All LinkedIn Articles are posted by Victor J. Quinones, Jr., CEO, Chairman, and Co-Founder at Virtual-Q. Original article posted here.
The four essential elements of a successful IT program
Technology is one of the most important components in running a business. Unfortunately, it’s also one of the most challenging areas. The tech landscape is constantly evolving. New trends and issues arise overnight and your business might have a difficult time adapting. Whether you’re starting up or gaining momentum in a competitive field, these changes can be overwhelming.
As a business owner, you wear a lot of hats. From marketing and sales to operations, there are various responsibilities that take up your time. The point is, you have more to worry about than the state of the IT systems.
When it comes to technology management, the best approach is a proactive one and a stable relationship with a trusted managed service provider (MSP) can help in an immense way. If you want a comprehensive solution, it is best to establish a relationship with a team of professionals that covers all elements of your IT strategy, design, implementation, support, and security.
The Must-Have IT Services
An outsourced IT service not only helps your business stay abreast with technology trends, but it can also keep you competitive in your industry. Now, the big question is, which IT services do you need most? Here are a few necessities.
1. Data Backup and Recovery
There is no such thing as good downtime. If your business suffers from catastrophic data loss, be prepared to shut down your operation. Whether it’s from a hardware failure, ransomware, a software bug, or a physical disaster, one event can put your entire company in jeopardy.
Do not lose grip of your most important assets. Choose peace of mind from a managed IT service provider who offers responsive data backup and recovery solutions. When something goes wrong, it’s the MSP’s job to restore your business and keep confidential data out of harm’s reach.
2. IT Security
Headlines show more companies finding themselves on the wrong end of a data breach within recent years, and the risks are only getting stronger. As technology evolves, cyber threats get more intense. The worst part? IT security threats are not always recognized and often overlooked. You may have an advanced anti-virus program, firewall, and web filter, but that doesn’t mean things won’t slip through the cracks.
Managed IT providers serve to not only avoid danger, but to neutralize it. Whether it’s malware, phishing scams, or data breaches, an MSP works around the clock to mitigate issues before they grow into catastrophic consequences. Choose a partner that prioritizes IT security awareness training, 24/7 protection, and around-the-clock monitoring.
3. Technology Consulting
From an IT standpoint, do you know what your business really needs? It is easy to be overwhelmed by technology, but the right IT service provider can help bring clarity. Whether your company is in a start-up phase or growing exponentially, there’s an IT consultant that can help keep you on the right trajectory. When partnering with an IT company, ask for a technology roadmap that aligns with your long-term objectives.
4. Managed IT Support
Implementing new technology isn’t always a smooth process. Not everything goes according to plan. Sometimes things break or don’t work like they should. When that happens, you need a support team that is agile and available to serve you when you need it. Having access to a help desk can help you resolve issues quickly and efficiently. Whether it’s through email, calls, or scheduled appointments, you have a team of problem solvers committed to you around the clock.
Satisfy Your Needs With the Right IT Solutions
Ready to maximize the value of IT-related investments? The experts at Virtual-Q can take care of you with full-service solutions that align with your business model. With us, you have a true partner; a team of problem solvers who work relentlessly to drive productivity across all operations. For more information, send us a message to schedule a free technology assessment.
