# Datalyst Blog

Datalyst delivers expert managed IT services in Providence, RI. Optimize performance, secure your systems, and grow with us. Contact us today!

 [ Categories ](https://www.datalyst.net/blog/categories "Categories")

 [ Tags ](https://www.datalyst.net/blog/tags "Tags")

 [ Categories:  All Categories ](https://www.datalyst.net/javascript:void(0); "Categories")

 Search...Suggested keywords

 [  x ](https://www.datalyst.net/javascript:void(0);)

 <a class="eb-image-viewport"></a>

 [ ![Daniel Mathieu](https://www.datalyst.net/images/easyblog_avatar/808_808_blogauthor.png) ](https://www.datalyst.net/blog/blogger/daniel-mathieu)

##  [Daniel Mathieu](https://www.datalyst.net/blog/blogger/daniel-mathieu)

  [  Subscribe to updates from author ](https://www.datalyst.net/javascript:void(0);) [  Unsubscribe to updates from author ](https://www.datalyst.net/javascript:void(0);)   [  ](https://www.datalyst.net/blog/blogger/daniel-mathieu?format=feed&type=rss)

Dan is a trusted IT advisor with a background of over 25 years in IT and continuously works on the challenges of putting the right people in place to drive business growth and customer satisfaction.

 [ ![Daniel Mathieu](https://www.datalyst.net/images/easyblog_avatar/808_808_blogauthor.png) ](https://www.datalyst.net/blog/blogger/daniel-mathieu)

##  [How Thoughtful Leaders Use Hybrid Work to Win](https://www.datalyst.net/newsletter-content/how-thoughtful-leaders-use-hybrid-work-to-win)

  Tuesday, 27 January 2026

  [Daniel Mathieu](https://www.datalyst.net/blog/blogger/daniel-mathieu)

  [Newsletter](https://www.datalyst.net/newsletter-content)

 [ ![How Thoughtful Leaders Use Hybrid Work to Win](https://www.datalyst.net/images/easyblog_shared/February_2026_Newsletters/1.0/b2ap3_large_HybridWork_492617237_400.jpg) ](https://www.datalyst.net/newsletter-content/how-thoughtful-leaders-use-hybrid-work-to-win "How Thoughtful Leaders Use Hybrid Work to Win")

The shift toward flexible work has evolved from a temporary fix into a useful business engine. Forward-thinking leaders are moving past the logistical hurdles of the last few years and are now asking how they can intentionally use remote and hybrid work models to win. By moving beyond a simple “log-in and do your job” mentality, you can unlock hidden efficiencies and slash traditional overhead costs. Here is how to thoughtfully use these strategies to build a more resilient and profitable organization.

Tags:

  [Productivity](https://www.datalyst.net/blog/tags/productivity-1)   [Remote](https://www.datalyst.net/blog/tags/remote)   [Workplace Strategy](https://www.datalyst.net/blog/tags/workplace-strategy)

  [0 Comments](https://www.datalyst.net/newsletter-content/how-thoughtful-leaders-use-hybrid-work-to-win#comments)

 [ Continue reading](https://www.datalyst.net/newsletter-content/how-thoughtful-leaders-use-hybrid-work-to-win)

 [ ![Daniel Mathieu](https://www.datalyst.net/images/easyblog_avatar/808_808_blogauthor.png) ](https://www.datalyst.net/blog/blogger/daniel-mathieu)

##  [New to Managed Services? Here Are 3 No-Brainers to Consider](https://www.datalyst.net/blog/new-to-managed-services-here-are-3-no-brainers-to-consider)

  Monday, 26 January 2026

  [Daniel Mathieu](https://www.datalyst.net/blog/blogger/daniel-mathieu)

  [Datalyst Blog](https://www.datalyst.net/blog/categories/blog)   [Security](https://www.datalyst.net/blog/categories/security)

 [ ![New to Managed Services? Here Are 3 No-Brainers to Consider](https://www.datalyst.net/images/easyblog_shared/January_2026/1-26-26/b2ap3_large_MSP_1861132946_400.jpg) ](https://www.datalyst.net/blog/new-to-managed-services-here-are-3-no-brainers-to-consider "New to Managed Services? Here Are 3 No-Brainers to Consider")

As your business has grown, have you fallen into the tech trap of DIY IT solutions? While you might have started with just a handful of employees, the infrastructure you’ve built is no longer sustainable or reliable. You need professional help if you want your business to stay competitive, and we have just the thing for you.

