2022 IT budgets to increase for 70% of Irish organisations

Logicalis Ireland, the IT Solutions and Managed Services provider, today reveals the findings of a survey which found that IT budgets for the coming year will increase for 70% of Irish organisations to account for better security, back-up and disaster recovery solutions.

The research – conducted by TechCentral and commissioned by Logicalis Ireland in association with IBM – involved more than 100 IT decision-makers in Ireland and found that during the pandemic, exposure to cyberthreats increased for more than three quarters of organisations (76%).

It also revealed that more than a quarter (28%) of Irish organisations experienced a cyberattack last year. Of those which were attacked, 40% were targeted by malware and 34% were targeted by phishing.

Furthermore, 29% of these organisations took about a week to recover from same. Some 27% took about a month, while recovery is ongoing for 24%.

On a more positive note, 88% of those surveyed said high-profile incidents had made company management more aware of threats to their organisation. Moreover, 70% of IT decision-makers were satisfied with their security policies and 75% agreed their backup and disaster recovery tools were fit for purpose.

In terms of response, over half (57%) strongly agreed it was a waste of time to negotiate with hackers. A similar number (59%) strongly disagreed that IT departments should keep a bitcoin fund for dealing with ransomware attacks.

As for the most popular measures for protecting data, multi-cloud solutions (66%) came out top. Single cloud solutions (31%) and off-premise physical backup (22%) finished off the top three measures.

Patrick Jordan, Chief Revenue Officer for Logicalis UK & Ireland, commented: “It has been a time of unprecedented change for Irish businesses. As workforces and operations became remote, the threat landscape shifted and arguably expanded with more locations to cover, more devices to protect and more risks to combat.

“This led to an intensification of the focus – and pressure – on technology solutions and IT support within organisations. This will only continue as we settle into the new way of hybrid working and invest in the tools to not only support but secure this. Businesses need to embrace this fully if they want to successfully architect change, safeguard operations, empower people and drive growth.”

Nathan Cullen, Ecosystem Leader, IBM, added: “It’s not just about identifying risks and protecting systems, companies need to have the means to respond effectively and quickly in the case of an attack or breach. They need to have the tools that enable prevention but also backup and recovery. Only then can they be cyber resilient and maintain business continuity. If the pandemic has taught us anything, it is to be prepared for the worst-case scenario and always be ready to adapt.”

it@cork Leaders Awards 2021 Winners Announced

Nagle Community College was today revealed as the winner of The Excellence in Education award at the annual it@cork Leaders Awards, winning €5,000 to promote STEM activities within their school for teachers and students. Eight other winners were awarded on the day, recognising standout innovation, growth and impact in the south west technology sector.

Award-winners included Trustap, which received the Scale Up of the Year award, and Clearstream Global Securities Services, which was recognised as the Multinational of the Year for 2021. The Smart Technology Innovation award went to BioMarin while the it@cork Skillnet Best Workplaces award was awarded to Cloudera. Excellence in social impact saw the Diversity, Inclusion and Social Impact award go to Wisetek while Tech Start Up of the Year was awarded to Limerick-based, WrxFlo.

Paul Hourican of PFH was awarded Tech Person of the Year after being selected by the it@cork Executive Board for his commitment to developing and growing the tech sector in the region throughout his career. Chairperson of it@cork Gillian Bergin presented the Chairperson’s Community Award to the Cork Migrant Centre at Nano Nagle Place for their commitment to supporting migrant families in the region through outreach and upskilling programs.

Speaking about the awards, Ms Bergin, said: “Despite a tough year, we have seen world-class innovation and agility throughout the technology sector, in the south west region and beyond. We were hugely impressed by the standard of this year’s submissions; their energy, passion and optimism shone through and each finalist should be immensely proud. The 2021 Leaders Awards winners and finalists exemplify the best in our sector and I am confident that the future is bright for technology in the South West.” 

it@cork Treasurer, Aiveen Hyland, who led the project team behind the event said: “It has been my honour to oversee the awards process this year and I would like to thank all at it@cork, our sponsors and our judges for their time and dedication and indeed to our valued members for their support throughout 2021.”   

