For most companies, the network is the company’s main backbone. Without a network, the customers cannot be served, employees will not be as efficient, and you will look like someone who does not know what they are doing. Did you know that businesses lose about 1% of revenue each year just because their network has crashed? For your business and as well as businesses of everyone else, every dollar counts. So, to whom should you entrust your network? Smaller businesses have two options, however, one is better than the other. Let’s take a look at the two choices:
Network Admins
In one way, business owners can hire a network administrator that will be an employee of the company and that will be around the office, providing technical support for the people that need it and putting together the company’s plan for the future. That is a big bonus for you, and in most cases, that is the main reason that someone would hire a network admin. However, that is where the benefits end.
While network admins know popular technology today, it is quite impossible for network admins to keep up with all the technological changes that happen almost daily. Will the employee know all about the new updates to your operating system? Will they understand the latest advancements in virtualization? Will they know how to choose the right cloud platform? All of these are big ifs.
The technology world is also becoming more and more compliant. Does your business follow the guidelines for protecting employee information provided by HIPAA? If not, you could face major lawsuits from the government. These are, of course, only examples, but they are also only the tip of the iceberg of problems that could occur. Smaller businesses would rather focus on building their company than managing the technical problems, so why wouldn’t you want to bring a team of experts to do so?
Also, network administrators are actual people. They will want to take vacations, sick days, and they will want to attend their children’s piano recitals. So, what will happen when the network admin decides to turn off their phone for a day or two? As you might have noticed, network admins lack the reliability you need, however, you are lucky, there is another option for you.
Managed IT Services
A managed IT service provider will do the same work as a net admin, however, they will provide so much more. The best thing about these services is that the provider will work for a flat rate, which means that they can come to your company as many times as you need to get the job done. In fact, it is in their interest to keep your network running at its best state, so that they can pro-actively approach your systems.
Also, a managed service provider will know all about the newest technology and have other customers that will demand to implement these systems in their company, hence they are guinea pigs in a way. Is it time for your company to transfer to Windows 10 after several years or running on Windows 8.1? The service providers probably had other businesses with the same questions, hence they will already know the answers and have the results ready.
What about their own personal touch? Well, yes, service providers will be in their office, and that is a major benefit. The best IT provider will not upgrade or implement a new system and then forget about you, they will become a part of your company, providing you with the necessary advice and guidance that you need. If you want to learn more about how you can benefit from Managed IT services, click here.
Conclusion
As you can see, you will have two options to pick from. While network admins might be good, managed IT service providers might work better for you. They will constantly be around to guide and advise you, hence, it might be a better option for you.
Kim Marks 
Nicola Holder