News & Articles

The traditional break-fix model that once dominated IT support is rapidly becoming obsolete in manufacturing environments where downtime costs can range from $39,000 to $2,000,000 per hour. While many companies have transitioned to managed service providers (MSPs), CTC Technologies understands that…...

Manufacturing downtime represents one of the most expensive operational challenges facing industrial companies today. According to Forbes, unplanned downtime can cost manufacturing companies a staggering $50 billion per year. More specifically, Siemens' True Cost of Downtime 2024 report found that…...

Organizations seeking managed IT services deserve more than transactional vendors. They deserve partners invested in their long-term success. At CTC Technologies, our mission is to move beyond the typical set it and forget it provider approach. Instead, we build enduring relationships based on…...

For many organizations, IT projects can become bogged down by outdated inventories, mismatched hardware records, and unexpected gaps in coverage. These issues often result in wasted budgets, unnecessary purchases, and solutions that fall short of expectations. CTC Technologies addresses these…...

Introduction: Understanding Managed IT ServicesIf you are looking to keep your business technology reliable, secure, and efficient without overwhelming your internal IT staff, managed IT services may be the solution. Managed IT services are a way to partner with experts who handle routine technology…...

The biggest misconception about managed service providers (MSPs)? That bringing one on board means showing your internal IT team the door. At CTC Technologies, we've seen this fear stop organizations from getting the managed IT services support they desperately need. Here's your step-by-step…...

Choosing a managed service provider (MSP) is about more than just ticking boxes on a checklist. The right MSP should be a true partner-one who keeps your business secure, efficient, and ready for what’s next. But with so many options out there, how do you know which provider is the best fit for…...

When we started our annual golf outing three and a half years ago, we hoped it would grow into something meaningful for our customers and partners. This past June showed us just how special this gathering has become: a day where relationships are strengthened, new connections are made, and our…...

If you manage IT for a big company, you know how wild it can get trying to keep track of every piece of gear, every support contract, and every renewal date. Especially when you’re running sites across the country or even around the world. It’s a lot. And when it’s time for a big refresh or…...

The cybersecurity landscape is evolving rapidly, and so are the ways organizations use technology. Today, everything from security cameras and IoT sensors to remote laptops and cloud applications can be an entry point for attackers. That’s why true network security is no longer just about…...

For decades, Information Technology (IT) and Operational Technology (OT) systems in manufacturing environments operated as separate islands. IT departments managed business systems, while OT teams handled the equipment that actually made products. Today, that separation is disappearing as…...

Manufacturing companies today face two big challenges that seem to pull in opposite directions: the need for high-performance IT infrastructure and the growing pressure to improve environmental sustainability. At CTC Technologies, we've learned you don't have to choose between these priorities. Our…...

Manufacturing has changed dramatically in recent years, and Industrial IoT (IIoT) has moved way beyond just connecting devices. It's now a complete ecosystem that's changing how factories operate. At CTC Technologies, we've been right in the middle of this transformation, helping our clients…...

The backbone of every smart building is its low voltage cabling infrastructure. We've reached a point where nearly everything in modern buildings connects to a network - from security systems and LED lighting to HVAC controls and access management. Getting this foundation right is crucial, and…...

Let's talk about something that keeps IT directors up at night: network downtime. When you're running multiple sites, a network failure isn't just a headache - it's a serious threat to your bottom line. We've seen it happen too many times, and trust us, the impact is always bigger than people…...

In large facilities like manufacturing plants, warehouses, hospitals, and corporate campuses, a reliable wireless network isn’t just a convenience—it’s a necessity. Slow connections, dropped signals, and dead zones can bring productivity to a halt. Whether your facility spans hundreds of…...

Businesses today rely on IT infrastructure more than ever. From network security to cloud management, the right managed IT services provider (MSP) can make or break your company’s efficiency, security, and long-term growth. But with so many options out there, how do you know which provider is the…...

Something we see every day in manufacturing is the constant pressure to keep operations running smoothly while preventing costly downtime. Network issues can bring an entire production line to a halt, and in today's complex manufacturing environment, that's just not acceptable. That's where…...

A network refresh isn’t just about upgrading hardware—it’s about ensuring your business runs smoothly, efficiently, and securely. If your office network is struggling with slow speeds, outdated security protocols, or increasing downtime, it may be time for a refresh. But how do you prepare for…...

Let's get straight to the point: healthcare cybersecurity is getting more complex by the day. We see it firsthand in the healthcare facilities we work with - they're trying to balance easy access to patient data with increasingly sophisticated security threats. When you've got medical devices,…...

Delivering cutting-edge care while safeguarding sensitive patient data is non-negotiable. Modern healthcare facilities require secure, scalable network infrastructure to support advanced medical technology and ensure compliance with stringent regulations.Empowering a Mobile Healthcare WorkforceFrom…...