The sponsors of this year’s awards included Enterprise Ireland, C.H. ROBINSON, Springboard Communications, Deloitte, TREND MICRO, KPMG, Altada, it@cork Skillnet, and Cork County Council. All awards winners received bespoke glass sculptures created by Fermoy artist Suzanne O’Sullivan.

The annual Leaders Awards is one of two flagship events for it@cork each year designed to showcase the best of technology leadership, innovation and excellence in the region. A not-for-profit organisation, it@cork works with academia, private sector, and state agencies to promote the region as a technology excellence hub and provides a click-and-connect ecosystem for new and established companies to connect and participate in the region.

  • Tech Person of the Year Award – Paul Hourican, PFH
  • Tech Start Up of the Year Award  WrxFlo
  • Scale Up of the Year Award  Trustap
  • Multinational of the Year Award - Clearstream Global Securities Services (CGSS) (Deutsche Börse Group)
  • Smart Technology Innovation Award  BioMarin
  • It@cork Skillnet Best Workplace Award  Cloudera
  • Diversity, Inclusion and Social Impact Award  Wisetek
  • Chairperson’s Community Award – Cork Migrant Centre
  • Excellence in Education Award – Nagle Community College

The Benefits of Seeking a Career in IT

Unless you have been living under the rock, you will know that the IT industry has given careers to millions of people across the globe. Now that the IT industry is all over the place and has encapsulated the attention of a large part of the global population, everyone wants to step foot in this world and see how they can thrive. Therefore, when you buy a stake in this industry, you could be responsible for managing hardware and software, both at the same time. Furthermore, you could be auditing the security systems, writing codes for custom software and becoming a technical writer too. Now that the business world itself is highly hysterical, the competition is high and everyone wants to stand out. 

This is enough reason, why you find people applauding the benefits of being a part of this industry, in fact, most business owners are drooling over getting a custom website built, so they can target more customers. Regardless of what direction you choose, here’s what you need to know about the incredible benefits of registering a career in this industry:

  • Unlimited Options

There are hundreds of jobs in the IT industry as of now. However, you will choose a certain path for yourself after acknowledging your strengths, weaknesses in the prior experience. For instance, if you become a computer programmer, you could be creating various kinds of programs for everyone. Or, you could also become a quality assistant to test the programs and ensure that every product can do its nest. On the contrary, if you’re looking for something technically perplexing, you could also think of becoming a system analyst or a network engineer. Therefore, there’s no limit to the options in the IT industry. 

  • Education and Training Requirements

Simply put, the training and education requirements are very different from one another. Therefore, you need to understand about creating a demarcation. In some cases, you could quickly be landing upon a good opportunity within a certain career field. While in some career options, you might have to consider a few months course to gain entrance. Depending on what you want to do in this field, the education requirements will vary. Obviously, the advanced fields are more demanding and hard work is required, still, the end result is worth it. Ensure to get the relevant degree and skill set before registering a career in a certain part of this industry. 

  • Earning Potential

Do you want to have a good quality of life? Sure you do! After all, everyone wants to be rich and have a luxurious life. Thankfully, the earning potential in this industry is at an all-time high. Regardless of what the gossip mongers have to say, the salaries of IT experts are very high. For instance, if you become a cyber-security expert who specializes in online safety and helps companies in keeping their data safe, you could be making a fortune for yourself in the first few years of work. Therefore, now is the best time to embrace the earning potential of this industry and make the most out of it. 

  • Work From Home

One of the most amazing things about the IT industry is that you get to work from home anytime you want. Especially when the COVID 19 debuted last year, nobody had any idea about how this disease would be brought under control. Now that work from home has become a popular phenomenon, it is fair enough to say that IT experts are having a major moment right now. In fact, most IT experts prefer to work from home, since it can save a lot of money in the long run. If you look around, you will be thrilled to know that IT experts and most freelancers are working from within their comfort zone, so they don’t have to go out of their comfort zones. 

