How Long Do Macs Really Last? What Business Owners and Consumers Need to Know

Macs are trusted for their reliability and seamless integration across the Apple ecosystem. But no device lasts forever and running outdated technology exposes you to risk. Whether you’re managing a fleet of Macs or just your personal laptop, understanding your device’s lifecycle helps you plan ahead, stay secure, and avoid costly downtime.

When Should You Upgrade Your Mac?

Macs are known for longevity, but here are the major signs it’s time to upgrade:

• Software support ends: Once macOS updates stop, your Mac becomes a security risk.
• Hardware reliability declines: Frequent shutdowns, battery issues, or sluggish performance indicate aging hardware.
• Parts availability disappears: After 5-7 years, Macs are classified as Vintage or Obsolete, making repairs difficult.
• Productivity drops: If key workflows or applications no longer run smoothly, it’s time to replace.

Pro Tip: If your Mac is on Apple’s Vintage list, start planning for replacement. If it’s Obsolete, replacement is the only reliable option. Check Apple’s list here.

Vintage vs. Obsolete

Apple Support Definitions per Apple — HT201222

Apple’s definitions matter for support, repairs, and security posture.

Vintage ~5–7 yrs

Models sold roughly 5 to 7 years ago. May still be repairable at Apple Authorized Service Providers, but parts are limited and not guaranteed.

Obsolete 7+ yrs

No longer sold by Apple (7+ years). Apple does not provide service or parts; repairs are generally not possible.

Pro Tip: If your Mac is on the Vintage list, start planning replacement. If it’s Obsolete, replacement is the only reliable option. See Apple’s official list.

Business Owners: Why We Recommend a 4-Year Lifecycle

At 2Fifteen Tech, we advise businesses to refresh Macs every four years for maximum security and productivity.

• Enterprise Security & Compliance: Supported devices reduce risk and align with compliance frameworks.
• Operational Efficiency: Employees stay productive on modern, supported hardware.
• AppleCare+ Alignment: Coverage runs up to 3 years (extendable to 4), keeping repair costs predictable.
• MDM & Software Compatibility: MDM tools and enterprise apps work best on current devices.

Keeping a 4-year cycle prevents surprise failures, avoids security gaps, and keeps your fleet business-ready.

Consumers: A More Flexible Timeline

For individuals, Macs can last 5–8 years depending on usage. Tips for getting the most life out of your Mac:

• Check System Preferences → Software Update regularly.
• Replace your battery or upgrade storage when cost-effective.
• Plan to replace once macOS updates stop — security matters even for personal use.

Apple Silicon models (M1 and newer) are recommended for the best long-term experience.

The Bottom Line

• Businesses: Stick to a 4-year lifecycle aligned with AppleCare+ for compliance and uptime.
• Consumers: You may stretch to 5–8 years, but prioritize security and reliability.

Ready to plan your next upgrade cycle? Schedule a consultation with 2Fifteen Tech to get a lifecycle plan tailored to your team.

OpenPhone is now Quo — What it means for your business

Quo (formerly OpenPhone) just took a major step forward. The rebrand isn’t cosmetic — it aligns the product to where business communications are headed: AI-native, workflow-driven, and tightly integrated with the systems that run your revenue engine.

As certified Quo Expert Partners, we’ve been hands-on with the platform and are ready to help clients capitalize on what’s new. Bottom line: this is an upgrade path, not a disruption. If you want faster response times, tighter follow‑through, and cleaner handoffs across Sales, Support, and Ops, Quo delivers.

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What’s new and why it matters

1) Sona AI on every plan. Quo’s AI agent, Sona, now ships across plans and is built to work like a front‑office teammate — answering, triaging, summarizing, and logging into your CRM. This moves AI from “nice to have” to table stakes.

2) Smarter call‑flow orchestration. An improved visual builder, multi‑level menus, and scenario‑based flows (after‑hours, holidays, campaign routing) reduce missed connections and manual work.

3) Deeper go‑to‑market integrations. Native ties to Salesforce, HubSpot, Jobber, Make, and more ensure every customer touch is captured and actionable.

4) Usage‑based AI pricing that scales. Sona usage is right‑sized with a free monthly tier and predictable controls, so you can pilot broadly and scale with confidence.

5) Investment to accelerate the roadmap. With new growth financing behind the rebrand, expect faster iteration on AI and automation features that move the needle on customer experience.

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Preferred pricing for our network

As a certified partner, we can extend 10% off your first 3 months. Use our Quo partner link to activate the discount: get.quo.com/2fifteen-tech.

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Next steps

1. Schedule a discovery to review your current phone, SMS, and CRM workflow.
2. Select a rollout path (pilot vs. full deployment) and define success metrics.
3. Deploy with governance — call flows, AI usage guardrails, analytics, and training.

Ready to modernize your front office communications with Quo? Contact 2Fifteen Tech — we’ll provide the strategy, implementation, and ongoing optimization.

Close the Apple Gap: How Windows-Centric MSPs Win More Clients with Co-Managed macOS & iOS Support

Many MSPs built their businesses around Windows environments. But the modern workplace has changed. Macs, iPhones, and iPads now sit alongside Windows PCs in almost every organization. This shift brings a different set of management tools, security frameworks, and user expectations. For Windows-centric MSPs, it often introduces a skills gap.

Co-managed Apple services solve this problem. Instead of hiring and training in-house Apple specialists, MSPs can plug in an Apple Technical Partner who works behind the scenes with their team. The result? Full coverage for every endpoint, happier clients, and no distractions from core Windows-focused operations.

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Apple Management ≠ Windows Management

Supporting Apple devices isn’t just “doing Windows with a different logo.” Apple’s ecosystem runs on its own set of principles and tools:

• Mobile Device Management (MDM): Profiles, policies, and app deployments delivered natively. No heavy agents required.
• Apple Business Manager (ABM): Zero-touch enrollment and app licensing, ensuring every device is supervised from the moment it’s turned on.
• Built-in Security: FileVault, Gatekeeper, and System Integrity Protection keep macOS secure, but they must be configured deliberately to avoid user friction.

If your team treats Macs like PCs, you risk unmanaged devices, poor user experience, and increased support tickets.

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Where MSP Teams Get Stuck

Without dedicated Apple expertise, most MSPs eventually hit the same roadblocks:

• Misconfigured or incomplete ABM setups leading to unsupervised devices
• Confusion over Apple ID management in business environments
• Missed macOS/iOS update cycles that disrupt existing workflows
• Time wasted troubleshooting issues that require Apple-specific knowledge

These challenges consume billable hours and pull Windows engineers away from their core focus.

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The True Cost of “Building It In-House”

Training one technician is rarely enough. Supporting Apple devices properly requires:

• Different Tools: Apple-optimized MDMs, macOS-specific security suites, and ABM workflows, this is often separate from your Windows stack
• Continuous Education: Apple iterates fast, meaning your team needs constant refreshers
• Retention Risk: When that newly trained Apple tech leaves, so does your investment

For many MSPs, the math just doesn’t work. The opportunity cost of building Apple expertise internally is high, and the ROI is uncertain.

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Why Co-Managed Apple Services Make Sense

A co-managed Apple partner gives MSPs a way to deliver premium macOS/iOS support, instantly.

• Immediate Expertise: No ramp-up period. You get an Apple specialist who lives and breathes MDM, ABM, and Apple security.
• No Extra Overhead: The Apple Technical Partner brings their own tools, so you avoid licensing multiple Apple-focused platforms.
• Your Brand, Your Client: We work behind the scenes with your staff, so your team stays front and center.

