Blog

Did you know Texas has over 68,000 active doctors — the third most in the U.S.? 

While physicians must focus on looking after patients, they must also consider things like protecting their IT assets.

Cyberattacks can hurt any company in Austin, San Antonio, or elsewhere. If you’re a tech decision-maker in the state’s mid-market healthcare, commercial construction, or pharma areas, managed IT services can help.

Do you want to learn how leveraging cloud services via an IT services company can increase productivity and decrease risk?

Continue reading to see the benefits of managed IT services for doctors offices. But before doing so, ensure you know what managed IT services entail.

What Are Managed IT Services

If your healthcare practice lacks the in-house expertise to handle IT, one option is to go through the time- and cost-intensive process of hiring IT staff. But outsourcing can give you the expertise you need at a competitive cost.

A provider of managed IT services will shoulder responsibility for your medical practice’s IT services needs. 

It can offer monitoring and maintenance, backups and disaster recovery, and other essential services so that you and your staff can focus on patients.

Outsourcing means you’ll be able to delegate to professional IT personnel. And accessing what you need in the cloud means you won’t need to host equipment and servers on-site. The third-party IT services firm will handle everything.

Advantages of IT Managed Services

One obvious benefit of hiring a managed IT company is that you can offload that responsibility to a service provider specializing in the IT services space. But that’s just the tip of the iceberg since there are other advantages.

Here’s a look at several reasons why outsourcing IT services is a good idea.

Ramp Up Security

The cybersecurity threat landscape is fierce, and there’s no room for complacency. Your healthcare practice needs to have a strategy in place to mitigate risks and safeguard your corporate network from hackers.

It’s essential to know how to reduce the risks associated with data breaches, combat external and internal threats, and remain in compliance with applicable regulations, laws, and policies.

A managed IT company that specializes in helping healthcare practices will have the processes and procedures in place to help your organization.

Offer Higher Level of Patient Care

If you and your staff are preoccupied with IT services when you should be focused on patient care, neither responsibility will get the attention required. It’s best to retain the services of a third party so you can focus on patients.

And when that’s the case, the quality of patient care will go up. Your patients will have the undivided attention of the workers at your medical office.

Pain-Free HIPAA Compliance

Healthcare organizations are required to comply with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA). It requires healthcare organizations to safeguard sensitive patient health data.

This health information isn’t to be disclosed without the patient’s knowledge and consent. Hiring a managed IT services agency with experience helping doctors’ offices with their HIPPA compliance needs will work wonders.

You won’t have to worry about inadvertently running afoul of rules that can lead to substantial fines and reputational damage.

Better Record Keeping

When you hire a reputable IT services company, you can access medical office technology that helps you run and more efficient office. It’s all about the cloud.

You’ll have access to tools like electronic health records and electronic billing tools. The service provider can also advise you on what’s best for your company.

Cost Savings

As was mentioned above, hiring a managed IT services company will also save you money. Your healthcare practice won’t have to hire IT workers since you’ll have access to the highly skilled and experienced staff at the IT services firm.

Furthermore, you’ll sign an agreement that offers a fixed monthly cost. Many businesses across many industries are finding savings by going to the cloud. When you team up with the right IT services provider, the savings can add up.

Reduce Unplanned Downtime

According to one source, the average cost of downtime is north of $5,600 per minute. That’s $336,000 per hour or more than $8 million per day. Can your healthcare business afford an incident that shuts down your operations?

Unplanned downtime means you might not be able to meet the needs of patients, your workers won’t be able to do their work, and you’ll have to deal with a financial loss.

Hiring a managed IT services provider will reduce the odds of your medical office facing unplanned downtime. And in the event that such a scenario materializes, the service provider will be able to rectify the matter quickly.

When helping patients, the last thing you need is unplanned downtime. Being unable to render care could easily be a matter of life and death. So, getting the right IT services firm will help your healthcare practice to meet its objectives.

Scalability

Are you confident in your healthcare organization’s ability to quickly and seamlessly scale? If you have to buy new tools or hire more staff to accomplish this, scaling up will be a royal pain.

A managed IT services company will help your company scale up or down to meet the needs of customers or comply with regulations. Such a company will ensure you can move forward without missing a beat.

Do You Need a Managed IT Services Provider for Doctors Offices?

If your medical practice in Austin or San Antonio needs help on the IT front, consider how a managed IT services company like Terminal B can help.

