Like a persistent cough or muscle strain that won’t go away, many IT issues can prove ongoing. Every time they come back you think about getting an expert opinion to get the problem sorted once and for all. But then the cough fades, you can walk freely again, or your computers are back up and running, and you just keep on going. Until the next time.
If you’re sick of ongoing issues with your IT, look to a Managed Service Provider (MSP) for help.
There are many IT ailments that can negatively impact your ability to do work. Let’s consider some of the particularly common ones, and why an MSP is the right prescription.
#1 Network and Internet issues.
More business than ever is done online these days. We are massively reliant on high quality fast connectivity, both inside and outside the organisation. Not being able to connect to the network and slow connections are frustrating. Without the Internet, how can you do your job? You can’t even check and send emails! Let alone access team documents or enter data into cloud-based accounting software. A lagging network also slows down application and data loading time. It may only be a few moments of thumb twiddling. But that can add that up if it happens several times a day and to multiple staff. You’re looking at a decrease in productivity that adds up.
Slow networks are a common ongoing IT issues but an MSP has the know-how to survey the IT environment for what’s causing these frustrations. When there’s a problem, they’re at the ready to resolve it and help improve reliability.
#2 Repeated malware infections.
Malware is more than just one of those annoying ongoing IT issues, it can put your data at risk. If you’re getting repeated malware infections this can mean a couple of things.
First, you don’t have effective ‘perimeter controls’. These are the basic first layers of security such as Anti-Virus, Firewall and Anti-Spam. Getting these right will mean that many of these attacks wouldn’t make it through the door in the first place. With the right firewalls, anti-spam, and protections, you should be able to keep your system on lock down. But how do you know what the right ones are? The good news is you don’t have to do this yourself. Gain expert help with an MSP reviewing your security protocols to keep the bad guys at bay.
Secondly, people are both your first line of defence and the weakest point in your defence. Educate employees about the dangers of social engineering. Training is simple, low cost and vital! Put good policies and procedures in place and make sure they are followed. Don’t let staff keep falling for the pretexts and downloading malicious files. Also, ensure passwords are strong enough to avoid adding another point of entry.
#3 Printing problems.
Many businesses are printing less today, but we’re not done with hard copies entirely. So, when a printer starts whirring, spinning endlessly, or can’t connect, efficiency halts. There are a number of reasons why printers are often unreliable, in fact we’ve done a whole article about it. In short you get what you pay for. Avoid ongoing issues with your printers and endless frustration with solid business-class printers (which your MSP can identify).
#4 Application overload.
Maybe some of your employees prefer Dropbox. Others rely on their free Gmail accounts. Others are using OneDrive, the rest store everything on their hard drive. This hodgepodge of options can cause chaos and lead to any number of ongoing IT issues. For example staff have difficulty remembering the passwords to all of the accounts they need. So, they simplify, and that makes their accounts more hackable.
Simplifying your systems makes life easier, increases efficiency and can reduce costs. A good MSP will take the time to understand your business and identify the software that best addresses your business needs. Upgrading to business-grade versions of important applications is easier with an MSP.
#5 Aging technology.
You’ve had your current computers for ages. They are slower than you’d like, but you don’t have the time to look for something else. Plus, you can’t imagine having to learn something new. You’re too busy. Unfortunately ageing tech is more likely to fail, which could prove catastrophic if you don’t have the right systems backup. Many have recently found that support for their old systems has ended. Microsoft no longer update and provide security for Windows 7, Office 2010, Server 2008 and many more.
MSPs know IT. Based on your individual business needs, they can suggest a plan of attack to update the IT and keep it secure. They’ll be able to offer different ways to budget. These will include new options such as Hardware-As-A-Service (HaaS) which can help spread the cost and plan for the future.
They can also provide backup strategies to prepare for the worst and recover quickly.
Basically, a managed service provider has your back when it comes to IT. Work with experts who focus on technology day in and day out. You’ll typically save money and gain time to spend innovating in your field.
How We Can Help with Ongoing IT Issues
We’ve over a decades experience and were one of the first to offer Managed Services in the UK. Gain a competitive advantage with the support of an MSP. Fill in a contact form or give us a call at 0115 8220200 today!
