Saturday 26 May 2012

Managed IT Services Save Time and Money

By Robert Johnson


As computer systems become more and more crucial as "force multipliers" for small businesses, the need to keep those systems safe and operational becomes more and more critical. However, the problem of how to keep those systems running smoothly (so that business can run smoothly, as well) remains. Many small businesses are not able to retain the services of full-time IT support persons on their payroll, mostly because they cannot afford (or justify) the cost. For smaller companies in the GTA, the solution is to sign a contract with a firm that specializes in managed IT services. Thankfully, the SMB IT Support Toronto companies can hire is first-rate.

What are managed IT services? They are the happy medium between having your own IT support staff and the expensive computer consultants that come in when you have a big project - or a disaster - and then leave you to it once they are finished. Managed IT services are the cost-effective solution to the technological dilemma.

Sure, having your own "IT guy" is desirable. The problem is, there is such demand for their services that small businesses often cannot afford to keep them, particularly if their computer systems are not terribly complex. Computer support is a necessity, but if it is too costly, it can become a drag on the business rather than an enabler. And the potential loss of any one employee with so much crucial knowledge is a vulnerability to be avoided, if possible.

Some businesses try to get by using general in-house know-how for most things, and then hire consultants when necessary - usually when something has gone seriously wrong. While this can appear to save money in the long run (provided you do not have to call in the consultants too often), it comes at the cost of living dangerously. You never know when the other shoe is going to drop, so budgeting for IT becomes problematic. And when something does go wrong, the delay in having a consultant come in and get up to speed on your network configuration can be very costly to your business.

The balanced approach is to hire a firm to manage your IT needs. This allows you to control the costs of your IT needs without any personnel issues. You get a partner that will maintain and monitor your systems and act to prevent problems before they happen. They can also help you implement expansions and new technologies safely.

Small business computer needs are best served by experts, not amateurs. The risks are too great in today's increasingly complex technological climate. Check out the Managed IT Services Toronto enterprises have for sale and make a connection that fits your business.




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