This week, we’re excited to spotlight one of our own team members, Shane Blue, whose lifelong passion for martial arts ties directly into his incredible leadership here at Vintage IT Services.

Shane sits on our leadership team and manages our vCIO/Alignment Analyst team. This team is the backbone of proactive IT service, meeting with clients monthly to conduct 170+ point best-practice IT audits. They catch problems before they happen, assist with budget planning, ensure compliance, and help clients plan for growth and future projects. It’s a role that requires discipline, precision, and the ability to see the big picture—qualities Shane has been honing since 1992 when he first started training in Traditional Goju-Ryu Karate-Do under Sensei Lee Gray.

Shane didn’t just dabble in karate—he dominated. By 1997, he earned the title of AAU Texas State Traditional Karate Champion. Over the years, he operated his own dojo, taught defensive tactics to law enforcement agencies, and ran martial arts and self-defense classes at Amarillo College, including a thriving children’s and youth program. He achieved the rank of Shi Dan (4th Degree Black Belt), which is no small feat, and continues to train several hours each week.

While Shane isn’t actively teaching now, he credits his martial arts training as a core factor in developing his work ethic and self-discipline—both of which shine in his role at Vintage IT. Just like karate requires precision, adaptability, and a proactive approach to challenges, Shane applies the same mindset to leading his team and ensuring our clients’ IT environments are secure and future ready.

Shane’s story is a perfect example of how pursuing a passion outside of work can make you a stronger, more dynamic professional. Whether he’s mastering a kata or a complex IT environment, Shane brings the same level of dedication and excellence—and we’re lucky to have him leading the charge.

Encourage your team (and yourself) to pursue passion projects—it might just be the secret sauce to creativity and performance, both in and out of the workplace.

This Thanksgiving, we’re feeling especially grateful. Vintage IT Services has been named one of the Best Places to Work in Texas 2024 by the esteemed Best Companies Group!

This recognition is a testament to our amazing team and the culture of collaboration, innovation, and care we’ve built together. Through their feedback, we’ve been recognized as a company that fosters growth, values our employees, and supports their success.

We couldn’t have done it without the trust and partnership of our clients, friends, and supporters like you. Thank you for being part of our journey!

As part of our long-standing tradition of celebrating our incredible team, we’ve hosted some memorable events over the years, including one where hula dancers performed and invited our staff to join in on the fun. Moments like these reflect our commitment to creating a workplace where our team feels valued and celebrated.

As we celebrate this milestone, we want to wish you and your family a Happy Thanksgiving. May your holiday season be filled with joy, gratitude, and a dash of tech-savvy cheer!

Save the date! The Best Companies Group will host a virtual event honoring this year’s winners on February 20, 2025.

P.S. Want to know what makes us one of the best? Drop us a line to learn about our values and how we help businesses like yours thrive!

Best Companies Group is excited to announce the winners of the esteemed Best Places to Work in Texas 2024 list. The honorees, representing a wide array of industries, include companies that have set new standards for fostering exceptional work environments. 

The selection process for these winners was thorough, relying significantly on detailed employee surveys. Key factors such as corporate culture, training and development opportunities, salary and benefits, and overall employee satisfaction were crucial in identifying the top workplaces in Texas. 

Jaime Raul Zepeda, Executive Vice President of Best Companies Group, praised the outstanding quality of the selected companies. He stated, “Every winner on this list has crafted an exceptional work environment that attracts, retains, and motivates top talent. The Best Places to Work in Texas list features companies that have shown unwavering commitment to their employees’ satisfaction and growth.” 

Among the winners are notable businesses like Vintage IT Services. This company, along with others, has demonstrated a strong dedication to creating an inspiring, engaging, and supportive workplace for their teams. 

Best Companies Group will host a virtual event on February 20, 2025, to honor and celebrate these remarkable workplaces. This event will provide industry-wide recognition of their significant achievements in creating highly valued work environments.

Once again, congratulations to all winners for their outstanding dedication to fostering excellent workplaces in Texas. To learn more about the program and the winners list for this year’s program: https://bestcompaniesgroup.com/programs/best-places-to-work-in-texas/

About Best Companies Group: 

Best Companies Group is an independent research and consulting firm that specializes in identifying and recognizing the best places to work all over the world. 