This model lets you expand service offerings, reduce operational risk, and keep customer satisfaction high, all without hiring a single new full-time employee.

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Deliver a Complete Experience

When Windows and Apple expertise work together, MSPs deliver the end-to-end coverage clients expect. Your team gets to focus on growth and strategic initiatives, while every device, Mac, PC, iPhone, or iPad, stays secure, managed, and supported.

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Ready to Close Your Apple Gap?

Let’s talk about how 2Fifteen Tech can be your behind-the-scenes Apple team. Book a quick discovery call today and start delivering best-in-class Apple support without the overhead of building it yourself.

2Fifteen Tech Joins the OpenPhone Experts Partner Program

We’re proud to announce that 2Fifteen Tech has officially been certified as an OpenPhone Expert, joining a select group of partners recognized for deep product knowledge and proven success implementing OpenPhone for modern business communication.

The OpenPhone Experts Program is designed to spotlight service providers who have demonstrated the ability to help businesses get the most out of OpenPhone’s platform—whether through onboarding, configuration, automation, or ongoing support. Being included in this program validates the results we've delivered and the consultative, high-touch approach we take with every implementation.

Why This Matters

Our inclusion in the program means OpenPhone customers and prospects can now find and engage us directly through OpenPhone’s partner directory. It also gives our team early access to upcoming product features, direct lines to OpenPhone’s product and partner teams, and the ability to shape future roadmap conversations.

What This Means for Our Clients

We’ve already helped several clients streamline their communications, integrate OpenPhone into their workflows, and build scalable processes for growth. As certified Experts, we now bring even more strategic value:

• Accelerated deployments tailored to your business operations
• Custom workflows and integrations with tools like Slack, HubSpot, and Zapier
• Best practices and governance for scale, security, and compliance
• Dedicated support backed by our ongoing partnership with OpenPhone

Looking Ahead

We’re excited to continue working with growth-minded companies looking to modernize how they communicate—internally and externally. If you’re considering a move to OpenPhone, or already use it and want to take it to the next level, we’re ready to help.

Check out OpenPhone here, or contact us to learn how we can help optimize your OpenPhone environment.

Beyond Integration: Unlocking Transformative AI Workflows with Advanced Agentic Capabilities

In our previous posts, we explored getting started with AI and mastering strategic workflows. You've learned to treat AI as a helpful co-worker and integrate it into your daily operations.

Now it's time for the next leap: transforming AI from a productivity tool into a core operating system for your business. This isn't just about doing tasks faster—it's about fundamentally rethinking how work gets done.

The Evolution from Helper to Transformer

Today's advanced AI capabilities go far beyond simple content creation or summarization. They can now handle complex analytical and strategic functions that previously required extensive human effort:

Advanced Applications in Action:

• Intelligent Pattern Recognition: Aggregate findings from hundreds of customer calls to identify common pain points and emerging trends
• Complex Classification: Triage support tickets based on nuanced criteria, qualify leads, or route tasks to the right team members
• Strategic Synthesis: Analyze competitor offerings, aggregate sales data, and generate comprehensive market insights
• Performance Enhancement: Objectively score work products, evaluate candidates, or provide coaching for sales calls

Core Concepts for Advanced AI Workflows

Context Chaining: The "Charged Battery" Approach

Think of context as a battery you charge up in one conversation, then systematically direct that power across multiple outputs. Here's how:

1. Build Deep Understanding First: Start by exploring information with AI as a thinking partner. Dissect code, analyze data, or map out complex processes.
2. Maintain Continuity: Keep everything in the same conversation thread. Modern AI platforms can pull live context from Google Drive, Gmail, Slack, and Notion—multiplying your context across tools.
3. Direct the Context: Once your AI understands the full picture, direct that understanding to create specific deliverables, reports, or solutions.

The Master Prompt Method: Your AI's Organizational Brain

The Master Prompt is like giving your AI assistant a comprehensive employee handbook—except it's dozens of pages of detailed context about your business. This "always-on" knowledge base includes:

Essential Components:

• Personal preferences and work style
• Company structure and team details
• Products, services, and pricing
• Operational workflows and KPIs
• Culture, values, and communication guidelines
• Trigger words for complex workflows (e.g., "AI hiring" activates your complete hiring process)

This upfront investment dramatically improves output quality and relevance, democratizing capabilities typically reserved for large enterprises.

Agentic Workflows: AI That Acts

Modern AI agents work autonomously on your behalf, handling recurring tasks and responding to events:

Common Patterns:

• Recurring Tasks: Daily insights, weekly reports, monthly analytics
• Preparation Work: Pre-meeting research, renewal reminders, data gathering
• The AI Sandwich: Event triggers AI processing, which outputs to another system

Deep Dive: Example Tools for Advanced Users

Claude Code: Your Terminal-Based Development Partner

Claude Code lives directly in your terminal, understanding your entire codebase and accelerating development through natural language commands.

Key Capabilities:

• Edit files and fix bugs conversationally
• Answer architecture questions
• Execute and fix tests
• Search Git history and resolve conflicts
• Create commits and pull requests
• Browse documentation without leaving your workflow

Pro Tips for Maximum Impact:

1. Plan Before You Code: Spend 75-80% of your time planning. Use Claude's planning mode to think through solutions before implementation.
2. Create Custom Commands: Store repeatable workflows as markdown files in claude/commands. Trigger them with simple / commands for consistent results.
3. Build Project Memory: Initialize with /init to create a CLAUDE.md file that documents your architecture, conventions, and common solutions.
4. Run Parallel Sessions: Use Git worktrees to run multiple Claude instances simultaneously, tackling several tasks at once.

Gemini CLI: Your Command-Line AI Agent

Gemini CLI brings Google's AI power directly to your terminal, using a Reason and Act (ReAct) loop to complete complex tasks.

Standout Features:

• Ground prompts with real-time Google Search
• Extend capabilities via Model Context Protocol (MCP)
• Automate tasks in scripts
• Generous free usage limits (60 requests/minute, 1,000/day)

Advanced AI in Google Sheets: Beyond Basic Formulas

Transform spreadsheets from data storage to intelligent analysis engines:

Power Features:

• Analyze large datasets and surface insights automatically
• Clean and manipulate data through natural language
• Generate thousands of rows with contextual data
• Insert dynamic "chips" (@mentions) that pull live data
• Integrate real-time data (currency, stock prices)
• Pull context from Drive, Docs, and Gmail

Model Context Protocol (MCP): The Universal AI Connector

Think of MCP as a universal "AI USB port" that connects AI models to any data source or system.

Three Types of Capabilities:

1. Resources: Read-only access to databases, documents, or knowledge bases
2. Tools: Active operations like creating records, sending emails, or controlling browsers
3. Prompts: Reusable templates and multi-step workflows

Configure MCP servers via a .mcp.json file to give your AI access to proprietary documentation, external services, or internal systems.

Scaling AI Across Your Organization

Building an AI-Ready Culture

1. Create Shared Resources: Build organizational prompt libraries and knowledge bases
2. Develop Audit Frameworks: Monitor AI performance and usage patterns
3. Provide Role-Based Training: Help each team member integrate AI into their specific functions
4. Encourage Experimentation: Foster an innovation mindset while maintaining oversight

Ethical Considerations and Best Practices

Mitigate Risks:

• Implement "I don't know" instructions to prevent hallucinations
• Use chain-of-thought verification for critical outputs
• Protect sensitive data with proper privacy settings
• Maintain human oversight for all critical decisions

Remember: AI augments human capabilities—it doesn't replace human judgment. Be aware of security vulnerabilities, especially with credentials and sensitive data.

