IT Managed Services

The traditional office has radically transformed in our modern era where change is the only constant. Picture your workspace, not as a physical room, but as a realm without boundaries, accessible from anywhere, at any time. This is no futuristic fantasy; it’s the reality of the virtual workspace. A place where virtual desktops reign supreme, redefining what it means to be at work.

The concept of a virtual desktop is simple yet revolutionary. It’s your entire workstation, encapsulated within the digital realm, accessible through any device.

The virtual desktop infrastructure is not just a component of this new era; it’s the backbone, ensuring seamless, secure, and efficient operations. With virtual desktop software, the limitations of traditional computing dissolve, leaving behind a landscape ripe with possibilities. This remarkable shift is not a mere convenience; it’s a game-changer for businesses and individuals alike.

In this article, we delve deep into the heart of this digital revolution, exploring how virtual desktop hosting and remote infrastructure are reimagining our approach to work. Welcome to the era of the virtual workspace, where your desk is as limitless as your imagination. Read on to learn more.

The Rise of Virtual Desktops: A Game Changer

The emergence of virtual desktops is not just a passing trend; it marks a significant shift in the way businesses operate. Think of a traditional office-its physical limitations, the necessity of being physically present to access work files or applications.

Now, erase those boundaries. Virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) makes this possible, transforming every aspect of workplace technology.

It centralizes data and operations, making them accessible from anywhere in the world. This is not merely about convenience; it’s about redefining efficiency.

Virtual desktop software, the driving force behind this revolution, offers a personalized desktop environment from any device. This flexibility is not just impressive; it’s transformative.

Boost Productivity in Unprecedented Ways

Businesses are no longer shackled by their physical infrastructure. They’re free to explore new markets, adopt flexible working arrangements, and boost productivity in unprecedented ways.

Moreover, the role of virtual desktop hosting in this paradigm shift cannot be overstated. It offers a centralized, secure, and efficient solution for data storage and access.

Imagine the peace of mind knowing that your company’s data is stored safely, immune to the risks associated with physical hardware. This setup not only enhances security but also brings down operational costs.

The beauty of this technology lies in its simplicity and its profound impact. By adopting virtual desktops, companies are not only staying ahead in the technology game; they’re also fostering a more dynamic, inclusive, and forward-thinking workplace culture. The future is here, and it resides within the realm of virtual desktops.

Remote Infrastructure: Breaking Physical Boundaries

The true power of virtual desktops lies in their remarkable ability to dissolve physical barriers. Imagine a workspace that transcends geographical limits, where your office is wherever you choose it to be.

This is the reality fostered by remote infrastructure, a pivotal aspect of virtual desktop technology. It enables employees to connect to their work environment from any location; be it their home, a local café, or halfway across the world. This level of flexibility is not just a perk; it’s a revolution in work-life balance and global collaboration.

Remote access changes everything. It allows businesses to tap into global talent pools without the constraints of physical proximity. This opens up a world of possibilities for diversifying teams and perspectives, enriching the business in ways that a traditional office setup never could.

Empowered Employees

It’s a shift that empowers employees, giving them the freedom to work in environments that suit their lifestyles and preferences. It leads to enhanced job satisfaction and productivity.

Moreover, the agility provided by remote infrastructure is invaluable in today’s fast-paced business world. Companies can respond quickly to market changes and opportunities, unhindered by the logistical challenges of a physical workspace. This agility is crucial for staying competitive and innovative.

Ultimately, remote infrastructure is not just about working from different locations; it’s about reimagining the workplace in a global context. It’s a testament to how technology can bring us closer together, even as we work apart.

The future of work is not just about being online. It’s about being connected in more meaningful and productive ways, no matter where we are.

Virtual Desktop Hosting

At the heart of the virtual desktop revolution lies the concept of virtual desktop hosting, a technological marvel that redefines data management and security. Centralization is key here.

Imagine all your business data and applications stored not on local devices, but on remote servers, accessible from anywhere, yet tightly secured. This is not just a shift in storage; it’s a leap towards unparalleled efficiency and security.

The beauty of virtual desktop hosting lies in its simplicity and power. By hosting desktop environments on remote servers, businesses minimize the risks associated with physical hardware, such as damage or theft.

This approach significantly reduces the likelihood of data loss, ensuring that sensitive information remains safe in a controlled, secure environment. Moreover, the cost savings are substantial. The need for maintaining and upgrading individual workstations is drastically reduced, cutting down on both hardware expenses and IT labor costs.

Streamlining Operations

But it’s not just about saving money. It’s about streamlining operations. With centralized control, IT teams can manage updates, security patches, and maintenance more effectively and uniformly across the entire organization. This leads to a more consistent and secure IT environment, enhancing productivity and reducing downtime.