  • Hiring Demand

Simply put, every organization across the globe needs IT members because they are the backbone of any business out there. Whether it’s about improving the security of the business information or managing various devices, only IT experts will help in managing everything on their own. According to the market trends, the growing demand for IT professionals has compelled the business world to thrive and the economies to see a reduction in unemployment. Therefore, if you have experience and the right skill set, nobody can stop you from claiming an opportunity that is lucrative. This way, you will never be out of the job and will always have a good quality of life. 

  • Career Flexibility

Let’s say, you register a career in this industry but stop enjoying it after some time. Or, if the job gets monotonous, you might think of churning. Much to your surprise, each of your skills in this industry is transferable and will help you grow yourself in the future. Because there are dozens of jobs to choose from, you can rest assured about having flexibility in your career. So it is fair enough to say that IT will provide you peace of mind and give you the much-needed flexibility in your future. Simply put, IT allows you to thrive as much as you want, so you can give a good life to people around you. Hadn’t it been for the IT industry, many people would have killed themselves due to depression and unemployment issues. 

Wisetek launches new e-commerce business for refurbished IT equipment

Wisetek, a global leader in advanced IT asset disposition, data destruction, technology reuse and manufacturing services, has launched a new e-commerce business, Wisetek Store. The Wisetek Store website will enable consumers to shop online for high quality refurbished IT equipment and new accessories including laptops, phones, tablets, keyboards, and range of other hardware options.

The Wisetek Store site was launched to give consumers a channel to buy high quality refurbished equipment from a recognised vendor specialising in technology reuse, without having to pay premium prices for brand new items.

Every item listed on Wisetek Store undergoes a rigorous assessment process to determine its suitability, during which the hardware is thoroughly tested. Any existing data on the device is wiped, and the equipment is refurbished as necessary before it is certified to be listed and sold on the site.

To mark the new e-commerce business, Wisetek has teamed up with treesontheland.com to plant one tree for every order that is placed on Wisetek Store.

Sean Sheehan, CEO of Wisetek said “The launch of the Wisetek Store is an exciting development for Wisetek. This new brand will be focused on the sale of IT equipment to consumers. Wisetek has traditionally focused on the business-to-business market, and this new venture is an indication of the rapid pace we have experienced in the growth of the company. We are continually exploring new ideas and markets while maintaining the high quality of service our customers are used to.”

The new site also serves as a further demonstration of Wisetek’s core value of sustainability, as it promotes the use of refurbished items, an environmentally friendly alternative to manufacturing new equipment.

Wisetek has grown exponentially since it was established in Cork by Sean Sheehan in 2007, and has expanded its international footprint to include facilities throughout Ireland, the UK, the USA, the Middle East and Thailand.

Wisetek Store can be accessed at www.wisetekstore.com

Profitable Small Businesses Worth Considering in 2021

Starting a business is an exciting yet risky adventure — it can easily become the best decision of your life or the worst. Considering the veritable number of businesses in the world today, it is hard to stake your money and passion on one. Also, you never know which would be lucrative or fruitless. 

So, if you are looking to start a small business but can’t seem to make a decision, we’ve compiled a list of the most profitable businesses worth starting in 2021. Take a long and good look at this list and weigh the options that best suit your interests, financial capability, and dreams! 

 

5 Most Profitable Small Business Ideas in 2021 

  1. IT Support

It is no secret that the world runs and thrives on technology! In a world where technology rules supreme, the IT industry is in high demand. As a result, it is one of the most lucrative industries today. Starting an IT company can be your gateway to acquiring wealth and success. Though it has its ups and downs, you can navigate the steep road with the right mindset and business know-how. 

