Author: David McFarlene

David McFarlene is the founder and driving force behind CNiC Solutions, bringing more than two decades of hands-on experience in IT support, cybersecurity, and network infrastructure. Known for his calm, solutions-first approach, David built CNiC Solutions to give Houston organizations a dependable technology partner that delivers real results—not excuses. His background spans both enterprise-level systems and small business environments, allowing him to design practical, scalable solutions for any setting. David leads with integrity, deep technical expertise, and a passion for making technology simple, secure, and reliable for every client.

Best IT Outsourcing Firms for Small Business (2026)

Compare the best IT outsourcing firms for small business in 2026, how they score on cost, security, and support, plus how to pick the right MSP.

Best Endpoint Protection (EDR) Solutions for SMBs

Compare the best endpoint protection (EDR) for small business in 2026, from SentinelOne and Microsoft Defender to fully managed EDR, plus how to choose.

Co-Managed IT Services: What It Is and When It Beats Full Outsourcing

Co-managed IT services combine your internal team with an outside provider. Learn what co-managed IT is, how it works, and when it beats full outsourcing.

How to Spot a Phishing Email: Warning Signs to Watch For

Learn how to spot a phishing email fast: 7 warning signs to check on every message, what to do if you clicked, and how to protect your business.

What Is DRaaS (Disaster Recovery as a Service)?

What DRaaS (Disaster Recovery as a Service) is, how it works, how it differs from backup, the RTO and RPO metrics that drive it, and when a business needs it.

What Is a Virtual CIO (vCIO) and Why You Need One

What a Virtual CIO (vCIO) is, how it differs from a full-time CIO, what one actually does, and the signs your business is ready for strategic IT leadership.

What Are Bots? Good Bots, Bad Bots, and How to Defend Against Them

What bots are, the difference between good bots and bad bots, what a botnet is, how to spot malicious bot activity, and how to defend your business against it.

IT Compliance Checklist for Small Business

A practical IT compliance checklist for small business: the controls, documentation, and proof auditors and cyber insurers actually look for, organized and prioritized.

IT Budgeting Guide for Small Business

A practical IT budgeting guide for small business: the categories to include, how to benchmark spend, the hidden costs to plan for, and how to justify IT investment.

In-House IT vs Outsourced IT: Cost Comparison

In-house IT vs outsourced IT cost comparison: the true total cost of each model, the hidden costs most businesses miss, and how to calculate which fits your business.