What do you get with IT support?

IT support is not just about having a techie on the end of your phone when you have computer stress. Although it is very much this too! IT support safeguards the business-critical systems and operating you rely so much on.

Here’s a closer look at what IT support is, and the benefits you can expect when you enlist the services of an outsourced IT support provider. 

What is IT support? 

At its broadest, outsourced IT support is the technical service to help with all your computer technology, which you don’t do yourself through any internal functions or employees. 

A more detailed, but still general, definition of IT support is also that it’s an IT helpdesk to answer employees’ requests for technical assistance in the running of the business and their daily work tasks. Including systems admin requests, troubleshooting issues and installing new hardware, software, networks and related queries.  

Specifically, IT support is… 

Not all IT support providers will have these in their basic package, but broadly speaking, you can expect: 

1. Better security and compliance 

Good IT support should be ‘security first’ since this is the biggest threat to the safe operating of your business and reducing the risk of a data breach. Security features of IT support are: 

• Instigation of security policies, such as password management and resets, and BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) management
• Management of configurations in line with security best practice
• Management of multi-factor authentication
• Management of firewalls and antivirus
• Recommended option for staff training for cybersecurity awareness 

2. Inventory and warranty management for devices and assets 

All your hardware and software at a glance, including all mobile devices and their safe configurations. Health checks on devices ensure optimum performance and you’ll never lose track or double-purchase on equipment.  

3. Network and server management 

Your networks all proactively managed remotely, which minimises potential for outages and downtime, and keeps all your business activities running smoothly. Network and server management, and audits, along with increased security, is your insurance against critical failure and provides business owners with complete peace of mind. 

4. Disaster recovery and backup 

Even with IT support, disasters, such as floods, fires, human error and cyberattacks can happen. IT support establishes disaster recovery and continuity plans specific to your business with implementation and support should the unthinkable happen. 

5. System audits and vulnerability reports 

The knowledge about your systems to know where remedial action and improvements are required. This is the bedrock of business planning and helps you to organise next steps and resources for the future. 

6. Cloud management, applications and virtual networks 

Cloud applications and virtual networks can bring reduced costs and increased efficiencies for many businesses. Your IT support provider can set up and manage your cloud infrastructure and any virtual networks, for example managing IDs, sign on and file sharing capabilities, and, importantly, monitor usage and costs. 

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