Businesses are always updating something. Whether it’s the product they make, the way they manage relationships, or certain software that they use, everything gets upgraded eventually. But when was the last time that you updated how you solve your IT problems?
Many people leave IT to the people they hire to manage it. Technology can seem like magic to those who do not totally understand it. For this reason it’s common for most business owners to become hands off when they have an IT solution that they like.
But is your chosen IT department really giving you all you need?
IT has never been more important. Cyber security is a growing concern, and just about all parts of modern business rely on technology to keep it running. Good technology can make all the difference between two highly competitive companies.
Remember, if there is technology out there that is better than yours, that means your competition has a chance to get ahead.
Think of IT like cars on the road. Sure, that 1998 Toyota Camry is still chugging along just fine, and is affordable, but what does it really offer? The bare bones, and just enough reliability to keep you from changing.
However, there are cars out there that have engines with 3 times the power, powerful computers, more safety features, better gas mileage, and a long warranty. Sure, it costs more, but can you put a dollar amount on safety and planning ahead?
Good IT should give you peace of mind, and handle all sorts of things that are essential to your business.
This includes:
- Providing a secure network to conduct business
- Optimizing performance across platforms
- Creating safe remote work connections
- Protecting data and creating emergency plans
- Backing up and protecting information
- Monitor threats and breaches
IT is there to help keep your business running. They do all the things in the background that nobody sees, but without them your business will not work.
Your technology solutions are essential if you plan to keep your business.
Do You Have What You Need?
In the car analogy that we mentioned above the choice was only between an old model, and a luxury car. However, there are definitely options in between. The key to making a smart choice about your cyber team is making sure that you have what you need at a price you can afford.
For example, here are some things to consider when searching for IT solutions.
What experience does my team have?
If you hire 1 IT person, then you only have their experience. This could be from school, or past jobs. Is there experience enough to keep you safe with emerging threats? Can they offer you the peace of mind that you are ready for what’s ahead?
Maybe hiring a team of people is a better option. A team brings more collective knowledge to the table and can attack a problem from different angles. However, hiring more people could cost more.
Do I have Support when I Need It?
Sure your IT person is available during business hours, but who do you turn to if you have problems in the middle of the night. Most cyber attacks happen on holidays, weekends, or off hours so that the attack won’t be noticed until later.
Is your current IT team going to be there in the middle of the night if your data is breached? Thinking about the worst case scenario can help you prepare now.
What are you Paying For?
If you just think of IT as one cost, then it’s easy to overpay, or under purchase. For example, in your workplace you don’t just have “expenses.” You have line items for each thing that you need.
You should be doing the same for technology solutions.
Do you have a good cyber security solution? Are they helping you expand if that is your goal? Are you having to pay extra taxes or fees like a 401k match for IT employees.
Take good care to think about what you need and what you are paying for. In many cases you can cut costs when you really think about the specifics of your business.
How to Get the Best IT
In our opinion the best value of most small and medium sized businesses is to work with a managed service provider.
Managed service providers (or MSPs) provide you with a team of people that are available 24/7/365. This give you a wealth of knowledge to work with and the security that someone is always on hard.
MSPs are also usually cheaper because they work on a service level agreement. This can help you save money over having to hire individual employees.
Upgrade your IT solutions with a managed service provider. Give us a call today to learn how we can help solve your IT problems, while saving you money!