Ready to Transform Your Business?

Advanced AI isn't just about efficiency—it's about unlocking new possibilities for innovation and growth. By mastering these tools and concepts, you're positioning your organization at the forefront of the AI-augmented future.

At 2Fifteen Tech, we help businesses navigate this transformation thoughtfully and strategically. Whether you're ready to implement advanced AI workflows or need guidance on where to start, reach out to us to discuss how we can help your business harness these powerful capabilities.

The future of work is AI-augmented. Your ability to thoughtfully wield these advanced capabilities will be your greatest competitive advantage.

How Wispr Flow Enhances Productivity Through Voice-Driven Workflows

In today's fast-paced work environment, efficiency and seamless multitasking are paramount. WisprFlow is a voice-first productivity tool designed to streamline your workflow by enabling hands-free dictation and command execution across various applications.

We have started using this internally, and while it sometimes takes some time to get used to dictating to your computer, once you get used to it, it can be a real game changer for productivity.

Understanding WisprFlow

WisprFlow is a downloadable application available for macOS, Windows, and iOS platforms. Once installed, it operates in the background, allowing users to dictate text and execute commands in real-time across any application. Whether you're drafting emails, coding, or managing tasks, WisprFlow facilitates a more natural and efficient interaction with your digital tools.

Key Features and Use Cases

• Effortless Dictation: Speak naturally, and WisprFlow transcribes your words into text within any application, reducing the need for manual typing.
• Voice Commands: Execute commands such as "delete that," "undo," or "format bold" to edit and control your text hands-free.
• Multilingual Support: Communicate in over 100 languages, making it a versatile tool for global teams.
• Custom Dictionary: Add specific terms, names, or jargon to ensure accurate transcription tailored to your work.
• Integration with Shortcuts: On iOS, utilize Siri Shortcuts to initiate specific actions or workflows, enhancing productivity on mobile devices.

Practical Applications

• Content Creation: Writers and marketers can draft articles, social media posts, or reports swiftly through voice dictation.
• Customer Support: Support agents can document interactions and update tickets without interrupting their workflow.
• Software Development: Developers can code or document processes while keeping their hands on the keyboard, using voice commands to insert boilerplate code or comments.
• Healthcare Professionals: Doctors and nurses can transcribe patient notes or fill out forms without manual entry, allowing for more focus on patient care.

Getting Started with WisprFlow

1. Download and Install: Visit the official website to download WisprFlow for your device.
2. Set Up Your Profile: Customize your dictionary and preferences to align with your specific needs.
3. Begin Dictating: Activate WisprFlow and start speaking to input text or execute commands across your applications.
4. Explore Advanced Features: Utilize multilingual support, custom commands, and integrations to enhance your workflow further.

Final Thoughts

WisprFlow transforms the way professionals interact with their digital tools, offering a more natural and efficient method of managing tasks through voice. By integrating WisprFlow into your daily routine, you can enhance productivity, reduce repetitive strain, and focus more on the work that matters.

Experience the benefits of voice-driven workflows by trying WisprFlow today through our referral link.

https://ref.wisprflow.ai/2fifteen

Beyond the Basics: Mastering AI for Strategic Workflows

In our earlier post, Your First Chat with AI, we introduced the fundamentals of effective prompting—clarity, context, and structure—to help users start leveraging AI for everyday tasks. In Your First Chat with AI: A Practical Guide for Beginners, we explored the foundational elements of interacting with AI assistants, focusing on clear communication and basic prompt structuring. As you've discovered, even simple prompts can significantly enhance your daily productivity. Now, let's advance your skills and transform your AI assistant from a helpful co-worker into a strategic partner, enabling more complex, integrated workflows and unlocking exponential growth.

Moving beyond basic command-and-response, intermediate AI users leverage techniques that provide richer context, guide multi-step processes, and integrate AI capabilities directly into their existing work environments. This approach shifts AI from a separate tool to a core operating system for your tasks and projects.

Elevating Your Prompt Structure

While the four core elements—Persona, Task, Context, and Format—remain crucial, intermediate prompting involves layering these elements and employing more sophisticated directives.

Chaining Instructions for Complex Tasks For multi-faceted problems, break them down into logical, sequential steps within a single prompt, guiding the AI assistant through a "chain of thought." This encourages the AI to decompose complex problems into intermediate reasoning steps, leading to more accurate and interpretable outcomes.

For instance, instead of just asking for a summary, you might instruct:

"First, analyze these sales figures for trends. Then, identify the top three highest-performing regions. Finally, draft a concise summary for the leadership team highlighting these regions and their key drivers."

This method induces step-by-step planning, improving output quality. If the AI assistant isn't performing as expected, refine your chain-of-thought by identifying where planning or reasoning errors occur and adding more explicit instructions.

Structured Formatting for Precise Outputs Beyond simple bullet points or tables, you can specify intricate output formats to ensure the AI assistant delivers information in a readily usable structure. Use markdown syntax (e.g., # for headings, - for lists, --- for section breaks) to delineate sections.

For coding tasks, formats like XML or specific patch formats allow structured data manipulation. The goal is to use formats that stand out and clearly convey intent.

Role-Based Prompting for Tailored Perspectives Assigning the AI assistant a specific role helps tune its tone and depth of response. For example:

"Act as a seasoned marketing strategist: Outline a campaign plan for a new product launch, emphasizing innovative digital channels."

This yields outputs aligned with a professional lens and ensures relevance for targeted audiences.

Beyond the Chat Interface: Integrated AI Systems

Standalone chat interfaces are excellent for quick tasks, but intermediate users gain the most value when AI is embedded in their tools or workflows.

AI as a Copilot within Your Applications Many tools now embed AI to assist within:

• Document editors: Draft emails, meeting briefs, SOPs.
• Spreadsheets: Analyze data, create trackers, generate complex formulas, visualize charts.
• Email clients: Summarize threads, draft replies, personalize outreach.
• Presentation software: Generate images, slide outlines, or full content.

Workflow Automation Tools (Agents) Autonomous agents can handle:

• Recurring Patterns: Daily insights, weekly social tracking, monthly reports.
• Preparation Patterns: Pre-meeting dossiers, renewal data summaries.
• "AI Sandwich" Patterns: Trigger, process with AI, export to another system (e.g., invoice to spreadsheet).

Building a Persistent Knowledge Base Create a "master prompt" or organizational memory: a document with your preferences, company info, product details, sales workflows, team structure, decision-making frameworks, etc. This empowers the AI to act as your operations engine, producing consistently accurate and aligned outputs.

AI for Custom Scripts and Analysis For technical users, AI can write and execute code to generate datasets, transcribe media, or analyze large inputs. This "vibe coding" model lets you automate advanced tasks without needing deep programming expertise.

Reviewing and Iterating on AI Outputs: Your Critical Role

AI assistants are powerful but not flawless. Your judgment is crucial.

Iterative Refinement is Key Don't expect perfect output immediately. Treat each prompt as iterative. Feedback like "Make it more concise" or "Use a formal tone" can rapidly improve the output.

Verify and Validate Always review for accuracy, clarity, and applicability before acting on AI-generated outputs, especially in high-stakes environments.

Self-Correction and Learning If the AI struggles consistently, re-examine your prompt. Consider using meta-prompts like:

"What questions do you have for me that would help you provide the best output?"

