Northstar Technology Solutions

01/22/2026

Major Microsoft Outage
More info: Users may be receiving a "451 4.3.2 temporary server issue" error message when attempting to send or receive email through Outlook.
Some of the impacted service functions include, but may not be limited to:
- Sending and receiving email through Exchange Online, including notification emails from Microsoft Viva Engage.
- Accessing the service portals, including Microsoft Purview, Microsoft Defender XDR, and the Microsoft 365 admin center.
Current status: We've identified a portion of dependent service infrastructure in the North America region that is not processing traffic as expected. This is impacting our load balancing processes and general service availability. We're working to restore this infrastructure to a heathy state and rebalance the service traffic to achieve recovery.
Scope of impact: Any users served through an affected section of service infrastructure in the North America region may be intermittently impacted.

10/17/2025

Marketers: Too much to do, not enough time? ⏰ Check out this infographic to see how Copilot helps marketing leaders move faster and create smarter.

Ready to integrate Copilot into your marketing operations? Message us for a consultation.

This infographic highlights how Microsoft Copilot helps marketers like you do more in less time by streamlining research, enhancing content, and enabling better cross-functional collaboration. View the infographic to see how AI can help your team work more efficiently. Contact Northstar Technology S...

01/30/2025

Big Lake High School has an incredible program supporting students in our community, and I’m thrilled that Northstar Technology Solutions could be a part of it! It’s been great working with Asher—he’s doing an outstanding job. Excited to see the impact this program continues to have!

08/05/2024

How can help employees use productivity apps more efficiently? Lots of ways! Ask us how Microsoft's work assistant, , can help you be more productive.

03/10/2022

Northstar Technology Solutions, a small business located in Big Lake, seeks a self-directed, career-minded and process-oriented individual who has an interest in a career in outsourced information technology services as a Network Support Specialist.
This individual should be well versed in all components of a business network including hardware, software and network equipment. Candidate must possess a strong technical aptitude and business knowledge. Strong organizational and communication skills, written and oral, are necessary.
Must have the ability to travel to geographically dispersed client sites located around the Twin Cities metro area, St. Cloud and can accommodate a fluctuating work schedule.
Due to the nature of the services provided including access to our client’s confidential information, a background check and drug testing is required.
General Accountabilities
• On-board, support and maintain Microsoft 365 applications and services – Azure, Azure AD, Exchange Online and SharePoint Online.
• Perform installation, troubleshooting, repair and provide ongoing support related to data networks including Servers, PCs, Firewalls and Switches. Service may be provided remotely or at client’s location.
• Respond to client inquiries concerning systems operation, diagnose system hardware, software, and end user problems, provide best practice recommendations and solutions.
• Install new hardware, software, or peripherals ensuring integration with existing systems.
• Installation of local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN), firewalls, routers, switches and wireless access points.
• Install and configure data backup and security.
• Document Help Desk requests, resolutions and network support activities in ConnectWise ticketing system.
• Create or update technical documentation for network installations or changes to existing installations.
• Ensure the customer information database for designated clients is accurate, complete and reflects any service activities and follow-up calls.
• Assist the Desktop Support Specialist with equipment recommendations and solutions to assist in the quoting process.
• Deliver superior customer service on every interaction with clients, colleagues and vendors.
• Monitor industry websites or publications for information about patches, releases, viruses, or potential problem identification.
• Proactively provide support and share knowledge, tips and tactics with colleagues.
• Foster a positive, supportive, professional and ethical work environment in which everyone is treated with dignity and respect.
• Perform other duties as assigned or requested.
• The company reserves the right to add or change duties at any time.
Job Qualifications
• HS Diploma or GED equivalent required, Associates of Arts with concentration in Information Technology or Business preferred
• Three years of experience in outsourced IT Support for Small and Medium sized businesses
• Flexibility to work in mixed locales and geographically dispersed client sites in Minnesota
• Experience with Servers, PCs, Microsoft Operating Systems, Microsoft Online Services, Microsoft Office
• Professional demeanor with superior oral communication and interpersonal skills
Skills
• Speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations
• Writes professionally, clearly and informatively
• Adapts very well to change and inconsistency in the workplace, working with clients across various industries
• Identify and resolve problems quickly and efficiently
• Ability to multi-task, assess priorities and coordinate work activities with changing demands, competently handle a variety of activities with a high-degree of accuracy in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment
• Exhibits high attention to detail and conscientious quality of work product
• Exhibits patience and persistence in the face of obstacles
• Seeks further education and technical training
• Responds well to questions
• Outstanding time management and organization skills
• Ability to work well with others
Skills: Machine
• Ability to install and/or use various software programs
• Ability to install and/or use anti-virus, security and backup software
• Ability to diagnose computer, server and network problems
• Ability to operate and make repairs to hardware
• Ability to configure Firewalls
Physical Demands
• Regularly required to sit for long periods
• Regularly required to use hands, type, view monitors and use double eared headset
• Ability to lift 50 pounds
Compensation
• Overtime Eligible
• Health and Dental Insurance
• Company Pays 100% of Employee Premium
• Colonial Life Voluntary Benefits
• 401K with Employer Contribution
• Seven Paid Holidays
• Five PTO Days and Three Personal Days - Accrue starting day one
• Mileage Reimbursement
• BYOD Cell Phone Reimbursement
• Company Paid Training
Apply at LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/jobs/view/2942378526 or ZipRecruiter - https://www.ziprecruiter.com/job/6322c678

Easy 1-Click Apply (R L JACOBS & ASSOCIATES INC) Network Support Specialist job in Big Lake, MN. View job description, responsibilities and qualifications. See if you qualify!

