Most of our clients have us fully manage their IT, which means computers, switches, firewalls, access points, and more. This client, however, chose not to have us manage their community networks. Fair enough, but when you’re asked to provide an inventory without network monitoring, it quickly becomes a challenge.

The buyer sent over an Excel spreadsheet for our client to complete. Now, for those who know me, sending spreadsheets back and forth as attachments in 2025 makes me cringe. That was common in 2010, but it’s not 2010 anymore. There are far better ways to handle this today. When I see IT professionals use this method…ugh

At first, I considered importing the spreadsheet into Manus and having Manus spin up a website for the project. That is an interesting idea, and one I may revisit. But instead, I threw it into Lovable. We had rebuilt our website entirely using Lovable (with Cursur and Claude Code) a few months back, so it felt like the right place to start. Lovable did a great job. It turned the Google Sheet version of the spreadsheet (I avoid Excel whenever possible these days) into a clean, well-structured web form.

The form was lengthy and detailed, so I realized users would likely need to start, pause, and return later to complete it. Questions like, “What brand is that router?” or “Can we get the exact model of the printer?” naturally came up. Photos were also being collected, which added complexity.

While working in Lovable, I encountered a menu issue that had been bugging me, so I switched to Cursur (easy to do since our site runs through GitHub). Lately, I have found myself hopping between tools, and GitHub integration makes that seamless. Once the menu was fixed, I worked on form functionality.

Because the form originated as a spreadsheet, both sides wanted the data to still live in a spreadsheet format. The submissions were already being saved into Supabase, but I set up an Edge Function to automatically sync everything into a single Google Sheet. That way, the sheet refreshed in real time anytime a new community was added or updated.

I also built in email notifications for users when their form was created, including a code so they could return and update it. SMTP2Go made that easy. I deliberately kept the emails simple, avoiding large, messy data dumps. The data itself is cleanly stored in Supabase and the synced Google Sheet.

I started this project around 6 a.m. and wrapped up around 11 a.m. Realistically, the focused work was 2–3 hours — the rest was split with emails and other projects.

In the end, it was another reminder of how quickly technology is moving. It’s not about passing around Excel files in 2025; that went out years ago. It’s about leveraging modern tools that let you build fast, flexible solutions without needing off-the-shelf products like Typeform. I like Typeform, but it costs money. These days, more and more can be built from scratch in just a few hours, and we’re seeing that across our daily work.

Last week I had the opportunity to speak at the 2025 Western Manufactured Housing Communities Association (WMA) Convention & Expo in Reno, Nevada. It was a fantastic event that brought together community owners, operators, and technology partners from across the country to discuss innovation, operations, and the growing role of cybersecurity in our industry.

What We Covered

My session focused on Cybersecurity and IT for 2025, specifically designed for manufactured housing and RV community operators. We discussed practical, real-world steps that community owners and management teams can take to strengthen their technology foundations. Key areas included:

• Microsoft 365 Security Best Practices – using conditional access and built-in tools to reduce phishing risk and improve compliance.

• Desktop and Endpoint Cybersecurity – ensuring every device is monitored and protected under a SOC 2-aligned framework.

• Camera Systems and Physical Security – integrating network-connected surveillance systems safely and efficiently.

• AI Tools for Everyday Use – exploring how artificial intelligence can help reduce manual work, improve communication, and support resident engagement.

• Building a Simple Website with Lovable – a short demo showing how property managers can create professional websites in minutes. You can try it yourself at lovable.dev.

• Windows 10 End-of-Life – what every operator needs to do before Microsoft ends support in October 2025.

You can view my full presentation slides here: WMA 2025 Presentation Slides

Email Security Findings at WMA 2025

Throughout the conference, our team at Network Thinking Solutions spoke with and tested the email-security configurations of more than 75 companies using our Mail Security Check tool.

The results were eye-opening:
Only one company had a fully correct setup of SPF, DKIM, and DMARC records.

This highlights just how far the industry still needs to go to strengthen protection against spoofing and phishing attacks. Email remains one of the most common entry points for security breaches, and proper DNS configuration is one of the simplest and most effective defenses.

Looking Ahead to TMHA 2025

Next up, Network Thinking Solutions will be at the Texas Manufactured Housing Association (TMHA) Annual Convention this week.
We’ll have a booth on the expo floor and are looking forward to connecting with community owners, vendors, and technology partners to continue the conversation about cybersecurity, IT automation, and AI tools shaping the future of manufactured housing.

Learn more about the event here: TMHA Annual Convention

Final Thoughts

Events like WMA and TMHA underscore how vital technology has become to the manufactured housing sector. Whether it’s email security, camera networks, or AI-driven automation, every step toward modernization makes communities safer and more efficient.

