Your Guide to Google Workspace: Why Interlock IT Is Better Than Google Support

As a business owner, you rely on Google Workspace to get things done. It’s a powerful set of tools, and for the most part, it just works. But what happens when something goes wrong? When an employee can't log in, a shared file disappears, or a security issue pops up, where do you turn?

Your first thought might be to contact Google Support directly. After all, they built the product, so they must be the best ones to fix it, right?

Google Workspace is great, but its support? That's a different story. If you've ever had a time-sensitive issue and been directed to a help article or waited on hold, you already know the difference. The real question is, when a critical problem strikes, do you want a ticket number or a solution?

There’s a better way to get the help you need, and it’s by partnering with a dedicated expert like Interlock IT.

Here’s a simple look at why a partner is better than relying on Google’s own support.

1. Personalized vs. Generic Help

With Google Support, you're a ticket number. You might talk to a different person every time you call, and they'll have to start from scratch to understand your problem. They don't know your business' history, your team's needs, or how you use your tech every day.

A Partner like Interlock IT is different. You work with a dedicated team that knows your business inside and out. They have a full picture of your technology, so they can solve problems faster and more effectively without wasting your time.

2. Reactive vs. Proactive Support

Google Support is designed to fix problems after they happen. You have to experience an issue, open a ticket, and then wait for a solution. This reactive approach can lead to costly downtime for your business.

A Partner like Interlock IT is proactive. They don’t just wait for a problem to appear. They actively monitor your systems, perform regular maintenance, and suggest improvements to your security and efficiency. For example, they offer DMARC reporting, a key service that monitors your email to ensure spammers can't fake your company's address, which helps prevent phishing attacks and protects your brand's reputation. Their goal is to prevent problems before they ever have a chance to affect your business.

3. Full-Service vs. Google-Only Scope

When you call Google Support, they can only help you with their products. If your issue is with your internet connection, a non-Google app, or a printer, you're on your own.

A Partner like Interlock IT is a one-stop shop. They are a full-service IT provider who can help with everything. They can manage your network, your security, and all your technology needs—not just the Google-branded ones. This saves you from having to call multiple vendors for a single problem.

4. Finding Answers vs. Getting Answers

Google is great at giving you a search result or pointing you to a help article. But in the middle of a business day, you don’t have time to read through a technical guide. You need an immediate solution.

A Partner like Interlock IT gives you the answer directly and fixes the problem for you. You make a single call, and they handle the rest, so you can get back to focusing on your business.

The choice isn't between Google’s technology and a partner’s technology; it's between a hands-off, impersonal service and a hands-on, dedicated partnership.

This is where a partner truly makes all the difference. A team like Interlock IT embodies this superior model, offering the dedicated expertise and full-service support that Google’s large-scale system simply can’t match. They become your trusted guide, taking the stress out of technology and giving you back valuable time.

The Takeaway 

Don't just use Google's tools; empower your business with a trusted partnership. By choosing to work with a team like Interlock IT, you're not just getting better support—you're getting peace of mind, allowing you to focus on growing your business while they handle the technology.

Contact Interlock IT today.

The One Thing Google Isn't Telling You About Workspace Security

Google is a name we all trust. When you sign up for Google Workspace, you feel confident knowing a tech giant with a world-class security team is protecting your emails, documents, and data.

And it's true—Google has built a fortress of security features to protect its platform. But there's one key piece of information they often don't emphasize, and it's the most important thing you need to understand:

The security tools are there, but it's your responsibility to turn them on and manage them correctly.

The key is that Google provides the technology, but it’s up to you to put it to work correctly. Their tools are powerful, but they are only as effective as the security settings you configure. If you don’t have the time or expertise to find and enable every crucial protection, your business remains vulnerable.

This is the big security secret. While Google provides the tools, they don't provide the day-to-day management for your specific business.

The Problem Isn't the Tool, It's the Setup

Google's security settings are hidden in complex menus and control panels. For a business owner or office manager, finding these settings—and knowing which ones to enable—is nearly impossible. You could be missing crucial protections that would prevent a phishing attack or stop a data leak, and you wouldn't even know it.

