Declare your Independence from IT Instability

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Computer technology is about as close to magic as we’re going to get these days. It has revolutionized every aspect of our culture, from business technology to social communications. It’s changed the way we work, play and even the way we think.

Yet, we’ve become so completely dependent on this technology that when problems arise it can be more than crippling. In some cases, a network failure can mean the end of a small business. Losing the trust of your clients and business partners is devastating, regardless of your company’s size.

As CEO, you have a choice when it comes to IT stability:

1.  You can do nothing and hope for the best, or

2.  You can recognize that IT problems are inevitable, so you need to be prepared.

You know that waiting for an IT problem to happen is akin to setting yourself up for failure. And you also know that proactive planning can prevent technology problems from resulting in a major system failure.

So how do you ensure your business is always running smoothly and its business as usual? The answer is understanding the most common threats to your network security and business technology solutions. Know where you are vulnerable and ensure your IT team is experienced and focused on uninterrupted IT stability. By taking the proper steps in IT planning and network security, you won’t have to let your fears of an IT meltdown haunt your path to success.

5 Big Threats to Your IT Independence

1. Network Crash = Data Loss

What happens when your hardware fails or your software suddenly goes haywire? Imagine all your customer and vendor information—*poof*—just gone. This is one of the worst and most common threats to business computer systems security and can be the difference between a successful business and a business that goes under. Issues such as a hard drive failure due to old technology, years of programs installed on top of one another, storage at capacity, incomplete/ineffective backup systems, not enough or out-of-date RAM, and a host of other potential hardware and software failures can lead to data loss.

2. Not Staying Relevant amidst Today’s Tech Explosion

We are literally in the midst of a technological renaissance. In fact, Moore’s Law observes that computer technology doubles in capability about every 18 months. And, as we’ve seen, sometimes this rate evolves much faster. Your IT team should know when and how often to update your hardware and software, as well as the best tech choices that will remain relevant for longer periods of time. A great IT team understands how to properly integrate new technology within your existing systems, but also when an upgrade is absolutely necessary to keep your business ahead of the curve.

3. Technology Incompatibility

IT stability is mandatory. If your hardware/software is out of date, your external devices aren’t compatible with your internal network, your systems aren’t working together, and/or your managed IT and network support systems aren’t functioning at their best, then your company isn’t engaged in technology best practices. This is akin to “limping along”—and it’s slowing your people down, big time. While your old technology may still work, it’s definitely not working in your favor. More than likely, it is keeping your employees from functioning at peak productivity.

4. Hackers, Viruses and Malicious Software

The idea of these malicious creepers alone is enough to make any business owner strongly consider their network security solutions… and vulnerabilities. From backdoor Trojan Horse viruses to the recent Heartbleed Bug, even the most secure systems are subject to security breaches from hackers, viruses and other malicious programs. Personal/client data (including credit card information) theft and full on identity theft are risks you can’t afford to take. A great IT team offers proactive prevention from these expensive and debilitating potential security breaches.

5. Unreliable/Inconsistent Tech Support

So what do you do when your systems go down? What if you can’t get in touch with your IT guy? What if you don’t have one? Network and system failures don’t follow a schedule. They can fail at any time, including late at night and on weekends. Many companies take a huge risk by either not hiring a full-time IT team or enlisting a sub-par outsourced IT provider. You need an IT support help desk that’s available whenever you need it, ready with the specific and speedy solution your business requires.

The old adage “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” doesn’t apply to today’s modern technological business world. A modernization of that phrase should be “if it’s old and still works ok, upgrade to stay ahead of the game.” These common problems are not without solutions. Being aware of common threats to your business is the first step to moving away from the realm of IT instability and shifting closer toward total technology independence. Partnering with an experienced, outsourced IT team takes the fear out of IT problems and is often the solution to solidifying your IT stability for good.

Stop potential hackers in their tracks.

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