IT Outsourcing Archives - Ardent IT Solutions https://ardent-it.com/category/it-outsourcing/ Ardent IT Solutions LLC. Sun, 22 Sep 2024 18:47:25 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=7.0.2 https://ardent-it.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/cropped-logo-32x32.png IT Outsourcing Archives - Ardent IT Solutions https://ardent-it.com/category/it-outsourcing/ 32 32 Is Hiring an Outsourced IT Team Too Expensive for My Small Business? https://ardent-it.com/is-hiring-an-outsourced-it-team-too-expensive-for-my-small-business/ Tue, 11 Jul 2023 12:38:54 +0000 https://ardent-it.com/?p=10728 When running a small business, one of the biggest challenges that owners face is managing costs. Tight budgets mean that every...

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When running a small business, one of the biggest challenges that owners face is managing costs. Tight budgets mean that every penny is counted, which makes it hard to justify hiring an outsourced IT team. The prospect of spending money on an external team may seem daunting, but in many cases, the benefits that such a team can bring to a small business far outweigh the costs. This blog post aims to explore whether hiring an outsourced IT team is too expensive for small business owners.

Evaluating Costs

Before deciding whether to hire an outsourced IT team, it is important to evaluate the costs involved. The costs will depend on the size of your business and the level of IT support required. In many cases, outsourcing IT support can be more cost-effective than hiring full-time staff. You will have more control over your IT budget, and you will only pay for the services you need. Additionally, outsourced IT teams often have the latest technology and expertise which may be more affordable for small business owners.

Time Savings

When you hire a team of experts, you free up your time to focus on other aspects of your business. Spending time trying to troubleshoot IT issues can be frustrating and can take up a significant amount of time that could be spent growing your business. In contrast, an outsourced IT team can fix problems quickly, resolving issues outside of your business hours, which means that you don’t have to sacrifice productivity during work hours.

Flexibility

Being able to scale up your IT team when you need to be essential for a small business. Rather than hiring more staff, you can outsource your IT support to meet the demands of your business. An outsourced IT team can be available 24/7 and can work to your schedule. Whether it’s support overnight or during weekends, having an IT team on-hand provides the flexibility required for small businesses to manage their IT support.

Increased Security

Data breaches and cyber-attacks are a constant threat in today’s digital world. Small business owners are not safe from these threats and can be more vulnerable than larger companies. By outsourcing your IT support, you can take advantage of the expertise of external professionals to ensure that your system is as secure as possible. This protection will give you peace of mind and protect your business from the damage that data breaches can cause.

Access to Expertise

The IT landscape changes constantly, which means that staying up to date can be challenging. Outsourcing IT gives you the convenience of having access to experts who are knowledgeable about the latest trends and technologies. This means that you can take advantage of the latest solutions and innovations without having to research and develop them yourself.

Outsourcing your IT team may seem too expensive for small business owners, but in the long run, it can save you time and money. An outsourced IT team can provide you with access to the latest technology, expertise, and security, allowing you to focus on growing your business. With so many benefits, it is worth considering whether outsourced IT support could be the solution your small business needs.

 

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Why Outsourcing IT for Your Law Firm is a Smart Choice https://ardent-it.com/why-outsourcing-it-for-your-law-firm-is-a-smart-choice/ Wed, 31 May 2023 12:39:09 +0000 https://ardent-it.com/?p=10402 For business owners, it’s no secret that IT outsourcing is a cost-effective way to streamline processes and get the most out...

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For business owners, it’s no secret that IT outsourcing is a cost-effective way to streamline processes and get the most out of limited resources. This is especially true for law firms — outsourcing your IT services can cut down on labor costs, provide more efficient operation, reduce downtime, increase security measures, and give you access to expert technical support all without breaking the bank. While there are many factors to consider when deciding whether this route is right for your firm, we’ll discuss today why outsourcing IT services could be just what your law firm needs to stay competitive in our digitally evolving world.

