IT is one of the most important departments of any business. Small and established companies rely on IT professionals to keep their revenue-generating operations running smoothly. However, unlike big companies that have enough budget to run an in-house IT department, small businesses are usually forced to outsource their information technology needs. Is that as good as having an internal IT department? Well, that’s debatable, but the one thing no one can contest is that IT support can significantly improve a small business. Here is how:
1. Reduces Costs
Managed IT support is popular among small businesses because it allows them to make dramatic savings while getting reliable technological services. This is achieved in several ways.
First, it eliminates the need of purchasing and maintaining expensive hardware and software. IT hardware like computers, servers, and storage devices can be very expensive. The worst part is most of these gadgets require frequent upgrades, which would increase the running costs of your business. IT support eliminates most of these costs since they’ll use their own hardware and software to meet your needs.
The fact that the IT support runs independently also means that you’ll save lots of space in your building. This directly reduces the cost of your lease.
Finally, the support will cut your wage bill. IT professionals’ salaries have been on the rise for quite some time now. The best brains are almost unpayable today. By going through an IT company, you’ll get access to the same brains at a predictable cost.
How do IT support companies manage to offer their services at lower prices? It’s all in the numbers. A service provider with more clients generates enough revenue to provide each customer with the best services without hurting their own bottom line. However, when looking for information technology support, make sure the company is not too overwhelmed to give your business the attention it deserves.
2. Improves Productivity
Managed service providers will take over your technological needs giving you sufficient time to focus on the core operations of your business. These companies provide 24/7 services and have experts monitoring the performance of your systems at all times. In doing so, they reduce issues of downtimes, outages, and other complications that could affect the productivity of your workforce.
3. Increases Your Cybersecurity
Cybersecurity is a constant problem in modern businesses. Ransomware, malware, data breaches, and other issues are a serious threat, with companies as big as Apple falling victim. Besides the brand and revenue implications, such attacks may also leave you exposed to legal issues that can crash your small business to its death.
Managed service providers take a proactive approach to cybersecurity. They provide 24/7 monitoring making sure that your data and business are safe from hackers.
The companies are always up-to-date with the latest software and hardware to prevent cybercrime. The Network London nerds also explain that off-site backups are a top priority among the best service providers. These backups prevent data loss from crumpling your operations.
4. Access To The Best Software And Hardware
IT support companies to invest in the best gear in the industry, and they never shy away from boasting about it. Remember, the sole purpose of these firms is to offer better it support for businesses and the best information technology services, hence buying the best hardware and software is a top priority.
Their investment will benefit your business dramatically. First, with the best gear at your disposal, you’ll gain the much-needed competitive edge against the big boys in your industry. It also increases your business efficiency, thereby boosting your return on investment.
5. Improves Adherence To Legal Requirements
IT-related laws on matters like data collection and distribution are constantly changing. In March 2020, Google joined the long list of big companies found in violation of data protection regulations (GDPR). They were slapped with a record-breaking €50 million fine. Now, ask yourself this, if a company as big as Google can find itself breaking data protection laws, what are the chances that your small business can survive the same regulations without experienced IT professionals?
Managed service providers are continually updated with the current trends in the industry, including the legal requirements. They’ll make sure that your systems meet the laws that apply to your unique business and the market it operates in. Some of them will also provide additional services like training your personnel on how to adhere to the new regulations and maintain the overall security of your systems.
IT support is a valuable asset for every business. While many companies provide these services at different price points, we’ll advise you against prioritizing price over quality and reliability. Partner with a reputable company that’ll ensure your activities run smoothly and efficiently.