Commercial IT support comes in many forms. It could be that an organisation outsources certain aspects of its software support to a third-party while keeping hardware matters in-house. Equally, it could be that cloud computing services are run by an outsourced support company while internal teams continue to support existing IT infrastructure, such as company servers and networking switches. Of course, there are numerous other examples of IT support that could be mentioned but there is a common thread that should run through them all: security.
To put it simply, there is IT support and then there is secure IT support. What makes secure IT support so advantageous in today's increasingly digitised world and what makes one service provider stand out from others? Read on to find out.
What Is Secure IT Support?
At its best, secure IT support is a means of running computerised and networked services in an enabling way whilst affording the greatest amount of care when it comes to cyber threats. In other words, it is the sort of IT support that modern businesses, charitable organisations and government departments need if they are to provide their employees with top-notch support that does not compromise the security of their network or their data. Secure IT support could be something as simple as a help desk which staff members can interact with to resolve common user problems that may crop. It could also involve the comprehensive management of an entire IT system with 24/7 monitoring against cyber attacks. What are the key elements to look out for?
A System-Wide Service
If you are thinking about the merits of secure IT support, then one of the main factors to consider is whether or not a service provider in this field can support your organisation's entire IT system. If you use Azure cloud computing services, for example, then it is no good seeking secure IT support from a company that is not well-versed in it. The same goes for supporting Linux and Unix systems if you use those alongside more well-known operating systems. It should also include expertise in all of your hardware and software, including any legacy systems you may have.
Remote and On-Site Service
Although the inter-connected nature of modern communications means that secure IT support can often be offered remotely, this is not always the case. If you have a data breach behind your firewall, for example, then you may need on-site assistance. Therefore, opting for a local support provider offers certain advantages.
Complementary and Total Support
Secure IT support should be able to offer you a total service where appropriate. Some businesses, however, may only need complementary support at busy times, when holidays need to be covered or for a one-off project. Professionally run IT support companies will be able to offer this degree of flexibility.
A Partnership Approach
Finally, most organisations are looking for secure IT support that can grow and adapt as they do. Therefore, seeking out a service provider which takes a partnership approach is often beneficial when it comes to dealing with future needs, not just current ones.