IT outsourcing and how it can help streamline your legal operations

Legal operations are increasingly complex, and companies need to be lean and efficient to stay competitive. That’s where IT outsourcing comes into play. By outsourcing your IT services, you can streamline your legal operations and focus on your core competencies. IT outsourcing allows you to leverage the expertise of third-party providers, who can offer tailored solutions to meet your specific needs. As a result, you can reduce your overhead costs, minimize risks, and enhance your operational efficiency. With the right IT outsourcing partner, you can enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing your legal operations are in good hands, leaving you free to focus on meeting your business goals.

Benefits of an outsourced IT setup for law firms, such as cost savings, improved security, and increased scalability

In the fast-paced world of law, it’s essential to stay ahead of the curve. One way law firms can streamline their operations is by outsourcing their IT setup. Not only does this result in significant cost savings, but it also helps improve security and increase scalability. Outsourcing IT infrastructure means that law firms can stay up-to-date with the latest technology without the added burden of maintaining hardware and software themselves. Additionally, by offloading IT responsibilities to a trusted vendor, law firms can devote more time and resources to their core competencies. The benefits of an outsourced IT setup ultimately elevate the entire practice, allowing firms to better serve their clients and remain competitive in the industry.

Why an outside IT provider is more qualified than an in-house team for managing legal technology

Technology plays an imperative role in streamlining operations and ensuring compliance. However, the management of legal technology requires specific technical expertise and a deep understanding of industry-specific regulations. In-house IT teams may lack the necessary skills, experience, and resources to handle legal technology effectively. In contrast, an outside IT provider specializes in legal technology and provides comprehensive solutions that are tailored to the needs of the legal industry. By outsourcing IT services, law firms can capitalize on the provider’s extensive knowledge and expertise while freeing up time and resources to focus on core legal activities. Ultimately, partnering with an outside IT provider is a smart investment that can enhance a law firm’s operations and improve client satisfaction.

Potential pitfalls of not outsourcing IT for a law firm and how to avoid them

Technology has become an integral part of almost every industry, including the legal sector. As a law firm, not outsourcing your IT needs can be detrimental to your firm’s success. Not having a dedicated IT team can result in slow response times to tech-related issues, security breaches, and missed opportunities to integrate new technology. To avoid these pitfalls, it is imperative to invest in a reputable IT outsourcing company. Doing so will allow your firm to have access to a team of experts who can address issues promptly and proactively suggest new solutions that can improve efficiency and security. In addition, outsourcing IT can provide cost savings by minimizing technology-related expenses and ensuring your firm is up to date with the latest software and hardware. By outsourcing your IT, your law firm can focus on what matters most – providing outstanding legal services to clients.

The process for finding and selecting an experienced outsourced IT provider

Outsourcing IT services can help you focus on core business functions and save costs, but finding and selecting an experienced provider may seem overwhelming. The first step is to identify your specific IT needs, such as software development, network infrastructure, or cybersecurity. Once you have determined your requirements, research potential vendors by reading reviews, checking certifications, and evaluating their experience with similar clients. Schedule consultations to discuss your needs and ask for detailed proposals that include pricing, service level agreements, and contingency plans. Take the time to carefully evaluate your options and don’t shy away from asking questions. Ultimately, partnering with a reliable outsourced IT provider can help your business thrive in today’s technology-driven market.

In today’s digital age, a reliable and efficient IT system is essential for the smooth operation of a business. Outsourcing IT services is a popular solution for many companies, as it allows them to focus on their core business functions while leaving the technical aspects to the experts. However, implementing an effective outsourced IT solution requires meticulous planning and execution. It’s crucial to establish clear communication channels with the service provider, define the scope of work, and establish measurable performance metrics to ensure that the desired outcomes are achieved. Additionally, it’s important to regularly review the performance of the outsourced IT solution and make necessary adjustments to ensure that it continues to meet the evolving needs of the business. By following these steps, businesses can successfully implement an outsourced IT solution that delivers tangible results and meets their long-term objectives.

