IT services play a vital role in the daily routine of a modern business. Regardless of what they are, everything related to IT is essential for the success of a company that depends in some way on technology. Often times, this TI covers a variety of topics and fields. Sometimes it is handled internally, other times an external service provider offers external services to help facilitate smooth IT operations.
But what kind of IT services are there? Well, it's a great question with a broader answer. There are all kinds of IT services that adapt to a variety of needs, different for each company. A managed IT services company in Sacramento offers different services than Seattle, for example. In this article, we're going to break down 20 of the most common IT service examples, hoping to give you an idea of what's out there, how they're used, and how your business can better use them too.
20 Common IT Services
Now that you have a general idea about IT companies in Durban and their role in the industry, let's take a look at some of the most common types of services. Some are more general, while others are geared towards specific utilities.
Managed IT services
A broad and all-encompassing type of service, Managed IT is typically part of a MSP (Managed Service Provider) that addresses single or multiple IT service needs. Typically, managed IT services are responsible for managing remote devices, desktops, and servers. Other common uses involve remote cybersecurity.
Cloud backup services
The cloud is a versatile platform capable of supporting numerous virtual services, such as operating systems and programs. Cloud backups are also a part of the service model, allowing users and businesses to store their important information on external cloud servers, avoiding hardware failures or other problems. Service providers typically manage cloud backup for monthly or annual fees.
VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol)
Internet and broadband connections allow versatile communication methods, and VoIP is one of them. This IT service uses a business / individual's Internet instead of a traditional phone line, allowing that user to make and receive calls with their ISP. Modern VoIP phones also offer a variety of features, such as voice calls and chat options. VoIP also generally requires a service subscription rather than traditional phone service.
Monitoring services
Similar to security services and also found with an MSP, a monitoring application does what it sounds like: it watches over servers, network traffic, communication, security, and / or anything a business needs. This service is often used for smaller businesses that lack the resources of larger organizations but still require robust IT functions / support. Responsibilities can range from automatic antivirus / software update to hardware integrity monitoring with SMART programs.
Data backup and restore
Some providers offer data backup with the cloud or others with external data centers for website design Durban. Regardless of the method used, data backup involves preserving information in the event of unforeseen problems such as natural disasters, malicious intrusions, hardware failures, and more. This is often referred to by a company as a "BDR strategy" (Backup Disaster Recovery). For most organizations, having some kind of backup is a must to avoid problems like downtime and loss of critical information.
Firewall services
Firewalls are a common integral part of any cybersecurity plan. Most companies run their own or have a firewall for their network, but in some cases they will choose a third party for additional firewall options. Options vary by provider.
Some firewalls are hybrid models, for example, that allow additional network monitoring and control options outside of normal rule sets. Others may provide a single firewall solution for all internal / remote devices. The needs differ according to the requirements of each individual company.
Cybersecurity services
A broad category that includes each and every one of the types of services included in the field of cybersecurity. In IT, it is the act of protecting networks and data from malicious attacks by implementing a variety of methods, from network monitoring, firewalls, antivirus, layered networks, and more. Often managed through a provider, it can also be managed on site. Cybersecurity services are valuable as they rely on larger resources and more experienced staff.
Among IT service options, the importance of cybersecurity cannot be emphasized enough.
Office 365 / Email
Office 365 works like Microsoft's all-inclusive software suite with programs like Word and Excel. This is an excellent option for companies that need diverse software for document organization reasons, but prefer to pay a monthly fee. Also known as the SaaS (software as a service) model. Office 365 also functions as a cloud server and an up-to-date email management platform. Office 365 is good for a business that relies on emails to communicate with an organizational need.
Virus protection
A subset of cybersecurity, antivirus services are perhaps one of the most common types of IT services found in the industry. Mandatory malware protection comes in the form of software and / or monitoring. Due to the evolving threat posed by malware in the modern world, any company that relies on IT must have some kind of antivirus installed or use some service.
Business intelligence
Big data plays a huge role in business success. The avalanche of information available to a given company is enormous and the way in which it is acquired depends on the tool used. Services encompassing business intelligence analyze, extract, and transform this flood of information into meaningful reports. Anything from financial costs to click-through rates on an article at any given time of the day falls under the umbrella of modern business intelligence.
Remote support
As the name implies, remote support allows IT specialists to offer support services from a different location, sometimes controlling a device to help with troubleshooting over the Internet. Support can be used for IT assistance, software repair, or other needs. Very useful when IT experts are not physically available, usually managed by an MSP.
Microsoft Azure
This is Microsoft's own cloud platform, for public and private use (formerly known as Windows Azure). The Azure platform offers a robust array of options for web design Durban, IoT, analytics, security, and more. It's very popular because Azure charges based on usage (pay-per-use) rather than a flat fee, which is a good flexible option for companies with limited financial capital.
Mobile and remote networks
Mobile and remote networks allow staff to work from mobile devices and / or remote devices, usually off-site from a physical location. Matches BYOD policies (bring your own device). This is useful because it offers a wide variety of flexibility for workers and also allows them to work on projects from virtually anywhere. Useful if a business location is inaccessible for unforeseen reasons.
Communication management
IT services that handle all communication services often provide universal communication solution platforms for businesses. A UC platform is a type of software that incorporates all types of messaging, from chat, email, voice, video call and even email.
Communication management also involves planning a communication system, such as etiquette and guidelines for sending / receiving emails. For example, a company may only allow confidential business information to be stored in company emails.
SaaS (software as a service)
A broad term that can include all software that is paid for through monthly subscription services. In IT, such software is provided by a third party over the Internet. Extremely basic examples include email. Office 365, a service we listed above, would fall into the SaaS category.
Unified communications
Unified communications involves software and planning to bring all communication methods together in one space for IT support Durban. As mentioned, some examples of this include UC software. This can be managed by a company or a service provided by an MSP.
Analysis of data
Services that incorporate the act of analyzing and digesting data for business use, data analysis will generally involve concepts such as "big data" and IoT (Internet of Things). It involves specialists and services that process information for a company in order to produce usable reports. These reports use anything beneficial to the business.
Network services
IT network services encompass everything for the successful implementation of a business network. This involves building network infrastructure, configuring devices such as LAN routers and modems, designing networks (such as dividing a network into different tiers), security, optimization, and many other factors. Often times a Networking company Durban will build this on site, however if local IT experts are insufficient (or not available), third parties are used for proper implementation of services.
IT development
IT development incorporates all the resources used to develop and manage a platform or software. When using the services, third party assistance may be called upon to assist in the completion of projects or any of the various tasks required for the completion of the software. Some of those services include QA testing, business solutions, migration, application development, and application maintenance.
Generally, when not handled by on-site personnel, site remote assistance is for short-term projects. These are sometimes known as "shadow developers".
Printing IT services
IT printing services include all services associated with managing, recording and printing documentation. It is typically managed internally by a company, but in rare cases where additional help is required, a third party can handle large volumes of print requests, maintain backup copies of documentation, and organize such documentation in virtual spreadsheets.
Conclusion
Adopting IT solutions to help with deficiencies within a business is a great way to renew efficiency and streamline communication. Today's modern business faces increased demand to maintain data security, maintain quality of customer service, and stay on the cutting edge of software and technology, all while balancing a delicate profit margin. For small and medium-sized businesses, this is easier said than done.
However, any of the IT solutions we've listed can provide much-needed relief for the struggling business. We hope our breakdown gives you a general idea of what to expect, and we encourage you to look into potential options if your business is struggling to find suitable solutions to different IT problems. Additionally, the enterprise cost models are highly flexible and designed with affordability in mind