Imagine this scenario: A small start-up wants to begin selling its products online at a few e-commerce websites. The company also wants to create its own website so potential customers can visit and promote its new product. The small outfit needs a customer support staff to respond to and deal with customer problems online and over the phone. What is one of the most important support services this company will need to invest in before going online?
The answer: IT. The products and services offered by this new company all rely on computers and networks – in other words, IT. This applies to most companies, not just the start-up. Businesses in today’s world must have a solid IT foundation in order to hit the ground running and maintain smooth operations.
Why IT support is so important
Companies are increasingly dependent on technology day by day, particularly smaller businesses who need to outsource technical services to keep their network and computers operating without a hitch.
As businesses no longer operate on a strict 9-5 schedule anymore, a company’s IT system has to be functional all day, every day. Inoperable computer and network systems can result in decreased productivity, poor customer service, and falling revenue.
Smaller businesses at risk
Smaller businesses are at a particular disadvantage, particularly for those who depend on IT in their day-to-day operations. Companies just starting out or businesses with a narrow scope of operations might not have a fully functional IT department on staff and may only hire a couple part-time employees for their IT services. This can make finding solutions to issues with business systems stressful, time consuming, and can eat into profit margins. In this way, finding quality IT support is a priority for small business owners.
Skills and expertise
One cost-effective way for small businesses to get around this is to outsource their IT needs technical support providers. By outsourcing to a company whose sole expertise is solving IT problems, smaller businesses receive more attention, capacity, and know-how in dealing with the problem.
Certain issues in business networks and systems might require different types of expertise. For a smaller business, keeping an IT expert on staff in case a problem may arise can come as a hefty price tag. Outsourcing IT support in this case would allow a smaller outfit to save on the bottom line.
Different types of services
Companies providing IT support for small businesses do more than provide services during a major crisis. In addition to fixing problems, many companies provide technical support on the day-to-day running of business systems, which include running upgrades and installations for a company’s computers, network, and printers. These types of services can also help to buffer against any vulnerabilities a company’s online network may have, preventing future system failures.
Other types of IT services include offering free advice in simplified language on software and hardware that can be used to create and maintain systems. Again, this can cut down on time and stress in trying to find the best solutions for the company.
IT services offer a way for smaller businesses who don’t have the capacity or the budget for in-house IT staff a cheaper alternative to dealing with systems and computer malfunctions, as well as ensuring day-to-day operations.