Finding the right managed services provider for your healthcare business shouldn’t be difficult. In today’s business environment, you need a proactive and responsive third party that puts your business and customers first.

We specialize in providing IT services for doctors offices. Get in touch today to find out how what we do can help your healthcare organization. 

More than 600,000 new businesses are formed in the United States each year. Unfortunately, not all of these have staying power in their industries. One of the most important aspects of running a business is choosing the right managed IT services company.

However, many people are unfamiliar with the benefits they can experience from co-managed IT services. We’ve created a brief guide that has key information you need to know.

Let’s take a deeper look at co-managed IT.

Co-Managed IT Services Defined

Co-managed IT services are a partnership between a managed service provider (MSP) and an internal team. The MSP will provide the technical expertise, support, and resources necessary to maintain your IT infrastructure. The internal team will be responsible for making sure that all areas of the company are working together efficiently.

In context, this type of IT service functions as an outsourced IT department. The MSP will manage the day-to-day operations of your network and ensure that everything is running smoothly. The internal team focuses on strategic initiatives and long-term goals.

The Benefits

Your MSP will handle the management of your IT environment. This will free up time and resources that would otherwise be spent maintaining it. It also allows the internal team to focus on the core aspects of their business. The MSP can provide access to a variety of resources and services that would typically require extra spending.

This includes cloud hosting and data management services.

Co-managed IT solutions are more cost-effective than other types of setups since they don’t require the team to hire and train additional IT staff. Businesses can save money on salaries, benefits, and other associated costs.

These services provide a higher level of reliability than traditional setups. The MSP takes responsibility for maintaining the IT environment.

Doing so ensures that your systems are running optimally at all times and reduces the chances of downtime or security breaches. This is important to keep in mind, as the average data breach costs businesses over $4 million.

Finally, co-managed IT services can help businesses stay ahead of the competition. The MSP will provide access to the latest technology and tools so that you can keep up with industry trends.

As a result, your business operations will remain efficient and competitive.

Co-Managed Vs Managed

As the name implies, co-managed IT services differ from managed IT services in that they involve the collaboration between an internal team and a service provider.

With managed IT, the MSP will take full responsibility for managing your IT infrastructure. All decisions regarding hardware and software are made by the MSP. With co-managed IT, some of the decision-making power is given to the internal team.

This allows them to customize solutions to meet their specific needs and take advantage of opportunities that are not available with managed IT services.

Are They Right For Me?

To decide if co-managed IT is right for your business, consider your current IT environment and the resources at hand. If you have an internal team that is knowledgeable in IT and willing to work with a service provider, then this type of arrangement may be a good fit.

If not, it may be better to use managed services instead.

Another factor to consider is budget. Co-managed IT can be more cost-effective than managed services since it doesn’t require additional staff or hardware investments.

This can make it a great choice for businesses that are looking to reduce costs without sacrificing reliability.

Businesses That Could Benefit

There are many businesses that could benefit from co-managed IT solutions. Small and medium-sized businesses, in particular, can take advantage of the cost savings and improved reliability offered by this type of setup.

Companies that are growing rapidly or are undergoing digital transformation may also find co-managed IT beneficial. Specifically, companies that work in the tech, healthcare, or pharmaceutical industries can benefit greatly.

Leveraging co-managed cloud services can help increase productivity and minimize risk. Be sure to carefully evaluate all of your options before settling on a particular IT solution.

While co-managed IT can be a great choice for many businesses, it may not be the right fit for everyone.

Choosing a Provider

Not all providers are created equal.

When selecting a service provider for your co-managed IT setup, it’s important to consider their reputation, experience, and customer service. Look for references and reviews from other customers to get an idea of the quality of the services they offer. You should also ask about their technology stack and data security measures.

Make sure that the provider is using the latest tools and technologies to ensure that your data is secure.

Always ask about their pricing structure. Many providers offer custom plans, so make sure you understand the costs associated with each option before making a decision. Some providers may also offer discounts or special offers, so be sure to inquire about them.

As long as you do your due diligence, you’ll find the right provider for your co-managed IT needs.

Choose Co-Managed IT Today

Making the right decision might seem difficult at first. However, there are plenty of benefits that co-managed IT services can provide that you won’t find elsewhere. Keep the above information in mind so you can make the decision that is best for your company.

