Tag - IT Help Desk

Tech Provider Outsourcing

Should Your Company Outsource to a Tech Provider?

A tech provider delivers the IT expertise small businesses need at a much lower cost than hiring IT staff. They can recommend, install, and manage technology according to business’ objectives and core competencies and ensure that critical data is safe.

That’s why nearly 70% of U.S. small to medium sized businesses (SMBs) work with a tech provider for some or all of their IT needs.

Offload tasks that are difficult and/or time consuming by working with a tech provider. That’s one of the reasons that managed data protection services are so popular today. Protecting company data through backup and restore is a pain point for companies of all sizes; An MSP ensures full protection for SMB company data. This reduces business risk by putting complex tasks in the hands of experts.

MSPs can also initiate new projects and implement new technologies quickly. They have the resources and flexibility to get projects off the ground which might take weeks or months in-house. Implementing new technology with your existing environment is complicated and time consuming. Because MSPs work with a wide variety of clients with different IT needs, they are uniquely equipped to take on complex IT projects. They also have vast experience troubleshooting the products they use—allowing them to resolve problems quickly.

At Profulgent Technology, our clients consider us a subsidiary of their IT department.

There are a variety of reasons that SMBs need help from third-party IT firms. IT skill and expense tops the list for smaller businesses. Very small companies stand to reduce IT costs while getting the IT expertise they need by partnering with a service provider. Larger businesses typically work with tech providers to offload a number of difficult or time-consuming tasks, allowing their internal IT staff to focus on mission-critical activities.   We have an ebook available which highlights the key factors required in deciding what's best for your company.  Contact Us today for a copy of the free ebook. 
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Save Time and Money with Managed IT Services

Most small businesses can agree on one thing. Time equals money. But small business owners are in a position where they have to be a jack-of-all-trades. And they spend most of their day wearing different hats. This is the nature of the small business. So while expected, it is not always the best use of time. But to be successful and remain competitive in an industry, there should be time to focus on growing and building the business. And in many cases, small businesses fail. This is a result of being unable to handle emergencies. Or even other situations that are simply beyond their control or expertise. However, leveraging Managed IT Services can help.

Many Benefits

Any business relies on technology. And this covers almost every business operating today, can benefit from managed IT services. Managed IT Service providers understand that not every business has the ability to pay for an internal IT department which can be very expensive yet necessary to ensure all aspects of technology are supported. Without this backup, many small businesses find themselves in a position where they have to foot a very expensive bill to recover from a disaster or emergency. In other situations, using out-of-date or ineffective technology is simply a waste of both time and money on the part of the small business.

Get Managed IT Services

First, we look at how small businesses can make the most of their time and money by hiring a managed services provider.
  • Focus on running the business. One of the major benefits of outsourcing your technology needs is that the owner and employees of the company can focus 100% on their individual duties. And this keeps the business moving in the right direction. This is the most valuable use of time for all parties involved, instead of hours or even days lost when trying to deal with technological issues that in house employees are not trained to handle.
  • Offer expert advise. There are many small businesses that simply do not know what they need to improve the functionality of their business. The old adage, "what you don't know can't hurt you" does not apply in all cases. By consulting with a managed services provider you may discover areas of your business which can be improved that you previously thought were working "just fine". Expert advice may be able to help you improve the efficiency of your business while positioning you better within the industry.
  • Support when you need it.  Managed IT Service Providers are there in the event of an emergency or recovery. But they also provide monitoring which can invaluable in preventing problems before they can impact the business.

Value and Money

It is important for every small business to carefully examine their technical needs. They can see what services will be most beneficial to the company. Managed IT Services Providers can be a great value. They can reduce tech costs over time. Also, they improve functionality. In turn, it turn saves time. Achieve this balance and get in position to thrive and grow. Click here to learn how [contentblock id=company] can help you save time and money with our Managed IT Services for your business in [contentblock id=location].  
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What to Consider About Virtual Teams

The definition of team is evolving. It is now normal to see people from different countries collaborating. However, a growing number of companies are implementing virtual teams. So you may have heard the term but does this fit your business model? Do you know what's a common business misconception? That productivity is a result of being in close proximity. But companies now realize that productivity is better measured by employee quality. So if a team has individuals motivated by personal achievement? Then, they are now invested in their work. But what about people who just want to avoid being reprimanded? Well, they probably  aren't invested and won't push themselves. Virtual teams are often made of the former. Because of this, they are powerhouses. In many businesses, virtual teams are not feasible. But, some tasks require physical presence. However, many businesses are embracing this reorganization. So, consider virtual teams as a strategy. Lastly, here are some advantages and disadvantages to consider.

Advantages

  • Recruitment based on expertise
  • Team members are more efficient
  • Teams consist of self-motived and driven members.
  • More accommodation for team’s personal lives
  • No commuting time or cost
  • No physical location means reduced overhead
  • Lower equipment costs as most teams use web-based tools
  • Managers can better evaluate the team’s overall performance because there are less social pressures

Disadvantages

  • Less social interaction demotivates some employees.
  • Loss of trust between team members.
  • Loss of physical dynamics may decrease creativity.
  • Team members may overwork themselves as managers can't see the time each task takes.
  • Managers may lose track of the team’s progress, i.e. out of site out of mind
Virtual teams make use of a selection of tech to interface. These include email, audio and video conferencing, and file sharing programs. So, below is a list of a few great programs.
  • Go to meetings – an economical option to have remote meetings
  • Yammer – a exclusive social network for businesses that makes it possible for quick communication and interaction
  • Drop Box – a free way to share files
  • Second Life – allows for interactive meetings with the use of avatars
If you would like more information on virtual teams in action, check out the articles below: http://www.theanywhereoffice.com/mobile-work/telework-viritual-teams-midmarket-companies.htm http://www.forbes.com/2010/08/19/virtual-teams-meetings-leadership-managing-cooperation.html http://www.openforum.com/articles/7-effective-tools-for-managing-a-virtual-team
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