Tags:

  [Security](https://www.datalyst.net/blog/tags/security)   [Data Recovery](https://www.datalyst.net/blog/tags/data-recovery)   [Managed Service](https://www.datalyst.net/blog/tags/managed-service)

  [0 Comments](https://www.datalyst.net/blog/new-to-managed-services-here-are-3-no-brainers-to-consider#comments)

 [ Continue reading](https://www.datalyst.net/blog/new-to-managed-services-here-are-3-no-brainers-to-consider)

 [ ![Daniel Mathieu](https://www.datalyst.net/images/easyblog_avatar/808_808_blogauthor.png) ](https://www.datalyst.net/blog/blogger/daniel-mathieu)

##  [Tracking Cloud Costs is a Strategic Necessity](https://www.datalyst.net/newsletter-content/tracking-cloud-costs-is-a-strategic-necessity)

  Saturday, 24 January 2026

  [Daniel Mathieu](https://www.datalyst.net/blog/blogger/daniel-mathieu)

  [Newsletter](https://www.datalyst.net/newsletter-content)

 [ ![Tracking Cloud Costs is a Strategic Necessity](https://www.datalyst.net/images/easyblog_shared/February_2026_Newsletters/1.0/b2ap3_large_CloudCost_1717000301_400.jpg) ](https://www.datalyst.net/newsletter-content/tracking-cloud-costs-is-a-strategic-necessity "Tracking Cloud Costs is a Strategic Necessity")

Moving to the cloud is supposed to be the action any business can take to help them scale aggressively. For most companies, it comes with a fair amount of waste. Imagine signing up for a pay-as-you-go gym, but they keep charging you for classes you forgot to cancel and lockers you aren't using. That’s effectively what cloud waste is; a sad, empty locker you pay for.

Tags:

  [Best Practices](https://www.datalyst.net/blog/tags/best-practices)   [Saving Money](https://www.datalyst.net/blog/tags/saving-money)   [Cloud](https://www.datalyst.net/blog/tags/cloud)

  [0 Comments](https://www.datalyst.net/newsletter-content/tracking-cloud-costs-is-a-strategic-necessity#comments)

 [ Continue reading](https://www.datalyst.net/newsletter-content/tracking-cloud-costs-is-a-strategic-necessity)

 [ ![Daniel Mathieu](https://www.datalyst.net/images/easyblog_avatar/808_808_blogauthor.png) ](https://www.datalyst.net/blog/blogger/daniel-mathieu)

##  [Want to Make Security Training Easier? Embrace Micro-Learning](https://www.datalyst.net/blog/want-to-make-security-training-easier-embrace-micro-learning)

  Friday, 23 January 2026

  [Daniel Mathieu](https://www.datalyst.net/blog/blogger/daniel-mathieu)

  [Datalyst Blog](https://www.datalyst.net/blog/categories/blog)   [Security](https://www.datalyst.net/blog/categories/security)

 [ ![Want to Make Security Training Easier? Embrace Micro-Learning](https://www.datalyst.net/images/easyblog_shared/January_2026/1-23-26/b2ap3_large_SecureTraining_1403913317_400.jpg) ](https://www.datalyst.net/blog/want-to-make-security-training-easier-embrace-micro-learning "Want to Make Security Training Easier? Embrace Micro-Learning")

Can your team recall what you discussed during your last mandatory cybersecurity training session? We doubt it, and not because you did a bad job (we’re sure you did an excellent job on that PowerPoint, champ). It’s just that small business security training is far from engaging by default, and it’s seen as more of a requirement than anything else. If you want to shift this “annual compliance” perspective, you’ll have to make some changes, and fast.

Tags:

  [Security](https://www.datalyst.net/blog/tags/security)   [Training](https://www.datalyst.net/blog/tags/training)   [Compliance](https://www.datalyst.net/blog/tags/compliance)

  [0 Comments](https://www.datalyst.net/blog/want-to-make-security-training-easier-embrace-micro-learning#comments)

 [ Continue reading](https://www.datalyst.net/blog/want-to-make-security-training-easier-embrace-micro-learning)

 [ ![Daniel Mathieu](https://www.datalyst.net/images/easyblog_avatar/808_808_blogauthor.png) ](https://www.datalyst.net/blog/blogger/daniel-mathieu)

##  [Why Percussive Maintenance is Killing Your Technology](https://www.datalyst.net/blog/why-percussive-maintenance-is-killing-your-technology)

  Wednesday, 21 January 2026

  [Daniel Mathieu](https://www.datalyst.net/blog/blogger/daniel-mathieu)

  [Datalyst Blog](https://www.datalyst.net/blog/categories/blog)   [Best Practices](https://www.datalyst.net/blog/categories/best-practices)

 [ ![Why Percussive Maintenance is Killing Your Technology](https://www.datalyst.net/images/easyblog_shared/January_2026/1-21-26/b2ap3_large_BeatTech_196710375_400.jpg) ](https://www.datalyst.net/blog/why-percussive-maintenance-is-killing-your-technology "Why Percussive Maintenance is Killing Your Technology")

We’ve all been there: the Wi-Fi drops during a high-stakes meeting, or the TV remote ignores your commands for the tenth time. In a moment of pure frustration, you give the device a love tap, and—as if by magic—it starts working again.

Whether you call it percussive maintenance or just asserting dominance, that physical jab feels like a victory. While that slap might provide a temporary fix, you’re actually playing a high-stakes game of planned obsolescence.

Tags:

  [Best Practices](https://www.datalyst.net/blog/tags/best-practices)   [Quick Tips](https://www.datalyst.net/blog/tags/quick-tips)   [Technology](https://www.datalyst.net/blog/tags/technology)

  [0 Comments](https://www.datalyst.net/blog/why-percussive-maintenance-is-killing-your-technology#comments)

 [ Continue reading](https://www.datalyst.net/blog/why-percussive-maintenance-is-killing-your-technology)

 [ ![Daniel Mathieu](https://www.datalyst.net/images/easyblog_avatar/808_808_blogauthor.png) ](https://www.datalyst.net/blog/blogger/daniel-mathieu)

##  [AI Doesn’t Need to Replace Workers](https://www.datalyst.net/blog/ai-doesn-t-need-to-replace-workers)

  Monday, 19 January 2026

  [Daniel Mathieu](https://www.datalyst.net/blog/blogger/daniel-mathieu)

  [Datalyst Blog](https://www.datalyst.net/blog/categories/blog)   [Technology](https://www.datalyst.net/blog/categories/technology)

 [ ![AI Doesn’t Need to Replace Workers](https://www.datalyst.net/images/easyblog_shared/January_2026/1-19-26/b2ap3_large_AIReplacement_1694212458_400.jpg) ](https://www.datalyst.net/blog/ai-doesn-t-need-to-replace-workers "AI Doesn’t Need to Replace Workers")

Quantifying the impact of AI on employment is notoriously difficult because technology rarely replaces a job in its entirety. Instead, it tends to disassemble a role into its component tasks. While AI is exceptionally efficient at handling repetitive, data-heavy, or predictable processes, it struggles with the high-level reasoning and interpersonal nuances that define many professions.

Tags:

  [Technology](https://www.datalyst.net/blog/tags/technology)   [Workplace Tips](https://www.datalyst.net/blog/tags/workplace-tips)   [AI](https://www.datalyst.net/blog/tags/ai)

  [0 Comments](https://www.datalyst.net/blog/ai-doesn-t-need-to-replace-workers#comments)

 [ Continue reading](https://www.datalyst.net/blog/ai-doesn-t-need-to-replace-workers)

 [ ![Daniel Mathieu](https://www.datalyst.net/images/easyblog_avatar/808_808_blogauthor.png) ](https://www.datalyst.net/blog/blogger/daniel-mathieu)

##  [Your 3-Step Plan to Avoid the Invisible Tax](https://www.datalyst.net/blog/your-3-step-plan-to-avoid-the-invisible-tax)

  Friday, 16 January 2026

  [Daniel Mathieu](https://www.datalyst.net/blog/blogger/daniel-mathieu)

  [Datalyst Blog](https://www.datalyst.net/blog/categories/blog)   [Business](https://www.datalyst.net/blog/categories/business)

 [ ![Your 3-Step Plan to Avoid the Invisible Tax](https://www.datalyst.net/images/easyblog_shared/January_2026/1-16-26/b2ap3_large_ITSpend_1848301802_400.jpg) ](https://www.datalyst.net/blog/your-3-step-plan-to-avoid-the-invisible-tax "Your 3-Step Plan to Avoid the Invisible Tax")

It’s easy in IT to see a large IT invoice and think something needs to be done about it, but have you ever stopped to think about how much lost productivity is costing your business? Chances are, it’s even more than what it costs to receive IT support. Today, we’re exploring this invisible tax you pay due to poor IT performance (and what you can do to stop it).

Tags:

  [Small Business](https://www.datalyst.net/blog/tags/small-business)   [Saving Money](https://www.datalyst.net/blog/tags/saving-money)   [Productivity](https://www.datalyst.net/blog/tags/productivity-1)

  [0 Comments](https://www.datalyst.net/blog/your-3-step-plan-to-avoid-the-invisible-tax#comments)

 [ Continue reading](https://www.datalyst.net/blog/your-3-step-plan-to-avoid-the-invisible-tax)

 [ ![Daniel Mathieu](https://www.datalyst.net/images/easyblog_avatar/808_808_blogauthor.png) ](https://www.datalyst.net/blog/blogger/daniel-mathieu)

##  [3 Types of Data You’ll Need to Dominate In 2026](https://www.datalyst.net/blog/3-types-of-data-you-ll-need-to-dominate-in-2026)

  Wednesday, 14 January 2026

  [Daniel Mathieu](https://www.datalyst.net/blog/blogger/daniel-mathieu)

  [Datalyst Blog](https://www.datalyst.net/blog/categories/blog)   [Technology](https://www.datalyst.net/blog/categories/technology)

 [ ![3 Types of Data You’ll Need to Dominate In 2026](https://www.datalyst.net/images/easyblog_shared/January_2026/1-14-26/b2ap3_large_Data_519973876_400.jpg) ](https://www.datalyst.net/blog/3-types-of-data-you-ll-need-to-dominate-in-2026 "3 Types of Data You’ll Need to Dominate In 2026")

Is your business ready to grow as we head into 2026? You may have heard that data is what fuels the decisions that lead to growth, but without a focus on the *right* types of data, you could be floundering and playing catch-up. Today, we’re sharing three types of data that your business can use to dominate in 2026, as well as solutions to help you collect it.

