Three reasons small businesses need an IT partner

Large corporations often employ a full team of IT professionals – technicians, web developers, security specialists, programmers, network engineers and others.

Small businesses don’t have that luxury, yet they still require a working website, secure payment portal, functioning printer, software updates, hardware upgrades and other IT needs. That’s why many small businesses in Southwest Florida are moving away from a DIY approach to managed IT. Instead, they are contracting with an IT partner to handle all things technology. This provides complete IT coverage at a fraction of the cost of employing an in-house IT professional.

Below are three reasons small businesses turn to IT partners:

Security

Cyberattacks happen every minute. Fortune 500 companies are big targets, of course, but cybercriminals also target small businesses. That’s because they’re often easy prey. Cybercriminals aren’t necessarily trying to hack into a business’ bank account; they want to access many more accounts of its customers, clients and vendors.

Secure websites and payment portals are important, but so, too, are software updates that prevent cyberattacks, as well as regular training sessions about not opening spam emails, clicking on links in text messages or visiting unscrupulous websites.

Troubleshooting

Technology is great when it works and incredibly frustrating when it doesn’t. Even tech-savvy employees can spend an hour or more troubleshooting a computer issue, and for a small business, time is money. Every minute spent reinstalling a software program or trying to connect a network printer is a minute you’re not selling products or services. IT providers can update software and diagnose problems remotely or during off hours, allowing employees to continue remaining productive.

Equipment

Big box stores and online retailers offer hundreds of models of computers, printers, monitors, webcams and other electronics. An architect or engineer, for example, needs a powerful computer with a large processor, RAM and graphics card. A writer, on the other hand, might just need Microsoft Word and an internet browser. IT partners make sure small businesses have the gear for employees and don’t buy more or less than they need.

Small businesses rely on IT partners as an extension of their company. The cost to hire an IT partner might be half or even one-fourth of what you would pay a full-time, in-house IT professional, but the cost not to hire an IT partner could ultimately impact an entire company’s bottom line.

About the Author

John Joyce is an owner of CRS Technology Consultants, a Cape Coral-based IT company founded in 1988. For more information, please visit CRSTC.com or call 239-542-8450.