Southfield and All Across Metro Detroit

Outsourced IT Support

& Phone Systems Services

From your cybersecurity to help desk, we’ve got you covered with tailored outsourced IT support to fit your needs. We are the trusted IT Services Company in Metro Detroit, to enhance productivity, protect your business, and achieve long-term success.

Outsourced IT Support & Phone Systems Services

for Southfield and All Across Metro Detroit

From your cybersecurity to help desk, we’ve got you covered with tailored outsourced IT support to fit your needs. Big Water Tech is the trusted IT Services Company in Metro Detroit, to enhance productivity, protect your business, and achieve long-term success.

Your Neighborhood Technology Success partner

Tress Saunders
Client Success Coordinator

Jennifer Shubow
Senior Sales Executive

Beverly Ames
Carrier Services Manager

Lisa Sariol
Manager of Operations

Robert Shubow
President

John Lowery
CEO

Marc Landau
IT Director

Bill Hickey
Client Services Manager

Glen Adams
Project Coordinator

Why Businesses Choose Big Water Tech

Comprehensive IT Solutions

Big Water Technologies offers tailored outsourced IT support solutions covering managed services, phone systems, cybersecurity, cloud services, and more.

Security and Compliance Experts

You can rest assured knowing we're security and compliance experts with the ability to protect your network while ensuring your environment exceeds regulatory requirements.

Exceptional Customer Service

Our team has been in the industry since the 1970s - allowing us to offer you informed, strategic insight while maintaining a high level of customer service.

Commitment to Client Success

You're far too busy to worry about technology. That's why your success is our success. We make IT work for you - so you can drive growth.

Client Success Stories

We currently use Big Water for our managed phone service and they are great! We have had issue with managed phone service providers in the past but Jenn is super responsive when we have an issue or need a new line added or removed. I would not hesitate to recommend Big Water for managed phone services, low voltage or other technology needs!

COLLEEN BUDDE

Franchise Owner at Office Evolution Troy

Is Your Technology Becoming Too Complex
For What It Needs To Be?

John Lowery
CEO, Big Water Tech

Big Water Tech is Here to Help Keep IT Simple with Bespoke IT Services.

At BigWater Technologies, safeguarding the integrity and security of your IT system is non-negotiable. We're dedicated to optimizing your technology to enhance efficiency and power.

Feel like you’ve been down this road before?

If you've felt burned by outsourced IT support providers in the past, rest assured, we prioritize fostering lasting client relationships over maximizing profits. Our focus is on maximizing the potential of your current IT infrastructure while keeping costs in check – possibly even reducing them.

Contact us at (248) 220-7714 to kick-start crucial IT discussions tailored to businesses like yours. Let's redefine your IT experience together.

Schedule an Appointment Today

As Your Technology Success Partner,
We're Here to Help You Drive Growth With:

Image

Simplified IT Management

BIGview offers proactive outsourced IT support and management of technology assets on a subscription basis.

Image

VoIP & Hybrid Phone Systems

Desktop & Mobile App, as well as Service Management with flexible VoIP service.

Image

Vendor Neutral Management

We provide a thorough needs assessment, available provider review, order management, issue management, and regular bill reviews.

Image

Comprehensive Equipment Support

We take care of your network security, switching, WiFi, servers, computers, video conferencing, and more.

Low voltage cabling, paging, and camera systems designed to fit the needs of your team.

Image

Ongoing Evaluation and Planning

Stay focused on the success of your company with regular proactive business reviews.

Want to see your Score? Get it in 30 seconds!

What Clients Say About Us

Excellent Response

They have been our IT support for a number of years and we have always had excellent response for any issues we were having. We currently going through the process of setting us up for more Cyber Security and eliminating the use of a server. They are bringing us up to date with all our computer needs. Their staff is very helpful.

John Gracey

Sharon Pare

Great Experience

We have been using Big Water for managed Services and Support for the past 5-7 years and have had great experience with everything from New Purchase, to Support, to their proactiveness to help us protect our systems. I highly recommend this company for your IT needs.

Kevin Truan

Alan Borsen

Highly Recommend Their Services

The folks of Big Water are super supportive and helpful. And they thoroughly seem to enjoy find their customers huge savings. Their accurate in their communication and prompt to follow through with any promises. Highly recommend their services.

