Choosing The Right IT Hardware For Your Business

Choosing The Right IT Hardware For Your Business

Choosing the Right IT Hardware for Your Local Business
As a recognised provider of IT support Services across Swindon and Wiltshire, we thought that this month we would look at collating a guide to help local SMEs make informed decisions about their choices of Hardware.

As you are aware in today’s digital age, technology is a vital part of any business, regardless of its size or industry. The right IT hardware can help your local business to operate more efficiently, improve productivity, and stay ahead of the competition. However, choosing the right hardware can be a daunting task, especially for small businesses that may have limited budgets and resources.
1. Identify Your Needs
The first step is to determine your specific hardware needs. Consider the following questions:
* What are your business goals and objectives?
* What types of software and applications will you be using?
* How many employees will need access to the hardware?
* What are your budget constraints?
* What are your security requirements?
* What is your expected growth rate?
Once you have a good understanding of your needs, you can start to narrow down your options. If you are unsure of the overall goals or how your business might expand, our Engineers are more than willing to help and advise.
2. Research and Compare
There are a variety of IT hardware vendors and products available, so it’s important to do your research and compare different options. Look for vendors that offer a good reputation, competitive prices, and excellent customer support – At Systems Intergration we do offer No Fixed term Contracts for Hardware. This ensure that you are not footed with an initial hefty bill and it also ensure that you can change hardware to keep up with technology.
You can also read reviews and testimonials from other businesses to get a sense of the quality of different products.
3. Consider Scalability
Your business may grow and change over time, so it’s important to choose hardware that can be scaled up or down as needed. This will help you avoid having to invest in new hardware every time your business grows.
4. Prioritise Security
Security is a top priority for any business, especially in today’s digital age. Make sure to choose hardware that is secure and compliant with all applicable regulations.
5. Choose a Reliable Vendor
If you are going to purchase all your hardware as opposed to lease, it’s important to choose a vendor that offers reliable hardware and excellent customer support. This will help you ensure that your hardware is up and running and that you can get help if you need it.
6. Get Professional Help
Unsure about what you need? Then is a good idea to get professional help. Professional IT consultants such as ourselves can help you assess your needs and recommend the best hardware for your business.

Conclusion
Choosing the right IT hardware for your local business can be a challenging but rewarding process. By following the tips above you can make informed decisions and ensure that your business has the technology it needs to succeed. And if you have any doubts or just want to take the stress out of the whole process then please feel free to get in touch. We have been helping business with their IT needs for the past 25+ years and have the knowledge to ensure that all decisions you make are in the interest of your business.

Common IT Issues

Common IT Issues

COMMON IT ISSUES

At Systems Integration we know that local businesses are the backbone of our communities, we also know that they often face unique IT challenges.

This month we look at some of the common IT issues Local Swindon & Wiltshire Businesses encounter and how outsourced IT partners such as ourselves can help and in some cases be complete game changers.

Common IT Problems Small businesses encounter

–      Cybersecurity Threats: No matter the location, when any business is connected to the web, it will be prime target for cyberattacks. Outsourced IT partners such as us can provide advanced security solutions, vulnerability assessments, and ongoing monitoring to safeguard your data. We keep our technicians aware of the latest threats and the solutions

–      Outdated Technology: Keeping up with the latest tech can be expensive. If you are partners with us, we can offer access to a team of experts who can advise on cost-effective upgrades and ensure your systems run smoothly.

–      Data Backup and Recovery: Data loss can cripple a local business. Systems Integration can implement a reliable backup and recovery plan to ensure your data is always secure and readily recoverable. Knowing that your data is always safe is a peace of mind that can never be underestimated.

–      Slow or Unreliable Internet:  We can help assess your internet needs and recommend solutions for a stable and efficient connection, keeping your business operations running uninterrupted. If your connections are slow, you are wasting time and losing money.

–      Limited IT Expertise:  In-house IT staff can be costly. If you outsource your IT, we are able offers access to a pool of IT professionals with a wide range of expertise, all at a predictable cost. We are also one of the few IT Support providers who do not tie you in to long drawn out fixed term contracts!

In addition to this, our IT Experts can help via:

 * Our Proactive Approach: We can identify and address potential issues before they become critical, minimising downtime and ensuring business continuity.

 * Cost-Effectiveness:  Outsourcing eliminates the need to hire a full-time IT staff, reducing overall IT expenditures.

 * Scalability:  We know how to future proof systems.  Your IT needs can grow over time. When you use us as Partners, we ensure you can scale your IT infrastructure to accommodate your evolving requirements.