Looking for more information on how we can help? Feel free to get in touch with us today to see what we can do.

64% of companies have experienced some form of web-based attack. 51% of companies have experienced a denial of service attack. And 62% of companies have experienced some form of phishing or social engineering attack. 

The statistics go on. If you’re thinking that your business doesn’t need cybersecurity, you’re wrong. You could end up in trouble very soon if you don’t hire cybersecurity professionals. 

Are you still not convinced? If so, read on! This article will tell you all about the benefits of cybersecurity. 

What Is Cybersecurity? 

Cyberattacks can plunge businesses like mid-market healthcare companies into chaos. The people who create these attacks can steal business data, shut down technology, and more.

Cybersecurity primarily involves protecting internet-connected systems such as data, software, and hardware from these threats. Professionals can help businesses create a strong cybersecurity strategy that can provide a high level of protection. 

Some cybersecurity professionals can also help businesses create a post-cyberattack plan. This can help the business recover its data and continue its business.

What Is Internet Security? 

Internet security includes managing internet-associated risks. All of a business’s web apps, browsers, sites, etc. need protection. 

You may have heard people refer to internet security and cyber security interchangeably. In reality, they shouldn’t be doing this. Not all cybersecurity services involve online security.

However, most of the threats that a business will deal with will come over the internet. So any cybersecurity expert your company hires should mostly deal with internet security. 

Types of Cyber Attacks 

So what types of threats is your, say, commercial construction firm up against? Below, you’ll find some of the ways in which malicious individuals can attack your business’s network. 

Malicious Websites 

Many internet sites can infect a business’s network. If an employee accesses such a malicious site, the network can become flooded with malware. This can cause system malfunctions and/or steal data. 

In addition, certain malicious individuals can access illegal or inappropriate content with a company’s system. This can harm a business’s reputation. 

Credential Stealing 

Cybercriminals can collect user credentials. This includes passwords, usernames, etc. These criminals can then use this information to access corporate systems. 

How can cybercriminals get these credentials? They may create phishing sites or organize data breaches. In other situations, they can easily guess weak and reused passwords. 

Phishing 

Phishing is a method that cybercriminals use to gather user data. They will send emails to targets that appear to be from trusted companies. Usually, these emails will ask the recipients to give them certain types of data. 

If the recipient trusts the email, they will give up their data. This can give cybercriminals access to bank accounts, data networks, etc. 

Malware 

The term “malware” is short for malicious software. This is software that cybercriminals create for evil purposes. They may try to send the malware to the network itself or trick someone else into downloading it. 

Once a piece of malware is in a computer system, it can cause problems in several ways. It may hijack the system, steal or encrypt data, cause system malfunctions, and/or hurt a system in other ways. 

Loss of Data 

Companies don’t just lose data through cyberattacks alone. In many cases, employees may accidentally leak data themselves. They may divulge it to an outsider or save sensitive data on unsecured personal accounts. 

Why Is Security Important?

So why should a business like a pharma firm protect itself from these kinds of threats? You can find some reasons for this in the sections below. 

Prevent Business Disruptions 

Are you looking to increase productivity at your company? If so, you shouldn’t want your business to get cyberattacks. A cyberattack could disrupt your business’s operations. 

Protect Employees and Customers 

The personal data of employees and customers can get leaked in a cyberattack. If this happens, your employees and customers will trust you less. Both of them can then end up leaving your business. 

Prevent a Damaged Reputation 

As mentioned earlier, cybercriminals can use your network to access illegal and morally questionable content. They can also access and leak questionable data from your network. This can ruin your business’s reputation and cause you to lose business. 

Protect Your Company Finances 

Cybercriminals may be able to access the bank account where your company stores its financial assets. If they do this, they could drain your company of funds. 

Comply With Regulations 

Some industries have regulations in place that require businesses to have a certain amount of data security. If you allow a breach to happen, your company may have to pay hefty fines and deal with other penalties. 

The Benefits of Cybersecurity Services 

As you can see, good cybersecurity can help your business stay safe in several ways. But you may be thinking that you don’t need cybersecurity professionals. You may believe that your business can create a cyber security plan on its own. 

DIY cybersecurity plans are possible, but experts do not recommend them. All the cybersecurity tips you can find online cannot match a cybersecurity team’s level of experience. Here are some ways that these professionals can help you. 

