How Many IT Issues Are Too Many Issues?

Is your business having technology issues that you cannot seem to control? Are IT projects overwhelming your current managed service provider or internal support team?

As businesses rely increasingly on digital technology, more and more IT issues become inevitable. However, it doesn’t mean you should become complacent with them. With the right precautions, your business can resolve existing issues and keep future problems to a minimum. The trick is knowing when you have more problems than you can handle on your own. The following are some of the most common business IT issues. The more of these pain points you experience, the more likely it is that you should need to consult a managed service provider.

Network Issues

Almost every office has had to deal with slow, unreliable networks at some point. These avoidable network issues often result from the following:

• Aging Equipment. Outdated computers cannot keep up with the size and complexity of modern office software, becoming slower and less reliable over time.
• Excessive Updates. If you aren’t careful about when and how you update software, the programs will quickly take up excessive space and slow down your network.
• User Overload. If you add new devices without updating your network, more people will compete for the same amount of space, slowing down the network and increasing the risk of a crash.

In North America, the average company experiences 14 hours of IT-related downtime each year, sacrificing thousands of dollars in productivity. The concept of purchasing and installing new equipment, keeping software programs up-to-date, and managing network devices all at the same time can create an overwhelming amount of issues.

A managed service provider can minimize these issues to save time and money by creating standardized process through which your network can operate.

Server Issues

Like network issues, server issues tend to result from aging or poorly coordinated equipment. Common server problems include:

• Pointless Programs. Unnecessary programs eat up memory and CPU, increasing the risk of a crash.
• Data Loss. Aging or defective equipment errors can erase or block crucial information.
• Fan Failures. Your server’s cooling systems may not work properly, causing the equipment to overheat and increase your risks of detrimental damage.

The key to dealing with server issues is to be proactive. If you repair or replace servers on time, the risk of memory loss and other issues decreases. A managed service provider examines your server equipment and lets you know when repairs and replacements are necessary.

Security Issues

Viruses, Trojans, and malware can paralyze your computer systems, while hackers can steal sensitive information. Common security threats include:

• Professional Hackers. Cyber criminals now operate in large, coordinated teams, stealing data and implanting malware through orchestrated cyberattacks that threaten your business’s integrity.
• Mobile Devices. Tablets and smartphones do not have the same security settings as your office computers. When employees use them for work, they can put the whole company at risk without the right security measures in place.
• Social Media. When employees check their Facebook or Twitter accounts from their workstations, they can risk inviting spies and malware into company systems. Without following a company social media policy, they could also reveal private information unknowingly.

The average security breach costs $3.5 million, undermines customer confidence, and leaves you vulnerable to lawsuits for not protecting sensitive data. Hiring a managed service provider to protect your company is thus more than worth the cost.

Vendor Issues

Not all managed service providers are the same; poor providers often do more harm than good by lulling you into a false sense of security. Pay attention to your current provider’s customer service methods: are they overpromising on their service offering?

If your provider is slow to respond to reported threats, does little to prepare for potential IT issues ahead of time, and has bad relationships with your other vendors, that provider deserves neither your trust nor your money. Look for managed service providers that offer proactive service and help you manage all of your other technology vendors. Their IT support services should do everything in their power to stop issues before they happen.

As a managed service provider based in Little Rock, Arkansas, Scale is committed to keeping IT issues to a minimum for a variety of customers. To learn more about making your company safe and efficient, contact our IT consultants today at 501-588-3199. Let us handle your technology stresses and erase your IT issues.