If you’re a business owner, your time is probably stretched pretty thin. You have to balance new client ventures, marketing strategies, accounting tasks, HR management and more. If this isn’t enough, you also have to stay on top of all the latest technological developments and innovations to make sure your company continues to thrive. Perhaps the last thing you have time for is keeping tabs on your company’s IT infrastructure.
Many small to medium-sized businesses are confused about which of the various approaches to IT support is best for them because they do not know which one is right for their company. Every approach has its own advantages and disadvantages, but which one is right for your business depends on your requirements, resources, and budget, to ensure you get the most value for your investment.
What is IT support?
Business IT support involves managing a company’s information technology needs, which can range from hardware, software, servers, cloud services, and cybersecurity. Every company, regardless of size, needs an IT support approach, but that strategy will vary depending on a variety of factors, including company size, IT complexity, and financial resources. Inadequate IT support could harm a company’s technology management abilities, which could put the business at risk. It can be daunting when thinking about the costs of IT support in the short term, but a strategic decision now can save your business money in the long term.
Managed IT support services
Businesses can benefit from a “whole technology” managed services package from a managed service provider or MSP. MSPs manage technology from end to end, including setting up, maintaining, and securing servers, storage, networks, data backup and disaster recovery, and cybersecurity. They also manage your endpoints, including computers, mobile devices, and other peripherals. MSPs provide a straightforward and predictable IT investment while saving you money by proactively ensuring your IT infrastructure is optimized, secure and working for your business.
Remote IT support
Having a computer expert connect to your network from a distant location and handle issues immediately and effortlessly is a hallmark of a firm that employs remote IT support. Many firms that employ remote assistance do not have the funds or manpower to fill this position. You can get a quick, straightforward answer to IT issues as they arise, usually with a help desk that is open 24 hours a day. Remote IT support is reactive rather than proactive and therefore can’t pick up problems before they happen, causing business disruption that can cost you time and money.
On-site IT support services
Onsite IT support may be provided at an organization’s physical location in order to access equipment or software that is not accessible remotely. The support may be provided in a variety of situations, such as when a piece of equipment is damaged or a secure network needs to be accessed. Onsite support is usually required in scenarios where a large network cannot be managed remotely or where customer data must be accessed carefully. This is again largely reactive in nature, as onsite IT support teams are not responsible for your IT infrastructure unless a problem occurs, which can be detrimental to business continuity and growth.
Break/fix support
Businesses that don’t have the budget, resources, or expertise to troubleshoot and repair their IT infrastructure are most likely using break/fix support. Customers contact an IT services company when upgrades or repairs are required with break/fix support. It is usually fee-based, so you’ll be charged for an IT technician by the hour with extra fees for repairs. However, after the initial IT problem has been diagnosed and solved, there is no proactive support, which means there is always a risk further problems will occur and create more costs down the track.
Co-managed IT support
A hybrid strategy that combines aspects of both outsourcing and managed services, co-managed support is often implemented for specific IT infrastructure needs, like cybersecurity and communications. Your company retains control of its IT infrastructure and maintains an internal technical support team while benefiting from distant support. You may save time, money, and resources by employing this strategy. This can be a cost-effective way to ensure the areas of IT infrastructure that need the most support to prevent costly problems.
Get the best IT support approach for your company
Businesses find it hard to keep up with technology as it changes. Technology demands today are usually very different from those of tomorrow. To deal with increasingly sophisticated IT environments, get the IT support approach with service offerings that best serve your technology needs with the IT support experts at Aquarius IQ.
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