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Think again if you believe information technology (IT) support is only needed at large companies. Your small business needs well-functioning computers, hardware, software, printers, and other related technologies. If any business-critical problems arise, you need them fixed immediately so they do not affect employee productivity or your bottom line. Additionally, your current technology setup requires continual monitoring to address potential issues before they occur.
Software, Internet browsers, website servers, and security systems, among others, should be checked regularly. They should also be updated or upgraded when needed. Knowing all of this, how can you not afford to invest in IT support? This Balboa Capital blog article explains why your business needs IT support.
Helps maintain productivity.
Technology-related problems happen all the time, and some of them can put a roadblock in front of your business’s productivity. These include computers that constantly need restarting, slow Internet connections, website issues, and malfunctioning office imaging equipment.
You and your employees are not trained to correct these problems, so you would most likely waste many hours trying to do so. An IT professional is uniquely qualified to pinpoint and fix tech problems in a relatively short amount of time. That means you and your employees will have less downtime, and your productivity will not suffer as much.
Saves your business money.
Imagine the problems you would have if your website went offline for a long time or your computer servers crashed because of configuration errors, hardware problems, or a natural disaster. Everything would come to a standstill. The results are frustrated employees, upset customers, vendors, and missed sales opportunities.
Hiring or contracting IT support is an investment, but it can help you save money down the road. In addition, eliminating downtime keeps your small business moving forward and enables you to avoid lost business opportunities and wasted payroll dollars.
Keeps your network and data secure.
Online fraud and data breaches are on the news all the time. Online thieves target websites, always looking at new ways to break into computer networks. However, a well-trained and experienced IT professional or team can give you the necessary tools to keep your sensitive data confidential and safe.
They are experts in their field and can recommend the best servers, cloud software, and other related solutions to safeguard your business against cyberattacks. So, do not just assume that your employee and customer data is secure on its own. That is a sure recipe for disaster, not to mention potential lawsuits.
Allows for fast internal support.
An IT expert’s core responsibilities go beyond business-critical tasks. They also provide fast internal support to you and your employees. Typical duties include fixing jammed office printers, updating outdated software, setting up employee workstations, and ordering computer supplies. Having an on-staff IT expert allows these and other related tasks to be completed quickly, which is a huge benefit.
How to get affordable IT support.
As your small business grows, the demand for top-quality IT support grows, too. Depending on your business’s size, needs, and budget, you can hire an in-house IT manager or outsource IT services. Both are good options. However, staffing an IT professional at the office each day affords you the benefits of faster repairs and updates and more control of the various technologies your business uses.
Outsourcing your IT services can help control your IT costs because you are not paying an employee’s salary or benefits. Instead, you pay an hourly rate or flat fee for IT work. Think of it as “renting” an IT expert when something needs to be repaired or upgraded. Of course, you might also need to buy or finance computers, hardware, or software.
The opinions voiced in this material are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual.