Running a business in today’s world requires reliable and secure IT infrastructure to perform daily tasks. Setting up, maintaining, and optimizing your information technology can be a complicated process which is why many business owners look for IT experts to handle it for them. Sounds simple enough, but IT is an industry itself with many service offerings that can easily overwhelm business owners looking for help.
IT consulting and IT helpdesk are two of the most common solutions for businesses needing IT support. They also provide very different services that will benefit different businesses depending on their needs. Continue reading to get an in-depth look at both offerings and how they each help businesses with their IT needs.
Understanding IT Helpdesk Services
An IT helpdesk is a business’ go-to resource for resolving technical issues quickly and efficiently. It is the frontline of your IT support and addresses immediate problems your systems may be facing. These issues are typically submitted as tickets to the IT helpdesk, so they have a record of everything happening a business’ systems. From here the IT experts can troubleshoot any software or hardware issues and find a way to fix the problem in a timely manner. An IT helpdesk will also help employees with any login, email, and connectivity problems that are preventing them from getting work done.
Benefits of IT Helpdesk Support
A reliable IT helpdesk does more than offer technical support; it provides businesses with peace of mind. An IT helpdesk team solves technical problems quickly and effectively, so you don’t have to waste time trying to troubleshoot issues on your own. This minimizes downtime and ensures your business is always running smoothly. An IT helpdesk can be especially helpful if you don’t have an in-house IT team but still need regular support. Outsourcing IT like this provides your business with access to experts ready to help you solve any IT problem you have at any time. IT helpdesk services can also be less expensive than keeping an in-house team since all they require is a monthly or per-issue fee. Instead of having to pay for the salaries and training of your own department, outsourcing IT resolves technological disruptions in a cost-effective manner.
IT Consulting Services
While an IT helpdesk resolves issues as they arise, IT consulting focuses on long-term strategy and security. More specifically, IT consulting helps you find and improve any inefficiencies in your IT system before they become larger problems. This could include upgrading your hardware and software, launching a new IT product, or even creating a cybersecurity plan. An IT consultant will audit your systems and note any inefficiencies or risks. After this they will create a plan to address what they found. This might include changing your IT setup, implementing a disaster recovery plan, or moving your operations to cloud-based systems for better flexibility and security.
Benefits of IT Consulting
IT consulting isn’t a reactive solution, it’s a proactive one. It’s especially beneficial for businesses looking to expand or restructure their IT infrastructure since it requires careful planning. While IT consulting typically requires more from businesses than IT helpdesk services do, it can greatly help improve operations. Insights gathered at the beginning of this process can identify areas where your IT system is vulnerable to data breaches. Now you know exactly where your cybersecurity efforts need to be strengthened. Not only does this keep your business secure, but it also helps you avoid legal penalties by ensuring compliance with any industry standards.
Which Option is Right for Your Business?
Choosing between IT helpdesk and IT consulting depends on your business needs. If your team needs frequent tech support but you don’t have an internal IT team, IT helpdesk services could be a cost-effective solution. However, if you’re concerned about cybersecurity threats or need help updating your IT infrastructure, IT consulting can provide you with what you need. IT helpdesk and IT consulting services differ greatly, so it’s important to know what exactly you need so you pick the right solution. Or maybe you need both an IT helpdesk and IT consulting services. Many businesses can benefit from a combination of the two to get immediate technical assistance and a long-term IT strategy.
Ready to Optimize Your IT Systems?
There are benefits to using both IT consulting and IT helpdesk services, but this doesn’t mean you need to completely implement both. An IT helpdesk is a little more involved in helping your business in the present, but there is a way to plan for the future without hiring a full-time IT consultant. Sign up for our free weekly e-course to develop your cybersecurity skills and learn how to prepare your IT system for anything all on your own.