Furthermore, virtual desktop hosting is a boon for remote workforces. It enables seamless access to work environments from any device, ensuring that employees always have the tools they need, no matter where they are. This flexibility is crucial in today’s dynamic business landscape, where the ability to adapt and respond quickly can make all the difference.

In essence, a virtual desktop like Microsoft Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD) is more than just a technology solution; it’s a strategic move towards a more agile, secure, and efficient business model. It’s an investment in the future, positioning companies to thrive in an ever-changing digital world.

The Benefits: From Cost Savings to Enhanced Productivity

The transition to a virtual desktop framework unfolds a myriad of benefits that extend far beyond traditional computing constraints. First and foremost, cost savings.

Shifting to virtual desktops significantly reduces the need for expensive hardware upgrades and maintenance. Businesses can economize on IT expenditures while still providing top-tier technology solutions to their employees.

But it’s not just about saving money. It’s about boosting productivity.

Virtual desktops allow employees to access their work environment seamlessly, whether they’re in the office, at home, or on the move. This flexibility ensures that work doesn’t halt when they’re away from the office. They remain plugged into their workplace ecosystem, ready to respond and engage as if they were at their desks.

Moreover, virtual desktops such as Microsoft Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD) facilitate a more dynamic work culture. Collaboration becomes easier and more effective when team members can access shared resources and applications in real-time, irrespective of their physical location. This leads to a more connected and efficient workforce, capable of tackling projects with greater agility and creativity.

Additionally, the adaptability of virtual desktops is a boon for businesses undergoing growth or structural changes. As companies evolve, their IT infrastructure can effortlessly scale to meet new demands without the need for extensive physical upgrades. This scalability is vital for businesses aiming to stay agile and responsive in a fast-paced market.

Lastly, the environmental impact cannot be overlooked. Virtual desktops contribute to a reduction in electronic waste and energy consumption, aligning business operations with eco-friendly practices. This shift not only benefits the planet but also enhances the company’s brand as a responsible and sustainable organization.

So, the benefits of virtual desktops are extensive and impactful. They propel businesses into a new era of efficiency, collaboration, and adaptability, all while aligning with cost-effective and environmentally conscious goals.

Eco-Friendly and Scalable Solutions

Embracing virtual desktops like Microsoft Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD) not only propels businesses into a new era of technological efficiency. It also aligns them with sustainable and future-ready practices. This technology is a key player in the green movement within the digital world.

By reducing the need for physical hardware, companies contribute significantly to lowering electronic waste. Fewer computers mean less electronic disposal. This is a critical step towards a more sustainable planet.

Additionally, virtual desktops lead to lower energy consumption compared to traditional desktop computing. This further solidifies their eco-friendly status.

But sustainability is just one facet of their appeal. Virtual desktops are inherently scalable, a feature crucial for businesses in an ever-evolving market.

Adapting to Changing Environments

As a company grows, its IT needs grow, too. Virtual desktop infrastructure easily adapts to these changing requirements.

It allows for additional resources or users to be added without the complexities and costs of physical infrastructure upgrades. This scalability ensures that companies remain agile and responsive, ready to expand at a moment’s notice.

Moreover, being future-ready means anticipating and adapting to changes swiftly. Virtual desktops provide businesses with the agility to adapt to new technologies and trends as they emerge.

They offer a flexible foundation that can integrate with future advancements in cloud computing and AI. This ensures that the business stays at the forefront of technological innovation.

Thus, virtual desktops are more than just a present-day solution; they’re a long-term strategy. They provide a sustainable, scalable, and adaptable foundation that prepares businesses for the challenges and opportunities of the future.

By investing in virtual desktops, companies are upgrading their technology. But they’re also future-proofing their operations, ensuring they remain competitive and relevant in a rapidly changing digital landscape.

Streamlining IT Operations

Virtual desktops are a game-changer for IT management. They make everything simpler and more efficient. With all your systems and software centralized, updates and maintenance become a breeze.

Imagine updating software on hundreds of computers. Now, with virtual desktops, it’s just one update on a central server. This saves time and reduces the risk of errors.

Security is a big win, too. With everything stored centrally, it’s easier to keep data safe. You don’t have to worry about individual computers getting lost or hacked.

If something goes wrong, fixing it is faster and easier. You’re dealing with one system, not hundreds.

The best part? IT teams can do all of this remotely. They can manage and troubleshoot without being physically present.

This flexibility is crucial, especially when teams are spread out or working from home. It also means smaller companies can manage their IT without a big in-house team.

Enhancing Security

Security is a top priority in today’s digital world, and virtual desktops are a strong ally in this fight. They provide a level of protection that traditional setups can’t match.

With virtual desktops, all sensitive data is stored on secure, remote servers. This means if a laptop or phone is lost or stolen, your data stays safe. It’s not on the device; it’s secure in the cloud.

