Minimum Tech Requirements

These are the baseline hardware and software standards required to ensure dependable support, security, and long‑term stability across the environments we manage.

Overview

As technology continues to evolve, managing IT effectively requires a careful balance between adopting best practices and leveraging the most appropriate hardware and software solutions. With our Managed IT Services, we strive to strike the right balance between implementing the latest innovations and avoiding outdated or unsupported (EOS/EOL) technologies. This document outlines our baseline requirements to ensure clients receive solutions that provide both optimal functionality and long-term stability. The standards below define the minimum requirements necessary for quality service delivery.

Hardware Requirements

For Windows Computers

  • Processor: Intel i5 or better
  • Memory (RAM): Minimum 16 GB (32 GB preferred for demanding applications)
  • Storage: 512 GB or larger SSD

For Mac Computers

  • Model: Mac from 2018 or newer
  • Processor: Apple M1, M2, or Intel i5 (or better)
  • Memory (RAM): Minimum 16 GB
  • Storage: 512 GB or larger SSD
  • macOS Version: macOS 10.14 (Mojave) or higher

Firewall Requirements (if applicable)

  • Type: Business-class Next-Generation Firewall (NGFW)
  • Throughput: At least 500 Mbps (sufficient for most small offices)
  • Features Required:
    • Intrusion Detection & Prevention (IDS/IPS)
    • Gateway Antivirus & Anti-malware
    • Content/Web Filtering
    • VPN support (SSL and/or IPsec)
    • Stateful Packet Inspection
    • Automatic firmware/security updates
  • Vendor Examples: Fortinet (FortiGate), WatchGuard, SonicWall, Cisco Meraki, Ubiquiti, Sophos, or equivalent
  • Cloud Management: Preferred (for easier remote support)

Software Requirements

PC OS

  • Windows 11 Pro, 64-bit (US version only)
  • Windows 10 Pro, 64-bit (US version only): End of Support on October 14, 2025

MS Windows Server OS

  • Windows Server 2022: End of Life on October 14, 2031
  • Windows Server 2019: End of Life on January 9, 2029
  • Windows Server 2016: End of Life on January 12, 2027

Linux OS

  • Ubuntu 10.04 & later versions
  • Red Hat Enterprise Linux 6 & later versions
  • CentOS 6 & later versions

Approved Software List for Windows and Mac Computers

Productivity

  • Office Suite:
    • Microsoft 365 (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Teams, OneDrive); Mac or PC version as appropriate
  • PDF Reader/Editor:
    • Adobe Acrobat Reader DC, or built-in Preview (Mac)

Web Browsers

  • Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox
  • Safari (Mac only)

Email

  • Microsoft Outlook (via Microsoft 365)
  • Mac Mail

Remote Collaboration/Meetings

  • Microsoft Teams, Zoom, or Google Meet

File Sync & Share

  • Microsoft OneDrive, SharePoint

Utilities

  • 7-Zip (Windows) / Keka (Mac) for file compression
  • VLC Media Player (cross-platform)

Optional/Industry-Specific (as needed)

  • Line-of-business or industry-specific apps (subject to MSP review)
  • Password manager: Bitwarden, 1Password, or LastPass Business

Note: All software must be business-licensed, regularly updated, and MSP‑approved. Personal, unsupported, or pirated software is not allowed.

Revised Date: 9/18/25