Almost any modern businesses depends on information technology to keep things running. Unless you’re using typewriters and adding machines, computers are an integral part of running your business. As your business grows, you can eventually reach the point where you don’t have the time or the expertise to manage your IT resources on your own. Hiring an IT manager is an option, but it’s an expensive option. A more cost-effective alternative for small businesses is to outsource through a managed IT services provider.
But how can you tell when it’s time to find a managed IT services provider? Here are some of the early signs that your business is growing to the point where you need someone to handle your IT.
Troubleshooting Computer Problems is Interfering with You or Your Employees
Are you spending so much time troubleshooting computer issues that it’s cutting into your own billable hours? This is a relatively common problem for lawyers, graphic designers, and other professionals for whom, time is money. Are non-IT staff members spending hours on IT tasks? If so, you’re losing revenue, and you could get more done overall if you find a managed IT services company to take care of these things on your behalf.
You’ve Been Relying on an Amateur for Tech Support
Do you call your neighbor’s tech-savvy teenager when your computer gets a virus? If so, you should probably consider working with experienced professionals instead. This is also true if a particularly tech-savvy non-IT employee is the one handling computer issues. When your accountant is spending their time on IT, their productivity goes down when it comes to their actual job tasks.
A Downed Printer or Workstation Could Cut Into Your Revenue
If the printer went down suddenly, or your workstation was locked down by ransomware, would it impact your revenue? Probably yes, and that’s all the more reason to have a managed IT service on call for tech support when you need it. Many IT companies offer on-site computer troubleshooting and repair service, 24-hour phone and email support, and other services that keep you covered when something goes wrong.
Your Data Isn’t Backed Up
If you don’t have your data backed up, do so as soon as possible. For a small business, a catastrophic hardware failure or malware attack that wipes all of your data could very well be a death sentence. After such an event, 48% of businesses don’t reopen at all, and another 50% end up closing shop within two years. A cloud-based data backup and recovery service is an affordable safeguard against this contingency.
You’re Still Using Windows XP
Windows ended support for Windows XP back in 2014, and yet some businesses are still using it. This operating system was the standard for businesses for a long time, but it dates back to 2001. In IT years, that’s positively ancient. Britney Spears was popular, reality shows were a new fad, and you probably still had dial-up internet access at home. Again, ancient. An experienced IT consultant can help you determine your needs and upgrade to a more recent option like Windows 10.
IT Support Services for Small Businesses in Winnipeg
At Constant C, we provide a full selection of IT services for small to midsize businesses in Winnipeg. To find out more, call us any time at (204) 272 1458, or fill out our contact form to get in touch with us about your company’s IT needs.
