For a long time, entrepreneurs believed that managed IT services were exclusive to large brands. They thought that smaller firms couldn’t benefit from cybersecurity, tech planning, or data storage. To them, this was an unnecessary expense that would prevent them from focusing on things that matter.
However, as times change, businesses can no longer survive without the Internet and various programs. In fact, many small companies have completely digitalized their processes and gained most of their clients through firm websites. All of this increases the reliance on managed It service providers.
“There are approximately 8 million small businesses in the US alone. Even though some entrepreneurs don’t realise this, informational technologies could scale their operations,” according to IT Management Solutions, New Hampshire IT services experts.
In this article, we’ll talk about some of the most common IT services for small brands. Keep in mind that the importance of specific services might vary based on your industry and focus.
1. IT Planning
Before you invest money in managed IT services, we suggest you go through the planning process. A consulting agency can explain various tech processes and create an ideal combination of services for your brand.
To optimise your IT budget, you must share your overall business goals with the provider. Share your growth vision and analyse how tech services can help you achieve these objectives. A major part of the IT planning process is budgeting. Find the optimal investment sum and make sure to stick with it during the upcoming period.
2. Document Your System
A less common IT service is system documentation. During this step, you’re looking to categorise all your digital assets, including devices and software. It’s worth mentioning your classification system and detail will vary based on the needs. Companies often execute this process so they have a better understanding of the company assets ahead of sales and other business transactions.
Creating a map of your systems also assists experts working with your network. It shows them where different documents are stored. During the process, the managed IT service provider will also check out content to see if it’s outdated or needs a specific update.
3. Server and Network Monitoring
With proper tools, IT professionals can monitor the company’s network for potential issues and general health. Among others, this software indicates potential problems that you must address as soon as possible. Monitoring is an integral part of the cyber security process, warning about potential system vulnerabilities and anomalies.
If you need this service, you’ll need to hire a qualified staff member who will analyse and respond to network threats around the clock. Besides servers, they have to keep track of all connected devices, workstations, and cloud services. Downtime can cost small businesses anywhere from $137 to $427 per minute, so that’s something you definitely want to avoid.
4. Cybersecurity
Whether you’re a small or large firm, you can’t survive without advanced cybersecurity measures nowadays. Some of the most common threats plaguing modern businesses include ransomware, phishing, and malware. Unfortunately, no matter how strong your measures are, you can’t achieve full protection.
In the best-case scenario, you’ll introduce practices and methodology that will reduce the odds of unwanted outcomes. One of the main tasks for IT providers is to educate clients’ staff and introduce contingency measures.
5. Tech Support
Many IT service providers provide phone/email tech support to their small business clients. They tackle issues such as software glitches, user errors, software updates, and mechanical breakdowns. By having one of these providers on the payroll, you won’t have to worry about potential downtime caused by technology.
Today, most small businesses outsource their tech support to foreign countries. However, there are also those who prefer having assistance on-site. Having an IT professional on-premise is vital if you want to train your staff or if you experience major issues on a weekly basis.
6. IT Training
Speaking of training, managed IT providers can teach your employees how to use different devices and software. Keep in mind they won’t turn your staff into tech experts; they will only help them conduct daily operations with maximum efficiency.
IT training is especially great when you’re introducing new, complex programs. Even if your team worked with something similar, they might struggle with this updated version. When you have an IT team on the premises, you can ask various questions about the program, learn new features, and address software-related mistakes.
7. Mobile Device Support and Management
MDM is an acronym that stands for mobile device management, a process that has become extremely popular in the last few years. As more and more companies and users switch to tablets, laptops, and smartphones, they will require appropriate support. Mobile device support services are critical for small firms whose employees travel frequently.
The first thing an IT expert will help you with is setup and configuration. These professionals make sure all your apps and email services are working as intended. They’ll also introduce the necessary encryption and protection that would stave off external threats. Data recovery and backup are also important parts of the MDM process.
8. Disaster Recovery and Data Backup
According to data, 76% of companies have experienced some sort of data loss during their business. While many of these were caused by cyberattacks, some of the issues were a result of hardware malfunction and other issues. This is why having data backup procedures is so important for modern firms.
Among others, your business needs to introduce effective pre-planning for disaster recovery. Make sure to include a mix of cloud and on-site backup. Your provider should also create a plan that would be implemented in case of a disaster.
Last Thoughts
IT-managed services are as invaluable for small businesses as they are for large corporations. With IT experts in tow, your brand will be able to address all internal and external problems and threats. While these providers are invaluable for data storage, recovery, and cybersecurity, they can also help with other vital technological processes.