In conclusion, IT outsourcing can be an excellent solution for a law firm in need of streamlined legal operations, cost savings, improved security and increased scalability. Working with an experienced third-party provider can save your firm time, resources and money. It is important to do your research to ensure you are choosing the right provider for your needs. Consider the size of their team, their experience in the legal industry and ask for client references if possible. You’ll want to communicate expectations up front to help establish realistic goals and timelines. And don’t forget to review any contractual agreements carefully before signing them. All in all, with the right approach, you should have no problem finding and implementing a successful IT outsourcing solution that fits both your needs and budget.

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5 Ways to Reduce Your IT Budget Without Sacrificing Security and Functionality https://ardent-it.com/5-ways-to-reduce-your-it-budget-without-sacrificing-security-and-functionality/ Thu, 28 Jul 2022 12:42:14 +0000 https://ardent-it.com/?p=7886 In these tough economic times, businesses are always looking for ways to reduce their expenses. One area that is often ripe...

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In these tough economic times, businesses are always looking for ways to reduce their expenses. One area that is often ripe for cost-cutting is the IT department. But you don’t want to sacrifice security and functionality in the process! Here are 5 ways to reduce your IT budget without sacrificing security and functionality.

Outsourcing IT Needs

Outsourcing your IT needs is a great way to save money without sacrificing security or functionality. By outsourcing to a managed IT services provider, you can get all the benefits of an in-house IT staff without the added expense. Plus, you can take advantage of the expertise and knowledge of the MSPs, who are constantly keeping up with the latest trends and developments in IT.

Another great benefit of outsourcing is that it can help you better manage your budget. With a fixed monthly fee, you know exactly what your costs will be each month, with no surprises. This helps you better plan and budget for your other expenses. So, if you’re looking for ways to reduce your IT budget without sacrificing security or functionality, outsourcing may be the answer!

Invest in Automation

Another great way to reduce your IT budget without sacrificing security or functionality is to invest in automation. Automation can help you eliminate manual tasks and processes, which can save you time and money. There are several different ways you can automate your IT processes, so it’s worth exploring if you’re looking for ways to cut costs.

One example of automating your IT processes is using a patch management solution. Patch management solutions can automatically download and install security patches, saving you the time and expense of doing it manually. This can free up your staff to focus on more important tasks, and it can also help reduce the chances of errors that could lead to security breaches. If you followed the first tip, you can bet your new IT provider will be putting this in place for you.

Streamline Your Infrastructure

Another great way to reduce your costs without sacrificing security or functionality is to streamline your infrastructure. By streamlining your infrastructure, you can eliminate unnecessary costs and simplify your IT processes. This can save you time and money in the long run, so it’s worth considering if you’re looking for ways to reduce your IT budget.

There are several different ways you can streamline your infrastructure. One way is to virtualize your servers. Virtualizing your servers can help you save on hardware costs, as well as energy and cooling expenses. Plus, it can make it easier to manage and maintain your servers, which can save you time and money.

Another way to streamline your infrastructure is to use cloud-based solutions. Cloud-based solutions can help you save on hardware and software costs, as well as energy and cooling expenses. Plus, they can make it easier to manage and maintain your IT infrastructure.

Use Open-Source Solutions

Open-source solutions are usually free or very low cost, so they can help you save a lot of money. Plus, they’re often just as good as (if not better than) commercial solutions, so you don’t have to sacrifice quality or functionality.

There are a number of different open-source solutions available, so it’s worth exploring if you’re looking for ways to reduce your IT budget. Some popular open-source solutions include Linux, Apache, MySQL, and PHP, Google products, and more.

Hire an IT Consultant

An IT consultant can help you identify and eliminate unnecessary costs and simplify your IT processes. This can save you time and money in the long run, so it’s worth considering if you’re looking for ways to reduce your IT budget. Often the same provider used as an MSP has consultants that can help as well.

There are several different IT consultants available, so it’s important to choose one that’s right for your business. You’ll want to find a consultant that has experience with the type of technology your business uses. You’ll also want to find one that has a good reputation and is certified in information security.