• Can easily identify the nature of cybersecurity threats 
• Can quickly resolve any problems caused by cyberattacks 
• Can provide small businesses with the same services as large ones
• Can teach employees how to deal with cybersecurity threats
• Can tell you all about the regulations your business needs to follow 
• Can recommend the best cybersecurity tools and procedures 
• Can cost less than an in-house IT and/or cybersecurity team. 

Try Our Cybersecurity Services 

Now that you know the benefits of cybersecurity services, you should see why your company needs them. Hopefully, you will soon be off to find the best possible services. This should keep your company nice and safe. 

And if you’re a technology decision-maker in Texas, you don’t need to look any further than our cybersecurity services. We will train your staff and create an impenetrable cybersecurity plan. We’ll also make sure that it complies will all the demanding standards. 

Schedule your discovery session by filling out the form on this page. 

The year 2016 saw an exponential rise in major data breaches. Hackers got a firm grip on literally hundreds of thousands of organizations. This included major corporations, Fortune 500 companies, tech companies, and so on.

For example, did you know that there’s a hacker attack every 39 seconds? 

Phishing attacks remain one of the primary ways hackers get their hands on confidential information. But did you know about Spear Phishing? 

Many organizations are working hard to educate employees on the dangers of phishing. Spear phishing though is a particularly dangerous form of this type of scam that works at co-opting an employee’s information that you might not have even heard about. 

Spear Phishing vs Phishing 

So how do spear phishing attacks differ from standard phishing attacks? To keep yourself safe, you need to know your enemy. 

It doesn’t matter if you can keep yourself safe from one if you can’t keep yourself safe from the other. Data lost is data lost. 

To resolve this, let’s take a look at some of the differences between a standard phishing attack and a spear phishing attack. 

Standard Phishing 

Standard phishing is one of the oldest tricks in the book when it comes to internet scams. It became popular in the early days of the internet when people were a bit more trusting. It relies on poor internet literacy.

This is why to this day, the standard victims of phishing tactics are older people who don’t understand the internet as well.

There are several ways phishing is conducted, but the standard method is to send out a mass email posing as some sort of trusted party. This might be a large company that you often buy from and log into — like Amazon, a credit card company, or even your employer. 

These messages will disguise as casual, telling you to click on a link or enter your information. It will give justification for this, telling you you might need to update your account, etc. Once you click on these links or type this information in, cybercriminals move in. 

This is bad enough when it happens to someone on their own. It gets even worse when people work for a bigger company, and suffer from a phishing attack on a company account. From here, the cyber criminals can find out sensitive information, and likely will be able to get access to information about other people in the company.  

You can usually spot a phishing attack with typos. Often, people conducting these attacks aren’t native English speakers, and send out these emails en masse. They’re playing the numbers game here. 

Usually, the scammer will use a domain name with a slightly misspelled title, or make up a name that sounds like a trusted domain. They might use a name like “Apple Store Support Team” — so that you assume it’s an email from Apple.

Spear Phishing  

Spear phishing is more sinister than phishing, because it’s significantly more targeted. It’s a more complex and sophisticated form of cybercrime, so if someone is attempting it on you, they likely have some experience in this world. 

Spear phishing is when someone uses phishing tactics on a specific person. Already, this has scary implications. If you’re the target of a phishing attack, someone has chosen you as their target; they don’t just want information, they want your information.  

Someone who’s targeting you for a phishing attack likely has your name, knows where your work, knows your email, and knows about your job role. 

Generally, from here, the tactics are the same as phishing tactics. The scammer is going to try to get you to give away your info to them so they can get their way in to your company. 

However, these tactics are going to be significantly more effective because the message wasn’t sent out en masse. It was sent just to you. 

Likely, the person conducting this scam has thought this true, speaks English well, and is, most alarmingly, quite smart. They’ve probably studied the correspondence between you and trusted sources — maybe a higher-up in your company, and be able to replicate the tone of the conversation. 

They might, for example, “respond” to an email thread between you and your boss from a slightly altered domain name, leading you to not even realize something strange is going on.  

What Helps Protect From Spear Phishing

Fortunately, it’s not as hard as it seems to stay safe. At the end of the day, spear phishing is still phishing — it’s just more convincing. If you know the signs of phishing and stay hyper-vigilant, you’ll keep yourself safe. 

Cybercriminals can only get in with this record if you give your information or click a link. For all their advanced technology and research, they still need you to invite them in. 

