small Businesses: What Really Matters
Artificial intelligence (AI) is no longer just for big corporations with deep pockets and tech teams. Small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) are increasingly exploring how AI can help them work smarter, not harder. For AI to truly deliver value to small businesses, it must be designed with their unique needs in mind.
3 Ways Local Construction Firms Stay Connected
Construction businesses face numerous challenges: tight deadlines, dispersed teams, changing job sites, ever-evolving project specs, coupled with increasing demand from customers for rapid...
The Folder That Wasn’t There
I once sat across from a client, a seasoned business owner, sharp, no-nonsense, the kind of person who still prints receipts and files them alphabetically, while she explained how her team “lost a...
Securing the Future: Rick Carpenter on Cyber Threats, AI, and Proactive Defense Strategies
Cybersecurity has never been more critical. As technology continues to advance, so do the threats targeting our data, systems, and infrastructure. In this interview, Rick Carpenter, Vice President...
Integrating Co-Managed IT Services: Best Practices for a Smooth Transition
Bringing on a co-managed IT provider is more than a strategic move. It’s an opportunity to empower your internal team’s capabilities while introducing greater flexibility into managing your...
Is Your IT Team Overwhelmed? Discover Co-Managed Services
Today’s IT departments face a perfect storm of challenges, balancing the pressures of day-to-day operations, adapting to ever-evolving technologies, staying ahead of security threats, and working...
The Password Habits Putting Small Businesses at Risk
Passwords remain one of the easiest ways for attackers to access small businesses. From sticky notes and reused logins to browser‑saved credentials, poor password hygiene creates real risk. In this post, we break down why password hygiene matters and how our upcoming webinar helps businesses adopt safer, more practical password practices.
A Real World Warning: When AI Agents Have No Guardrails
AI agents promise speed and automation—but without clear guardrails, they can introduce serious security and governance risks. Here’s what businesses need to know.
Cybersecurity Threat Report 2025: Lessons Learned and What’s Next
2025 was a wake-up call for small businesses. From Microsoft 365 compromises to VPN vulnerabilities and poor password hygiene, these trends cost companies time, money, and trust. Here’s what happened—and what it means for 2026.
Why It’s Time to Replace Your Outdated VPN
Legacy VPNs are no longer secure. Learn why SMBs are replacing outdated VPNs with WireGuard on Ubiquiti Dream Machine (UDM) for faster, safer remote access.
Your Fingerprint Is the New Front Door Key: Why Small Businesses Must Prioritize Biometric Security Now
Did you know that 43% of cyberattacks target small businesses, yet only 14% are prepared to defend themselves? That’s not just a statistic, it’s a wake-up call. In today’s world, where your phone is...
Securing Financial Data: Innovative IT Solutions to Combat Cyber Threats
In the world of finance, data security is non-negotiable. Handling sensitive financial data—whether it’s customer transactions, corporate assets, or compliance documentation—requires vigilance...
Open Tier Systems Chats with the Shoemaker Films Podcast About IT, Cybersecurity & Business Growth
Technology moves fast, and staying ahead of IT and cybersecurity challenges is no small task. That’s why the Shoemaker Films Podcast sat down with Brian McCarthy and Rick Carpenter from Open Tier...
Navigating Cyber Threats: A Conversation with Brian M. McCarthy on Ransomware and Email Security
Cyber threats are evolving at an alarming pace. And businesses of all sizes are grappling with the challenge of protecting their assets. Among these challenges, ransomware and email-based attacks...
Understanding Cybersecurity Risks in Financial Services
Cyber threats are no longer just an IT problem. They’re a pressing concern for financial institutions as well. As keepers of some of the most sensitive and valuable data, banks and financial firms...
Claude vs. Copilot: Why You No Longer Have to Choose
Wondering whether to use Claude or Copilot? Microsoft Copilot now supports Claude — with the security businesses need.
The Password Habits Putting Small Businesses at Risk
Passwords remain one of the easiest ways for attackers to access small businesses. From sticky notes and reused logins to browser‑saved credentials, poor password hygiene creates real risk. In this post, we break down why password hygiene matters and how our upcoming webinar helps businesses adopt safer, more practical password practices.
