What is IT Support and how can it help your business thrive?

Whether you are a small to medium-sized business with a single office or a larger organisation with multiple locations, having a reliable and proactive IT support partner is essential for your success.

Instead of waiting for IT issues to arise, it is crucial to have your IT systems continuously monitored. This proactive approach ensures prompt problem-solving and helps prevent significant complications. For larger companies, this could involve an in-house IT support team. At the same time, smaller businesses may rely on an external IT support company providing managed IT services—or a combination.

In this article, we will explore the characteristics of adequate IT support and share client success stories highlighting how they have leveraged our managed IT services to enhance their IT support capabilities.

What is IT Support?

IT support is not just about fixing issues as they arise. It involves supporting all aspects of your business and discovering ways to utilise the latest technologies for more efficient and profitable operations.

What is Managed IT Support?

Managed IT support involves partnering with a third-party provider to address all your IT support needs. Here are several ways that a reputable IT support partner can contribute to your business’s success:

1. Security: IT support services should always include a strong IT security strategy to protect your business from cyber-attacks. Your IT partner can identify potential risks and implement a comprehensive set of processes to ensure your organisation’s safety.

2. Productivity: One of the most effective ways to enhance productivity in your organisation is by examining your IT systems. You can significantly boost productivity by leveraging technology to streamline daily activities without incurring additional staffing costs.

3. Efficiency: Besides improving productivity, adequate IT support can enhance job satisfaction by making daily tasks more efficient. A proactive IT support partner can evaluate your current systems and suggest practical ways to utilise technology for greater efficiency.

4. Staying Current with Technology: Technology is constantly evolving, and unless your business operates within the IT industry, it can be challenging to stay updated with the latest advancements. With reliable IT support, your IT partner will inform you about new developments and advise you on leveraging these technologies to benefit your business.

5. Reliability: Reliability is a crucial aspect of IT support. Even with careful planning, unexpected problems may arise, and your IT support partner should be ready to assist promptly when technology fails. A swift response ensures quick resolution of issues, minimising downtime and keeping your business operational.

6. Availability: Whether you have an in-house IT support team or rely on an external provider, evaluating their availability and response time is essential. A reputable IT support company should offer 24/7 support, ensuring that issues are resolved promptly regardless of the time or day of the year.

The Cost of Poor IT Support

The actual cost of inadequate IT support can be significant and far-reaching. It includes the time and money lost when issues occur and the ongoing expenses associated with inefficiencies in daily tasks. Even a few minutes each employee’s wasted on IT-related problems daily can add up to several days lost over a year.

Moreover, employee frustration from continuous issues with IT systems can significantly affect team motivation, leading to higher costs associated with recruitment and retention. As the workforce becomes increasingly dominated by millennials, Generation X and Z (35%) by 2024, you must ensure that your systems are up-to-date to keep your staff engaged.

Without reliable IT support, you risk missing out on opportunities for business growth, especially if you fall behind in adopting the latest technological advancements.

Choosing the Right IT Partner: Is It Time to Switch?

Many companies continue to work with their IT partners year after year, even if unsatisfied with the service. However, as your business grows, the IT provider that served you well in the early days may no longer be the best fit for your current needs.

While staying with a long-time partner who understands your business may seem more straightforward, sticking with an underperforming provider can lead to wasted time, money, and missed opportunities.

Changing IT providers does not have to be complicated. A capable new provider can quickly understand your requirements and ensure a smooth transition from your previous partner. In many cases, bringing in a fresh IT support team can help you identify improvements and opportunities that your long-standing provider may have overlooked.

Beyond Responding to IT Issues

Adequate IT support involves implementing strategies that enhance every aspect of your business. When searching for a new IT provider, consider their range of services and how they can contribute to your business growth.

Here are several key IT services that a good IT support company in London should offer:

1. Cybersecurity Awareness Training: No matter how robust your security systems are, they are only effective if your employees understand cybersecurity best practices. Cybersecurity awareness training equips your staff with the knowledge to work safely and securely, protecting your business from potential cyber-attacks.

2. Two-Factor Authentication: Passwords alone can no longer protect sensitive data. Employees often reuse the same passwords for work and personal accounts, leaving your business vulnerable to hacking. Ask your IT support company about implementing two-factor authentication to strengthen security and minimise the risk of data breaches.

3. Secure Online File Sharing: Are you frustrated with managing multiple versions of the same file, unsure if everyone is using the latest version, or worried about who has access to sensitive documents? A secure online file-sharing and syncing service could provide the solution you need. A proactive IT support company can establish the necessary systems to enable your teams to collaborate on files securely, enhancing productivity while providing continuous backups and remote access.

4. Dedicated On-Site Engineer: Would you like to have an in-house IT engineer without the commitment of hiring an additional staff member? Many reputable IT support companies offer the option of a dedicated on-site engineer who will work at your premises as if they were part of your team without the additional overhead costs. An excellent on-site engineer should possess technical expertise and interpersonal skills to integrate seamlessly into your workplace. They will be capable of addressing day-to-day IT issues while understanding your business needs and implementing improvements to support growth.

5. Email Security Service: Email is crucial in our daily work routines, making its security and efficiency essential. Collaborating with your IT support provider can protect your business from email-based malware and virus attacks. Effective spam filtering can also enhance team productivity by reducing the influx of irrelevant spam emails that often disrupt workflow.

6. Office 365: Consider the benefits of transitioning to Office 365. It offers significant advantages for your business, including cost savings, increased productivity, improved remote work capabilities, and reduced maintenance of IT equipment and software.

By partnering with a quality IT support provider, you can safeguard your business’s digital landscape and drive its growth. For more information about our IT support services, please visit our website or contact us at 020 4566 9343.