Minimum Technology Standards
Baseline requirements that keep your business secure, productive, and fully supported. These standards help us deliver the best possible service to your organization.
Setting You Up for Success
When your technology meets these baseline requirements, you'll experience fewer issues, faster support, and better protection against security threats. Our managed services work best when built on a solid foundation.
Less Downtime
Modern hardware fails less often and recovers faster when it does.
Better Security
Current systems support the latest security features and patches.
Faster Support
Standard configurations mean quicker diagnosis and resolution.
Higher Productivity
Adequate hardware means your team isn't waiting on slow computers.
Technology Requirements
These specifications align with Canadian Centre for Cyber Security (CCCS) baseline recommendations and industry best practices for small and medium businesses.
Workstations & Laptops
Desktop and laptop computers used by your team for daily work.
| Operating System | Windows 11 Pro or later (no Home editions) |
| Processor | x64 processor with SSE4.2 support |
| Memory | 16 GB RAM minimum |
| Storage | 250 GB SSD, 20% free space maintained |
| Device Age | Maximum 4 years from manufacture |
| Software | Genuine, licensed software only |
| Updates | Windows Update enabled, automatic |
Servers
On-premise servers running business applications and file storage.
| Operating System | Windows Server 2019+ or maintained Linux |
| Software | Licensed, vendor-supported applications |
| Storage | 25% free drive space minimum |
| Warranty | Active manufacturer warranty or maintenance |
| Device Age | Maximum 6 years from manufacture |
| Power Protection | Connected to UPS with adequate runtime |
| Updates | Current with all security patches |
Network Infrastructure
Routers, switches, firewalls, and wireless access points.
| Router/Firewall | Enterprise-grade (not consumer/residential) |
| Switches | Managed, Gigabit (1000 Mbps) minimum |
| Wireless Security | WPA2-Enterprise or WPA3 |
| Guest Network | Separate from corporate network |
| Equipment Age | Maximum 6 years |
| Internet Service | Business-class with static IP |
| Power Protection | Battery backup for core equipment |
User & Business Requirements
Policies and practices that support a secure environment.
| Software Licensing | All software genuine and properly licensed |
| Password Policy | Unique passwords, no credential sharing |
| Security Training | Annual cybersecurity awareness training |
| Physical Security | Devices secured when unattended |
| Incident Reporting | Prompt reporting of suspicious activity |
| Data Responsibility | You remain the owner of your business data |
| Vendor Cooperation | Provide admin access for managed systems |
Built on Best Practices
These standards are based on guidance from the Canadian Centre for Cyber Security (CCCS) and align with their baseline controls for small and medium organizations.
By maintaining these requirements, your organization meets the recommended technology baseline for Canadian businesses. This helps ensure compatibility with modern security tools, supports compliance requirements, and reduces your overall risk profile.
What We Provide
As your managed service provider, we handle the following through our services:
- Endpoint protection and antivirus
- Backup and disaster recovery
- Patch management and updates
- Email security and spam filtering
- Network monitoring and alerting
- Firewall management and configuration
- Security awareness training programs
Not Sure If You Meet These Standards?
We're happy to assess your current technology environment and help you understand what upgrades, if any, might be needed. There's no obligation and no pressure.