Global IT spending is believed to be worth $3.8 trillion in 2021, a 4% increase from the previous year.
And as businesses continue to incorporate cutting-edge technology into their daily operations, effective IT support is crucial to minimize disruption in case something goes wrong.
That’s why more companies are outsourcing their IT support to professional teams instead of relying on in-house technicians. But how do you know if now is the right time for your business to try this approach?
In this post, we’ll explore five signs that your business is ready for professional IT support.
Your in-house IT support technician is ill-equipped and overwhelmed
It’s easy to assume hiring a full-time IT expert will protect your business from serious technical issues.
But this might not be the case — not even close.
First and foremost, your on-site IT technician will have a lot to handle on an average day. They’ll probably receive requests to help with everything from updating passwords and installing software to removing a nasty virus wreaking havoc.
These tasks may involve quick and easy fixes, but they’ll devour a huge chunk of your technician’s time altogether.
Secondly, your technician may know how to handle minor tasks and keep your systems running smoothly — but will struggle when confronted with highly complex problems that only a team of experts working together can solve.
And if your technician is trying to put out small fires constantly, they might not notice the signs of an impending crisis with the potential to cause severe problems for your business.
So, if your in-house IT support is swamped with work, underqualified to handle technical disasters, or a combination of both, it could be time to try professional IT support.
This will free up time for your on-site expert to focus on their core tasks while a specialist team is on hand for everything else.
Your hardware is performing below the standard you expect
You’ve invested in a new suite of computers for your workforce. You’ve set them up and expect your team to work better than ever now that they have access to the latest hardware.
But a few weeks on, things aren’t running as smoothly as you expect.
You’re hearing complaints that the new tech isn’t working as it should. In fact, your employees would prefer to go back to their old computers instead.
In this case, it’s likely that your technology isn’t optimized to perform at its best. Fortunately, a few changes here and there could help you unlock your equipment’s full potential, providing you with the quality you paid for.
A professional IT support team will be able to identify performance issues and determine what steps you need to take to achieve a smoother, more satisfying user experience. You should feel that you’re getting more bang for your buck when your hardware is optimized for peak performance.
Calling in the experts will also save you the time you might have wasted trying to find a solution yourself — time you can spend doing what you do best instead.
Viruses are a common problem and disrupt operations frequently
Viruses come in many forms (resident, multipartite, overwrite, etc.) and some are worse than others.
But if your systems become infected, this could indicate that your hardware is in need of tighter protection — and that your business is vulnerable to more serious threats.
Such as? Ransomware, for one. This is a major risk to companies in Canada, causing downtime with an average cost of $180,000.
Other dangers include:
● Phishing scams
● Spyware
● DDoS (Distributed Denial of Service) attacks
● IoT (Internet of Things) threats
It’s vital that you and your employees remain vigilant against potential cyber threats, and you must implement effective security measures to defend your business.
A dedicated IT support team will help you understand your vulnerabilities, identify potential solutions, and create a custom plan to secure your company more efficiently.
Employee productivity is hitting an all-time low because of inefficient technology
Your workers can only be as productive as their tech allows them to be. If all or most of their work relies on computing, any technical issues could seriously hamper their ability to succeed.
Numerous factors may reduce technology’s inefficiency, including:
● Inadequate processing power for required tasks
● Outdated software
● Dust affecting internal components
● Hardware needs to be upgraded or replaced
These are just a few examples, but each could leave your employees hitting their head against a desk with frustration.
Of course, inefficient tech might not be the only reason your productivity has dropped. Staff may feel disengaged, undervalued, or distracted by a noisy working environment. If so, you’ll need to address those issues to retain your top talent.
But if it IS due to your IT setup, an experienced IT support team will help you understand why — and what you can do to put it right.
You have no idea what new hardware and software you should try next
The time has come to invest in new computers, install a fresh server, and switch software because your current configuration is holding your business back. Investing in the right products at the right price could make a huge difference.
But what if you’re not sure what to buy? You could purchase hardware that works well but isn’t ideal for your operations and your employees’ requirements. You could implement software that becomes more of a hindrance than a help.
If this sounds familiar, make it easier on yourself with professional IT support. You’ll gain expert insights into shopping for tech wisely, based on your business’s goals, budget, and setup.
If any (or all) of these five signs ring true, an IT support team could transform your business in various ways. Your IT spending will go further, your company will be safer from cyber threats, your team will have access to the right tools, and you’ll enjoy total peace of mind knowing the experts are just a call away when you need them.
To discover how NETWORTH’s IT support solutions can help you, contact our team now!