Is Your IT Strategy Holding Your Business Back?

The IT industry changes and moves forward very quickly. These days, an IT strategy is a valuable part of any business, no matter how large or how small. Operating systems, smartphones, online business transactions, interoffice communication and GPS tracking are just a few of the processes involved in a modern day IT system.

Because the modern IT infrastructure system is essential for progression, it is necessary to implement a sound strategy as soon as possible and maintain that strategy. Some key points should include the following:

• Risk management: An up-to-date cybersecurity system has never been more imperative.
• Remote access: Cloud-based systems have become necessary because of Covid-19.
• Customer support: Digital support platforms help prioritize urgent customer care situations.
• Third-party support staff: Avoid the expenses of in-house IT teams.

Any modern business should have at least one of these systems in place as demand for digital services grows. By implementing multiple or all of these techniques, your business will not only be future proof, safe and secure and ready for action but primed to accelerate.

Cybersecurity: Protect Everything

Protecting systems such as company and personal data from hackers is of peak of importance right now. In today’s digital world, every business has to protect itself from unauthorized access by those with malicious intent.

We all know what hacking is, and it is a very real threat. Cybersecurity is more than protecting your online infrastructure from unwanted access. Having the latest up-to-date virus protection and firewall software just isn’t enough these days.

In a world of mobile devices and the Internet of Things, the risk of hacking is the highest it has ever been. A poorly maintained network security system can be disastrous for your business. Protecting it properly is important. 

Hiring a full-time network administrator, purchasing servers and having an engineer install them can be costly. The use of managed IT services can provide all necessary tools for server and network monitoring, backup and recovery systems as well as experienced technicians able to carry out tasks on physical infrastructure.

Cloud-Based Computing: Centralized Systems

The past few years have seen cloud-based and remote access systems become more necessary. It is more than at the start of 2020 when staff of major organizations were forced to work from home rather than going to the office.

Cloud services provide a tangible interface to provide staff with all the necessary tools that they require from anywhere in the world. It provides file sharing options for viewing and amending documents, remote access to software and real-time offsite backup systems.

Because of their built-in security and backup techniques, a cloud-based system should also be considered as an extra layer in your cybersecurity strategy.

Customer Support: Tickets and Bots

The primary focus of any business should be its customers. The more customers you get, the more the need you have to support those customers. It is no longer viable to employ a small team of staff to answer phones and deal with customer queries. Modern support systems rely on helpdesk and ticketing services and customers now expect them.

A 24/7 ticketing system is an excellent approach to customer support as it allows for asynchronous communication and prioritization of queries. Ticketing can also ensure that the appropriate technician or expert receives the correct request through the use of “ping” systems.

This enables very efficient customer support plans tailored to each individual’s needs. It ensures that only the necessary support staff have access to personal data, thus building trust between your business and the customers.

The use of AI “chatbots” is not uncommon when requesting support tickets. It is an extra step in making sure each customer gets a reliable and streamlined support experience by sending requests to the correct expert, after gathering initial information.

Off-Site Support: Just as Effective as In-House Teams

Employing a full-time IT support team can be very expensive for a business. Most IT staff are experienced and qualified individuals with an expert knowledge in computer and network systems. Because of their qualifications, IT support staff don’t come cheap.

IT staff are usually required to handle network maintenance, network administration and terminal installation to name a few, so the outsourcing of these tasks is not uncommon.

Remote IT support is a viable solution to most common business needs. These companies can provide specialized IT services both on and off-site as required with a “co-managed” solution being a common strategy. Co-managed IT staff will work with your chief IT officer to meet the needs of your individual business IT strategy.

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