If you’re looking for ways to reduce your IT budget without sacrificing security or functionality, there are several options available. Outsourcing your IT needs is a great way to save money while still getting all the benefits of an in-house IT staff. Another option is to invest in automation, which can help you eliminate manual tasks and processes. You can also streamline your infrastructure by using cloud-based solutions or virtualizing your servers. And finally, consider using open-source solutions to save money on your IT budget. Want to learn more about any of these options? Contact us today to get started saving!

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7 Signs You Need to Hire an External IT Company for Ongoing Support https://ardent-it.com/7-signs-to-hire-an-external-it-company/ Fri, 18 Mar 2022 12:41:21 +0000 https://ardent-it.com/?p=6626 If you’re like most business owners, you probably wear a lot of hats. You’re responsible for marketing, sales, product development, customer...

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If you’re like most business owners, you probably wear a lot of hats. You’re responsible for marketing, sales, product development, customer service, and IT support. And as if that’s not enough, you also must manage your budget and keep track of your company’s growth. So, when is the right time to hire an external IT company? Here are seven signs that it might be time to outsource your IT needs:

You don’t have an in-house IT team

The simplest of all reasons why you would need to hire an IT company for ongoing support is that you may not have any internal resources to do the job. You might not have the budget for a full-time internal IT resource or just not feel there is enough need. Whatever the reason, you cannot run your business without a go-to, whenever there is an IT issue. Your productivity will be lacking, and your profits will as well if you are always dealing with an IT issue.

Your IT team is overwhelmed

If your internal IT team is overwhelmed, it may be time to hire some external support. This doesn’t mean you have to outsource your whole department. It just means your resources may be lacking in the skills or time to get the job done most efficiently. There is nothing wrong with augmenting your staff with external support. It can be beneficial in several ways including the fact that your IT team will gain a diverse set of skills it may not already possess.

You’re not happy with your current IT provider

If you are not happy with your current, IT provider it may be time to start looking around for a new one. Just like anything else, IT outsourcing companies and managed service providers alike can get complacent with clients. It’s not that they don’t care about you as a client, it may just mean that they need a little push. Letting your current company know you are not satisfied may push them to devote more time to your account and realize how valuable you truly are as a client.

You’re growing rapidly and need more support than you can provide internally

It’s a great problem to have. It happens with many departments of a business. Your business is getting so busy that your internal teams cannot keep up. This is the point where you must look at the numbers. Should you hire additional employees, or should you augment your staff with the help of an external IT company? Many IT companies have a formula that they use to determine if they are a good option for you during your growing pains. After all the business spikes may be seasonal and you don’t want to be stuck with an extra employee if it slows back down.

You’re planning to launch a new product or service

If you’re planning to launch a new product or service, you need to make sure your IT infrastructure can handle the increased demand. This is especially true if you’re launching a new online service. You need to ensure that your website can handle the traffic and that your database can scale accordingly. Otherwise, you risk losing customers due to outages or slow response times.

If you’re considering an IT upgrade, it’s important to weigh the costs and benefits. Sometimes it’s cheaper and easier to outsource your IT needs rather than to invest in new hardware and software. Other times, it makes more sense to keep everything in-house. It all depends on your specific circumstances. But if you’re not sure which way to go, an external IT company can help you make the right decision for your business.

You’re moving to a new office

If you’re moving to a new office, chances are your IT infrastructure will need an upgrade as well. A new office means more employees, which means more computers, more printers, and more network devices. Plus, you’ll need to update your software and licenses for the new office location. All of this can be overwhelming for an internal IT team. But an external IT company can help you plan and execute a smooth move to your new office.

You want to focus on your core business

The IT department is a necessary evil for most businesses. It’s not that you don’t appreciate the importance of IT, but it’s not your core business. You’re in the business of making money, and IT just happens to be a necessary part of that equation. If you outsource your IT needs to an external company, you can focus on what you do best and leave the IT to the experts.

Outsourcing your IT needs can save you time and money in the long run. But it’s important to choose the right IT company for your business. Look for a company with experience in your industry, a good reputation, and a track record of success. Also, make sure they offer 24/ Seven support so you can rest assured knowing help is always just a phone call away.

