Frequently Asked Questions

360 Smart Networks is a managed IT and cybersecurity provider helping organizations improve reliability, security and performance. We provide day-to-day support, proactive monitoring, cloud services, technology planning and specialist IT expertise.

We are headquartered in Roswell, Georgia, with teams supporting organizations in Atlanta, Charlotte and across the Southeast through a combination of remote and on-site service.

We work across several professional and commercial sectors, with a primary specialization in architecture, engineering and construction. Our team understands the demanding applications, large project files, distributed teams and security pressures common across the AEC industry.

We typically support small and mid-sized organizations with approximately 20 to 500 employees, including growing AEC firms with multiple offices, remote staff and active project sites.

We combine proactive managed IT, cybersecurity and strategic guidance with deeper knowledge of AEC workflows. That helps us make better recommendations around performance, collaboration, project data, specialist software and business continuity.

Yes. We provide continuous monitoring and 24/7 support for critical incidents, helping keep business systems, project data and essential services available outside normal working hours.

Yes. We can operate as your complete outsourced IT department or extend an existing team with helpdesk capacity, cybersecurity expertise, infrastructure support, project delivery and strategic planning.

Yes. We provide on-site support where required, combined with secure remote assistance for faster day-to-day resolution across offices, remote teams and project locations.

We review your current environment, identify operational and cybersecurity risks, and highlight practical improvements. For AEC firms, this may include project-file performance, remote collaboration, backup resilience, software infrastructure and security requirements.

Use our contact form or schedule a free IT assessment to speak with our team.

Yes. AEC is a core specialization for 360 Smart Networks. We support the technology environments used by architecture, engineering and construction firms, including high-performance workstations, large design files, distributed project teams, cloud collaboration and demanding cybersecurity requirements.

We support the infrastructure and end-user environments surrounding applications such as Autodesk Revit, AutoCAD, Civil 3D, Navisworks, Bluebeam, Autodesk Construction Cloud, BIM 360, Microsoft 365 and SharePoint. Where an issue sits with the software vendor, we coordinate with them to help drive resolution.

Yes. We assess workstations, servers, storage, networking, internet connectivity, cloud architecture and remote-access methods to identify bottlenecks that slow large models and project files. Recommendations are based on the way your teams actually work.

We design storage, networking, cloud and backup solutions around file size, user location, application requirements and recovery needs. The goal is to give teams fast, reliable access without sacrificing security or version control.

Yes. We help connect offices, remote employees and project locations through secure cloud services, managed networks, identity controls and standardized devices so teams can collaborate without creating unnecessary security gaps.

We use layered controls including endpoint protection, email security, multi-factor authentication, access management, monitoring, secure backups and incident response planning. This helps protect drawings, models, specifications, contracts and other sensitive project information.

Yes. We help assess existing controls, close common gaps and prepare supporting documentation for cyber insurance applications, client security reviews and contractual technology requirements.

Yes. We can standardize devices, workstation specifications, software deployment, identity management, security controls, file access and support processes across multiple locations while still allowing for role-specific requirements.

Yes. We can assess both environments, plan integrations, consolidate systems, migrate users and data, align security controls and reduce disruption during office openings, acquisitions and firm-wide technology changes.

AEC firms depend on specialized software, high-performance infrastructure and reliable access to valuable project data. An IT provider that understands these requirements can diagnose issues faster, avoid generic recommendations and build a technology roadmap around project delivery, profitability and growth.

Managed IT services place the ongoing management of your technology with a specialist provider. This typically includes support, monitoring, maintenance, cybersecurity, backups, cloud administration and strategic planning for a predictable monthly fee.

Coverage can include helpdesk support, device and network management, cybersecurity, Microsoft 365 administration, backup and disaster recovery, vendor coordination, procurement and ongoing technology planning.

We continuously monitor devices, servers, networks and security tools for warning signs. This allows many issues to be resolved before they interrupt employees, delay project work or affect multiple users.

Yes. We help specify, configure, secure and maintain workstations used for CAD, BIM, rendering and other resource-intensive applications, including lifecycle planning and standardized deployment.

Yes. We manage secure access, devices, identity controls, collaboration platforms and support workflows for employees working in offices, from home or at project sites.

Requests are prioritized by severity and business impact. Critical issues affecting project delivery, multiple users or core business systems are escalated immediately, while routine requests are handled through agreed service levels.

Yes. Services are scoped around your number of users, locations, internal IT resources, applications, security requirements and growth plans.

We audit and document the environment, identify immediate risks, deploy management and security tools, establish support procedures and build a prioritized improvement plan.

Yes. We can source, configure and deploy devices, servers, networking equipment and business software, while helping manage standards, warranties and replacement cycles.

Yes. We manage vendor communication and escalation so your employees are not left coordinating between internet providers, software vendors, hardware manufacturers and support teams.

Services can include endpoint detection and response, managed firewalls, email security, multi-factor authentication, identity protection, vulnerability management, security awareness training, backup protection and incident response planning.

AEC firms hold valuable project data, intellectual property, financial information and client records. They also collaborate with many external parties, creating opportunities for phishing, credential theft, ransomware and payment fraud.

We combine endpoint security, email protection, identity controls, patching, network monitoring, restricted access and recoverable backups. No single control is relied upon to stop every attack.

Yes. We can assess controls commonly requested by insurers, such as multi-factor authentication, endpoint protection, backups, access management, security training and incident response procedures.

Yes. We help document your security posture, identify gaps and implement practical controls that support client reviews, contractual requirements and vendor-risk assessments.

Yes. Ongoing training and phishing simulations help employees recognize suspicious emails, credential theft attempts, fraudulent payment requests and other common attack methods.