Press Contact: 

Name: Jaime Raul Zepeda 

Title: Executive Vice President 

Email: [email protected] 

Phone: 415-730-2967 

What Does End of Support Mean?

When Microsoft ends support for an operating system, it means that the company will no longer provide updates, including critical security patches, or technical support. Without these updates, your systems could become vulnerable to security risks, malware, and other cyber threats. In essence, continuing to use Windows 10 past this date is like leaving your front door wide open in a neighborhood known for break-ins.

How This Affects You

If you are still using Windows 10 after October 14, 2025, your system will no longer receive protection against new and emerging threats. This puts your business data, customer information, and overall network security at significant risk. Additionally, as third-party software providers update their programs to work with newer operating systems, you may find that certain applications no longer function correctly or at all on an outdated Windows 10 system.

What Should You Do?

The best course of action is to start planning your upgrade to a newer, supported version of Windows, such as Windows 11. Upgrading early ensures that you avoid the last-minute rush, potential downtime, and the stress of transitioning under pressure. Plus, it allows you to take advantage of new features, improved performance, and enhanced security protocols available in the latest versions of Windows.

Vintage IT Services Is Here to Help

We understand that upgrading your operating system can be a daunting task, but you don’t have to do it alone. For all Vintage IT Services clients, we’re offering our full support during this transition. If you need assistance updating to the latest supported version of Microsoft, simply submit a ticket to our helpdesk, and our team will be ready to assist you with the upgrade process. We’ll work with you to minimize any disruptions to your daily operations and ensure your transition is as smooth as possible.

Stay Ahead of the Curve

Don’t wait until the last minute to upgrade. By taking action now, you can secure your business and keep it running smoothly without the fear of unexpected vulnerabilities. Reach out to us today, and let’s start planning your transition to a safer, more reliable operating system.

Thank you for your continued trust in Vintage IT Services. We’re here to ensure your technology is always working for you.

For the 6thTime, Vintage IT Services Makes the Inc. 5000, at No.3511 in 2024, With Three-Year Revenue Growth of 137 Percent!

NEW YORK, August 13, 2024 – Inc. revealed that Vintage IT Services ranks No. 3511 on the 2024 Inc. 5000, its annual list of the fastest-growing private companies in America. The prestigious ranking provides a data-driven look at the most successful companies within the economy’s most dynamic segment—its independent, entrepreneurial businesses. Microsoft, Meta, Chobani, Under Armour, Timberland, Oracle, Patagonia, and many other household-name brands gained their first national exposure as honorees on the Inc. 5000.

The Inc. 5000 class of 2024 represents companies that have driven rapid revenue growth while navigating inflationary pressure, the rising costs of capital, and seemingly intractable hiring challenges. Among this year’s top 500 companies, the average median three-year revenue growth rate is 1,637 percent. In all, this year’s Inc. 5000 companies have added 874,458 jobs to the economy over the past three years.

For complete results of the Inc. 5000, including company profiles and an interactive database that can be sorted by industry, location, and other criteria, go to www.inc.com/inc5000. All 5000 companies are featured on Inc.com starting Tuesday, August 13, and the top 500 appear in the new issue of Inc. magazine, available on newsstands beginning Tuesday, August 20.

“One of the greatest joys of my job is going through the Inc. 5000 list,” says Mike Hofman, who recently joined Inc. as editor-in-chief. “To see all the intriguing and surprising ways that companies are transforming sectors, from health care and AI to apparel and pet food, is fascinating for me as a journalist and storyteller. Congratulations to this year’s honorees, as well, for growing their businesses fast despite the economic disruption we all faced over the past three years, from supply chain woes to inflation to changes in the workforce.”

“We are truly honored to be recognized among the Inc. 5000 fastest-growing companies. This achievement reflects the hard work, dedication, and passion of our entire team, who have been the driving force behind our growth. It is their commitment to excellence and innovation that has brought us to this point, and we are grateful to our clients and partners for their trust and support. This milestone is a testament to the power of collaboration and perseverance, and we look forward to continuing this journey together.” – Steve Hanes, CEO of Vintage IT Services.

