Ongoing IT issues are like a slow leak in your plumbing. They cause minor headaches every time they crop up, but if not addressed, they have the potential to create much bigger problems in the long run. We have outlined the 4 most common ongoing IT issues for you to keep an eye on, as well as a proven way to resolve them.
4 Common and Persistent IT Issues
1. Network, internet, and connectivity issues: In today’s day and age, it’s difficult to do business without internet connectivity. From sending emails to accessing files stored in the cloud, a lagging network can affect everyday tasks. It also slows downloading time and decreases productivity (and morale!). To fix this, you need an IT partner that understands how to fix the root cause of your connectivity woes, not just the symptoms.
2. Recurrent malware infections: Ongoing malware problems mean your system security is at risk. You don’t have adequate protection in place, and that can lead to bigger issues, like data loss or breaches. You might lack the internal skills to sort out your cybersecurity, but bringing in an expert every time something goes wrong can be pricey. This is a telling sign that you need a trusted IT security partner to build secure foundations and then help you to always manage and monitor your cyber risk.
3. All-over-the-show apps: Some employees are using Dropbox and others OneDrive or Google Drive, or people are on different software versions that cause compatibility issues. A mishmash of apps is a security issue waiting to unfold, never mind the collaboration hiccups it can cause. You need a strategic approach to managing apps, programs and software suites at an enterprise level to protect against these problems.
4. Patchwork tech: If you’ve procured your IT equipment piecemeal over time, chances are that some machines are slower than they should be, and you may not be aware of what’s still under warranty and what’s not. Ageing tech is a risk, especially if you don’t have adequate backup systems in place. It’s worth undertaking a proper tech audit to identify gaps and make sure your tech infrastructure supports your business, not cripple it.
Resolving Ongoing IT Issues
There are two main types of IT services that small businesses use: break/fix and managed service providers (MSP).
Break-fix is ad hoc IT support – where you need to contact a technician after equipment or services have broken down. It has no recurring costs attached, so it might seem like it makes more financial sense. But if you start to experience recurring IT problems and you have to use ad hoc services every time these occur, the costs can spiral out of control very quickly.
This is why more businesses are moving towards MSPs, which offer ongoing support at a fixed cost. When you partner with a reliable MSP, they will help you to identify issues and fix them, then monitor your systems proactively to catch issues before they even manifest.
IT contractors employed in a break/fix capacity often have little relationship with the businesses they service. The techie that is sent out at any point will have to learn the system from the ground up, resulting in extra billing hours and a lack of continuity or ability to address bigger systemic IT issues.
With an MSP, the focus is on creating a stable, user-friendly, effective IT system that experiences fewer problems, and these problems can usually be addressed within the scope of work if and when they do occur. Whereas break/fix firms are not motivated to prevent future problems (in fact, this would mean losing out on potential future callouts), it’s in the MSP’s best interests to pre-empt and fix future issues.
If you’d like to find out about Numata Business IT’s month-to-month managed IT services and how they can solve your ongoing IT problems for good, contact us today.
