A Rundown on Common Types of IT Support and Services for Beginners

Welcome to the Fourth Industrial Revolution, where businesses and life are driven by the power of technology in one way or another; therefore, IT services play a significantly important role in the operation of a modern business, whether it is tech-related or not. In time, the IT industry has incessantly altered a lot, and so do the IT outsourcing services. As a result, we now have a multitude of IT service types catered to specific requirements of users and resolve problems in various areas. How about going through some of the most common types and seeing what you can leverage from them?

What Are IT Support Services?

Does the term IT or Information Technology ring any bell to you? Yes, you got it right. IT support is a wide-ranging field that encompasses most aspects of computer-based technology, and it covers a range of services in terms of IT-related issues, such as troubleshooting and resolving hardware, software, and application issues, installation of computers and peripherals, data backup and recovery, network management, maintenance of security systems, system upgrades or updates, internet connection setup, and configuration, etc.

Ordinarily, these IT operation activities are managed and handled by teams or individuals with expertise in information technology and computer science. At times, organizations can totally manage IT services in-house, while they can request aid from third-party vendors at other times. At this point, the IT support service providers come into play and offer requisite technology tools and technical assistance in managing business technology assets.

The Most Common Types of IT Support Services

Guess what? There are up to around twenty types of IT services, or even more. All of them are different in nature but serve one ultimate cause – to help businesses operate efficiently and smoothly. Well, we will not run across all the types, but some of the most conventional ones. Ready to get a better understanding of the common types of IT support and services:

Managed IT Services

Basically, you are hiring some sort of managed IT services when you entrust the end-to-end management and maintenance of your company’s internal IT infrastructures to a third-party vendor. This includes everything from the installation of IT equipment to the network monitoring and management of emails, data storage, and a series of other technical activities. Clients can decide which IT functions to outsource and which not as well as the service levels they wish to pay for; the contract is quite flexible in this respect.

Cloud Services

The cloud platform is an on-demand storage that enables businesses to store their data in offsite servers instead of keeping it stored on busy servers or physical infrastructure. They are especially useful for small businesses as it helps them avoid the cost of purchasing and maintaining their own servers. Cloud computing services also enable users to access business information and data from across devices, at any time, and from anywhere too. Utilizing such IT solutions, organizations are set free from the upfront costs of owning resources and personnel, as well as the hassles of setting up and managing complex IT infrastructure. Additionally, the right IT service provider offers you not only essential tech support but also consultancy on the suitable cloud environments that suit your organizational needs.

Voice Over Internet Protocol (VoIP)

Voice over internet protocol is a versatile communication method in which users within an organization can make calls and send messages or receive them through internet connections instead of traditional landline phones. VoIP does more than a regular phone line, such as voicemail, call forwarding, video conferences, and heaps more. VoIP makes a fine choice for companies of all sizes and types, particularly those that lack the resources of larger companies or large-sized ones that strive to cut down on communication costs. It permits companies to access the services of a VoIP service provider and receive IT support, both on-site and remote support.

IT Help Desk Support

The IT help desk support is a form of service that helps in assisting and providing users with technical assistance. When a user encounters an issue related to any software application or hardware, they send a request to the IT service provider, who resolves the problem either remotely or through on-site assistance. IT helpdesks provide sufficient assistance for the use of technology such as computers, laptops, tablets, mobile devices, and so on. This includes troubleshooting hardware and software issues, installation of applications and operating systems, and providing technical advice or guidance to users solving computer problems. Moreover, IT helpdesk services also include PC repair, data recovery solutions, consulting services related to technology projects, etc.

Monitoring Services

IT monitoring services does as it is stated – to keep track of the operations and performance of the IT systems to ensure that everything functions as it should, ranging from the network activity to server performance, etc. Before any issue arises and affects the operations of an organization, IT monitoring service providers detect it before time, thereby preventing data loss or unplanned downtime. Any issues that are detected will be fixed immediately by the IT support team without disruption to the operations of the business.

Data Backup & Recovery

Data and information backup services are catered to companies’ needs for protecting their sensitive data from being lost. These professional services are means to prevent data loss in case of system failure, natural disasters, malicious attacks, or a power outage. The service providers are responsible for keeping your confidential data safe and secure in offsite servers, using reliable backup solutions. It also offers complete recovery of any lost or corrupted files/data, restoring them without hassle.