At Network Thinking Solutions, we’re proud to help operators across the country build secure, connected, and forward-looking communities.

Visit networkthinking.com to learn more about how we support MH and RV operators nationwide.

Background

Our initial goal was to provide a seamless remote support experience by embedding the BeyondTrust (Bomgar) support portal directly into our website, networkthinking.com. However, BeyondTrust explicitly prohibits embedding its portal into third-party sites to mitigate cross-site scripting (XSS) risks. They typically have customers use an external page, which has served us well, but prevents integration into a standard website. Your limited what you can do on that page.

Because of this limitation, we pivoted to using the BeyondTrust API, which allowed us to securely recreate the support workflows on our own platform.

About BeyondTrust Remote Support (Bomgar)

BeyondTrust Remote Support, formerly known as Bomgar, is an enterprise-grade remote support solution designed for IT teams, help desks, and service providers. It allows technicians to securely access desktops, laptops, servers, and mobile devices across multiple platforms—whether users are on or off the corporate network. Key features include session recording for compliance, support for Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android, seamless integration with ticketing systems, and advanced security controls such as granular permissions and audit trails. The main benefits are faster problem resolution, reduced downtime, enhanced end-user satisfaction, and compliance-ready security that meets enterprise and regulatory standards

Technical Approach

Phase 1 – Local Node.js API Server

I began with a lightweight Node.js server that handled communication with the BeyondTrust API. This server:

• Fetched available representatives in real time.

• Generated session keys on demand.

• Provided API endpoints to the frontend for listing reps and starting sessions.

The first version was a simple HTML page (support.html) where reps were listed and clients could start sessions directly

Phase 2 – Extending for Flexibility

Our support team needed more options than just a rep list. They also required:

• A “General Support” session that automatically generates a session key.

• A manual session key entry for clients provided with keys.

I extended the backend and frontend to support both flows, giving clients flexibility in how they start sessions.

Phase 3 – AI-Assisted Migration to Supabase

To reduce overhead from hosting a separate backend, I used AI-powered tools to accelerate development:

• ChatGPT was used to troubleshoot API flows, refine Node.js logic, and assist in translating backend code into Supabase Edge Functions.

• Cursor (AI coding environment) helped convert the Node.js server into a Supabase Edge Function, making the system fully serverless.

• Lovable (AI UI generator) was used to modernize the frontend. It transformed the original support.html into a branded index.html consistent with our website’s look and feel.

This AI-assisted workflow let us move quickly from prototype to production without a large development investment

.

Final Implementation

The finished version provides a smooth, branded support experience:

• Real-time technician availability pulled from BeyondTrust.

• A “General Session” option that instantly generates a session key and launches the support client.

• Manual session key entry for pre-created sessions.

• Modern UI aligned with our brand, powered by AI-assisted frontend design.

• No backend server to maintain—Supabase Edge Functions handle the API logic.

  

  
  

Key Benefits

• Security-first design: Compliant with BeyondTrust restrictions while avoiding XSS risks.

• AI-accelerated development: ChatGPT, Cursor, and Lovable enabled rapid prototyping, troubleshooting, and design alignment.

• Client-first experience: Multiple entry points into support sessions (general, rep-specific, or key-based).

• Operational efficiency: No more dedicated backend server; Supabase handles scaling and availability.

• Brand consistency: The interface matches our website, creating a seamless client journey.

👉 This project shows how combining APIs, serverless functions, and AI-powered development tools can transform a vendor’s restricted support portal into a custom, branded, and modern client experience.

Viktoriia Krasikova did a great job on this project, taking on the lion's share of the work.

Recent advancements in AI are reshaping IT service desk automation in ways that are especially valuable for Managed Service Providers (MSPs). Beyond writing assistants like Grammarly, AI now enables automation of tasks that once required hiring developers or making significant investments.

At Network Thinking Solutions, we’ve been experimenting with these tools and building them into our workflows. Having a strong internal team gives us a unique advantage, but what excites me most is that some of the biggest long-standing pain points in IT support are finally solvable.

The Ticketing Pain Point Every MSP Faces

One of the most time-consuming parts of IT support has always been finalizing tickets after remote support sessions. Documenting everything thoroughly is critical, but it pulls technicians (myself included) away from helping the next client. Skipping documentation creates bigger problems later, yet doing it right has always been tedious.

Why We Still Use Bomgar (BeyondTrust) for Remote Support

For over a decade, we’ve relied on Bomgar (well before BeyondTrust acquired them). We initially chose it because it provided features our RMM couldn’t:

• Recorded sessions for accountability

• Linux support for technicians

• Built-in chat for client communication

• Safe Mode with Networking for reboots

While our RMM has remote access, Bomgar’s screen recording feature remains invaluable. It helps technicians remember what was done, gives clients visibility, and allows us to quickly review mistakes and retrace steps. After each client session, the details of the session and a link to the recording are put into an Autotask ticket via API. The client then waits for our team to update the recording ticket with our notes and summary of the resolution.

