Six Years Later: What COVID Changed About IT and What Comes Next

By Linda Weller, President, Info Advantage

As we move through 2026, it’s hard to believe nearly six years have passed since the COVID-19 pandemic reshaped how we work, connect and protect our businesses. Many of us still have a box of masks tucked away somewhere - and enough hand sanitizer to last a lifetime - quiet reminders of a time that changed far more than our supply closets.

What began as an urgent scramble for remote access and continuity ultimately transformed IT and cybersecurity in lasting ways. Hybrid work is now the norm. Cloud adoption accelerated faster than anyone anticipated. And security has evolved from a behind-the-scenes IT function into a core business risk that leaders can no longer afford to overlook.

At Info Advantage, we’ve spent the last six years helping organizations adapt to these changes - not just reacting to new threats, but building smarter, more resilient IT strategies designed for how businesses actually operate today.

This month, we’re reflecting on the biggest shifts we’ve seen since the pandemic and sharing insight into what comes next - from identity-first security to cloud optimization and the growing role of trusted IT partnerships.

Thank you for continuing to trust Info Advantage as your technology partner. We look forward to helping you prepare not just for today’s challenges, but for what the future brings.

Info Advantage Attends ATHENA Award Event

We were honored to attend the ATHENA International Awards ceremony, where Info Advantage and our President, Linda Weller, were names a 2026 ATHENA Organizational Award finalist.

Linda joined dozens of inspiring women leaders from across the Rochester community and took the stage to answer a powerful question: “What’s one value your organization lives out every day – not just talked about?” Her answer: Being Human.

At Info Advantage, service isn’t an add-on - it’s at the heart of how we support our clients, our partners and the community around us. We’re grateful to be part of a network that celebrates leadership rooted in empathy, integrity and real impact.

Congratulations to this year’s winners – Naomi Silver, Lindsay Connelly and the Arc of Monroe.

Info Advantage Named to CRN's MSP 500 List for 2026

We’re proud to share that Info Advantage has been named to CRN’s 2026 MSP 500 list in the Pioneer 250 category - a recognition highlighting North America’s top managed service providers driving innovation, security and operational excellence.

Financial AI Readiness

AI is reshaping finance, but without governance it’s risky. Learn how a practical AI governance framework keeps your firm secure, compliant, ethical, and competitive future-ready.

Infrastructure Services Company Keeps Field and Office Teams Connected with Reliable IT Support

A Northeast-based construction organization partnered with IA to support both office and field teams with reliable IT. Responsive managed services reduced device and connectivity issues, improved system reliability, minimized operational disruptions and gave teams greater confidence that technology would support schedules, communication and day-to-day project execution.

SAVE THE DATE: Copilot Webinar to be held April 21

Join us at 11 a.m. April 21 for our upcoming webinar, "The Copilot ROI Playbook: Secure Implementation, 90-Day Profit."

This 30-minute webinar will demonstrate how Microsoft Copilot delivers measurable ROI for small and medium-sized businesses through concrete math-led examples.

Attendees will learn how to overcome adoption barriers, start with a pilot program to prove value and scale smart across their organization.

From media production and automation to managing complex technical projects, Level 2 Engineer Kyle Gillette brings innovation and continuous learning to everything he does. Whether he’s helping partners achieve their technology goals or camping with his kids outdoors, Kyle’s curiosity and resilience shine through.

Read Kyle’s full spotlight to learn more about his journey, favorite superhero and the wild white-water rafting story you won’t want to miss.

IT Predictions for 2027: What Small Businesses Should Watch

Forget billion-dollar AI headlines. The IT shifts that will impact small businesses most by 2027 aren’t flashy - they’re unavoidable.

See which trends SMBs need to start preparing for now.

Why IT Preparedness Wins Under Pressure

Olympic success is built on preparation, not luck. Discover how strong IT fundamentals, teamwork and proactive planning help businesses perform under pressure- just like elite athletes on the world’s biggest stage.

#RochesterNY #ITPartner #LoveYourIT

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Info Advantage, Inc., 155 Sanford St., Rochester NY 14620