More and more companies are turning to technology to not only keep contact with customers but to aid employees to complete their jobs efficiently and efficiently.
No matter how big your business or the industry you’re in, IT support is essential for keeping your business running smoothly.
But what is IT support, and what exactly is IT support? Join us as we explore.
What is IT support do?
It’s probably easier to ask “what does IT support not do?’
IT support is accountable to ensure that the IT systems used by a business run smoothly. The duties performed differ from business to business but usually include:
Configuring, installing, and procuring hardware, software and networks. It could be anything from a laptop, cell phone, or computer all the way through to the server room!
Monitoring, maintaining, and upgrading networks and systems
Resolution of service issues as fast as is possible
Setting up new starters with the tools they require, and ensuring that leavers are taken off the system
Instruction for staff on how to use systems and technology
Technical support for customers
Leading on information security and data protection (for instance, ensuring that the firm GDPR and PECR compliant). To achieve this, they’ll need collaborate in conjunction with other departments like finance, marketing, and sales.
Assisting in the modernisation and improvement of systems across the business. This work will allow the company to save money, manage data more efficiently and increase customer satisfaction.
The amount of assistance required will vary. For smaller firms, one person may be dedicated to all aspects of IT support as well as it could be a job they are able to perform in conjunction with other roles in the business.
For larger firms and those that have an emphasis on IT There may be an additional team that is who are devoted to different aspects of support. For instance, you might have a 1st line support person who will be the first contact point when an issue arises, and 2nd and 3rd line of support which handle particular and niche issues.
Should I have inhouse or remote IT support?
Certain businesses provide their own support in-house while others use third-party services to offer support on their behalf. There are pros and cons for both.
The advantages of having an in-house support team is that problems can be resolved immediately. Since the support staff is in-house, the staff will not only be able to build relations with other individuals in the organization, but they can be familiar with the many different devices and software that you employ.
The drawback of having in-house support is the cost . Not only do you pay their wages, but you are also responsible for their benefits holiday, and training.
The benefits of having remotely accessible IT support is the cost as you pay only for the services that they provide, making it a fantastic option for small businesses that might not be able to afford to hire in-house employees.
There’s also the aspect of flexibility , too. You can buy the number of hours of help as you require month-to-month. The downside is that problems may take more time to be resolved because you’re not their sole client You may not always get their complete attention.
The kind of support you need is largely dependent on your business size, goals and budget. If you’ve got some kind of IT support and you’re able to access it, that’s what’s important.
What do you want to find in the support person or company
If you’d like to set up an IT support team on your own or use a third-party company There are a few things you need to consider to ensure a high-quality service.
Here are some of the things to look for when you are deciding on who to collaborate with.
Experience Do you know if your IT support person of preference gained experience and knowledge in your industry? Are they able to provide contacts you can speak to find out how they performed?
Qualifications: If you use an specific system or person, does the individual of selection have certifications and qualifications to demonstrate their expertise? If you’re hiring someone in-house, are they willing and willing to develop new skills and achieve relevant qualifications?
Does well under pressure: IT support staff must remain cool and be quick when faced with potentially difficult situations. Do you know if your IT support person can give examples of situations in which they needed to maintain their cool?
Security: As your IT support personnel of choice will be able to access sensitive information, they should to be reliable. You may want to run an background check and review their previous references to confirm that they’re trustworthy.
Flexibility: If a problem occurs outside of the working hours, your IT support representative of choice needs to be available to resolve the problem, whether this occurs on weekends, evenings or on bank holidays. Do they have the time to do this?
Speaking clearly: The person of choice must be well-informed but must also be able to speak in terms that the other employees are able to comprehend. Are they able to explain the process without using jargon or technical speak?
In summary – is IT support London essential?
IT support, whether in-house or outsourced it is no longer something that is just something that is ‘nice to possess’.
It’s an essential element to keep your business infrastructure running smoothly, keeping your data secure , and keeping your promotion channels open to customers who are interested in your services.
If you do not currently have a support system for your company, now is the best time to get something put in place.