XFER Blog

From charging our phones to transferring those crucial presentation files, USBs are the unsung heroes of our digital world. Have you ever stopped to think about what’s actually going on inside that little connector?

Let’s get down to brass tacks and explore the inner workings of this marvel of miniaturization.

Let’s say you have all the knowledge, time, energy, resources, and expertise in technology management in the world. Would you want the responsibility of managing your company’s IT? Today, we’re exploring some of the more plausible reasons why managing your own technology solutions just doesn’t make sense—and how a managed service provider can help.

Think of your business information that includes customer details, sales figures, product lists and more. All of that data is stored in your business’ databases. As a result, you need to understand how they work and what you need to do to best manage them and the data they contain. 

Here at XFER, we help businesses in Michigan make sense of their technology every day. We’ve noticed folks often have similar questions about databases, so let's clear them up with some simple answers. Did you know, by the way, that the first "databases" were essentially just well-organized paper records? We've come a long way!

Cybersecurity solutions are all well and fine, but your team also plays a significant role in keeping your business safe. You need to acknowledge they are a potential threat and take steps to prepare them for the bevy of threats they’ll face. Today, we want to discuss why your employees are a cybersecurity threat and what you can do to mitigate it.

Cybercrime has gotten a lot scarier as the methods have become more sophisticated and difficult to detect. They might look like official business, but in reality, they are dangerous and well-thought-out attacks that can endanger your company and all those who work for it. Today, we want to break down some of the ways these cyberthreats can fool even the most cautious employees.

There are a lot of emojis out there, but sometimes you might find yourself in a situation where just one isn’t going to fulfill your needs. Google has created a Gboard mobile keyboard feature called Emoji Kitchen, allowing users to mix and match emojis in fun new ways. You can create new emojis by blending two together.

Being overwhelmed can happen to everyone, even the hardest workers you know. If you’re not careful, the weight of your agenda could drag you down and create more problems than it solves. While you could power through, this is usually counterproductive, and you’d be better served by taking a moment to step back, breathe, and perform a micro-reset.

One piece of technology that's become essential to modern business is the cloud. You hear the term constantly, but what does it actually mean for your business, especially as we navigate 2025? Today, we unpack this very topic.

Our team specializes in proactive business technology support, and helping organizations understand and leverage the cloud is a core part of what we do. Forget confusing jargon; let's break down what the cloud is and why it's a powerful tool for businesses of all sizes.

Listen closely. Hear that? It's the subtle, almost invisible hum of technology, the tireless engine powering your sales, streamlining your communication, and orchestrating your daily operations. We've all become wonderfully reliant on this digital symphony. Here’s a thought that might not hum so quietly: what’s the environmental encore of all this tech that keeps our businesses thriving? It’s a conversation that’s not just worth having; it’s essential.

We know how difficult it can be for a small business to make do with the time and resources it has. We see it every day in our work with local SMBs. The reality is that technology is ingrained in every part of the modern business, so you cannot risk it failing when you need it most.

You’ve probably heard a bit about blockchain. It’s a technology that is typically linked with cryptocurrencies, but its function is much more. It actually has the potential to transform everyday business operations significantly, if used properly. 

Forget the complex technical stuff. At its core, blockchain is like a highly secure and transparent digital record-keeping system. Imagine a shared ledger where every transaction or piece of agreed-upon information is recorded as a block. Once a block is added to the chain, it's cryptographically sealed—meaning it cannot be altered or deleted. Everyone with authorized access sees the same information, creating a foundation of trust and clarity.

Imagine leaving the physical doors of your business unlocked overnight. The thought is unsettling, isn't it? You wouldn't risk your assets, your hard work, and the trust of your clients like that. That's precisely the risk many small to medium-sized businesses (SMBs) unknowingly take by underestimating the importance of cybersecurity.

Let’s explore just how important proper cybersecurity truly is.

We dedicate significant attention to safeguarding your digital assets, but have you cast a similarly critical eye on the tangible security of your business premises? Nowadays, ensuring the safety of your physical office, its valuable assets, crucial resources, and most importantly, your dedicated employees, is paramount.

We want to highlight the range of options available to help you effectively manage your physical infrastructure.

Businesses used to think that it was worth waiting around for technology solutions to break before servicing them. In fact, it was such a commonplace practice that it’s still prevalent (although to a significantly reduced degree) today. We want to look into why it just makes sense to leave the old break-fix IT model behind in favor of a more proactive approach.

Today, IT tools and services are essential for businesses of any size. They provide the direction, stability, and connectivity needed to thrive in an increasingly digital landscape… but what exactly are these "IT tools and services," and why should they be a priority for your business, specifically?

Simply put, they encompass the hardware, software, and expertise that enable your business operations, from managing customer relationships and streamlining workflows to safeguarding critical data. Let’s talk a little more about why they need to be prioritized.

A strong cybersecurity posture isn't just about installing the latest software or ticking boxes on a compliance checklist. It's about building a culture of security where every member of your team is actively engaged and invested in protecting your collective digital well-being… but how do you achieve that buy-in, beyond simply mandating policies? 

It starts with illuminating the "why" behind the "what."

The password is the number one data protection strategy used in computing. It’s strange, however, how often a weak password ends up being the cause of data breaches and other situations that can seriously hurt a business. In today’s blog, we go through some of the best password creation tips that will help you better secure your individual and business data.

Artificial intelligence is becoming ubiquitous in the business technology sector and for good reason. It’s allowing small and medium-sized businesses to do more and compete with businesses that were previously just ahead of them.

Today, we want to go over some (reasonably) easy ways you can use AI in your IT operations to make your business more efficient.

Quick—how many passwords do you have to remember? Chances are, it’s more than you might expect… especially when you factor in both your personal ones and those you maintain for your business.

After all, it is risky to the point of irresponsibility to repeat your passwords across accounts, especially those you maintain for your business. This kind of repetition can easily lead to financial losses and reputation damage, as it facilitates a data breach.

If you’re a smart manager, you're always looking for ways to optimize spending and enhance your organization’s ability to be efficient. Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) isn't just a trendy tech term; it's a strategic financial move that can significantly impact your bottom line. Today, we get into how VoIP translates to real cost savings.