Information technology (IT) is a vital resource for most modern businesses. It can help companies run more efficiently, keep up with the competition, and grow – that is when it’s appropriately managed.
On the other hand, neglected or out-of-date IT systems can cause significant problems and potentially put businesses at risk of security breaches.
IT management isn’t as simple as just plugging in a new operating system or installing an application. It requires significant time, energy, and knowledge. Many business owners understand the risks of overlooking their IT, but can’t handle the complexities of their IT infrastructure on their own.
That’s where Rockland managed IT services are beneficial. An IT support company provides managed services to take care of all kinds of IT needs. It focuses on offering and implementing IT solutions to improve infrastructures and protect the business from threats.
There are plenty of businesses in Rockland that could benefit from managed IT services. Over 90 percent of companies in New York are small to mid-sized, and Rockland specifically has witnessed rapid growth in these types of businesses. An IT provider can help them keep up with the competition through crucial IT resources.
Are you considering Rockland managed IT services for your business? Here’s everything you need to know when looking for a provider.
What Are Managed IT Services?
Before signing a partnership with a local provider, you must clearly understand what managed IT services are and why they’re important.
A managed IT services provider gives your business access to a team of IT technicians who remotely oversee your technology needs. They provide solutions to remedy inefficiencies and security weaknesses. Everything your managed IT services provider does will serve a purpose in optimizing internal performance and fostering long-term growth.
A quality Rockland managed IT services provider will support your business by:
- Developing a service plan that fits your specific needs & budget
- Implementing better IT solutions
- Offering 24/7 help desk availability
- Minimizing downtime
- Improving your IT security defenses
In short, a Rockland managed IT services provider helps cultivate an efficient workflow by setting your business up with reliable and secure IT solutions.
Top Services in a Rockland Managed IT Services Provider
Now, let’s discuss some of the top services to look for in a local IT provider and how they can benefit your business.
Multi-Layered Cybersecurity
A managed IT services provider can improve your company’s cybersecurity posture. Why does this matter?
The truth is, any business can be the victim of a cyberattack, but small and medium-sized companies actually tend to be more vulnerable than larger ones. They usually lack the resources needed to properly manage their cybersecurity, and that makes them easy targets.
If your business falls victim to a cyberattack, the consequences can be devastating. Just one attack can cost your business thousands of dollars in damages. According to a recent report, roughly 83 percent of SMB owners feel that they are not financially prepared to deal with a security breach.
Even if you can bounce back financially from a cyberattack, there’s no telling what kind of damage it could do to your reputation. Customers are wary of businesses that have suffered attacks – they worry that their information could be compromised in the future.
A Rockland managed IT services provider will minimize the risk of successful cyberattacks.
They do this by implementing advanced multi-layered cybersecurity protocols. Various layers of defenses effectively protect your business from both external and internal threats by blocking, detecting, and responding to attacks
A worthwhile managed IT services provider will also continuously monitor your network security and run frequent updates. This ensures that your IT security can meet the latest online threats to Rockland businesses.
Data Backup & Disaster Recovery
Data loss can be devastating for a business. Cybercriminals and natural disasters (such as fires and floods) pose a real threat to IT systems and can make your data or business files inaccessible – especially if you fail to back these items up to a secondary location.
A managed services provider can minimize the risk of losing your vital business information by offering solutions that automatically back up your data to an off-site location, such as the Cloud. This helps you recover lost or stolen files, even if your systems are damaged or destroyed.
Universal Vendor Servicing
Keeping track of different IT vendors can be overwhelming for small to mid-sized businesses. If your company currently works with a mix of IT vendors, you know how difficult it is to coordinate services with each one.
Rockland Managed IT services providers that offer universal vendor servicing will act as a liaison between all your vendors so you don’t have to. They will order IT equipment, services, and software on your behalf to minimize confusion and increase efficiency.
A provider that handles all the administrative duties related to IT will free up your time for more important company matters, like managing your day-to-day operations.
Qualities to Look for in a Rockland Managed IT Services Provider
It’s best to partner with a provider that will meet your needs and deliver exceptional service.
However, not all third-party IT companies are made equally. It’s important to look for the following qualities when searching for Rockland managed IT services provider:
1) A Dedication to Understanding & Meeting Your Business Needs
A managed IT services provider shouldn’t take a generalized approach to support your company’s IT infrastructure. Instead, they should take the time to learn your business’s needs and build a relationship with your team.
Any worthwhile IT company will listen to your requests and draw up a plan that actually supports your business goals. If they show little to no interest in how a managed IT services plan will affect your operations, you should probably look for a different provider.
2) Proactive Management & Monitoring
A Rockland managed IT services provider shouldn’t just resolve your IT-related issues as they come up. Instead, they need to continuously manage your systems and monitor your network to prevent potential problems from reoccurring or even happening in the first place.
That’s why it’s a good idea to look for an IT provider that takes a proactive approach to IT, rather than a reactive one.
A proactive Rockland managed IT services provider will always be on the lookout for any potential issues to fix before they become a real problem. Also, if an IT disaster does occur, they will be quick to diagnose the problem, adjust your systems, and get your systems running at peak performance.
In contrast, reactive managed IT services companies will only provide tech support after something goes wrong and won’t adjust their approach to find the root cause.
3) A Proven Track Record
Finally, the IT provider you partner with should have a proven record of providing high-quality services to businesses in your area.
Look at reviews and testimonials before hiring a Rockland managed IT services provider. This will give you a better idea of how the provider performs and the level of support they offer.
Keep in mind that a managed credible IT provider will be more than happy to provide you with case studies, testimonials, and references from their other clients. If they are hesitant to provide you with this information, there is a good chance they are hiding something.
In Conclusion
Managed IT services providers have plenty to offer businesses in Rockland, New York. They remove the stress of maintaining and protecting IT internally and implement better solutions that help foster growth.
Just because your business is small to mid-sized doesn’t mean you can get by without IT help. In fact, you might need more help than some large businesses – especially when it comes to cybersecurity. How can a Rockland managed IT services provider benefit your growing business? Let’s find out together.
