Quarterly Newsletter of the Upic Technical Operations Team
April 8th, 2026
Hosting Services Infrastructure Upgrades
As part of our ongoing platform modernization efforts, Upic Solutions is beginning the upgrade of core authentication infrastructure by updating our domain controllers to Windows Server 2025. This work is required to align the environment with current security, compliance, and supportability standards and to maintain a supported foundation for continued operation and future enhancements.
These domain controller upgrades can be completed without impacting partner‑facing services, and no outages are required during this phase. Authentication and directory services will remain available throughout the upgrade process.
As the modernization effort continues, additional platform components that directly support partner‑facing systems, including file services, Terminal Servers (Virtual Office and Andar Client), and Database Servers (Andar back end), will be upgraded together during a single, planned maintenance window. This coordinated approach limits the number of disruptions while allowing the remaining modernization steps to be completed efficiently and safely.
For partners operating within Shared Environments, a single maintenance window will be selected and announced in advance; while we work to minimize impact, it may not align perfectly for all participants.
All planned outages will be communicated directly to each partner ahead of time and scheduled during evening maintenance windows, Tuesday through Saturday, whenever possible.
As part of these ongoing platform updates, Virtual Office will also transition away from Classic Outlook.
Following this change, the New Outlook client will be the supported email experience, providing improved integration with Microsoft Teams and alignment with Microsoft’s supported roadmap.
Introducing PartnerVault
PartnerVault is your all‑in‑one command center for working with Upic Solutions. It replaces scattered emails, spreadsheets, and status checks with a single secure portal where you can access delivered documents, manage users, review support trends, and gain real‑time visibility into the services Upic manages for your organization. Built with strong encryption, access controls, and auditing, PartnerVault is designed to be simple for non‑technical users and powerful enough for IT teams.
From day one, partners can securely access Upic related documents, control who sees what through role‑based access and tags, track activity through a detailed audit log, and easily review and change who is authorized to request changes on your organization’s behalf. Everything is searchable, time‑limited download links keep data protected, and passwordless login removes friction without sacrificing security.
PartnerVault is also actively evolving. Select partners can access Beta features like Managed Licenses for up-to-date M365 license visibility, AI‑powered Ticket Summaries for trend insights and reporting, Provision Users for streamlined onboarding and offboarding with automated ticketing, and Billable Users for clear monthly snapshots of managed users. These features represent where PartnerVault is headed, deeper visibility, less manual work, and more control.
We will be reaching out to select partners to start a limited release.
Introducing Project Atlas
Project Atlas is a new fundraising platform we’re building to help nonprofits of all sizes United Ways, health organizations, educational foundations, community charities, and more. Launch fully branded donation websites in minutes, not weeks. Instead of relying on manual campaign setup or walking clients through complex forms, Atlas guides them through a conversational AI‑powered wizard that asks the right questions about giving methods, payment options, designations, surveys, and donor experience. Organizations can type or speak naturally, while Atlas handles the structure behind the scenes.
Once the interview is complete, Atlas automatically pulls brand colors from the organization’s logo, applies them to a professionally designed template, and generates a polished, ready‑to‑launch donation site. Under the hood, Atlas manages the real‑world complexity of fundraising, including one‑time and recurring gifts, payroll deduction, employer matching, donor‑directed designations, fee coverage, and tribute giving. All processed securely through Stripe and Authorize.net with full PCI compliance.
Organizations can run multiple campaigns with unique branding while maintaining unified reporting across all activity. Atlas will launch with native integrations for Salesforce and Engage United (Formerly CRMLite), with additional platforms planned. The bottom line: Atlas empowers clients to launch campaigns on their own timeline, while freeing your team to focus less on setup and more on strategic, high‑value work.
Upic Essentials (UPE) v2 & Enhanced Security Package (ESP) v2 now available
Upic Essentials (UPEv2) is Upic’s managed service that enables Upic to support and manage an organization’s workstations and Microsoft 365 environment within the partner’s own infrastructure. Enhanced Security (ESPv2) is a separate, optional security service that organizations may choose to add when additional security monitoring is required. ESPv2 introduces Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) capabilities for workstations, allowing security‑related activity from user devices to be collected and reviewed to improve visibility into potential threats and support timely response.
While security controls operate across multiple systems, the use of SIEM strengthens oversight of risks such as ransomware, compromised accounts, and unauthorized access.
These capabilities align with the growing expectations of cyber‑insurance carriers and auditors and may help demonstrate that appropriate monitoring and safeguards are in place when ESPv2 is in use.
If you are interested in either of these products, please reach out to us.
Donation Tracker Partners – Upgrade to Windows 11 Pro/Enterprise
Donation Tracker partners who haven’t already done so should begin preparing now to transition workstations to Windows 11 and upgrade to Donation Tracker 5 (DT5).