Do any of these seven signs sound familiar? If so, it may be time to start looking for an external IT company to support your business. With the right IT partner, you can focus on what you do best and leave the IT to the experts. Contact Ardent today to start the conversation about outsourcing your IT!

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How to find the best MSP for your company (the key qualities) https://ardent-it.com/find-the-best-msp-for-your-company/ Mon, 29 Nov 2021 00:42:05 +0000 https://ardent-it.com/?p=5902 With the advances in technology, more and more people are looking for a reliable MSP to protect their systems. One of...

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With the advances in technology, more and more people are looking for a reliable MSP to protect their systems.

One of the best ways to find a good MSP is by asking around. Talk with other business owners like yourself or your IT team members about their experiences and what they would recommend. If you don’t know any other companies that use an MSP, ask friends and family who work in different fields if they have any recommendations. It’s important to consider all options before making your final decision on which company will be right for you. You’ll want to feel confident that these services will help keep your data safe while also providing excellent customer service when needed (and not just because you’re paying them).

A Managed Service Provider (MSP) is an external company that offers data protection through the use of security software and technical support. Depending on the MSP, they may monitor your systems to ensure that they are working properly or just monitor for any potential vulnerabilities. However, it’s important to note that there are significant differences in services depending on what type of MSP you choose.

There are two types of MSPs: On-Premise and Offsite.

The company you choose should offer the services that best match your needs, security requirements, and budget. For example, an on-premise MSP will provide full control over your systems; however, an offsite service is less expensive because they do not require as much equipment or staff. Your company’s size will also come into play when choosing an MSP. Larger companies often look for a team of experts to oversee all their IT work rather than one person with a varied set of skills. Under this scenario you may be looking for full IT outsourcing.

Qualities of a Good MSP

All companies are different, which means that all MSPs are different. However, there’s a few qualities you should look for to make finding the right one easier.

1) An MSP operating on security and privacy by design is one of the best qualities you can find in any company, not just your MSP. It will help ensure your data is protected against any and all cyber-attacks.

2) A guarantee on your data protection may be the key to your business, so make sure it’s covered in any agreement you sign and that the company has enough insurance. The last thing you want is for a security breach (or even rumors of one) to wreck your credibility and take down your company. You might also want to investigate what services come standard with the MSP, and which ones cost extra. Sometimes having too many options can get confusing!

3) Industry standards like HIPAA and GDPR ensure that companies that work with health care (covered by HIPAA) and financial information (covered by GDPR) can still find an MSP without compromising their industry or violating any laws. If possible, try looking for an MSP that has experience in both.

When you purchase a plan from an MSP, you’re not just buying services, you’re investing in the company. Make sure you do research on any MSP before signing anything!

4) A history of success means that an MSP has served other companies like yours and knows exactly what to expect. You can also often find referrals or recommendations from previous customers. There are many places online to check for reviews including google and yelp. And lastly, if their staff is available around the clock, there’s no reason to waste time when help is just a phone call away.

If your company requires any special services (like HIPAA), look for an MSP that offers them as part of their standard package or at least easily adaptable with an add-on service. Finding the right match doesn’t take too long; all you need is some time and patience. But when you find the right MSP for your company, it will be well worth it!

Tips for Working with an MSP

Once you think you have found the perfect MSP for your company there are a few tips you should consider while working with them.

  1. Keep an open communication line. There is nothing more important that communication in any business. Keeping a good communication line with your account manager can make it much easier for them to make sure you are always happy.
  2. Pay your bill on time. Working with an outsourced company can provide many benefits including terms for paying your bill. Whether it is net 30 etc. Make sure you pay your bill one time. It fosters a healthier relationship with your provider.
  3. Be responsive to requests from the MSP. If they need and answer about something regarding your IT, make sure they get it in a timely manner.
  4. Keep them honest. Although your MSP should be recommending new products and services as they arise in the industry.