This loop improves your prompting and the AI's accuracy.

3 Modalities of AI Interaction

1. Chatbot AI that answers questions and performs tasks on command. Use this for direct Q&A, generating content, summarizing documents, or brainstorming ideas.

2. Copilot AI embedded within another tool that assists you in completing tasks. Ideal for drafting emails in your inbox, generating formulas in spreadsheets, or helping structure content in docs or presentations.

3. Agent AI that operates autonomously on your behalf. Best used for automating recurring workflows, syncing data across systems, or triggering actions based on events.

Practical Intermediate Use Cases

Comprehensive Document Summarization Move beyond summarizing to extracting themes, highlighting implications, and aggregating patterns across multiple documents.

Templated Outputs with Dynamic Content Create structured templates for job letters, project updates, or marketing emails. Feed in dynamic data for customized outputs.

Structured Research and Analysis Instruct the AI to compile competitive research or analyze complex datasets (e.g., survey responses, expense reports) with structured outputs.

Strategic Planning and Brainstorming Use AI to develop brand-aligned campaigns, outline strategic initiatives, or draft acceptance criteria and test cases.

Your Next Steps to AI Mastery

1. Systematize Your Prompts: Build a personal or shared prompt library to reuse.
2. Break Down Complexity: Practice breaking large tasks into sub-tasks.
3. Embrace Iteration and Feedback: Continuously refine prompts and ask the AI for clarification when needed.
4. Explore Beyond Chat: Integrate AI into tools and automate parts of your workflow.
5. Foster an AI-Ready Mindset: Encourage team experimentation, share learnings, and blend AI insights with human judgment.

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By adopting these strategies, you're not just using AI—you're strategically integrating it to drive efficiency, innovation, and scale. Continue refining your methods and let your prompts unlock the full power of AI in your organization.

Your First Chat with AI: A Practical Guide for Beginners

At 2Fifteen Tech, we believe the most effective way to think about using AI is when it feels like a co-worker, not a codebase. But for many, getting started with AI tools like ChatGPT, Claude, or Gemini can feel like learning a new language. If you’re not in tech or familiar with AI jargon, it can be hard to know where to even start.

Here’s the truth: You don’t need to be a developer or "prompt engineer" to get value from AI. You just need to know how to ask for what you need—in plain, structured language.

This guide will help you:

• Understand what a prompt is and how it works
• Structure better prompts using real-life examples
• Use AI to handle everyday tasks (without the fluff)

Think of Prompts Like Conversations, Not Code

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Talking to an AI assistant is like talking to a smart colleague. You get better results when you:

• Start with a clear request
• Add context or background as needed
• Specify what kind of output you want
• Adjust and refine if the answer isn’t quite right

This is what we call "iterative prompting." It’s not about writing a perfect instruction. It’s about asking, evaluating, and improving.

Four Core Elements of a Useful Prompt

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You can start with just one sentence. But if you want better results, consider these building blocks:

1. Persona (optional) Set the voice or perspective. This is useful for tone or context.

"Act as a customer support rep helping a frustrated client..."

2. Task (required) Be specific about the action you want: write, summarize, list, explain, translate, etc.

"Summarize this article in 3 bullet points."

3. Context (recommended) Explain who you are, who your audience is, or what the goal is.

"I’m a sales manager prepping for a client meeting."

4. Format (optional) Clarify how you want the output to look.

"Respond in a table with columns for priority, action, and deadline."

Real-World Prompt Examples

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• "Draft a friendly reminder email [Task] to a customer who hasn't paid their invoice [Context], written from the point of view of a small business owner [Persona]. Keep it under 150 words [Format]."
• "Organize this list of random notes [Task] into bullet points grouped by theme [Format]."
• "Act as a hiring manager [Persona] and write 3 questions to ask a candidate for a help desk role [Task]."

Use Cases to Start With

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Not sure what AI can help you with? Here are five ways people at small businesses, and startups use AI:

1. Writing & Editing

• Draft or revise emails, blog posts, documentation
• Generate product descriptions or marketing copy

2. Summarizing & Explaining

• Turn long emails or docs into a few bullet points
• Explain a technical concept in plain English

3. Organizing Information

• Convert raw notes into structured outlines or tables
• Reformat messy data into something you can act on

4. Brainstorming & Ideation

• Come up with blog titles, campaign ideas, event names
• Generate possible solutions to a business problem

5. Customer Communication

• Write first drafts of support replies
• Translate messages into a more professional tone

Don’t Expect Perfection: Improve Through Feedback

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AI won't always get it right the first time. That’s fine. Prompting is an iterative process. If something doesn’t work:

• Ask it to adjust tone: "Make it more conversational."
• Ask it to focus: "Highlight the key takeaways only."
• Ask for structure: "Organize this into a checklist."
• Add missing info: "Include the deadline and point of contact."

Think of yourself as the manager and the AI as your assistant. Guide it.

One Final Rule: Always Review Before You Use It

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AI can be a powerful tool, but it’s not infallible. It can miss nuance, hallucinate details, or get facts wrong.

Before you forward that AI-written email or use a generated list in a client proposal, read it. Make sure it reflects your tone, values, and facts.

A Good Starting Point

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Prompting is just giving clear instructions. Start small, iterate, and refine. Here’s a basic formula you can keep on hand:

• Task: What do you want?
• Context: What’s the background?
• Format: How should it look?
• Persona: Who's speaking (if relevant)?

Try this today:

"Summarize this article [Task] for a busy executive [Persona/Context] in 3 bullet points [Format]."

In our next article, we’ll show you how to layer more complex logic, workflows, and multi-step tasks for intermediate prompting.

Until then: start with one request, review the output, and iterate. That’s how real AI productivity begins!

Learn More

We are working with many customers interested in learning how AI can help their businesses succeed, but also to not fall in to the hype cycle and expect too much out of AI as a tool. If you want to learn more how we can help you and your business take advantage of these amazing new tools, reach out to us!

Microsoft’s New Email Rules: What They Mean for Your Business

Microsoft Outlook is changing the rules — What to know about email deliverability

Starting May 5, 2025, Microsoft will begin enforcing new email authentication requirements for all senders. If your domain isn’t properly configured with SPF, DKIM, and DMARC, your emails may end up in junk folders — or be rejected entirely. This is similar to changes made by Yahoo and Google we outlined here.

Here’s what you need to know, and how to stay ahead.

What’s Changing?

Microsoft’s Outlook platform is introducing stricter checks to ensure incoming emails are legitimate. Domains that aren’t properly authenticated will fail these checks and risk getting filtered out.

Whether you send 5 or 5,000 emails a day, these changes apply to everyone.

For high-volume senders (5,000+ emails per day), this could impact mission-critical communications like:

• Transactional emails

• Invoices and reports

• Login links

• Client messages

If these aren’t hitting inboxes, your business could be losing revenue, credibility, and valuable client trust — without even realizing it.

Why Is Microsoft Doing This?

This is part of a larger industry push to combat spam, spoofing, and phishing attacks. By enforcing proper email authentication, Microsoft is making it harder for bad actors to impersonate your brand — and easier for your customers to trust what lands in their inbox.

In short: this is a good thing for security and deliverability. But it only works if your domain is properly set up.

How We Can Help

At 2Fifteen Tech, we make sure your email domain isn’t just compliant — it’s secure and optimized.