Access control is another big plus. You can set who gets to access what data. This isn’t just about keeping out hackers.

It’s about making sure only the right employees see sensitive information. It’s easier to manage and control access on a centralized system.

Regular updates and security patches are vital. With virtual desktops, these updates happen centrally and reach everyone. You don’t have to worry about an employee missing an important security update. This keeps your defenses strong against the latest cyber threats.

Unlocking the Potential of Your Business With a Virtual Workspace

The transition to a virtual workspace via virtual desktops is a strategic move for any forward-thinking business. This technology not only streamlines operations and enhances security but also paves the way for a more sustainable, scalable, and efficient work environment.

At Terminal B, we specialize in enhancing the IT infrastructure of industries like construction, science, engineering, and legal. Our 15 years of experience means we deliver streamlined, compliant solutions that boost your bottom line.

With our tailored support, expect a secure and efficient IT ecosystem, reducing costs and simplifying your budget. Ready to elevate your business with expert IT solutions? Contact Terminal B and let’s drive your success together.

Small businesses accounted for up to 99.8% of the 3 million businesses in Texas. The total number of small businesses would continue to grow, provided the state’s business climate remained favorable. Strategic partnerships can be one of the effective strategies for small business success in the Lone Star state.

If you are a technology decision-maker for a small to medium-sized business (SMB) in Texas and you’re considering using outsourced IT support, you have come to the right place. To make a sound investment decision, you need to understand the benefits that managed IT services can deliver to your enterprise.

Here’s why you should engage a managed services provider (MSP) for your business IT needs.

Access to Competent IT Support

If IT is mission-critical to your business operations, you will want to ensure consistent, timely IT support. The expertise of internal IT support teams is often limited to specific aspects of a business’s IT requirements. Plus, the support team typically operates within standard business hours. This can make it difficult to access IT support around the clock.

With IT managed services, you can get all-encompassing solutions to virtually all your IT from anywhere and at any time of the day or night. This translates to zero or reduced downtime for your business.

Increased Productivity

Outsourcing your IT function to a dedicated specialist can boost your company’s overall productivity. The third-party specialist will perform routine tasks faster with a lower risk of error. This will allow you to reduce the amount of time spent handling IT situations.

They will also help free up in-house staff and other critical resources necessary to keep your business running. This helps allocate the available human and non-human resources to the core competencies of your business.

Increased Scalability

The demand for IT-related services tends to be stable for larger or established companies. However, it can fluctuate considerably for startups and newer ventures.

An IT managed services provider can quickly scale up or down to meet the changing needs of your business. This is a boon to startups and small businesses who expect increases and declines and need a partner who will help them scale the right way.

Consider Azure Cloud if you need industry-specific cloud security solutions that will keep up with the pace of your enterprise operations.

Faster Technology Adoption

Technology changes fast and requires fast adoption to keep pace with the changes in your particular industry. However, successful technology adoption often requires complex new skills. Plus, it can be expensive and time-consuming.

Many managed IT service providers are fast adopters of new technology. This is because rapid technology adoption increases their competitive advantage. Partnering with an MSP is a clever way to access the latest technologies while avoiding large initial cost outlays. This ensures you have more money for daily business expenses.

Increased Cost Savings

From business app builders to cloud engineers to cyber security experts, tech jobs are among the most in-demand in the U.S. labor market. This means hiring top IT talent can be a costly proposition.

A managed IT service often costs less than in-house IT support. This is because you won’t be responsible for employee training, equipment, and benefits. This can mean having more funds for other operation-critical aspects of your business.

Increased Flexibility

Hiring outsourced IT support does not mean you have to change your work schedule to match the service provider’s business hours. Most MSPs provide support round-the-clock, including during after-hours, holidays, and weekends. This means you can get IT support whenever you need it.

Additionally, you will only pay for the services that you use. This can lead to further savings on operating costs.

Reduced Security Risks

Every small business faces cybersecurity risks. If you don’t stay on top of these threats, your business can suffer significant financial losses and reputation damage. This will, in turn, affect your bottom line.

An MSP can help you handle digital security risks and concerns. These IT specialists keep up to date with the latest innovations in security tech. This makes them the best people to help prevent data breaches and ensure cybersecurity compliance in your organization.

Improved Employee Welfare

If you overburden your workers with daily IT tasks, they are more likely to be unhappy and dissatisfied with their jobs. This can result in increased employee turnover because unhappy employees quit their jobs. Using an MSP is a great way to reduce the workload of your in-house IT staff so they can focus on your company’s key strategic initiatives.

Increased Competitive Edge

Traditionally, SMBs have struggled to compete against major competitors. Larger companies and established brands may have access to vast in-house resources that your small business may not enjoy. But that doesn’t mean you can’t compete with them.

