Working from Home Remotely – What You Need to Know

The ability to work remotely outside of the office has been obtainable for a few decades; however, this technology has become more mainstream in today’s work society. Employers are finding it easier to allow their employees to work remotely as they discover it’s relatively simple to set up remote access with only a computer and internet connection.

Many corporations have continued to grow with the acceptance of remote positions available. Although this technology is still a new concept to many, some may find it intimidating. Consulting with a professional can make this process much simpler.

Using a VPN Connection

A VPN (virtual private network) is a standard component within remote access solutions.  A VPN allows remote users to establish a secure connection within a computer network. It functions by using a public network (typically an internet connection) to connect remote sites. Virtual connections are then routed from a company’s private network or a third-party security service provider to users of the system.

Private data can be transmitted across unknown networks without the worry of a security breach within a company’s internal data or assets. A VPN connection is initiated by a remote user logging into a corporate server and then confirming details based on the security information provided by either a password, IP address, or SSL certificate.

Using Remote Desktop Applications

Another option that allows for remote access is third-party software programs specializing in remote technology. This software is designed for virtually accessing your work computing equipment. There are many companies online that offer software downloads with security options and additional features.  However, it is best to consult with an IT professional when considering software options for your company’s needs. Consulting with a professional will ensure that the correct security features are properly integrated and installed within your company’s infrastructure.

Creative Communications

One disadvantage of working remotely can be the lack of face-to-face interaction that is present in an office atmosphere. Having the right technology installed can overcome this obstacle and offers enormous benefits. Video conferencing technology has become a great tool to reincorporate the human element of working remotely. Scheduling daily or weekly video calls to see your colleagues can help boost productivity and morale. As discussed previously, there are many third-party software applications to make life easier when working remotely.  However, it is advised to speak with an IT consultant before installing any remote applications to your infrastructure.

Creative Programs and Systems is an all-inclusive tech company that specializes in Custom DevelopmentManaged IT Services, and Digital Marketing.  All work is done in-house. We never outsource services from custom server builds and workstations, custom software programming, and phone app development, to search engine optimization and paid advertising, our professionals provide results.  For more information on CPS, check out our website at https://www.cpsmi.com.



Outsourcing IT Services Through a Managed IT Provider

There are a number of ways in which business of all sizes receive IT support.  From in house IT techs, on call IT professionals, and managed IT providers, specialists exist in a number of capacities to ensure that the IT needs of your business, no matter how large or small your company is, are met.  Many companies are switching to managed it services simply because it is one less thing on their plate to manage. 

In order to choose an IT infrastructure for your business it is important to evaluate your current needs and future growth.  Although the services of managed IT professionals allow you to take a hands-off approach it may include more services than you actually need.  In this installment we will take a look into the general overview of managed IT plans.  It is important to note that different companies offer different services, so it is crucial that you find an IT plan and company that would fit your needs without having to pay for services you do not require.

Vital Elements of Managed IT Contracts

Security

Security within your organization is important for a number of reasons and it truly the first area of concern for many business owners.  It is crucial that company and client data is kept secure.  A breach in data security not only costs companies millions of dollars to clean up from it puts critical data in jeopardy.  Managed IT service providers must have a detailed outline on how they will secure your specific IT systems.  Look for areas including intrusion detection and prevention, encryption, and firewalls to be addressed as well as how the services will be carried out.   

Infrastructure

The infrastructure of your organization must be well cared for in order for your company to thrive and grow.  No matter what size your company is the basics still apply, to run efficiently everything you need must be able to be performed on your systems network.  This means that your managed IT service contract must include server & storage maintenance, network administration, backups, and basic services to issues arising within the network.  You must work with your IT provider to develop a list of current and future IT services that are required for you business to continue to thrive. 

Service and Support

The service and support of IT technicians can occur in a number of manners include over the phone, remotely, and in person.  Does your company require 24/7 support to operate?  If this is the case and your business will be dead in the water without 24/7 support, you will want to find an IT company that offers a managed IT service contract that supports your company no matter the time a day or day of the week.  This type of support will come at a premium.  Many IT companies support normal business hours and make accommodations for emergency support when needed.  Support outside of normal operation times may require an additional fee above and beyond your monthly managed IT support. 

