Posted: February 18, 2014
Hiring a reputable managed IT service provider can reduce costs and increase efficiency – but how?
Software
Many companies rely on licensing their software and setting up their own networks – but this can be a risky strategy:
- Licenses are needed for every company computer and are expensive.
- Employees might be tempted to use unauthorised software; a hotbed for malware.
- Company data being moved between company PCs via a network or a storage device can present a danger to your IT security.
200,000...
… the number of new malicious programs registered by the AV-Test Institute every day.
By embracing managed IT services, you can get your business up and running with invaluable hosted technology services including Software as a Service (SaaS):
- All software is stored and accessed via the Cloud, meaning you can access your data from any computer; the provider will sort your networking issues out for you.
- There’s no need to pay for licenses, install security updates or fret about compliancy.
- Your company will always be using the very latest version of popular software packages.
Don’t rely on a single IT guy for your company’s needs; they might fall ill or leave the company…
… an IT outsourcing company will always have a qualified team on hand to help with all your IT needs – day or night if required.
Backup & Security
Many companies have poor or no backup/security processes in place:
- Hard drives fail all the time; and yours are no different.
- Lost data can have profound effect on a company’s bottom line and client relationships.
- Data security is often treated as an afterthought by SMEs, leaving companies vulnerable to hack attacks.
Managed IT service providers can take care of the backing-up process and security for you:
- All data backed up for you.
- A hard drive going down in your office will have zero impact on your company’s data.
- Reputable managed service providers use the latest security software and hardware to keep their clients’ data safe.
82%...
… the percentage of UK businesses who are unaware of how much they currently spend on data protection; don't be one of them...
£27 billion...
… the amount cybercrime costs the UK economy a year.
Move to the Cloud
Remember, not all hosted technology services are the same:
- Be wary of providers who are cheap and have no track record; what would happen to your data if they went bust?
- Some providers use proprietary systems that do not allow your data to be moved to another hosted technology service. Avoid them...
Employing managed IT service providers means:
- They will locate the right hosted technology service for your needs and will oversee the entire transfer of your data and operations.
- Ensure your data is available and accessible 24 hours a day.
Remember:
- Move all software to the Cloud to avoid up-front licensing costs and potential compliance issues.
- Have proper backup procedures in place; hard drives fail.
- Source the right managed IT service provider to ensure that you're getting the best service possible.
- Let IT service providers take the strain for you so you can focus on running your business.
Is your current IT provider up to the job? Download your free eGuide now: Techie translation guide: What your IT provider says (and what they actually mean...).