If you're running a manufacturing facility, you're probably hearing a lot about AGVs right now. After 20 years of working in manufacturing environments, I can tell you that getting AGVs right isn't just about the vehicles - it's about having rock-solid network infrastructure to support them.What…...

With 20 years of experience supporting network infrastructure across North America, CTC Technologies has developed deep expertise in managing complex network refreshes for multi-site manufacturers. While maintaining modern, secure, and efficient networks is crucial, the logistics of upgrading dozens…...

The Evolving Network LandscapeAs we head into 2025, organizations face increasingly complex network infrastructure decisions. Global IT spending is projected to reach $5.74 trillion - a 9.3% increase from previous years. But these aren't just numbers. Remote work, AI applications, and digital…...

Network cabling is the backbone of any IT infrastructure, yet it’s often an afterthought in planning and budgeting. While companies focus on high-performance servers, cutting-edge applications, and fast internet speeds, they sometimes overlook one crucial component—the quality of their cabling…...

Choosing the right cabling for your business isn’t just about today’s performance, it’s about ensuring your network supports growth, new technologies, and the next generation of devices. The right infrastructure, installed once, should serve your organization for at least 10 years and support…...

With the recent global IT interruptions, cybersecurityis the word of the month. While many industries were directly impacted due to the outages, manufacturing wasn’t one of them. But manufacturing, especially with its technological growth the past few years, is one of the more vulnerable…...

Managing a network that requires workers and guests to connect to routers and wireless access points at their convenience requires a multi-faceted approach. Special considerations regarding BYOD policies, endpoint protection, and quick & efficient network maintenance must be taken to sustain the…...

Understanding SD‑WAN’s Impact on Latency, Packet Loss & Jitter …...

Understanding the Landscape …...

If you’ve ever found yourself nodding along in a meeting when the topic of SD-WAN comes up, you’re not alone. Many IT leaders know the term but aren’t clear on what it really does or why it matters. …...

The idea that SD-WAN can improve the performance of your MPLS network isn’t just theory—it’s backed by evidence from countless businesses that have already made the switch. But how exactly does it optimize network performance, reduce costs, and boost visibility? Let’s take a deeper look…...

Delivering cutting-edge care while safeguarding sensitive patient data is non-negotiable. Modern healthcare facilities require secure, scalable network infrastructure to support advanced medical technology and ensure compliance with stringent regulations.Empowering a Mobile Healthcare WorkforceFrom…...

Your Data is Always at Risk. Stay Prepared With Robust Storage Security. …...

Virtual Desktop Infrastructure: Making the Move …...

They understand the risks involved. Despite that, nearly 25% of employees admitted to ignoring company-promoted cybersecurity best practices. The ignored practices included not storing login credentials and saving company documents onto personal computers. …...

Who is SentinelOne?SentinelOne is an award-winning cyber security leader that is developing intelligent and data-driven cybersecurity with autonomous technology – and building for what’s next. Whatever you need to protect, from individual devices to clouds, they can enable you to defend…...

What are your reasons for seeking out an IT consultant? Most companies look for help when they:• Lack specific expertise• Need help identifying and solving problems• Are short-staffed• Need an objective point of view• Need training• Want (or need) someone to do the “dirty work”All…...

Why Should I Worry About Cabling?Selecting the right structured cabling for your IT infrastructure is crucial for ensuring reliable and efficient network connectivity.If you have an upcoming cabling project, ask yourself a couple of questions first.1. Consider the installation and maintenance: Do…...

More and more vendors are offering all-flash arrays because demand is increasing and prices are dropping. This change in market landscape is leading several IT managers and professionals to question whether they should make the switch.The question here is if the increasingly-popular all-flash arrays…...

Manufacturers today face challenges on multiple fronts. Globalization, new and developing facets of the fourth industrial revolution, cyber threats, and other matters present hurdles for any company looking to make its mark.A survey of the top issues concerning manufacturers today turns up several…...

Cisco 4000 Series: An OverviewThe Cisco 4000 ISR family delivers application-aware services in the branch-office environment. These ISRs provide up to 2 Gb performance with extensive Layer 7 services, hosted internally, while maximizing OPEX savings.Perfectly suitable for the medium- to large-sized…...

Over the last few years, wireless has become a core technology of business and has benefited from intense research and development in the areas of range, spectrum and hardware. Now, there are multiple vendors offering different flavors of wireless capability, making it confusing for any business to…...

Enterprise organizations rely on reliable, secure wireless networks to keep their operations going. Troubleshooting WLAN issues can be a pain for IT pros, especially network admins of mixed networks.Having worked with companies of all different sizes from a variety of industries, our team has seen…...