Monitoring your Network

Monitoring your network is critical to successfully managing your IT services.  An interruption within the network will mean downtime for your company.  Managed IT services monitor every aspect of the network from in house, remote users, mobile devices, and virtual machines. Monitoring services should also include intrusion prevention and detection, firewall configurations, and 24/7 monitoring.

Data Backup and Disaster Recovery

Having a complete backup of your data is crucial.  If disaster strikes it is important to know that the data that keeps your company up and running is accessible and up to date.  Does the company provide on site backup, cloud backup, or is a private source used to backup crucial company data?  Not only should you know where to look for important company backups it is important to have access to this information when you need it.  Your managed IT support provider should also include a detailed disaster recovery plan when addressing backup needs.  It is essential that this information is readily available to prevent any downtime if your company should encounter an unexpected issue. 

There are many aspects to managed IT plans.  This installment provides basics to expect when looking into providers of managed IT service plans.  Further questions should be asked to help you determine if these services are right for your company.  When interviewing IT specialists and different service plans available it is important to note exactly what is and isn’t covered in different managed IT plans.  Communication is the key element when it comes to a successful IT solution for your company. 

Creative Programs and Systems, CPS, is an all-inclusive IT solutions company offering a variety of services including: managed IT services, IT consulting, residential computer services, custom programming, website design, iphone & android app development, and more.  More information can be found at https://cpsmi.com.

How Combining Professional Website Design and SEO Can Boost Your Online Business

When an online business launches a new website, careful consideration goes into their online image including the websites design and usability. Websites should be designed in a manner that allows visitors easy access to answers they are seeking. However, all of that is wasted if customers never visit a business’s website in the first place.

Search engine optimization, SEO is one part of a company’s marketing mix that helps to create a strong foundation for your company’s content strategy. On page content that is featured prominently in organic searches that beats out the competition for customer attention is just one goal. Good SEO design begins with the websites layout. Whether your business is currently designing your website or not, it’s important to ensure it’s getting the best search results possible.

SEO

SEO encompasses a series of activities that makes your website rank higher on various search engines. These activities include executing an SEO strategy, choosing to focus on long-tail keywords for website pages, and constantly generating new content on a blog. Search engines frequently update their search algorithm, which can be a problem for marketers and web designers. If you are running your own SEO strategy, you’ll need to monitor the changes and adjust accordingly.

Professional Website Design

Web design is the process of creating a website. This includes, layout design, graphics design, navigation, metadata, responsiveness to different resolutions, and content production. Web design also involves ensuring the website is programmed correctly and optimizing the speed. A professional website design communicates your brand messaging to the world, tells the story of your company, describes your services and products and can even sell directly online.

Combining both boost your online business, below are some aspect of SEO and website design that boost your online business.

Navigation

Navigation involves SEO and web design principles. The easier it is to navigate your site and find the information needed, the longer a visitor will stay on your site. A longer session leads to better SEO rankings. If customers cannot find what they’re looking for easily, they will abandon the site, and this affects your SEO ranking negatively. You can design an easily navigable site by using descriptive URLs, giving readers directions to find certain materials, and limiting the number of drop downs and sub-drop downs in your menus.

Engagement

Engagement on a web page depends on two things: the design and the content. To enhance the engagement on a page, you want the design to be pleasing to a reader’s eye because people make quick conclusions about a website based on appearance. Following the appearance is your content which is also a vital way of keeping a visitor on your site. Your homepage content should hook the visitor and make him want to read on. Content fall under both SEO and web design as content will help your SEO ranking and determine if a visitor stays on your page.