Finding the right MSP for your company is no easy task, but there are some qualities that will make it easier. Look for a vendor who operates on security and privacy by design, offers guaranteed data protection without expensive additional options, is compliant with industry standards like HIPAA and GDPR, has a history of success in business (meaning they’ve served other companies like yours), and has knowledgeable staff available around the clock. If you can find an MSP with these traits, then you’re off to a great start! These might be hard to come by all at once so if one characteristic stands out more than others when comparing different vendors, look closely before committing. If this sounds intimidating or time-consuming contact us today! Our team of experts would love to assist you, but only if it is the right fit for your business and ours.

 

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Is IT Outsourcing Right For Your Business? 5 Reasons Why It Might Just Be https://ardent-it.com/is-it-outsourcing-right-for-your-business-5-reasons-why-it-might-just-be/ Tue, 09 Feb 2021 13:36:04 +0000 https://ardent-it.com/?p=4830 Not every business owner has the time or the staff members to accommodate the technology needs of their company. As these...

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Not every business owner has the time or the staff members to accommodate the technology needs of their company. As these needs become ever more complex, there is often one ideal solution: IT outsourcing.

With the expertise of managed IT services, the business owner can:it outsourcing

  • Have the peace of mind that their technology needs are being met
  • Have more time to focus on the other aspects of their business
  • Reduce the possibility of downtime
  • Future-proof their business

So, consider if your business could you benefit from IT outsourcing? Here are 5 reasons why you might consider the services of a professional firm.

Cybersecurity Is Paramount

What happens when your business is hit by a cyberattack? The consequences could be catastrophic. For one, you might have to deal with downtime if your computer systems become inoperable due to a virus or ransomware attack. You might lose your sensitive data too, such as the financial information pertaining to your customers. Your reputation will then take a hit when your customers discover the attack has happened and you might suffer a blow to your finances.

With our IT consulting service, you will have expert advice on how to secure your computer systems. You will also have the support you need when a crisis happens, so you will not have to shut down your business temporarily or even permanently. You will be able to benefit from the technical expertise of our IT company. With data backups and network monitoring, we can protect the sensitive needs of your business. So, if your business has ever been hit by a cyberattack or if you suspect there are vulnerabilities in your systems, you will benefit from our outsourced IT support.

You Can Benefit from Expert Support

If you do not have any IT experts on your team, it can be difficult to manage the tech needs of your business. You might be left floundering, especially when something goes wrong with your IT, such as a hardware failure or a cyberattack. Therefore, outsourced IT support can be useful, as you will have the expert advice you need to both prevent and manage any technology problems you might encounter.

Of course, it does not have to be a case of one or the other. Even if you do have an in-house IT team, you can still benefit from outsourced support. If your team is already overworked, it makes sense to outsource some of your IT needs to an outside firm. There might also be skill gaps in your IT team, especially if they have not had up-to-date training on the latest cybersecurity practices and other tech advances. For these reasons, you might want to outsource to managed IT services, as you will benefit from a team with the ability to complement and expand on your current IT resources.

There Are Financial Benefits

As we have already discussed, a cyberattack could have dire financial consequences for your business. The dent to your reputation could equate to reduced profits, as you might find fewer customers willing to do business with you. If you are hit by a ransomware attack or if a hacker gains access to your finances, you can also lose money that way.

Then there is the cost of hiring to consider. If you were to employ specialist IT staff onto your team, there are costs attributed to advertising, onboarding, training, and employee benefits. These can all add up and put a strain on your finances. They can escalate too, as your employees will have growing salary demands the longer they stay with your company. There will also be the need for regular training to ensure they are kept up to date with your business tech needs and industry standards.

For these reasons, it might be more cost-effective to outsource your IT. You will have personnel ready to support all of your IT needs, and you won’t need to worry about any costs on top of your existing contract. At Ardent, we have flexible pricing options, so no matter your budget, you can benefit from the cost-effective support we can offer your business.

Productivity Can Increase

IT problems within your business can affect your team’s productivity. For one, your team might struggle to work effectively if the IT issues directly impede their work. Instead of getting on with their workload, they might be forced to fix any problems themselves, which will be tough if they are not experienced computer technicians. They might also suffer from low morale if their ability to work is compromised, and this can also reduce their productivity.

