Running a business is not easy. You need to juggle different demands and priorities. While most companies focus on acquiring customers and boosting their marketing efforts, it’s also essential to give special attention to your IT infrastructure. After all, modern businesses rely heavily on technology to function properly.
Unfortunately, most businesses see IT as a ‘set-it-and-forget-it’ asset. However, in today’s fast-paced business environment, even the most minor IT issues can create a significant loss of revenue. This is where proactive IT support can make a difference.
In this article, we’re sharing the significant advantages of having proactive IT support for your business.
1. A More Robust Security
Technology continues to provide innovative and convenient software and tools to help make businesses more efficient. The internet has also made it easier for companies to connect to customers while providing a better user experience and satisfaction.
However, as technology becomes more advanced, so do the risks that modern businesses face. Statistics show that cybercrime has increased by up to 600% over the last two years because of the COVID-19 pandemic. It’s also expected that cybercrime will cost over USD$10 trillion by 2025. In particular, the average cost of a minor business data breach ranges from USD$120,000 to USD$1.2 million. As cyber threats evolve each day, ensuring that your business’s cybersecurity is up to date can mean the difference between a thriving business and bankruptcy.
Fortunately, most businesses implement standard security measures against common cyber threats like phishing and viruses. However, basic and outdated security measures aren’t enough. A reactive stance on cyber threats places your business at the mercy of hackers who can readily spot vulnerabilities in your IT infrastructure.
This is not an issue with a proactive stance. For instance, a reliable proactive IT support Seattle from Executech will regularly check and monitor your IT infrastructure. They can keep your business software and tools updated while staying on top of cybersecurity trends. This protects your business against old and new threats. They may also provide a regular risk assessment on your digital tools and offer training services for employees on cybersecurity best practices.
2. Faster Recovery And Shorter Downtimes
Downtime is a period when a part of your IT infrastructure becomes unavailable for use. At some point, your IT systems will have to go offline. Whether for updating infrastructure or performing preventive maintenance, it’s normal to have some degree of downtime.
With planned downtimes, you can inform your customers and employees in advance, so they can work around the scheduled maintenance and minimize its impact. However, unplanned downtime can be costly and damaging. For every minute your company stops working, you lose out on potential business. Unplanned downtime can be caused by several things, including software/hardware issues, power failure, cyber threats, and more.
With proactive IT support and maintenance, you can reduce unplanned downtime incidents. A reputable IT support firm can help identify potential issues and resolve them immediately before they become a wide-scale system failure.
Furthermore, even if a cyber threat manages to beat your enhanced security practices, proactive IT support means you’re prepared for any catastrophe by setting up systems such as data backup and disaster recovery programs. As a result, it allows your business to recover faster, minimizing downtimes and ultimately reducing the negative impact on your business.
3. Cost-Effective
Most businesses don’t give a second thought about their technology, devices, and software unless something stops working and disrupts their daily workflow. Only then will they call an IT expert to look at their systems. This habit is costly.
IT professionals often charge on an hourly basis. You might also need to spend on parts or completely replace the entire system. Plus, you need to factor in downtime and reduced productivity.
With proactive IT support, you can cut your business expenses. Although hiring long-term IT support for your business will cost you, they provide regular monitoring and preventive system maintenance. This means they can catch and resolve small issues before they become serious and costly. In addition, proper maintenance of your software and hardware can help extend and maximize their lifespan.
4. Better Performance And Productivity
Without regular monitoring and periodic upgrades to your IT systems, performance and productivity may become noticeably lower. On the other hand, a proactive IT support service can help detect and eliminate potential issues that may be slowing down your systems.
A prime example is when an IT specialist implements regular disk cleanups to discard unnecessary programs and files that may be slowing down a computer device. Furthermore, they can provide employee training for new software or technology implementation.
With a proactive maintenance strategy, businesses can minimize performance issues while optimizing and increasing the reliability of their IT systems. With more efficient and streamlined technology, you can boost your team’s productivity, enabling you to meet deadlines and business goals.
Takeaway
As you can see, having a proactive stance on your IT support has numerous advantages for your business. Giving your IT infrastructure some attention, even if they’re working fine, can help ensure your business continues to thrive in a digital environment.
With proactive IT support, you can prevent technical issues and cybersecurity risks before they occur. This enables your business to avoid unnecessary expenses and delays while improving business performance and ensuring continuity.