Speed

It is easy to focus on the visual appeal and website content over the mechanics behind how your website functions. This however often leads to a slower than average site that is bloated with useless information. If the website is slow upon loading people will abandon their effort. Many elements can come into play that can lead to a slow site; website elements including plugins, sharing buttons, and JavaScript that has not been optimized. All these are consequences of a poor website design. Search engines incorporate a variety of metrics into the algorithms they use to determine which sites are the most useful to users and therefore deserve higher organic rankings. This can include the use of keywords and long tailed keyword phrases, site links, and individual page load times. If your site loads too slow, search engines will favor other sites over it.

In conclusion, when SEO and a Professional web design come together, the result is a user-friendly, informative, and easy to find website that will maximize your sales.

Learn more about Creative Programs and Systems, CPS, and the IT solutions they provide including IT consulting, computer consulting, network consulting, networking, server installation, IT disaster recovery, computer repair, virus removal, malware removal, computer tune ups, data backup systems, computer troubleshooting, structured cabling, low voltage wiring, website design, graphic design, logo design, website hosting, search engine placement, iphone app programming, android app programming, and custom programming at www.cpsmi.com.  To contact one of our IT experts, call 810.224.5252 today or via email at info@cpsmi.com.

Why is Commercial IT Support Essential for Your Business?

If you run a business, you may reach the point where you need an IT department to help manage your commercial IT support. Yet this is one of the most expensive departments to manage. Even if you manage to get it up and running, you’ll need to attract and draw talent to manage it. It’s not as highly competitive as your other business departments. And besides retaining the best talent, how will you keep up with the escalating expenses of maintaining servers and equipment?

 

The best solution is to hire managed IT services. These are maintained by a business that focuses on commercial IT support and is run by fully qualified IT consultants. They have the expertise you need to run the business technology aspect of your business, so you can stop worrying about it and do what you do best.

 

These types of solutions are best for the small and medium sized commercial business. Each business may have different requirements or set budgets. You can work with IT consultants who will give you experienced, professional, and affordable commercial IT support.

 

There are certain commercial businesses that can benefit from managed IT services. These can include health clinics or beauty care businesses. They may also include trades-oriented businesses, or household products and services. Retail establishments and restaurants may also benefit. Basically, any type of commercial business that you have that requires the exchanges of goods or services to the general public is who our commercial IT support business focuses on.

 

These types of businesses may need a variety of different services. Cloud- based solutions may be right for you, particularly if you must connect with other clinics, stores, or franchises. Software will work through the internet but still keep data safe and secure.

 

One benefit of a Cloud-based software solution is also that your valuable customer data is kept in the Cloud. Even if your establishment suffers a theft, fire, or flood, this valuable data is stored in the Cloud and won’t be compromised. It can also be doubly backed up in the event there is a malware attack.

 

Other services provided by managed IT services may also involve the sales, installation, and maintenance of required hardware. Regular maintenance can be performed at intervals. This is ideal for when you must hire specific expertise for your business, but when your own staff may not have the knowledge for the backend IT support.

 

Software may also be required for your business that needs to be configured and maintained. And even something as simple as providing wireless access for customers may still need to be purchased, setup, configured, monitored, and maintained.

 

If you own any type of commercial business, please contact us today if you need assistance with commercial IT support. If you’ve been tackling this important task yourself because you can’t afford to create your own IT department, the solution is to hire managed IT services. Now your business can still stay one step of the competition by utilizing only the latest and best IT technology, and IT consultants.

 

Learn more about Creative Programs and Systems, CPS, and the IT solutions they provide including IT consulting, computer consulting, network consulting, networking, server installation, IT disaster recovery, computer repair, virus removal, malware removal, computer tune ups, data backup systems, computer troubleshooting, structured cabling, low voltage wiring, website design, graphic design, logo design, website hosting, search engine placement, iphone app programming, android app programming, and custom programming at www.cpsmi.com.  To contact one of our IT experts, call 810.224.5252 today or via email at info@cpsmi.com.

 

Benefits of Hiring IT Consulting Services

An IT consultant can help transform your business. Consultants are experts that provide guidance to others when an outside perspective is desired.  An outsider often can get a better view of what a company needs as they are not blinded by “the way things have always worked before”.   A fresh perspective is often needed to jumpstart business growth.  IT consultants save companies time and money while increasing your competitiveness within the market as well as your professional presence. Information Technology consultants guide companies in a number of ways that we discuss below.