Train your employees to recognize phishing attacks. Teach them what spear phishing attacks are. They might be familiar with old-school attacks but think they’re safe if the attack is more personal. 

Prevention is the best cure when it comes to cybersecurity. 

Another important way to keep yourself safe is to keep your cybersecurity protocol as updated as possible. All of the money you spend on keeping yourself safe won’t mean anything if the criminals can stay ahead of you. 

Stay Safe From Attacks

As you can see, spear phishing attacks are some of the most dangerous and malicious types of cybersecurity attacks out there. Not only do you have to worry about getting your data breached, you also have the stress of knowing that the hackers have been studying you. 

At the end of the day, however a spear phishing attack is still a phishing attack. You can avoid the negative effects if you understand the risks and train your employees.

For more info on IT support, contact us today. 

Statistics show that 93% of businesses are using at least one technology platform. They are branching out into technology services to streamline business tasks.

IT support and services or something that any business could use. This can help to leverage cloud services and decrease risk while increasing productivity.

But you may not understand the difference between IT support and managed services. These are two different services that different businesses may benefit from using.

Keep reading to find out if you need IT support and services or managed services.

What is IT Support?

IT support is used when technology is underperforming for your business. Or your business technology may be unavailable altogether.

IT support provides a solution that helps you to customize your business processes and systems. Terminal B has dedicated lines in San Antonio and Austin, Texas.

This allows you to get the help that you need around the clock. An online portal is also available if you need support for your business technology.

This is the biggest benefit of using IT support over managed IT support services. A dedicated support team is available 24 seven to help you quickly solve problems.

Terminal B also provides IT support packages that are all-inclusive. These packages will be tailored to fit your business vertical, industry, and process.

This will be invaluable if you ever run into technology issues. These kinds of issues can be very costly and result in your business being unavailable for a while.

Having IT support on your side can eliminate some of these risks and reduce your stress. The IT support team is highly trained and ready to address any issue you have.

What is Managed Services?

Now the other option that you have is managed IT support. This provides managed services that are tailored to fit whatever you may need.

You will still have access to highly trained and supportive IT professionals. You will also have access to 24 seven help in case you need help.

There are certain aspects of your business software that may need to be addressed. These are things that IT support and services can’t always fix.

This is why managed IT support can be more useful and dependable. For instance, if your technology needs upgrades, this service will be able to handle this for you.

It can fix and upgrade your software to keep your system up and running. This is very important since software issues create vulnerable areas in your system.

This can leave you exposed to hackers and other software risks. IT managed services provide organization and data security.

It is a bigger initial investment, but the payoff is greater. Terminal B offers simplified monthly fees to help you keep track of your budget.

Technology decision-makers in Texas will help you up to date on business technology. You will also gain better knowledge of cyber security and regulatory compliance.

IT Support Vs Managed Services

IT support and services are ideal for certain situations. You may still be a bit confused about whether you need IT support and managed services or one or the other.

A simple way of looking at this is to break down their basic purpose. Traditional IT support is a support team there to fix something that is broken.

For instance, if your business website crashes, IT support can’t help. But IT support is not going to prevent your website from crashing or protect it in the future.

That is why it is considered to be a fix-it-in-the-moment type of solution. On the other hand, managed services are proactive, not reactive.

This helps you to always stay on top of your business system, monitoring how it is working. Hi-tech commercial construction benefits from this the most since it helps to reduce risk.

These services are constantly working in the background to keep everything up and running. If something were to go wrong, you could contact the support team for a resolution.

As you can see, both options have a lot to provide. They are similar in many ways but provide a different variety of services for your business.

Which Type of Support Do You Need?

Choosing cloud services can feel a bit overwhelming. You will need to look at your particular business software and what services you need.

For highly developed and complicated systems, you may want managed IT support. This provides the necessary security and proactively makes sure everything is up-to-date.

This can be life-saving since it protects security, data, and stability. It will be able to find issues before they occur and help you to better understand your system.

IT support is a good option for smaller businesses that are less complex. It provides help if something comes up so that you aren’t going at it alone.

Keep in mind that there are some limitations to what IT services can do. It may not be able to address more complex issues that need certain kinds of access.

It may also take a bit longer to resolve issues that come up in your system.

IT Support and Services: Understanding the Differences

If you have a business, you may need IT support and services. IT support and managed services are common options for businesses, but they have some differences.

