Month: December 2021

7 Big Benefits of Using Managed IT Services

Posted on by nxtgensol

Third-party managed IT services can provide a wide range of benefits to the way your business or organization operates. Here are some of the advantages that you’ll get when using managed services for your IT needs.

7 Benefits of Managed IT Services: Why You Should Use Managed Services

1. Streamline Your Operation

There are many different components that fall under the umbrella of IT, including management, monitoring, cyber security, data storage, and more. Filling positions to cover all of these various areas can make your company bloated and overstaffed. Using an IT firm allows you to cover all of these areas so that you can focus on other aspects of your business.

2. Boost Productivity

Unplanned downtime due to technology issues stops your staff from doing what they do best. The fast response times of a third-party IT solutions provider will help you cut back on this downtime so that more work is getting done and less time is spent waiting for issues to be resolved.

3. Scale with Your Business

The IT demands of your business are bound to change as your business grows or goes into less busy periods. It doesn’t make sense to have a one-size-fits-all IT solution for this fluctuating level of demand. The IT services that you hire can assign professionals as needed, ensuring you always have the staff you need to tackle any technology issues.

4. Reduce Expenses

You may think you’re saving money by not hiring a third-party IT firm, but the truth is that you may be spending more handling your IT needs in-house. You’ll pay a predictable monthly cost for handling your IT needs, meaning you’ll know exactly what to budget instead of having to allot money depending on the needs that arise.

5. Improve Security

With news on ransomware and other cybersecurity risks making headlines every few months, the dangers of doing business online are more prevalent than ever. Having trained IT professionals can help you mitigate any cyber risks your company faces. Additional help with data compliance can also help ensure your business is handling information with all of the proper protocols.

6. Get Support When Needed

There’s no telling when a technology-related issue may arise for your business. You may not have the resources to have IT staff on hand at all times, but the expert help from the IT services you hire will always be there whenever the need arises. That gives you the peace of mind that comes from knowing you’re less likely to face lengthy downtimes.

7. Access Experience and Expertise

Technology is always changing at a rapid pace, so staying on top of all the newest developments yourself can be an unfeasible task. Take that concern off of your plate by trusting the expertise of IT services. You’ll be confident that your business’s IT needs are being handled using the latest tools and systems in the field. Trust our professionals to provide all of these benefits and more for your business or organization. Contact Nextgen Solutions today!

10 Goals That Should Be on Your Technology Planning List

Posted on by nxtgensol

Technology planning is at the heart of a strong business strategy for managing ongoing tasks that will ultimately foster success. Regardless of what your company does or who your audience is, it’s important to know how technology can benefit your customers by helping employees do their jobs effectively. To get started, here’s a list of 10 goals for creating or improving your systems.

10 Goals That Should Be on Your Technology Planning List

1. Audit Existing Systems To Begin Technology Planning

Having a clear vision of what you want to accomplish and what’s working or not is a major first step when deciding on future technologies. As part of your preparation, conduct an audit of current systems, hardware, and software to figure out strengths and areas of opportunity.

2. Consider Who Will Use New Systems & Establish KPIs

It’s vital to think about who will use new systems and how so that you can set up key performance indicators for them and know when you’re reaching goals or need to adjust your approach. This will also save time and money which you can’t afford to lose by avoiding costly mistakes in software choices.

3. Determine the Best Features & Settings for Your Business

When creating a new technology system for your business, it’s a good idea to figure out which features and settings will be best for your process. Doing so can help you save money, maximize productivity, and personalize new software for the company’s needs.

4. Budget Financial Costs & What Hardware Will Be Required

One of the most important goals is to make sure that you have your financial costs under control. When purchasing new hardware, it’s imperative that you include both up-front costs and maintenance costs for IT support in your spending budget.

5. Research Best Practices for Success & Plan SMART Goals

If you’re wondering how to set goals for your company, research best practices for technology and create plans using SMART goals (specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound). For example, one goal might be to increase revenue by 10% over 12 months.

6. Outline a Plan of Action for Implementing the New Technology

To make sure that your business gets the most out of its new technology, you’ll need to outline a plan of action for how you’re going to carry it out. Figure out who will be responsible for each step and map out a timeline so everyone stays on task and knows what needs to be done when.

7. Form a Team To Manage the Setup Process & Train Employees

You’ll also want to form a team to manage and train employees who will use and keep up with your new software. Training should include not only how to use specific features, but also how technology fits into an overall business strategy.

The best way to keep employees engaged is by clearly communicating why they need to know what they’re learning, along with regular progress updates so everyone stays motivated.

8. Update or Upgrade Existing Software & Confirm Compatibility

There’s nothing worse than spending time, money, and resources to install a new software program only to find out it doesn’t play well with your current programs. Check all documentation carefully and be sure to update or upgrade any existing software you now use before installing anything new.

9. Create Plans for Backing Up Data, Monitoring Updates, & Security

Be sure to plan for potential problems with your technology. Include plans for backing up data, monitoring future software updates, and keeping up with or reporting security issues. These items should be discussed in detail so you have a contingency in place in case of unexpected problems or system failures.

10. Decide on Employee Policies & Procedures for All Company IT

Once you have all of your technology in place, create steps for each process and rules of conduct so employees know how to best use software and what not to do. Avoid potential misuse problems by clearly outlining expectations.

For example, remind employees that phones are only used for business purposes only during work hours, and they should not use office software for private matters.

Are you ready to start setting up a plan for improving your office technology, business processes, and IT infrastructure? Reach out to us at Nextgen Solutions Inc. to learn how our services can amplify your success. Remember, ensuring your company’s future prosperity starts with preparing for it today.