By: Tom Gilmore IT infrastructure upgrades aren’t just technical decisions—they’re strategic investments with long-term impact. In fact, global IT spending is projected to reach $5.61 trillion in 2025, a 9.8% increase over 2024, according to a Gartner projection. This includes significant investments in servers, storage, and network systems—foundational components of modern operations.  But without the right planning and execution, those…

By: Michael Hensley   Managing IT systems used to be a “big business” challenge—but today, small and mid-sized businesses (SMBs) face the same demands for security, scalability, and cost control as Fortune 500 companies. According to an SMB IT spending and analysis report by Analysis Mason, “In 2025, total SMB IT expenditure will reach $1735 billion, with SBs accounting for…

By: Michael Hensley Manufacturing has entered a new era of complexity. Supply chain disruptions continue to ripple across global networks, labor shortages challenge production capacity, and customer expectations for quality and speed have reached new heights. In this environment, manufacturers who survive and thrive are those who can stay agile and responsive in their operations while maintaining the competitive edge…

By: Tom Gilmore Using Azure to modernize your business operations, from enhancing collaboration to simplifying data management  Small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) face a unique challenge: they need enterprise-level capabilities to compete effectively but typically operate with limited budgets and lean IT teams. Microsoft Azure offers a compelling solution, providing scalable cloud services that can transform operations without the hefty…

By: Tom Gilmore Every business leader wants to maintain efficient IT operations while controlling costs without the headache. But how, exactly? To separate ourselves—and your business—from the competition, we deploy an intentional, active, and purpose-driven mindset to create the ultimate customer experience with our outsource helpdesk support.  Here’s how our helpdesk solutions can benefit you and your business:  Streamline Operations…

By: Tom Gilmore  Rolling out large-scale hardware and software deployments can feel like navigating a maze of costs, delays, and unexpected challenges. Without the right partner and strategy, it’s easy for budgets to spiral and timelines to slip. But it doesn't have to be that way. With the right approach, your business can achieve seamless, cost-effective rollouts—and Lume Strategies is…

By Michael Hensley In today's fast-paced digital landscape, a robust and efficient network infrastructure is crucial for business success. At Lume Strategies, we understand the challenges businesses face in maintaining optimal network performance. Let's explore how our expertise can help enhance your network efficiency, reduce downtime, and improve overall productivity.  Proactive Maintenance: Staying Ahead of Issues  Proactive network maintenance is…

As 2025 approaches, businesses using Microsoft products such as Windows 10 and Office are facing a significant change. Microsoft is set to retire and end support for a range of these products, meaning they will no longer receive security updates, patches, or technical support. For organizations still relying on these products, it’s crucial to plan ahead to avoid potential disruptions…

As we approach the end of support for Windows 10 next year, it's crucial to start planning your upgrade to Windows 11. Microsoft’s announcement marks a significant transition, and at Lume, we are here to ensure your systems remain secure and up-to-date during this change. Upgrading to Windows 11 involves new requirements, such as the Trusted Platform Module (TPM), adding…

For companies of all types and sizes, a proper IT infrastructure is critical for success. However, like many things in business, technology is always changing. To stay on top of the latest tools and trends, some businesses choose to partner with outside firms that can provide some or all of their IT needs. This can be a particularly strategic move…