  • IT Consultants Allow Clients to Focus on Their Original Tasks: It does not matter what type of industry you work in as it is the same within all of them; employee’s performance is best when they can concentrate on their primary task. Let’s be clear office staff, lawyers, doctors and more are all more productive when left to do what they do instead of trying to perform IT tasks.  When employees are busy with jobs that they are not specialized in there is a great opportunity cost seen.  Hiring an IT service to take care of the technology challenges within your company so that your employees can focus on their jobs increases the bottom line.
  • Specialized Service: Experience IT consultants offer a wide range of services and specialties. It is not just about installing printers; they offer additional services that help to increase your company’s on-site efficiency, operation expenses, company security, and more.
  • Change of Perspective: We often get stuck in the same cycle because it is the way things have always been done and if it “works” why change it. However, in business this is not the right frame of thinking.  Company’s often need an outside perspective to ensure that they aren’t sweeping outdated ways of thinking under the rug instead of looking for a new outlook.
  • Access to A Wider Range of Knowledge: IT consultants can offer their clients only the best in service with the quality personnel they are able to hire. Having multiple experts on staff allows them to share knowledge and distribute their expertise to multiple accounts.  The benefit of hiring experts in IT as needed allows companies of all sizes to benefit.  IT consultants are often hired on a per project basis therefore projects are weighed on what needs to be done instantly verse what should be done over time.

Managed IT services are something that all companies can benefit from, big or small.  With the ever changing landscape of technology it is important to keep your company up to date with advice from the experts on the front line.

Learn more about Creative Programs and Systems, CPS, and the IT solutions they provide including IT consulting, computer consulting, network consulting, networking, server installation, IT disaster recovery, computer repair, virus removal, malware removal, computer tune ups, data backup systems, computer troubleshooting, structured cabling, low voltage wiring, website design, graphic design, logo design, website hosting, search engine placement, iphone app programming, android app programming, and custom programming at www.cpsmi.com.  To contact one of our IT experts call 810.224.5252 today or via email at info@cpsmi.com.

 

What an IT Consultant does for your business

Information technology plays an essential role in the business plan of an organization by improving productivity, creating opportunities, and refining customer-business interactions. Most businesses make use of internal talents in their company to take charge of installation and management of new technology. Since most professionals have basic IT training, this strategy may prove to be effective. However, an IT consultant with specific skills may be required in some situations to implement detailed processes so your business can remain at the top of the game.

Cost Effective

A commercial IT consultant can prove to be effective in the long run especially for startups. Hiring a permanent IT consultant can be really expensive since the expert will be on your payroll even when there is no major need for his/her skill set. Since a business may not need highly skilled IT services every month, hiring a commercial IT consultant to install a new technology and train employees on how to use it would prove to be effective for the growth of your business.

Data Security

Technology is constantly advancing and so is the need to continually update the data security of your business systems. Adopting a new business technology can prove to be a challenge especially when there are no IT experts to handle such system. When you hire the services of a commercial IT support, they will take care of the data security of your new technology, advise you on the best and safest technologies specific for your business, and identify and potential loopholes that could compromise the security of your technology.

Improving Customer Service and Enhancing Productivity

Customer satisfaction is a priority for every business owner. Hence, it is very normal for them to look out for new ways to continually improve the customer service of their business. Modern technologies make communication between businesses and customers to be very easy and efficient, thereby improving productivity. With the advent of new and improved technologies today, an IT consultant is best placed to advise your business on the technology that best fits your service. This conclusion is arrived at after studying the nature of the business, the target market, and the number of users.

Technological Crisis

Over time, systems may experience technical issues. Some may be easily handled by the internal IT staffers, while others may prove to be too challenging. In cases where a natural disaster affects your business technology or hackers breach the business system, the internal IT department may find it pretty difficult to take charge of the situation. Hiring an IT consultant support is a no-brainer in such cases. They will help you resolve the issue, restore normalcy, and even do their best to prevent such mishap in the future.

