Is Aging Computer Equipment Costing You Money?

 “Oh no… Not again!” exclaims every business owner whenever new technology enters the market. Small business owners are better reflectors of what happens in the background when any of its computer equipment reaches the retirement age. Most of them tend to continue using older equipment until it completely fails; not a smart move indeed. Although this has not been the case with pro-active businessmen who meticulously keep an eye on the movement of technology, there is a certain part of the business that is hampered.

Yes. The aging computer equipment is costing you money, in fact, a huge chunk of the investment. Let’s understand the hows:

Repairing costs > Replacement costs: The cost of repairing the sluggish PCs or other computer accessories equals or even exceeds the cost of purchasing a new one. According to a global survey by Techaisle, small businesses spend $427 on the repairs of a 4 year old PC on an average which is 1.3 times costlier than to repair a PC that is less than 4 years old or replace with a new one.

Underutilization of Employee Productivity: We often miss out the technological component while measuring and assessing employee productivity. The Techaisle study revealed that an average of 42 productive hours is lost while the older PCs are being repaired which is twice as the unproductive time due to PCs which are less than 4 years old.

Struggle with the New Technology: The aged computer equipment is weak to handle the newer versions of the software. Compatibility issues are huge as the drivers get out of date. Automatic software updates force the business owners’ hands by pushing computers to their fullest capabilities. This consumes a considerable amount of hidden costs that are accountable for less productivity and profits.

Downtime Issues: Bearing the burden of non-productive hours and loss of opportunities as well as profits during the most profitable months is not what any of the businesses operate for. However, if businesses tend to push their hardware until it blows up severely bad, this is really critical. It results into a dual-end loss: replacing the old hardware along with the unforeseeable losses due to downtime.

Business Looks Outdated: As you wouldn’t walk into a business meeting wearing a 1970’s suit, your clients, employees and customers wouldn’t be impressed to see clunky old desktops and laptop computers. It wouldn’t be a pleasant scene to watch your employees struggle to connect to a local printer – they and others connected to your business naturally tend to think that your entire business is behind the times.

If you are already calculating the costs of your aging computers, it is a good start. We can definitely help you with replacing your hardware, machines, and network components. Call Harry Bhatia at 2165035150 X 206 to discuss how much it will cost you. For initial details, please visit https://www.netactivity.us/ and find out how we can help your business requirements.

Net Activity, Inc. offers services to all sizes of businesses with skilled server handling, network management and, computer maintenance including  complete IT solutions like system installation, IT consulting, data security, storage solutions, helpdesk, maintenance & support and hardware repair.

Top 5 Managed IT Security Services Issues: Support Solution By Net Activity

While you know the importance of managed IT services in today’s technologically virtual world, there is one more thing you need to focus on – addressing IT security issues. MSSPs provide you with managed IT support services where you need to enquire further about security solutions they offer. You definitely cannot monitor your IT network for 24 hours a day. This is where you rely on the services of IT managed service providers and leverage a part of access to the professionals.

However, there are certain security risks associated with outsourcing IT services. Your data undergoes number of changes as it is continually bombarded with various queries by many resources at a time. This vulnerability exposes it to unexpected circumstances like:

• Spamming & Virus attacks
• Network performance
• Constant Surveillance
• Firewall Security Services
• Data loss

We, at Net Activity, have over a decade of work experience in managing the IT infrastructure of our clients. Our services are proactive and efficient. So, when you hire us to manage your IT infrastructure, we are liable towards everything your network requires and secure your data responsibly.

IT Support by Net Activity, Inc.

• Cleaning spam emails & checking for viruses before they hit your network
• Over 95% of emails are spam & that does not even hit our clients internet pipe
• Centrally managed antivirus software that is updated regularly, on 4 levels, Spam server, firewall, server and workstations
• Disaster recovery services – backup after every 15 minutes
• Spyware detection and removal
• Certified firewall systems to keep your network protected from the unwanted visitors & web content management
• Daily cleaning of PC temporary files & internet garbage.
• Unlimited onsite and remote support
• 24 X 7 monitoring of servers

Operating from Cleveland, Net Activity, Inc. serves a large base of clientele in Ohio (Cleveland & Akron majorly). With experienced professionals, we are dedicated to let our clients have a well-functioning IT infrastructure. To get a better insight of our services and prices, you can visit https://www.netactivity.us/services/it-managed-services or contact Harry at 2165035150 ext. 206.