John Gracey

Korienna Cox

Managing Your Security Has Never Been Simpler

Image

Discover Your Cyber Score

Start by assessing your Cyber Score to understand your business’s online security. This score provides clarity, replacing uncertainty with insight, so you know exactly where you stand and what needs improvement.

Image

Create Your Cyber Roadmap

Use your Cyber Score to develop a clear, actionable Cyber Roadmap. This plan highlights vulnerabilities and provides precise steps to strengthen your security, saving you time and resources. Schedule a meeting with Big Water Tech so we can help you create a clear, strategic path to cyber resilience.

Image

Enhance Your Security

Put your Roadmap into action with a step-by-step approach to stronger protection. Demonstrate your commitment to safeguarding customer data while equipping your IT team with a focused, cost-effective security strategy.

Want to see your Cybersecurity Score? Get it in 30 seconds!

The More You Know...

Our blog shares practical guidance, expert takes, and real-world lessons drawn from the front lines of IT services. Stay informed, stay protected, and make smarter decisions for your business.

Why Your “Perfectly Good” IT Systems Are Not

Why Your “Perfectly Good” IT Systems Are Now Compliance Violations in 2025

December 15, 20254 min read

Short Answer:
IT systems that no longer receive vendor security updates—such as Windows 10 without ESU, Windows Server 2012, or outdated business software—are compliance violations in 2025, even if they still work. These systems can void cyber insurance coverage.

Reading time: 6 minutes
Last updated: December 15, 2025
Author: John Lowery, CEO, Big Water Technologies


What Makes IT Systems Non-Compliant in 2025?

Answer:
An IT system is non-compliant when it:

  • Is no longer supported by the vendor

  • Does not receive security patches

  • Lacks required controls like MFA

  • Fails to meet cyber insurance requirements

Functionality does not matter. Support status does.

This is why many Michigan businesses are being flagged during insurance renewals—even though nothing “broke.”


Is Windows 10 Still Compliant for Cyber Insurance?

Short Answer:
No—unless you purchase Extended Security Updates (ESU).

As of October 2025, Windows 10 without ESU is non-compliant for most cyber insurance policies.

Windows 10 Compliance Status (2025)

  • ❌ Windows 10 without ESU → Non-compliant

  • ⚠️ Windows 10 with ESU → Compliant, increasing annual cost

  • ✅ Windows 11 → Fully compliant

Insurers now treat unsupported operating systems as uninsurable risk.


Which Operating Systems Are Non-Compliant in 2025?

Non-Compliant Windows Servers

  • ❌ Windows Server 2012 / 2012 R2

  • ❌ Windows Server 2016

  • ⚠️ Windows Server 2019 (extended support only)

  • ✅ Windows Server 2022

Non-Compliant Desktop Systems

  • ❌ Windows 8.1

  • ❌ Windows 10 Home

  • ⚠️ Windows 10 Pro (ESU required)

  • ❌ macOS versions before Monterey

If the vendor no longer patches it, insurers no longer trust it.


Is QuickBooks Desktop Still Compliant in 2025?

Answer:
Only QuickBooks Desktop 2023–2025 and QuickBooks Online are compliant.

  • ❌ QuickBooks Desktop 2022 or older → Non-compliant

  • ✅ QuickBooks Desktop 2023–2025 → Compliant

  • ✅ QuickBooks Online → Fully compliant

Financial software is a frequent failure point in insurance audits.


What Software Is Commonly Non-Compliant?

Most common problem categories:

  • Microsoft Office 2016 or 2019

  • Perpetual-license accounting software

  • Legal and medical systems without current vendor support

  • Manufacturing systems running embedded XP or Windows 7

Age—not usefulness—is the deciding factor.


How Much Does Windows 10 ESU Cost?

Windows 10 Extended Security Updates Pricing

  • Year 1: $61 per device

  • Year 2: $122 per device

  • Year 3: $244 per device

Total 3-year cost: $427 per device

For many firms, upgrading is cheaper than staying compliant on Windows 10.


What Are Cyber Insurance IT Requirements in 2025?

