What have you done to ensure your business can handle the technology you need for ultimate success? Building your business foundation is critical when you start your business. It remains vital as you grow and expand your market. You need solid I.T. structure and support. That’s a given. The good news is you can tap into resources that are already available through outsourced I.T. “How?” you ask.
Here are six ways to fortify your business structure.
Think Security First
The ideal time to start thinking about security is when you’re first formulating your business plans. Already in business? If that’s the case, it’s more crucial than ever to examine your security now and make needed changes.
Use your managed services provider to develop strong security measures for all your important information assets. They can set up security and keep it up-to-date and running smoothly for the long term. With reliable outsourced I.T., you can rest assured that your valuable data is safe from the threats of cyber attacks.
Leave I.T. Setup and Management to the Pros
Setting up all the technology for your business requires expert I.T. knowledge. It takes research to find the best hardware and software for your unique business processes. Once it is all set up, you still have the job of keeping it running and up to date. You need servers that run smoothly from day one. Somehow, they have to keep performing well in the long run. Your network has to be configured and well-maintained. Is your head spinning yet?
The truth is, dealing with servers, firewalls, routers, and other I.T. components and systems can drain energy from your primary business mission. Start using a managed services provider for setup and management of all your information technology now. Rely on outsourced I.T. for round-the-clock monitoring and support. You will soon reap the rewards of increased time and energy to focus on your unique selling proposition.
Hand Off Tech Questions
One unanswered tech question can put an instant halt to your business operations. What’s more, when new employees come on board, their constant questions about the technology can use up your valuable time on minutiae. If you rely on an I.T. freelancer, you take the risk that they will not be there when you need them most. Yet, even a small in-house I.T. department adds employee costs you can do without.
Stay lean with outsourced I.T. helpdesk support. Then, when the big questions come, refer to their expertise to solve the problem quickly and efficiently. Let them handle your employees’ daily questions. You can concentrate on your long-term strategy for building effective business practices, expanding your customer base, and increasing profits.
Create Strong Communications
Too many businesses just let communications happen. They may start with a simple phone system. As their business takes off, they tack on more phones in the office and add mobile into the mix. Through all this, they often ignore the need to have everything working together smoothly. Suddenly, they realize that their patched-together telecom system is causing more problems than it is solving.
Build your foundation right, with a strong telecommunications system that can handle calls on all levels:
- Interoffice contacts within your company.
- Communications with vendors and customers.
- Mobile phone use in the field.
- Contacts with support services.
Choose an outsourced I.T. company to deliver and install a phone system that provides intelligent, coordinated connection. When you find the right I.T. provider, you can trust them to keep all these components working together in unison and provide 24/7 telecommunications support.
Be Poised for Recovery
When you erect a physical building, you trust that it won’t be knocked down in an instant. You have to think that way. After all, it doesn’t make sense to construct a backup building in case of disaster. Fortunately, it’s unlikely that your building will be destroyed out of nowhere.
Information technology is different from an office building. You can—and absolutely should—prepare for data loss. You could lose important data in situations as far-ranging as:
- Natural disasters.
- Cyberattacks
- Human error.
- Disruptions in the power grid.
The minute you have data to protect, you need to develop a strategy to recover it if the worst happens. Why? First, because you can. Data loss doesn’t have to be the end of business as you know it. With outsourced I.T. on the job, you can access that data again in short order, because It’s all backed up properly. You have a plan and an I.T. partner to help you implement it.
Get Mobile Savvy
Chances are you are already using mobile devices for your business. The question is: have you thought about the security risks involved? Your valuable digital assets are on the line every time you or an employee uses a mobile phone or tablet away from the office. You need to avoid security breaches, but that is not an easy task when so many employees are using so many devices in so many settings.
You need mobile to connect with all the people who are crucial to your business success. You need it to carry out business away from your main location. You also need to keep your data and business processes secure. That is where an outsourced I.T. company can make all the difference.
Instead of ignoring the risks involved with using mobile devices, recognize mobile device management as a fundamental need. Work with a managed services provider to develop device security systems and best practices for mobile use.
Building a solid business foundation today requires reliable information technology. Use outsourced I.T. to build in cybersecurity, set up and manage your servers and networks, deal with tech questions promptly, enhance your communications, back up your data, plan for recovery, and get the most out of mobile. Then, with your secure foundation in place, you can focus on your unique vision for your business.
Work on your foundation now to set the stage for greater stability and growth in the future. You can learn more about how to build that solid, secure base by connecting with JMARK via email at JMARKIT@JMARK.com or by phone at 844-44-JMARK—or simply by using the form on this website. With JMARK as your managed services provider, you can get the most out of all your information technology while maintaining the utmost security and reliability in your I.T. systems.