Whether your business is a small or large one, IT consulting is beneficial for the handling of technical tasks. It would never be ideal to wait until there is a technology crisis in your business before you invite an expert.  When you call for the services of an IT consultant to conduct checks regularly, your systems will be in top conditions at all times.

Learn more about Creative Programs and Systems, CPS, and the IT solutions they provide including IT consulting, computer consulting, network consulting, networking, server installation, IT disaster recovery, computer repair, virus removal, malware removal, computer tune ups, data backup systems, computer troubleshooting, structured cabling, low voltage wiring, website design, graphic design, logo design, website hosting, search engine placement, iphone app programming, android app programming, and custom programming at www.cpsmi.com.  To contact one of our IT experts call 810.224.5252 today or via email at info@cpsmi.com.

 

IT Consulting Can Save Your Company Time and Money

Information technology, IT, is the use of any computers, storage, networking and other physical devices and infrastructure processes to create, process, store, secure, and exchange all forms of electronic data.

IT Consulting

IT consulting is a field of study that focuses on advising organizations on how best to use technology (IT) in achieving their business objectives. In addition to providing advice, IT consultants often estimate, manage, implement, deploy, and administer IT systems on behalf of their client organizations, a practice known as “outsourcing”.  Information technology changes so rapidly, that it can be difficult for businesses to keep up especially in a tight economy but with the help of IT consulting company, these businesses can save both time and money by optimizing their systems. With the help of IT consulting services businesses can standardize their technology systems to align with industry best practices. It also improves workforce productivity by streamlining processes, reducing the risk of error or failure and enabling the company to better plan for future changes.

IT Managed Services

 IT professionals can help spot inefficiencies and suggest areas where tasks can be automated to free up employees time and money. Similarly, by partnering with an IT managed services provider, companies can offload many of those tedious yet essential tasks that suck up valuable company time and resources. Instead of paying costly full time employees to perform grunt work, you can have an IT managed services firm take care of it in a much more efficient and cost effective manner. Network security, data backup, software update, and strategic planning can be handled by an IT consulting professional.

Commercial IT Support

Commercial IT support takes care of the nuts and bolts problems before even thinking about IT strategy.

Commercial support helps in:

  • Meeting the needs and budget of businesses by providing IT services and support at an affordable rate.
  • They help out when an ongoing contract just doesn’t make sense; also, they get big projects done as quickly as possible.
  • They think ahead to maximize potential IT issues and downtime for businesses
  • They design and maintain a streamlined network solution unique to the business so you see performance and reduced IT issues every day.
  • They utilize regular maintenance, monitor and ensure best practices for your business.
  • They help to leverage connections and experience with software and hardware vendors to help get the right technologies at the right price.

 

Learn more about Creative Programs and Systems, CPS, and the IT solutions they provide including IT consulting, computer consulting, network consulting, networking, server installation, IT disaster recovery, computer repair, virus removal, malware removal, computer tune ups, data backup systems, computer troubleshooting, structured cabling, low voltage wiring, website design, graphic design, logo design, website hosting, search engine placement, iphone app programming, android app programming, and custom programming at www.cpsmi.com.  To contact one of our IT experts call 810.224.5252 today or via email at info@cpsmi.com.

 

Should Network Monitoring Be a Priority in Commercial IT Support

IT consulting services are one of the most popular services because of the importance of technology to our everyday lives and businesses. Commercial IT support relies heavily on electricity and networks. There is nothing IT consultants worry about more than a power outage or network problems that might derail their ability to hold conversations with customers and ruin their performance. Customers are not able to approach commercial IT support in such cases, and since the clock is ticking, the cost increases. Staff time, worsened customer satisfaction, and less productivity all adds up to ensure that you lose money and time.