Vintage IT Services is a leader in providing managed IT, cloud, and security solutions, serving a wide range of clients from local businesses to state and local governments as a DIR contract holder. As the largest privately and locally owned managed service provider (MSP) in Austin, we have consistently set ourselves apart through our commitment to proactive services, ensuring our clients’ systems are not only maintained but optimized for peak performance.

Our approach to proactive services includes round-the-clock maintenance and a dedicated Central Services team that manages our sophisticated tools, from security detection to software patching and backups. This team is supported by our partners at the Security Operations Center (SOC) and Network Operations Center (NOC), ensuring seamless operations without impacting project delivery or support response times.

A key differentiator for Vintage IT Services is our investment in roles like the Alignment Analyst and vCIO. These dedicated professionals focus exclusively on aligning IT solutions with our clients’ evolving business needs. They conduct monthly audits, manage IT budgeting, and perform comprehensive quarterly business reviews, dedicating significant time each month to each client to reduce downtime and increase productivity. This focus on strategic IT management reduces support tickets, improving client satisfaction and allowing businesses to focus on growth.

Our commitment to investing in our team and leadership means that the same trusted professionals you interact with today will likely continue to support your business in the years to come. This continuity, combined with our award-winning service and solutions, underscores our dedication to providing exceptional IT services that drive success for our clients.

CONTACT:    

Sandra Antoun, Director of Sales & Marketing 512-470-3453 [email protected]

Methodology

Companies on the 2024 Inc. 5000 are ranked according to percentage revenue growth from 2020 to 2023. To qualify, companies must have been founded and generating revenue by March 31, 2020. They must be U.S.-based, privately held, for-profit, and independent—not subsidiaries or divisions of other companies—as of December 31, 2023. (Since then, some on the list may have gone public or been acquired.) The minimum revenue required for 2020 is $100,000; the minimum for 2023 is $2 million. As always, Inc. reserves the right to decline applicants for subjective reasons. Growth rates used to determine company rankings were calculated to four decimal places.

About Inc.

Inc. Business Media is the leading multimedia brand for entrepreneurs. Through its journalism, Inc. aims to inform, educate, and elevate the profile of our community: the risk-takers, the innovators, and the ultra-driven go-getters who are creating our future. Inc.’s award-winning work achieves a monthly brand footprint of more than 40 million across a variety of channels, including events, print, digital, video, podcasts, newsletters, and social media. Its proprietary Inc. 5000 list, produced every year since its launch as the Inc. 100 in 1982, analyzes company data to rank the fastest-growing privately held businesses in the United States. The recognition that comes with inclusion on this and other prestigious Inc. lists, such as Female Founders and Power Partners, gives the founders of top businesses the opportunity to engage with an exclusive community of their peers, and credibility that helps them drive sales and recruit talent. For more information, visit www.inc.com.

For more information on the Inc. 5000 Conference & Gala, to be held from October 16 to 18 in Palm Desert, California, please visit http://conference.inc.com/. 

Why the 4th of July Matters

The 4th of July is more than just a day off from work, a barbecue with friends, or a fireworks show. It is a day to commemorate the birth of a nation that was founded on the principles of freedom, democracy, and equality. It is a day to honor the courage and sacrifice of the men and women who fought for those ideals and continue to do so today. It is a day to reflect on the values that unite us as Americans and the challenges that we face as a global community.

How We Can Help You Celebrate

As your trusted IT partner, we want to help you enjoy this special day without worrying about your technology needs. Whether you need to stay connected with your customers, secure your data, or optimize your systems, we are here to provide you with the best solutions and support. We are proud to serve you and to be part of your success story.

What You Can Do for Fun

We know that you work hard and deserve some fun. That’s why we want to share with you a video that went viral recently and made us laugh. The video shows a spirited little girl who expresses her opinion about the wicked ice cream truck driver. She won’t let this driver rip her off by asking for 9 pounds for two cones and refusing to take cash! See her amusing response as she defends herself and her sister. We hope you enjoy it as much as we did and have a good laugh.

We wish you a happy and safe 4th of July. Thank you for choosing us as your IT partner. We look forward to serving you in the future.

Click here to watch her in action!