Security Isn't a One-Time Task

Cyber threats are constantly changing. Hackers are always finding new ways to trick people and bypass security measures. This means managing your security isn't something you can set and forget. It requires constant monitoring, regular updates, and a proactive approach to stay one step ahead of the bad guys. Google provides the platform, but they're not there to handle the daily watch for your business.

The bottom line is this: while Google gives you an incredibly powerful and secure platform, the weight of keeping your business safe still falls on your shoulders. It's a massive and often overwhelming responsibility.

This is the moment where you need a partner, a trusted expert who can step in and handle this for you. You deserve to have peace of mind, knowing your Google Workspace is perfectly configured and actively protected by people who live and breathe security. A team like Interlock IT specializes in being this expert partner. They'll ensure your security is locked down, your settings are optimized, and your business is protected from the constant threats you don't have time to worry about.

The Takeaway 

Don't just rely on the security tools; rely on the experts who know how to use them. By partnering with a team like Interlock IT, you're not just getting software—you're getting an active, ongoing shield for your business, allowing you to focus on what you do best.

Contact Interlock IT today.

The Unseen Cost of Your Google & Microsoft Mix-Up

Walk into almost any small or medium-sized business today, and you’ll likely find a mix of technology. Marketing teams might live in Google Docs and Sheets, while the finance and operations departments rely on Microsoft Excel and Teams.

On the surface, this blend of tools seems flexible and convenient. Everyone gets to use what they’re most comfortable with. But what you might not see is the hidden mess this mix-up is creating behind the scenes. This isn't just about a preference for one app over another; it's about a series of "unseen costs" that are hurting your business.

Let's pull back the curtain and look at the real problems.

1. Wasted Time and Lost Productivity

Ever tried to share a Google Doc with a colleague who only uses Microsoft Teams? What about trying to find a file someone saved to SharePoint when you’re used to Google Drive? These small moments of friction add up. The time your team spends searching for the right file, converting documents, and trying to communicate across two different systems is a constant drag on productivity. It’s like having two sets of tools that don't quite fit together, and everyone is fumbling to make them work.

2. The Big Security Risk

Managing security across two separate platforms is a nightmare. It’s nearly impossible to set up consistent security rules when one team is in Google and another is in Microsoft. This creates security gaps that can be exploited. Sensitive data can accidentally be shared or lost, and enforcing simple policies like multi-factor authentication becomes a confusing mess. The more platforms you use, the more doors you have to lock—and the more likely you are to leave one of them open.

3. Paying for Duplicate Services

Are you paying for cloud storage in Google Drive and again in OneDrive? Do you have different subscription plans that don't quite match up? When you have a mix of services, you often end up paying for duplicate features or premium tools that nobody is using because they're on the other platform. It's a textbook example of inefficient spending, and it can add up to a significant amount of money that's just leaking from your budget.

4. The Management Headache

If your business has a mix of platforms, your IT team or internal "tech person" has double the work. They have to manage two different sets of user accounts, handle two different billing systems, and troubleshoot two different types of problems. This is complex, time-consuming, and a major source of stress. It's an unnecessary drain on your team's energy and resources.

This confusion and inefficiency isn't a problem you have to live with. It’s a common issue that has a very clear solution. You don’t need to get rid of your favorite tools; you just need an expert to bring order to the chaos.

The good news is, you don’t have to keep struggling with these issues. The solution isn't to get rid of your favorite tools, but to bring in a partner who can connect them all. A trusted team like Interlock IT specializes in solving exactly these kinds of mix-ups. Interlock IT can help you create a unified system that works for everyone, bringing clarity and control to your technology. By letting experts handle the complexity, you're not just fixing a technical problem—you're making a smart business decision.

The Takeaway 

You don't have to choose between a mix of tools that causes headaches or a single platform that doesn't fit your needs. By working with a skilled partner like Interlock IT, you can achieve the best of both worlds: a streamlined, secure, and cost-effective digital environment that truly works for your business.

Contact Interlock IT today.

