IT Service Desk – Profulgent Technology

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 In other situations, using out-of-date or ineffective technology is simply a waste of both time and money on the part of the small business.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].

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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