Every day, we talk to various companies and businesses, and the most common question we get is: “What is an external IT department, and how does it work?” If you are going to trust someone with managing such a critical part of your business, you need to understand what they are doing. In this article, you will learn everything you need to know about an external IT department and understand how essential it is for your business.
Services and Features of an External IT Department
Network Operations Center (NOC)
The Network Operations Center (NOC) allows technicians from an external IT department to monitor, maintain, and support clients remotely. NOC technicians oversee the security, operation, and performance of your IT infrastructure to determine the effectiveness and organization of the network. They provide recommendations for updates, changes, or fixes when necessary and also provide solutions for issues with systems, software, routers, etc.
Service Desk
The service desk focuses on the support provided to users and works directly with clients. An external IT department should offer expert support with 24/7 coverage for various issues that could affect the smooth running of your business.
Proactive Approach
An external IT department should work proactively with your business, meaning they follow strategies that prevent or avoid problems before they occur. The proactive approach taken by an external IT department will minimize recurring issues that hinder the smooth operation of your work and business, which ultimately costs your business money.
Billing and Unforeseen Costs
The outdated method of reactive problem-solving often leaves room for recurring issues, creating a cycle of repeated expenses. In this way, a business cannot plan its budget for IT services because costs vary depending on the issues that arise, which change over time. In contrast, an external IT department has a monthly fee with little to no surprise expenses. Such a service costs less than unforeseen expenses incurred from issues that arise and provides you with a whole team of IT experts working for your business.
Consultation for Technology Service Providers
An external IT department also offers consulting services to help you choose the best providers for various services such as internet, equipment, software, etc., guiding you towards the best choices for your business and the most secure companies.
Common Misunderstandings About an External IT Department
Online Support Does Not Mean Neglect
Businesses often assume that if technicians from the external IT department are not on-site, they are not working or caring for their business. However, technicians can often address user issues remotely through support and in a shorter time than it would take to travel to your business. The effectiveness of an external IT department can be measured by the time taken to resolve an issue. More on-site visits do not necessarily mean more work but more problems, as an external IT department should be able to provide 90% of solutions through online support and remote monitoring.
In-house IT Costs Less
IT experts who can meet all your business needs are rare and expensive to maintain. Most small and medium-sized businesses require a wide range of services to ensure IT operates at its full capacity. Finding such a capable person is difficult, but what makes it even harder is keeping that person in charge of managing IT within your staff. They are often inclined to leave your business for a better opportunity, especially if your business is not technology-oriented, as they will feel constrained and unable to expand their knowledge and advance in their careers. Finding a replacement will cost your company time and money, and you will likely have to go through the same process repeatedly. In contrast, an external IT department has endless opportunities for knowledge development and career growth for its employees. This allows it to provide its clients with a skilled expert staff, stability, and a variety of IT resources tailored to their business.
Techi offers a variety of IT resources that best fit your business and ensures that it operates at maximum efficiency. If you are interested in learning more about what we offer, contact a Techi representative.
