What IT Support Do You Need as a Startup?
Every new business needs a little help. When you’re working flat out to get your startup off the ground, it makes a lot of sense to have experts you can turn to manage the time-consuming parts of your business that you’re not so hot at. Got an accountant sorted? Good. But what about your IT support?
What does IT support for startups cover?
Good IT support for startups takes care of all of the technology that your business relies on to function efficiently. Far more than just the hardware and software, your IT support team should set up and configure IT equipment for your employees, optimise your business network, secure your business against cyberattacks, resolve any technical problems you encounter and everything in-between.
Here’s a quick run-through of the different areas that startup IT support can help you with:
- Hardware
- Software
- Cloud computing
- Your network and internet connection
- IT security
- IT management
In this short guide, we’ll take a look at each of the above and explain the type of service you can expect from a dedicated IT support team like Comms Unite.
Hardware
Not sure what the best hardware setup is for you and your employees? Desktop computers always used to be the default choice, but now a combination of laptops, tablets, mobile devices and fixed terminals is essential for most businesses. Your IT support team can help you build your perfect tech stack based on the specific needs of your business now and in the future.
An IT support team will also help you decide whether you should have a physical server on-site, rent a server in a data centre or rely on cloud services such as Amazon Web Services. Then there are the peripherals such as printers, photocopiers and scanners to think about. We can help you source and install them and determine whether renting or buying this equipment makes more sense for you.
Software
When it comes to your software, this is not something you can set and forget. An IT support team can help you choose the right software in the first instance but also take care of the updates and integrations. Servers require specialist operating systems, but you’ll also need to think about things like email software and services, and applications that let you store, access and work with your documents and files. Then there are all the other software applications you need to manage your business activities, such as accounting, payroll and CRM.
A startup IT support provider will help you find software solutions that can scale with your business. They’ll also help you consider whether mobile apps and cloud services might be the best approach for your business and manage and maintain them on your behalf.
Cloud computing
Cloud computing is revolutionising the business world and giving smaller businesses, even startups, access to services and solutions that previously only much larger organisations could afford.
An IT support provider will be able to manage your migration from on-premises hardware to cloud solutions and help you keep them secure. They can also help you integrate complex IT systems, and secure easy and affordable access to storage so you can build the IT system you really need while keeping your costs down.
Network and internet connection
Your network is the string that ties your business together, so it’s very important to get it right. It allows you to easily share files and other data, collaborate on documents and share resources such as printers. Setting up a small network for just a few employees is relatively simple, although running cables through your office, particularly if it’s on split levels, is a job that’s best left to your IT support team.
As your business grows, IT support services help you set up additional routers and access points, enable remote and hybrid employees to access files securely from home, and make sure you have a broadband deal that keeps your business running smoothly.
IT Security
These days, putting proper cybersecurity measures in place is essential for any business, no matter how large or small. That’s why a good IT support team will audit your entire IT system and advise on everything from firewalls and passwords to virtual private networks (VPNs) and cybersecurity best practices.
If your business IT is insecure, you risk losing sensitive data to malicious attacks and accidents due to hardware failure and human error. The result could be fines and reputational damage that can do irreparable harm to your startup business.
IT management
As well as putting all of the above in place, many startups also need someone to manage their IT systems on an ongoing basis and provide training and support to their employees. At Comms Unite, we stay up to date with new developments across the board and will update your systems accordingly. We also keep a constant eye on your IT infrastructure and operations, and are always available for help and advice.
It’s all a matter of cost vs. time
Deciding what level of IT support your startup business needs is all a matter of cost versus time. Yes, you probably could do some of the above yourself, but you must also consider the cost of your time and the cost of lost productivity if you take on too much. And of course, you also risk invalidating your warranties if your work isn’t up to scratch.
Outsourcing your IT support and maintenance allows you to focus on your business, rather than the day-to-day management of your IT system. How much assistance you require is all down to the number of users and applications you have, your access requirements and your business’s specific needs.
Get expert IT support for your small business
Give us a call on 01473 599020 or email hello@comms-unite.co.uk for dedicated IT support for startups that helps your business grow.