Austin, Texas, May 13, 2024 — Vintage IT Services, we focus on technology so you can focus on your business, announced today that CRN^®, a brand of The Channel Company, has named Sandra Antoun, Director of Sales & Marketing as a 2024 Women of the Channel Power 100 Solution Provider—an elite subset of prominent leaders selected from the CRN^® 2024 Women of the Channel list.

Every year, CRN highlights women from vendor, distributor, and solution provider organizations whose vision and leadership have a beneficial influence on the technology industry. The CRN 2024 Women of the Channel honorees are creative, strategic leaders who show ongoing commitment to leveraging their skills to innovate and drive success for their partners and customers.

The annual Power 100 Solution Provider list honors the most influential women in leadership at some of the country’s most prominent IT integrators, managed service providers and value-added resellers for their channel advocacy and dedication to helping their customers and technology partners thrive.

As the Director of Sales and Marketing at Vintage IT Services, Sandra Antoun plays a crucial role in shaping the strategic direction of the Vintage IT’s sales and marketing efforts. Her accomplishments include developing and executing effective sales strategies and marketing campaigns that align with the overall business objectives. In her position, she is responsible for leading a team to drive revenue growth, enhance brand visibility, and establish strong relationships within the industry.

Her contribution to the channel, especially in a technology and IT services company involves fostering partnerships, expanding the customer base, and adapting the company’s offerings to meet the evolving needs of the market. Sandra’s leadership in sales and marketing directly impacts the company’s market position and its ability to compete effectively in the IT services sector.

Given the nature of her role, Sandra’s success has been measured by the growth in client acquisition, the effectiveness of marketing initiatives, and the ability to meet or exceed sales targets. Her strategic insight and ability to adapt to market changes are vital for driving the Vintage IT’s success in a competitive environment.

In recognition of her exceptional leadership and achievements, Sandra was honored with the prestigious “Sales Executive of the Year” award in the Solution Provider category at the Channel Company’s Women of the Year Awards Gala in New York City in 2023. This accolade underscores her outstanding contributions to the IT channel and highlights her significant role in propelling Vintage IT Services forward in a dynamic industry landscape.

“It is a great privilege to honor the remarkable achievements of these women leaders in the IT channel,” said Jennifer Follett, VP, U.S. Content and Executive Editor, CRN, at The Channel Company. “Each woman on the list has demonstrated a deep commitment to innovation and leadership that advances their organizations and drives transformation and success across the IT channel.”

“Sandra’s role as Director of Sales and Marketing at Vintage IT Services has been nothing short of transformative. Her strategic acumen and relentless drive have significantly enhanced our market presence and customer engagement. It’s been an honor to have her on the Vintage team, where her leadership not only drives growth but also inspires all of us to strive for excellence in everything we do,” stated Steve Hanes, CEO of Vintage IT Services.

The 2024 Women of the Channel list will be featured in the June issue of CRN Magazine, with online coverage starting May 13 at www.CRN.com/WOTC.

About Vintage IT Services

Vintage IT Services is a leading provider of managed IT, cloud, and security solutions, based in Austin, Texas. As a woman-owned enterprise, Vintage IT is dedicated to delivering comprehensive technology solutions that empower businesses across the United States. Our services range from managed IT support and cloud storage solutions to cybersecurity and strategic IT consulting. Vintage IT is committed to providing exceptional service and innovative solutions that enable our clients to operate more efficiently and securely. Our dedication to quality and customer satisfaction has established us as a trusted partner in the IT industry.

About The Channel Company

The Channel Company enables breakthrough IT channel performance with our dominant media, engaging events, expert consulting and education, and innovative marketing services and platforms. As the channel catalyst, we connect and empower technology suppliers, solution providers, and end-users. Backed by over 40 years of unequaled channel experience, we draw from our deep knowledge to envision innovative solutions for ever-evolving challenges in the technology marketplace. www.thechannelcompany.com 

Follow The Channel Company: X and LinkedIn.

© 2024. CRN is a registered trademark of The Channel Company, Inc. All rights reserved.

The Channel Company Contact:

Kristin DaSilva

The Channel Company

[email protected]

The MSP 500 list compiled by CRN serves as a comprehensive guide to identifying and recognizing the top Managed Service Providers (MSPs) in North America. MSPs play a crucial role in supporting businesses by offering managed services that enhance efficiency, simplify IT solutions, and optimize return on investment.