AI and IT Service Desk Automation: The Breakthrough

When OpenAI first launched ChatGPT, my immediate thought was: could AI watch our session recordings and generate ticket summaries automatically?

The challenge: AI tools could summarize transcripts, but our Bomgar recordings didn’t produce transcripts. I tested ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, Mistral, DeepSeek, and others, with no success.

That changed when I discovered Google AI Studio, which can summarize YouTube videos. Uploading a Bomgar session video produced accurate, concise summaries. From there, the team went further:

• Upload Bomgar recordings directly via Google AI Studio’s API (no YouTube needed)

• Generate session summaries instantly

• Feed those summaries into Autotask tickets

• Notify technicians in Slack for quick review

How We Integrated Google AI Studio, Autotask, and Slack

Because we already had Slack and Autotask integrated, connecting everything was straightforward. Now, here’s how the process flows:

1. Record session in Bomgar (as always).

2. Send to Google AI Studio API → AI generates a session summary.

3. Automatically attach the summary to the correct Autotask ticket.

4. Send Slack notification so the technician can review and finalize.

The result? Remote support ticket automation that saves time, improves accuracy, and keeps both technicians and clients happy. The upload to Google AI Studio is automatically done in the background, and the team member is sent a DM (Direct Message) in Slack when done.

For those wanting to dive deeper, we use Google AI Studio, Gemini (gemini-2.5-pro), Bomgar (Beyond Trust), FFmpeg, SQLite, Slack, Autotask, Python, and GitHub to create the solution we wanted.

Version 2 of this, we plan to merge what we already do today with Slack and Autotask. Once the tech receives the DM, they will be able to adjust Issue Type, Ticket Status, and other key fields in Slack, add any notes, and update the ticket within Slack, without ever going to Autotask to interact with the ticket.

The Results: Faster Ticket Closure and Happier Clients

The impact has been tremendous:

• Clients get immediate, detailed updates after remote sessions.

• Technicians save time by focusing on support instead of tedious ticket notes.

• Documentation is consistent, transparent, and always tied to session recordings.

In short, AI is no longer a “nice-to-have”; it’s becoming essential for MSPs looking to scale IT service desk efficiency.

Here is a screenshot of the completed summary posted to the Autotask ticket. We do a lot of work with Manufactured Housing and the property owners. The example below uses the website manageamerica.com and shows how we help our clients in all facets of support, such as troubleshooting a website and then helping to open a ticket. The details pulled from the recorded sessions are invaluable.

👉 If you’re interested in how we’re applying AI automation for MSP workflows, or want to see what’s possible in your environment, visit Network Thinking Solutions to learn more.

Start a Substack

Rent Manager Users Conference 2024: Key Takeaways on IT Security Posture in Small and Medium Businesses

The Rent Manager Users Conference 2024 in Palm Desert gathered a few hundred professionals from diverse companies to explore the latest advancements in property management and IT security. Throughout the four-day event, I engaged in insightful discussions on technology practices, IT security, and digital infrastructure with industry peers.

One of the most eye-opening observations came from my examination of domain security among attendees. During the conference, I tested over 200 domains for SPF, DMARC, and DKIM records—crucial standards for email authentication and security. Surprisingly, only two companies had their email systems configured correctly. This widespread gap in proper email setup is a major concern, as it leaves most small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) vulnerable to phishing, spoofing, and other email-based threats, despite requirements set by platforms like Google and Yahoo.

Adding to this issue, very few companies had effective mail filters in place to capture and quarantine modern phishing emails. In today’s digital landscape, robust email filtering is essential for blocking phishing attempts that have grown increasingly sophisticated. Without these filters, many SMBs are exposed to higher risks of malicious email content making it to employee inboxes.

Further conversations with attendees revealed that many companies also lacked a comprehensive IT security posture. When asked about their IT security infrastructure, most representatives struggled to provide specifics or referenced outdated antivirus solutions like Norton and McAfee. While these tools once served as standards, they no longer provide the defense capabilities required in today’s EDR (Endpoint Detection and Response) environment, where advanced, proactive threat detection is crucial.

Key Takeaways and Where Network Thinking Solutions Can Help

1. Proper Setup of SPF, DKIM, and DMARC in DNS for Email

Many companies lack the proper configuration of essential email authentication protocols. NTS can help ensure these are correctly set up in DNS, significantly improving email security and reducing vulnerability to phishing and spoofing attacks.

