More businesses are outsourcing tasks today than ever before. It is common for small to large businesses to outsource accounting, HR, and other areas of the company now. The advantages to this are simple.
Any business that outsources will reduce its overheads, need less office space, and avoid the recruitment process.
One very popular choice for outsourcing is IT services. Finding skilled IT technicians who can cover all areas of a business’s software, hardware, and networking needs can be difficult. IT services can provide expertise in more than one area, and can cover all aspects of a company’s IT needs.
What positives are there to using local IT services?
It might not be financially viable for a small business to employ a complete IT department. So, outsourcing IT tasks makes better financial sense. And it also gives access to highly experienced IT workers.
Even home users can benefit from using IT services on an ad-hoc basis. A small business or home user needing computer repair should get more joy from a local IT expert than a big-box store’s services.
There are plenty more reasons why local IT services can help small businesses now. And home users shouldn’t discount the possibilities presented by an experienced IT service either.
Local means available
Big-box stores offer services for home computer users which can be useful, although they can also be somewhat lacking.
A local IT service will visit your small business, or your home, to give advice, make computer repairs, and install software if needed. Being local also means they are convenient.
While many IT services work remotely, being able to call on a local IT expert should mean your business receives on-site assistance. Very useful in an emergency.
Support for home users and small businesses
As mentioned, IT services aren’t the preserve of big businesses. Of course, most enterprises today are outsourcing to varying degrees, but small businesses can benefit too.
Side gigs are popular today, and many people are running small businesses from home. Many of these individuals rely on their PC for their business but don’t know how to fix it when there’s a problem.
Similarly, small businesses might have an IT technician on site, but they might not be experienced in every single aspect of systems and networks. Most IT technicians only specialize in a certain area. Outsourcing IT services allows SMEs to use experts in every field of computer maintenance.
Migration assistance
Migrating to a new system will inevitably create technical problems. System compatibility, downtime, and cost are all factors that arise from migration.
IT services can assist with moving over to new networks, services, and software. With summer approaching, one of the best upgrades to make in the break would be to migrate to the cloud. With some form of managed IT service, your business will transition smoothly to the cloud.
Advice on software purchasing and upgrades
Larger businesses already use focus groups, carry out studies, and outsource to MSPs. But, smaller companies might not have the resources for this.
Selecting the right software is a minefield, and you may feel you’re in the dark.
A local IT service should be able to give you comprehensive advice on the best software for your needs. Whether this is for virus protection or more complex solutions.
And a local IT service survives on its reputation. Instead of overcharging as some big-box stores will, you’ll find your new software installed for a competitive price.
You can check the reputation of a local IT service provider
With online reviews, it is easier than ever to see how reputable a firm or product is. However, many online reviews are less than genuine.
By using a local service you should find it easier to obtain testimonials and confirm them. Local firms need to maintain their reputation to continue trading. Therefore, choosing local could mean better quality service.
Disaster recovery planning
Data recovery is essential for any business. Even home computer users must be conscious of backing up valuable data and protecting their files.
A managed IT service provider will know all the steps to take for data recovery. Using a local IT service provider means that you can easily have an expert attend to your site and discuss your data protection requirements.
An IT expert will help you to form a disaster recovery plan, and use all the tools at their disposal to increase your security. Data recovery is vital in the event of a network failure.
Remote assistance
IT services can be on site within a short time range. But, remote assistance is also valuable today.
If you have a data loss you will face downtime and added expense and your reputation can be damaged. Remote assistance means your local IT service can get to work recovering data and getting your business up and running again.
Remote monitoring can also add extra security to networks by spotting concerns before they manifest. And your business will benefit from assistance outside of regular office hours. In a world that runs 24/7, remote assistance is vital for maintaining IT infrastructures today.
IT services help with improved cybersecurity
Technically, all IT service providers can help with cybersecurity regardless of whether they are local or not.
However, if you use local IT services, you can expect them to visit your site in person. IT experts can inspect your network for weaknesses, spot potential data breaches, and increase security against attacks.
Out of internet users polled, some 49% had experienced cybercrime in the US by the end of 2022. Cybercrime doesn’t just affect businesses, home users can benefit from advice on protecting computers against ransomware and viruses too.
You don’t need to be technically minded
One of the benefits of having a local IT expert help you is that you don’t have to be concerned with being technically minded. With the widespread use of smartphones and the internet, you might think everyone is computer literate.
Yet, one study by the OECD showed that many people lack basic computer skills. Almost 25% of respondents didn’t know how to use a computer, and a further 10% preferred not to use a PC.
It is likely then, many home computer users are unable to fix their PC when it goes wrong. Being able to call on a local IT expert means that a home user can carry on playing games and streaming movies. And it means that small businesses can keep running smoothly.
Network support and installation
While local IT services will often fix fairly minor issues, and advise and install software, they can also implement larger installations.
Smaller businesses can benefit from having a local IT firm install workstations and set up new networks. Outsourcing IT services also means your company can receive support for network problems and have issues resolved quickly either on-site or remotely.
Summary
Outsourcing any task to a local service should mean that you are able to receive assistance swiftly. In the case of IT services, this is often essential. Data breaches and losses result in downtime which costs companies money. A local IT service can fix the problem swiftly.
But, local IT services understand the importance of smaller customers and their concerns too. Home users as well as small businesses can benefit from computer repairs and advice on software installations. Choosing local means you are supporting your own area’s businesses too.
