To ensure performance, security, and reliability across your organisation, we recommend the following standards for desktops and laptops.
| Component | Recommended Specification |
|---|---|
| Processor | Intel Core Ultra (Series 2) or newer, or equivalent AMD Ryzen |
| Memory (RAM) | 32GB DDR5 preferred; 16GB minimum where workload and budget allow |
| Storage | Minimum 512GB NVMe SSD |
| Networking | Wi-Fi 6 or Wi-Fi 6E and Gigabit Ethernet |
| Display (Laptops) | Minimum Full HD (1080p), ideally 14″ or larger |
| Build Quality | Business-grade chassis with durable hinges and spill-resistant keyboard |
Note: Intel Core Ultra processors offer improved performance, enhanced security (including TPM 2.0), and readiness for AI-enabled workloads and future Windows updates.
We recommend the following manufacturers based on their proven reliability, enterprise-grade support options, and consistent device lifecycles:
All devices should be sourced through a commercial/reseller channel to ensure proper warranty and SLA coverage.
A business-grade firewall is essential for protecting network perimeters, enabling secure remote access, and enforcing security policies. We recommend the following standards for firewalls in all client environments.
Inspired IT exclusively supplies and recommends Fortinet firewalls due to their robust security features, reliability, and integration with advanced threat protection and management tools. Fortinet provides excellent value and scalability for small to mid-sized businesses.
Model Selection:
Firewall models are recommended based on the client’s environment, number of users/devices, VPN requirements, and internet bandwidth. Typical models include the FortiGate 50G, 70G, 90G, and 120G series, scaled accordingly.
While Fortinet is our recommended and supplied firewall platform, Inspired IT also provides support and configuration assistance for the following vendors if already in place:
Support is limited to configuration management, firmware updates, and general troubleshooting. We do not supply these units directly or manage licensing renewal for them.
Switches form the backbone of your internal network, providing connectivity between users, devices, and critical infrastructure. We recommend using business-grade managed switches to ensure visibility, performance, and reliability across all environments.
Inspired IT recommends and supplies Ubiquiti UniFi switches as our preferred platform for small to mid-sized business networks. UniFi switches provide enterprise-level performance, centralised management, and strong integration with Ubiquiti’s ecosystem of wireless and security devices.
Recommended Features:
Fully managed Layer 2 or Layer 3 switching
Centralised management via UniFi Controller (cloud or local)
VLAN support for network segmentation
PoE and PoE+ options for VoIP, wireless access points, and security cameras
Fanless designs available for quiet deployments
Model Selection:
Switches are recommended based on network size, number of endpoints, and power requirements. Common models include:
UniFi Switch Lite (8/16-port) – For small offices and edge deployments
UniFi Switch (24/48-port) – For core switching and server rooms
UniFi Switch Pro – For advanced networking and Layer 3 features
While Ubiquiti is our preferred and supplied brand, Inspired IT can support other common business-grade switches, including:
Cisco Small Business / Meraki Switches
HP/Aruba
Netgear ProSAFE
Switches form the backbone of your internal network, providing connectivity between users, devices, and critical infrastructure. We recommend using business-grade managed switches to ensure visibility, performance, and reliability across all environments.
Inspired IT recommends and supplies Ubiquiti UniFi switches as our preferred platform for small to mid-sized business networks. UniFi switches provide enterprise-level performance, centralised management, and strong integration with Ubiquiti’s ecosystem of wireless and security devices.
Recommended Features:
Model Selection:
Switches are recommended based on network size, number of endpoints, and power requirements. Common models include:
While Ubiquiti is our preferred and supplied brand, Inspired IT can support other common business-grade switches, including:
A reliable and secure internet connection is the foundation of every business IT environment. Routers play a key role in managing WAN connectivity, routing traffic between internal and external networks, and enabling features like failover, load balancing, and VPN.
Inspired IT does not supply or recommend consumer or ISP-provided routers for business environments. Instead, we recommend using business-grade firewall appliances (such as Fortinet) with built-in routing functionality to replace traditional routers altogether.
In modern business networks, a dedicated router is often unnecessary when a properly configured firewall is in place.
Servers are the central infrastructure component in many business environments, providing essential services such as file sharing, application hosting, identity management, and virtualisation. To ensure performance, stability, and long-term support, Inspired IT recommends the following server hardware and operating system standards.
Inspired IT supplies and supports business-grade servers from the following trusted manufacturers:
We support and recommend the following Microsoft Windows Server operating systems, depending on the environment and application requirements:
| Version | Support Status |
|---|---|
| Windows Server 2025 | Preferred – Current release; mainstream support until October 2029, extended support until October 2034 |
| Windows Server 2022 | Supported – Mainstream support until October 2026; extended support until October 2031 |
| Windows Server 2019 | Supported – Mainstream support ended January 2024; extended support until January 2029 |
| Windows Server 2016 | Legacy – Extended support ends January 2027; recommended for replacement or migration planning |
Note: For all new deployments, Windows Server 2025 is the recommended version, unless specific application requirements dictate otherwise.
Under our Managed Services Agreement (MSA), Inspired IT supports the following backup platforms:
Email and inbound-threat protection form part of our managed security bundle, included as standard across our Security Essentials, Managed IT, and Managed Security offerings. The level of protection and the specific controls applied are scaled to your chosen tier and outlined in your service agreement.
These tools are configured, monitored, and supported by Inspired IT to reduce exposure to phishing, malware, and other inbound threats.
Under our Managed Services Agreement (MSA), Inspired IT delivers layered endpoint protection combining antivirus, managed detection and response (MDR), and 24/7 Security Operations Centre (SOC) monitoring:
These protections form part of our managed security bundle, included across our Security Essentials, Managed IT, and Managed Security offerings, with cover scaled to your chosen tier and outlined in your service agreement.
