Microsoft Certified Professional
Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA)
Windows Server 2012

Richard Horsley

Position

Richard has a diverse background in IT having had a passion for the subject from an early age. Richard has over 20 years experience in IT, servicing multiple industries in senior level positions. In 2017, Richard founded Binary Blue and we’ve been going from strength to strength ever since.

Posts by Richard Horsley

Digital Transformation Benefits

What are the Benefits of Digital Transformation?

Digital transformation is no longer just a trendy phrase — it’s a strategic shift reshaping how organisations function, respond to change, and drive success. The benefits of digital transformation extend across every facet of a business, impacting productivity, efficiency, customer

Digital Transformation Where To Start

Digital Transformation: Where To Start

Digital transformation has become a necessity for businesses wanting to stay competitive, innovate, and serve their customers more effectively. But with so many tools, strategies, and technologies on offer, where exactly do you begin? For organisations navigating their digital transformation

5 Damages a Cyber Attack Could Have On a Business

Cyber attacks have become a growing threat to UK businesses, with an estimated 22% of businesses having experienced cyber crime in the last 12 months, rising to 45% for medium businesses and 58% for large businesses. From small startups to

Your Cyber Security Plan for 2024

Crafting a robust cyber security strategy isn’t just a matter of ticking boxes. It’s a fundamental process that ensures your business remains resilient against an ever-evolving landscape of cyber threats. As cyber threats continue to evolve in complexity, no organisation

14 Ways to Prevent Cyber Attacks

Cyber attacks are a growing concern, with nearly 50% of UK businesses reporting a cyber security breach or attack in the past year, according to the 2023 Cyber Security Breaches Survey by the UK government.  For businesses of all sizes,

Why Your Small Business Needs IT Technical Support

Running a small business can sometimes feel like juggling while riding a unicycle. You have to manage customer relationships, maintain inventory, handle marketing, and ensure your finances are in order. Amidst all these responsibilities, your IT systems should ideally work

What is the Difference Between 1st and 2nd Line Support?

Navigating the world of IT support can feel like deciphering a new language. For businesses, having a robust IT support system is essential to maintaining smooth operations and ensuring minimal disruptions. And yes, we have tried turning it off and

What is IT Project Management & Why Is It Important?

Technology is not just a support function but a strategic driver in modern businesses, influencing everything from operational efficiency to competitive advantage. Ensuring that technology projects are managed effectively is crucial, and this is where IT project management becomes indispensable. 

What is the Role of an IT Manager? 10 Responsibilities

Technology has become the backbone of modern businesses, powering everything from daily operations to strategic decision-making. Amidst this technological revolution, the role of an IT Manager stands out as pivotal.  These professionals are the unsung heroes who ensure that the

What is a Data Backup and Why is it Important?

Data is the lifeblood of modern businesses, driving decision-making, operations, and customer interactions. However, the risk of data loss is ever-present, whether from hardware failure, cyber-attacks, or simple human error.  For small businesses, such losses can be devastating, disrupting operations

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18 Top UK IT Industry Statistics [2024]

To stay at the forefront of cutting edge technology, the UK’s IT business is undergoing significant changes. The UK tech industry ranges from developing software and providing technical support to spearheading innovations in cyber security, cloud computing, and artificial intelligence.

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How To Prepare For Data Migration & How Long It Takes

Data migration can be a daunting task. Whether you’re migrating to a new system, transferring data to the cloud, or consolidating databases, the process demands meticulous planning and execution. You’ll need to take into account a plethora of factors due

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20 Eye-Opening UK Data Breach Statistics For 2024

In our digital landscape, where the exchange of information fuels our daily lives, safeguarding data integrity remains paramount, even though many of us may not even give it a second thought day to day. The year 2024 stands witness to

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Cyber Security 2024: How IT Works & Why It’s Important

In the modern interconnected digital landscape, cyber security has become a cornerstone of business operations. From safeguarding sensitive data to protecting critical infrastructure, the importance of cyber security and monitoring cannot be overstated. As we step into 2024, the evolution

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When & Why Data Migration is Required

In today’s digital age, data has become the lifeline of businesses, driving decision-making, operations, and innovation. However, as businesses evolve and technologies advance, the need for data migration arises. Whether it’s transitioning to a new system, adopting cloud computing, or

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What is Data Migration? Strategy, Project & Process

In today’s digital-first landscape, small businesses must adapt to maintain efficiency and competitive edge. Whether you’re updating your systems, consolidating information, or shifting towards cloud solutions for your data management, data migration is a critical component in optimising business operations.

men working in IT management

9 Key Benefits (& Risks) of Outsourcing IT Services

In an era where technology evolves at a breakneck pace, businesses face the constant challenge of keeping their IT operations streamlined and up-to-date. Outsourcing IT services has emerged as a strategic move for numerous companies seeking efficiency and innovation. Information

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How Has Technology Changed Education? And How Will It?

