We’ve all been there. Bad internet connection interrupting a video call with a client. Enforced downtime while a system updates at a speed equivalent to a meandering snail. Issues with legacy software last updated when Windows 98 was cutting edge. We know you’re aware that IT issues influence staff productivity and morale, impact sales or revenue, and generally make for a really long day at work. But did you know that the best solution to these issues isn’t to stop them happening at all?
The solution is to plan for them.
Here’s how we advise you tackle five of the most common IT challenges.
Challenge 1: Downtime and System Outages
When an IT system experiences an outage or has to implement downtime to run essential updates, your organisation can really notice an impact, especially if the outage occurs during business hours. From customers experiencing payment issues to staff finding themselves unable to access emails or online meetings, your business can really lose productivity and income from IT downtime.
At Aspgate, we offer proactive system monitoring and ensure our networks are set up to experience minimal issues and downtime. Our managed IT services include 24/7 remote monitoring and incident response, so your system should never get to a point where enforced downtime is required for fixes.
Challenge 2: Outdated Hardware and Software
As anyone still using an ancient computer system or phone will tell you, outdated systems really don’t work with modern programmes. Older systems are more vulnerable to cyber attacks, the cost of maintaining creaky systems will rise over time as the system becomes obsolete, and eventually you will find it harder to comply with cyber security compliance guidelines.
Aspgate provides infrastructure management and contemporary cloud service solutions to all clients, to ensure your devices stay up-to-date and secure. We’ll let you know the expected life cycle of the devices we provide, so you can budget for their replacement. We also offer seamless migration of services, so if your current system is outdated, we’ll ensure a smooth move to new services!
Challenge 3: Cyber Security Threats
We’re sure you already know, but it’s a topic we’re passionate about: a very common IT challenge is that of phishing, ransomware attacks, data breaches and generalised cyber security issues. It’s easy to assume your business or organisation will never be hit by a virus or hackers, but cyber security threats can unfortunately happen to everyone—and the financial and reputational costs can be huge. Don’t underestimate the importance of solving cyber security threats before they happen!
At Aspgate, our cyber security service umbrella includes user awareness training, multi-factor authentication, constant networking and threat response, endpoint detection and response, and network security via firewalls. Essentially, we prepare for the inevitability of threats and build our systems to withstand them.
Challenge 4: Inefficient IT Approaches
Is there anything more irritating than an inefficient business process? Disparate IT systems across departments, unclear administrative processes or complicated workflows can all lead to disengaged, frustrated staff—and can allow mistakes to be made, which of course will lose your organisation valuable time and money.
As an IT service provider, we ensure your IT systems are consistent throughout your organisation, with connected systems such as email and cloud storage actually working for everyone who uses them. We also provide training for your staff to ensure everyone knows how to best use systems like Microsoft Office, because an employee confident in digital systems can better focus on their role!
Challenge 5: Difficulty in Measuring IT Performance
It’s easy to ignore the importance of collecting and measuring metrics, especially with IT systems—if the system works, isn’t that enough? But by measuring metrics, it’s easy to establish how your IT systems are helping you meet your organisation’s goals… or how they aren’t. For example, if you run an e-commerce platform, there may be a correlation between your slow-loading website and your customers clicking away from your page before they can buy anything. You might also notice that a slow-loading computer or iffy network connection is hindering your staff from fulfilling their tasks to the best of their ability.
The Aspgate managed IT support service includes real-time monitoring of systems and service reporting aligned to your specific goals. We also continuously review and optimise your systems to ensure they keep ticking over smoothly while you focus on running your organisation.
Interested in IT Management services?
We’re always happy to chat about your IT needs and discuss how we can help optimise or replace your IT systems to keep your business safe, secure and working to support your business’s goals and processes. Email us to arrange a call at enquiries@aspgate.co.uk, or give us a ring on 0330 390 6888. We look forward to hearing from you!