How IT Service Management Supports Your Business Goals
Startup founders are likely aware of the potential pitfalls and scary statistics surrounding new businesses. It’s true – roughly one out of five businesses fail within the first year. Approximately half of new businesses never make it to the five-year mark.
So, how do you ensure your new company doesn’t wind up as another tally mark in the loss column?
As start-up leaders navigate the dynamic landscape of the digital age, establishing a robust IT service management is paramount for success. If you’re just beginning to explore IT service providers in Kansas City, learning the ropes can feel like information overload. Fortunately, customer education is one of the things Kansas City Managed IT does best.
In this blog, we’ll examine which managed IT services are most ideal for startups, including cybersecurity, network support, and more. We’ll also highlight the value that managed IT services in Kansas City deliver to an organization still trying to find its feet in a competitive industry.
Essential Managed IT Services for Startups
Startups operating on thin margins should identify the essential IT services to support organizational goals. When evaluating managed IT services near you, be sure to consider the following:
#1 – Managed Cybersecurity
Viruses, malware, and phishing scams – what do they all have in common? They can all compromise your organization in a matter of moments. With the right cybersecurity measures in place, most cyberthreats are entirely preventable.
The most common cybersecurity measures include firewall protection, regular security audits, and other measures to safeguard against data breaches and unauthorized access. By entrusting your cybersecurity to a professional IT service management provider, you can rest assured that all your bases are covered, which frees you up to focus on other aspects of the business.
#2 – Cloud Computing Solutions
Physical servers are expensive to maintain and require a lot of oversight to ensure they remain secure and in good working order. Although physical servers were a necessary evil 20 years ago, managed IT services look different today.
Most notably, startups are embracing the flexibility and scalability of cloud computing to streamline their operations. Cloud services offer secure data storage, efficient collaboration tools, and the ability to scale infrastructure as the business grows.
#3 – Network Infrastructure Setup
Setting up one or two computers is a challenge most people can take on. Setting up a network of 30 or more is a different story. In addition to all the network cabling required, you need to be mindful of your network’s security, open access points, and other vulnerabilities. It is by no means light work, which is why many startups find it beneficial to enlist the help of IT service providers in Kansas City.
A team of professionals will establish a reliable and secure network infrastructure to support day-to-day operations, including a robust Wi-Fi network for authorized users, VPNs for remote access, and efficient network cabling that fosters network speed and consistency.
#4 – Data Backup and Recovery
As a startup, your data is arguably the most valuable asset your organization has. Just imagine what it would mean if your proprietary information somehow got wiped out due to a natural disaster or cyberattack. It could potentially put you in a scenario you can’t recover from.
Managed IT services protect organizations against data loss by implementing regular data backup and recovery solutions. In the event of system failures, cyberattacks, or accidental deletions, secure and up-to-date backups ensure minimal disruption to business continuity.
#5 – Desktop and Application Support
When your hardware and software applications aren’t up to date, it leaves them vulnerable to viruses and other forms of cyberattacks. Managed IT services in Kansas City provide support by ensuring your hardware and software get the updates they need in a timely fashion, greatly reducing your organization’s risk to potential threats.
#6 – IT Help Desk and 24/7 Support
IT challenges don’t stick to traditional office hours. In fact, many hackers and malicious actors plan their attacks to hit at the most inconvenient times. The advantage of having managed IT services in place is that you have round-the-clock monitoring, vigilantly surveying for cyberattacks and potential security issues. You can also count on 24/7 customer support delivered by experienced IT professionals. By identifying and addressing IT issues as early as possible, it helps minimize the impact on your business.
The Value of Managed IT Services for Start-ups
As a startup, it’s in the best interests of the organization to keep company overhead as low as possible without cutting corners on essential services. When evaluating your IT needs, don’t think of them in terms of revenue generation. The value of managed IT services is how they protect organizations from potential revenue losses and mitigate time-consuming issues that impact business continuity.
Startups should be mindful of the following statistics as they strategize their IT infrastructure and security measures:
- There are approximately 800,000 cyberattacks per year.
- In 2022, 71% of businesses reported they were victims of ransomware.
- Healthcare is the most targeted industry by cybercriminals.
- Approximately half of the cyberattacks on small businesses are attributed to human error.
- About 60% of businesses that suffer a cyberattack go out of business within the following six months.
- The average cost of a data breach in the United States is approximately $9.4 million.
When you invest in managed IT services, you proactively address the pain points that threaten business operations and impact revenue.
Support Your Startup Using Managed IT Services in Kansas City
For startups embarking on the journey to success, strategic investment in essential IT services isn’t a luxury – it’s essential to support your business objectives. The role of managed IT service providers is invaluable, offering 24/7 monitoring, customer service, and IT expertise that helps startups achieve their business goals.
For those who are ready to learn more about IT service management, the best first step is to contact Kansas City Managed IT for a free consultation. After gathering a little more information about your startup, your main business objectives, and your primary IT needs, we can develop a package of managed IT services that’s suited to the size and scope of your operation.
Call us today at (816) 381-9969 to kick off the conversation. You can also send us an email using the contact form on our website. One of our IT professionals will get back to you shortly with a response.