 * Expertise and Efficiency:  Our Engineers have the knowledge and experience to handle complex IT challenges efficiently, freeing you to focus on running your business.

And last but not least..

* Peace of Mind:  Having a reliable reputable IT partner in place, such as Systems Integration, allows you to focus on your core business functions with the peace of mind that your IT infrastructure is secure and well-maintained.

If you are looking to see how you can improve your IT Efficiency, Please feel free to get in touch and we can perform a Free IT Systems Audit.

Supporting Your Remote Workers

Supporting Your Remote Workers

Supporting your Remote Workers

With remote working still being the norm for some firms, this month we thought we would give tips on how you can keep your Systems & data secure, and let you know how we, as an outsourced IT support business can help you support them..

Firstly, the basics for safe remote working and things that all remote workers should be made aware of by their employers:

  1. Secure Network Connections: Instruct employees to only use secure, password-protected Wi-Fi connections for work devices. Public Wi-Fi networks are vulnerable, so a VPN encrypts data and adds an extra layer of security.
  2. Software Updates: Enforce regular updates for operating systems, antivirus software, and all work applications. Updates often include security patches that fix vulnerabilities.
  3. Strong Passwords: Implement strong and unique passwords for all work accounts and require multi-factor authentication (MFA) whenever possible. And ensure that your workers do not have matching passwords for personal accounts and work accounts. If you do run a business with remote workers, this is something you need to educate on – proper password hygiene is paramount.
  4. Home Network Security: Advise employees to secure their home networks by changing default router passwords, enabling strong encryption (WPA3), and keeping router firmware updated.
  5. Beware of Phishing: Train employees to identify phishing attempts. Phishing emails try to trick users into revealing sensitive information.
  6. Data Encryption: Use data encryption for sensitive information both in storage and transit. This safeguards confidential data in case of a security breach.
  7. Device Management: Consider a mobile device management (MDM) solution to remotely wipe lost or stolen devices and enforce security policies.
  8. Security Awareness Training: Conduct regular security awareness training to keep employees updated on cybersecurity threats and best practices.
  9. File Sharing Security: Establish secure file-sharing procedures. Avoid using public file-sharing platforms for sensitive work documents.
  10. Data Backups:Ensure regular data backups to a secure location. This allows for data recovery in case of a cyberattack or hardware failure.

Then there is the actual support that remote workers will need, does your business have an onsite IT team to help these home workers?  If not, this is where IT Support businesses such as ourselves can help.

  • With Systems Integration you have access to Expertise: We have a pool of technicians with a wide range of skills. This ensures remote workers can get help with specific problems, even if it’s a niche technical issue.
  • Remote Support Tools: We are able to remote access tools to diagnose and fix problems directly on the remote worker’s device. This eliminates the need for on-site visits, saving time and resources.
  • Proactive Maintenance: Systems Integration offer proactive monitoring of systems. This helps identify potential problems before they disrupt workflow, keeping remote workers productive.
  • Availability: Technical issues can arise outside of regular business hours. We can provide extended or even 24/7 coverage, ensuring remote workers get help whenever they need it.
  • Cost-Effectiveness: Hiring and maintaining an in-house IT staff can be expensive. When you partner up with Systems Integration, we offer a scalable and cost-effective solution, allowing businesses to pay only for the services they need.

We have over 30+ years helping local Swindon and Wiltshire Businesses with support for remote workers as well as general inhouse IT infrastructure support. If you are looking for IT advice to ensure you stay productive and efficient, regardless of your workers location, get in touch.

Why You need IT Support

Why You need IT Support

The Hidden Costs of Downtime: Why IT Support is an Investment

This month we look at the hidden costs of IT downtime and why it is crucial to have a solid IT support team available when needed. Every minute your system is down translates to lost productivity, revenue, and potentially, customer trust. But, the true cost of downtime goes beyond the immediate financial impact.  We delve into the hidden costs of downtime and explore why investing in IT support is a strategic decision for businesses of all sizes.

Beyond Lost Revenue:

  • Reduced Productivity: Downtime means employees are unable to access essential tools and data, hindering their ability to work effectively. This translates to missed deadlines, delayed projects, and overall inefficiency.
  • Customer Frustration and Lost Trust: When customers can’t access your online store, place orders, or get support, it creates frustration and damages your reputation. Regaining trust can be an uphill battle and with there being so much competition in nearly every sector, you do not want to be one that loses out…
  • Employee Morale: Technical issues and constant troubleshooting can be demoralising for employees. Proactive IT support ensures a smooth workflow and boosts employee morale.

