The internet has altered our entire way of life, including how we manage our businesses. Companies nowadays use digital platforms to manage everything from project collaboration to client sales.
The things we do at work include paying employees, looking for new staff, interacting with clients, going to training sessions, starting marketing initiatives, and communicating online with coworkers, just to name a few.
With all of these connections, your organization needs a strong digital network.
Employing a Philadelphia-based managed IT services company can help you find the best solutions for your business and keep them current so you can stay ahead of the competition.
Continue reading to find out more about network support services and the advantages they may provide your business.
Fundamentals of Computer Networks
Let’s speak a little bit about the fundamentals of computer networks before we explore all the advantages of outsourcing technical help.
In its most basic form, a computer network is a collection of linked devices that may be used to exchange data, files, and communications. The Internet is most likely the computer network that you use the most on a daily basis.
Computer networks are an amalgamation of distinct parts. Servers, routers, computers, printers, mobile devices, tablets, and even lighting systems may fall under this category.
Appliances like refrigerators, ovens, washers, and dryers can be a part of the IoT (Internet of Things) family of devices on a network in the modern era of smart technology. These devices can communicate through copper wires or fiber optic cables. They may also employ wireless technologies such as Bluetooth and the telephone network.
What Exactly is Network Support?
Now that we have a better understanding of what computer networks are, what is network support and why is it important?
As the name implies, network support is a service that assists in the maintenance and updating of a computer network. A network support expert can work on any component of a network, from individual devices to the entire system.
Network support services assist businesses in maintaining the computer systems that keep them functioning. As we will see later, this might include everything from setting up PCs for new staff to dealing with network breakdowns.
Your company’s productivity and success may be greatly impacted by having the right network IT support team.
Establish a Standardized System
Working with a network support team has several benefits, one of which is the ability to establish a uniform system for your business. When you create your own network installation plan, or worse, allow your staff to set up their own systems, you end up with a thousand unique versions of the same system.
Because of this, putting new ideas into practice without completely overhauling everyone’s system is next to impossible. And communicating effectively in non-standard systems is quite tough.
A network support team can assist you in setting up a system that complies with industry standards.
Because everyone on your team will be working on identical versions of the same system, communication will be improved through streamlining. You’ll also prevent any unique configurations that might result in additional network failures or downtime.
Boost Your Security
Any organization that operates in the current world must be extremely concerned about cybersecurity. Computers are used for everything from recruiting and payroll to product development and marketing. Maintaining the security of your network may be essential to keeping you at the top of your sector.
Sadly, hackers are creating new ways to get around security measures as quickly as engineers are creating new ones. The members of your network support staff will be familiar with the most recent developments in cybersecurity. This can assist you in avoiding expensive cyberattacks and maintaining the security of your data.
Control Computer Setup
One of the first things you’ll need to do when you recruit a new employee is set them up with a computer system.
Along with account access to all pertinent regions of your network, they will also require the necessary physical hardware configuration, such as a monitor, printer, and other devices. However, are you really going to request that one of your other workers spend time away from their regular duties to set up that system?
Finding a local business in your neighborhood can make it easier for them to handle computer setup for you because they are closeby, preventing expensive productivity losses and travel time.
Enhance Productivity
It might surprise you to find that working with a network support staff can tangibly increase productivity across the board for your business.
One benefit is that your staff won’t have to spend as much time dealing with network issues anymore. They may concentrate on the tasks you assigned them and on keeping your clients satisfied.
Your network support staff can also give recommendations for improving the effectiveness of your system.
They might be able to set up a faster network or a network that interacts more naturally with the technology you’re using. Alternatively, they may be able to uncover solutions that deliver more of the features you want with less effort.
Troubleshoot Daily Challenges
Any system you create will eventually run into issues, regardless of how robust it is. The most significant network failures should be avoidable if you use the right safeguards.
However, every now and then, a team member will have difficulty connecting to the application they require, or your printer will malfunction.