The advent of technology has transformed the traditional classroom into a dynamic learning environment. Gone are the days when teaching was confined to textbooks and blackboards. Today, digital tools and online resources have taken centre stage, making learning more engaging

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What are the Benefits of Cloud Computing For Business?

Cloud computing was once thought to be a novelty that would only interest big businesses and wasn’t likely to be widely embraced. It also had a lot of detractors, with those who doubted its viability focusing mostly on security issues

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What is Remote IT Support & How Much Does It Cost?

Over the past ten years, technology has advanced significantly. There is no exception to how firms handle their IT. When your PC broke down not so long ago, you had to wait for a specialist to arrive at your house

a tech support centre office space

5 IT Outsourcing Statistics You Need To Know

One of the reasons businesses outsource their IT work is to have access to more IT experts with the necessary experience and knowledge. For most companies, acquiring them might be difficult. In general, outsourcing services are when a firm hires

programming language

What is Data Management and Why is it Important?

As a small business owner, keeping up with your data management processes can feel like a mammoth task, as your business grows and your data volume increases, it’s essential to have strong data management systems in place. Problems keeping data up to date

people working in IT

The Top Benefits of IT Support Services in Business

Effective IT services and systems are necessary for every company, regardless of size, to boost productivity. Strong and dependable IT services help businesses remain competitive, whether it be by maximising the benefits of an in-house IT department or outsourcing technical support. 

people working in IT

How To Manage Your Business IT Infrastructure

The rapidly expanding use of today’s technology poses particular and significant business challenges for organisations of any scale, whether private or public.  Information technology (IT) infrastructure management involves the administration and management of crucial operational elements, which is distinct from

people working in IT

5 Examples of IT Outsourcing Services You Can Utilise

Outsourcing IT services has become a common business practice – and, in some cases, a lifeline for many companies over recent years.  Many businesses just don’t have the time or the staff with a high level of IT expertise, which

people working in IT management

The Latest Trends in Information Technology Management

Due to the enormous potential, more and more firms are looking to expand in the information technology sector, which is currently undergoing a boom like never before. Information technology has a wide range of uses, which is another reason it

people working in IT management and support

6 Examples of IT Services Your Business Might Need

A modern company’s everyday operations depend heavily on IT services. Whatever they may be, every aspect of IT is essential to the success of a business that depends on technology in some manner. This IT frequently includes a wide range

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What are the Benefits of Upgrading Your IT Software?

Software upgrades are essential to maintain the functionality of computers, mobile devices, and tablets. They can also drastically reduce security vulnerabilities. Identity theft, hacking, and data breaches have all made the headlines recently. One of the largest cyber attacks targeted

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What is an IT Consultant & What Do They Do?

In the world of technology, keeping up with the latest advances can be a daunting challenge. New tools and trends are constantly emerging, and it can be difficult to know which strategies will be most effective for your business. This

a man working on a computer

What Are the Key Benefits of Technology in Education?

Numerous industries are enthusiastically integrating technology in today’s fast-paced digital environment in order to continuously assess, innovate, and improve their services. The ripple effect? Sectors like education are among the many that have adopted technology, and its use is quickly

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Top 10 Benefits of Managed IT Services in Business

Whether you’re an experienced IT professional or a business leader, managed services can help you focus on what matters most. The devotion, industry knowledge, and skill of a whole IT department focused on the delivery of your core business are

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How Can Businesses Prepare For a Paperless Future?

Although going paperless may seem like a hassle, it’s actually much simpler and more worthwhile than you might realise. It has been said before, and it will be said again: digital transformation is essential. There are several layers to that

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What Does It Mean To Be a Microsoft Gold Partner?