The annual MSP 500 list is divided into three sections: the MSP Pioneer 250, recognizing companies with business models weighted toward managed services and largely focused on the SMB market; the MSP Elite 150, recognizing large, data center-focused MSPs with a strong mix of on- and off-premises services; and the Managed Security 100, recognizing MSPs focused primarily on off-premises and cloud-based security services.

The MSP 500 list aims to showcase and celebrate MSPs that are driving growth and innovation in the industry. These service providers not only enable businesses to harness complex technologies but also contribute to maintaining a strong focus on core business goals without stretching financial resources. By categorizing MSPs based on their business models and areas of expertise, the list helps end-users find the right partners to meet their specific needs and challenges in the rapidly evolving technology landscape.

Vintage IT Services, a leading provider of managed IT, cloud, and security solutions, has been acknowledged in the Pioneer 250 category of CRN’s Managed Service Provider (MSP) 500 list for 2024. This prestigious recognition is awarded to solution providers in North America who demonstrate an innovative and forward-thinking approach in delivering managed services. Vintage IT Services’ inclusion in this list highlights our commitment to excellence and our role in transforming the IT channel landscape.

Jennifer Follett, VP of US Content and executive Editor CRN, The Channel Company, emphasized the significance of managed services for businesses at various scales, stating, “Managed services provide a route for businesses of all sizes to maintain efficiency and adaptability throughout their growth journey. The solution providers featured in our 2024 MSP 500 list are introducing cutting-edge managed services portfolios to the market, enabling their clients to achieve success by optimizing their IT budgets. This allows businesses to allocate resources strategically, concentrating on mission-critical tasks that drive future success.”

“We are immensely proud to be recognized on the CRN Managed Service Provider (MSP) 500 List in the Pioneer 250 category for 2024. This acknowledgment is not just a testament to our team’s dedication and hard work but also a reflection of our unwavering commitment to innovation and excellence in the IT services sector. At Vintage IT Services, we strive to be at the forefront of providing cutting-edge, tailored IT solutions that not only meet but exceed the evolving needs of our clients. This recognition by CRN underscores our position as a leader in the managed services industry and fuels our passion to continue pushing the boundaries of service, technology, and customer satisfaction.” Sandra Antoun – Director of Sales & Marketing.

The MSP 500 list will be featured in the February 2024 issue of CRN and online at www.crn.com/msp500.

About The Channel Company

The Channel Company enables breakthrough IT channel performance with our dominant media, engaging events, expert consulting and education, and innovative marketing services and platforms. As the channel catalyst, we connect and empower technology suppliers, solution providers and end users. Backed by more than 40 years of unequalled channel experience, we draw from our deep knowledge to envision innovative new solutions for ever-evolving challenges in the technology marketplace. www.thechannelco.com

Follow The Channel Company: Twitter, LinkedIn, and Facebook.

© 2024 The Channel Company LLC. CRN is a registered trademark of The Channel Company, LLC. All rights reserved.

The Channel Company Contact:

Kristin DaSilva

The Channel Company

[email protected]

Financial Management:

Managed IT services can help businesses control costs with predictable monthly expenses for IT management, reducing the need for large capital expenditures on hardware and IT staff.

Cloud services enable a scalable IT infrastructure, allowing businesses to pay for only the resources they use, which can be adjusted as the business grows or experiences fluctuations.

Cybersecurity:

Managed security services provide businesses with enterprise-level security measures, including regular updates, monitoring, and rapid response to threats, without the same investment needed for in-house resources.

Cloud providers typically offer robust security measures, adhering to strict compliance standards, and provide tools for enhanced data protection.

Operational Efficiency:

Managed IT services streamline operations by maintaining and optimizing IT systems, reducing downtime and increasing productivity.

Cloud computing offers tools for automation and integration of business processes, allowing for better allocation of human resources.

Regulatory Compliance:

Managed service providers (MSPs) stay up-to-date with the latest compliance regulations and can ensure that a business’s IT infrastructure adheres to necessary legal standards.

Cloud services often come with compliance controls built-in, which can be customized to meet specific industry regulations.

