It’s just a simple operating system update, no problem to do yourself, right? But if you’ve got any type of software or hardware conflict, that “simple” update can end up making a PC unusable until it’s fixed.
Technology problems not only mean unnecessary downtime, they can end up costing you thousands a year without your realizing it. You may think you’re saving money by handling your IT at your small or mid-sized Charlotte business yourself, but you could actually be shooting yourself in the foot.
A business technology infrastructure has become more complex over time and has also become indispensable when it comes to running a business. It’s made up of multiple moving parts – more than just your computers.
The IT environment of a typical SMB can include:
- Computers/Laptops
- Mobile Devices
- Servers
- Cloud Applications
- Routers and Network Components
- Cybersecurity Safeguards
- Printers, Scanners, IoT Devices
You can think of the complexity as similar to the different components that make up the “bones” of your office. You have electrical wiring, plumbing, heating and air conditioning, and more.
Most business owners wouldn’t dream of trying to take care of all those building components themselves, even if they had a little layman’s knowledge. The consequences if something went wrong could be catastrophic.
Yet, as important as their technology infrastructure is, many SMBs make the mistake of trying to handle it on their own, only to end up paying the price later.
Here’s What Can Happen If You Don’t Use an IT Pro
Professional electricians, plumbers, and HVAC technicians have a combination of training and experience that ensures things have a much better chance of being done right.
Likewise, an IT professional has the educational background, certification, and hands-on experience that ensures your technology infrastructure will be well taken care of.
Besides standard technology training, we work with many different types of customers, meaning you’ll gain that full body of knowledge as a benefit when you work with us.
What can go wrong if you try to handle your company’s IT needs yourself? Here are just a few of the mishaps, setbacks, or outright disasters you can experience.
Your Network is Left at Risk of a Data Breach
You need much more than just an antivirus to keep hackers at bay these days. 43% of data breach victims are small businesses, and the impact can often be devastating.
If you leave just one security patch uninstalled or aren’t sure what all those security settings in Microsoft 365 mean, you could be setting yourself up to be a hacker’s next ransomware victim.
An IT professional will understand all the facets of good cybersecurity, both on-premises and cloud, and can keep you better protected from a data breach.
Employees Wasting Time Dealing with Tech Issues
You may think everything’s going smoothly with your handing of your company’s technology, not seeing the 15 minutes here and half an hour there that your staff is spending every day dealing with technology issues.
Employees waste an average of 22 minutes a day (over 2 weeks a year!) dealing with IT problems.
Any money that you think you’re saving by keeping technology inhouse could be easily eaten up by the loss of productivity as your staff deals with multiple IT issues that crop up throughout the week. Issues that could easily be avoided and/or alleviated by having an IT professional take care of your tech.
You Have a Major IT Crash & Resulting Downtime
One of the purposes of the monthly maintenance that comes with a managed IT services plan is to catch potential technology crashes before they happen.
Downtime can cost thousands of dollars each hour on top of emergency repair costs for a PC or server that’s crashed. If you don’t know the warning signs to look for, you can be caught completely off guard with a system failure.
An IT pro can keep your equipment maintained, replace parts, and let you know well ahead of time if a piece of hardware is going to need replacement in the near future.
You’re Not as Productive as You Could Be
Working with a technology professional isn’t just about having your equipment taken care of, we’ll also make sure your business is well taken care of too.
We can help you find better ways to integrate and automate your technology, ensure you’re getting the most out of your cloud subscriptions (like Microsoft 365), and aren’t wasting money on inefficient technology.
Basically, we’re an extended part of your business, helping to ensure your tech is there to drive you forward instead of holding you back.
How Can Rocky Knoll Technologies Help Make Your Business Better?
Find out how much better your days can be when you have a dedicated IT pro by your side. We’ll take the burden of tech management off your shoulders and help you optimize and reduce costs.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation. Call 704.594.7292 or reach us online.
