Skip to content

Technology Platform Requirements



Do you have technical questions?



This page reviews all technology reqriments.
If you don't understand anything on this page, contact us and we will be happy to help.



10 Most Popular FAQs Ask an Expert

Hardware and Software Requirements for Managed IT Services

To ensure optimal performance, security, and reliability of our Managed IT Services, certain hardware and software standards must be in place. These standards enable us to meet our service obligations and deliver the best possible support for your business.

We will periodically update these requirements as technologies age and new solutions are released and tested by our team. If you do not meet these minimum standards before the start of your agreement, we will work with you to develop a plan to bring your network up to standard.

We understand this process may take time, depending on your budgets and timing. During this transition period, we will make every effort to support items that do not meet our minimum standards. However, if an unsupported item requires attention, we reserve the right to charge for any time incurred in providing support for that item.

Minimum Hardware and Software Standards

  1. Hardware Requirements



    Workstations and Laptops

    • Operating System: Windows 11 Professional (22H2 or later) or macOS Sonoma (or the latest supported version).
    • Processor: Minimum Intel Core i5 (11th Gen or higher) or AMD Ryzen 5 equivalent.
    • Memory (RAM): Minimum 16 GB (32 GB recommended).
    • Storage: SSD with at least 512 GB of available capacity (1 TB recommended). Devices must maintain at least 20% free storage space for optimal performance.
    • Networking: Gigabit Ethernet or Wi-Fi 5 (6/6E preferred)-capable network interface.

    Servers

    • Operating System: Windows Server 2019 Standard/Datacenter (Windows Server 2022 recommended) or equivalent Linux distributions (e.g., Ubuntu Server LTS).
    • Processor: Intel Xeon (E5 or higher) or AMD EPYC equivalent.
    • Memory (RAM): Minimum 32 GB (64 GB recommended).
    • Storage: RAID 5 or RAID 10 configuration, with backup storage matching or exceeding server capacity.
    • Networking: Dual NICs recommended for redundancy.

    Networking Equipment

    • Firewall: Next-generation firewall (e.g., Unifi, Meraki recommended).
    • Switches: Managed switches with PoE where required (e.g., Unifi, Meraki recommended).
    • Wireless Access Points: Wi-Fi 6/6E APs for modern connectivity (e.g., Unifi, Meraki recommended).
    • ISP Speed: Minimum 100 Mbps (upload and download); higher speeds recommended for businesses with more than 10 employees.
  2. Software Requirements



    Operating Systems

    • All systems must run manufacturer-supported operating systems. Unsupported systems (e.g., Windows 10 after October 14, 2025) will not be serviced unless a clear and documented use case exists, such as compatibility issues with specific software or machinery.
    • In such cases, it is at our sole discretion whether to provide support. If support is granted, additional measures may be required to mitigate security risks, including but not limited to:
      • Network Segmentation: Physical or virtual isolation of the unsupported system.
      • Additional Security Controls: Purchase and installation of hardware or software necessary to safeguard your network and data.

      Any costs associated with implementing these measures will be the responsibility of the client. These requirements aim to ensure your environment remains secure and reliable while accommodating the specific needs of your business.

    Endpoint Protection

    • As part of our security stack, we require the installation of both Huntress EDR and Windows Defender. Together, these products offer robust protection against modern cybersecurity threats.

    Backups

    • Automated, monitored, and regularly tested backups must be configured, with a minimum 30-day retention period.

    Productivity Platforms

    • Customers Without a Custom Domain:
      • Migration away from generic email providers like Gmail, Yahoo, or Comcast (Xfinity) is strongly encouraged.
      • Statistics indicate that 60-90% of all cyberattacks originate from email-based threats.
    • Customers With a Custom Domain:
      • Microsoft 365 Business Standard or Business Premium (Microsoft 365 tenants preferred) or Google Workspace Business Starter or higher must be in use for user emails and productivity tools.
      • Email filtering and phishing protection are mandatory. We utilize Avanan by CheckPoint for email security and Huntress SAT for security awareness training.

    Network Monitoring

    • Devices must support SNMP or cloud-based management tools to enable effective monitoring and troubleshooting.
  3. Security Standards

    • Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Required for all critical systems and accounts.
    • Encryption: Full disk encryption (e.g., BitLocker for Windows, FileVault for macOS) is mandatory for all endpoints.
    • Password Management: Strong password policies must be enforced, with a minimum of 12 characters.

By adhering to these requirements, you ensure a stable and secure IT environment, enabling us to deliver exceptional service and support for your business. If you have any questions about these standards or need assistance bringing your systems up to compliance, please don’t hesitate to contact us.