The Smart Way to Buy Microsoft 365 Licenses: A Guide to Resellers

If your business needs Microsoft 365, you have two main options: you can buy your licenses directly from Microsoft, or you can buy them through a third-party seller, also known as a reseller or a Microsoft Partner.

For many businesses, the idea of buying directly from the source seems simplest. But what if there was a smarter, more cost-effective way to get the licenses you need, with a lot of added benefits?

Here’s a simple breakdown of the pros, the cons, and the smart approach to buying Microsoft 365 licenses through a reseller.

Why It's a Great Idea

1. Expert Guidance (No More Guessing!) Microsoft offers dozens of different license types—from Business Basic to E5 plans—and it’s easy to get lost. A good reseller doesn't just sell you a license; they act as a consultant. They'll take the time to understand your team's needs and recommend the exact right plan, so you don't overpay for features you won't use or buy a plan that's missing something critical.

2. Flexible Billing and Potential Savings Buying from Microsoft often means a yearly commitment. Resellers frequently offer more flexible monthly payment options, which is great for managing your cash flow. Plus, many resellers bundle licenses with other essential services like security management, IT support, or data backups, often for a better total price than if you bought everything separately.

3. Dedicated Support When You Need It When you have a technical question or a problem, would you rather call a massive, anonymous tech giant or a local team that knows your business? A key benefit of a reseller is having a dedicated support team on your side. This means faster response times and personalized service from people who understand your unique setup.

What to Watch Out For

Not All Resellers Are Equal This is the single most important "con." The experience you have completely depends on who you choose to work with. Some resellers might just sell you a license and disappear, leaving you with no support. Others might lack the expertise to set up your security correctly. This is why it's critical to partner with a reputable, certified, and experienced company.

Conclusion

The potential benefits of using a reseller—expert advice, flexible billing, and dedicated support—far outweigh the risk of going it alone. The secret is to avoid the pitfalls by choosing a partner you can trust.

If you're ready to get the right Microsoft 365 licenses and the expert support to go with them, look no further. A team like Interlock IT specializes in helping businesses like yours thrive by providing the perfect licenses and the hands-on partnership you deserve.

Takeaway 

Don't just buy a license; invest in a partnership. Choosing to buy your Microsoft 365 licenses through a trusted partner is a smart business decision that provides expert advice, dedicated support, and cost savings—all while taking the tech headaches off your plate.

Contact Interlock IT today.

Why Going Solo on Microsoft Tech Might Be a Bad Idea for Your Business

 

You've probably heard of Microsoft. From the office apps you use every day to the cloud services that run the biggest companies, they’re everywhere. And for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs), using Microsoft's technology can be a huge step up.

But here’s a mistake many businesses make: they try to figure it all out themselves.

It seems like a good way to save money, right? Just buy the software and start using it. But what you save in the short term, you often pay for in frustration, wasted time, and even security risks.

Think of it this way: You wouldn’t build your own house without an architect or a contractor. So why would you build your company’s digital foundation without an expert?

Here’s what you’re likely missing out on when you don’t partner with a Microsoft expert.

1. Your Cloud Environment Isn’t Built Right

When you set up Microsoft's technology on your own, it's easy to miss key details. You might get the basic apps working, but an expert ensures everything is set up perfectly for your business. They'll make sure your security settings are locked down, your files are organized correctly, and all your tools—like email and team chat—talk to each other smoothly. Without a clear plan, you're left with a system that's not quite optimized and has some serious weak spots.

2. You’re an Easy Target for Cybercriminals

Small businesses are a big target for hackers. Microsoft provides a ton of built-in security features, but they only work if you know how to turn them on and use them correctly.

A Microsoft Partner is like a security guard for your digital environment. They'll set up things like "two-factor authentication" (that text message code you get when you log in) and monitor for any suspicious activity. Trying to do it all yourself is like leaving your doors unlocked—you're just hoping nobody tries to get in.

3. You're Wasting Your Most Valuable Asset: Time

As a business owner, your time is money. Do you really want to spend hours on the phone with tech support, watching YouTube tutorials, or trying to fix a problem that keeps coming back?