The MSP industry is leveling the playing field for SMBs by providing the same level of IT expertise larger companies have at a lower cost. This means you don’t have to break the bank to compete against the big boys.

Increased Peace of Mind

The volume of work necessary to keep up with your business’s IT needs can be overwhelming to complete. Without a fast and efficient method of fulfilling these needs, you could end up with a backlog of unresolved IT situations. This can lead to increased downtime, lost revenue, and increased stress levels.

MSPs can provide a technology roadmap to help you find effective small business IT solutions. You will enjoy increased peace of mind from knowing you can detect and mitigate any tech risks and vulnerabilities when they arise.

Industry-Specific Benefits of Managed IT Services

Outsourced IT support offers plenty of advantages for all types of businesses. However, certain industries stand to gain unique benefits from partnering with an MSP.

These include healthcare, construction, and tech firms. The right MSP can help with the specific needs of each industry and tailor their services accordingly.

Healthcare

The healthcare industry is one of the most regulated sectors. Providers need to comply with strict standards such as HIPAA, which protect the privacy and security of patient data. Outsourced IT services can prove a worthy investment. Their expertise makes implementing and managing IT systems easy. They will manage telehealth platforms, deploy devices for physicians, and more.

And the best part is that they provide all these upgrades while ensuring compliance. This allows healthcare administrators to focus on patient care rather than IT and regulatory concerns.

Construction

Construction companies rely heavily on IT to manage several projects on different sites. The ability to access and share data like blueprints, contracts, schedules, and more is invaluable. They also need to collaborate with contractors, suppliers, clients, and other stakeholders.

Managed IT services can help by providing cloud storage to access data anywhere. They can provide network security to protect data from cyberattacks. Moreover, simple communication tools allow teams to collaborate effectively.

With these IT solutions, construction firms can focus on managing projects rather than IT issues. Outsourced support enables access to information while keeping data safe.

Financial Services

The financial services industry is one of the most sensitive and challenging sectors when it comes to IT. Businesses need to protect their customers’ data from cyberattacks and breaches. They also need to comply with various business regulations, such as PCI DSS and GLBA, that govern their IT operations.

But how do they leverage IT solutions like fraud monitoring and risk management while ensuring the above? Managed IT services can help financial services providers through

• Secure hosting
• Ongoing security upgrades
• Compliance expertise
• Fraud monitoring
• Access management

By leveraging managed services, financial businesses can focus on their core competencies.

Legal

Law firms need to securely store confidential client information. Managed IT services help by providing systems to protect sensitive legal documents and communications.

They also offer expertise in legal technologies. These include eDiscovery, which seeks out evidence in electronic formats such as emails.

Outsourced IT helps keep law firms compliant. This is especially true when it comes to regulations guarding client privacy and confidentiality. This allows lawyers to focus on cases rather than IT security.

Retail/eCommerce

The retail/eCommerce industry is one of the most dynamic and demanding sectors when it comes to IT. Brands need robust eCommerce platforms and POS systems that enable them to sell products and services online and offline. The ability to scale IT resources for seasonal changes in customer demand is also necessary.

Managed IT services can provide eCommerce solutions that make it easier to create and manage an online store, shopping carts, and more.

They offer cloud solutions that allow businesses to scale IT resources on demand. This reduces costs while improving reliability and performance.

You’ll also get help implementing and managing security solutions. This ensures that your systems and customer data are safe from breaches.

Get the Right Outsourced IT Support for Your Business Today

Managed IT services offer a cost-effective and efficient way to handle IT situations. But these services aren’t created equal. Thus, what works for other businesses won’t always work for your business.

At Terminal B, we offer a wide range of products and packages at different prices to cater to the specific needs of different businesses. Feel free to talk to us to learn more about our offerings. We’ll look at your specific needs and budget to help you choose the best outsourced IT support for your business.

IT’s importance has been growing rapidly over the last decades, and it’s one of the most important factors for corporate achievement in 2023. In fact, 71% of CFOs think that the success of their company depends on their ability to transform digitally.

Co-managed IT services are the ideal way to stay flexible and competitive in any industry. Read on to learn some benefits of these IT services and why you should take the leap.

1. Custom Integration Means Flexibility

Co-managed IT services mean that your business operates its IT infrastructure alongside a third-party provider. You retain control over some things while relinquishing other functions to the professional IT co-manager.

This partnership is extremely nuanced and coordinated because it’s not one-size-fits-all. Different businesses have wildly different needs, especially those in various industries.

Those in mid-market health care may need access to patient records on in-house servers for HIPAA compliance and security reasons. However, they may be able to store employee-related records and financial documents on a third-party server to save storage space and money.

Commercial construction firms, on the other hand, may be able to keep client records on an external server. Fleet management applications and software may be the internal storage part of their IT system.

