As the business landscape continues to evolve, information technology (IT) support services have become more crucial for the success of organizations. Stakeholders, customers, and employees expect operating systems to function at optimal levels, and business leaders should consider investing in comprehensive network IT support that delivers on all fronts.
Business IT support services are offered by managed service providers (MSPs) in three ways. While there is a chance that a company may have no need for a specific service, you should be aware of the options available and how they can enhance your business’s productivity and operational efficiency.
What are the 3 primary forms of network IT support?
Every day, computer networks advance, and software solutions are released to the public. The number of choices that small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) have in their IT solutions is vast—the need for comprehensive information technology support should not come as a surprise.
48% of companies are investing in technology to improve their productivity. With more solutions added to their IT infrastructures, the need for business IT support services will grow.
Companies should look into the 3 main types of information technology support to ensure that their systems are consistently supported:
Break/fix services
Technical support that is reactionary by nature, break/fix services consist of troubleshooting and repairing computer systems when issues appear. This type of medium and small business IT support is ideal for companies whose IT infrastructures may not need full-blown services from an MSP, or who want to maintain full control over their network while it is being repaired.
Break/fix support services provide SMBs with network engineers who visit the client’s location and resolve any issues that may be present. Break/fix support specialists do not work according to a contract and are charged by the hour for their services. Also, they do not provide routine maintenance and management—break/fix services are only enacted when you ask for them.
Managed IT services
Comprehensive tech support that is popular with SMBs, managed IT services are a form of information technology support that provides customers with a team of IT professionals who manage the company’s IT infrastructure. Managed IT services are a worthy investment for businesses that have a complex network infrastructure or organizations that may not have the time, skills, or resources to manage their systems themselves.
Managed IT services are offered by MSPs according to a legal contract known as a service-level agreement (SLA). SLAs effectively serve as reference points for the partnerships MSPs strike with their customers, specifying the level of service an MSP will provide, the consequences of breaking the contract, and more.
Managed business IT services are in-depth solutions to IT management. They can include:
- Cloud computing services
- Backup and disaster recovery solutions
- Hardware and software management
- Cybersecurity solutions
- IT consulting
- Remote and on-site IT support
Co-managed IT services
Of all the business IT support services, co-managed IT support is one of the most unique. Co-managed IT services share technology workloads between an MSP and in-house IT support staff. Co-managed services give SMBs the capability of offloading repetitive or more specialized IT tasks onto a team of network IT support specialists, while internal tech employees focus on assignments that correlate with the organization’s vision and values.
Investing in co-managed information technology support allows you to expand your IT department without having to spend extra resources and time on hiring new staff. At the same time, by acquiring the assistance of IT workers with specialized expertise, co-managed support widens your company’s exposure to the trends and technologies in the IT industry that an in-house IT team may not have the time to become acquainted with.
Do businesses need information technology support?
Your organization’s network affects every entity that interacts with your business—you, employees, stakeholders, and customers (loyal and prospective). Every piece of technology you incorporate into your business is a full-time commitment, and it is crucial to maintain your IT infrastructure with the same level of care and attention you give to other aspects of your business.
98% of companies have stated the cost of IT downtime ranged from $100,000 to $540,000 per hour. That is a significant loss no SMB should be forced to contend with. Regardless of what form is most applicable to your business, information technology support can ensure your network is working to streamline your staff’s workflows, increase your profits, and prepare your organization for a secure and reliable future.
What benefits do business IT support services provide?
Effective network IT support has served as the lifeline for many SMBs and their staff. No matter which service you choose, you and your employees can feel confident knowing that business IT support services will benefit you in the following ways:
- Network security: Any issues relating to cybersecurity will be handled with care and resolved efficiently.
- Certified expertise: MSPs regularly undertake certificate programs and courses to become certified in a range of areas, including software like Microsoft 365.
- More efficient, technical problem solving: An MSP’s tech support will be able to solve problems quickly and efficiently.
- Access to the latest technology: An MSP will be able to provide you with the latest technology and software.
- Reduced costs: Information technology support from an MSP is customized to suit your needs.
Network IT support from SMB IT leaders
Organizations are growing increasingly busy, and when IT systems suddenly go down, stress levels go high. Business IT support services can help you avoid outages and support your technology solutions with outstanding expertise.
The information technology support at Skynet MTS is provided by leaders in the SMB IT services space. Talk to the team today to gain unprecedented access to high-quality support that enhances your operations and upgrades your IT infrastructure for future growth and revenue.