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The DataTap blog

Plain-English IT, security and AI advice.

What we're seeing in the field, and what small and mid-sized businesses should actually do about it.

Isometric illustration of a glowing computer monitor with a padlock on screen next to three ascending cost bars and a calendar, representing rising Windows 10 ESU pricing deadlinesLatest
Managed IT Services · November 2, 2026 · 5 min read

Windows 10 ESU Pricing Just Doubled: What Businesses Should Do Before Year 3

Windows 10 ESU pricing doubles again in 2027. Here’s what Year 3 costs, what’s included, and how businesses should plan before then.

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Isometric illustration of a glowing computer monitor with a padlock on screen next to three ascending cost bars and a calendar, representing rising Windows 10 ESU pricing deadlinesManaged IT Services
November 2, 2026 · 5 min read

Windows 10 ESU Pricing Just Doubled: What Businesses Should Do Before Year 3

Windows 10 ESU pricing doubles again in 2027. Here’s what Year 3 costs, what’s included, and how businesses should plan before then.

IT administrator reviewing an immutable, offline backup dashboard on a laptop in a Boise office, illustrating ransomware-resistant data recoveryCybersecurity
October 16, 2026 · 5 min read

Ransomware Is Targeting Backups First in 2026 — Is Your Business Still Recoverable?

2026 data shows ransomware disables backups before encrypting data. See the stats and how businesses can build a recovery plan that survives it.

Illustration of a web browser window with an AI agent icon surrounded by warning shield symbols, representing agentic AI browser security riskCybersecurity
October 13, 2026 · 5 min read

Agentic AI Browsers Are a New Attack Surface: What Businesses Should Know Before Employees Start Using Them

AI browsers like ChatGPT Atlas and Perplexity Comet can be hijacked with zero clicks. Here’s what businesses need to know before adopting them.

Illustration of a digital padlock over a Microsoft 365 Copilot search bar, representing the SearchLeak vulnerability risk to business data.Cybersecurity
October 8, 2026 · 6 min read

What the Microsoft 365 Copilot “SearchLeak” Flaw Means for Businesses

A critical Microsoft 365 Copilot flaw let attackers steal emails and MFA codes in one click. Here’s what businesses should check before trusting Copilot.

Illustration of a small business office with an AI assistant icon connected through a protocol diagram to a locked database, symbolizing MCP security riskCybersecurity
October 6, 2026 · 6 min read

MCP Security Risks: What Businesses Should Know Before Connecting AI Agents to Their Data

AI agents using MCP carry real security risks. Learn what businesses should check before connecting AI coding assistants to sensitive data.

Illustration of an office worker at a laptop with a chat window and a warning icon, representing unsanctioned shadow AI use exposing company dataCybersecurity
September 30, 2026 · 6 min read

Shadow AI at Work: The Hidden Data Risk Growing Inside Businesses

Employees are feeding source code and client data into unapproved AI tools. Here’s what businesses need to know about shadow AI risk in 2026.

Stonks-inspired businessman beside RAM sticks and SSDs, with an orange rising arrow and AI server racks behind themManaged IT Services
September 28, 2026 · 7 min read

Why RAM and SSD Prices Are So High Right Now — And What You Can Actually Do About It

RAM and SSD prices are surging in 2026 because of AI demand for memory. Here’s what’s driving it and how consumers can respond smartly.

Laptop displaying an abstract AI network on a cabin desk overlooking mountains.Managed IT Services
September 23, 2026 · 5 min read

Local AI: A Helpful Assistant, Even When the Wi-Fi Is Gone

Learn how local AI models work offline, keep data on your device, and help with everyday tasks. Compare hardware needs and models for different uses.

Connected AI hub linking office documents, software code, research, and a private local computerManaged IT Services
September 21, 2026 · 7 min read

Which AI Model Should Your Business Use in 2026?

Compare Astra, ChatGPT, Claude, coding models, prices, usage limits, and local AI options for business in 2026.

Conceptual illustration of a laptop and field tablet connecting through a protected web application to a databaseManaged IT Services
September 18, 2026 · 5 min read

Turn Your Internal Database Into a Secure Web App

DataTap builds secure web apps from internal databases, with Microsoft SSO, AI-assisted development, remote access, and protection for business data.

Illustration of a farmer holding a tablet with farm records beside a crate of potatoes and storage sheds in an Idaho farm settingManaged IT Services
September 17, 2026 · 6 min read

From Spreadsheets to Spuds: Practical Database Apps for Potato Farms

Idaho potato growers still track harvest and storage on spreadsheets and clipboards. Here’s how a scoped database app fixes the fragile parts.