Co-managed IT is great because the models let people pick and choose which resources and data they want to get external help with. You’ll also get to select which processes, workflows, and sensitive information should exclusively stay in-house. It’s flexible, so a co-managed model will bend to your specific needs.

2. Save Money on In-House Services

In-house IT has many disadvantages, but the main one is that it’s extremely costly. Hiring an IT management professional means paying for their full-time salary and benefits. It also means shelling out for training and onboarding costs and needing to find new IT help if they quit.

Co-managed IT solutions solve this problem. Even if you hire someone in-house, you won’t need to pay them a full-time salary because they’ll have fewer responsibilities. If they quit, you won’t be left in the dust until you find a new in-house expert.

You also won’t need to pay for internal servers that store data and launch applications that could be managed externally. This means paying for less hardware and freeing up server space for things that must be stored in-house.

You’ll also save space. When you store all of your information in your company facility, you’ll need to store the hardware on the premises.

This can make it hard to get around. It could also force you to pay for more storage space or even a larger office.

Co-managed IT gives you the freedom to pick and choose what you store in-house. It also means that you won’t need to hire unnecessary employees.

3. Retain Control Over Your Operations

Many people prefer managed IT because it’s less expensive than in-house management. It also saves space.

However, fully outsourcing your IT infrastructure means that you might feel powerless over your information. A third party stores it and manages it, and while no reputable company will abuse that power, it still bothers some people. The managed IT company also provides security features and updates, which makes many business leaders feel out of control.

Co-managed IT means reaping the benefits of managed IT services. However, it also means that you get to retain control over the information and applications that matter most.

Rather than being the end-all-be-all of your IT, co-managed operations serve as an escalation point for any in-house IT experts that you hold dear. Plus, since it’s easier for a third party to co-manage rather than fully manage an IT infrastructure, you save even more money.

4. Simple Budgeting for Business Technology

In addition to saving money, co-managed IT can make it easier for you to create a budget. You won’t need to set aside money to hire a completely new staff. You also won’t need to allocate funds to buy entirely new equipment, which means less time spent trying to get everything to fit into your already-limited budget.

It’s easier to budget for co-managed IT than doing everything in-house. You only need to pay a predetermined monthly fee for some resources rather than paying for applications that do each specific thing. A third party already has software for routine functions like system maintenance and ticketing, so you won’t need to budget for several different technologies to perform these menial but important tasks.

5. You’ll Boost Productivity

Co-managed IT solutions can greatly boost productivity in any workplace. These services tend to cover routine activities like maintenance and upgrades.

Constant software updates mean that it’s less likely for your pages to load slowly and lag on either the company or consumer end. They also make downtime less likely so that employees can be productive all day, every day.

You’ll also get constant network monitoring that notifies you or experts of blips or changes that might mean downtime. This lets you see any potential problems immediately and troubleshoot them before they cause major issues for your network operations.

Beyond that, you’ll have extra support from the co-managing experts during peak demand periods. When your products are selling quickly and your in-house IT team is adapting to new demand and customer needs, you won’t be forced to stop working when minor tech-related emergencies arise.

Finally, a lack of simple technology issues boosts employee morale. They’ll be more satisfied without the frustration of software and network issues, and happy employees are 31% more productive. They’re also likely to make 37% more sales, so you’ll get more money and make more customers happy.

6. It’s Easier to Expand

A co-managed IT model makes it easier for businesses in several industries to expand.

For example, consider a small pharma firm with 25 people. If this firm plans to grow to employ about 200 people, an in-house IT model means that they’ll constantly need to purchase new hard drives and upgrade applications. This is costly and challenging, and it requires a lot of individual budgeting and research.

The problem is even greater if the firm wants to expand to new service areas or offer new types of pharmaceuticals. These transitions require more data, legal documents, and records. Bigger network bandwidth and more storage space are necessary.

Renting or buying a new office or operational headquarters may also be an eventual necessity to hold all employees. This means taking a lot of hardware to a new place.

Co-managed IT lets you store everything on external servers while you make the move. You can grow without buying more hardware and keep data secure while migrating to new areas. Professionals will provide support for your growing IT needs during an otherwise chaotic transitional period.

 

7. Lower Risk of Breaches

IBM estimates that the average cost of a data breach is around $4.45 million. Since this is 15% higher than it was 3 years ago, top-notch cybersecurity is becoming increasingly important for businesses. This is especially true as the amount of digital data we store on business servers goes up as technology use increases.

Co-managed IT models can help keep you secure. You’ll gain access to top-of-the-line, expert-level security software with professional assistance. Experts know how to integrate them with your in-house infrastructure so that you don’t need to worry about a data breach.

For example, you’ll gain access to the most updated and high-grade firewalls and MFA features on the market. End-to-end encryption is also available. Plus, professional system monitoring can help alert you to potential threats so that you can proactively combat security risks.

