The three different types of IT Support Explained

IT failure can be extremely costly for any business, not only in terms of lost orders and productivity but also in damage to reputation. So what can a business owner do to minimise the chances of such a disaster happening?

Prevention is always the best option, so your first line of defence should be regular maintenance and monitoring of your network. This will keep everything running smoothly and highlight any potential weak spots before they grow into problems. If, in spite of your best efforts, something does go wrong you will also need to be able to get help quickly from a reliable specialist.

Unless you employ your own qualified IT engineers, the simplest solution is to have a maintenance agreement with a reputable IT Support Company. Look for one in your area that has a proactive rather than reactive approach to IT support. A UK help desk staffed by people who can answer your questions is another plus point, and if you have more than one branch make sure that any agreement you make will cover all your premises.

For maximum flexibility choose a company that offers the following three different levels of IT support so you can opt for the package that is best suited to your needs.

Full Network Maintenance Contract
· What you should get: Unlimited telephone support, secure remote access or site visits to solve any malfunctions or breakdowns in your system. Expert advice on all IT issues. A 24-hour server monitoring service to detect potential problems. A guaranteed response time.
· What you will pay: A fixed monthly fee with no callout charges.

Pre-Paid Maintenance
· What you should get: Help and advice on a range of IT issues that you choose. If you are confident of handling routine maintenance yourself you might only want to ask for help with the more complex tasks.
· What you will pay: An hourly rate – the more hours you pay for in advance, the cheaper the rate.

Pay as you Go Maintenance
· What you should get: The simplest arrangement where you only pay as and when you use any of the support company’s services.
· What you will pay: A fixed hourly rate plus a callout fee if a site visit is necessary.

Every business is unique, and no one knows yours better than you, so before you sign up to any IT support agreement, explain what you want and ask questions so you can be sure of making the best decision. Above all, work with a company that is as committed as you to getting the best out of your IT system.

What to look for when upgrading your IT network

Every successful business needs to review its IT system from time to time. Is everything still working at maximum efficiency? Has it been kept up-to-date with the latest technological advances? Will it be able to cope with any planned growth or changes in business practice?

Deciding to upgrade or completely renew your business IT network is perhaps the easiest step. Once you start looking at all the options, the choices can be confusing!

Here are the important questions to ask:

What exactly does the business need?
Ideally, you should invest in a system that can meet all the current needs of your business and will be easy and economical to adapt to future growth. But you don’t want to waste money on a package that includes equipment that will seldom or never be used. To get the balance right you will need to conduct an in-depth analysis of your exact requirements.

Who will I buy from?
Every computer hardware and software company will tell you that their products are the best. If you are not sure, ask the advice of an unbiased expert. Whatever brands you choose, you are more likely to get a competitive price if you buy everything you need from the same reputable supplier. You will also be able to check that all the components are compatible.

Who will install the new system?
To guarantee a smooth switch over with the minimum amount of disruption, have your new system installed by qualified, experienced engineers. Choose someone who will not only test everything thoroughly after installation, but will also make sure that you (or your staff) know how to use the new equipment correctly.

What if things go wrong?
Who will you call if you have a problem with the new network? The supplier? The installer? Or someone who knows nothing about your business and will need to familiarise themselves with the system? Are you – or a member of your staff – able to maintain and monitor everything to keep it running properly and deal with potential problems before they occur?

Upgrading your IT network needs careful planning if you want to avoid expensive mistakes. For many businesses the best choice is to ask the advice of a specialist IT support company. Look for one you can trust to undertake the whole project for you. This should include analysing your needs in detail, procuring and installing the equipment, and offering maintenance cover, 24 hour remote monitoring and all the support you’ll need to get the best out of your new network for many years to come.

Why Making your IT Leaner Will Save you Money

How is your IT system? Over-complicated? Hard to understand? Runs slowly? Burdened with down time? Costs you a fortune in support?

That’s probably because you have something far too over-complex for your true needs.

Leaner IT systems better suit the needs and budgets of small to medium sized businesses.

How about if you could stop worrying about IT by simplifying you system so that it costs you less in terms of outlay and support?

Saving your business money and reducing risk are the two things that will increase your profits.

Protecting your business and reducing risk is made possible via:

· Simplified systems
· The latest technology
· Off site back ups
· Hosted desktops
· Proactive support

Is it time to make your IT leaner? To improve efficiency and reduce costs? If it is time to make the complex simple then talk to us today.

Lean IT makes life easier, saves money and increases profits

Businesses are being shown that it is possible to realise savings of up to 30% on ongoing IT costs, something all of them needs in this economic climate.

Lean IT will have major impact on business profit margins

The IT landscape is changing fast. Traditional methods of running IT systems dating back to the easy credit pre-recession days are now far too expensive, over burdensome and out of date. Smaller businesses can work more efficiently, save money, increase flexibility and reduce risk, and this will have a major impact on profit margins.

Businesses will benefit from a reduction in the complexity of their networks to make them leaner, using the following initiatives:

Virtual, Consolidated Servers: Seriously reduce space, power and maintenance costs

‘Thin Client’ Computing: Save 50% on running costs, power consumption and maintenance by replacing traditional PCs with Thin Clients: computers that don’t do their own processing but rely on a central, often remote processor.Utilise Manufacturer Warranties: Maintain high end servers economically by utilising manufacturers’ warranties.

Remote only Support: Using remote support, IT issues can be rectified without the need for site visits, therefore driving down the cost of support cover.

Flexible licensing: Reduced licensing costs are possible by renting software applications rather than purchasing them.

VOIP and Least Cost Routing: If you pay BT directly for your phone calls then you could save over 70% on call charges by using Voice Over IP (VOIP) or Least Cost Routing.

If you want to make considerable savings on IT and increase your profits as a result, there are many things that can be done. Contact your IT support company without delay to find out more about a leaner form of IT.