Illustration of a cloud icon labeled Microsoft 365 with a visible gap between it and a backup shield, representing the shared responsibility modelCybersecurity
September 16, 2026 · 5 min read

Microsoft 365 Won’t Back Up Your Data the Way You Think It Does

Microsoft 365 keeps your files running, not backed up. See the shared responsibility gap that leaves businesses exposed to permanent data loss.

Small business owner in a Boise office reviewing AI-generated code on a laptop screen with a security shield icon overlayCybersecurity
September 14, 2026 · 5 min read

The Hidden Security Risk in AI-Generated Code for Businesses

AI coding tools write working code, but not always secure code. Here’s what business owners should check before shipping AI-generated apps.

Six fixes for a Windows 11 PC that is slow after an update: clear the temp folder, empty the Recycle Bin, turn off startup apps, set visual effects, finish the restart, and update driversManaged IT Services
August 26, 2026 · 6 min read

Windows 11 Running Slow After an Update? Six Fixes to Try

Updates leave a few things behind: a restart that never finished, startup apps switched back on, and sometimes generic drivers. Six fixes, with a video walkthrough.

Ranking accounting softwareManaged IT Services
August 24, 2026 · 18 min read

Accounting Software for Small Business: How to Choose by Company Size

Which accounting software fits your business at 1 to 5, 6 to 20, or 20-plus employees, with verified August 2026 pricing and the security, backup, and migration work most buying guides skip.

You Already Know What AI Is. Here Is What Comes NextInsights
June 30, 2026 · 8 min read

You Already Know What AI Is. Here Is What Comes Next

By now, most business owners have tried an AI tool at least once. You have probably asked it to write an email, answer a question, or summarize something. That is a great start, and honestly, using AI as a day-to-day assistant is…

person typing password into laptopCybersecurity
December 26, 2025 · 4 min read

5 Identity Security Mistakes SMBs Make—and How Huntress ITDR Fixes Them

Cybersecurity used to be as simple as installing firewalls and antivirus software. However, the threat landscape has changed: today’s attackers don’t break in, they log in. For many small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs), identity is…

Male helpline assistant working at call center receptionManaged IT Services
November 25, 2025 · 4 min read

The Benefits of Managed IT Services for Businesses

When managing a growing business, you might be juggling multiple roles: from strategist and manager to the in-house IT department. However, as the company expands, handling technology issues can consume valuable time, significantly…

it downtimeManaged IT Services
August 20, 2025 · 5 min read

Why IT Downtime is So Expensive—And How to Avoid It

When your email stops working or your customer database goes offline, the clock starts ticking—and so do the costs. IT downtime is a business emergency that can drain your budget and damage your reputation faster than you might expect.…

woman working on computer in office using managed it services for small businessManaged IT Services
July 30, 2025 · 5 min read

Is Your Business Too Small for Managed IT? Think Again.

Running a small business means wearing many hats. You’re the CEO, the marketing director, the customer service rep, and often the IT department all rolled into one. But as your business grows and technology becomes more complex, that…

IT audit servicesManaged IT Services
January 22, 2025 · 4 min read

Why You Should Conduct an IT Audit for Your Business in the New Year

As the New Year begins, it’s the perfect time to reflect on your business operations and strategies for growth. While most companies focus on financial goals and team development, many overlook a crucial component of modern business…

cloud migration servicesCloud Migration
December 26, 2024 · 4 min read

Why Moving to the Cloud with Office 365 is a Game Changer for SMBs

Moving to the cloud sounds like a big deal—and honestly, it is. But for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs), it’s a game-changing opportunity that could revolutionize how you operate. And if you’re weighing your options, Office 365…

A smiling IT expert sitting at a desk with a computerManaged IT Services
November 25, 2024 · 4 min read

Managed IT Services vs. In-House IT: Which Is Right for Your Business?

With so much work done online, businesses face a critical decision about how to manage their IT needs effectively. Should you rely on managed IT services or build an in-house IT team? Both options have their unique advantages and…

small business it servicesCybersecurity
November 13, 2024 · 3 min read

The Top Cybersecurity Risks Facing SMBs, and How MSPs Can Mitigate Them

Running a small business today can feel a bit like a juggling act. Between managing daily operations, keeping up with industry trends and regulations, and staying ahead of the competition, there’s hardly any time to focus on…

Man takes a call at his desk in the eveningManaged IT Services
October 7, 2024 · 4 min read

The Advantages of Cloud-Hosted VoIP for Business Communication

Remember the days when your internet connection would cut out every time someone picked up the phone? Thankfully, those days are long gone. Technology has evolved, and with it, the way businesses communicate. Here comes cloud-hosted…

A group of coworkers gather around a computer at a cafeManaged IT Services
September 30, 2024 · 4 min read

