Crisis Mode: Who to Contact in an IT Emergency
It's a fact of today's business world. We're so reliant on information technology that any little computer glitch can bring operations to a halt.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics rightly concludes that business today simply can't function without reliable IT maintenance.
The problems can be myriad, from server issues to network malfunctions and data storage. Integrated phones may not work. The email system may crash. System security is always a concern.
Most large businesses have IT people on the payroll, but many small businesses don't, and even when they do, Gary the Geek may not be around when the computers cough. You don't need IT problems; you need IT solutions and a reliable way to keep your systems running smoothly 24/7.
What Works Best for You
For smaller companies, outsourcing to IT management services sometimes works best. A little company may not need a full-time employee devoted to IT maintenance. In that case, contract IT solution providers have the expertise and resources to deal with technology issues and can cost less than another person on the payroll.
So it's important to determine the extent to which day-to-day operations depend on IT. The more fundamental that IT is to minute-to-minute functionality, the more likely it is that internal IT service support is needed.
Also consider IT skills that may be needed. It's possible that a business operates on common, simple programs that are easy to learn and have online support available. But that's usually not the case.
Establish a Protocol
Plan on having IT emergencies so that you can establish a protocol for what to do when they happen. Start with an internal call list. If your company has techies, they'll be at the top. If you're outsourcing, make sure that everyone knows the right number to call.
Use available information when it's free. Many companies and academic institutions have established written contingency plans for how to cope with IT emergencies, and they're easy to find online. Read them and use what works for you.
Help in Online Directories
Using a B2B directory can provide you with a number of local IT management services that can guide your company through its technology troubles.
Some IT solution providers promote their 24/7 availability and guarantee rapid responses, and they've moved into remedying cloud-based emergencies.
If your company decides to outsource, online directories will lead you to the IT solution providers that work best for you.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics rightly concludes that business today simply can't function without reliable IT maintenance.
The problems can be myriad, from server issues to network malfunctions and data storage. Integrated phones may not work. The email system may crash. System security is always a concern.
Most large businesses have IT people on the payroll, but many small businesses don't, and even when they do, Gary the Geek may not be around when the computers cough. You don't need IT problems; you need IT solutions and a reliable way to keep your systems running smoothly 24/7.
What Works Best for You
For smaller companies, outsourcing to IT management services sometimes works best. A little company may not need a full-time employee devoted to IT maintenance. In that case, contract IT solution providers have the expertise and resources to deal with technology issues and can cost less than another person on the payroll.
So it's important to determine the extent to which day-to-day operations depend on IT. The more fundamental that IT is to minute-to-minute functionality, the more likely it is that internal IT service support is needed.
Also consider IT skills that may be needed. It's possible that a business operates on common, simple programs that are easy to learn and have online support available. But that's usually not the case.
Establish a Protocol
Plan on having IT emergencies so that you can establish a protocol for what to do when they happen. Start with an internal call list. If your company has techies, they'll be at the top. If you're outsourcing, make sure that everyone knows the right number to call.
Use available information when it's free. Many companies and academic institutions have established written contingency plans for how to cope with IT emergencies, and they're easy to find online. Read them and use what works for you.
Help in Online Directories
Using a B2B directory can provide you with a number of local IT management services that can guide your company through its technology troubles.
Some IT solution providers promote their 24/7 availability and guarantee rapid responses, and they've moved into remedying cloud-based emergencies.
If your company decides to outsource, online directories will lead you to the IT solution providers that work best for you.
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