09/08/2021

Cyber threats don't always come from the outside of your organization. CNN Business highlights that a "careless employee or contractor" can create a security gap that allows malicious actors into your systems. Click on the link and read the full CNN Business story and get cybersecurity training for your employees. https://oal.lu/IASL8

09/03/2021

A culture of cybersecurity is built from the top down. Helping your board understand your risk profile and the steps that your organization must take to proactively combat cyber intrusions and data loss is a critical piece of your IT security puzzle. This HBR article gives you the information you need to help your board "get on board" with layered IT security. https://oal.lu/PhP26

08/31/2021

Maybe you've heard the term "Layered Security," but you haven't taken the time to give it much consideration. It's time to take a closer look. This Forbes Security Council article explains it well. https://oal.lu/sphNc

08/26/2021

Cybercriminal activity threatens businesses large and small, being proactive and protecting every level of your IT environment is the only way to keep them at bay. Read our quick Layered Security overview sheet. http://oal.lu/Ujfic

05/03/2021

Northstar Technology Solutions, a small business located in Big Lake, seeks a self-directed, career-minded and process-oriented individual who has an interest in a career in outsourced information technology services as an entry level Desktop Support Specialist.

Northstar provides IT services to small business clients in the Manufacturing, Financial, Legal, Engineering, Non-Profit and Construction industries.

This individual should be knowledgeable of all components of a business network including hardware, software and network equipment. Candidate must possess a strong technical aptitude and business knowledge. Strong organizational and communication skills, written and oral, are necessary.

Must have the ability to travel to geographically dispersed client sites located around the Twin Cities metro area, St. Cloud and have the ability to accommodate a fluctuating work schedule.

Due to the nature of the services provided including access to our client’s confidential information, a background check and drug testing is required.

General Accountabilities

* Monitor network and device performance, make adjustments, corrections and/or changes as necessary for Managed Service clients.
* Maintain applications and/or virus protection measures.
* On-board, support and maintain Microsoft Online Services.
* Perform routine maintenance, standard repairs and provide ongoing support related to data networks. Service may be provided remotely or at client’s location.
* Respond to client inquiries concerning systems operation and diagnoses system hardware, software, and operator problems.
* Install new hardware or software systems or components, ensuring integration with existing systems.
* Install, configure and maintain data backup and security.
* Document Help Desk requests, resolutions and network support activities in ConnectWise ticketing system.
* Create or update technical documentation for network installations or changes to existing installations.
* Ensure the customer information database for designated clients is accurate and complete, and reflects any service activities and follow-up calls.
* Deliver superior customer service on every interaction with clients, colleagues and vendors.
* Monitor industry websites or publications for information about patches, releases, viruses, or potential problem identification.
* Proactively provide support and share knowledge, tips and tactics with colleagues.
* Foster a positive, supportive, professional and ethical work environment in which everyone is treated with dignity and respect.
* Perform other duties as assigned or requested.
* The company reserves the right to add or change duties at any time.

Job Qualifications

* HS Diploma or GED equivalent required, Associates of Arts with concentration in Information Technology or Business preferred or relevant work experience
* Flexibility to work in mixed locales and geographically dispersed client sites in Minnesota
* Knowledge of Servers, PCs, Microsoft Operating Systems, Microsoft Online Services, Microsoft Office
* Professional demeanor with superior oral communication and interpersonal skills

Skills

* Speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations
* Writes professionally, clearly and informatively
* Adapts very well to change and inconsistency in the workplace
* Identify and resolve problems quickly and efficiently
* Ability to multi-task, assess priorities and coordinate work activities with changing demands, competently handle a variety of activities with a high-degree of accuracy in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment
* Exhibits high attention to detail and conscientious quality of work product
* Exhibits patience and persistence in the face of obstacles
* Seeks further education and technical training
* Responds well to questions
* Outstanding time management and organization skills
* Ability to work well with others

Skills: Machine

* Ability to install and/or use various software programs
* Ability to install and/or use anti-virus, security and backup software
* Ability to diagnose computer, server and network problems
* Ability to operate and make repairs to hardware

Physical Demands

* Regularly required to sit for long periods
* Regularly required to use hands, type, view monitors and use double eared headset
* Ability to lift 50 pounds

Compensation

* Overtime eligible
* Mileage reimbursement
* BYOD Cell Phone reimbursement
* Health and Dental Insurance
* Colonial Life voluntary benefits
* 401K with Employer contribution
* 7 paid Holidays
* 5 PTO days and 3 personal days - accrual
* Company paid certification training

https://www.indeed.com/job/desktop-support-specialist-274fe7fe95a50e19

05/03/2021

Northstar Technology Solutions, a small business located in Big Lake, seeks a self-directed, career-minded and process-oriented individual who has an interest in a career in outsourced information technology services as a Desktop Support Specialist.

This individual should be knowledgeable of all components of a business network including hardware, software and network equipment. Candidate must possess a strong technical aptitude and business knowledge. Strong organizational and communication skills, written and oral, are necessary.

Must have the ability to travel to geographically dispersed client sites located around the Twin Cities metro area, St. Cloud and have the ability to accommodate a fluctuating work schedule.

Due to the nature of the services provided including access to our client’s confidential information, a background check and drug testing is required.

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03/20/2020

Great stretches for working from home!

Looking for some quick stretches to do at your desk? Here are a few that require nothing more than things you can find in your office.