The Essential IT Services Every Small Business Needs

As a small business owner, handling your own IT can be a real headache. It’s not just about picking the right equipment—there’s also keeping up with security updates and sorting out technical glitches. It can feel like an endless…

managed service provider near meManaged IT Services
September 6, 2024 · 3 min read

Disaster Recovery Planning: Preparing Your Business for the Unexpected

Picture this scenario—your business is sailing smoothly, and then out of nowhere, a disaster strikes. Whether it’s a natural calamity, a technological hiccup, or a human error, the aftermath can be overwhelming. But here’s the silver…

Scaling Your Small Business: How DataTap’s Managed IT Services Can Fuel Your GrowthManaged IT Services
May 8, 2024 · 3 min read

Scaling Your Small Business: How DataTap’s Managed IT Services Can Fuel Your Growth

For small business owners, growth isn’t just a goal; it’s a necessity. However, managing this growth effectively, especially in the realm of information technology (IT), poses significant challenges. As your business expands, so does…

The Essential Cyber Security Stack for Small Businesses: Microsoft Defender, Huntress, ThreatLocker, and Perception PointCybersecurity
March 22, 2024 · 4 min read

The Essential Cyber Security Stack for Small Businesses: Microsoft Defender, Huntress, ThreatLocker, and Perception Point

In the ever-evolving landscape of cybersecurity, small businesses find themselves facing challenges that were once reserved for larger enterprises. With limited resources and budgets, the need for a robust yet cost-effective security…

Why Transitioning from Windows 10 to Windows 11 is a Smart Move for Your BusinessInsights
March 12, 2024 · 3 min read

Why Transitioning from Windows 10 to Windows 11 is a Smart Move for Your Business

With DataTap as your trusted Managed Service Provider (MSP), we’re here to guide you through the evolving landscape of technology, ensuring that your business stays ahead, secure, and efficient. With the introduction of Windows 11, it’s…

Guardians at the Gate: Why Businesses Need Managed IT Firewall ServicesInsights
March 5, 2024 · 3 min read

Guardians at the Gate: Why Businesses Need Managed IT Firewall Services

In the digital battleground of cybersecurity, the firewall serves as the first layer of protection for businesses against online threats. However, the effectiveness of this defense can vary greatly. For businesses, relying on an…

Overcoming Obstacles: The Critical Need to Transition from Server 2012 R2Insights
February 20, 2024 · 2 min read

Overcoming Obstacles: The Critical Need to Transition from Server 2012 R2

In the dynamic world of technology, staying ahead is not just about innovation but also about ensuring the security and efficiency of your IT infrastructure. For businesses relying on Server 2012 R2 and older Operating Systems, the time…

Boosting Collaboration: Leveraging SharePoint for Enhancing Your BusinessInsights
February 13, 2024 · 2 min read

Boosting Collaboration: Leveraging SharePoint for Enhancing Your Business

In the dynamic realm of business, optimizing collaboration tools is paramount for streamlined operations and client satisfaction. Discover the unparalleled advantages of SharePoint over conventional file shares and elevate your business…

Securing Success: The Crucial Role of Email Spam Filtering for Your BusinessInsights
January 31, 2024 · 3 min read

Securing Success: The Crucial Role of Email Spam Filtering for Your Business

In the fast-paced world of digital communication, email remains a cornerstone for business interactions. However, with the convenience of email comes the persistent threat of spam, which can wreak havoc on your organization’s…

Computer Security concept. Chain and padlock on keyboard. Cyber security conceptCybersecurity
December 22, 2021 · 3 min read

Looking Back at the Biggest Cyber Incidents of 2021

Cyberattacks are becoming more common and based on some of the victims; no one appears to be completely safe.  As reported by the Identity Theft Resource Center, by September 30, 2021, the number of publicly-reported data compromises…

Maintenance engineer in white shirt is examining work of supercomputer in server roomManaged IT Services
December 15, 2021 · 3 min read

Differences Between On-Prem and Cloud Domain Services

One of the biggest decisions for small businesses is whether to host their services on premise or in the cloud. Each option has advantages and disadvantages, and it can be hard to decide which is best for your company if you don’t know…

IT engineer troubleshooting server in a data centerCybersecurity
October 28, 2021 · 3 min read

How Does Backup and Recovery Help Prevent Ransomware?

There’s a bit of a debate going on right now in the tech world after a recently published article by Forbes stated that backing up your data will do little to protect you from a ransomware attack. The theory is that if a ransomware…

Cybersecurity
July 14, 2021 · 5 min read

Best Cybersecurity Practices for Every Remote Employee

Cybersecurity is an essential consideration for all businesses. No organization can assume that it is off the radar of criminals who operate in the digital realm. The recent high-profile cyber attack on American Government an SME’s has…

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