What’s new in DT5:
-Online Giving integration to simplify credit card and payroll donations with the option for donors to cover fees
-Enhanced database and security with PostgreSQL 17
-Built-in email tools for easier donor communication
-Access to future updates and new features exclusively for DT5 users
What do you need to do?
Donation Tracker 5 requires Windows 11 Pro/Enterprise on workstations. If you haven’t begun your upgrade yet, now is the time to plan your transition.
Ready to upgrade to DT5?
Contact [email protected] to learn more, schedule your upgrade, and ensure your systems meet the minimum requirements for Donation Tracker 5.
Andar Partners – Keep Your Donor Data Working as Hard as You Do
For hosted Andar partners, Upic Solutions offers a comprehensive Andar Database Analysis to help fundraisers maintain a clean, accurate, and high-performing database. This service reviews your data structure, highlights opportunities for cleanup and standardization, and supports more effective donor outreach and campaign reporting. The analysis is included for Andar partners with Strategic Support Services and available to others using Professional Service Hours.
Keeping your database organized means you can focus on building relationships and raising funds-reach out to us today to get started!
New to Using CRM-Lite?
An excellent way to familiarize yourself with CRM Lite is to explore the CRML articles available in the Upic Answer Center, with particular emphasis on the ‘New to CRM Lite: Get Started Here’ collection. This curated set serves as a valuable starting point, guiding you through the essentials of the system.
You’ll find resources that clarify key terminology, offer screenshots to illustrate navigation basics, and provide step-by-step instructions to help you practice in the Sandbox environment. By taking advantage of these articles, you can streamline your learning process and build confidence as you become comfortable with CRM Lite.
Panera Bread Data Breach
In January 2026, the cybercrime group ShinyHunters claimed responsibility for a data breach involving Panera Bread, alleging the exposure of approximately 14 million customer records containing names, email addresses, phone numbers, physical addresses, and account‑related information. While there was no indication that passwords or payment card data were compromised, incidents like this demonstrate how basic contact information alone can enable phishing, social engineering, and follow‑on attacks well beyond the originally breached organization.
This breach reinforces an important reality: users remain a critical part of the security equation. Even when passwords are not directly exposed, attackers commonly combine email addresses from one breach with reused passwords from older incidents to attempt access to email, financial, and workplace systems. Regular reminders to users – such as avoiding password reuse, enabling multi‑factor authentication, and treating unsolicited messages with skepticism – can materially reduce downstream risk.
From a defensive standpoint, this is why Upic’s Enhanced Security Package v2 (ESPv2) focuses on layered protection and visibility rather than any single control. ESPv2 combines endpoint and identity safeguards with centralized security event collection to help surface suspicious activity and provide investigative context when abnormal behavior occurs. While no solution can prevent every breach, combining strong technical controls with informed user behavior significantly improves an organization’s ability to detect issues earlier, respond more effectively, and limit overall impact.
Contact us today if you would like more information about ESPv2.
Updated Workstation Requirements
To support AI‑enabled applications, evolving security standards, and long‑term supportability, Upic Solutions has updated its minimum workstation requirements. These standards should be incorporated into all device refresh, replacement, and new‑purchase planning.
Hardware Requirements
Device Quality
Business‑class systems from major manufacturers are strongly recommended over consumer‑grade hardware. These devices provide better performance consistency, stronger security capabilities, and longer support lifecycles – reducing operational risk and future replacement pressure.
Reminder: Windows 10 End-Of-Life
Microsoft will officially end support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025. This means no more security updates, bug fixes, or technical support for Windows 10 devices after that date.
If your organization still has Windows 10 machines in use, now is the time to start planning your upgrade or replacement strategy. We’re here to help make that transition smooth and stress-free.
Why upgrading matters:
-Security risks: Without updates, devices become vulnerable to malware and cyber threats.
-Performance issues: Over time, unsupported systems may slow down or experience compatibility problems with newer software.
-Limited support: Microsoft 365 apps and other tools will gradually lose functionality on Windows 10.
Whether you’re ready to upgrade to Windows 11 or need help evaluating your options, our team is available to assist. We can guide you through device refreshes, compatibility checks, and deployment planning.
Upic Week
Upic’s corporate meeting will take place June 28-July 2, followed by the observance of Independence Day on July 3-4. Once each year, Upic Solutions brings our entire team together in one place to focus on alignment, training, and long‑term improvement of our services.
During this time, our response times may be slower than normal, but our team remains available and continues to respond to requests as needed. This annual gathering allows us to strengthen collaboration, review service performance, invest in professional development, and ensure we remain aligned with our commitments to our customers. We believe this brief, planned impact is an important investment in delivering reliable, high‑quality service throughout the rest of the year.