Tags:

  [Data](https://www.datalyst.net/blog/tags/data)   [Efficiency](https://www.datalyst.net/blog/tags/efficiency)   [Business](https://www.datalyst.net/blog/tags/business)

  [0 Comments](https://www.datalyst.net/blog/3-types-of-data-you-ll-need-to-dominate-in-2026#comments)

 [ Continue reading](https://www.datalyst.net/blog/3-types-of-data-you-ll-need-to-dominate-in-2026)

 [ ![Daniel Mathieu](https://www.datalyst.net/images/easyblog_avatar/808_808_blogauthor.png) ](https://www.datalyst.net/blog/blogger/daniel-mathieu)

##  [No, It Isn’t Just You… Technology is Getting Worse Over Time](https://www.datalyst.net/blog/no-it-isn-t-just-you-technology-is-getting-worse-over-time)

  Monday, 12 January 2026

  [Daniel Mathieu](https://www.datalyst.net/blog/blogger/daniel-mathieu)

  [Datalyst Blog](https://www.datalyst.net/blog/categories/blog)   [Technology](https://www.datalyst.net/blog/categories/technology)

 [ ![No, It Isn’t Just You… Technology is Getting Worse Over Time](https://www.datalyst.net/images/easyblog_shared/January_2026/1-12-26/b2ap3_large_TechPoo_444768105_400.jpg) ](https://www.datalyst.net/blog/no-it-isn-t-just-you-technology-is-getting-worse-over-time "No, It Isn’t Just You… Technology is Getting Worse Over Time")

Do you remember when you were able to Google something and get the answer immediately, and not have to scroll past ads, sponsored results, and a not-totally-reliable answer hallucinated by an AI? You aren’t the only one. This trend of gradually declining quality in the products and services we all rely on has a very specific, descriptive name that efficiently captures what is happening to tech while also making all our feelings about it exceptionally clear.

In 2022, technology critic and author Cory Doctorow coined the term “*enshittification.”* The term was named the Word of the Year by the American Dialect Society in 2023, even beating out “AI.” It has proved so resonant that its use has expanded beyond social media platforms to include hardware, software, and technology in general.

Tags:

  [Current Events](https://www.datalyst.net/blog/tags/current-events)   [Business](https://www.datalyst.net/blog/tags/business)   [Vendor](https://www.datalyst.net/blog/tags/vendor)

  [0 Comments](https://www.datalyst.net/blog/no-it-isn-t-just-you-technology-is-getting-worse-over-time#comments)

 [ Continue reading](https://www.datalyst.net/blog/no-it-isn-t-just-you-technology-is-getting-worse-over-time)

 [ ![Daniel Mathieu](https://www.datalyst.net/images/easyblog_avatar/808_808_blogauthor.png) ](https://www.datalyst.net/blog/blogger/daniel-mathieu)

##  [You Need to Start Training Against Your Worst Enemy](https://www.datalyst.net/blog/you-need-to-start-training-against-your-worst-enemy)

  Friday, 09 January 2026

  [Daniel Mathieu](https://www.datalyst.net/blog/blogger/daniel-mathieu)

  [Datalyst Blog](https://www.datalyst.net/blog/categories/blog)   [Security](https://www.datalyst.net/blog/categories/security)

 [ ![You Need to Start Training Against Your Worst Enemy](https://www.datalyst.net/images/easyblog_shared/January_2026/1-09-26/b2ap3_large_Training_1214078102_400.jpg) ](https://www.datalyst.net/blog/you-need-to-start-training-against-your-worst-enemy "You Need to Start Training Against Your Worst Enemy")

Do you actually know which of your coworkers is one click away from getting the whole company hacked? It’s surprisingly easy to get into a business’ IT system. All it takes is one person falling for a fake email, downloading a sketchy file, or giving up their password to a scammer.

If you aren't testing your team, you’re basically just waiting for a disaster to happen. Here is why simulated phishing tests—sending out fake scam emails—are actually a great way to protect your business.

