In the year 2019, Microsoft ceased its support for Windows XP, marking the end of an era for this legacy operating system. Astonishingly, even three years later, almost a million PCs globally continue to operate on this outdated software. Delving deeper into the landscape of antiquated software, a concerning reality emerges – countless businesses are still reliant on unsupported and obsolete software packages. Over the past two months, we’ve conducted a meticulous assessment of the business risks associated with retaining internal IT infrastructure management. One of the standout benefits of outsourcing lies in the realm of IT support, ensuring the constant security and up-to-date status of your systems.
At the heart of any business lies a treasure trove of data pertaining to customers, suppliers, and partners. This invaluable information serves as the backbone of seamless order fulfillment and efficient business management. Undoubtedly, the uninterrupted access to this data holds paramount importance, directly influencing your trading capabilities. It stands as one of the most critical risk factors in your business. Equally significant is the choice of where to store this vital data. Storing it on aging in-house servers or office PCs inherently elevates the risk of data loss or corruption. In stark contrast, hosting it in a secure and stable cloud environment significantly mitigates such concerns, further amplified by having expert IT support.
Introducing the cloud-first strategy – a paradigm that champions the integration of cloud computing into business operations. Microsoft eloquently defines cloud computing as the provision of comprehensive computing services encompassing servers, storage, databases, networking, software, analytics, and intelligence. This comprehensive suite is delivered over the vast canvas of the internet, empowering faster innovation, adaptable resource allocation, and the cost efficiencies inherent in economies of scale. Cloud computing has rapidly evolved into a cornerstone of modern IT infrastructure, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises. Its cost-effectiveness optimises IT spending, allowing businesses to focus on their core operations with the assurance of robust IT support. Additionally, cloud services adhere to a pay-as-you-use model, trimming operational costs while effortlessly scaling to accommodate evolving business demands.
In the dynamic landscape of today, disaster recovery planning is an indispensable necessity. Picture unforeseen events like fires, floods, or break-ins. Intriguingly, Transport for London reveals that two laptops are forgotten on the tube daily. This highlights the importance of accounting for human behavior in your recovery strategies. By entrusting your business-critical data and files to the cloud, you free yourself from the grip of hardware malfunctions. Whether it’s a shattered laptop or a misplaced phone, expert IT support and mobile device management ensures immediate access denial and rapid replacements.
It’s pivotal to recognise that a cloud-first strategy doesn’t entail complete reliance on the cloud. Engaging a seasoned managed IT services provider, such as Commstec, empowers you to identify the segments of your infrastructure primed for cloud integration. Our thorough four-step approach – encompassing technology evaluation, solution design, implementation, and ongoing monitoring – equips you with a clear understanding of risk points within your existing setup. What sets Commstec apart is our human-centric ethos, grounded in superior IT support and services. Together, we can engineer a cost-effective IT ecosystem tailored to your present and future needs. Ready to embark on this transformative journey? Secure your free, no-obligation Business Technology review with us, and let’s map your seamless transition towards a cloud-first strategy, bolstered by unwavering IT support.