It’s not easy growing a business.
Especially now, when starting a business is so easy that anyone can do it from the comfort of their own home. It’s extremely convenient to do business these days thanks to the internet, but at the same time, it makes it even more challenging for businesses to grow.
Along with the advent of the internet, we also have a plethora of new technology that helps improve business processes, and makes it possible for very small teams to do things that would have otherwise required a lot more people.
However, even this technology is a double-edged sword.
Where on one hand it offers functionality and efficiency, on the other, these are often complex systems that are easily outside the scope of the average person to maintain. This is where service providers like Computers In The City come in, as they make it possible for SME’s to have access to wonderful tech – without needing technical expertise.
Managed IT service providers take the burden of installing, running, and troubleshooting problems off the shoulders of business owners.
In fact, these one-window solutions provide all the services and expertise businesses need to get the most from their digital infrastructure.
Common IT Business Challenges
Digital Limitations of Team Members
Just as the physical market has its own advantages and weaknesses, so too does the digital business model.
The most prominent challenge that businesses face in the digital arena is related to technical expertise. While some team members simply don’t have the knowledge to operate these systems, others might not be willing to use them.
This is especially true for team members who are used to doing things ‘the old way’ and want to continue doing their job ‘the way they’ve always done it’.
As a business owner, it can be very difficult to motivate these people to learn new habits or skills.
Business Risks in the Digital World
Just as there are risks in the physical environment, the digital environment presents businesses with its own unique set of challenges. The most significant of these are security problems that businesses aren’t prepared to defend against.
Most small businesses assume that they won’t be targeted because they’re too small of an organization, and don’t offer much to attackers. For this very reason, however, they rarely have good – if any – security in place, which makes them perfect targets for cybercriminals.
IT Support as a Solution
It can be very expensive to hire in-house experts to manage an IT infrastructure, and even more so for a small business with a limited budget. However, outsourcing these services to a competent third-party support provider can be extremely beneficial. Not only is it a significantly less expensive, but rather than having only one IT person at your disposal, you get access to an entire team of experts.
Managed service providers (MSPs) provide a full range of business IT support services. They make up a pool of experienced, trained, and skilled IT professionals, who are ready to help take your business or organization to the highest level of security and operation as you grow and become more successful. They provide 24/7 technical support, keeping your IT hardware and software secure from vulnerabilities and cyberattacks. But what are the key areas that an MSP can be highly beneficial?
Below are five key areas in which an IT support team can be helpful.
Cloud Computing
Cloud computing has been popular ever since its inception.
Though it wasn’t very affordable for small businesses early on, today it’s more cost-effective than off-the-shelf software. Moreover, cloud computing can be used for a variety of tasks, whether you need inventory management, accounting solutions or HR processes to be done remotely.
The only problem is that while these services are relatively easy to use, they’re rather complex to set up and maintain. This is where having an expert IT support provider comes in handy. All you need to do is tell them what you need, and everything from installation, training, and system maintenance is taken care of by your support provider.
Cybersecurity
Digital security should be a top concern for businesses – and the countries they operate in – given current cybercrime statistics. The most common cyber-attacks include malware and phishing or sending emails appearing as a well-known company to steal user data. Viruses and account takeovers can compromise a business or organization, resulting in major financial losses.
Governments are imposing data management protocols, and cybercrime geared towards stealing data is at an all-time high. As more companies are shifting to work from home, many cybercriminals have more reasons to steal consumer data and use them to commit fraud and other cybercrimes.
For businesses small or large, losing client data can cost them their reputations and easily spell the end of the business. It’s critical for you to have appropriate cybersecurity measures in place that are optimized for your business.
Just like no two businesses are the same, no two attackers are the same, and an experienced IT support provider will help you create an impenetrable defense that protects you from even the most complex of attacks.
Backup and Recovery
This is another precautionary measure that deserves more attention than it gets.
While there are several free options that claim they can secure your data and provide decent backup options, your best bet is to delegate this task to a professional who really knows what they’re doing.
For instance, storing digital files on external drives can still be risky as they could be damaged with mere handling or get lost or stolen. Hence, many cybersecurity experts highly recommend more secure storage solutions, such as cloud storage.
If you ever need to restore your systems, you want to have the best possible recovery solution available, especially if you’ve lost precious client data.
Networking
Even with the best software and most competent of teams, if you don’t have an infrastructure that can bring everyone together, it won’t be very useful.
Your network is the backbone of your digital infrastructure, and it brings together not only coworkers but also connects your business to its clients. In order to keep communication clear and quick, you need a highly optimized network that can withstand turbulence.
IT support companies can help secure your networks by using a software-defined wide area network or SD-WAN. It allows you to leverage transport services, such as broadband and long-term evolution or LTE internet services, connecting users to applications securely.
Data Compliance
If your company isn’t already taking steps to implement data compliance protocols, you’re already falling behind!
Sooner or later, everyone will need to be compliant with data protocols, and it’s best to use an expert who can help you develop systems that can bring your businesses closer to being data compliant. If you want to win consumer trust, then this is a must-have service.
Grow Your Business with IT Support
The list of services that IT support providers offer is a lengthy one, and there are many areas of your business that can benefit from them.
However, those listed above are some of the most sensitive areas in which you should consider getting quality IT support team to help you out.
If you want to be a business owner that’s ready to face the future, the best thing you can do is to incorporate technology in a way that’s sustainable and relevant for your particular business.