Tags:

  [Security](https://www.datalyst.net/blog/tags/security)   [Training](https://www.datalyst.net/blog/tags/training)   [Phishing](https://www.datalyst.net/blog/tags/phishing)

  [0 Comments](https://www.datalyst.net/blog/you-need-to-start-training-against-your-worst-enemy#comments)

 [ Continue reading](https://www.datalyst.net/blog/you-need-to-start-training-against-your-worst-enemy)

 [ ![Daniel Mathieu](https://www.datalyst.net/images/easyblog_avatar/808_808_blogauthor.png) ](https://www.datalyst.net/blog/blogger/daniel-mathieu)

##  [3 Proactive Ways to Maintain Your Business Technology](https://www.datalyst.net/blog/3-proactive-ways-to-maintain-your-business-technology)

  Wednesday, 07 January 2026

  [Daniel Mathieu](https://www.datalyst.net/blog/blogger/daniel-mathieu)

  [Datalyst Blog](https://www.datalyst.net/blog/categories/blog)   [Technology](https://www.datalyst.net/blog/categories/technology)

 [ ![3 Proactive Ways to Maintain Your Business Technology](https://www.datalyst.net/images/easyblog_shared/January_2026/1-07-26/b2ap3_large_BizTech_1540506774_400.jpg) ](https://www.datalyst.net/blog/3-proactive-ways-to-maintain-your-business-technology "3 Proactive Ways to Maintain Your Business Technology")

It’s easy to think of IT as a money sink. No matter how much you spend, there’s always some issue that surfaces, requiring a considerable investment on your part. But what if we told you that you don’t have to worry about IT issues?

With the right approach, you can transition from the traditional reactive method of IT maintenance to proactive IT solutions, designed to save you money.

Tags:

  [Backup](https://www.datalyst.net/blog/tags/backup)   [Productivity](https://www.datalyst.net/blog/tags/productivity-1)   [Computer](https://www.datalyst.net/blog/tags/computer)

  [0 Comments](https://www.datalyst.net/blog/3-proactive-ways-to-maintain-your-business-technology#comments)

 [ Continue reading](https://www.datalyst.net/blog/3-proactive-ways-to-maintain-your-business-technology)

 [ ![Daniel Mathieu](https://www.datalyst.net/images/easyblog_avatar/808_808_blogauthor.png) ](https://www.datalyst.net/blog/blogger/daniel-mathieu)

##  [Your IT Should Offer Benefits to Your Business’ Audience, Too](https://www.datalyst.net/blog/your-it-should-offer-benefits-to-your-business-audience-too)

  Monday, 05 January 2026

  [Daniel Mathieu](https://www.datalyst.net/blog/blogger/daniel-mathieu)

  [Datalyst Blog](https://www.datalyst.net/blog/categories/blog)   [Technology](https://www.datalyst.net/blog/categories/technology)

 [ ![Your IT Should Offer Benefits to Your Business’ Audience, Too](https://www.datalyst.net/images/easyblog_shared/January_2026/1-05-26/b2ap3_large_BizAudience_1660162158_400.jpg) ](https://www.datalyst.net/blog/your-it-should-offer-benefits-to-your-business-audience-too "Your IT Should Offer Benefits to Your Business’ Audience, Too")

Every so often, it helps to reflect for a moment on the purpose of your business, which is—with almost no exceptions—to deliver a good or service to your customers/clients. As such, every improvement you make to your technology should yield dividends for this base, even if the improvement is internal.

Let’s talk about how this might take shape and how we can help you facilitate it.

Tags:

  [Gadgets](https://www.datalyst.net/blog/tags/gadgets)   [Workplace Tips](https://www.datalyst.net/blog/tags/workplace-tips)   [Upgrade](https://www.datalyst.net/blog/tags/upgrade)

  [0 Comments](https://www.datalyst.net/blog/your-it-should-offer-benefits-to-your-business-audience-too#comments)

 [ Continue reading](https://www.datalyst.net/blog/your-it-should-offer-benefits-to-your-business-audience-too)

 [ ![Daniel Mathieu](https://www.datalyst.net/images/easyblog_avatar/808_808_blogauthor.png) ](https://www.datalyst.net/blog/blogger/daniel-mathieu)

##  [Are Your Team Members Too Afraid to Do Their Jobs?](https://www.datalyst.net/blog/are-your-team-members-too-afraid-to-do-their-jobs)

  Wednesday, 31 December 2025

  [Daniel Mathieu](https://www.datalyst.net/blog/blogger/daniel-mathieu)

  [Datalyst Blog](https://www.datalyst.net/blog/categories/blog)   [Security](https://www.datalyst.net/blog/categories/security)

 [ ![Are Your Team Members Too Afraid to Do Their Jobs?](https://www.datalyst.net/images/easyblog_shared/December_2025/12-31-25/b2ap3_large_AfraidofJob_1252773720_400.jpg) ](https://www.datalyst.net/blog/are-your-team-members-too-afraid-to-do-their-jobs "Are Your Team Members Too Afraid to Do Their Jobs?")

We’ve all been there. You’re flying through your inbox, trying to reach inbox zero before a meeting, and you click a link in a shipping notification. The page doesn't load quite right. You stare blankly and your anxiety spikes.

That moment happens a lot and it is a fork in the road for your company’s security. In many organizations, that employee’s next thought isn’t: “I should report this,” it is: “If I tell anyone, I’m going to get fired.”