At least annually, and more frequently after major changes such as acquisitions, office openings, cloud migrations, insurance renewals or significant client security requirements.

We work to contain the incident, protect unaffected systems, investigate the cause, restore operations safely and implement improvements that reduce the likelihood of recurrence.

Yes. The appropriate testing approach depends on your environment, client requirements and risk profile. Findings are prioritized so remediation can focus on the most meaningful exposures.

A structured assessment compares your controls, configurations, user practices and recovery capabilities against your actual business risks. It is the fastest way to separate genuine protection from tools that are merely installed.

Not automatically. The right approach depends on application behavior, file sizes, office connectivity, remote-work patterns, security requirements and recovery objectives. Many firms benefit from a carefully designed cloud or hybrid environment rather than a blanket migration.

Yes. We plan and manage migrations to Microsoft cloud platforms, including identity, email, collaboration, servers and selected workloads, while minimizing disruption and protecting data.

SharePoint works well for many documents and collaboration workflows, but it is not always the right platform for every CAD, BIM or application-dependent file. We assess the data and workflow before recommending a migration.

We review connectivity, storage location, remote-access technology, application requirements and user geography. Solutions may include optimized cloud services, virtual desktops, improved networking or a hybrid design.

Automated backups, protected storage, retention policies, monitoring, restoration testing and recovery planning. The service should be designed around how quickly data and systems need to be restored.

Backup preserves data. Disaster recovery defines how systems, applications, connectivity and operations will be restored after a major outage, cyberattack or infrastructure failure.

Cloud platforms can be highly secure when identity, permissions, multi-factor authentication, encryption, device controls, monitoring and backup are configured correctly. Poor configuration remains a major source of risk.

Yes. We manage licensing, identity, security, email, Teams, SharePoint, user administration and ongoing support for Microsoft 365 environments.

Yes. Hybrid environments can combine local performance for demanding workloads with cloud-based collaboration, resilience and scalability.

Backups should be monitored continuously and restoration should be tested on a defined schedule. A successful backup notification is not the same as proving that critical data and systems can be recovered.

Pricing is normally based on users, devices, locations, service scope and technology complexity. AEC environments may also require consideration of high-performance workstations, specialist applications, large data volumes and multiple offices.

Yes. Managed service agreements are designed to make routine IT support, monitoring and management more predictable, while clearly identifying any project work or exclusions.

Technology complexity varies. Locations, servers, security requirements, data volumes, internal IT resources, support hours and application environments all influence the level of work required.

Initial discovery, documentation, remediation and tool deployment may be scoped separately. Any onboarding costs are explained before work begins.

Yes. Schedule an assessment so we can understand your users, locations, systems, risks and goals before recommending the right service structure.

Yes. Coverage can be adjusted as users, offices, project sites, devices and technology requirements change.

This depends on the service agreement, location and expected visit frequency. Included and chargeable on-site services are outlined clearly in the proposal.

Yes. Pricing can be structured around the responsibilities retained by your internal IT team and the areas where 360 provides additional coverage or specialist expertise.

Yes. We can scope defined projects such as migrations, office moves, security improvements, infrastructure upgrades and technology integrations.

Compare service scope, exclusions, security responsibilities, support coverage, escalation, strategic planning and provider experience—not simply the monthly price.

Users can contact the helpdesk through the agreed support channels, which may include email, phone and a client portal.

The team handles day-to-day issues involving devices, accounts, email, Microsoft 365, connectivity, printers, security alerts and many business applications.

We support the workstations, permissions, connectivity, deployment and surrounding technology environment. When an issue requires the application vendor, we coordinate with them to help move the case forward.

Requests are prioritized by severity, number of users affected and business impact. An outage preventing a project team from accessing critical files receives greater urgency than a routine individual request.

Yes. Our technicians can provide secure remote assistance where internet access and device configuration allow it.

Yes. We support mixed environments, although specialist AEC applications may have specific operating-system requirements that influence device standards.

We coordinate with the relevant software, hardware, internet or telecom provider and remain involved until the problem is resolved or the next action is clearly assigned.

Critical after-hours coverage is available according to the service agreement, supported by continuous monitoring and escalation procedures.

Yes. We can create and remove accounts, configure devices, assign permissions, deploy applications and help ensure former employees no longer retain access.

We track indicators such as response times, resolution times, service-level attainment, repeat issues and user satisfaction, while also reviewing whether recurring problems require a permanent fix.

A virtual CIO provides ongoing strategic guidance, helping leadership align technology, cybersecurity, budgeting and risk management with business goals.

A roadmap prioritizes infrastructure, security, software, cloud, device and process improvements over time. This prevents reactive spending and aligns investment with growth, project demands and business risk.

Yes. We review licensing, vendors, infrastructure, support demand and recurring issues to identify waste. Cost reduction should not come at the expense of security, reliability or employee productivity.

Yes. We can create common standards for workstations, software, identity, networking, security, file access and support while allowing for legitimate office or discipline-specific needs.

Yes. We assess technology risks, document both environments, plan integration, migrate systems and users, and align security and support processes.

Yes. We can plan connectivity, networking, devices, conference rooms, security, vendors and migration activities so the new location is operational when employees arrive.

At least annually, with quarterly reviews providing better alignment for growing firms, changing client requirements and active technology projects.

Yes. We help assess infrastructure impact, security, integration, licensing, support requirements and likely business value before the firm commits to a new platform.

We connect technology initiatives to outcomes such as reduced downtime, faster workflows, lower risk, improved employee productivity, predictable costs and better project delivery.

Yes. We scope and manage projects such as cloud migrations, security improvements, system rollouts, office integrations and infrastructure upgrades with defined milestones and responsibilities.