A guide to IT support

IT is a core element of every modern business today. While the latest technology can help companies work more effectively and be more profitable, when it performs poorly or fails, it causes critical situations.

In many cases, business personnel don’t have experience and abilities in IT. So, when an issue arises, they must pay emergency call out fees while incurring disruption to workflow and associated costs.

IT support is an ongoing service that allows business users to access immediate aid from qualified IT engineers. IT support services can also manage company technology and ensure it is fit for purpose and operating effectively, heading off issues before they arise and keeping computers safe from cybercrime.

In this detailed guide, we’ll take a deep dive into IT support, exploring what it is, the benefits it offers and the different levels of service available to choose from. Read on to learn more.

What is IT support?

IT support is a specialist service that supplies technical help and solutions. The service assists users with issues related to technology like computers, servers, networks, broadband and phone systems. Support can cover technical issues, but also areas like system security and maintenance.

IT support can solve technical issues with setting up, installing and configuring hardware and software, managing networks, dealing with faults in devices and applications, and problems with passwords. It can also help with prevalent problems like slow computers and connections.

IT security is also offered as part of IT support. It can help companies stay protected from potential threats and risks by installing effective security software, deploying antivirus, firewalls, email filters and intrusion detection systems, and carrying out periodic security audits.

IT support also includes assistance maintaining computer hardware, software, systems and networks. Maintenance upgrades are planned, scheduled and conducted, and the performance of applications, servers and networks are monitored.

What are the benefits of IT support?

When an IT issue arises that you can’t fix, it can have a negative impact on your business. When technology isn’t working properly, it’s frustrating for staff, but also disrupts productivity. Small problems left unresolved can become bigger ones that can see firms unable to function.

IT support can supply a rapid resolution to get you back up and running quickly when an emergency occurs. However, a managed service can also be proactive, carrying out preventative maintenance and monitoring to identify issues before they become larger and more expensive problems to fix.

Growing companies like SMEs (small to medium sized enterprises) don’t always have the budget to hire a large, dedicated IT department. Opting for IT support allows firms to keep their cost lower by outsourcing the work to a managed service, while enjoying access to more engineers with a wider range of skills.

Data security is of crucial importance to companies. IT support includes cybersecurity assistance ranging from protective software that defends devices, from attack to application of updates and security patches to resolve critical vulnerabilities in computer operating systems applications.

What does IT support do?

Our experience offering IT support in the northwest has shown us that all companies have their individual needs in terms of technological support. This is mainly dictated by the scale of the business and the skillset of staff.

As a result, we have developed two different IT support packages to meet the requirements of companies, to ensure they get the right level of support they need.

For firms with a team trained in IT that simply need a foundation to work from, our IT Support Basic package is an excellent choice. It includes remote and telephone support and reduced charges when an onsite visit is necessary to resolve a problem. When staff are working offsite, it also covers access to company computers and servers. Our engineers will also proactively monitor your hardware and software, patch applications and operating systems, and manage all your firm’s IT assets on your behalf.

IT Support Standard is our more popular package and is a fully managed IT support solution. As well as providing all the services above, this package includes business benefits like onsite support when you need an engineer on the premises at no extra charge. Robust enterprise-grade antivirus is also included in the price of this package to protect your technology from cyberthreats. Plus, our IT experts will carry out an annual review of all the technology you use to run your business.

To explore which IT support package best suits your needs, get in touch with us at 127 Solutions for a one-to-one today.