Tag Archive for: Network Support

IT support for PCs and Servers

The Importance of Effective PC and Server Support

The backbone of any organization’s operations in the 21st century is based upon a foundation of strong IT. However, whilst a series of desktop PCs may initially be enough for your business, the growth that you aspire to means that change will be inevitable. In particular, upgrading from individual PCs to a networked infrastructure such as servers is crucial.

Due to the technical expertise required to work with servers and server support involved, it’s important that you start working with a network support team.

Do I Need A Server For My Small Business?

Installing a networked infrastructure brings a myriad of benefits to your organisation. Files can easily be shared between different users, remote access opens up a much wider reach for your business operations and the ability to share hardware between users is easier than ever before. And good network support can facilitate this by:

  • Building a Network That Works: The complexities behind a PC network are immense, so it’s vital that they’re built by a team who know exactly what they’re doing. This, in turn, provides you with a fully functioning network and minimises down time.
  • Providing Network Support: With the amount of activity that takes place on a server it’s unavoidable that errors will occur. However, with a network support team who are highly experienced in the intricacies of servers, you’ll find that any issues can be resolved quickly.
  • Ensuring the Network is Secure: Hacking is a major threat to businesses due to the large quantities of data at risk and the danger of damaging productivity. Peace of mind over the security of your server, therefore, is paramount. The best way to achieve this is by working with a network support team who can guarantee the security of your server.

Growth to your IT infrastructure doesn’t just stop at your servers, it also means significant upgrades to your hardware and software. Both of which need a significant amount of expertise to support.

Hardware and Software Support

From data storage solutions through to updating software through the installation of patches, it’s critical that your hardware and software is supported correctly. With an excellent support team in place you can be certain of the following:

  • Productivity is Secured: Your productivity can feel the bite of poorly supported hardware and software almost instantly. If, for example, your data storage fails then your organisation can seriously struggle to operate. However, if your hardware is properly supported then this disruption can be resolved quickly.
  • Software Updates Installed Correctly: One of the biggest threats to IT security is the failure to install software updates and patches quickly. IT support teams, however, understand the danger this brings and will strive to install these fixes.
  • Remote Troubleshooting: Thanks to advances in technology, IT support for your hardware and software can be executed from any location. This allows your business to receive instant remote support at any time of the day from your IT support team.

Read more about Network and Server Support….

 

Network Support for the Digital Workplace

Digital Workplace

The development of the digital workplace over the past decade has been astounding, with more and more companies moving closer to the ideal of a paperless, digital office. The introduction of the computer network has also changed the way we work, leading to a 24/7, always on culture.

This technology allows people to collaborate in the office, having shared space for storing files, and appropriate communications channels such as video conferencing. But it also allows people to access these types of resources from outside the office.

All of this requires a solid foundation of networking infrastructure to underpin these new ways of working. Wi-Fi is now seen as a must have for most offices, along with multiple Wi-Fi access points to ensure a good connection from anywhere in the building. That being said, Ethernet ports are still desired for users who don’t want to rely on a wireless connection.

It is essential that you have the right network support capability to maintain these systems and keep the company moving.

Network Security

As the number of devices on the network proliferates, including employees bringing their own devices and third parties requiring connectivity, network security becomes an increasingly important part of the digital office.

The challenge is to ensure network security without placing too many constraints on the end users.

Key Considerations for Network Security

  • Antivirus and firewalls – The right network security software will go a long way to preventing any harmful activity getting through to your corporate systems. This includes firewalls and up to date antivirus protection. Ransomware attacks are becoming increasingly prevalent, so it is more important than ever that you track the developments in this space.
  • Access restrictions – You may want to place specific restrictions on who can use you network in different instances, so example giving they most locked down experience to guests connecting to the Wi-Fi, and the most unlimited access to employees connected directly via Ethernet.
  • Website filtering – Some website are used by hackers to infect machines and infiltrate corporate systems. By locking down suspicious sites you can help to prevent this happening.

This is just a small subset of the steps that you can take, and a comprehensive solution would require a thorough understanding of your business and an appreciation for any specific threats you might face.

Network Support

Network support is about maintaining the systems that allow organisations to function and communicate. Maintaining the corporate network, either as part of the organisation’s internal IT support team or through an external network support team.

These days, failing to protect your network can have serious negative effects on your digital office experience and your business as a whole. Something causing the network to go down can make it difficult for many employees to do their jobs effectively, and if it is as a result of a virus or hack, can lead to serious reputational damage to your brand.

It is therefore essential that you dedicate sufficient time and resource to protecting this core asset.

If you haven’t already done so, you should consider taking a free network survey to highlight any weak spots in your digital workplace, don’t hesitate to get touch if you have questions about how to adequately protect your network.