With outsourced IT support, any problem can be rectified. You will be guaranteed a technician who can fix any issue, regardless of size, and this will reduce downtime in your business. Your employees will then be able to work with a normal pace and productivity will increase.

As a benefit of increased productivity, you will not have to suffer the wrath of upset clients or customers. Therefore, your business will be more likely to make a profit, as you will be able to meet deadlines and manage your reputation.

You Will Experience Greater Peace of Mind

At Ardent, we have your back. You will not have to worry that your technology needs are not being met as we will manage every aspect of your IT for you. This means not worrying about the consequences of a cyberattack and the consequences of hardware or software failure. You will be able to focus on your core activities while we manage your network on your behalf. And if there are any problems, we are just a phone call away, so any worries you have can be taken care of in no time.

Is IT outsourcing right for your company? We have discussed just some of the benefits here, but there are many more. Get in touch with us today if you would like to learn more and talk to our friendly consultants about the IT packages we can offer you. With our help and support, we can find a solution that is right for your business.

 

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Moving your business to the cloud https://ardent-it.com/moving-your-business-to-the-cloud/ Wed, 12 Aug 2020 11:57:54 +0000 https://ardent-it.com/?p=4654 Cloud computing is one of the most important innovations for business in recent years. So many companies are adopting cloud solutions...

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cloud computing Cloud computing is one of the most important innovations for business in recent years. So many companies are adopting cloud solutions because they bring a whole host of benefits along with them. They can help you to improve productivity, adapt your working practices and save money at the same time. However, there are still plenty of businesses out there that are unsure whether they should make the move to the cloud or not. If you are one of those businesses, read on to find out about the many different benefits of moving your business to the cloud.

What Is Cloud Computing?

Some businesses don’t appreciate the benefits of the cloud because they don’t really understand what it is. In simple terms, a cloud computing solution allows you to use software that is externally hosted. All of your data is stored elsewhere and you can access it remotely as long as you have an internet connection. Google Docs is a common example that many people have probably used already. It’s a cloud solution because the documents are not stored on your computer, they are stored on Google’s servers and you access them through the web application.

This is just one example and there is a wide range of software and hardware that can be moved over to the cloud. But what exactly are the benefits of introducing these cloud solutions to your business?

Cost Efficiency

The financial benefits are one of the major things that encourage businesses to move to the cloud. You don’t need to pay for internal storage, which means no more large servers that are very expensive to run and maintain. Managing IT infrastructure is incredibly expensive, so businesses can save a lot of money if they have a cloud service that handles it all on their behalf.

Companies also save a lot of money on software licensing fees because they no longer need to pay for stand alone software. Services like Microsoft’s Azure allow you to build and maintain apps for your business without having to pay for the infrastructure to manage them. The security aspects are all handled by Azure as well, which means even bigger savings for your business.

If you move your business to the cloud, you may have to invest a bit of money upfront, but you will soon start making some big savings.

Improve Capacity For Remote Work

The business landscape is changing and more people are working remotely than ever before. This benefits you as a business because it helps to reduce your overheads and may even allow you to scale down your office. However, remote working is only effective with the right tools, and cloud computing provides those tools. Applications like Microsoft Sharepoint allow you to create a central document sharing space for all of your employees so they can easily collaborate on projects even when they are out of the office. Microsoft Office 365 also allows your employees to access software when out of the office so they always have the tools that they need. Central cloud storage ensures that all employees have access to whatever they need so they can work productively from home. This is far more secure than emailing sensitive documents back and forth, even if they are encrypted. Google also has a lot of great cloud storage systems, like Google Drive, which can be used for the same purposes.

Remote work is the future of business and companies that cannot keep up with that change will struggle, so it’s vital that you invest in cloud solutions.