2. Modern EDR Solutions Are Not Widely Used

Many SMBs rely on outdated antivirus products, leaving systems vulnerable to sophisticated threats. NTS offers advanced EDR solutions that provide proactive endpoint protection, enhancing threat detection and response capabilities.

3. Lack of Mail Spam and Phishing Protection

With few companies implementing effective spam and phishing filters, many are unprepared for modern email threats. NTS can deploy and configure robust mail filters that catch and quarantine suspicious emails, protecting employees from phishing attempts.

4. Zero Trust and DNS Filtering as Key to Endpoint Management

Tools like Zero Trust architecture and DNS filtering are vital for secure endpoint management. NTS can help organizations adopt these strategies, limiting unauthorized access and adding critical security layers to prevent external threats.

5. SIEM Tools for Security Logging and Alerts

Many companies lack centralized logging and alerting solutions for endpoint, email, and cloud services like Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace. NTS provides SIEM (Security Information and Event Management) solutions that enable real-time monitoring, alerting, and analysis of security events, enhancing an organization’s ability to respond to threats.

These insights from the conference underline a significant need for SMBs to prioritize and enhance their IT security frameworks. By adopting robust security practices, businesses can safeguard their operations against evolving threats. Network Thinking Solutions remains dedicated to equipping the manufactured housing, RV, and real estate industries with comprehensive security solutions tailored to meet the unique needs of each business.

Let me know if there’s anything else you’d like to expand on!

The move signifies a new chapter in the history of NTS, which began in 1998 as a solo entrepreneurial venture. NTS has since grown significantly, currently employing a talented team of 18 across offices in Westlake Village, Diamond Bar, Phoenix, Flagstaff, and Kennebunk, Maine. The new location at 1 Baxter Way in Westlake Village will enable NTS to better serve their clients, providing a more centralized base for their comprehensive suite of IT solutions.

“Our new office in Westlake represents the growth and evolution of our company over the last two decades. We are thrilled to continue to expand and better serve our valued clients from this new location,” said CEO Wally Hass, founder of Network Thinking Solutions.

NTS specializes in offering a full suite of IT services, including Help Desk, DevOps (AWS and Azure), Inventory Management, Surveillance Cameras, VOIP, and public WiFi solutions. With a particular focus on RV and Manufactured Housing communities, they can provide a tailored solution to match those industries.  NTS supports over 85+ accounts with their AWS and Azure DevOps workloads.

“Our move to 1 Baxter Way reinforces our commitment to providing top-tier IT support and solutions,” added CEO Wally Hass. “The expanded space of over 5,000+ sq ft will allow us to continue to scale our operations, develop our team, and enhance our ability to deliver excellent service to our clients.”

As they move forward in their new location, Network Thinking Solutions remains dedicated to their mission of using technology to enhance business operations. They look forward to the new site's opportunities for their clients and the local community.

About Network Thinking Solutions:
Founded in 1998, Network Thinking Solutions is a seasoned Managed Service Provider (MSP) offering comprehensive IT services to a diverse range of businesses. With a particular focus on RV and Manufactured Housing communities, they offer end-to-end IT, VOIP, Cameras, and Public WiFi support to over 85+ accounts on their AWS and Azure DevOps workloads. Network Thinking Solutions is headquartered in Westlake Village, CA, with additional offices in Diamond Bar, Phoenix, Flagstaff, and Kennebunk, Maine.

Website : https://www.networkthinking.com

I recently decided to make the push to get it done and though the website is completed and on WordPress now, I was surprised at how quickly the website was attacked. We have a fairly robust set of tools to monitor, patch and maintain the site but it was enlightening to see the attacks roll in. Our old site did not provide any details but now with WordPress we receive much more visibility.

I was quite surprised though about the patterns of the attacks. For example, my son worked here last year for the summer. My son, being a gamer, has a certain online persona that he uses. Within days, I noticed attempts to login to our site using that persona that only could be used if you somehow knew he worked here and also knew something about him. Kind of scary. In subsequent days I noticed attempts to login using my daughters name who has never worked here. All of these were denied but it was eye opening. It’s also not as if someone was using every name in the dictionary to hit us. Very few logins attempts have been made using names (under 5) and most related to our family.

What can we learn? Your digital footprint is real and if someone is malicious then they will use it against you.

Thanks,
Network Thinking Solutions

sudo snap install teams

After completion I launched again and then was taken to a different login screen for Teams and then it worked fine. Well, as about as fine as Teams goes on Linux but it worked.

I then decided to clean up and remove the old Teams version

sudo apt remove teams

The Deb version of Teams was removed and all good.

Thanks

Network Thinking Solutions

Sign up now so you don’t miss the first issue.

Subscribe now

In the meantime, tell your friends!