What You Need to Know About Outsourcing IT During the COVID-19 Crisis

The benefits of technology on the global community have never been more apparent than during the COVID-19 crisis. Through online connections and communication tools, many of us can transition business operations to remote work, stay up-to-date on the status of the current situation, and even meet and socialize with coworkers and clients via video conferencing and other tools. But maintaining these technologies for the sake of business continuity and cybersecurity isn’t easy alone. You need to outsource your IT to an experienced, qualified, and trustworthy team. 

Here’s what you need to know about outsourcing IT and managed services during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

When outsourcing to an IT or managed services provider, you need to work with a team that can demonstrate experience across a variety of areas, not only in the services offered but also in the type and size of your business. They need to understand the technology needs, opportunities, and challenges that are unique to how, where, and why you do business. 

Since they provide outsourced services, any IT provider should already be operating remotely and offering remote services. So, you should be discussing hosting and transitioning business information via the cloud, cybersecurity and protections for devices that are outside of the office and its firewall, and the means to maintain and support a VPN. 

Now more than ever, your business needs experts in the area of cybersecurity. In addition to offering comprehensive protection from hackers, phishing attacks, malware, and other cyberattacks, they should also provide 24/7 monitoring and availability. Whether you need backup and recovery planning, or you already have a backup and recovery plans in place; your outsourced team should be continuously updating and testing for the best possible solutions.

Lastly, you need to work with an outsourced IT team that is local and responsive to your needs, not subcontracting to other IT companies. While the online community is global, the needs of local businesses should be the focus of your IT or managed services provider. Working with a local team means they understand the current status of the community. They’re in-tune with the needs of small to mid-sized businesses, and most importantly, are personally invested in providing IT services that are safe, secure, and continuously available. 

Now more than ever, small and medium-sized businesses deserve the same protections and solutions as large enterprise operations, and that support is available through outsourced IT teams. If you need help, support, or have any questions about services and solutions that can enhance and protect your business operations, please contact our team today.