If you’re a business and looking for IT Support, you will undoubtedly not be short of choices. There are hundreds of UK based providers, also known as Managed Service Providers (MSP). As you may expect, these providers vary in size, performance and credibility; they range from small, one-man-band, outfits to a handful of publicly listed organisations. However, there is one thing that unites them, and that is the drive to provide your business with ‘Remote IT Support’.
What is Remote IT Support?
Remote IT Support involves using an internet connection to resolve IT issues. Software is used that enables the IT Technician to remotely (from their location) gain access to your PC, Laptop or Server. Enabling them to perform most of the things they could do if they were physically sitting next to you.
What are the benefits of Remote IT Support?
For everyday IT faults and ‘user-related’ issues it is perfectly suitable and is a cost-efficient way of implementing most fixes. In addition, if some of your workforce works remotely themselves, from home for instance, then this internet/software enabled approach is ideal.
The truth about remote IT Support
The benefits to your business, and the IT company, are compelling. Remote IT Support helps to reduce cost for both parties. It also means the provider can scale their services across many business clients. However, Remote IT Support does have some important limitations that your business should be aware of.
Firstly, it is reliant upon an internet connection. This means if your fault relates to your internet (which can be a common business IT fault) then Remote IT Support will not work. In addition, Remote IT Support is only effective for ‘software’ related issues. Be that software applications and operating systems. When it comes to hardware faults, for instance a laptop that won’t boot up, then Remote IT Support can provide no assistance.
Mobile devices, tablets and phones, are increasingly key business devices. Whilst some remote support can be deployed for these devices, in practice, they are largely ineffective.
Your business’s Network and IT Infrastructure is also another area where Remote IT Support has its limitations. Faults in this business-critical area will invariably require a suitably qualified IT Technician to be onsite, at your location. Although, Cloud Services can remove this issue.
In addition, if you’re a growing business then it’s likely that your IT requirements will change over time. Whilst, this point is a bit more subjective than the ones mentioned above, there’s nothing that beats face-to-face dialogue and engagement from an expert IT Consultant when it comes to providing your business advice on how IT and technology can help your business meet its future strategic objectives.
What, therefore, is the answer for my Business?
Clearly, every business has different needs, but our recommendation is that you choose an IT Support company that provides both Remote IT Support and local resource; an expert IT technician that can be onsite, at your location, quickly and cost-efficiently. Many onsite faults and issues are critical and therefore often need a rapid response from someone who can get to your business quickly and who is familiar with your IT environment.
We believe this is a winning combination, and right for business. It is why we offer, alongside our Remote IT Support, local expertise in the following locations:
