Business Technology

Last week, we shared that Innovative was named to the 2026 MSP 501, an annual ranking of the top 501 managed service providers worldwide. We're one of 16 Maryland-based companies on this year's list, and the only one headquartered in Western Maryland. For businesses in our area, that means access to a globally recognized provider.

When Innovative opened its doors in 2001, the world looked a little different. At least that’s what my research showed me. I was still watching Blue’s Clues and drinking juice boxes. It’s been a long time! Let’s hop in the time machine.

There isn't much debate anymore about whether AI will impact business. For most organizations, that question has already been answered. The harder question is what comes next.

One of the most dangerous cybersecurity misconceptions is the belief that attacks are obvious. Many organizations assume that employees simply need to avoid clicking suspicious links or opening unexpected attachments. In reality, modern attacks are often far more deceiving.

In a recent conversation on the Innovative Leadership podcast, Jarad Bowens touched on something most leaders run into at some point, even if they don’t always name it directly. How do you stand firm in a difficult conversation without turning it into a fight, and without backing off just to keep the room comfortable?

When organizations take on large technology initiatives like cloud migrations, infrastructure updates, and security programs, the pressure to make the right decision is real, especially when changes are urgently needed. Leaders want progress, teams want clarity, and vendors are ready with recommendations that promise simplicity and speed.

AI has quickly become part of how people research technology decisions. Tools like Copilot make it easier to look up pricing models, compare products, and understand how IT services are commonly delivered before ever speaking with a provider.

One of the things that stood out most in our recent podcast conversation with Warehouse Cinemas CEO Rich Daughtridge wasn’t a specific EOS tool or framework. It was how clearly he described the pull between who he is as a leader and what his business ultimately needed from him.

Artificial intelligence continues to dominate headlines, but for most business leaders, the real challenge isn’t understanding what AI can do, it’s figuring out what’s actually worth doing next. That’s the purpose of Innovative's AI User Group.

Effective IT support often operates seamlessly in the background, ensuring requests are addressed accurately and routine issues do not interfere with productivity. Achieving this level of consistency depends on well-crafted processes working behind the scenes.