IT support businesses sell all sorts of services and products to help business owners manage their networks. So how do you determine what they are and when you really need them? Here’s a quick list of the top 10 most popular things with a short description of each one. Networking/Servers/Workings: There are so many different types of servers out there and IT support businesses have to keep up with the latest trends and technologies on the web (and in the industry) every single day. One of the most popular servers used by IT support companies is Microsoft Windows Servers. This includes both the operating system (known as Windows) and all of its add-ons, such as the Windows Security Essentials or Family Essentials add-on and the Server 2021 add-on packs.
On the other end of the spectrum are Microsoft Solaris/ Lotus Notes, Sun Staroffice 8, or NetSuite servers. These use the same technology as Windows, but are much more efficient. They also support several different programming languages, including C++, Pearl, Python, or Visual Basic. Business owners that need more power can opt for platforms such as Linux or UNIX, but these are often more expensive and less user friendly (due to the lack of server support). If your company is small and you only have a few employees, you won’t need these sorts of options.
Networking/Data Storage: Perhaps the most important aspect of an organization’s IT setup involves its data storage needs. IT support technicians help businesses store their user data in off-site data centers. These centers store large files, such as email, Word documents, and databases. They also handle secure data storage, allowing businesses to save money on their security needs and on power (expensive backup generators are a big factor here). Your support technician can help you set up your data centers or can recommend a company that can do it for you.
Software Maintenance/Upgrades: Most large companies need some form of software support to stay operational. Most tech support technicians will recommend a software maintenance management system software package. The software maintenance management system software packages are extremely easy to install and maintain, so large companies with low staff density shouldn’t have any difficulties implementing it. You’ll simply pay for the upgrades when necessary or request them on a pay per use basis.
Data Center Server support services will vary according to how the company uses its computers. There are many different types of servers, including file servers, network servers, and so forth. IT support services for data centers should include knowledge of how to properly configure these machines. Properly configured data centers minimize downtime and increase productivity.
Data Center Virtualization: Virtualization is quickly becoming one of the most popular forms of server management. Many IT support personnel will advise you to invest in a virtualization solution for your data center. This is especially true for larger companies that utilize multiple data centers.
Computer Network Security: Network security is perhaps the most important aspect of technical support. Without a good level of network security, you can’t do much more than send email. But even the simplest of computer networks can be quite complex. A network security team should include professionals who know how to set up firewalls, set up the proper routing for internet traffic, and so forth. Without the proper support services, your network may well be compromised.
These are just a few of the services that IT support services offer. The best companies out there offer many more. It’s critical that you do thorough research before hiring an IT professional to handle your tech support needs. You want an organization that knows what it’s doing, has highly trained technical support personnel, and is capable of handling a wide variety of IT support tasks. You also want to hire an IT professional who can provide you with the services that are affordable, but also gives you the level of service that you need.