With very few exceptions, modern businesses simply cannot function independent of the internet and the supporting technology that it requires. At the very least, a company without a strong and reliable online presence is bound to fall behind their more tech-savvy competitors.
The Importance of Handling Tech Problems Promptly & Effectively
Considering the immense potential of digital technology to sustain and grow businesses, most companies have targeted I.T. operation and management platforms firmly in place. However, those platforms are only beneficial when they are functioning at optimum levels.
In today’s fast-paced business environment, even a brief interruption in I.T. connectivity can have catastrophic results. Even relatively minor ongoing inefficiencies can inflict damage over time that is equally devastating. In short, while business tech issues of the past were merely inconvenient, similar issues today can have a lasting effect on your bottom line.
Leading Causes of Business Tech Interruptions
In light of the importance of smooth I.T. operations, let’s examine a few of the biggest looming threats to those operations as well as key strategies to combat them.
Over the years, NuWave has identified the following five factors as essential to good I.T. health:
1. Security Threats
If you haven’t heard about the serious dangers of cyberattacks, you haven’t been paying close attention to news headlines over the last few years. As hackers become more pervasive and sophisticated, businesses of all sizes are becoming susceptible to major security breaches. And the effects of these breaches are proving increasingly costly in terms of money, resources, and especially reputation.
Although extremely complex and focused cyberattacks are difficult to avoid, you can prevent most security threats by practicing good cyber hygiene. With the help of I.T. management professionals, you can install various levels of protection according to your precise needs. To ensure the highest levels of cybersecurity, NuWave aligns our compliance practices with those of the National Institute of Standards and Technology.
2. Data Backup Issues
In some cases, hackers use ransomware to steal vital information and demand money for its return. But of course, your company’s important data is vulnerable to more than just cyberattacks. Countless technical problems can result in corrupted files and accidentally deleted data. Whether the result of ransomware attack, overloaded routers, or user error, data loss can be disastrous for your company.
Fortunately, you can protect your business by storing backup copies of all essential data. Your backup strategy should be part of a larger disaster plan that will allow you to act promptly in the wake of any data failure to access redundant files and keep your company going with minimal interruption.
3. Technology Costs
If you are managing your own tech operations with or without the help of an in-house I.T. professional, you have contracts with a range of platforms, utilities, suppliers, and service providers. After taking a few moments to add up your total technology costs, you may be surprised to see its enormous negative impact on your bottom line.
By eliminating unnecessary services and improving strategic efficiency, a quality managed I.T. service provider can save you a significant amount of money. Furthermore, organizations can often secure specific services through I.T. managers at lower rates than those offered by direct providers.
4. Waiting until Something Breaks
When it comes to inconvenience and expense, there is a wide gulf between reactive and proactive approaches to disaster response. Waiting to react when problems arise is costly in every sense of the word. Just think about the price hikes that go hand in hand with last-minute emergency repairs.
Fortunately, this situation can be avoided with a bit of forethought. A managed service provider like NuWave can help you institute a proactive I.T. strategy that stresses issue prevention through consistent surveillance and maintenance.
5. Keeping up with Regulations
As technology continues to evolve at an exponential rate, so do the industry regulations that go along with it. These constantly changing regulations can be tremendously difficult to manage for any small business without dedicated I.T. staff or services.
By partnering with a qualified I.T. management firm, you can outsource all regulatory concerns without fear of repercussions. Let a trained professional keep your I.T. operations in line with current regulations and address any questions and concerns that you might have.
Managed or Co-Managed I.T. Services for Proactive Technology Planning
To address all the widespread I.T. issues above, you should begin with a thorough audit of your in-house I.T. operations. Whether you have a relatively extensive internal I.T. department or no I.T. professionals whatsoever, your digital platforms and networks are probably not as secure and reliable as they could be.
Depending on your level of need, NuWave can offer a broad spectrum of fully managed and co-managed tech solutions with either a “hands on” or a “hands off” approach. In any case, establishing a proactive plan is essential if you want to effectively manage your I.T. operations today and stop potential problems before they start.