Does your IT need a reboot?
Start the New Year with an IT MOT and reap the benefits for 2023, says Stephen Whelan, technical director at Carlisle-based Integrity IT Solutions.
Your IT system is the backbone of your business so it makes sense to ensure that it’s in good working order for the year ahead.
An IT MOT will help iron out those annoying glitches which can lead to loss of productivity and cause common frustrations among your team. A review of your entire IT system will identify and resolve any issues, followed by ongoing updates and checks to keep on top of any potential problems.
We work on-site with businesses across Cumbria and South West Scotland to help them manage their IT systems and deal with any issues before they arise. By spending time in their offices and workspaces, we get a good understanding of how they work and what they need from their IT system to become more efficient and effective.
Sometimes it’s just a small tweak here and there, other times it’s a complete system overhaul but mostly it’s about listening and working alongside the client so they get the best possible results for their team.
Our team of IT engineers are available to clients either in person or over the phone, working out of our two offices based at Rosehill, Carlisle and in Annan, Dumfries and Galloway. We find that our clients appreciate the fact that they are dealing with someone who is local to them and has an under-standing of the area in which they operate, from having access to broadband in rural areas to the 5G coverage in the region.
For all businesses, regardless of their size or sector, the top priorities for the coming year are effective protection against cyber attacks and breaches; secure data storage; a fast, reliable Wi-Fi network; and an infrastructure which allows your team to work whenever and wherever required.
The way we work has changed dramatically over the past few years which has led to increased demands on IT infrastructure. We often find that businesses which have expanded rapidly over a short period of time or moved to remote working options for staff following the pandemic, experience IT issues because their existing infrastructure is no longer fit for purpose.
An IT update isn’t something which can be left on your to-do list for six or 12 months’ time. Alongside the day-to-day impact on working practices for your team, an unreliable or out-dated IT system can leave you vulnerable to the real and present threat of cyber attacks and breaches which can potentially cause serious damage to your business.
With more reliance than ever on IT, it’s vital that your own system meets the needs of your team so you can continue to deliver for your clients and customers.
This article was first published in the January 2023 edition of In-Cumbria magazine