IT support provides assistance if something goes wrong with your technology. But managed support is always working for you to prevent issues later on.

Do you need IT services in Austin and San Antonio? Contact us today at Terminal B to see our IT support and managed services packages. 

A survey showed that 63% of people have an issue with forgetting their online passwords. Another poll also showed that 65% of people found memorizing passwords difficult.

Are you wondering how to change password in remote desktop? This is a common question that people have if they have misplaced or forgotten their online password.

The average person will have multiple passwords that they need for their online tasks. It can become difficult to remember them all, resulting in you needing to change certain passwords.

Keep reading to find out how to change password in remote desktop.

Use a Shortcut

One of the best ways to change a remote desktop password is with a shortcut. Keep in mind that different types of desktops may require different shortcuts.

One common option that many find useful is ctrl-alt-delete. You will need to press these buttons at the same time to use the shortcut successfully.

If you need to change password in RDP, This short cat should still work.

Active Directory Users and Computers Console

Another option you have is the active directories users and computer console. You will need to press the windows and the R button at the same time.

This will open the Run console, and you will need to type dsa.msc and press enter to open the console. Choose the users tab and go to the username where you want to change the password.

You should be able to right-click that account and choose the option to reset the password. You will need to add the new password and confirm it before clicking OK.

This is another simple solution if you need to know how to change remote desktop password.

On-Screen Keyboard

Some windows servers support on-screen keyboard options. This is a virtual keyboard that pops up on your screen when you click the on-screen keyboard key.

All you need to do is type OSK and press enter. Then press the windows and the IR buttons to access the Run Command window.

On the physical keyboard, hold down the CTRL and the ALT keys at the same time. As you are doing this, press the DEL key that is on the virtual keyboard on your computer screen.

This should allow you to change your password without having to enter the old one.

Net User

If you need to change a local user password, this is quite simple. You will need to click start, then click the Run option that comes up.

That or you could press WIN and R at the same time for the same result. Type in net user with your username and password.

This allows you to change these two details without having to enter your old password. This is perfect if you have forgotten it and need to access that account still.

ALTGR-END

If you want a quick way to change your password, you can hit the ALTGR key. You will need to press this key with the End key to get this option.

This is something that you can also do to emulate the CTRL-ALT-DELETE shortcut. Keep in mind that not every keyboard is going to have this key available.

Sign In Options

If you know your old password but you want to change it, this is very simple. If you are using windows, open the sign-in options tab and select the password button.

You will have the option to change this password, which you will need to click on. Then you can follow the on-screen instructions that help you to create a new password.

This is a process that usually requires you to add your old password to save this option. This is perfect if you want to change your password to something easier to remember.

Reset Computer

If you have run out of options, you can always reset your computer. Keep in mind that this will remove a lot of information and should only be done if completely necessary.

You’ll need to go to the sign-in screen and hold down the shift key while clicking the power icon. Select the restart button while you continue to press the shift key until a new screen pops up.

Click the troubleshooting button and choose the option to reset your PC. From there, you will need to choose the option to remove everything and have a local reinstall.

The last thing you need to do is choose to remove your files and reset everything.

Get IT Support

If you need to know how to change password and remote desktop, there’s an easy option. You can get a tech service to help you with this.

Companies like Terminal B offer a wide variety of IT and tech-related services. One of these services includes IT support for all of their customers.

If your technology is not performing the way you need it to, this can be a solution. Different technology requires different methods to change a password on a remote desktop.

Because of this, you may be struggling to find a solution for your desktop. If you can’t find the answer, your IT support can help you with its dedicated support team.

This is also a good solution for a variety of other tech-related issues that you may be having. Its 24/7 support packages are perfect for providing any tech support that you need.

Tips on How to Change Password on Remote Desktop

Are you wondering how to change password in remote desktop? There are several ways that you can go about doing this, depending on the desktop you are using.

Do you want to hire IT services to help you with your technology? Contact us today at Terminal B to get 24/7 support packages.

With the global IT budget nearing $4 trillion, it’s clear that information technology is a force in the modern world.

If you run a business – any kind of business – in 2023, there’s a strong possibility that you need IT help. We rely on technology for everything from day-to-day operations to protecting customer data. However, few business leaders understand the ins and outs of the technology that helps them.