A Microsoft Partner is your personal IT department. When something breaks, you make one call and it gets fixed. They handle the tech headaches so you can focus on what you do best: running your business.

4. You Might Be Using the Wrong Tools

Microsoft has hundreds of products and different subscription plans. It can be like walking into a huge hardware store with no one to help you. Are you buying the right tools for the job? Are you paying too much for features you'll never use?

A Partner helps you choose the perfect plan and the right products for your business. They act as your guide, making sure you're not wasting money on a subscription that doesn't fit your needs and showing you helpful tools you didn't even know existed.

5. You Have No Guide for the Future

Technology is always changing. Without an expert by your side, you could get left behind. A Microsoft Partner isn’t just there to fix things; they’re there to help you grow.

They'll keep you updated on new tools, suggest ways to use technology to become more efficient, and make sure your systems can grow with your business. They're not just a one-time helper; they're a long-term advisor who wants to see you succeed.

The Takeaway

All of these points lead to one clear conclusion: you don’t have to face these challenges alone. A trusted partner can provide the expert guidance and support you need to maximize your Microsoft investment. By working with a team like Interlock IT, you can confidently build a secure, efficient, and scalable digital environment.

Going it alone with Microsoft might feel like you're saving money, but the cost of bad security, wasted time, and missed opportunities can be much higher. A Microsoft Partner is a valuable investment—a guide who helps you build a strong, secure, and efficient digital foundation so you can focus on building your business.

Contact Interlock IT today.

Picking Your Cloud Partner? Why Interlock IT is the Smart Choice for Canadian Businesses

 

Moving your business to the cloud can feel like a huge step. You know it's important for working smarter, staying competitive, and keeping your data safe. But with so many IT companies out there, how do you pick the right one to help you make the switch?

At Interlock IT, we believe it's not just about technology; it's about partnership, trust, and real results for your business. Here's why Canadian companies choose us to guide their cloud journey, whether it's with Google Workspace or Microsoft 365.

We've Been Cloud-First Since Day One

We like to think that we are cloud natives. While many IT companies are still catching up to the cloud, we've been living and breathing it since 2009. We didn't just jump on the bandwagon; we helped build the road! This means our team truly understands the ins and outs of cloud solutions, helping you avoid common pitfalls and unlock every benefit.

As Canada's very first Google Workspace Premier SMB Partner and a top Microsoft 365 specialist, we've helped hundreds of Canadian businesses, big and small, move their operations to the cloud smoothly. We've got the experience to make your transition stress-free and successful.

It’s About Your Needs, Not Our Numbers

Here's the thing: we're not tied to selling you just one type of software. Our focus is squarely on what works best for your business. We partner with both Google and Microsoft, plus other leading cloud tools like Copper CRM, Hiver, Xero, and Afi.ai. This lets us build a cloud solution that perfectly fits your unique needs, rather than trying to make your needs fit a specific product.

Our main goal? To free you from IT headaches and costly old systems. We want you focused on what you do best – growing your business – while we handle the tech.

Making Cloud Migration Simple & Seamless

The idea of moving all your data to the cloud can seem overwhelming. But that's where we shine. Whether you're moving from old servers, merging companies, or just upgrading, we're experts at making data migration easy and secure. We handle the heavy lifting, ensuring your data is safe and your team can keep working with minimal disruption.

And it's not just about moving. We connect all your cloud apps – from customer management and accounting to team communication – so they talk to each other. This means less wasted time, fewer errors, and a complete picture of your business at your fingertips.

We are Your Local Cloud Expert

We're proudly Canadian, and we understand the unique challenges and opportunities for businesses in our country. We combine this local knowledge with the very best global practices in cloud security, data management, and architecture. You get the peace of mind that your cloud setup is secure, compliant, and built for success, right here at home.

We're Your Partner for the Long Haul

Our relationship doesn't stop once your cloud system is up and running. We're here for the long term:

• Happy Users: We'll help your team learn and love their new cloud tools.

• Flexible Payments: We offer convenient payment options, whether you prefer annual or monthly billing, to suit your budget.