If your business wireless internet connectivity or WiFi connection isn’t working correctly, you may be able to troubleshoot the issue yourself. A slow connection or dropped signal can make it difficult to work on a computer, laptop or mobile device. However, many of the most common problems fit…...

Choosing an SD-WAN VendorIf your company is looking to Software-Defined WAN to support enterprise connectivity, you need to search for a vendor who offers the following base components in its solution:Leveraging various modes of connectivity (i.e. Broadband)Dynamic path selectionZero-touch,…...

Seven-year-old you was pretty awesome. Rocking your Super NES, listening to your brother’s “Nevermind” CD when he wasn’t around, cackling like crazy to Ren & Stimpy. You were so awesome that you didn’t realize you’d already learned several key elements of wireless security —…...

Zero Day Exploitation, otherwise referred to as Zero-Day Vulnerability, is defined as a security hole in software. Unknown to the software developer vendor, this hole can then be maliciously exploited by hackers before developers have an opportunity to “patch” the attack.Zero Day attacks include…...

With the dawn of 5G upon us, “business as usual” doesn’t apply to wireless enterprise planning. That’s because the next generation of wireless promises to deliver significant changes to nearly every industry.It also promises its fair share of issues. Here’s a closer look at some of the…...

A few years back, a survey of companies looking to deploy network access controls (NAC) identified two main reasons:1) Protecting corporate resources from unauthorized users2) Limiting the impact of security problemsThat second reason stands as a tacit acknowledgment that not every network threat…...

You’ve Adopted SD-WAN. Now What?No doubt you chose to integrate with or fully switch your network to an SD-WAN solution because you wanted, and needed, to start seeing results quickly.The great thing about a software-defined WAN is that it is extremely simple to implement. Essentially, you’re…...

Slow throughput is simply not an option for most companies in our modern, fast-paced world. Where network performance fails, user experience fails, and it only takes a few seconds of dissatisfaction for many clients to decide to take their business elsewhere.If patience is a virtue then the Internet…...

You know what the queue of colleagues outside your office door means: The company’s wireless signal isn’t powerful enough to extend to everyone. Too many associates are either trapped in dead zones or congregate in the one location with sufficient signal strength.Everyone acknowledges the tight…...

Identifying The Need For MDM & Access/Policy ControlMobile devices aren’t just something you carry in your pocket to make calls anymore. Being mobile is a way of life. For organizations that need to keep productivity levels high, a lack of wireless access can put a dent in the way you do…...

With the Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) market projected to surpass $55 billion by 2025, it’s clear that enterprises remain bullish on the technology.That may provide a good headwind for wireless VoIP, which looks to attract more business users in the coming years.What Is Wireless…...

When deciding on a new IT solution, most of the project managers and IT professionals that we work with have top concerns surrounding performance, security and cost. Of course, the order of importance differs from company to company.Many of our previous posts have hit on the first two priorities,…...

History’s trash heap of obsolete networking technology grows larger each year. Multiterminal systems, minicomputers, proprietary interfaces, sure. But even items implemented a few years ago get passed by in favor of more robust and secure solutions.According to Dimension Data’s…...

Choosing the right cabling for your business isn’t just about today’s performance, it’s about ensuring your network supports growth, new technologies, and the next generation of devices. The right infrastructure, installed once, should serve your organization for at least 10 years and support…...

Wireless technology garners many of today’s IT-related headlines. However, there are few elements as crucial to a productive setting than reliable network cabling.  …...

If you need IT solutions fast, shopping around the WAN world can be full of heartache. WAN. Bam. Thank you, man.It seems like every day there are new vendors and new solutions each promising to be more desirable than the last. In fact, this industry is now booming with competition, a big change from…...

When deciding on a new IT solution, most of the project managers and IT professionals that we work with have top concerns surrounding performance, security and cost. Of course, the order of importance differs from company to company. …...

VoIP (voice over internet protocol) has been a game-changing technology for companies of all sizes and industries. Not only can you save a great deal of money by not paying for landline phones, you can also take advantage of VoIP’s improved scalability, ease of installation and integration with…...

Data migration can be a tricky business with plenty of pain points and pitfalls along the way. If you’re not properly prepared, an IT upgrade can become cumbersome, time consuming and insecure. …...

Cisco 1921 Integrated Service RoutersThe Cisco 1921 series builds on the best-in-class offering of the Cisco 1841 Integrated Services Routers, bringing 25 years of router design experience to today’s market.Perfectly suited for branch office environments, the Cisco 1900 Series Integrated Services…...

We want to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who attended CTC Technologies’ exclusive Star Trek: Into Darkness event at Emagine Theatres in Novi. From the energy in the room to the insightful conversations, your participation made the morning a true success. We enjoyed connecting with local…...