Here’s what we do:

✅ Authenticate your domain with SPF, DKIM, and DMARC

✅ Align and enforce DMARC to stop spoofing and phishing

✅ Monitor your domain for unauthorized use and delivery issues

✅ Provide full visibility into your email ecosystem

This isn’t just a technical box to check — it’s about protecting your reputation and keeping your business running smoothly.

Let’s Fix It Before It Becomes a Problem

If you’re unsure whether your domain is ready for this change, now’s the time to act.

Reach out to our team today. We’ll walk you through it, handle the technical setup, and make sure your email stays exactly where it should — in your customers’ inboxes.

Contact us to learn more about how we can help you and your business with these changes

Google Workspace Security

From time to time customers tell us that other providers have told them that Google Workspace is not secure, and if they want to be secure they need to switch to Microsoft 365. This is not true. There are valid reasons to use Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace, but “being secure” is not one of those reasons. Both can be secure if configured correctly. Google has a very strong culture of security, and has many of the worlds leading security engineers. From Project Zero, a leading research organization at Google, their recent acquisition of Mandiant, and even the fact that they pioneered the concept of Zero Trust Security, Security has been at the core of Google for many years, and they have an excellent track record. In this article, I explain the security implemented by Google and it’s products that help keep users and data secure.

Security Model and Zero Trust Approach

Google Workspace is built on Google’s secure-by-design infrastructure and a zero trust security model. This means no user or device is inherently trusted without verification. Google pioneered the zero trust concept with its internal BeyondCorp initiative starting in 2011 as a response to nation-state cyber attacks.

BeyondCorp shifted access controls from network perimeters to individual users and devices, requiring strong authentication and device validation for every access request. Google’s zero-trust approach enforces critical access controls based on device state, user identity, and context (e.g., location), rather than trusting a corporate network by default.

• Google’s Zero Trust Paper: BeyondCorp: A New Approach to Enterprise Security

• Google’s Security Best Practices: Google Cloud Security Whitepaper

Google’s Security Team

Google employs hundreds of full-time security and privacy professionals (over 750 as of one report) including many industry experts. Google’s security team runs Project Zero, which finds and fixes zero-day vulnerabilities across the software industry. Internally, they monitor Google’s networks for suspicious activity and respond to incidents swiftly.

• Google’s Threat Intelligence: Project Zero

• Google’s Security Engineering: Google Security Blog

Built-in Encryption

All data in Google Workspace is encrypted by default at rest and in transit within Google’s infrastructure. Google Workspace uses the latest cryptographic standards to encrypt all data at rest and in transit between its facilities automatically.

• Encryption in Google Workspace: Google Encryption Whitepaper

• Client-Side Encryption: Google CSE

Advanced Phishing and Malware Protection

Google Workspace provides multi-layered phishing and malware defenses that leverage Google's massive threat intelligence. Gmail’s AI-driven filters block >99.9% of spam, phishing emails, and malware from reaching users’ inboxes.

• Google Safe Browsing: Threat Intelligence by Google

• Phishing & Malware Protection in Gmail: Google Security Blog

Endpoint Security and Device Management

Google Workspace includes robust endpoint management tools to secure devices:

• Mobile Device Management (MDM): Require screen locks, strong passwords, and remotely wipe device data if lost or stolen.

• Endpoint Verification for Desktops: Detects device posture (OS, antivirus status, disk encryption enabled) for laptops/desktops.

• Context-Aware Access: Enforce access policies that restrict access based on device security compliance.

• Google Workspace MDM: Google Admin Help

• BeyondCorp for Enterprises: Google BeyondCorp Enterprise

Data Loss Prevention and Encryption

Google Workspace provides Data Loss Prevention (DLP) capabilities and strong encryption options:

• Content-Based DLP: Admins can create rules to prevent sensitive data from leaving Gmail, Drive, and Chat.

• Encryption (at Rest, In Transit, Client-Side): All data is encrypted, and client-side encryption is available for enhanced security.

• Google DLP Features: Google DLP Guide

Identity and Access Management (IAM)

Google Workspace provides enterprise-grade IAM features:

• Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Requires a second factor like Google Authenticator, security keys, or push notifications.

• Single Sign-On (SSO) and Federation: Supports SAML 2.0 and OAuth for integration with other identity providers.

• Context-Aware Access: Allows fine-grained access control based on user context and device compliance.

• Google IAM Best Practices: Google Identity & Access

Security Monitoring, Investigation, and Analytics

Google Workspace includes robust security monitoring tools:

• Security Center Dashboard: Provides a real-time overview of security metrics.

• Alert Center: Sends real-time alerts for security threats and suspicious activities.

• Security Investigation Tool: Enables administrators to investigate incidents and take bulk actions.

• Google Security Center: Security Dashboard

Compliance and Regulatory Support

Google Workspace meets industry compliance standards:

• ISO/IEC 27001, ISO 27017, ISO 27018: International security certifications.

• SOC 2 / SOC 3 Reports: Independent security audits.

• FedRAMP High Authorization: Certified for U.S. government use.

• GDPR Compliance: Provides tools for compliance with data protection laws.

• Google Workspace Compliance: Compliance Overview

• FedRAMP Certification: FedRAMP Marketplace

High-Security Organizations Using Google Workspace

Many organizations with high security requirements trust Google Workspace, including:

• Government Agencies:

  • U.S. General Services Administration (GSA)

  • State of Arizona (~36,000 employees migrated)

  • U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)

• Large Enterprises:

  • Verizon Communications (~150,000 employees)

  • PwC (PricewaterhouseCoopers)

  • Airbus (~130,000 staff)

  • Cloudflare

• Healthcare and Academia:

  • Johns Hopkins University and Medicine

  • Brown, Princeton, and Stanford Universities

• Security-Focused Companies:

  • Palo Alto Networks

  • Okta

  • Cloudflare

• Google’s Case Studies: Google Workspace Customers

Conclusion

Google Workspace offers enterprise-grade security, a robust zero-trust model, and best-in-class security features to protect organizations from cyber threats. Many high-security organizations, including governments, large enterprises, and security companies, trust Google Workspace due to its strong encryption, identity controls, phishing protection, and compliance capabilities.

By properly configuring multi-factor authentication, context-aware access, data loss prevention, and endpoint management, Google Workspace can be as secure—if not more secure—than other productivity platforms.

For further reading:

• Google Workspace Security Whitepaper: Security Overview

• Google’s Zero Trust Approach: BeyondCorp

• Google Compliance and Certifications: Google Trust Center

We are Google Partners, and experts at providing the right Google Workspace solution for your business, and ensuring everything is correctly configured for the needs of your business.

Interested in learning more? Contact us today to see how we can help you and your business with Google Workspace.

Why Businesses Need Apple-Native IT Support

Many IT providers claim to support Apple devices, but most fall short in two key ways:

1. Limited Expertise – They may have a handful of certified Apple technicians, but their primary focus is Windows, leading to inadequate Apple support.

2. Microsoft-Centric Tools – Many providers use Microsoft tools to manage Apple environments, creating recurring issues and compatibility problems.

At 2Fifteen Tech, we specialize in true Apple-native IT support. As an Apple Technical Partner, we leverage industry-leading tools like Kandji to deliver secure, scalable, and business-focused solutions for organizations relying on Apple devices.

Simplified Apple Device Management with Kandji

Managing and securing a fleet of Apple devices—whether 20 or 1,000—can be complex and time-consuming. 2Fifteen Tech automates Apple device deployment, management, and security through Apple Business Manager (ABM) and our mobile device management (MDM) platform.

With our Apple-native IT solutions, you can:

• Deploy apps and updates seamlessly across all devices, without manual installations.