• Always Optimizing: We'll help you get the most value from your cloud investment, ensuring it keeps performing perfectly.

• Future-Proofing: We'll keep you ahead of the curve as cloud technology evolves.

Ready for a Smarter Way to Work?

Choosing Interlock IT means partnering with cloud experts who truly care about your success. We take the complexity out of cloud adoption, maximize your investment, and unlock the full power of Google Workspace, Microsoft 365, and the entire cloud world for your business.

Ready to see how easy the cloud can be? Contact Interlock IT today for a friendly chat about your business goals.

Why Your Business Needs Organized Data More Than Ever (and How It Helps You Grow)

We all know the frustration of searching endlessly for something important – a lost paper, a misplaced tool. For many small businesses, this feeling is constant when their company data is a mess. Your business collects so much information daily: customer names, sales numbers, inventory, and more. But having data isn't the whole story. True success happens when you can actually understand, use, and trust what your data tells you. It all begins with getting organized.

The Hidden Drag of "Data Chaos"

When your business information is spread out, or just plain messy, it creates what we call "data chaos." This might look familiar:

• Important files scattered across different computers, personal cloud drives, and even old USB sticks no one can find.

• Decisions being made using old sales reports or inventory numbers that don't match reality.

• Employees spend precious hours hunting for a document they know exists, but can't pinpoint.

This isn't just an annoying office quirk; it's actively costing your business money and missed opportunities. Disorganized data often leads to:

• Wasted Time: Your team gets stuck playing digital detective instead of doing what they do best.

• Poor Decisions: Relying on incomplete, outdated, or wrong information means your choices about where to invest, what to sell, or how to market will be off target.

• Lost Customers: Inconsistent customer info can lead to frustrating experiences – sending the same promotion twice or calling about an issue that's already solved.

• Security Weaknesses: Data that's all over the place is much harder to protect, leaving you more open to cyberattacks.

The Power of Organized Data

On the other hand, when your data is clean, up-to-date, and available exactly when and where you need it, your business information transforms from a burden into one of your most valuable assets. Here's how tidying up your data can lead to seriously smarter decisions:

1. Deeper Customer Connections: With all your customer interactions, purchase history, and even website visits neatly brought together, you can instantly see what products resonate, what challenges customers face, and truly personalize your outreach. This leads to more effective sales and customers who feel genuinely understood. Tools like Hiver, which help organize shared inboxes within Google Workspace, significantly contribute here by centralizing customer communications and ensuring no inquiry falls through the cracks, leading to better customer data.

2. Sharper Financial Insight: Clean sales figures, expense records, and forecasting tools (perhaps integrated into your cloud accounting software) allow you to quickly pinpoint where money is going, identify your most profitable services, and spot financial trends. This empowers you to make informed budget choices, secure better financing, and confidently plan your next big move.

3. Faster Problem Solving: When a client calls with a concern, your team can instantly pull up their complete history in a neatly organized system. Resolving issues becomes a swift, smooth process, leading to much happier customers. For teams using Google Workspace, Hiver centralizes shared email accounts like support@ or sales@, allowing team members to assign emails, track their status, and collaborate on responses directly within Gmail. This ensures faster, more organized customer support, where every team member has the context needed to solve problems quickly.

Protecting Your Organized Data

Even the most perfectly organized data is vulnerable if it's not protected. Whether it's accidental deletion, a malicious insider, or a sophisticated ransomware attack, data loss can derail your business.

This is where a backup solution like afi.ai becomes critical. While Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace offer some built-in recovery options, they aren't comprehensive backups designed for your business's specific needs in every scenario. AFI.AI provides:

• Comprehensive Data Protection: It backs up all your critical Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace data – including emails, files, contacts, and shared drives – independently.

• Fast, Granular Recovery: If data is lost or corrupted, you can quickly restore specific files, emails, or even entire user accounts from any point in time, protecting your organized information from disappearing.

• Ransomware Defense: afi.ai's intelligent engine can even perform preemptive backups if it detects suspicious activity, giving you an extra layer of defense against modern cyber threats.