In this post, we’re going to discuss the advantages of IT for small businesses in San Antonio and Austin. Whether you operate a healthcare business or a commercial construction company, you need the latest technology and someone who understands it to help. 

Finding the right managed service provider requires you to know more about IT. Keep reading and we’ll get you up to speed on why IT is so important and how you can leverage it to increase productivity and decrease risk.

What Is IT?

The simplest definition of information technology is that it comprises everything to do with a company’s computer systems and physical devices and the infrastructure and processes to secure, process, store, and exchange data.

The IT industry has evolved with technology. 30 years ago, IT would have had to do with software installation and connection setup. Now, an IT department looks after systems, applications, networks, and data to ensure that it all works together and functions well. 

They also monitor the performance of everything and troubleshoot issues as they arise. IT departments are responsible for the security of networks and infrastructure. The global cost of cybercrime is around $8 trillion and is projected to grow in the coming years.

What Are the Advantages of IT?

In a world that is so reliant on technology, the role of IT has become more and more integral for businesses. Let’s now look at some of the benefits and advantages of IT.

Better Communication

An obvious IT advantage for small businesses is the ability to communicate more effectively. Whether it’s email, instant messaging, or video conferencing, we’ve got the ability to talk to customers and colleagues all over the world at any given time.

It’s hard to imagine a world without the ability to communicate in this way. In the 90s, email completely changed internal communication. Now, we’re able to hold virtual meetings from our smartphones, allowing businesses to operate more freely and efficiently.

Productivity and Efficiency

Information technology boosts efficiency and productivity in countless ways. Communication is a huge aspect of this, but it’s more about the way that technology streamlines production. 

With technology, we’re able to create a more efficient workflow and automate mundane and time-consuming tasks that employees used to have to do manually. It also provides more access to important data and information through cloud computing.

Having data stored in the cloud allows any credentialed person to access whatever they need from wherever they are. Employees can stay focused and productive because they have everything they need and technological processes to make life easier.

Cost-Cutting

When you start thinking about the costs of setting up an IT system, it can get pretty daunting. You have to take the long view of IT as a cost-cutting resource. 

Because of the way it boosts productivity and efficiency, IT raises your bottom line. With everything streamlined, you’ll see increased earnings, which pays for IT setup in a matter of weeks.

Cybersecurity

One of the consequences of all of our technological advances has been the rise in cybercrime, as we touched on above. Cybercriminals are working diligently at all times to find breaches in security. This is why it’s so important to continue updating your security measures.

Gone are the days of physical files – IT allows you to store your data in secure databases. You can encrypt your files and place them under several layers of security to protect them. Multi-factor authentication, VPNs, and data backups are all essential parts of a modern cybersecurity strategy.

Attacks happen every 39 seconds. If you’re going to keep your data safe, your IT team needs a proactive approach to cybersecurity.

Competitive Advantages

Potentially the greatest advantage of IT is its ability to unlock competitive advantages. Everyone has access to the same IT tools, but it’s the way that you implement them into your day-to-day that can separate you from your competitors.

If you’re a construction company, things like project and inventory management, when used correctly, can help you streamline projects. The more efficient you are, the more you can accomplish, and the better positioned you’ll be against the competition.

For the healthcare industry, you’ll use electronic health records and patient portals. These things help you better communicate with your patients. It improves their experience and brings in more referrals.

With pharma firms, your IT advantage might be in marketing. Collecting and analyzing customer data to better position your products can be the difference between success and failure. Data and record storage are important pieces of the puzzle here also.

What Is a Managed Services Provider?

There’s no limit to the advantages of IT, but how you implement and manage your tech can be tricky. Many companies still gravitate toward having a full-time in-house IT department. For most, this isn’t the best way to approach informal technology.

Everyone’s IT needs are different. A managed service provider (MSP) allows you to customize your approach to IT while taking advantage of the most knowledgeable professionals in the industry.

Whether you want better cybersecurity, tech support, or fully managed IT services, an MSP will work with you to come up with the right plan.

Get the Best Managed Services in South Texas

These are a few of the advantages of IT. When you hire an MSP, you’ll experience everything we’ve discussed here and more. Finding the right IT services is about understanding your IT deficiencies and where you want to be in the future.

At Terminal B, we offer managed IT solutions and support to Austin and San Antonio businesses. If you’re in the construction, legal, science, or healthcare sector, contact us today to discuss your IT needs and how we can help.