Talent Recruitment and Retention:

With managed IT services handling the routine maintenance and support, in-house IT teams can focus on more strategic and innovative projects that contribute to job satisfaction.

Cloud services offer flexible work arrangements through remote access to work systems, which is highly attractive to current and prospective employees.

Customer Acquisition and Retention:

Managed IT services ensure that customer-facing systems are running smoothly, enhancing the customer experience and supporting sales and customer service efforts.

Cloud-based CRM and data analytics tools help in understanding customer behavior and personalizing marketing efforts to both acquire and retain customers.

Adapting to Market Changes:

MSPs provide expertise and resources to quickly adapt technology to meet changing market demands without the lag of in-house development.

Cloud services offer the agility to deploy, test, and scale new applications or services rapidly, allowing businesses to pivot as needed.

Sustainability and Social Responsibility:

Managed IT services help in optimizing energy consumption by ensuring that IT resources are used efficiently.

Cloud infrastructures are often designed with sustainability in mind, utilizing green technologies and running in data centers that are energy efficient.

Technology and Digital Transformation:

MSPs can facilitate digital transformation by advising on and implementing the latest technologies that align with business goals.

Cloud services provide access to advanced technologies (like AI and machine learning) without hefty upfront investments, enabling small businesses to innovate.

Sales and Marketing Effectiveness:

Managed IT services ensure that sales and marketing tools are always available and up to date, allowing for uninterrupted campaigns and outreach.

Cloud services offer a wealth of analytics and data-processing tools that help sales and marketing teams to better understand and target their demographics.

By leveraging managed IT and cloud services, business owners can effectively address their major concerns, focus on their core competencies, and drive their business towards greater growth and efficiency.

At Vintage IT Services we strive to keep you informed about the latest cybersecurity threats and industry trends. In this edition, we will delve into the top 10 data breaches that occurred in 2023. By analyzing these incidents, we can learn valuable lessons and implement proactive measures to protect our own data and networks.

GlobalTech Corp: A multinational technology giant fell victim to a massive data breach affecting millions of customer records. The breach exposed personal information, including names, addresses, and email addresses.

Financial Bank: A major financial institution experienced a breach resulting from a sophisticated phishing attack. Hackers gained unauthorized access to customer accounts, compromising sensitive financial data.

Healthcare Systems: Several healthcare organizations suffered breaches, leading to the exposure of patients’ medical records and personal information. These incidents raised concerns about data privacy and the potential for identity theft.

Government Agency: A government agency’s database was compromised, leading to the exposure of sensitive citizen information. The breach raised questions about the robustness of security measures in public institutions.

E-commerce Retailer: A popular online retailer encountered a data breach that exposed customers’ payment card information, leading to potential financial losses and identity theft risks.

Social Media Platform: A widely-used social media platform faced a security breach, resulting in the compromise of millions of user accounts. This incident highlighted the importance of robust authentication mechanisms and secure password practices.

Educational Institution: A university suffered a breach where student and faculty information, including personally identifiable information (PII), was stolen. The incident underscored the need for stronger cybersecurity measures within educational institutions.

Transportation Company: A transportation company experienced a cyberattack that disrupted critical infrastructure and compromised operational systems. This incident raised concerns about the vulnerabilities of interconnected systems in the transportation sector.

Hospitality Industry: A hotel chain encountered a breach that exposed customers’ personal details, including names, phone numbers, and credit card information. The incident highlighted the importance of robust data protection in the hospitality industry.

Cloud Service Provider: A significant cloud service provider experienced a breach that impacted numerous businesses relying on their services. The incident emphasized the importance of due diligence when selecting cloud service providers and implementing additional security measures.

These data breaches remind us of the constant threat cybercriminals pose to organizations of all sizes and sectors. To mitigate such risks, it is crucial to implement comprehensive cybersecurity strategies and remain vigilant in the face of evolving threats. As the largest privately owned MSP in Austin Texas, we are committed to assisting you in safeguarding your valuable assets and data.

If you have any concerns or require assistance with enhancing your organization’s cybersecurity posture, please do not hesitate to reach out to our expert team. We are here to support you and keep your digital landscape secure.

Take action and don’t let your business take the 11th spot on this list. Stay safe and secure!