Expert Advice – Hiring vs. Outsourcing Managed IT Support Services

Having to decide whether to appoint in-house IT technicians or to outsource to professional IT Service Company is the most difficult situation for businesses. Although, many of them are tempted to hire an in-house technician or a team of engineers to manage their IT infrastructure, the pitfalls can’t be ignored.

This definitely doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t hire a professional to take care of everyday network administration remote IT support services. The focus is about who serves better and what costs better – the latter question interests more, isn’t it? Definitely, it does. While analyzing the situation impartially, outsourcing to an IT Managed Service Provider weighs on the heavier side and here are clarifications to convince you:

You get permanent benefits – Unlike staffing, outsourcing your IT support services serves you with long-term benefits. Imagine the situation when your IT professionals leave you and you have to hire a new one. This would mean re-engaging resources, time and money for the training purpose. Instead, the managed service providers (MSPs) serve you as a team and don’t even bother you with any change of personnel.

You save tremendously – When you staff an internal resource for maintaining remote IT services, you need to ensure a fixed amount for hourly or monthly salary, a dedicated system and other aligned resources. This may seem to be little expenditure initially. However, the bigger picture shows a different scenario. You are bound to invest a set amount periodically whether or not a problem occurs. With MSPs, you have the flexibility to pay as per number for of pc and server supported. The good news is you can scale without creating your own support infrastructure.

You recover network failures sooner – A single IT engineer fails to attend multiple issues at a time and your work may come to a halt for a while incurring huge losses to your business. By outsourcing IT support for your business, you ensure a quick assistance and faster recovery from system failures as the MSP would rush in and look into the problem with multiple technical heads brainstorming and troubleshooting the real point of error; furthermore with multiple clients MSPs have the advantage of having seen the issue before at another location.

You have an updated technology – You definitely don’t wish to drag an obsolete technology and expect glorifying results. Managed IT service providers introduce you to the latest technological upgrades and ensure that you maintain your systems accordingly to prevent irreparable consequences.

It’s never too late. If you haven’t outsourced your IT support services yet, you can discuss in your network and find out the most reliable managed IT support service provider in Ohio. Or you can choose to test the services of Net Activity, Inc. – a leading provider of network security services in Cleveland and Akron (refer: https://www.netactivity.us/services/it-managed-services) for an uninterrupted workflow at reduced expenses.  You can reach to us at 888 545 5346, 216 503 5150 ext 206. Email: info@NetActivity.us

How to Choose the Best IT Tech Support Services for Business?

Tech support services are very important in the decision to purchase from one supplier over another. In the most basic terms, nothing is more frustrating and irritating than a computer or network system that doesn’t work. Network downtimes exaggerate overhead costs and leads to loss of productivity, customer satisfaction and revenues. So, deciding on which company to hire for your business’s managed IT tech support services is crucial at the first instance.

What features to look for?

Pricing – Check the pricing model as companies have different pricing policies on the basis of what they offer. You can choose the one which makes sense for your budget. These are the possible options you will come across:

•  Trip Charges                                                       
•  Preferential  consulting price                                    
•  Monthly subscription                                   
•  One-time fixes

Your choice may vary depending on the size of the network and number of people involved.

Experience – A tech support company having an established history and a solid track record would prove beneficial as you can expect better results and a hassle-free service. Also check whether the company has provided managed IT support services to an industry similar to yours.

Devices – Make an exhaustive check list of devices you need the tech support services for. Ensure that the tech service provider can offer help for every device on your list – PCs, printers, scanners, routers and mobile devices.

Quick response – Quality service providers offer remote IT support services whenever you need. They should have encrypted connections and must be certified.

Type of tech services–Many IT managed services in Cleveland/Akron, Ohio specialize in providing a part or complete tech services. So, it is necessary to check and be clear about the type of services offered. For example, some tech services may offer diagnostics support, data recovery, virus and malware help or firewall and security services or two or more of them.

Customized support – Obviously, you cannot afford to pay for the services you don’t require. So, hire the services of an IT tech support service for your business who is ready to provide customized solutions.

If you are looking for professional IT tech support services, Net Activity, Inc. can satisfy your specific requirements with proactive solutions. We have been in the industry since 2002. Our support plans include 24x7x365 server monitoring, backup management, spyware detection and removal, online asset and vendor management, service pack installation along with unlimited telephone support to our support desk.

