With technology becoming increasingly essential in running a business, small business owners seek methods to enhance, streamline, and expand their IT support capabilities. Having professional, 24/7 full-service business IT support offers numerous advantages like saving time and money so that you can focus on running your business.
Keeping your business running smoothly is important, so it’s critical to understand what a technology partner can offer and how they can meet your business telecom needs. Consider these important questions before committing:
What are my business IT needs?
Selecting a business IT service requires you to consider your business's current and future needs. As your company scales, evaluate whether your team has the time and knowledge necessary to set up, run, and maintain common IT infrastructure, hardware, and software like:
- Setup and security software configuration
- Wireless router and connected equipment configuration for WiFi printers, computers, mobile phones, smart TVs, and point-of-sale systems
- Data, computer backup, or cloud storage management
- PC maintenance and troubleshooting for both software and hardware
- Cybersecurity solutions such as anti-virus, malware, and spyware applications, including routine cleanup and removal
- Support for unified collaboration tools and business applications like email, Office365, Dropbox, and Webex meetings.
Does my business currently have an IT team?
For small businesses, common IT challenges such as printing issues, network connection problems, and device failures cost you both time and your money. Generally, you need an IT professional to step in quickly and implement a networking solution while you manage your business.
Secondly, performing regular IT maintenance like patching and updates is critical for strong network security to prevent cyber-attacks that could jeopardize your proprietary data.
Additionally, routine procedures like monitoring backup internet connections and conducting network security assessments are necessary monthly actions you need to protect your business effectively. Consider opting for a subscription-based IT service to guarantee ongoing protection and maintain consistent monthly costs, avoiding unexpected IT expenses.
What steps can I take right now?
Discussing business IT support is complex with many factors to consider. It's essential to align your business telecom needs with what makes sense for your company’s goals and identify areas that require IT support. To determine if a business IT solution aligns with your needs, it’s crucial to:
- Understand your IT goals and think about the current and future networking needs of your business.
- Understand where your business needs IT support and the risks of leaving these areas vulnerable to downtime, outages, and cyberattacks.
- Have a discussion with multiple business IT providers to find out what they offer and what will work best for your business needs.