8. Backup and Recovery

Since your information won’t just be stored on an internal server, you also will have an easier time recovering any lost data. In the unlikely event of a breach or severe system error, you’ll have a readily available backup at your professional co-manager’s facility.

Better yet, co-management models mean constant automated backups. You’ll retain and save all necessary information automatically. This means you don’t need to worry about manual backups.

9. Constant Support Reduces Problems

Working hand-in-hand with a co-management team means round-the-clock support. Your IT partners will add value to your business by constantly answering questions and immediately troubleshooting problems that you point out. This means better cybersecurity and immediate solutions for important support tickets.

You also can ask them any questions you have about your IT infrastructure. This will give you a greater understanding of your technology and let you make more effective business plans. 

Invest in Co-Managed IT Services Today

Co-managed IT services combine the best of in-house IT operations with the benefits of third-party management. Now that you know the advantages of these business solutions, it’s time to become more productive and secure with top-notch co-management partners.

Terminal B’s team is committed to helping you create an IT management plan so that you can store and access all the information you need in both the short and long term. We’ll talk about building a custom plan that gives you all the support you need while still keeping you in control when it matters.

Get in touch with our Texas IT team to learn how we can bolster your small-to-medium business ASAP.

More companies are integrating IT solutions to bolster their business processes, increasing the global budget for IT to $3.92 trillion. Small businesses are investing in upgrading their IT infrastructure, increasing security, and employee growth. Before investing in new IT systems for your Austin or San Antonio company, consider hiring an IT consulting business. 

What is IT consulting, exactly, and how can an IT consultant benefit your business? Read on to find out!

After reviewing this guide, you can determine if business consultant software and IT services suit your company’s needs. Learn more about business IT services today.

What Is IT Consulting?

First, let’s cover the basics: what is IT consulting?

IT consulting services can help you optimize your IT infrastructure in order to reach business goals. IT consulting is a branch of the Information Technology industry. With IT consulting services, you can gain access to a professional’s expertise and advice.

Choosing IT consulting services is ideal if you don’t want to hire a full-time IT staff. You won’t have to pay for on-boarding or overhead. You also won’t have to worry about employee turnover affecting your IT needs. 

Instead, an experienced IT consultant will oversee your technology infrastructure. They can also connect you with resources as needed to help your business. Working with an IT consulting business can help you reach your business goals faster than you would on your own. 

Before hiring a consultant, consider the specific IT services you need. For example:

• Cloud computing
• Cyber security
• VoIP services

An experienced IT consultant can review your existing infrastructure. They can identify issues that might impede your success in the future. Working with an established consulting firm will ensure you receive high-quality services that can help your Austin or San Antonio business grow.

The Benefits 

How can working with an IT consultant benefit your business? Here are a few ways hiring a consultant can set your business up for success. 

Access to Expertise

If you lack years of IT experience yourself, you might struggle to make informed decisions regarding your IT infrastructure. 

IT consultants can provide you with a range of services, such as:

• Competitive analysis
• Developing an IT corporate strategy
• Implementing new IT systems
• Cyber security

An experienced consultant will customize their services based on your business and long-term needs. They’ll determine what technical and strategic needs align with your business goals. 

Look for an IT consultant that already understands your industry. For example, perhaps you work in the health care, hi-tech commercial construction, or pharma industries. An IT expert’s understanding of your industry will ensure they make informed decisions based on your distinct needs. 

Relying on their experience and expertise can help ensure a more effective digital transformation. They can determine which technologies will improve your daily business operations. With the right technologies, you can boost your team’s productivity and output, improving your ROI.

Stay Secure

Global cybercrime inflicted $6 trillion in damages within a single year. By 2025, damages could reach $10.5 trillion.

About 59% of buyers are likely to avoid companies that have suffered from a data breach in the past year. About 25% will abandon a product or service in favor of a competitor following a single instance of:

• Failed transactions
• Inaccessible information
• Ransomware-related service disruptions

Unfortunately, 70% of shoppers feel that businesses aren’t doing enough to secure their personal information. Only 5% of a company’s folders are properly protected against cyber security risks. 

Your IT consultant can help your business remain secure. With the proper cyber security services, you can protect your business before an attack. Your customers will feel more inclined to trust you as a result. 

Get Immediate Help

Hiring a consultant will ensure you receive immediate help when you need it. The longer you wait to resolve IT issues, the more frustrated your customers could become. They might turn to your competitors instead. 

Without an IT consultant, you might rely on a break-fix method to resolve any IT issues you experience. With the break-fix method, you wait until problems arise, then fix the problem. The time you waste trying to find a solution can cause unnecessary downtime, costing you money in the process.

With business IT services, you can resolve IT issues as soon as they occur.

