UTEC

04/29/2025

Tech Mythbusters: The Worst IT Advice You’ve Ever Heard

We’ve all been there—someone drops a tech “pro tip” that sounds like it was ripped straight from the Dark Ages of IT.

Here are a few classics we’ve heard:

💾 “You don’t need backups—our computers never crash.” (Famous last words.)
🔌 “Just unplug it, wait five seconds, and it’ll fix itself.” (Unless it’s a server. Then you just ruined someone’s day.)
🛡️ “Cybersecurity? We’re too small to be a target.” (Hackers would like to have a word.)
☁ “The Cloud? Isn’t that just for cat memes?” (Tell that to every major business running on cloud infrastructure.)

Technology evolves, but bad IT advice is forever.

What’s the worst tech tip, myth, or flat-out disaster of an IT recommendation you’ve ever heard? Drop it in the comments and let’s bust some myths!

04/24/2025

Meetings, Brainstorms, and Presentations—Reimagined with AQUOS Boards

You know the drill. A team meeting starts, and within minutes:
• Someone struggles to connect their laptop to the projector.
• A brilliant idea gets lost in a sea of sticky notes.
• The remote team squints at their screens, missing key visuals.

By the end, half the room is disengaged, and your brainstorm feels more like a brain drizzle.

It doesn’t have to be this way.

With AQUOS Boards by Sharp, meetings, brainstorming sessions, and presentations become seamless, dynamic, and interactive. Whether you’re mapping out a strategy, running a lesson, or pitching a big idea, AQUOS Boards bring clarity and engagement to the table.

Why It Works in Any Setting:

✔ Sketch, Write, and Collaborate in Real-Time – No more whiteboard smudges or lost notes.
✔ Instant Connectivity – Wirelessly share content from laptops, tablets, and cloud apps.
✔ Crisp 4K Display – No more pixelated charts or unreadable slides.
✔ Hybrid-Ready – Remote participants stay fully engaged, seeing and interacting with content in real-time.

Meetings should spark ideas, not frustration. If your team is still struggling with outdated tools, maybe it’s time for an upgrade.

Check out the video and see how AQUOS Boards transform collaboration: https://hubs.li/Q03cw_cM0

Would this improve your team’s workflow? Share your thoughts below!

04/17/2025

Your Network is Talking—But Are You Listening?

Most businesses assume their network is secure—until it isn’t. Cyber threats don’t knock on the front door. They slip through hidden vulnerabilities, forgotten devices, and misconfigured systems that no one’s monitoring.

That’s why UTEC just launched a game-changing solution for businesses serious about cybersecurity: Network Data Discovery & Cyber Risk Management. (Full story here)

The Problem: Hidden Risks Lurking in Your Network

A financial firm came to UTEC with a problem—they thought their IT security was locked down. But when we ran a deep network scan, the results were shocking:

🚨 Dozens of unauthorized devices connected to their network.
🚨 Outdated software leaving critical vulnerabilities exposed.
🚨 Gaps in firewall protections that attackers could exploit.

This firm wasn’t careless—they just couldn’t see the full picture of their network.

The Solution: A 360° View of Cyber Risk

UTEC’s Network Data Discovery & Cyber Risk Management gives businesses the power to:

✔ Uncover every connected device—so nothing flies under the radar.
✔ Identify vulnerabilities before hackers do—so security gaps don’t turn into breaches.
✔ Get real-time, actionable insights—so IT teams can fix risks before they become disasters.

The result? A fully mapped, fully protected network—without the blind spots.

The Takeaway: If You Can’t See It, You Can’t Secure It

Cyber threats aren’t slowing down. If your business isn’t continuously monitoring its network, it’s operating on borrowed time.

💡 Want to know what’s really happening in your network? Let’s talk.

🔗 Read more: https://hubs.li/Q03cwSSB0

04/10/2025

Better Conversations, Stronger Connections: How UTEC & Zultys Are Redefining Customer Engagement

Customer experience isn’t just about what you say—it’s about how quickly, clearly, and seamlessly you connect with the people who matter most.

But here’s the reality:
❌ Missed calls = missed opportunities
❌ Slow response times = frustrated customers
❌ Disjointed communication = lost revenue

That’s why UTEC has partnered with Zultys—to deliver a next-level Unified Communications solution that keeps businesses connected, efficient, and ready for every customer interaction.

📞 One platform for every conversation – Voice, video, chat, and contact center solutions, all in one place.
⚡ Faster response times – Route calls and messages intelligently so customers aren’t left waiting.
🔗 Seamless integration – Connect with CRM and business apps to improve efficiency and customer satisfaction.
💡 Scalability without the headaches – A future-ready system that grows with your business.

With Zultys and UTEC, businesses are seeing real impact—higher customer engagement, fewer missed opportunities, and better workflow efficiency.

Want to see how this partnership can transform your business communication?

📲 Read more: https://hubs.li/Q03cwF5Z0

Leading Managed Technology Services Provider (MTSP) Leverages Unified Communications & Integrated Contact Center to Strengthen Customer Relationships  ANN ARBOR, MI – August 16, 2024 – UTEC, a leading Managed Technology Service Provider (MTSP), announced today that their strategic

04/03/2025

🏆 The Ultimate IT Bracket: What’s the GOAT of Business Tech?

March Madness isn’t just for basketball—let’s bring it to the world of business technology.

If you had to pick the one piece of tech that changed the game the most, which one takes the championship?

🏀 Final Four:

🔹 Email – The OG of digital communication. It’s been around since the dawn of the internet, and let’s be honest—we still can’t escape it.

