Should You Consider Cloud Server Solutions?
IT support businesses sell all types of services and products to help your business to be as successful as possible. However, how can you tell which are the best and when you really need them? Here’s a quick list of the top 10 most popular items with a quick description of each one. Then, compare your business needs to these lists and determine which IT support provider is right for you. This will ensure that you make the most of your IT support needs.
The list includes managed services from many of the leading IT services providers such as Managed Servers, Cloud Computing, and PC Support. They provide network security, backup, video acceleration, and other managed services such as software testing, infrastructure optimization, database integration, deployment management, and more. While some of these may seem very specialized, all IT services provided by these IT providers should help your business move forward in the IT arena.
The first item on the list provides network security and backup by providing in-house servers for your company’s enterprise. For example, you can have a backup data center located in the data rack provided by your IT support services. Your technicians will take care of the hardware, network security, and other issues. The servers can be managed and maintained through remote management and have access to a variety of applications.
Another option includes Managed Servers. With a Managed Server, your servers are maintained partially or wholly in the data rack provided by the IT support service. This option gives your technicians full control over the servers, including access to the operating system and other programs installed on the machine. You also won’t have to worry about hardware or software issues, and you can enjoy fast speeds. The drawback to Managed Servers is that you may lose some of the operational benefits offered by managed servers, such as network security and backup.
Many businesses have moved beyond the in-house managed model and have gone full-service. By choosing this option, you get to use only an IT service provider’s full range of computer services. You get full network security, full remote management, and full access to its operating systems, applications, and files. These services are usually offered by the IT support service provider at an additional fee. If you’re not ready to pay an additional monthly charge for these services, some IT service providers offer them at a cost-per-request basis instead.
Most small businesses don’t have the budget to keep their data secure, especially if they’re based in home areas. The alternative, which many small businesses choose, is costly and risky. Computer service companies that provide managed services for small businesses are much more secure than their counterparts offering in-house servers. They also know how to protect information technology from theft, since they handle all of the tasks that would typically be handled by a person in the corporate IT department.
Many businesses are moving away from on-premise software and are making the move to cloud servers. Cloud computing offers the best of both worlds, because it provides the benefits of having a reliable, fast, and inexpensive IT service without the costs of maintaining a server. However, while cloud servers can provide the same IT support as on-premise solutions, they’re not at the same level. When it comes to handling critical applications and data, cloud servers are really no better than their in-house alternatives.
For most businesses, the benefits of cloud services far outweigh the benefits of on-premise servers. Businesses shouldn’t overlook managed services options, but there may be times when an in-house IT group is still the best solution. In general, there are a lot of reasons to consider cloud solutions, whether or not you use them yourself. The choice depends on your business needs and budget.