In order to get your team back up and running more quickly, a local IT support staff may assist with troubleshooting these issues. They are qualified to identify typical issues and are knowledgeable on how to fix them. And, because network support is their primary role, they can resolve the issue while your other team members focus on their jobs.
Fix Major Network Issues
Aside from little everyday difficulties, your firm may discover that your network configuration has greater fundamental concerns. You may outgrow your current arrangement, or a new technology may emerge that will revolutionize your everyday operations.
Whatever the cause, you may find yourself dealing with major network difficulties that are far more complicated than a printer that won’t connect.
You can get assistance from your IT services team to help you navigate these changes and find a better solution for you.
They can provide you advice and create a system that meets your demands if you decide you need to upgrade to a new system. Additionally, they can execute whatever modifications you need to make to your present system with the least amount of interruption to your team.
Minimize Downtime
We’ve all seen how inconvenient it is when a network fails or operates slowly, but did you realize it can also cost your firm a lot of money?
Consider a scenario in which each of your workers is unable to concentrate on their work because they must spend an hour each week battling the network. Your annual downtime loss could be as high as $12,000 if you only have ten employees earning $35,000 each.
Your network will function more reliably and at a lower cost if you have a strong network support staff. They can assist identify the difficulties that are causing your team members’ daily delays in addition to rapidly fixing problems when they emerge. They can deal with these issues and keep things going smoothly and without hiccups.
Decreased operating costs
It might surprise you to find that working with a technical support provider might really help your business save money. Although you will have to pay for these services, you will still come out ahead in the long run due to the comparable expenses (which we’ll cover further in a moment). Let’s go back to our ten-person business with a $35,000 annual salary for each employee.
Your business will lose $12,000 a year due to typical daily slowdowns, and an additional $3,500 will be lost if your network is down for just 20 hours in a calendar year.
Professional network assistance is likely to cost much less than that. The money you save by not having to manage a network support department is not included in this calculation.
Keep Up to Date
Maintaining your network is crucial, as you may have inferred from some of the topics we’ve already discussed. Keeping your network up to date may enhance your security and productivity. However, it might take a lot of time to attempt to stay on top of all the most recent advancements in computer networks.
However, your outsourced network support team has the time to devote to keeping up with the rapidly evolving tech scene. They might build a strategy to deploy new opportunities in your job and notify you when they do so. Additionally, they can screen out solutions that won’t benefit your organization, allowing you to concentrate on your business, and knowing that your network is in capable hands.
Consider Your Hardware Needs
Have you ever attempted to purchase a personal computer but got lost in the reviews within the first 10 minutes? Even when purchasing a single computer, determining what hardware you require may be a difficult proposition.
You may receive all the gear required to run a dependable system with the aid of a reputable IT support firm. They’ll be aware of the components you require, the best selections for each component, and how to correctly set them all up.
Additionally, they can help you manage hardware upgrades in a way that fits your budget by advising you when particular components need to be upgraded.
Costs
Therefore, how much will it cost you to hire a network support crew that will provide you all these fantastic advantages? Depending on where your organization is located, how much assistance you need, etc., your network support expenses will change. However, there are certain broad pricing ranges that might provide you with an idea of what to anticipate to pay.
Expect to pay roughly $50 per machine if you simply need desktop PC management.
You should expect to pay $250 per month for each server you are managing.
Additionally, with additional charges for other services, you should prepare to pay about $300 per month if you want complete network support.
The Advantages of Outsourced Technical Support
Investing in network support for your business may be one of the most effective methods to increase output and prevent lost time and money.
You can get the finest solutions for your business and maintain your systems current with the aid of an off-site tech support crew. They can tackle network issues as they come up, enhance the overall performance of your network, and significantly reduce your expenditures associated with downtime.
Visit the rest of the ITAdOn website to learn more about the advantages of network support services.
We offer managed IT services, IT consulting, and responsive IT services in Philadelphia. Discover the peace of mind from partnering with a Philadelphia-based IT support company by scheduling a consultation with us right away.