A Real World Warning: When AI Agents Have No Guardrails
AI agents promise speed and automation—but without clear guardrails, they can introduce serious security and governance risks. Here’s what businesses need to know.
Cybersecurity Threat Report 2025: Lessons Learned and What’s Next
2025 was a wake-up call for small businesses. From Microsoft 365 compromises to VPN vulnerabilities and poor password hygiene, these trends cost companies time, money, and trust. Here’s what happened—and what it means for 2026.
AI Without Governance Is a Risk: Why Paid Copilot Gives You Control
Employees are already using free AI tools, putting sensitive data and compliance at risk. Learn why governance matters, how Microsoft Copilot offers a secure alternative, and why Copilot Chat alone isn’t enough.
How AI is Driving Efficiency, Compliance, and Resilience for Small Businesses
See how AI empowers operations teams to streamline processes, optimize resources, and improve compliance. Insights from Open Tier Systems’ “AI in Action” webinar.
Smarter Risk Management for Small Businesses with AI
Learn how AI empowers finance teams in small businesses—enhancing risk management, improving forecasting, and streamlining audits. Based on insights from Open Tier Systems’ “AI in Action” webinar.
AI in Customer Service: How Small Teams Can Deliver Faster, Smarter Support
Discover how AI tools like Copilot help small customer service teams deliver faster, smarter support. From reducing issue resolution time to improving first call resolution and client satisfaction, learn practical ways AI can transform your service strategy. Based on insights from Open Tier Systems’ “AI in Action” webinar.
How AI Empowers Marketing Teams to Drive Client Retention
Discover how small marketing teams can use AI tools like Copilot to personalize content, streamline campaigns, and boost client retention. Learn practical tips from Open Tier Systems’ “AI in Action” webinar.
Is AI Safe for Your Business? 7 Smart Ways to Use Copilot Without Risking Your Data
Discover how small businesses can safely harness AI tools like Microsoft Copilot. Learn 7 essential do’s and don’ts to protect client data while boosting productivity, collaboration, and customer experience.
How AI Helps Small Sales Teams Drive Retention
Planning an office move? Don’t overlook your IT infrastructure. From server room placement to network wiring and equipment lead times, early involvement from your tech partner can prevent costly delays and downtime. Discover 10 essential IT tips to ensure your team walks into a fully operational office on day one.
Top 10 AI Tasks to Try with AI
Planning an office move? Don’t overlook your IT infrastructure. From server room placement to network wiring and equipment lead times, early involvement from your tech partner can prevent costly delays and downtime. Discover 10 essential IT tips to ensure your team walks into a fully operational office on day one.
Open Tier Systems Hosts Webinar to Help Small Businesses Transform Client Experiences with AI
Discover how AI is helping small businesses meet rising client expectations—fast. In this exclusive webinar, Open Tier Systems shows how every role that touches the client experience can use AI to personalize service, boost efficiency, and stay competitive.
AI for Small Business: Answers to the Questions You’re Actually Asking
Join us for a webinar specifically for small business leaders who want to understand how AI can help them:
Deliver faster, smarter service to clients
Empower their teams to do more with less
Gain real insights from their data to drive growth
This isn’t just a tech talk. We’ll break down the basics of AI, share real-world examples, and give you practical tips to start using AI securely and strategically—no jargon, no hype
The Future of AI-Powered Business Services & Best Practices
As we look to the future, AI is not merely a tool for automation—it is reshaping entire business ecosystems. From enhancing customer service to revolutionizing internal operations, AI-powered...
Privacy, Data Storage, and Governance in AI
As AI technologies become more pervasive, ensuring data privacy and robust governance has never been more critical. Businesses adopting AI must navigate complex regulatory landscapes and establish...
AI tools and where to use them
Generative AI is revolutionizing creative processes and operational efficiencies across multiple industries. By automating content creation and enabling rapid prototyping, these tools empower...
Understanding AI: The Basics Every Small Business Should Know
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has evolved from a futuristic buzzword into a core driver of business innovation. Over the past few decades, advancements in computing power and algorithmic...