As businesses grow, technology needs often grow as well.  For many, it’s easy to miss the importance of their company’s technical requirements as they expand and add more overhead.  Sometimes it’s necessary to take a step back and look at the big-picture, and realize your organization’s need for a reliable IT solution.

The Traditional IT Method

Many rely on a single point of contact for all of their IT needs. Unfortunately, most small businesses cannot afford to have an on-site technician to take care of immediate issues that arise, answer support questions for employees, and perform general maintenance on the hardware and software that keeps operations running smoothly.  When a problem arises, business’s typically reach out to a technical support company, the local ‘Guru’, or some one-time IT Firm.

The Problem with Traditional IT Methods

 The traditional IT practice is often called the “break-fix” method.  When a computer breaks, or the internet stops working, they call the one-and-only ‘Computer Guy’ who comes in when they can, grumbles and tries to fix whatever the problem may be.  Often, a close business relationship between the two parties is never established – the technician may not be familiar with all of the intricacies and scope of the business’ IT needs, resulting in misguided support and even more billable time to resolve it.

As business grows a simple IT outage can add up to be a large, unexpected expense very quickly.  Many businesses fall into the trap of only investing in their IT only after something breaks.  We can use a simple formula to understand Revenue Loss based on Duration of Down Time and Number of users affected to understand just how much is at risk when a business only focuses on IT after a problem occurs.

 

The Modern Approach to IT – Defining Managed IT Services

The philosophy behind modern-day IT services is wrapped around some very simple tried and true best practices:

  • Regular maintenance prolongs the usability and performance of computer systems
  • Security patches and software updates protect the network from many threats and issues.
  • Remote technical support can reduce support costs by eliminating transportation for most issues.
  • Proactive monitoring and early detection can pinpoint issues for resolution before they cause down time.
  • Through documentation and network maps give technicians a precise overview of a business’ IT needs even in the event of special cases and intricacies and streamline support visits.
  • Reporting and tacking can segregate troublesome devices for replacement.

IT firms adopt managed IT service methods in order to provide much higher quality service for their customers.  The relationship is much more of a partnership, enabling their managed IT services company to provide stellar service.

Early Detection is Key to a great IT Solution

Day-to-day computer issues can start out barely-noticeable.  Overtime however, they can go from being a simple annoyance to an overnight emergency.  Managed IT service providers like Natural Networks run reporting and monitoring tools that detect issues and report back whenever a potential problem is found.  That way, it’s fixed before it causes frustration and down time for your business.

Many Issues can be detected and prevented early, lessening the chance they escalate and start to affect your staff.  Some of these issues may include:

  • Hard Drive failure warning
  • Fragmented disk space warning
  • Malware, spyware, and virus detection
  • Outdated Windows Updates and Service Packs
  • Windows Update Failures
  • Duplicate Network Addresses
  • Unexpected Changes in System Hardware
  • CPU and Memory Issues
  • Event and Error Logging

That’s just to name a few of the many problems an active Managed IT Services company can monitor and prevent before they become serious headaches.

Remote Support Reduces Overall IT Expenses and Allows Shorter Response Times

Many workstation issues can be solved remotely without the need for an on-site visit.  When that’s the case utilizing remote access reduces the expenses of the IT provider which are then passed on to you.  This also grants faster response time since the technician doesn’t need to physically drive to your business.

While no new, remote technical services are part of the Managed IT services toolset which includes easy remote access to all workstation on your network.

Let Your Technology Work for You

When your IT infrastructure works, it can greatly increase the productivity of your users, but what about goals specific to your company?  Your Managed IT services provider serves te role of a consultant for your business development regarding how technology can drive your business forward.  From new solutions to better internal practices, your goals can be achieved through professional management of your technology.

IT providers like Natural Networks can work with you, taking on the role of a CIO to help you establishing long-term implementations for your business through new solutions, security, training, and best practices that can improve your bottom line.