Let Interlock IT Guide Your Data Organization

It's easy to feel overwhelmed by years of accumulated data – it can seem like an impossible mountain to climb. The good news? You don't have to tackle it by yourself. Interlock IT specializes in helping small-medium sized businesses turn their data chaos into a clear, strategic asset. Our approach includes:

• Implementing Smart Solutions: We help you set up and fine-tune cloud platforms like Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace, and integrate powerful tools like Hiver for communication efficiency and afi.ai for complete data protection.

• Building a Future-Proof Data Strategy: We partner with you to create an ongoing plan for data management, ensuring you always have the reliable, accurate information you need to make the best decisions for your business's future.

Don't let disorganized data hold your business back any longer. Ready to make your information work for you? Start making smarter, data-driven decisions that push your business forward.

Don't Lose Your Data! Why You Need Backup for Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace

You've moved your business to the cloud, using amazing tools like Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace. That's fantastic for teamwork and working from anywhere! But here's a common misunderstanding: just because your data is in the cloud, it doesn't mean it's automatically fully backed up by Microsoft or Google in a way that protects your business from every problem.

It's a big surprise for many business owners, but it's a crucial point.

The "Shared Responsibility" Rule

Microsoft and Google are responsible for making sure the cloud platform itself is working, the servers are running, and their services are available. This is called the "Shared Responsibility Model."

But you, the business owner, are responsible for your data. This means protecting it from things like:

• Accidental Deletion: Someone on your team deletes an important email or an entire folder by mistake. It happens more often than you think! While these services have a "recycle bin," it only holds items for a limited time (often 30-90 days). After that, it's gone for good.

• Malicious Insiders: A disgruntled employee intentionally deletes crucial files or emails before leaving.

• Ransomware and Cyber Attacks: Imagine a hacker encrypts all your files, demanding money to unlock them. Even though your data is in the cloud, ransomware can still spread and encrypt files in your OneDrive, SharePoint, or Google Drive. Without a proper backup, you might be forced to pay the ransom or lose everything.

• Sync Errors: Sometimes, a glitch or a third-party app can cause files to be corrupted or deleted across your synced devices.

You might think these are rare events, but unfortunately, they're not. Even large organizations relying on Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace have faced serious data loss due to these very issues.

• Cyberattacks are constantly evolving. Just recently, there have been reports in early 2024 of sophisticated attacks in Microsoft and Google where hackers exploited weaknesses to gain access to emails and documents. While both companies work to fix these, what if your data was affected before a fix was in place, or if the attack came from a phishing email that tricked one of your employees?

• Human error is a constant threat. We've seen countless cases where important documents or entire team drives were accidentally deleted, only to be discovered after the short recovery window provided by Google or Microsoft had passed. Without an independent backup, that data is simply unrecoverable.

• Consider scenarios where, even with Microsoft's efforts to provide recovery, they highlight that they are not traditional backups and for long-term protection against things like ransomware or insider threats, a dedicated solution is needed. They focus on availability of the service, not comprehensive, granular, long-term data recovery for specific incidents.

This is why a separate, specialized backup solution for your Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace data isn't just a "nice to have"—it's essential.

A dedicated backup service provides:

• Longer Retention: Keep your data for as long as your business needs it, not just for a few weeks or months. This is vital for legal and compliance reasons too.

• Point-in-Time Recovery: Easily go back to a specific day or time before data was lost or corrupted. Did an employee accidentally delete a critical spreadsheet last month? You can retrieve that exact version.

• Protection Against All Threats: Whether it's a cyberattack, human error, or a technical glitch, a dedicated backup gives you a safety net to restore your data completely and quickly.

• Control Over Your Data: It gives you true ownership and control over your business's most valuable asset, even when it lives in the cloud.

Don't wait for a data disaster to strike. Understanding that responsibility for your data ultimately rests with you is the first step. Adding a robust backup solution for your Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace environment is the smart next step to keep your business safe and running smoothly.

Ready to make sure your business data is truly safe? Contact Interlock IT today for a simple chat about securing your Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace data with the right backup strategy.