Well-managed IT services take the risks into consideration and employ the use of network monitoring to decrease their losses. Here is why network monitoring is so helpful in managing IT service:

Preparation for Blackout

Blackouts and outages can be cause by a number of different factors. Whether it be human error or environmental factors, an outage always adversely affects IT consulting services. However, outages lie outside the scope of an IT consulting service. Since they have no influence over blackouts, the best IT consulting services are prepared for them. Network monitoring is a fantastic way to check the trends of outages and find out when one has the chance of taking place. Consequently, preparation for it can be done with efficiency.

Get ROI on the go

With immediate return on investment (ROI) you are able to manage your work better. Identifying problems and figuring out solutions becomes more efficient and the staff are able to focus on the small aspects of their work with greater efficiency. This allows them to be more active in the critical aspects of their work and focus on them more. With ROI on the go, network monitoring allows commercial IT support to produce better results.

Decreases Security Threats

Network monitoring also includes security capabilities. With its foray into security monitoring, network monitoring helps you identify security threats immediately. Since the performance is continuously visible, you are easily able to find out any fluctuations from the norm. With the efficient detection, you can deduce whether your office’s security has been breached and take steps to find the problem.

Fix Issues Faster

A service so highly dependent on technology and artificial intelligence is bound to face a number of faults. Therefore, fixing those issues as quickly as possible is essential for any commercial IT support company. With network monitoring, companies can find out issues and locate them with great efficiency. Finding the problem is the most important part of finding the solution, and with network monitoring you can find the problem very quickly. Finding the solution is therefore easier since you have ample time to do it.

IT consulting service need to install network monitoring to ensure that their work is smooth and does not face any hindrances. Network monitoring is very important and useful for such services because of the points detailed above. If you want well managed IT services, get network monitoring immediately.

Learn more about Creative Programs and Systems, CPS, and the IT solutions they provide including IT consulting, computer consulting, network consulting, networking, server installation, IT disaster recovery, computer repair, virus removal, malware removal, computer tune ups, data backup systems, computer troubleshooting, structured cabling, low voltage wiring, website design, graphic design, logo design, website hosting, search engine placement, iphone app programming, android app programming, and custom programming at www.cpsmi.com.  To contact one of our IT experts call 810.224.5252 today or via email at info@cpsmi.com.

Data Backups Are Integral In Managed IT Services

Any business, be it large or small, handles sensitive data such as customer information. This may include their home addresses, payment card information, application attributes, emails, and more. Employee data is also sensitive information as well as operational and inventory information for those in the business of selling physical products and do not want their sales figures disclosed or lost.

Depending on your industry, you obviously have identified the type of data that requires protection and backup. To do so, you must have the right organizational structure in place, including ensuring that those that work for you understand the criticality of cybersecurity for the sake of data protection. You also must implement a comprehensive vendor risk management to prevent issues caused as the result of third-party or vendor relationships.

Choosing Managed IT Services

All these steps toward data protection dictate that an organization has the right technology, personnel, and software in place to continuously monitor the cybersecurity position of its critical vendors and to also to minimize sensitive from information being compromised. But it’s not always financially feasible for some companies to do all the above, in-house, which is why businesses are now outsourcing managed IT services to handle important elements of their technical needs as part of a collaboration with the internal IT department.

Not only does part of managed IT services consist of implementing specific strategies to ensure that sensitive data is not lost, misused, or accessed by unauthorized users, but it also handles email hosting, customer relationship management (CRM) applications, storage, backup and recovery, network monitoring, cloud computing, data networking, social media engagement, and cybersecurity.

Obtaining The Protection You Need

Backup and data recovery solutions are integral in managed IT services because it preserves an organization from potential insider threats as employees may manipulate and share data they work on and off the network on corporate and personal devices and in the cloud. Managed IT services solutions encompass network monitoring to protect a company against malicious cyber-attacks from ransomware and hackers that are wreaking havoc on businesses worldwide.

It’s not uncommon for organizations to lose sensitive data through hardware failure that occur as a result of lack of maintenance or running important applications on older servers with old operating systems. Without a proper contingency plan in place, the consequences can be increased downtime, increased security threats or worse, loss of critical data that negatively impacts a business. Utilizing IT consulting services can help mitigate a business’s security risks and provide it with a modern infrastructure that maximizes current technology, and by so doing, internal staff are left to focus on revenue-generating prospects.