Visit https://www.netactivity.us/services/it-managed-services to know more or contact us at 888 545 5346, 216 503 5150 ext 206, email: info@NetActivity.us to discuss further.

Eight Reasons Why Small and Mid-Sized Businesses Need Managed IT Services

Managed IT services is rapidly becoming one of the hottest solutions in business today because it dramatically improves an organization’s profitability, frees up internal resources, and offers a unique competitive advantage.   Simply put, managed IT services are designed to assist companies in maintaining and supporting their network and IT infrastructure with the assistance of an outsourced managed services provider (MSP).  Types of services may include remote network monitoring, programming and reporting (24/7), firewall monitoring, intrusion detection, preventative tasks, disaster recovery, data backup and help desk support.  There are eight critical reasons why small to midsized businesses (SMBs) need managed IT services now and throughout the life cycle of their business.

Dependence On IT

Almost all businesses have become more dependent on computer technologies in the past few years.  And, it’s a rapidly changing environment.  Every business has become dependent on its IT infrastructure to perform at a high level, while effectively delivering its products or services.  As a result, it has become more difficult to maintain the expertise to properly deploy, manage, and monitor this new technology, especially as a business evolves.

Complexity

The fact that this new technology is new makes it more difficult for the average employee to understand and use effectively.  The level of demand and sophistication from today’s businesses are driving up complexity.  Distinct disciplines or specialties are emerging in a variety of technology related areas such as telephony, desktop, network, application and database support.  The breadth and depth of technology an organization requires immediately places the resources at a small to mid-sized businesses (SMBs) at a distinct disadvantage.

Insufficient Solutions

Traditional support options such as a one man IT consultant, or a one or two person in-house IT department cannot effectively handle the occasional network breakdowns that are bound to occur. This is especially true when compared to a team of external resources that  proactively monitor the SMB’s installed technology at all times.

Lack of Process

An IDC study reinforces the notion of lack of process, showing that 78% of all IT downtime is caused by change.  If you could simply eliminate change from the computing environment, you would substantially decrease the risk.Unfortunately, most SMBs lack the procedures, documentation standards, and scope of work, which often results in major disruption and downtime.

Increased Use of Technology

Increasing use of computers, new software and procedures, often leads to increased complaints and loss of productivity.Typically, when network or desktop problems arise and escalate inside a company, the response time of the one man shop or internal staff is quite slow. This dramatically increases employee complaints and lowers productivity.  In many situations employees have to wait in line to receive help.  As a result the downtime and morale will impact the organization’s bottom line as well as their ability to meet their customers’ needs.  By implementing a managed IT services program, the demand on internal IT resources are lessened, and they can now be utilized for other purposes such as directly supporting strategic business objectives rather than becoming bogged down in frequent break/fix issues.

Controlling Costs

During these challenging times, the IT budget is frequently reduced.  In a recent survey of nearly 950 IT managers at companies in North America and Europe; nearly half of the U.S. respondents said they have already cut their IT spending budgets.  Unfortunately, a cut in IT spending doesn’t mean there is a cut in demand for services.  This adds tremendous stress and pressure on internal departments to support the same amount of work with fewer resources.

Technology Erosion

Computer systems must be maintained just like any other systems used within the business. Vehicle fleets, manufacturing equipment, and the physical plant, have all moved to a preventative approach. If a company does not implement this preventative maintenance strategy for its technology components, disaster might be the unpleasant and unprofitable result.

Compliance

Finally, the technology utilized within an organization in most cases must meet specific compliance standards.  For example, a company’s business processes supported by technology may need to comply with Sarbanes-Oxely, Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPPA), Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (GLBA) and other requirements. Most companies don’t have the resources to fully understand and comply with all the detailed requirements of these regulations.

All of the above issues are driving the popularity of partnering with a managed IT services firm.  Companies that have made the transition already answered this question.  If deploying, managing and monitoring my IT infrastructure has absolutely nothing to do with the core competency of my business, why wouldn’t I outsource it to an expert?  This is a fairly easy question to answer and these organizations have reaped the rewards of increased profitability and a competitive advantage.

About us:

Net Activity, Inc. is a business-oriented computer & telephone communication company. It is our mission to make our clients business more efficient using our technology services.

For more information on our Managed Services offering and an offer for a FREE Network Assessment – Managed IT Services