Productivity
Tips on how to get the best out of your IT Services package
Most non-IT business owners and organizations hardly have enough time in the day to run their enterprises let alone having to cope with their in-house technology needs. They and their staff need those functionalities but are far less interested in the technicalities behind it all, and rightly so.
Overall, IT services run the support gamut anywhere from hardware to software; frontend to the backend; infrastructure to communications and in terms of roles, they may be used by software developers, business analysts and users alike.
An example – Infrastructure IT Services
Let’s expand on a slice of the IT Services pie – infrastructure – to get a better picture of what it involves from a consumer’s perspective. More often than not, small to medium business customers tend to sign up for such IT services with one IT firm as that simplifies it to a single point of contact and solution.
Nowadays, as part of its infrastructure (and essentially communications) IT service package, the solution provider is likely to cover:
- the setting up of the network architecture (e.g. standardization or retrofit the new with the old)
- management of routers and switches
- manage and resolve bandwidth issues
- firewalls and security configuration
- server and desktop connectivity
- disk storage
- voice, video conferencing and data services
What returns to look for from your Infrastructure IT Services investment
The time, effort and money you will expend on any IT services, whether in-house or outsourced, has to come with noticeable returns e.g.:
- a robust and integrated setup that includes
- cutting edge technologies (without “robbing the bank”)
- flexible and scalable architecture to cater for operation expansions within a foreseeable time span
- minimal disruption to existing services should tests be needed on prospective technologies
- planned maintenance that minimize risks
When all is said and done, whatever type of IT services a company needs, budgets and opts for, it should free up the owners to focus on their core business initiatives; their staff to be able to productively do their jobs in order that the company grows quickly.
The complexity, long lasting and lucrative effects that are being sought underscores why it is imperative to shop around for the right — package and package provider. Although many of the IT service providers seem to have similar offerings, ensure you read between the lines to know how well they have served their previous clients; the value add they have created for them and the kind they can bring to your business.
You will be well-advised to steer clear of those who are more interested in selling you their solution instead of the solution that best fits your company needs. Award-winning companies like Knowledge Plus IT got to where they are because they are customer-centric, responsive and accessible. They understand the importance of understanding your circumstances and needs; and will openly discuss the overall solution, leaving no stones unturned. And when it comes to the solution development, they will bring in the right skilled people to work on the various parts for your total effective solution.