One of the main concerns for small Minneapolis businesses with a conservative IT budget is getting the IT support they need for an affordable price. However, the upfront and long-term cost of an IT support service should be balanced against the financial benefits the solution provides. Below, we take a look at some common IT support services for Minneapolis small businesses in terms of the basic financial advantages that they deliver to the customer.
Hardware Virtualization
Several types of hardware can be implemented on a virtualized model, including servers, desktops, and data storage silos. In addition to creating improved network performance that boosts productivity, hardware virtualization can also limit the need to purchase some types of hardware. For example, server virtualization — a discipline that places two or more virtual servers on one physical server — helps many companies avoid buying costly new servers.
Remote Network Management
Remote network management is an excellent solution for businesses that don’t have an official IT department. Instead of paying thousands of dollars to hire a team of IT technicians and systems administrators, businesses can have the IT network managed by a provider of IT support services for Minneapolis small businesses. Because many network issues can now be resolved remotely, outsourcing network management is one way to reduce payroll costs.
24/7 Network Monitoring
IT networks should be monitored around the clock so that issues that occur after hours can be addressed immediately. As with network management, network monitoring can be performed in-house or remotely, and outsourcing the task to a third party provider can limit payroll costs. In addition, around-the-clock network monitoring can help companies become more productive by resolving problems when they happen, instead of addressing them on the next day of business.
Disaster Recovery Planning
Disaster recovery planning is a service that helps businesses prepare for a disaster that incapacitates the IT system. By making the proper preparations, businesses can survive such a disaster and thrive in its wake. Most plans contain at least four provisions: offsite data storage, deploying emergency hardware, deploying emergency staff, and establishing an alternation business location. Taking these steps can prevent a company from going out of business.
Contact Us Today
Stratosphere Networks is an industry-leading provider of IT support services for Minneapolis small businesses. Hardware virtualization, network management, 24/7 network monitoring, and disaster recovery planning are four of our many services that can help your business improve its bottom line and keep IT costs under control. For more information about our IT support options for small businesses, call us today at (877) 950-1999, or use our contact form.
