When you have a small business to run, you end up wearing a lot of hats. Accountant, salesperson, boss - the list goes on and on. Computer technician is probably one hat that you should take off, however. Unless you are supremely confident of your troubleshooting skills and have the time it takes to stay current with all of the latest software, hardware, and online issues (including the very real threats that viruses and hackers represent), this is a job you should delegate to an expert. But hiring your own expert may play havoc with your budget, because in-house talent does not come cheap. Rather than resigning yourself to the cost or the hassle, you should examine the offerings that managed IT Support service firms can bring to the table.
Managed services are a means by which a small business can gain the advantages of tech support specific to their needs without the human resources costs of hiring someone themselves. Unlike high-priced computer consultants, who typically only get hired to clean up a catastrophe, managed IT services is an ongoing association with a computer-maintenance firm for a standard monthly fee. This eliminates haggling over hourly rates and helps you factor the cost into your company's bottom line. Best of all, you no longer have to try to be a computer expert in addition to your other jobs.
One of the critical things managed IT services offers is ongoing maintenance. Many computer problems occur because security alerts or program upgrades are missed. With someone dedicated to keeping your systems up-to-date -- usually during the middle of the night, when it will not affect you or your employees -- you will only notice that sometimes your computers actually work better.
The true value of managed IT services comes into play when problems occur. Real-time monitoring of your networks can trigger remote troubleshooting efforts that can hopefully clear up any issues before they have a chance to affect your business. Anything that requires a hands-on visit will likewise gain from having a technician already acquainted with your particular system configuration.
Perhaps the most useful service typically provided by managed IT service companies is off-site backup of your critical data. Hopefully, you will never need to know just how priceless that service can be, because if something every physically destroys your office equipment (and any on-site backups along with it), having the means to restart your business with the minimum interruption will seem like a miracle.
Small businesses have computer support needs just like larger businesses; to level the playing field, investigate Managed Services, and get the support you need at a price you can afford.
Managed services are a means by which a small business can gain the advantages of tech support specific to their needs without the human resources costs of hiring someone themselves. Unlike high-priced computer consultants, who typically only get hired to clean up a catastrophe, managed IT services is an ongoing association with a computer-maintenance firm for a standard monthly fee. This eliminates haggling over hourly rates and helps you factor the cost into your company's bottom line. Best of all, you no longer have to try to be a computer expert in addition to your other jobs.
One of the critical things managed IT services offers is ongoing maintenance. Many computer problems occur because security alerts or program upgrades are missed. With someone dedicated to keeping your systems up-to-date -- usually during the middle of the night, when it will not affect you or your employees -- you will only notice that sometimes your computers actually work better.
The true value of managed IT services comes into play when problems occur. Real-time monitoring of your networks can trigger remote troubleshooting efforts that can hopefully clear up any issues before they have a chance to affect your business. Anything that requires a hands-on visit will likewise gain from having a technician already acquainted with your particular system configuration.
Perhaps the most useful service typically provided by managed IT service companies is off-site backup of your critical data. Hopefully, you will never need to know just how priceless that service can be, because if something every physically destroys your office equipment (and any on-site backups along with it), having the means to restart your business with the minimum interruption will seem like a miracle.
Small businesses have computer support needs just like larger businesses; to level the playing field, investigate Managed Services, and get the support you need at a price you can afford.
About the Author:
Robert Johnson is a freelance Internet blogger focusing on network and business issues. Managed Services, as well as IT Support, are of special interest.
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