• Enforce security policies to ensure compliance with industry standards.

• Enable self-service access for employees to securely install pre-approved applications.

Instead of spending hours manually setting up each device, our solutions ensure that employees receive fully configured, work-ready devices right out of the box.

Zero-Touch Deployment for Faster Onboarding

Onboarding new employees or upgrading hardware shouldn’t slow down productivity. 2Fifteen Tech simplifies this process with zero-touch deployment, ensuring new Apple devices arrive pre-configured with security settings, software, and restrictions—without IT needing to manually handle each device.

This approach ensures:

• Devices are fully secured and compliant from day one.

• Employees can start working immediately without waiting on IT.

• Remote teams receive devices that are ready to use, no matter where they are.

Apple-Native Support for Reliable, Long-Term Solutions

Unlike many MSPs that treat Apple as an afterthought, Apple IT support is our specialty. We use Apple-certified tools to diagnose and resolve issues efficiently, ensuring:

• Faster, more accurate troubleshooting with Apple-native solutions.

• No reliance on outdated or incompatible Microsoft-based fixes.

• A dedicated team of Apple experts who understand your business needs.

Advanced Cybersecurity for Apple Devices

Apple devices come with strong default security settings, but they still face cyber threats. 2Fifteen Tech provides tailored security solutions to protect your business, including:

• Advanced Phishing Protection - We work with a leader in email security, ensuring as many phishing or malicious messages are blocked or defanged as possible.

• Security Awareness Training – Educating employees on how to recognize and avoid scams.

• Endpoint Detection & Response (EDR) – Detecting and neutralizing threats before they cause damage.

• Advanced Access Controls – Preventing unauthorized users from accessing sensitive data.

Our cybersecurity solutions are designed specifically for Apple environments, ensuring enterprise-grade protection without disrupting workflows.

IT Support Built for Apple-Centric Businesses

We provide comprehensive IT services designed for organizations that rely on Apple, including:

• Fully Managed IT Services – Handling your day-to-day IT needs.

• Device Lifecycle Management – From procurement to decommissioning.

• Compliance Support – Helping you meet industry and regulatory security standards.

• IT Strategy & Consulting – Aligning technology with your business goals.

While many IT providers claim to support Apple, few truly specialize in it. At 2Fifteen Tech, we ensure your Apple devices are managed with the right tools, security, and expertise to help your business scale efficiently and securely.

Looking for Apple-Focused IT Solutions?

Contact 2Fifteen Tech today to see how we can help your business with Apple-native IT support, device management, and cybersecurity.

Why Creative Agencies and PR Firms Need an Apple-Certified Managed Service Provider

Technology Should Empower Creativity, Not Hinder It

Technology should be an enabler for creative agencies and PR firms—driving collaboration, efficiency, and seamless client engagement. Too often, however, technology becomes a barrier: fragmented communication channels, sluggish file performance, inconsistent support, and security vulnerabilities.

Partnering with a Managed Service Provider (MSP) who is also an Apple Technical Partner ensures your IT isn’t just functional—it’s optimized for creativity, speed, and security.

The Cost of Ignoring IT

When IT is neglected, the consequences are daily frustrations that erode productivity and eat into billable hours. Common pain points include:

• Tool Sprawl: Teams juggle MS Teams, Slack, Skype, email, and texts—resulting in scattered communication and lost information.
• Disorganized Collaboration: Files live across multiple drives, personal folders, and desktops, with no consistent access control.
• Lack of Centralized Storage: Permissions are mismatched to staff roles, creating both inefficiencies and security risks.
• Mac Support Gaps: Standard IT teams dismiss Apple users with, “You have a Mac…?”—leaving issues unresolved.
• Performance Problems: Slow or unstable systems make it difficult to showcase visual work without delays.
• Tech Overload: Creative professionals want to use technology, not get bogged down by jargon.
• Cybersecurity Exposure: Remote work from coffee shops, airports, or client sites introduces risks.
• Reactive IT Management: Fixing issues after they break disrupts workflows and costs more in the long run.

Each of these challenges chips away at productivity, increases frustration, and drains profitability.

The Case for Mature IT

IT isn’t just a support function—it’s a foundation for scaling, protecting client assets, and ensuring productivity. Investing in IT maturity delivers:

• Streamlined workflows with effective collaboration tools.
• Stronger cybersecurity that safeguards sensitive client data.
• Reliable, high-performance systems that free teams to focus on creativity.

Waiting until a crisis forces an upgrade will always be more expensive than adopting a proactive IT strategy now.

Why Choose an Apple Technical Partner?

Most MSPs are built around Windows environments, leaving Apple-based creative teams underserved. An Apple Technical Partner delivers specialized IT support tailored to how creative teams work.

Apple Expertise That Others Lack

• Deep knowledge of macOS, iOS, and iPadOS ecosystems.
• Optimized setups for Adobe Creative Cloud, Final Cut Pro, and other industry-standard software.
• Seamless integration with Apple Business Manager and Mobile Device Management (MDM).

A Partner Who Understands Your Industry

• PR firms need secure, reliable platforms for client engagement and media outreach.
• Creative agencies require powerful systems to manage large design and media files.
• Both demand collaboration tools that prevent misalignment and disorganization.

How an Apple-Savvy MSP Adds Value

1. Security & Compliance: Safeguarding Clients and Reputation

Creative agencies and PR firms store sensitive materials that are prime targets for cyber threats. An Apple-savvy MSP ensures:

• Data encryption and secure backups.
• Advanced threat detection and endpoint protection.
• Compliance with client-mandated security requirements.

2. IT That Works So Teams Can Focus on Creativity

Your teams shouldn’t lose momentum over IT delays. Specialized Apple support provides:

• Optimized Mac performance for smoother workflows.
• High-speed, reliable cloud storage for large media files.
• Automated updates and security patches to keep systems current.

3. Enhanced Collaboration & Workflow Efficiency

• Unified communication channels that cut tool sprawl.
• Centralized storage with proper access controls.
• Secure, remote-ready environments for on-the-go professionals.

Future-Proofing Your Business with Proactive IT

Avoiding IT investment may seem cost-effective, but the risks are steep:

• Every IT disruption translates to lost billable hours.
• A single breach can exceed the cost of long-term protection.
• Inefficient processes create bottlenecks that limit growth.

A proactive MSP ensures your technology accelerates—not obstructs—your business.

Let’s Build the Right IT Strategy Together

Creative agencies and PR firms shouldn’t accept one-size-fits-all IT solutions. As an Apple Technical Partner, we provide IT support designed for your workflows—keeping your team productive, your data secure, and your business scalable.

Let’s discuss how we can optimize your IT so you can focus on what you do best.

Contact us today to get started.

2Fifteen Tech Expands Managed Security Services with Material Security Partnership

At 2Fifteen Tech, we’re always looking for ways to strengthen our clients’ defenses against evolving cyber threats. That’s why we’re excited to announce our partnership with Material Security, a leader in advanced security solutions for Google Workspace and Microsoft 365.

With this partnership, we can now offer Material Security as part of our managed security services, giving you enterprise-level email and data protection—without the hassle of managing it yourself.

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Why This Matters for Your Business

Email remains the #1 attack vector for cybercriminals, with phishing, business email compromise, and data leaks posing serious risks. Material Security takes a zero-trust approach, securing your cloud environment while ensuring uninterrupted access to critical data.

