When information technology seems like another language to you, it can be difficult to know exactly which IT service needs your business requires. It can also be difficult to know which IT consulting business you should hire because you don?t know what factors to compare them against. A good information technology team will generally offer you the following services.
Software and hardware procurement
Most businesses rely on specific software programs and technological hardware equipment to handle day to day business. These programs are important in marketing, managing payroll and income, and truly understanding the business. These programs are not always easily accessible or affordable. However, when you work with a good IT consulting team, they can usually get you affordable access to the programs that you need.
PC and laptop maintenance
In addition to having many technological programs that help to successfully run your business, it is also likely that you have a good inventory of desktop computers and laptop computers. With so many computing devices, it can feel like they are constantly breaking or malfunctioning. This is especially true when you add in the other office electronics including printers, scanners, and navigation systems. It is best to have a dedicated person or IT consulting team to handle these PC and laptop maintenance responsibilities. Many businesses choose to outsource these IT services. In fact, according to Deloitte?s 2016 Global Outsourcing Survey, 31% of IT services have been outsourced.
Advance current business technology
A business that wants to remain relevant and successful over the years needs to keep up with technological changes. According to the latest forecast by Gartner, worldwide IT spending is projected to reach $3.7 trillion in 2018. Increased budgets for technology are important in keeping with the latest technological project executions. Having an outsource IT consulting team will give you the resources and manpower needed to make these changes. For example, it can take six months or more for a team of six to 10 people just to develop an app. Attempting to hire your own IT team to complete these important takes can make it impossible to keep up with the rapid changes of technology.
IT security
With increased technological use and more businesses moving to a virtual setting, there is also an increased risk of security breaches. One of the most important tasks of IT consulting is data security. In fact, for 38% of companies of all sizes, enhanced security and compliance was the reason for using a managed services provider. You might be able to get by with learning as you go when it comes to installing software and purchasing hardware for your business, but a single mistake when it comes to IT security can be extremely costly.
In addition to the threat of a data breach, businesses are also required by the government to have protection measures in place to prevent this from happening. Every year, new protection requirements are released. The business has a maximum period of time to implement these changes. If they do not, they can be fined. If they do experience a data breach and did not follow these protection requirements, the fine could potentially put a small business out of business permanently.
Technology is often an undervalued, but extremely important part of a business?s success. Without a strong information technology team, you are at risk of an expensive data breach, unable to keep up with emerging technology, and you do not have the ability to quickly troubleshoot or repair in office technological hardware items.