 

  1. Digital Marketing

With more and more businesses embracing online marketing and selling, the demand for digital marketing services has gone through the roof. You can consider this a great business opportunity and set up a digital marketing agency to meet the ever-increasing demands of online small businesses. You can help these businesses establish a strong online presence and expand their clientele/consumer base through services like copywriting, web design, content creation, and a host of others. 

 

  1. Delivery Services

Thanks to the pandemic, most people are confined to the four walls of their homes. It has become something of a luxury to run errands or pick up your favorite meal at your favorite restaurant. Enter delivery services; the knight that delivers everything deliverable to the populace. That said, the delivery industry has witnessed a staggering growth, propelled by the COVID-19 pandemic.

In good truth, online food delivery services alone are projected to grow by over $104 billion in 2023.  You don’t want to miss this lucrative business opportunity. You can establish a delivery service within your vicinity for delivering groceries, food, medications, and other essentials. 

 

  1. Cleaning Services

Here comes another industry that experienced exponential growth owing to the Covid-19 pandemic. On the surface, a cleaning company might appear uninteresting and mediocre profit-wise, but it offers much more than what meets the eye. Cleaners are in high demand, as evidenced by the billowing advertisements for them.

Best of all, you don’t need to break a bank to start this business. You only need a bright, positive and optimistic attitude, and some cleaning supplies. However, note that the cleaning industry is as competitive as it gets, so you have to be as creative and strategic as possible to make your business stand out. 

 

  1. Personal Training

These days, fitness enthusiasts don’t need to make the daily commute to the gym to be in shape. The fitness industry has moved a large percentage of its operations from gyms to online and outdoors. The current obsession with remote work has contributed to this shift. 

And given the importance of exercise, becoming a personal trainer can bode well for your career growth and finances. Breaking into the personal training field is quite simple. You only need to take a certification exam, and you are qualified. In some instances, you only need to be a self-trained fitness aficionado!

 

The Bottom Line 

These five small businesses are the equivalent of profitable and low-risk! You can narrow down the list to your interests and budget and start something great and life-changing. Find more details and guide about small business opportunities on the Biz Op website.

IT Help Desk against company IT pains

Nowadays, businesses rely on modern technologies for their operations. The employees and customers have higher demands, so your IT team might not meet them. All those issues need to be addressed quickly and profoundly, so your team might not manage to keep up unlike the professional software development team. That will definitely cope with this task If you don’t solve your customer’s inquiry promptly, your customer satisfaction is put at risk. In addition, your employees can’t dedicate their time and attention to essential tasks. Knowing that IT problems can reduce employee’s productivity and customer satisfaction, we highlight the importance of an IT help desk. This service is beneficial for any business that wants to secure a steady workflow and improve its service. In this post, we reveal how an IT help desk will address your business’s issues.

 

Keep updated with the latest technologies

We saw how technologies changed drastically to answer the business’s needs. While modern technology moves the company forward, it leaves business owners with tedious tasks. Every leader faces challenges related to the implementation of new technology, such as training their employees. When you use the services of an IT help desk, you don’t have to invest in expensive training and courses. 

 

Working on various issues simultaneously

Issues of IT nature can obstruct the working process and end up costing a lot. When you work with an IT help desk that includes responsive support (L1, L2, L3), you will feel relieved knowing that an expert team is always ready to help. The expertise and readiness deliver prompt solutions while still maintaining high standards. 

 

Your IT team wasn’t designed to solve many problems simultaneously. In addition, they will lose their precious time in the communication process. Since expanding your IT team is very costly, it is better to outsource the service to professionals. The experts will tackle the issues through a live chat in no time.

 

Keep track of the issues

In many cases, businesses experience repetitive IT issues. If they don’t have a tool for collecting and analyzing data, they won’t keep track of the recurring problems. This means that companies will waste their time on solving repetitive issues instead of addressing the root. A Known Error Database contains the past problems, giving insights on how to prevent the problems in the future. This saves precious time and makes the work process smoother.