Here’s how this partnership benefits your business:

• Phishing & Email Threat Protection – Advanced detection and response to stop malicious emails.
• Compromised Account Protection – Zero-trust access controls to prevent unauthorized logins.
• Data Loss Prevention – Intelligent security policies to safeguard sensitive information.
• Security Posture Hardening – Continuous monitoring and remediation for misconfigurations.

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Managed Security Without the Complexity

We know that security management can be overwhelming. That’s why we provide Material Security as a fully managed service—handling everything from setup and monitoring to ongoing management. This means you get:

☑️ Seamless integration with your existing workflow
☑️ Proactive threat mitigation to prevent breaches
☑️ Expert support from a trusted MSP partner

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Ready to Elevate Your Email and Data Security?

Contact us today to learn how our managed security services, powered by Material Security, can fortify your organization’s defenses.

High-Impact New Years Cybersecurity Goals for SMBs in 2025

As we kick off a brand-new year, it’s a great time to take stock of your business’s cybersecurity practices. Cyber threats aren’t just for big corporations. Small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) are just as likely to be targeted. The good news? A few simple steps can make a massive difference in protecting your business.

Here are five high-impact cybersecurity goals you can tackle this year, along with a few other tips to level up your defenses. No jargon, just practical advice to help you sleep better at night knowing your business is safer.

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1. Implement a Password Manager

Are you still relying on sticky notes or reusing the same password across multiple accounts? It’s time to change that. A password manager helps your team create and store unique, strong passwords for every account they use.

With a password manager, you don’t need to remember complicated passwords—just one master password to unlock the tool. This drastically reduces the risk of breaches from stolen or weak credentials.

Bonus tip: Make sure the password manager you choose is from a reputable provider and offers strong encryption.

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2. Use Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) Everywhere

Multi-factor authentication (MFA) adds an extra layer of security to your logins. It’s like if your front door needed the key, and could also verify that it's you using the key. You’ll need your password and a second factor (like an authentication app or using Passkeys) to get in.

Even if someone gets ahold of your password, MFA makes it significantly more difficult for them to access your accounts. Start by enabling MFA on email, file storage, and any system that houses sensitive data.

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3. Back Up Business-Critical Data

Ransomware attacks are on the rise, and they can lock you out of your own files. It's important to try to protect against this happening, but it's also important to have a plan for if it does happen.

That’s why it’s essential to have backups stored in a ransomware-resistant location — such as a cloud service with immutable versioning.

The goal is to ensure you can restore your data quickly and keep your business running, even in the worst-case scenario.

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4. Improve Email Deliverability and Security with SPF, DKIM, and DMARC

Email spoofing and phishing scams are common tactics cybercriminals use to trick people. By implementing SPF, DKIM, and DMARC policies, you’re not just protecting your brand — you’re making it harder for attackers to impersonate your domain.

• SPF ensures emails are coming from your approved servers.
• DKIM adds a digital signature to your emails to verify authenticity.
• DMARC ties it all together, giving you control over how to handle unauthenticated emails.

This step also improves your email deliverability, so your legitimate emails don’t end up in spam folders. You can read more about that in our blog post about email deliverability - Your Guide to Email Security and Deliverability

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5. Train Your Team to Spot Phishing Attempts

Technology can only do so much—your team is your first line of defense. Regularly train employees to recognize phishing attempts and suspicious links. Cybersecurity awareness training doesn’t have to be boring! Use real-world examples, short videos, or even gamified quizzes to make learning more engaging.

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6. Review and Update Your Software

Outdated software is a goldmine for hackers because it often contains unpatched vulnerabilities. Set aside time this year to ensure all your software, from operating systems to business apps, is up to date. If possible, enable automatic updates to save time and effort.

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Need Help? We’ve Got Your Back! 💻

If these goals sound overwhelming, don’t worry—you don’t have to tackle them alone. At 2Fifteen Tech, we specialize in helping businesses like yours implement practical, effective cybersecurity measures.

Whether it’s setting up a password manager, configuring MFA, or creating a ransomware-proof backup strategy, we’re here to help. Let’s chat about how we can make 2025 your most secure year yet.

OpenPhone for Teams

Our partner OpenPhone has some exciting announcements launching today!

OpenPhone is a Phone, SMS, and Contact management system designed for team collaboration. Enhanced with useful AI tools to help you summarize calls automatically, tag your conversations for you and your team, and even make contact suggestions based on the call itself, OpenPhone is a fantastic option for modern teams looking for flexibility and speed as they grow their business.

Fall 2024 Launch

Today, OpenPhone has launched a set of new features that will help make the platform even more productive and flexible.

Call Flow Builder

OpenPhone has completely revamped the Call Flow builder, making it extremely easy to create complex call flows, such as personalized call routing, or custom after-hours call handling.

AI Call Tags

Now you can have AI automatically tag your calls for you, to make it easier to find information later.

API

Finally, OpenPhone has launched a full set of API’s, so if you can’t find an integration that fits your specific needs, you now can integrate it with whatever custom workflow or system you would like.

Click here to learn more about OpenPhone, and sign up for a free trial. Using this link, you can also get a discount off your first 3 months if you sign up. To learn more about what 2Fifteen Tech does, and how we can help you run and scale your business, click on Contact Us to learn more.

The Business Risks of Neglecting Lifecycle Management and Procurement Best Practices

The Risks of Outdated Technology in Business

In today’s fast-paced technology landscape, advancements occur constantly. From the latest iPhones to next-generation laptops, new innovations are designed to drive productivity and efficiency. For businesses, however, the rapid pace of change also brings challenges. Relying on outdated hardware and software introduces significant risks that can undermine operations, security, and growth. This article outlines why lifecycle management and procurement best practices are critical to staying secure and competitive.

The Perils of Outdated Hardware and Software

Businesses often hold on to computers and laptops long after their optimal lifecycle, creating performance bottlenecks and security exposures. Hardware issues are usually visible and harder to ignore, but operating systems often get overlooked. For example, while Windows 10 will continue receiving updates until 2025, many organizations still run Windows 7—which no longer receives support, leaving systems exposed to cyberattacks. On the Apple side, older macOS releases such as Big Sur, if left unpatched, pose the same risks.

The Hidden Costs of Legacy Systems

Running outdated operating systems isn’t just inconvenient—it’s dangerous. Without ongoing security patches, systems remain open to malware, ransomware, and other cyber threats. To minimize exposure, businesses must ensure their systems run supported versions. For Windows, that means moving to Windows 11. For Mac users, staying current with supported macOS versions is equally important. As Apple Technical Partners, we help businesses implement these updates strategically and without disruption.

Risks with Outdated Mobile Operating Systems

Mobile devices have become mission-critical tools, but too many businesses fail to manage their lifecycle effectively. Apple’s iOS devices, such as the iPhone XR, benefit from long-term software support, often for five or more years. Android devices, however, often lose update support after only a couple of years depending on the manufacturer. Unsupported devices not only lose features but also introduce serious security risks. Keeping mobile operating systems current must be a top priority for every organization.

The Danger of Discontinued Applications and Services

Applications drive business workflows, but relying on obsolete or discontinued software creates vulnerabilities. Tools like Adobe Flash and Internet Explorer were once common but are now defunct. Continuing to use software past its end of life leaves businesses open to security exploits and operational breakdowns. Regular software audits are essential to confirm that applications remain supported—or to identify secure replacements before disruption occurs.

Networking Equipment and Security Gaps

Network infrastructure often gets overlooked, yet it forms the backbone of business operations. Outdated Wi-Fi routers and switches frequently lack modern security protections. Hackers can exploit old firmware to gain entry to a company’s network. By upgrading to equipment that supports current standards such as Wi-Fi 6 or Wi-Fi 7, businesses not only strengthen security but also gain performance and bandwidth advantages. Proactively replacing aging routers and applying firmware updates is non-negotiable for a secure network.

Why Proactive Lifecycle Management Matters

Failure to follow lifecycle and procurement best practices leaves businesses exposed to inefficiencies, cyberattacks, and costly downtime. Proactive management of both hardware and software reduces these risks dramatically. By planning upgrades, staying ahead of support timelines, and adopting modern technologies, organizations can protect their data, improve performance, and maintain trust with customers.

As Apple Technical Partners, we provide expertise and guidance to ensure businesses stay ahead of technology risks. Contact us for a free consultation to learn how we can help you adopt best practices in lifecycle management, procurement, and proactive technology planning.

WWDC 2024 for Apple IT Managers

This week was Apple’s World Wide Developer Conference, which is always a fun time of year for Apple developers and Apple fans to get a preview of what is coming over the next year on the software side of things. It’s an event where Apple typically talks about new things coming across their platforms, as well as new features that developers can build in to their own apps. This was a big year! There were lots of customer facing features that are going to be exciting, which we’ll discuss in a separate blog post, but in this one we wanted to point toward some things changing for Apple IT managers.

Our partner Kandji wrote a great summary of all of the exciting changes that are coming for Apple IT in this blog post - WWDC 2024: What Apple Admins Need to Know.

We at 2Fifteen Tech are excited for these changes! There are big changes coming to Managed Apple ID’s, including a new name - Managed Apple Accounts, and then a series of new device management changes which will increase security and help provide a more seamless experience for users on managed endpoints within a company.

If you would like to learn more about how 2Fifteen Tech can help you manage your Apple devices within your organization, reach out to learn more!

Your Guide to Email Security and Deliverability

In today's digital age, ensuring your emails reach their intended recipients while protecting your brand from email fraud is more important than ever. With major email providers increasingly requiring certain email authentication protocols, it's time to get familiar with DMARC, SPF, and DKIM. But don't worry – we'll break it down in simple terms.

What is SPF?

SPF, or Sender Policy Framework, is an email validation system designed to prevent spam by verifying the sender's IP address. When you send an email, SPF checks if it comes from an authorized IP address for that domain. Think of it as a security guard at the entrance of your domain, only allowing in those who are supposed to be there.

What is DKIM?

DKIM, or DomainKeys Identified Mail, adds a digital signature to your emails. This signature is like a wax seal on a letter, proving that the email hasn't been tampered with during transit and that it truly comes from the sender's domain. It assures recipients that the email is genuine and trustworthy.

What is DMARC?

DMARC, or Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting, and Conformance, is a policy that helps protect your email domain from being used for email spoofing, phishing scams, and other cybercrimes. It builds on two existing mechanisms – SPF and DKIM – to ensure that incoming messages are from legitimate sources.

DMARC Reports: Monitoring for Better Security

One key feature of DMARC is the ability to generate reports that provide insight into your domain’s outbound email traffic. These reports show which emails are passing and failing SPF and DKIM checks, helping you understand how your domain is being used.

Why Should You Monitor DMARC Reports?

1. Identify Unauthorized Use: Detect and stop phishing attempts and unauthorized email use.

2. Improve Deliverability: Adjust your policies to ensure legitimate emails are not mistakenly marked as spam.

3. Optimize Security Settings: Fine-tune your SPF and DKIM configurations based on the data from the reports.

By regularly reviewing DMARC reports, you can maintain a strong security posture and ensure that your emails continue to reach their intended recipients.

How Do They Work Together?

1. SPF verifies the sender's IP address.

2. DKIM ensures the email content hasn't been altered and is from a legitimate source.

3. DMARC ties it all together, instructing receiving email providers on what to do if an email fails SPF or DKIM checks.

Why is This Important?

1. Email Deliverability: Ensuring your emails reach the inbox rather than the spam folder.

2. Email Security: Protecting your brand from being used in phishing scams and other fraudulent activities.

3. Reputation Management: Maintaining the trust of your customers and partners by preventing unauthorized use of your domain.

The Growing Importance of DMARC

Starting this year, all major email providers will require DMARC records. This means if you don't have DMARC set up, your emails might not be delivered at all. Implementing DMARC, SPF, and DKIM is no longer optional – it's a necessity for maintaining effective communication and protecting your brand.

Steps to Implement DMARC, SPF, and DKIM

1. Set Up SPF: Publish an SPF record in your DNS settings that lists the IP addresses authorized to send emails on behalf of your domain.

2. Configure DKIM: Enable DKIM signing in your email server, which involves generating a public/private key pair and publishing the public key in your DNS.

3. Implement DMARC: Create a DMARC policy that specifies how you want email providers to handle messages that fail SPF or DKIM checks.

4. Monitor DMARC Reports: Regularly review DMARC reports to identify and address any issues.

How 2Fifteen Tech Can Help

This can be complicated, but understanding and implementing DMARC, SPF, and DKIM is crucial for ensuring your emails are delivered securely and efficiently. 2Fifteen Tech can help you understand and implement these settings to ensure you and your business are not impacted by the security changes email providers are making to ensure better email security.

Contact us to learn more about how 2Fifteen Tech can help you, and about our optional managed DMARC product that puts all of this on autopilot for your business.

Curious about your domain? Try our email domain scanner to see if there are possible issues with how your domain is currently configured.

New ways to annotate Google Docs

New Google Docs Feature: Take Feedback to the Next Level with Handwritten Markups

We are excited about the latest Google Workspace update: markups in Google Docs! This feature brings a new layer of intuitive, visual feedback to document collaboration, taking Google Workspace collaboration to a whole new level.

What are Markups and Why You Should Care

Markups let you directly annotate Google Docs using your finger or a stylus. This provides a natural way to leave precise comments, suggest edits, or sketch out ideas directly within a document.

Here are some exciting applications:

• Streamlining Project Reviews: Quickly add handwritten notes and sketches on proposals, reports, and designs.

• Enhanced Education: Teachers can provide richer feedback for students on essays, papers, and creative projects.

• Visualizing Changes: Clients and contractors can easily collaborate on plans and blueprints.

For more information about this feature and the scheduled rollout, visit Google’s announcement - here.

2Fifteen Tech is a Google Workspace partner and can help you implement and utilize Google Workspace within your business. To find out how we can help you and your business navigate Google Workspace, contact us!

CrowdStrike 2024 Global Threat Report

Over 230 adversaries are attacking organizations daily, and they’re moving with unprecedented stealth.

Adversaries are discovering new methods to hide in plain sight, challenging defenders to differentiate between normal user activity and a breach. Stopping breaches requires understanding the adversaries targeting your organization, as well as their methods and motivations.

Just released: the most anticipated cybersecurity report of the year Read the CrowdStrike 2024 Global Threat Report for the latest adversary themes, trends and events tracked by CrowdStrike’s Counter Adversary Operations team – the industry’s leading threat intelligence and threat hunting experts.

Get actionable intelligence on these key findings:

• 34 newly named adversaries in 2023

• 230+ total adversaries tracked by CrowdStrike

• 2:07 mins: fastest recorded eCrime breakout time

• 75% increase in cloud intrusions

• 76% spike in data theft victims named on the dark web

• 75% of attacks to gain access were malware-free

Download the report here

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Contact us to learn more about how we are working with our partners to protect our customers from the ever evolving threat landscape.