| "> | | | | 4. How much time do you spend doing routine |
| Every business needs an IT management plan to | | | | maintenance tasks? |
| ensure the smooth running of its IT systems. | | | | 5. How often have you neglected to carry out those |
| For any business, an IT failure at a critical moment can | | | | important but time-consuming computer checks and |
| have far-reaching consequences. Telling your | | | | updates? |
| customers and suppliers, 'Sorry, our system is down' | | | | 6. Are you sure you are using your existing system in |
| will do little to enhance either your balance sheet or | | | | the most efficient and cost-effective way? |
| reputation. | | | | 7. Are you able to keep up-to-date with, and take |
| But what options are available to the owner of a small | | | | advantage of, all the latest IT innovations? |
| or medium sized business working to a tight budget? | | | | If you want to know more about how outsourcing |
| One that is worth investigating is outsourcing your IT to | | | | works, contact a reputable IT support company in your |
| a specialist IT support company. How do you decide if | | | | area. Look for one that is qualified to manage all types |
| outsourcing your IT is right for your business? When | | | | of IT systems and understands the needs and |
| weighing up the costs and benefits, you could start by | | | | concerns of business owners like you. |
| asking the following questions: | | | | Many will offer a free, no obligation consultation that |
| 1. What do you do if there is an IT problem? | | | | includes an audit of your IT system and suggestions |
| Do you, or one of your staff, have to stop work to | | | | for a range of services that can be tailored to your |
| sort it out? Do you call someone in? Do they come | | | | exact requirements. You can choose to outsource |
| straight away? | | | | only the more complicated tasks, or you might prefer |
| 2. If your whole system was out-of-action for a day, | | | | to opt for a full network maintenance contract that |
| how much would it cost you:a) To have it repaired?b) | | | | takes complete care of your whole system. |
| In lost orders?c) In wages paid to staff who cannot do | | | | Whatever you decide, you will discover that handing |
| their work? | | | | responsibility for your IT over to a reliable specialist |
| 3. Have you ever allowed someone who knows all | | | | service can save money, headaches, and valuable |
| about PC to fix a problem - only to have it made | | | | time that you and your staff can put to better use in |
| worse? | | | | growing your business. |