 

Provide automation tools

Most of the IT issues are related to resetting passwords or other simple tasks. Around 20% to 50% of the IT desk calls are about addressing this common issue. A business can eliminate this problem by implementing self-service tools such as password management tools. This makes the process straightforward while saving time. An IT help desk can provide the proper tools to automate the process and allow for self-service. In addition, they can offer information on how to solve more minor issues.

 

No need for training

Hiring new employees is difficult when we speak about the IT industry. Employee turnover is a significant issue for businesses, no matter how hard they try to retain their workers. If your IT employees retire or leave, you are obligated to find new ones with the same expertise. Business owners know that new employees won’t stick for a long time. After they gain the needed skills and knowledge, they might leave for another company. When you work with an IT help desk, you don’t need to regrout, train, or invest in employees. The service provider gathers proven professionals with specific expertise, so you don’t need to invest in them.

 

Final thoughts

An IT help desk will solve any business’s IT pains. Leaving the work in the hands of professionals will eliminate the need for investing in the workforce while your business process flows uninterrupted. 

Why You Should Let The Experts Handle Your IT Tasks

In the modern world, it’s impossible to go a day without using some form of technology. Whether you’re checking your email or ordering dinner from a restaurant, these tasks are made infinitely easier by the advent of computers and phones. But as we rely more and more on these devices, there is also an increased risk that they will fail us. The last thing anyone wants is for their computer to crash at work or be unable to send an important email at a crucial moment! So what can be done about this? Should you just give up all hope and resign yourself to being one of those people who struggle with IT problems every week? Of course not! There are many things you can do in order to stay safe from malfunctions- but perhaps the best one is hiring an IT support company to handle your computer needs for you.

 

1. Hiring An IT Support Company Can Save You Money

 

The cost of living increases each year, and technology is no exception. Even the smallest computer parts are known to increase in price every so often, making it harder than ever to stay current on all of the latest equipment. But as computers become more and more expensive to own, they also become cheaper and cheaper to hire! Many companies in the remote IT managed services industry break the price of their services down into a flat monthly fee and offer unlimited support for that cost. This means that you can take advantage of every technological tool at your disposal without having to worry about spending an exorbitant amount of money. The IT industry changes at lightning-fast speeds, but with constant support, you won’t have to worry about becoming obsolete!

 

2. Businesses Can Save Money Too

 

It’s not just individuals who can benefit from professional help- companies of all sizes also stand to save quite a bit by hiring an IT company for their needs. Whether you’re a small business with 10 employees or a large corporation with thousands of workers, an IT company can make your life much easier. For example, many companies outsource their email service to an outside provider. This means that you no longer have to worry about paying for and maintaining your own mail server – just hire the pros and rest easy knowing that you won’t have any downtime or security issues. Companies and people who do not hire experts to handle their IT tasks will often find themselves getting repair after repair, because the first one didn’t fix the problem. 

 

Eventually, they need a new part or device, which can be expensive to replace. On top of that, if there is no expert knowledge behind the repairs, the same problem often occurs or another one crops up down the line. Over time, this can turn into hundreds of wasted hours and dollars spent on trying to fix something that cannot be fixed without an expert. With experts handling your IT tasks, you won’t experience any downtime because they’ll resolve your issue quickly and effectively every time.

 

3. Creating An Expert Workforce

 

The other major benefit of hiring IT professionals is that it creates a more knowledgeable workforce. It’s no secret that employees at all levels are less knowledgeable about technology than they’ve ever been before, but this can be remedied by hiring IT workers.

 

A company that is well-versed in the ways of modern technology will have a much easier time finding qualified applicants for their open positions. They can also attract more high-quality applicants by offering better compensation and benefits packages as an incentive to work there. 

 

4. Things To Keep In Mind When Hiring An IT Company

 

If you choose to take advantage of hiring an IT company, make sure to keep the following in mind:

 

  • Be specific when discussing your needs with an IT company. If you are unclear about what your exact requirements are, it will be much more difficult for them to provide you with the appropriate solution.