A business that has decided to cooperate and develop a close working relationship with Microsoft is known as a Microsoft Gold-Certified partner. Having such title denotes that the organisation that applied has attained the highest levels of Microsoft’s well-known partnership

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4 Ways Digital Transformation Helps Small Businesses Grow

Today’s technology environment has made it imperative for businesses to meet the growing needs of their clients. Businesses that concentrate on utilising cutting-edge technology and digital transformation initiatives expand more quickly, enhance their business processes, and achieve new levels of

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Your Cyber Security Essentials Checklist & Guide

The Cyber Essentials programme offers businesses a simple yet effective structure for defence against cyberattacks. Obtaining Cyber Essentials certification is one of the first actions any organisation can take to safeguard their digital assets and customer data, and it provides

development view insights code web dev

What is IT Maintenance? A Complete Guide

When used appropriately, computers may link staff members, streamline work, gather vital information, and speed up transactions for organisations. Many SMEs select IT maintenance to assure the appropriate operation of their technological equipment. But what is it, exactly? Our IT

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In-House vs Outsourcing: Your IT Support Guide

Making the choice between an in-house team of IT support and external IT support can seem difficult. There is little doubt that IT outages are expensive. IT disruptions and operational inefficiencies cost UK firms between £4,000 and £200,000 per hour,

an IT support centre

The 5 Reasons You Should Outsource an IT Helpdesk

As the single point of contact (SPOC) for normal interactions between users and IT, an IT service desk is an essential part of an organisation’s IT department. To optimise productivity, many small firms outsource IT support services tasks to a

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The 8 Best IT Support Services For Your Small Business

When it comes to the best IT support services for small business, we know a thing or two. But it can sometimes be tricky for business owners to understand what services they need to keep business operations running smoothly and

it specialists at work

How to Prevent Cyber Attacks on Businesses in 9 Easy Steps

Cyber attacks can pose a serious threat to businesses of all sizes. These attacks can cost a business thousands in damages, and they can also disrupt operations and damage a company’s reputation. There are several steps that businesses can take

it specialists at work

5 Must-Follow Software Upgrade Best Practices

While software upgrades are critical for maintaining system security and performance, they can cause a number of frustrations for business owners that don’t know how to navigate them effectively. That’s where we come in. As experts in the field, we’ve

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The True Advantages and Disadvantages of Outsourcing Technical Support

There is no doubt that outsourcing technical support can be a great way for businesses to save money and improve their bottom line. By outsourcing to a third-party provider, businesses can reduce the amount of time and resources they need

cloud support specialists working on binary blue projects

Benefits of External IT Support Services: The Little Known Top 5

When it comes to technology, many business owners feel like they are on their own. They try to handle all of the IT needs themselves, and often end up with a lot of headaches. But when it comes to information

Error on Laptop

The Cyber Security Checklist for Small Business Guide You Need in 2024

In today’s digital age, cybersecurity is more important than ever before. Small businesses are particularly vulnerable to cyber attacks, with a 2019 Verizon Data Breach Investigations Report estimating that 43% of cyber attack victims are small businesses.  Small businesses are

Someone pinching a cloud

How to Build a Cloud Computing Infrastructure: 7 Key Steps

Cloud computing is becoming an increasingly popular option for businesses of all sizes. By implementing a cloud computing infrastructure, businesses can improve their efficiency and agility while reducing costs. Building a cloud computing infrastructure can seem like a daunting task,

Pressing on a cloud

Where is Data Stored in Cloud Computing?

When it comes to where data is being stored in cloud computing, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. The location of your data will depend on which of the many cloud storage providers you have chosen and the various cloud storage services

Silhouette of woman working on a computer

What is 3rd Line Support and When do you Need it?

In the world of information technology, 3rd line support is a term used to describe a specific type of technical support. This type of support is typically needed by businesses that have reached a certain size or level of complexity,

City sky line in the clouds

What are the Advantages and Disadvantages of Cloud Computing in 2022?

Cloud computing is growing in popularity, with a projected growth rate of 22% throughout 2022. 78% of companies are using cloud computing in some way, and it’s predicted that the global market for cloud services will grow to £800 billion

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What is 2nd Line IT Support?

When it comes to IT support, a tiered approach is useful. This is because certain problems can be solved by lower-level technicians, while others require the expertise of a higher-level technician. In this way, businesses can save money by resolving

Statistics Graph

Key IT Support Statistics To Know in 2022

When it comes to IT support, there are many key statistics available to show us exactly how the industry is taking shape. However, it’s not always easy to pinpoint what these numbers mean without doing some digging, which is why

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What is 1st Line IT Support?

When it comes to IT support, tiers help us understand the functions that we should expect from each service level. For example, they can help your staff know who to contact for each type of IT problem, and can offer

a semi open laptop

IT Support vs IT Technician: What’s The Difference?

The roles of IT support and IT technicians are very important – but very different – in the world of information technology.  Frequently, the term “help desk” is used to designate a variety of IT support services, including technical difficulties,

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What The Best Online Tech Support Should Offer

Tech support is vital for modern business. It enables companies to get assistance when they’re in trouble. Yet finding the right provider for this service might prove tricky.  We know it can be hard to know what the best online

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Why is Small Business IT Support So Important?

