Monthly Archives: June 2013

IT Service for Small Business

SMB Technology

There are many factors driving the way IT Service for small business is delivered. Small to medium sized businesses have the same IT Service challenges of larger companies such as: cyber security threats, cloud deployments and regulatory compliance issues. A small business may rely on IT as much as a larger company but may not have the internal staff for IT support. A current trend in IT Service for Small Business is comprehensive IT support and IT service called IT Managed Services. This method of IT Service for small business can provide proactive support for computer maintenance and repair and help a small business make the most of their IT Support budget.

Fixing the Cost of IT Service for Small Business

IT Managed Service Providers deliver IT services for computer repair, network monitoring, remote support, backup, anti virus updates, security patching and other proactive services using remote monitoring and management technologies. Working remotely reduces the need to come on site, saving you time and money. You may also benefit from obtaining IT Services at a flat rate, which will help you budget and manage your cash flows better.

Proactive IT Service for Small Business

Because monitoring and repairs are done remotely and scheduled in a proactive manner, problems may be identified and remediated before your employees productivity is interrupted. This improves employee productivity because of a reduction in downtime and higher availability of your applications and data. Also, if you have a contracted IT Service provider, you now know whom to call when problems occur. You also can anticipate the type of response to expect to remediate any computer problems or repairs.

Getting More from your IT Assets

Instead of paying an hourly rate to fix problems when they arise, you can now look forward to manage your IT assets to better serve your customers, employees and suppliers. By looking at IT as an enabler instead of the cost of doing business, you can strategically plan what technologies to adopt, how to leverage the latest technology trends to your competitive advantage. Contact your trusted IT Service Provider to see if your small business will benefit from IT Managed Services.

Managing Mobility

SMB Technology

Mobility and mobile applications in the workplace are being driven by a number of important trends including: a wide range of mobile applications, consumerization of IT and adoption of smart phones and tablets in the workplace.  Research firm International Data Corporation (IDC) forecasts Worldwide Tablet Shipments to Surpass Portable PC Shipments in 2013, Total PC Shipments in 2015.   Is your business ready to manage mobility in the workplace?  Below are some important factors to consider about Mobility.

Secure Mobility

Your network security is only as strong as your weakest point.  Having mobile devices connected to your company network is fine, as long as they are secure.  These devices are increasingly targets of cyber threats like malware and virus infection.  What’s more, these mobile devices are easy targets if lost or stolen.  To protect your corporate applications and data make sure your mobile devices have mobile antivirus protection. Require employees to report lost or stolen mobile devices immediately.

Fast Mobility

Allowing employees to use their personal mobile devices for work is commonly referred to as a Bring Your Own Device Policy.  Make sure your wireless network (WiFi) has sufficient bandwidth and range so your employees have fast access to mobile applications including email, corporate applications and data.  This will ensure your employees are productive and happy at work.

Mobile Applications

Mobility is a top IT trend so many software publishers offer mobile extensions to their applications.  Email, customer service, calendars and scheduling applications make it easy for employees to stay on top of their tasks when away from their desks.  Other mobile applications including: visitor sign in, customer loyalty applications and even credit card processing, all which  can replace paper based and other manual processes within a business.

IT Consumerization and Mobility

Adoption of mobility for personal use has made it easy for non technical users to download, install and configure a wide range of mobile applications.  As mobile apps become popular in the workplace, it can be easy for employees to connect apps to corporate data.  If unauthorized, this method of deployment is known as Rogue IT.  Through written policies, procedures and education you can reduce the amount of Rogue IT in your company.

By developing a mobility strategy for your business you can manage the risks of mobility in the workplace and empower your employees to work anywhere.  With proper planning, you can migrate to mobility and take advantage of this important IT trend.