Most policies now require:

  1. All systems under active vendor support

  2. MFA on admin and remote access

  3. Regular patching

  4. Tested backups

  5. Endpoint Detection & Response (EDR)

Required documentation includes:

  • System inventory

  • Patch logs

  • Backup test results

  • Security training records

No proof = no coverage.


How Do I Check If My Systems Are Compliant?

Quick Compliance Check:

  1. Identify OS and software versions

  2. Verify vendor support status

  3. Confirm MFA and patching

  4. Review insurance requirements in writing

Most businesses fail at step two.


What Happens If Systems Aren’t Compliant?

Immediate consequences include:

  • Denied cyber insurance claims

  • Regulatory fines

  • Contract violations

  • Policy cancellation

Average breach cost: $200,000+
Emergency upgrades: 3× planned cost


Are There Michigan-Specific Compliance Requirements?

Yes. Michigan businesses must consider:

  • Michigan Data Breach Notification Act

  • Healthcare, legal, and automotive supplier rules

  • Municipal and state contract requirements


How Can I Become Compliant Before the End of January 2026?

30-Day Compliance Plan:

  • Week 1: Inventory and support checks

  • Week 2: Upgrade planning or ESU decisions

  • Week 3: Implement changes

  • Week 4: Document and notify insurer

Waiting increases cost and risk.


Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use Windows 10 if it still works?
Yes—but only with ESU. Without it, you’re non-compliant.

Is Windows 11 required?
No—but it’s the most cost-effective compliant option.

Do small businesses really get audited?
Yes. Renewals and claims trigger audits automatically.

Can I operate without cyber insurance?
You can—but breach costs become your personal liability.


The Bottom Line

In 2025, “working” does not mean compliant.

If your IT systems lack vendor support, insurers treat them as violations—no matter how reliable they seem. With stricter cyber insurance enforcement, Michigan businesses must modernize now or face denied claims and regulatory exposure.

Don’t find out after a breach that you weren’t covered.

Note: This article provides general guidance based on current trends. Always consult your specific insurance policy and legal advisors for requirements applicable to your situation.

#BigWaterTech#SmarterBusiness#SMBITCompliance#KeepITSimple
John Lowery is the CEO of BigWater Technologies, where he leads with a passion for innovation and excellence in delivering advanced IT solutions. With over two decades of experience in the tech industry, John specializes in strategic planning, operational efficiency, and driving customer success.

John Lowery

John Lowery is the CEO of BigWater Technologies, where he leads with a passion for innovation and excellence in delivering advanced IT solutions. With over two decades of experience in the tech industry, John specializes in strategic planning, operational efficiency, and driving customer success.

Back to Blog

Our Services

Image

Simple IT Management & Support

BIGview offers proactive management of technology assets on a subscription basis. BIGview is a service based offering designed specifically for your organization's requirements.

Image

Hosted Voice

Desktop & Mobile App, SIP Firewall, and Service Management with flexible VoIP service. Powerful call control on a local business number you can access from anywhere.

Image

Disaster Recovery & Backup

An automated data backup and restore system providing powerful tools to protect your organization's data. It doesn’t require any human assistance beyond the initial installation.

Image

Managed Cloud Environment

Protecting your data is incredibly important. Our BIGcloud Server is highly secure, extremely reliable, easy to scale, and has simple and affordable pricing.

Image

Managed File Sharing

BIGshare Managed Cloud Sharing is a secure, HIPAA & PCI compliant solution. Our BIGshare comes standard with backup and DRaaS all with unlimited storage for one simple price.

Image

Managed Security

BIGprotect is a comprehensive fully-managed security solution. It provides a powerful way to protect your organization’s network .

Image

Voice & Data Protection

BIGguard is a protection plan for your voice and data communications equipment. It provides a powerful way to protect your organization’s voice and data investment.

Image

Security Assessment & Reporting

Elevate your security posture with our assessment and reporting solutions. Gain comprehensive insights into your organization's security landscape.

Take IT Off Your Plate...

Spend less time on IT problems and more time growing your business. Let’s get to know each other and determine how our partnership could grow. With us on your side, you can develop a strong barrier against cybercrime, stronger communication strategies, and a better technology plan for the future.

Call (248) 220-7714 today or fill out the form below to schedule your appointment. We’re ready to jumpstart your IT journey.