7 IT Services Small Businesses Need

IT support services are critical for small businesses. When your internal IT systems are running smoothly, you’re able to focus on your business and your customers. But you still need someone to manage your IT, and keeping an in-house IT team isn’t necessarily the most time- or cost-efficient method, especially if your team only jumps into action when something breaks. Another option is to outsource this work to a managed services provider (MSP) that will focus on improving IT functionality and efficiency. With someone else managing these services, you save on payroll costs, reduce your IT headaches, and get results from seasoned experts. Here are 7 managed IT support services that small business need from an MSP.

File & Print Services

File and print services allow employees to store, secure, share, and print files over the network. An MSP sets it up so that you can keep files in shared or individual storage locations, all of which are on the company network rather than a single computer’s desktop. The computers on your company’s network are also able to securely access and print to a shared printer.

Security Services

Your data needs to be secured, no matter what. An MSP manages the security of systems or data transfers, including virus protection, virtual private network (VPN), user authentication, and patch management. They deal with installing updates and ensuring all security measures are clearly defined and up to date. This protects your company’s data from any unauthorized access or tampering.

Backups

This provides users with a system for the backup, storage, and quick recovery of computer files. An MSP works with you to design and implement a backup plan suited to your budget and business needs, so they can make sure your data is backed up regularly and reliably. They will also take care of you in the event of an issue that requires restoring your data.

Remote Access

Now and into the future, employees increasingly need to work off site, such as at home or in another location. While doing so, they still need access to a distant computer or network, such as the office network. An MSP sets up the technology and systems to allow your employees to work from home when necessary and maintain the security of your data, without any disruption to your business. This includes VPNs and remote desktop setups.

Help Desk Support

A help desk provides support to end users, via phone or email. These technicians are the first line of support for you and your employees; when users come across any IT issues or just need help figuring something out, they can contact the help desk. Support from a help desk should cover industry-standard desktop applications such as Microsoft Office, VPN, Microsoft Windows, and Office 365, as well as laptop and desktop support.

Microsoft Office 365 Support

Microsoft applications are used widely in corporate environments, so an MSP must be able to open and handle support requests related to Office 365 services. This saves production time compared to waiting in long queues for support from Microsoft itself. Your employees won’t be left twiddling their thumbs while their work is hindered by issues with applications such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

Cloud Migration & Implementation

Cloud computing is among the most significant IT matters today. Migrating to the cloud frees your small business from the issues of hardware and servers that need to be regularly replaced, plus the cost and downtime considerations associated with that. Amazon Web Services (AWS) Cloud technologies, for example, deliver easy-to-use, flexible, cost-effective, reliable, scalable, high-performance, and secure solutions to small businesses. An excellent MSP is one that can guide you through the migration process and provide personal, one-on-one service so that you’re not navigating an AWS implementation, migration, or support issue alone.

In summary, small business IT support from an MSP will enhance your business’s efficiency and ability to serve your customers. Digicon Corporation provides all these services and more under our Business IT Services (BITS) offering. We consolidate your IT into a fully inclusive, cloud-based platform for efficient IT management services, consulting, and AWS migration and implementation—all backed by 24/7 service desk support. Use our free self-assessment form to help determine what you need, and contact us to learn more about our small business IT support services.