Tags:

  [Security](https://www.datalyst.net/blog/tags/security)   [Users](https://www.datalyst.net/blog/tags/users)   [Best Practices](https://www.datalyst.net/blog/tags/best-practices)

  [0 Comments](https://www.datalyst.net/blog/are-your-team-members-too-afraid-to-do-their-jobs#comments)

 [ Continue reading](https://www.datalyst.net/blog/are-your-team-members-too-afraid-to-do-their-jobs)

 [ ![Daniel Mathieu](https://www.datalyst.net/images/easyblog_avatar/808_808_blogauthor.png) ](https://www.datalyst.net/blog/blogger/daniel-mathieu)

##  [Stop Guessing: A Line-by-Line Breakdown of Modern IT Costs](https://www.datalyst.net/newsletter-content/stop-guessing-a-line-by-line-breakdown-of-modern-it-costs)

  Tuesday, 30 December 2025

  [Daniel Mathieu](https://www.datalyst.net/blog/blogger/daniel-mathieu)

  [Newsletter](https://www.datalyst.net/newsletter-content)

 [ ![Stop Guessing: A Line-by-Line Breakdown of Modern IT Costs](https://www.datalyst.net/images/easyblog_shared/January_2026_Newsletters/1.0/b2ap3_large_LEAD_ITCosts_1507552273_400.jpg) ](https://www.datalyst.net/newsletter-content/stop-guessing-a-line-by-line-breakdown-of-modern-it-costs "Stop Guessing: A Line-by-Line Breakdown of Modern IT Costs")

As the backbone of modern business, an effective technology department is less of a cost center and more of an essential investment. But what exactly makes up those line items in your IT budget?

Understanding the different categories of IT expenses is crucial for strategic planning, controlling costs, and demonstrating the true value of IT to the rest of the organization. Let's break down the major types of expenses that form a comprehensive IT budget.

Tags:

  [Security](https://www.datalyst.net/blog/tags/security)   [Technology](https://www.datalyst.net/blog/tags/technology)   [Saving Money](https://www.datalyst.net/blog/tags/saving-money)

  [0 Comments](https://www.datalyst.net/newsletter-content/stop-guessing-a-line-by-line-breakdown-of-modern-it-costs#comments)

 [ Continue reading](https://www.datalyst.net/newsletter-content/stop-guessing-a-line-by-line-breakdown-of-modern-it-costs)

 [ ![Daniel Mathieu](https://www.datalyst.net/images/easyblog_avatar/808_808_blogauthor.png) ](https://www.datalyst.net/blog/blogger/daniel-mathieu)

##  [The Real Reasons You Hate Tech (And Why It’s Not Your Fault)](https://www.datalyst.net/blog/the-real-reasons-you-hate-tech-and-why-it-s-not-your-fault)

  Tuesday, 30 December 2025

  [Daniel Mathieu](https://www.datalyst.net/blog/blogger/daniel-mathieu)

  [Datalyst Blog](https://www.datalyst.net/blog/categories/blog)   [Technology](https://www.datalyst.net/blog/categories/technology)

 [ ![The Real Reasons You Hate Tech (And Why It’s Not Your Fault)](https://www.datalyst.net/images/easyblog_articles/1683/b2ap3_large_Angry_256837827_400.jpg) ](https://www.datalyst.net/blog/the-real-reasons-you-hate-tech-and-why-it-s-not-your-fault "The Real Reasons You Hate Tech (And Why It’s Not Your Fault)")

Let’s be honest for a second. You didn’t start your business because you love configuring firewalls or figuring out why the printer is offline for the third time this week. You started your business to do what you’re good at. Yet somewhere along the way, technology became a necessary evil—a constant source of friction that feels like it eats up your budget and your patience.

If you’ve ever wanted to throw your laptop out the window, you aren't alone. Here is why technology feels like such a headache, and why the problem isn’t you—it’s the approach.

Tags:

  [IT Support](https://www.datalyst.net/blog/tags/it-support-1)   [Technology](https://www.datalyst.net/blog/tags/technology)   [Productivity](https://www.datalyst.net/blog/tags/productivity-1)

  [0 Comments](https://www.datalyst.net/blog/the-real-reasons-you-hate-tech-and-why-it-s-not-your-fault#comments)

 [ Continue reading](https://www.datalyst.net/blog/the-real-reasons-you-hate-tech-and-why-it-s-not-your-fault)

 [ ![Daniel Mathieu](https://www.datalyst.net/images/easyblog_avatar/808_808_blogauthor.png) ](https://www.datalyst.net/blog/blogger/daniel-mathieu)

##  [Ring Cameras Reveal More than You Know](https://www.datalyst.net/blog/ring-cameras-reveal-more-than-you-know)

  Monday, 29 December 2025

  [Daniel Mathieu](https://www.datalyst.net/blog/blogger/daniel-mathieu)

  [Datalyst Blog](https://www.datalyst.net/blog/categories/blog)   [Security](https://www.datalyst.net/blog/categories/security)

 [ ![Ring Cameras Reveal More than You Know](https://www.datalyst.net/images/easyblog_shared/December_2025/12-29-25/b2ap3_large_RingCamera_861728968_400.jpg) ](https://www.datalyst.net/blog/ring-cameras-reveal-more-than-you-know "Ring Cameras Reveal More than You Know")

We’ve seen our fair share of convenience vs. security trade-offs, but few consumer devices sit at the center of that Venn diagram quite like the Ring camera. To the average user, it’s a doorbell that significantly reduces package thieves. To those of us that work with technology, it’s a sophisticated Internet of Things (IoT) sensor with a direct, persistent uplink to one of the world’s largest cloud infrastructures.