 

  • Make sure that you can actually afford their services! Many companies offer flat-fee packages, but others will charge by the hour or be on retainer. You should ask about their pricing policies to make sure that you’re not taken aback by unexpected charges later on.

 

  • Ask for referrals! Most IT companies are more than happy to provide a list of past clients and explain what sort of work they did for them. This will help you determine if their services are right for you.

 

IT professionals can solve a lot of problems that most people find to be difficult or even impossible on their own. You’ll get peace of mind knowing that you’re using reliable, expert knowledge and have a reduced risk of downtime! Whether you need help with software or hardware issues, an IT professional can save both time and money for years to come.  Hiring experts is the best decision for most people in today’s world where technology changes at lightning-fast speeds – it will create a knowledgeable workforce too!

New Cybersecurity Report from HP Reveals 91% of IT Teams Feel Pressure to Compromise Security

HP Inc. today released its HP Wolf Security Rebellions & Rejections report, a comprehensive global study highlighting the tension between IT teams and employees working from home (WFH) that security leaders must resolve in order to secure the future of work.

The findings show that IT teams have been forced into compromising security for business continuity at a time of rising threats. Making matters worse, their attempts to increase or update security measures for remote workers have often been rejected. This is particularly true for the future workforce of 18-24-year-olds – digital natives who feel increasingly frustrated with security getting in the way of deadlines, leading many to circumvent controls.

The new HP Wolf Security report combines data from a global YouGov online survey of 8,443 office workers who shifted to WFH during the pandemic and a global survey of 1,100 IT Decision Makers, conducted by Toluna. Key findings include:

  • 76% of IT teams admit security took a backseat to business continuity during the pandemic, while 91% felt pressure to compromise security for business continuity.
  • Almost half (48%) of younger office workers (18-24 years old) surveyed viewed security tools as a hindrance, leading to nearly a third (31%) trying to bypass corporate security policies to get their work done
  • 48% of office workers surveyed agreed that seemingly essential security measures result in a lot of wasted time – this rises to 64% among those ages 18-24.
  • Over half (54%) of 18–24-year-olds were more worried about meeting deadlines than exposing their organization to a data breach; 39% were unsure what their security policies say, or are unaware if their company even has them – suggesting a growing level of apathy among younger workers
  • As a result, 83% of IT teams believe the increase in home workers has created a “ticking time bomb” for a corporate network breach.

“The fact that workers are actively circumventing security should be a worry for any CISO – this is how breaches can be born,” comments Ian Pratt, Global Head of Security for Personal Systems, HP Inc. “If security is too cumbersome and weighs people down, then people will find a way around it. Instead, security should fit as much as possible into existing working patterns and flows, with technology that is unobtrusive, secure-by-design and user-intuitive. Ultimately, we need to make it as easy to work securely as it is to work insecurely, and we can do this by building security into systems from the ground up.”

The report highlights that many security teams have made efforts to curb user behaviour to keep data safe. 91% have updated security policies to account for the rise in working from home, while 78% have restricted access to websites and applications. However, these controls often create friction for users, who resent the controls and push back on IT, leaving security teams feeling dejected and rejected:

  • 37% of office workers surveyed said security policies and technologies are often too restrictive.
  • 80% of IT teams experienced push back from users who do not like controls being put on them at home; 67% of IT teams said they experience complaints about this weekly.
  • 83% of IT teams said trying to set and enforce corporate policies around cybersecurity is impossible now the lines between personal and professional lives are so blurred.
  • 80% of IT teams said IT security was becoming a “thankless task” because nobody listens to them.
  • 69% of IT teams said they are made to feel like the “bad guys” for imposing restrictions.

“CISOs are dealing with increasing volume, velocity and severity of attacks,” comments Joanna Burkey, Chief Information Security Officer (CISO), HP Inc. “Their teams are having to work around the clock to keep the business safe, while facilitating mass digital transformation with reduced visibility. Cybersecurity teams should no longer be burdened with the weight of securing the business solely on their shoulders, cybersecurity is an end-to-end discipline in which everyone needs to engage.”

