Usually, when a business owner or executive goes searching for a new outsourced IT firm, it’s because they are worried about (or currently experiencing) a crisis. These are situations where emails won’t go through, files are missing, or there is a suspected online security issue.
Dealing with these sorts of emergencies is our business, of course, but some of our most valuable work is a lot more mundane. To help you understand why, we have compiled a list of seven boring but critical IT tasks that really shouldn’t be ignored. If your company isn’t looking after them, then you could probably use our help. That’s because these kinds of projects prevent the bigger problems from showing up later…
#1 Periodic Password Changes
There are a lot of reasons to change your passwords regularly (and to keep different passwords for different accounts and systems). For instance, many small businesses fail to change their passwords and, as a result, have dozens of former employees and vendors who could get into their systems at any time. Changing, storing, and generating secure passwords might be a pain, but it’s necessary.
#2 Regular Backups
We have spilled a lot of digital ink on our blog warning business owners about the need for a strong backup and disaster recovery strategy. We will continue to do so in the future, as well. That’s because something as simple as a routine power surge can wipe out servers and hard drives. If that happens and you aren’t prepared, it could cost your business in a huge way.
#3 Software and Firmware Updates
Updates to software and firmware can bring performance improvements, security enhancements, and even compatibility tools. So when you skip or ignore them you’re less safe, more prone to crashes, and paying for features or advantages you aren’t taking advantage of. The only downside is that these updates need to be handled promptly and professionally to avoid errors.
#4 Scheduled Hardware Inspections
It’s easy to forget but things like hard drives, servers, and even mobile devices can degrade or become damaged over time. The bigger and more expensive the piece of equipment is, the more important it is to have a trained IT professional performing annual or bi-annual inspections. That way you can ensure everything is in good working order today and plan for replacement costs in the future.
#5 Annual Subscription Reviews
Although we are huge proponents of moving to monthly or yearly subscriptions for cloud software packages, you should never be in a position where you’re blindly renewing them from one period to the next. After all, you might be spending less but it’s still money coming out of your company’s budget. You and your IT team should review your needs regularly to ensure you aren’t paying for anything your team doesn’t require.
#6 Privacy Policy Revisions
We have written about this topic recently so we won’t go into great depth here. However, it’s the case that most companies are using data differently than they used to. Failing to update your privacy policy can cause big problems. For one thing it can leave you liable to legal challenges and negative press. Alternatively, it could stop you from getting the credit your company deserves.
#7 Vendor Performance Reviews
As important as all of the technical details we’ve listed are, let’s not forget that you should review the performance of your IT team (whether they are internal or external) from time to time as well. You never want to be paying for systems or support that you aren’t using, so be sure you’re getting the most from your technology budget.
Is Your Outsourced IT Partner Stepping Up in 2021?
Are you getting great rates, proactive technology care, and detail-oriented service from your current IT vendor? If not, this is the perfect time to speak with a member of our sales team. Contact us today so we can schedule a time to get together and see how we can help!