Cutting-Edge IT Support in Columbus GA
Businesses today run on technology. It’s often one of the most valued investments because it plays a central role in enhancing business performance. For this reason, you have every reason to invest in IT support.
However, many organizations start with a few employees who usually perform multiple tasks. There isn’t much specialization, and whoever is available handles the current problem. Such an approach to technology can lead to catastrophic technical and compliance issues.
The truth is that technical and network issues will always occur, but what matters is how you address them. If you want your business in Georgia to avoid technology failure and remain compliant, look for professional IT support in Columbus GA. The company will help prevent tech issues proactively and provide quick solutions to tech problems.
Top Considerations When Hiring IT Support
Are you looking for a professional IT support team for the first time, or are you dissatisfied with your current provider? Consider the following three points when shortlisting candidates.
- Availability and response time
- Ongoing training and certifications
- Contract duration and flexibility
Let’s discuss each of these points at length. We aim to help you select dedicated IT support in Columbus GA that solves your problems and blends with your company.
Availability and Response Time
In today’s competitive world, everyone wants to exploit any business opportunities that come their way. Companies are working relentlessly to expand their customer outreach locally and internationally. That’s why forward-thinking organizations are investing in technology more than ever before.
Unfortunately, tech-based businesses sometimes experience unplanned and unexpected issues for many reasons. These include hardware failure, software errors, cyberattacks, network connection problems, system failure, and more.
Tech issues can have disastrous impacts on your business. For this reason, be sure to hire an IT support team that’s always available.
Think of your system going down when you’re are preparing vital paperwork for a client who is coming to discuss a lucrative contract. It’s past business hours, and IT support is unavailable until the next morning.
You could continue working from home, but what if your home computer doesn’t have an enterprise app that you must use? You might have to wait until your network is up and running. If it takes too long, you might frustrate the client, waste the deal, and tarnish your brand reputation.
A dedicated IT support company can keep your organization running smoothly, allowing you to remain focused on your core business. Depending on the channel used, the response time should be a few seconds to minutes.
Here are some privileges associated with 24/7 IT support.
Quick IT Support in Columbus GA
A 24/7 IT support team provides solutions to your tech issues any time, any day. They serve you even during weekends and public holidays and don’t abandon you before resolving your problem.
The company should have a robust communication system supporting multiple channels such as phone calls, email, instant messaging, social media, etc.
Better Customer Satisfaction
You lose business every time you cannot serve customers due to an internal technical problem. Most clients get offended and look for services elsewhere when you tell them your system is down. Full-time IT support lets you serve your customers round the clock, enhancing customer satisfaction and retention.
Increased Employee Productivity
Stable IT infrastructure also maximizes employee productivity both in the front office and back office. Full-time support reduces system downtimes, keeping all departments active, whether serving customers or handling administrative tasks.
Cost-Effective Strategy
A well-structured managed IT plan costs relatively lower than maintaining a full-fledged IT department. You only pay for the services you opt for with no hidden charges. With a standard subscription, you enjoy continuous, proactive technical support and maintenance from the provider.
Ongoing Training and Certifications
The tech world is always evolving, so your business should adapt to client expectations to remain relevant. Indeed, not many employees require to keep up with industry changes and advancements like IT professionals. Even the most experienced experts have something to learn every day.
Consequently, it’s in your best interest to partner with an IT team that upholds ongoing training. It doesn’t matter whether the support company sponsors the studies or the technicians pursue them themselves. You want to hire professionals who understand your system and can troubleshoot issues or guide you in solving problems.
How can you single out a firm whose technicians are abreast with the best technology for business IT? One thing to look out for is certifications.
Be sure to hire an IT company with one or more certifications. Making an effort to acquire an accreditation demonstrates a firm’s dedication to stellar service. Based on a guide by a renowned global human resource consulting firm, any of the following IT certifications is worth noting.
Certified Data Professional (CDP)
This certification has five tiers spread out from entry-level to executive management. CDPs are proficient in data management areas like business analytics, data analytics, data governance, data warehousing, and enterprise data architecture.
Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
Another popular certification in the IT industry is CISSP which primarily focuses on cybersecurity. CISSP certification holders are well-versed with vulnerabilities in networked systems. They can develop effective policies to protect systems and mitigate risk.
Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA)
An MTA is an IT technician proficient in basic-level Microsoft fundamentals. They should be conversant with Windows OS, Windows Server administration, networking, software development, databases, and security. The professional may also understand basic programming in CSS, Python, HTML, and JavaScript.
Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)
CCNA is an entry-level certification in computer networks. It validates a technician’s skills and understanding of network basics, network access, security fundamentals, IP services, IP connectivity, and automation and programmability.
Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP)
CCNPs are more advanced and specialized than CCNA technicians. They may specialize in one or more networking facets, including cloud, cyber operations, data center, collaboration, routing and switching, Internet of Things, and security.
Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE)
If you’re looking for IT support with a bias in data center network maintenance, a CCIE may be your best match. The certification implies superior skills in planning, preparing, operating, monitoring, and troubleshooting sophisticated data center networks.
No certification matches CCIE in the networking field. Its holders have the in-depth technical networking knowledge needed to complete the most technically challenging network projects.
Oracle Certified Professional
If you want expert database support, find an Oracle certified professional. A certified team can help with database administration, database application development, data warehousing, big data, and analytics.
CompTIA A+
This certification revolves around hardware, troubleshooting, and technical support. It covers the best security practices, operational procedures, networking, mobile devices, and operating systems.
A support company with CompTIA A+ certification can handle operating system issues, mobile devices, networking, operational procedures, and hardware.
Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)
CISA is a principal IT certification for technicians focused on information systems. It’s the certification to look out for if you want assistance in information system monitoring, control, and assessment.
Project Management Professional (PMP)
PMP is one of the most prestigious and sought-after certifications in the industry. It demonstrates the education, experience, competency, and skill a professional requires to lead and direct projects.
Caveat: Some certifications like CompTIA A+ and those from Cisco-based require periodical renewing to remain valid. Be sure to confirm that your IT support in Columbus GA holds proper certifications.
Contract Duration and Flexibility
Your search for a reliable IT support company in Georgia is almost over, but there’s one more thing – contract terms. Before entering into a contract with any firm, review the paperwork to ensure the conditions are reasonable.
Your engagement with your technical support company can kick off on a high note, only to deteriorate after some time. For instance, the company can prove incompetent in handling a recurrent issue that hampers your business, or their response time may be unacceptable. What step should you take?
If you are tired of poor service, the most reasonable thing is to terminate it and find a provider worth their salt. That’s why you should insist on short-term contracts when hiring an IT support company.
Benefits of Short-Term IT Support Contracts
The danger of entering into a long-term support contract is that you might have to stick with a service you don’t like. You can only wait for the contract duration to elapse to migrate to a different service provider. You lose money by moving to another company prematurely.
Conversely, a month-to-month contract gives you the flexibility to switch to a different support team virtually any time. Refrain from signing multi-year contracts before testing the service for several months. If you can’t get a short-term agreement, ensure you can exit within up to 60 days if you get substandard service.
However, we don’t mean that you should be migrating from a provider to another every other month. We are only against paying for substandard or unreliable services when better options exist. If your IT support team meets your business needs, renew your contract accordingly.
Dedicated IT Support in Columbus GA
Do you want unswerving support for all your IT needs in Columbus, GA? Acom Integrated Solutions can hold your hand. We provide world-class managed IT services and protect your vital assets with advanced security tools to give you peace of mind.
Contact us for quick assistance from our technical team for help.