Tags:

  [Data](https://www.datalyst.net/blog/tags/data)   [Security](https://www.datalyst.net/blog/tags/security)   [Technology](https://www.datalyst.net/blog/tags/technology)

  [0 Comments](https://www.datalyst.net/blog/ring-cameras-reveal-more-than-you-know#comments)

 [ Continue reading](https://www.datalyst.net/blog/ring-cameras-reveal-more-than-you-know)

 [ ![Daniel Mathieu](https://www.datalyst.net/images/easyblog_avatar/808_808_blogauthor.png) ](https://www.datalyst.net/blog/blogger/daniel-mathieu)

##  [4 Ways to Reclaim Your Precious Work Time](https://www.datalyst.net/newsletter-content/4-ways-to-reclaim-your-precious-work-time)

  Saturday, 27 December 2025

  [Daniel Mathieu](https://www.datalyst.net/blog/blogger/daniel-mathieu)

  [Newsletter](https://www.datalyst.net/newsletter-content)

 [ ![4 Ways to Reclaim Your Precious Work Time](https://www.datalyst.net/images/easyblog_shared/January_2026_Newsletters/1.0/b2ap3_large_WorkTime_1032859980_400.jpg) ](https://www.datalyst.net/newsletter-content/4-ways-to-reclaim-your-precious-work-time "4 Ways to Reclaim Your Precious Work Time")

One of the most valuable, and often squandered, resources in the modern workplace is time. In the course of our IT management role, we frequently observe bright, capable employees who are nonetheless trapped in cycles of inefficiency. It's not usually a lack of motivation; it's a lack of effective strategy.

Wasted time doesn't just hurt the bottom line; it causes stress, delays important projects, and prevents you from focusing on truly meaningful work.

Tags:

  [Workplace Tips](https://www.datalyst.net/blog/tags/workplace-tips)   [Productivity](https://www.datalyst.net/blog/tags/productivity-1)   [Efficiency](https://www.datalyst.net/blog/tags/efficiency)

  [0 Comments](https://www.datalyst.net/newsletter-content/4-ways-to-reclaim-your-precious-work-time#comments)

 [ Continue reading](https://www.datalyst.net/newsletter-content/4-ways-to-reclaim-your-precious-work-time)

 [ ![Daniel Mathieu](https://www.datalyst.net/images/easyblog_avatar/808_808_blogauthor.png) ](https://www.datalyst.net/blog/blogger/daniel-mathieu)

##  [Navigating the Paradox of Workplace Technology and Stress](https://www.datalyst.net/newsletter-content/navigating-the-paradox-of-workplace-technology-and-stress)

  Thursday, 25 December 2025

  [Daniel Mathieu](https://www.datalyst.net/blog/blogger/daniel-mathieu)

  [Newsletter](https://www.datalyst.net/newsletter-content)

 [ ![Navigating the Paradox of Workplace Technology and Stress](https://www.datalyst.net/images/easyblog_shared/January_2026_Newsletters/1.0/b2ap3_large_WorkTechStress_1524478006_400.jpg) ](https://www.datalyst.net/newsletter-content/navigating-the-paradox-of-workplace-technology-and-stress "Navigating the Paradox of Workplace Technology and Stress")

It's the ultimate workplace paradox: the very tools designed to make our jobs easier, faster, and more flexible often feel like the source of our deepest stress. From the endless barrage of email notifications to the pressure of being always available, modern work technology is a true double-edged sword.

So, does technology create stress or remove stress in the workplace? The answer, like most things in the digital age, is both.

Tags:

  [Technology](https://www.datalyst.net/blog/tags/technology)   [Productivity](https://www.datalyst.net/blog/tags/productivity-1)   [Workplace Strategy](https://www.datalyst.net/blog/tags/workplace-strategy)

  [0 Comments](https://www.datalyst.net/newsletter-content/navigating-the-paradox-of-workplace-technology-and-stress#comments)

 [ Continue reading](https://www.datalyst.net/newsletter-content/navigating-the-paradox-of-workplace-technology-and-stress)

 [ ![Daniel Mathieu](https://www.datalyst.net/images/easyblog_avatar/808_808_blogauthor.png) ](https://www.datalyst.net/blog/blogger/daniel-mathieu)