Improved Backup and Recovery

Protecting your sensitive data is so important and in the event of a cyber attack or an accidental data loss, you need a backup and recovery plan in place. However, managing this yourself comes at a large cost. The cloud makes the process of backing up and recovering your files so much easier and more cost effective because all of your data resides in the cloud, not on a collection of physical servers. When you have a subscription to Office 365, you get cloud storage included, so all of your files are automatically protected. Even if your business falls victim to a cyber attack, they will only be able to access the files that are stored locally on your computers, so you can easily recover any important files from your cloud storage afterward.

When managing your own backup and recovery, you are limited by your own finances. But when your data is stored on the Office 365 cloud or Amazon Drive, you benefit from the financial power and expertise that those large companies have. There is no way that your business can match the online security of those organizations, so the cloud will always be safer.

Reduced Business Downtime

Downtime is incredibly expensive for businesses, so finding ways to reduce it is very important. If you are using local software and local storage, any maintenance issues mean that your employees are unable to work until you get it fixed, at a cost to the business. However, if you are using cloud solutions like Azure, Office 365, and Sharepoint, they will have a backup system in place, which will be automatically deployed.

You can also reduce business downtime by overcoming geographical and logistical barriers. In the past, you were limited to the 9 to 5 day in your own time zone. However, with collaborative tools like Sharepoint, people from around the globe in different time zones can all work on a project, so your business is up and running 24/7.

Scalability

As your business grows, you need to update your IT processes, add more storage, and invest in more software. Usually, this is a huge expense because it means buying new servers and paying the licenses on lots of software. However, if you are using cloud solutions, you can easily adjust your subscription and scale your IT solutions overnight with minimal added costs.

These are some of the huge benefits of moving your business to the cloud and if you don’t start making investments in solutions like Azure, Office 365 and Sharepoint, your business will soon fall behind.

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How can IT outsourcing help your company? https://ardent-it.com/how-can-it-outsourcing-help-your-company/ Sat, 18 Jan 2020 18:14:35 +0000 https://ardent-it.com/?p=4497 Maintaining, managing and even building your team is essential for the success of a business. Most people fail at this when...

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Maintaining, managing and even building your team is essential for the success of a business. Most people fail at this when creating their business proposals, so this is where IT outsourcing comes to play. When it comes to running your company, you’ll want to think of the cost-effective things you can do to ensure you’re able to commit to delivering the best service possible. While many companies recruit professionals to assist with the day to day operation of the business, others prefer to outsource these services in order to get the best of the best- as and when they need it.

What are the benefits? 

Not every entrepreneur is able to do it all alone. Using an outsourced managed IT service is something that will save your business time and money- offering expert IT support at any given time of the day. Computer system breakdowns can be extremely detrimental to the operation of a company, in particular when these businesses employ staff in various locations who require a reliable IT service in order to perform their daily tasks- a universal tool to many businesses and individuals alike. Time spent offline can cost a company thousands of dollars in lost business. In this case, prevention is better than cure in order to protect revenue, while also saving on recruitment costs.

It’s Easier (And Cheaper!) 

Hiring new staff to support the growth and development of a business is time-consuming and expensive. You won’t always have the business need to justify hiring somebody to maintain all of your IT systems, and often times won’t have the budget set aside to afford employees with the wide skill range necessary to maintain your environment. Outsourcing will save a lot of time and money towards training, as you’ll be hiring expert provisions over staff- saving in time in addition to recruitment and training costs to develop a workforce that offers excellent skills and service. Make sure to have systems in place for outsourcing–that it is a part of your business strategy for growth. Doing this successfully will mean that your business should grow steadily, and you can continue to build your company.

Giving You the Time to Do The Things You Excel in 

Outsourcing any aspect of your business will also save you time. You choose to operate a company because it is in an area you are passionate about, have experience in and if you don’t already- something you can grow to excel in. Allowing an expert company to deal with any IT solutions takes the headache out of those what if it all goes wrong moments. With this expert support in place, you’ll have the reassurance that it’s all being taken care of. Contact Ardent IT Solutions today to discuss how our specialized support can help your company stay ahead of the game.

Worry about your business- let us take care of the systems that support it.

 

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