Cloud Data Storage

Managed IT services also offer advanced commercial IT support to companies that are looking for cutting-edge cloud computing infrastructure management, application management, and business process outsourcing. These services provide the best data backup solutions options that are compatible with most technologies for larger businesses with unlimited storage and also extend to data migration services, advanced file versioning, compliance-level security, 24-hour support, and support for virtual environments.

Learn more about Creative Programs and Systems, CPS, and the IT solutions they provide including IT consulting, computer consulting, network consulting, networking, server installation, IT disaster recovery, computer repair, virus removal, malware removal, computer tune ups, data backup systems, computer troubleshooting, structured cabling, low voltage wiring, website design, graphic design, logo design, website hosting, search engine placement, iphone app programming, android app programming, and custom programming at www.cpsmi.com.  To contact one of our IT experts call 810.224.5252 today or via email at info@cpsmi.com.

What Is a Managed IT Service Provider & Where Do You Find One?

If you’re running a large business and find that it’s growing faster than your “IT department” it may be time to look into consulting a managed IT service provider.  Many large companies consider those few people that come to the rescue when their technology goes down their IT department. This however cannot sustain, nonetheless help you grow your business.

 

Instead of having an in-house IT department, you’ll be hiring commercial IT support to assist you. There can be many reasons why you choose to consult managed IT support to help you be your own IT department.

Your Company May Be Smaller In Size

Technology is continually changing and it can be expensive to run your own servers onsite. Unless your firm is considerably large, you may not be able to keep up with all the expenses of purchasing new servers and new equipment and managing the software and firewalls to run them. You need to have support in place that keeps up to date on all the latest available in IT.  Most companies with 50 or less people may find it impractical financially to have their own IT department on staff.

Storing Your Data Safely

There are other reasons why you may wish to hire managed services. If your business relies heavily on the storage of customer data, you may need additional securities in place to protect it. It’s also beneficial to store data offsite, just in case there’s an emergency in your office building.  Basically, the goal of hiring managed IT services is to gain knowledge and expertise that will improve your operations and cut expenses.

 

Managed IT services can save money, as these companies are supplying services to a variety of different businesses or organizations. They can also buy software and hardware in bulk for lesser costs than you can as a manager of your business. Managed IT services are billed on either a monthly basis or hourly basis, depending on the proposal you decide upon. They are in contrast to the on-demand sourcing model where you only hire IT expertise when you need it, then you are only billed for what they have done.

 

Under this model of operation, there will be a manager assigned to oversee this part of the operations, which might be you. You will then work with the MSP, Manager Service Provider, so that they can deliver the managed services. There will be a contract involved that will state all the services and expectations of the services rendered.

 

Some of these managed services can include one type of service, such as IT consulting, or many. For instance, cloud backup services are highly desired, as they protect client data in the event of an emergency. Servers, security and firewalls are all big services, particularly with growing businesses.  Once you recognize a need for this type of service in your own business, you’ll need to find a competent and trustworthy MSP.

Searching for IT Services

You can ask for the advice of other similar-sized businesses that provide IT consulting. Ask your peers if they know who provides IT consulting or commercial IT support. You can also search online to find the best provider. It’s helpful to find one in your own city, so your IT manager and the MSP can better communication with each other.  Managed IT services can take the worry out of whether you can keep up with the ever-growing and changing world of internet and new technology.

 

Learn more about Creative Programs and Systems, CPS, and the IT solutions they provide including IT consulting, computer consulting, network consulting, networking, server installation, IT disaster recovery, computer repair, virus removal, malware removal, computer tune ups, data backup systems, computer troubleshooting, structured cabling, low voltage wiring, website design, graphic design, logo design, website hosting, search engine placement, iphone app programming, android app programming, and custom programming at www.cpsmi.com.  To contact one of our IT experts call 810.224.5252 today or via email at info@cpsmi.com.