In fact, they can help you take preventive measures to avoid potential pitfalls in the future. 

An IT consultant will also ensure you remain up-to-date on new government or industry standards and regulations. Keeping up with these regulations will ensure you don’t receive fines. They can also affect how your business performs if not implemented efficiently. 

Remain Competitive

With proper business consultant software, you can remain competitive within your industry. Otherwise, your competitors might make IT improvements you’re neglecting. Your customers might begin to recognize you’re behind the times.

Working with an IT consultant will ensure you remain relevant. They’ll help you determine which trends align with your business goals. 

With their help, you won’t waste time and money on trends, software, or hardware you don’t need. You can rely on their experience and expertise to make more informed decisions regarding your IT infrastructure. 

Save Time and Money

Hiring a consultant can save you time and money long-term.

First, you won’t have to hire a large IT team. Instead, you can call your IT consultant for help when you need it. They can help you determine which IT services you need to accomplish your goals and daily processes, too.

IT services can also boost your daily productivity and output, improving your ROI. With the right services, you can set your business up for long-term growth. 

What Is IT Consulting?: Reap These Benefits Today

To recap, what is IT consulting? It’s your opportunity to boost company productivity and ensure long-term growth. Consider hiring a consultant for business IT services in Austin or San Antonio today!

With their IT consulting, you can protect your business and increase output while saving time and money in the process. 

Want to start experiencing these benefits firsthand? We can help.

Schedule a discovery session to learn more about IT services that can help your Austin or San Antonio business grow.

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.

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.

In the past, it was fairly easy to provide managed IT services, because it involved day-to-day support and sometimes assisting the client with the adoption of new IT tools and techniques. However, today the services offered by an IT service provider have expanded dramatically to include such things as evolving technologies, IT competition, dynamic business environments, cyber security, and minimizing operational costs.

With this rapid expansion of desired services, a great many customers have become unhappy with their current IT providers. The vast majority of businesses and organizations have made at least one switch to a different managed service provider because they were unhappy with services they were originally provided with. If you’re wondering what kinds of services you can realistically expect from an IT provider nowadays, continue reading below to find out seven of the most useful services a provider could and should be delivering to you.

What you should be getting from your IT service provider

Here are seven of the most important services that your Managed Service Provider (MSP) should be able to deliver:

Updating network performance – since your network is the framework for your entire infrastructure, good performance will dictate data availability all through your organization. One aspect of your MSP’s job is to guarantee optimal network performance by constantly optimizing and upgrading specific components.

Adopting new technologies – when you can stay abreast of the latest digital business solutions, it will provide you with streamlined business processes as well as a competitive edge. Since the technology landscape is constantly changing, it’ll be to your advantage to have someone help you choose and implement those innovations which might be most advantageous to your business.

Data backups and recovery – since data is one of your most valuable business assets, it should be a top priority for protecting your data. Your MSP can contribute to this effort by establishing and managing a good system of backup and recovery, so that you’ll have constant access to business-critical data, which can continually be safeguarded.

Cyber threats – there’s no question that cybercrime is constantly on the increase, and that criminals are constantly developing new approaches and techniques for compromising your data. Any good IT provider should help protect all your business-critical data from existing cyber threats as well as emerging ones.

Documentation and housekeeping – a good IT provider has to be responsible for system services, assets, and for performing necessary upgrades. They should also be documenting all the important information about your infrastructure, patching and updates, and optimizations.

Maintaining certifications and compliance – almost all countries around the globe have data protection and privacy legislation in place that will safeguard your data. Your company may be subject to a number of data safety laws on various governmental levels. Any good IT provider should be able to assist you in maintaining compliance under all these regulations, and to avoid any potential penalties.

Business continuity plan – this is a plan that defines how a business will operate following any kind of significant disruption. Your MSP should have a solid continuity plan in place to help you recover from potential disasters such as systems failures, data loss, or significant cyber-attacks.

Schedule a consultation today

If you’re unhappy for any reason with your current provider, contact us at Terminal B and let us show you how we can provide all the important services your business needs. If your MSP can’t deliver the kinds of services, you need and you should seek a provider who can deliver the essential services you need to stay competitive in today’s volatile business environment.

These days, business owners have to be keenly aware of cyber threats and attacks, because not taking the right kind of precautions can literally cause you to lose a fortune, or to go out of business entirely. The headlines these days are full of news items about businesses which have been attacked, with data being compromised and possibly held for ransom by enterprising hackers. If you want to avoid the possibility of having to be bilked out of thousands of dollars of ransom money, or having some kind of malicious virus literally take control of your entire system, your best bet would be to seek out the cybersecurity services of knowledgeable and competent IT consultants.

