Blog
From the blog
Check out the Open Tier blog for tech news, new products, software updates and more!
The Clock’s Ticking: 3 Risks of Delaying Windows 11
Best practices for remote work
Cybersecurity On the Go: Best Practices for Traveling
Best practices for remote work
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...
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 businesses to innovate faster than ever before. In this article, we explore...
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 sophistication have transformed AI from simple rule-based systems into dynamic,...
Cost-Effective IT Strategies for Delaware Valley Financial Institutions
The financial industry operates in a high-stakes environment where precision, speed, and security are non-negotiable. Whether managing sensitive client data, navigating complex regulatory landscapes, or fending off evolving cyber threats, financial institutions face a...
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 against evolving cyber threats. Breaches can erode client trust, disrupt...
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 concerns. This reluctance raises an important question: If you’re paying an...
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 Systems to talk about how they help businesses scale, secure their data,...
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 clients. This is a reality many contractors and consultants face when...
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 at Open Tier Systems, shares his insights with Carlos Gonzalez Shanel...
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 organization’s IT resources. However, like any significant change, integrating...
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 remain in the forefront, exploiting human error and technological...
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 are prime targets for increasingly sophisticated cybercriminals. Every...
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 within tight budget constraints. For IT managers, this can feel like...
Open Tier Systems Ranks 32nd on Philly 100 List
In a major milestone for the company, Open Tier Systems has been recognized as one of the fastest-growing companies in the Philadelphia region, securing a coveted spot on the prestigious Philly 100 list for 2024. This accolade shines a spotlight on Open Tier Systems’...
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 problem-solving. However, the true advantage of an MSP comes from how you approach...
EDR vs. Antivirus: Why It’s Time to Upgrade Your Security
With cyber threats advancing at an alarming rate, businesses must evolve their security strategies to effectively defend against these complex attacks. Relying solely on traditional antivirus software exposes organizations to sophisticated threats that can bypass...
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 technologies. Outsourcing IT can be a great solution for SMBs, as it can...
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 infrastructure, including hardware, software, networks, and cybersecurity....
Cybersecurity Starts with a Strong Password
We’ve all seen a television show or a movie where the “hacker” is attempting to break into the “victim’s” computer. The savvy assailant breaks the code by combining the name of the target’s first-born child with the numbers in his home address. Or they simply lift the...
Open Tier Systems and Beyond Development Merge: Making IT Outstanding
Open Tier Systems and Beyond Development have merged effective January 1, 2023. The combined company will begin conducting business as Open Tier Systems, LLC. Open Tier Systems, in operation since 2006 under the leadership of founder Brian McCarthy, has experienced...
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...
The Clock’s Ticking: 3 Risks of Delaying Windows 11
Best practices for remote work
Cybersecurity On the Go: Best Practices for Traveling
Best practices for remote work
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...
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...
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...