##  [Dickens Dealt with Goblins… We Deal with the Christmas Hackers](https://www.datalyst.net/blog/dickens-dealt-with-goblins-we-deal-with-the-christmas-hackers)

  Wednesday, 24 December 2025

  [Daniel Mathieu](https://www.datalyst.net/blog/blogger/daniel-mathieu)

  [Datalyst Blog](https://www.datalyst.net/blog/categories/blog)   [Miscellaneous](https://www.datalyst.net/blog/categories/miscellaneous)

 [ ![Dickens Dealt with Goblins… We Deal with the Christmas Hackers](https://www.datalyst.net/images/easyblog_shared/December_2025/12-24-25/b2ap3_large_X-MasHackers_239567999_400.jpg) ](https://www.datalyst.net/blog/dickens-dealt-with-goblins-we-deal-with-the-christmas-hackers "Dickens Dealt with Goblins… We Deal with the Christmas Hackers")

*The holiday season isn’t usually a time we like to spend dwelling on unpleasant things, but unfortunately, cybercrime is so prevalent that we cannot afford to ever let our guard down. What we can do, however, is tell a (somewhat) happier story that nevertheless reminds us what to keep an eye out for.*

*As such, please enjoy our version of a lesser-known Charles Dickens story.*

Tags:

  [Internet](https://www.datalyst.net/blog/tags/internet)   [Holiday](https://www.datalyst.net/blog/tags/holiday)   [Hackers](https://www.datalyst.net/blog/tags/hackers)

  [0 Comments](https://www.datalyst.net/blog/dickens-dealt-with-goblins-we-deal-with-the-christmas-hackers#comments)

 [ Continue reading](https://www.datalyst.net/blog/dickens-dealt-with-goblins-we-deal-with-the-christmas-hackers)

 [ ![Daniel Mathieu](https://www.datalyst.net/images/easyblog_avatar/808_808_blogauthor.png) ](https://www.datalyst.net/blog/blogger/daniel-mathieu)

##  [4 Uncomfortable Truths Every Business Owner Must Accept About IT](https://www.datalyst.net/newsletter-content/4-uncomfortable-truths-every-business-owner-must-accept-about-it)

  Tuesday, 23 December 2025

  [Daniel Mathieu](https://www.datalyst.net/blog/blogger/daniel-mathieu)

  [Newsletter](https://www.datalyst.net/newsletter-content)

 [ ![4 Uncomfortable Truths Every Business Owner Must Accept About IT](https://www.datalyst.net/images/easyblog_shared/January_2026_Newsletters/1.0/b2ap3_large_BizTruth_1258590251_400.jpg) ](https://www.datalyst.net/newsletter-content/4-uncomfortable-truths-every-business-owner-must-accept-about-it "4 Uncomfortable Truths Every Business Owner Must Accept About IT")

As someone who works with technology every day, I’ve seen the magic it can bring to a business. I’ve also seen the headaches and the hidden costs that can harm its efforts. If you own a business, you might think of IT as just the Wi-Fi or the guy who fixes the printer. I’m here to tell you that mindset will cost you dearly. I want to share four uncomfortable, non-technical truths that every practical business owner needs to accept about their technology.

Tags:

  [Small Business](https://www.datalyst.net/blog/tags/small-business)   [Security](https://www.datalyst.net/blog/tags/security)   [Training](https://www.datalyst.net/blog/tags/training)

  [0 Comments](https://www.datalyst.net/newsletter-content/4-uncomfortable-truths-every-business-owner-must-accept-about-it#comments)

 [ Continue reading](https://www.datalyst.net/newsletter-content/4-uncomfortable-truths-every-business-owner-must-accept-about-it)

 [  First Page ](https://www.datalyst.net/blog/blogger/daniel-mathieu) [  Previous Page ](https://www.datalyst.net/blog/blogger/daniel-mathieu?start=140) [ 4 ](https://www.datalyst.net/blog/blogger/daniel-mathieu?start=60) [ 5 ](https://www.datalyst.net/blog/blogger/daniel-mathieu?start=80) [ 6 ](https://www.datalyst.net/blog/blogger/daniel-mathieu?start=100) [ 7 ](https://www.datalyst.net/blog/blogger/daniel-mathieu?start=120) [ 8 ](https://www.datalyst.net/blog/blogger/daniel-mathieu?start=140) [ 9 ](https://www.datalyst.net/javascript:void(0);) [ 10 ](https://www.datalyst.net/blog/blogger/daniel-mathieu?start=180) [ 11 ](https://www.datalyst.net/blog/blogger/daniel-mathieu?start=200) [ 12 ](https://www.datalyst.net/blog/blogger/daniel-mathieu?start=220) [ 13 ](https://www.datalyst.net/blog/blogger/daniel-mathieu?start=240) [  Next Page ](https://www.datalyst.net/blog/blogger/daniel-mathieu?start=180) [  Last Page ](https://www.datalyst.net/blog/blogger/daniel-mathieu?start=1760)