How an IT Consultant can save your sanity

Here are some of the ways that working with a great IT security consultant can save you headaches, and possibly a ton of money besides:

Economic benefits – if you have a really small business, you might think hard about collaborating with an IT security consultant, but it will probably save you a ton of money in the long run. Your security measures will be emplaced more quickly, and will probably be done right the first time, and you can be confident that you have the best possible security solutions in place. Another benefit of working with an IT security consultant is that they can train your staff, so the element of human error can be reduced.

Saving time – there’s literally no time to waste when you’re trying to improve your cyber defenses. If you have this done by your own in-house staff, they’ll be subject to all kinds of distractions and you can expect the job to take considerably longer. Working with an IT consultant will get the job done much more quickly, because they will be focused on working with your business and nothing else.

Greater experience – you may have some in-house experience and knowledge from your existing personnel, but there is no question that an IT security consultant will have a greater level of knowledge and experience, and will be more focused on the task at hand. A consultant will be in possession of all current knowledge about emerging threats, which means they’ll be able to react better to protect your business-critical data from all known cyber threats.

Productivity – working with IT consultants will help to develop your own internal staff with regard to security procedures and in-house threats before they even occur. This will help to improve performance for your in-house personnel and upgrade their level of knowledge.

No oversell on unnecessary solutions – IT consultants are always focused on providing the best solution for your company. Knowing that there are no one-size-fits-all solutions, you can count on your solution being customized to your specific business needs. This can all be done at a very affordable cost, since there have been a number of recent advances in providing comprehensive IT security solutions.

Availability and convenience – one of the best things about working with IT consultants is that you have access to them literally around the clock. Any issues you might have during off hours can be quickly relayed to your consultant, and that person, or an alternative, will quickly address the issue so that it doesn’t get out of control. You’ll probably discover that working with an IT consultant gives you greater access and support than you would get from even your own in-house personnel.

Terminal B can save your sanity

If you think your business might benefit by working with an experienced IT consultant, please contact us at your earliest convenience. We have a team of well-trained, knowledgeable specialists who stand ready to help you navigate the rough waters of a fast-changing business environment, and to avoid the disaster associated with being victimized by cyber crime.

Most businesses and their owners would like to become more productive, because increased productivity means generating more product within the same amount of time, and that leads to greater profitability. Some owners have spent considerable effort thinking of ways that could make their business more productive, without really making any substantial gains. That’s why there can be a great deal of value in hiring an outside consultant to come into your company and make recommendations after assessing your processes and work strategies. In this article, we’ll discuss what the best IT consulting companies know about productivity that perhaps a business owner might not be aware of, or simply cannot see.

Different perspectives

There can be tremendous value in having someone from the outside evaluate your business processes with a view toward increasing productivity. It’s similar to the situation we’ve all been in where we talked over a problem with a friend or relative, and they immediately had a clear idea about how to solve the problem. Sometimes what’s really necessary is simply to bring in a different perspective and a new set of eyes, to see and comprehend the issues. In some cases, a business owner is just too close to the situation to see the obvious, and it takes someone who has no involvement to see past the obstacles and find a solution.

Accountability

Another reason why a business owner might fail to install measures that lead to increased productivity is because he/she is too close to employees to hold them accountable for their actions. Whenever someone you trust holds you accountable for your actions, it greatly increases the likelihood that the appropriate measures will be adopted and success will be achieved.

When a consultant comes into your company and makes recommendations for improvement, they will generally hold you accountable for implementing those measures – otherwise, what’s the point of seeking outside help? It’s like when you’re trying to lose weight on your own, versus having a friend accompany you on that same journey. By yourself, you might well be tempted to slip off the bandwagon and start cheating, but your friend being right there with you will discourage that kind of behavior and help keep you on track for accomplishing your weight loss goals.

Technology

IT consultants are very aware of the fact that using the most advanced and modern technology can instantly boost productivity for any kind of business enterprise. Whereas a single business owner might only be aware of what’s happening with their own discreet enterprise, a consultant will have had the chance to work with many different companies, and will have observed the many positive benefits technology can bring. Individual workers will be more efficient when they have the latest technology available to them, because work can be done faster and more efficiently.

When a consultant recognizes a situation that could be improved by making use of better technology, they will point that out and possibly recommend that a business adopt this newer technology. It won’t be a case of just installing advanced hardware or software everywhere because it might bring about good results – it’s much more a case where technology would be recommended when there is clear indication that it will provide a substantial boost to productivity.

The best IT consulting companies can bring it all together

These are three very important aspects that might heavily contribute toward increasing productivity at any company. The best IT consulting companies will be aware of these valuable tools, and will recommend them in the appropriate situation to bring about positive change. Even if you knew about these things already, they might not lead to a more productive work environment at your business, because you might need a fresh perspective, greater accountability, or some solid advice about new technology.

For more information about what Terminal B can do for you, click here.