Modern business is dependent on technology. It doesn’t matter if it’s a small or medium-sized business (SMB) or a multinational conglomerate, or an accounting firm or a medical practice — you’ll find that technology is at the core of their daily operations. .
So, what would businesses do if their system breaks down suddenly, their office network is sluggish, or their data is compromised?
If your response is to call IT support after something breaks, then you’re behind the times. Because in today’s highly competitive world, having proactive IT support is a requirement.
What is proactive IT support?
With proactive IT support, you anticipate tech problems before they happen, like your server crashing or your email going offline all of a sudden. A proactive IT team monitors your system 24/7, updates your apps and system regularly, and schedules preventive maintenance to ensure smooth operations.
This is in contrast to the break/fix model: something breaks, you call someone to fix it, and everything grinds to a halt while the issue is being resolved. The break/fix approach is reactive, and while it may have been enough 10 years ago, it doesn’t cut it in today’s digital landscape.
Time to leave behind the break/fix model
Reactive IT support results in downtime that costs money, slows down growth, and erodes customers’ trust.
- Downtime is expensive, even if it’s just a few hours. A recent study showed that an hour’s disruption can cost an SMB tens of thousands of dollars.
- Cyberthreats are constant. SMBs are especially vulnerable because they can’t afford enterprise-level security. This is why hackers target SMBs rather than big businesses.
- With growth comes the need to scale up. Scaling up (or down) requires proper planning and execution to make sure your infrastructure can handle the change in the number of users, amount of data, and new applications.
Considering these effects, the break/fix model only guarantees more downtime — and more loss.
The benefits of going proactive
Adopting proactive IT strategies brings numerous benefits that protect and improve your business operations.
Less downtime, more productivity
You’ll experience fewer unexpected interruptions with a well-maintained and monitored system. Say goodbye to wasting time troubleshooting tech issues, and hello to more time doing your job.
Predictable IT costs
Because most proactive support charges a flat monthly fee, it makes budgeting easier. It also eliminates the unexpected costs (and sticker shock) of emergency repairs.
Stronger cybersecurity
Proactive IT will place layers of protection in place, such as regular software updates, firewall checks, data backups, and even employee cybersecurity training. With these measures, SMBs can significantly boost their cybersecurity posture.
Smarter long-term planning
Your proactive IT partner isn’t just an IT repairman; they’ll help you make strategic decisions regarding upgrades, data storage, cloud services, and more. It’s their job to align your technology with your business goals.
Real support, not just tech talk
IT support isn’t limited to repairing tech software and hardware. If you partner with a good managed IT services provider (MSP), you gain a full-time tech department without the expensive overhead.
An MSP is an IT partner that works behind the scenes to keep tech issues at bay. They know how to explain things plainly, so you and your team stay informed without all the technobabble. They can help you adapt to new technologies and trends, like using cloud storage, automation, and remote work tools.
Proactive support equals peace of mind
With proactive IT support, you’ll be confident your tech systems are in capable, reliable hands. This confidence translates to better customer service and more efficient operations. And without the added stress of worrying about your tech, you can focus more on how to stay ahead of your competitors.
Thinking of partnering with an MSP? Choose one that prioritizes proactive support — partner with a trusted local MSP like NetQuest. Our expert team understands SMB tech challenges and speaks your language. Contact us today and learn how we can help.