Cyber Security Services

In today’s digital world, the need for cyber security is more pressing than ever. Cyber threats are unavoidable and can cause immense damage to any business. IT service providers offer cyber security services that provide secure access control over networks and systems with advanced technologies to protect your data from potential threats. The secure network infrastructure also protects systems from unauthorized access, malicious viruses, malware, and all other data security threats. These services ensure secure web hosting and reliable network infrastructure with high-end encryption, which provides the utmost protection for your confidential data.

Network Security

Network security services involve regular network checkups and managing access control over network resources and the security of data traveling through them. Businesses require secure networks that protect their sensitive information from external threats as well as internal ones. IT service providers ensure advanced protection with state-of-the-art encryption technologies, endpoint protection, and more. Furthermore, they provide solutions to protect your systems in case of any cyber-attack or data breaches, such as building firewalls and other security solutions.

Software as a Service (SaaS)

Software as a Service is a service model of software delivery in which users can access applications over the internet. IT service providers offer SaaS solutions that are hosted on their servers, making it easier for businesses to utilize the latest and most advanced technologies without having to invest in any hardware or software. The provider will take care of all the technical aspects related to the software, such as installation and maintenance. This makes it easier for businesses to focus on their core operations and activities without having to worry about the IT aspect.

Software Development Services

These IT services are brought on to support a business in the development lifecycle and completion of a project. The service providers will provide users with the extensive expertise and experience required, which offloads the in-house IT teams and secures better outcomes. Based on the niche requirements of clients, custom software development services can be tailored accordingly, ranging from QA testing, system analysis, software/mobile application development, enhancements, integrations, etc. The service provider will also be responsible for providing end-user technical support and maintenance services on the software created.

Up to your choice of services and involvement, IT service providers arrange a dedicated team of adepts or add extra personnel to your IT teams for more comprehensive and cohesive support. The professionals work closely with your team to offer the most efficient solutions which are in line with your business goals. This helps streamline operations and achieve success in minimal time. With such an approach and its advantages, businesses can stay competitive and achieve greater heights of success.

Benefits of Outsourcing to a Service Provider

It is a commonplace for a company to entrust its activities or functions to an intermediary in the modern business world. Not every organization, especially small businesses, can afford an IT team or department on its own; therefore, most companies cut through the chase by leveraging technical support from an IT service provider. On the other hand, there are many organizations that still nurture uncertainties about hiring IT support services. Surprisingly, they all may have changed their minds after running through a number of advantages they would never otherwise be able to tap into.

Significantly Reduce Costs

Definitely, cutting costs is the number one benefit of outsourcing IT services to a service provider. Organizations save their costs on hiring and maintaining an in-house team or department by simply relying on an external support partner. As they pay only for the time they use while not having to bear any additional overhead expenses, their cost savings become visible.

Increase Efficiency

Outsourcing IT services to a service provider allows organizations to focus on the core activities of their business while the outsourced partners take care of all other technical tasks. This results in improved efficiency, less stress, and higher customer satisfaction. Furthermore, since IT service providers have a team of experts who specialize in certain areas, they provide specialized and customized solutions that are tailored to the specific needs of a business.

Streamlined Services

It is tough for companies to manage their IT tasks with limited resources and a lack of expertise. Expertise is particularly important for companies that are dependent on a particular technology or operating system; thus, outsourcing would make the most sense. By doing so, they get access to trained experts who can measure and streamline their services as required.

Increase Productivity

Productivity and efficiency are the cornerstones of any business, and IT support services can help organizations to increase their output by providing them with the required tools. Companies need not worry about system maintenance or security threats as all these tasks will be handled by the service provider so that they can focus on their core activities.

Enhance Security

During these times of cyber threats, all companies must pay attention to the safety of their data and information. IT service providers have extensive knowledge and experience in this field; they possess the right tools, techniques, and experience to protect any organization against malicious attacks or other disasters. With them on board, businesses do not have to worry about anything related to security as it is all taken care of.

Improve Customer Service

Customer service is the backbone of any company, and it can be improved by offering immediate solutions to their queries and issues. IT support services make it possible for businesses to respond quickly to customers’ concerns and questions by handling the hardest parts of IT operations for you, which eventually maximizes customer satisfaction and increases loyalty. By providing prompt responses to customers, they receive positive feedback, which increases their credibility in the market.

Now those are just some of the benefits you can reap from outsourcing IT services to an external hand, and there are probably more awaiting you.

If you are well prepared for contracting out your IT operations, what you need to come up with next is a reliable and capable IT partner – the key to success. Why look where else while you got one here – Orient Software? Find out why you should partner with us but not others, and reach out to us today.