🔹 The Cloud – Who needs clunky servers when everything can live in the cloud? Storage, collaboration, and accessibility redefined.

🔹 AI – From chatbots to automation, AI is rewriting the rules of business. Love it or fear it, it’s here to stay.

🔹 Video Calls – The tech that made pajama meetings socially acceptable. Would remote work even exist without it?

🚨 Who wins the championship? Cast your vote and tell us why your pick deserves the crown. Bonus points if you have a hot take!

👇 Drop your GOAT in the comments! Let’s settle this once and for all.

03/28/2025

Les from the UTEC team teams up with brothers Andrew and Justin Alexander—better known as The Alexander Drinking Team—for a deep dive into all things March Madness! With 500 attendees, delicious food, and bold tournament predictions, they bring the energy for buzzer-beaters, Cinderella stories, and the ultimate bracket chaos. Get ready for some lively Michigan vs. Michigan State rivalry talk, plenty of hoops chatter, and a final cheer for Sparty! 🏀🎉

🎥Watch the episode here: https://hubs.li/Q03dFYt60
🎧Listen to the episode here: https://hubs.li/Q03dFXty0

03/27/2025

Les from the UTEC team is joined by brothers Andrew and Justin Alexander (a.k.a. The Alexander Drinking Team) to talk all things March Madness! With 500 attendees, great food, and wild tournament predictions, they share their excitement for buzzer-beaters, Cinderella teams, and the chaos of brackets. Expect playful Michigan vs. Michigan State banter and plenty of hoops talk—plus a final cheer for Sparty!

🎥Watch the episode here: https://hubs.li/Q03dFTP60
🎧Listen to the episode here: https://hubs.li/Q03dF-bd0

03/25/2025

🎙️ Tune into ‘Les Kevin, More Tech’ – UTEC’s Premier Tech Podcast! 🎙️

At UTEC, we’re passionate about exploring the ever-evolving landscape of technology and its impact on businesses. That’s why we launched our very own podcast, ‘Les Kevin, More Tech’, where we delve into the latest tech trends, innovations, and insights that matter to you.

Hosted by: Kevin Van Kannel and Les Harris of UTEC, located in Ann Arbor, Michigan. 

What We Cover:
• Technology Marketing: Insights into how technology is transforming marketing strategies.
• Thought Leadership: Conversations with industry experts, entrepreneurs, and innovators.
• Business Evolution: Discussions on how technological advancements are reshaping the business landscape.

Recent Episodes:
• Cybersecurity Essentials: Exploring how small and medium-sized enterprises can strengthen their cybersecurity posture.
• Work Anywhere, Work Everywhere: Discussing the future of unified communications and remote work solutions.
• The Customer EXPERIENCE!: Emphasizing the importance of positive customer interactions in service industries.

Where to Listen:
• Apple Podcasts: https://hubs.li/Q03cwtXf0
• Spotify: https://hubs.li/Q03cwH6x0 
• UTEC Website: https://hubs.li/Q03cwsvt0 

Join the Conversation:
Stay ahead of the curve by subscribing to ‘Les Kevin, More Tech.’ Whether you’re a tech enthusiast, business professional, or just curious about the latest in technology, our podcast offers valuable insights and engaging discussions. 

Follow Us on Social Media:
• Facebook: https://hubs.li/Q03cwzj60 
• LinkedIn: https://hubs.li/Q03cwztk0 
• Twitter: https://hubs.li/Q03cwyPn0 

Don’t miss out on the latest tech conversations that can help drive your business forward. Subscribe today and let’s explore the future of technology together!

Business Podcast · Updated Weekly · ”Les Kevin, More Tech” is hosted by Kevin Van Kannel and Les Harris of UTEC, located in Ann Arbor, Michigan. The show dives into the technology marketing, while highlighting thought leaders, entrepren…

03/19/2025

LAST CHANCE!
🏀🎉March Madness is Heating Up at UTEC! Join the Excitement! 🎉🏀

The NCAA Tournament is about to be in full swing, and our Michigan teams are making waves! Michigan State has secured a No. 2 seed in the South Region, and Michigan holds a No. 5 seed in the West Region. Could we see both teams advance to the Elite Eight? Only time will tell!

Top 16 Seeds by Region:

South Region:
1. Auburn
2. Texas A&M
3. Wisconsin
4. Texas Tech

Midwest Region:
1. Alabama
2. Purdue
3. Iowa State
4. Kansas

West Region:
1. Florida
2. Houston
3. Kentucky
4. Michigan

East Region:
1. Duke
2. Tennessee
3. Arizona 
4. St. John’s

Who you got? Drop your bracket picks in the comments below!

Join us for our annual March Madness Open House on March 20th from 12-7 PM. Whether you’re a current UTEC client or a local business looking to connect, this is your chance to:

🏀Meet the UTEC team – Our networking experts will be on hand to chat and
answer your questions.

🏀Enjoy a fun, game-day atmosphere with a March Madness theme.

🏀Explore UTEC’s cutting-edge training facility – See where the next generation
of IT professionals learn their skills.

🏀Network with other professionals in the Michigan IT community.

It’s the perfect blend of business and bracketology! Don’t miss out on the fun and valuable connections.

➡️ Register for UTEC’s March Madness Open House today: https://hubs.li/Q03cwyqM0

View all the hype from last year’s event here: https://hubs.li/Q03cwp7S0

⬆️ Let's get amped up! ⬆️

Join us for our 2025 March Madness Open House! Food, drinks, industry experts, and a 165" video wall featuring all of the day's games.

03/17/2025

🍀Happy St. Patrick's Day☘️