IT is a big part of modern business. Whether you’re a fan of this modernisation or not, there’s no changing the fact that computers are a part of our everyday lives – and like everything, with this technology, inevitably comes some problems. That’s why you should make a simple New Year’s resolution this December – invest in some expert IT support. Now, you may have an in-house team or no IT expertise on site whatsoever, it simply doesn’t matter.
An external support team can either build on your existing team or be your sole IT support services. In five points, here’s why it’s a good idea.
Support around the clock
When you invest money into IT support, that’s exactly what you get – 24/7 support, every day of the year. Most companies offer a continuous network monitoring service, which detects problems as, or even before, they have a chance to develop into a serious risk to your business. You can’t expect your staff to man the office all day and all night, so why not pay for something that does just that?
Easy to factor into your company’s budget
A key part of every successful business is a well organised budget. Rather than paying out for expensive repairs or maintenance with little notice, why not factor in a monthly payment to an IT support firm instead? A fixed monthly cost may seem like a lot but when you get a whole array of services for that cash, it’s easy to factor it into your monthly outgoings. You can’t put a price on peace of mind, after all.
Equipment to tide you over
Occasionally, things will go wrong and your equipment may need replacing. So what’s the answer for the interim period between disposing of your old equipment and your new kit arriving? Loan equipment. When you’re shopping around, make sure that your IT support package includes the provision of loan equipment, as next to downtime, not being able to use your devices is the biggest setback to earnings.
You’re paying for knowledge and expertise
When you sign on with an IT support company, you’re being given the chance to work with experts in the field. Utilising new technology and expertise honed from years of experience in the industry, they’ll be able to direct you and help you when things go wrong, always there to lend a hand if you need it.
Thinking in the long and short term
Whether you’re a growing business or a well-established company, big and small scale results matter. Having some solid IT support at your disposal can help you to plan for every eventuality, from short-term problem solving and planning for things like increased pressure on servers and expansion of networks. It’s not just an investment for now, it’s for the future too.
There’s no reason not to!
As you can see, there are a number of compelling reasons why 2015 is the year to turn over a new leaf and hire some real experts. Whether it’s to solve the existing problems or for peace of mind should any new ones develop, it’s essential that your IT department runs as smoothly as possible. It might mean spending a little but that investment will pay for itself tenfold in the months (and years!) to come.
Damian Coates is the Commercial Accounts Director for London’s leading IT support firms- Utilize.