The Domino Effect:

  • Reputational Damage: Negative online reviews and social media buzz about downtime can spread quickly, impacting your brand image and future sales.
  • Compliance Risks: Downtime can lead to missed regulatory deadlines or data breaches, resulting in hefty fines and legal repercussions.
  • Wasted Resources: When IT problems arise, internal IT staff or management may be forced to scramble and neglect core responsibilities, leading to wasted resources and lost focus.

Investing in Peace of Mind:

  • Prevention is Key: Proactive IT support focuses on preventing issues before they disrupt your business. Regular maintenance, security updates, and data backups minimize downtime risk.
  • Faster Resolution: A reliable IT support team such as Systems Integration can diagnose and resolve issues quickly, minimising downtime and ensuring a swift recovery.
  • Focus on Growth: When you outsource your IT support, you free up your team to focus on core business activities, driving growth and innovation.

IT Support: A Strategic Advantage:

As we say to many of our local clients in Swindon and Wiltshire, having a dedicated IT support team is not just a cost; it’s an investment in the smooth operation, efficiency, and overall success of your business. By minimising downtime, protecting your data, and ensuring a secure and productive work environment, IT support gives you a strategic advantage in today’s competitive landscape.

If you believe that there are ways that your IT infrastructure can be improved or upgraded, then please feel free to get in touch with us. Our IT technicians are experienced in all aspects of IT support, from disaster recovery to cyber security, Microsoft programs and training for staff right through to protection for your building with state of the art CCTV and security systems.

Systems Integration, helping business in Swindon with their IT needs for 25+ years!

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Why You need IT Support

How Outsourced IT Can Help Your Business Grow

How Outsourcing IT Can Help Your Business Grow

Did you know that when you outsource your IT there are many benefits. Not just having the knowledge that all your IT problems are taken managed and taken care of in a compliant manner, but with businesses such as us on your side, you can grow your business in a number of ways, including:

  • Freeing up your time and resources to focus on core business activities. When you outsource your IT support with Systems Integration, you can free up your time and resources to focus on the things that you do best, such as growing your business and serving your customers.
  • We provide access to expertise and experience that you may not have in-house. We have a team of experienced and knowledgeable IT professionals who can provide you with the expertise and support that you need to keep your IT systems running smoothly and efficiently.
  • Helping you to stay up-to-date with the latest technology trends. Systems Integration’s outsourced IT support helps you to stay up-to-date with the latest technology trends and ensures that you are using the most efficient and effective IT solutions for your business.
  • Scaling your IT infrastructure as your business grows. Our IT support clients can scale their services to meet the needs their growing business, so they don’t have to worry about overinvesting in IT resources.

Here are some specific examples of how our IT support can help you to grow your business:

  • Help you to launch new products or services. When you are launching a new product or service, you need to have a reliable and scalable IT infrastructure in place. Systems Integration can help you to set up and manage your IT infrastructure so that you can focus on launching your new product or service on time and within budget.
  • Support your remote workforce. If you have a remote workforce, you need to have a way to provide them with support. We can provide remote IT support to your employees, so they can get the help they need when they need it, no matter where they are located.
  • Help you to expand into new markets. If you are planning to expand your business into new markets, you need to have a way to support your IT infrastructure in those markets. We have a National presence, so we can provide you with IT support in any market where you operate.

Overall, our IT support can be a valuable asset for businesses of all sizes. By outsourcing your IT support with us, you can free up your time and resources to focus on core business activities, gain access to expertise and experience that you may not have in-house, stay up-to-date with the latest technology trends, and scale your IT infrastructure as your business grows.

As leading local Wiltshire IT Support providers, we can obviously help, but if you new to seeking outsourced IT support and are wondering how to choose a local company, here are some tips for choosing the right outsourced IT support provider your business.

  • Make sure the provider has a good reputation and is experienced in working with businesses in your industry.
  • Ask the provider about their security and disaster recovery procedures.
  • Make sure the provider offers a variety of services that meet your needs.
  • Get a quote from multiple providers before making a decision.

By following these tips, you can ensure the IT partner you choose is right for your business.  And is one that can not only help you now, but also in the future when your business starts to grow. Systems Integration have been helping business across Swindon and Wiltshire do just this for the past 25+ years. So if you are looking to grow your business and do not want any IT headaches in the future, feel free to get in touch. 

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