Technology is Key to Success: What IT Services Does Your Business Need?

When it comes to conducting business, it’s clear that every type of business will require IT services. Which IT services does your business actually need? There are 12 major types of IT services that can apply to a wide variety of businesses depending on factors like what your product or service is, cybersecurity needs, etc. You also want to consider your budget, employee needs and how you store data when deciding on which IT services to utilize. Remember that IT works as an ecosystem: it’s only as strong as its weakest part. 

1. Data Backup Services

Keeping important files backed up ensures businesses don’t lose them. A data backup service protects your data from the unpredictable, regardless of whether an employee deleted last year’s financials or ransomware infected your computer. These methods include tapes, file servers and cloud storage.

Benefits include:

• Managing and optimizing storage
• Core network management and security
• VDI optimization and delivery
• Integrating applications

2. Public Cloud Hosting Services

Your data is stored in public cloud hosting infrastructure owned by third-party vendors shared by many different companies. It’s an excellent option for businesses that require cloud services, but that may not have industry-specific needs such as those required for attorneys and banking organizations. Businesses that do not have the resources in terms of money and manpower to maintain and manage a cloud infrastructure can benefit from public cloud hosting services.

Benefits include:

• Pay-as-you-go: Many public clouds are cost-effective
• You don’t own the infrastructure you use, so maintenance isn’t an issue
• Your business can grow virtually without limit due to scalability
• Reduces the purchase of hardware and software
• Ensures compliance with HIPAA, HITECH, SOX, PCI and more
• Specialized security needs may require additional investments or integration with third-party software

3. Software Support Services

You can ensure the availability and performance of your business applications with technical support. These day-to-day operations help sustain your business and ensure that your business professionals have access to the systems and communication tools needed to perform their daily tasks efficiently.

Benefits include:

• Up-to-date information and updates
• Patches for security
• End-of-life support
• New software releases
• Device management for mobile devices
• Enrollment in mobile device management platforms
• Managing VoIP setup and ongoing configuration
• VoIP phone system user management

4. Managed Network Services

When you use managed network services, you are not only providing a more secure foundation for your business, you’re also giving your internal IT staff an opportunity to add discrete value back to the business. All of the daily activities involved with maintaining and launching servers are managed by an external team of individuals. 

Benefits include:

• Identify, notify, prioritize and escalate alerts
• Support and management of your network devices
• Monitoring, management and support of your servers and storage
• Cloud management, monitoring and support (Azure, AWS)
• Manage and track your company’s IT assets

5. Private Cloud Hosting Services

Cloud-based private services are provided via private IT infrastructure that can be placed on company property or located in the data center of the cloud provider.

Benefits include:

• Secure access to files and proprietary software platforms from anywhere with internet access
• Flexible architecture to accommodate applications
• Added security applied at a server level
• Ease of integration with external on-premise and cloud-based platforms

6. Network Cybersecurity Services

Your technology is protected and defended by network cybersecurity services. They can include anti-virus and anti-spam software, consistent patching, multi-factor authentication and monitoring. Compliance is also taken into account. Businesses that deal with highly regulated industries that utilize standards like CMMC, HIPAA, NIST SOC and ISO should consider cybersecurity as part of the audit.

Benefits include:

• Compliance and reporting capabilities
• Essential protection for your computers
• Support for multi-factor authentication
• Managing firewalls

7. Data Storage and Management Services

Your data is one of the most important assets that your company maintains. From secure customer data and transactions to intellectual property assets, you need the confidence of knowing that your data is being protected both in transit and at rest. Data can be managed onsite or remotely, and either option can be managed either by external data security providers or by internal staff.

Benefits include:

• Remote storage facilities are often more secure
• Greater backup and disaster recovery options with an external vendor
• Higher security and scalability for your data storage

8. IT Consulting Services

Your IT department should grow along with your business. Your IT team plays a significant role, whether you are expanding your team, opening new offices or changing your business model. That’s where IT consulting services come in. You can plan for the future with IT support Washington DC consulting services. A consultant examines what you have now, including the type and the amount of hardware and software you’re using, current staffing levels, internal capabilities and current external vendors, and figures out what you need to reach your goals.

Benefits include:

• Technology planning on a regular basis
• Budgeting for IT
• Upgrades planning 
• Technical design
• Best practice guide

9. IT Help Desk Services

Help with those common IT issues like password resets, file restores and troubleshooting. A dedicated IT help desk, or a full-time help desk technician, is the best option.

Benefits include:

• Dedicated wheelhouse of services provided
• Quick support
• Process of escalation 

10. Hardware Support Services

Manage your desktops and laptops as well as receive support for them. Having an external support vendor provides your staff with the confidence that any device problems can be solved quickly and efficiently.

Benefits include:

• Support for end of life cycle
• Support for applications
• Upgrades for technology
• Refreshes for equipment
• Getting rid of old technologies
• Fixing equipment that is broken

11. Project Management Services

When you have a big project ahead of you, such as protecting all equipment used at work with a secure private network, you need project management services. The experts take care of your project because they’ve done it countless times before. This allows you to focus on what you do best.

Benefits include:

• Management of service requests
• Managing desktops
• Software and hardware management
• Migrations for software and data
• Migrations for the cloud
• Datacenter and office relocations

12. Product Development Services

Here is where innovation takes place. In order to increase the efficiency of your business, product development services are constantly exploring new ways to make it easier.

Benefits include:

• Competitive edge 
• Service interruptions reduction
• Productivity increase
• Solutions tailored to your needs
• Best tech leverage for business

Streamline Your Business With Managed IT Services

You don’t have to struggle to grow your business. Managed IT services allow your business to take advantage of its resources to grow. Your business can enjoy numerous benefits that will keep your company’s IT infrastructure secure and reliable, such as routine checks and quick responses when they are needed. The professionals at Shipshape IT offer comprehensive IT support as well as remedies to help grow your business. Call us today at 703-312-9040 or fill out our contact form online to get started today!