Burkey continues: “To create a more collaborative security culture, we must engage and educate employees on the growing cybersecurity risks, while IT teams need to better understand how security impacts workflows and productivity. From here, security needs to be re-evaluated based on the needs of both the business and the hybrid worker.”

HP is helping organizations to secure the hybrid workplace by delivering transparent and unobtrusive endpoint security. With HP Wolf Security organizations benefit from robust, built-in protection from the silicon to the cloud, and BIOS to browser. It enables Cybersecurity teams to deliver user-friendly tools and help to ease restrictions, while also providing defence-in-depth and enhanced protection, privacy, and threat intelligence, gathering data at the endpoint to help protect the business at large

6 Important Tips On Why You Need A Managed Service Provider

Even if you are a single-man business or you are an individual service provider you can benefit a lot from having a dedicated IT support provider. A managed IT support company does everything you would expect from a full in-house IT department, without the headache of having to manage such a large team, and without the expense of hiring professionals in-house.

Whatever kind of business you are in, you are definitely using some form of technology. Whether that is for internal processes, marketing, accounting, or client communication, even at a basic level your digital infrastructure needs support and maintenance.

Most business owners are not experts in IT, so even though they are using technology, they aren’t necessarily getting the most out of it. Plus, while they can manage things on their own while the business is small, things can get very complicated when you start to scale up. Here are some powerful reasons as to why you should consider a managed service provider for your business today.

 

1.  Free Up Resources

As a small business owner, you are either managing IT-related matters on your own or it is a group effort in which everyone does what they can to keep the digital infrastructure going. Unless IT is your forte and this is your role in the company, or if you are a specialist in a different area, you are costing yourself time that you could be investing in the things that you are an expert in. The same applies to the people that assist you in this area and essentially you are limiting business growth. Managed IT services is a great way to delegate everything digital to someone who is a professional in this matter so you can focus on things that you are good at.

2.  Get Proper Data Compliance

One of the biggest concerns with digital businesses and even those businesses that are transitioning from being physical businesses to being digital organizations is data security. Governments across the world realize this problem and are creating data compliance protocols for businesses to abide by that will protect both the business and the clients whose data they store. In order to get the right systems in place that will allow you to store data in accordance with these protocols will require an expert.

3.  Solid Security

Even with proper data compliance and the best data management software, the possibility of an attack cannot be completely sidelined. The IT professionals at Prototype IT suggest that if there is one thing you should invest money in, it is cybersecurity solutions. While there are several free options out there, you wouldn’t want to risk something as valuable as data on a free tool. Working with a security expert is something that will definitely benefit you at any stage.

4.  Recovery And Backups

The last thing you can do to create a secure environment for data is to have good recovery options and frequent backups. This is another one of those things in which you will benefit a lot by having a managed IT team  rather than doing it yourself. It is very possible to do it with free tools but it’s not worth the effort or the time when you need to develop more complicated solutions for a larger business.

5.  Latest Technology

While there is a lot of technology out there not all of it is relevant to you, in fact, only a small portion is probably useful for your business. It’s a lot easier to have an experienced IT expert to help you develop solutions rather than having to sift through all the options on your own. If you want to save time, hire an expert and get a competitive advantage over the competition.

6.  Expert Advice

There are going to be a lot of things that you are not an expert on when it comes to IT. A managed service provider can guide you in uncertain situations and tell you what will work and how you can make the most of certain services. Moreover, they will open up avenues that you didn’t even know existed because of their experience and knowledge. Having an expert on board is always going to be better than learning as you go.

 Though hiring an expert is a great option, you need to be careful in selecting the right team to work with. Not all managed IT services are the same and ideally you want to be working with someone who has experience in your industry and has worked with a similar business. You definitely don’t want your business to be their first project. Spend a little time in searching out the right service provider as this will be a relationship that will last several years if not the entire lifespan of the organization.