We are always happy to personally answer queries about IT support and the services we offer. However, to help you, we’ve compiled some of the frequently asked questions.
What is IT Support?
IT support services cover everything you need to ensure that you have the right technology for your organisation, and that it is being used to maximum advantage.
For example, this could include replacing outdated hardware, migrating you to a new Server, building better remote connectivity, facilitating new office IT or supporting you when you relocate your business. However, it could be helping you with less onerous tasks too, such as providing you with the best software and Cloud platforms for your business.
IT support can also involve training and troubleshooting, to keep staff on track. Importantly, IT support also provides the skills and insights to keep you legally compliant, meeting data management obligations and shielding you from cybercrime.
Why is IT Support important?
When it comes to IT support, organisations of all sizes need to be sure that they have every angle covered to high standards. This includes not just having IT devices and systems that match current business needs; your competitive edge and profitable growth could rest firmly on well configured and maintained IT.
Bringing in a professional perspective also helps you to authentically audit and improve your IT in a controlled and cost-effective way. It provides vital skills to keep you legally compliant on such issues as GDPR, and to help you manage data in a responsible and secure way.
Why Outsource IT support?
Even if you have in-house expertise and personnel responsible for IT, subcontracting some or all the responsibilities to IT consultants makes commercial sense. It offers you the chance to acquire a much wider range of skills and experience that can be used as and when needed.
It also provides a professional outsider’s perspective on how you configure and use your IT, including unbiased advice on ways to make improvements.
Do I need IT support services for a small business?
IT consultancy that SMEs can rely on is particularly vital. Larger organisations potentially have IT departments to handle such things as data security and system updates. Smaller companies don’t have the budget, and important IT work could be just one of the things a manager has to juggle.
Bringing in outside support – as and when needed – can be an affordable solution and a way of tapping into important skills and updates.
How IT support works
Quality IT support in London should focus on getting to know your company’s specific needs, risks, opportunities and existing technology. That means you should have an account manager; a clear point of contact and a reliable relationship your organisation can build on.
From this informed and insightful start, the IT consultancy can then advise you in an honest way. This could include recommending new devices or software, making improvements to your current technology or helping you to build IT security systems.
IT support should include staff training and help. In fact, the right IT support relationship should provide you with help and advice around the clock, every day of the year. This greatly minimises business interruptions or escalating IT problems.
Will IT support push me into large investment?
For genuine IT consultancy, London firms need to find an agency that provides honest, unbiased advice that’s tailored to specific client objectives, not their own profits! Recommending unnecessary investment is unethical. IT efficiencies could come from improving Cloud storage, cabling and connectivity, for example, rather than wholesale changes.
Will I have to agree to a long-term contract?
Consistently using the same reliable and knowledgeable IT consultancy makes perfect sense. They become familiar with your business needs and aims, respond quickly and update you regularly. However, an ongoing relationship is not the same as being handcuffed by rigid terms and contracts.
You can retain our services and benefit from responsive and scalable IT solutions, without being shackled to us by small print!
What are the services IT consultancy companies offer?
This covers a wide range of possibilities and depends entirely on what you need to improve your IT, develop how you use it and protect your IT security.
It could be a complete end-to-end audit and work to update your entire system, including new devices and software. However, it could be focused on one or two essential IT tasks, such as helping to protect your business from cybercrime or training staff in IT security.
Please review our service page to see the full range of options from Purple Lattice. We are happy to mix and match our services to exactly cater to what you need.
What skills and education/qualifications should an IT Support Engineer have?
To be sure you’re receiving the most up to date and insightful IT consultancy London organisations require, your engineer should have a degree in engineering or computer science.
However, qualifications should be supported by the ability to:
- pass on their in-depth knowledge in an understandable way
- show robust customer support and understanding
- communicate constantly and well
- be organised and effective in meeting deadlines and providing updates.
Things to consider when choosing an IT Support Provider
To some degree, when choosing IT support, London companies should look for traditional values; competence and warmth!
This includes finding a consultancy that is willing to listen to your specific needs and aims and respond appropriately. If they only provide off-the-shelf solutions, you may end up with IT services that are inadequate, misdirected or overly expensive.
Alongside good customer service, look for IT support from an organisation with a strong track record. This would be evidenced by positive client testimonials and a firm grasp of both business issues and the latest IT.