Why Our Team Loves a Truly Smart Home

 At Interlock IT, our team is constantly solving problems. We deal with complicated systems every day, so we know that the best technology is always the simplest. That belief isn't limited to our client work—it's how we run our lives.

We recently got an exciting look at the highly organized home setup of one of our company leaders. It’s a perfect example of how complex technology can be made completely effortless.

The Problem We All Face: Too Many Apps

Most of us have great smart devices—maybe a Nest thermostat, a Ring doorbell, or Lutron light switches. They all work, but they rarely work together. They live in "tech silos," forcing you to manage them individually.

The Single Hub

The genius of this Interlock IT leader's home is that everything is connected to one main brain: the Google Home app.

Instead of switching between multiple programs, the user controls everything from one screen:

• Security: Locking the garage and checking the front door camera.

• Lights: Turning off all lights in the house, even if they are from different brands.

• Climate: Adjusting the temperature from the same dashboard.

This unified control means the home works as a single team. When the system is armed, the house knows to automatically turn off the lights.

Even the everyday chores get simplified. The Wi-Fi connected washing machine sends an alert straight to a watch when the cycle is done. This isn't just a gadget; it's a way to save time and mental energy throughout the day.

What This Means for Interlock IT Clients

Why do we share a story about a smart home?

Because the skill required to make dozens of different products from various companies work perfectly together is the exact skill Interlock IT uses to solve your business challenges.

Our team has a passion for:

1. Eliminating Clutter: Getting rid of unnecessary steps, apps, and confusion.

2. Seamless Integration: Making sure new and old systems talk to each other reliably.

When our tech experts invest this much time and effort into making their personal lives run smoothly, you can be confident that expertise will translate into the simplest, most efficient IT solutions for your company.

Let Interlock IT give your business the advantage of truly interlocked systems.

Tired of DIY IT? Why Your Small Business Needs a Full IT Team (Without the Full-Time Price Tag)

 

As a small or medium-sized business owner, you're constantly juggling priorities. You know technology is critical, but the thought of hiring a full-time IT expert? It often feels like a luxury you just can't afford. The salary, benefits, training...it adds up fast.

So, you end up with a revolving door of tech support "fixes," or worse, you're trying to figure out complex network issues yourself (and losing valuable time in the process).

But what if you could have an entire team of certified IT specialists at your disposal for less than the cost of one mid-level employee?

The "One-Person IT Shop" Dilemma

Let's be honest: one person, no matter how brilliant, can't be an expert in everything. They can't simultaneously be:

• A Cybersecurity Guru: Staying ahead of ransomware, phishing, and the latest threats.

• A Cloud Architect: Optimizing your Google Workspace or Microsoft 365, setting up secure cloud storage.

• A Data Backup Specialist: Designing and managing a bulletproof system to protect your most valuable information.

• Help Desk Support: Handling every password reset and software glitch.

• A Strategic Advisor: Planning for future tech needs and budget.

It's simply too much for one individual. This often leaves critical areas vulnerable or neglected until a crisis hits.

Your Business Deserves an IT Team (Without Breaking the Bank)

Instead of hiring one person, you gain an entire roster of specialists:

1. On-Demand Expertise: Need help with a complex server migration? There's a specialist for that. Worried about your data's security? A cybersecurity expert is on the case. Their team brings collective knowledge and experience across every facet of IT.

2. Proactive Problem Solvers: Interlock IT doesn't just fix things when they break. We proactively monitor your systems 24/7, identify potential issues before they become problems, and perform routine maintenance to keep everything running smoothly. This means less downtime for your staff. For clients focused on advanced email security and brand protection, we also offer comprehensive DMARC reports and management as an add-on service, ensuring your email ecosystem is durable against spoofing and phishing attempts.

3. Instant, Expert Support for Your Staff: Your employees will get instant, knowledgeable help for any tech issue – from a simple password reset to resolving a software crash. This keeps them productive, reduces frustration, and allows them to focus on their core job functions, rather than waiting for IT fixes.

More Expertise and Less Expense with Interlock IT

When you partner with Interlock IT, you're not just getting "tech support." You're gaining a strategic partner that ensures your technology is sturdy, secure, and always working for you. You unlock:

• Predictable IT Costs: Say goodbye to unexpected repair bills.

• Enhanced Security: Peace of mind knowing your data is protected by experts.

• Increased Productivity: Empowered employees with reliable tech and instant support.

Stop struggling with your IT. It's time to equip your business with the expert team it deserves, without the prohibitive cost of building one in-house.

Contact Interlock IT today.

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.

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.