Every business needs to stay up-to-date with the latest technology in order to operate successfully. Because of this, it is important to make sure that your small business hires an IT support company that can keep pace with you. But

Woman wearing glasses on laptop

5 Imperative Technology Needs for Small Businesses

Technology has become a driving force in business. It’s used to conduct operations, engage with customers and suppliers, create new products and services, provide a better work environment for employees, reduce costs and manage the company’s bottom line. While technology

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The Key Ways Green Computing Could Revolutionise The IT Industry

As companies continue to turn to technology to improve their processes, there has been a massive increase in the amount of data which is stored and processed. This means that data centres especially can often use up a considerable amount

Laptop and computer screen

What is an IT Health Check and When is One Needed?

With more companies setting up shop remotely, plus a range of security risks facing small businesses daily, it’s vital that companies are taking the appropriate steps to protect their users, employees and reputations, especially considering recent years have shown hefty

Desktop screen and keyboard

How to Plan an Infrastructure for Successful Remote Working

85% of remote workers now want a hybrid approach to working, with both home and office based methods, recent data has revealed. With this rise in the popularity of home-working over the last year, there is a mounting pressure for

Padlock on keyboard

5 Ways to Improve Your IT Security

Today’s business environment is constantly evolving into a complex cyber landscape, where technology permeates the core of international organisation. Hackers have made it their mission to disrupt businesses through data leaks, information theft and denial-of-service attacks. As a result, companies

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Your Basic Guide to Computer Network Components

You’ve probably heard us talk about computer networks. In fact, you probably encounter computer networks all over in your daily life – from your workplace, to your home, to even cafes and leisure centres.  But building a computer network, or

gigabyte hardware

A Simple 6 Step Data Migration Plan

A Simple 6 Step Data Migration Plan A data migration plan is the essential first step in a successful data migration project. Without one, there’s a high risk that during the process of transferring your files between systems and formats

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Here’s Why Businesses Need an IT System Upgrade

A company’s IT infrastructure is one of its most valuable assets, and it requires constant upkeep. Outdated computer systems can cause a lot of problems for organisations through things such as obsolescence and reaching data storage limits. As IT systems

wifi root

Fix for WiFi Issues With Intel Centrino Wireless N

If you are experiencing WiFi dropouts and disconnects, this could be due to a compatibility issue with some laptops running Intel Centrino Wireless N, and some manufacturers routers or wireless access points. The below fix, while effective for many users,

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What is Data Migration and Why is it Important?

When an IT system is handling significant data in different formats from a multitude of different systems, the existing system may need an IT system upgrade to a larger system or to transfer its data to another system entirely. This

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What are the 10 Uses of ICT in Education?

In the twenty-first century it’s rare to find an industry that hasn’t undergone a digital transformation of some sort, and education is no different. The classrooms of today have moved far beyond the early 1990s integrations of computer rooms, full

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The IT Experts Guide to the Best Remote Tools 2021

When working from home was introduced in the height of the global pandemic in 2020, many employers thought the measure would be nothing more than temporary. For eons there has been a negative perception of working remotely, with misconceptions about

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How to Plan Your Businesses IT Strategy

For years many businesses have treated their IT services and organisation in a reactionary manner. If a department needed equipment, quite often the company would purchase the equipment without thinking about how that new piece of equipment or software fitted

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Why You Should Move Your Business to the Cloud

At Binary Blue we’re big advocates of cloud computing. We’ve completed numerous cloud migrations and seen the positive impacts that this monumental change can have on businesses. We also understand that undergoing a cloud migration often strikes fear into the

Lady in Server Room

What are Cloud Migration Services

Is your organisation still working off of on-site applications? Are you still experiencing business disruption by constant server crashes and patches? Can you not work from home because there’s just no availability to do so? You’re not alone.  Many businesses

Server Room

What is Cloud Computing?

The cloud. We’ve all heard someone say it. “Save it to the cloud”, “It’s ok, it’s backed up to the cloud”. But when we’re referring to this mystery cloud, what do we actually mean?  When cloud computing was first coined

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The Best Apps for Working from Home in 2021

Over the past year, we’ve all had to adapt to a different way of working: Working from home. What existed only as a pipe dream for some became an exciting reality for many, with visions of draping over the sofa,

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How Businesses Can Prepare for Digital Transformations

Digital transformation is the 2021 buzzword of the Information Technology industry.  In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, more businesses than ever have been forced to embrace new digital technologies. From businesses who need their employees to access their documents