22/10/2024

What Does IT Support Actually Cover?

We've all needed IT support at some point, from setting up a business network or just trying to figure out why the computer won't turn on.

IT support can save time, reduce stress, and keep everything running smoothly, but what it includes isn't always clear. There's often a lot more to it than you might think!

The Treken team have been providing business IT solutions for over 20 years, so we know a thing or two about what falls under the IT support umbrella. Keep reading to discover the range of services IT support includes and why they're so important!

1. Help desk support

The help desk is the first place users turn to when they need support with hardware, software, or network issues. Some of the most common ways the help desk can assist include:

  • Troubleshooting apps that are crashing, showing errors, or running slowly.
  • Resetting forgotten passwords, unlocking accounts, or navigating multi-factor authentication.
  • Fixing problems with computers, printers, scanners, and other office equipment, including setup and hardware malfunctions.
  • Solving internet, VPN, Wi-Fi, and network speed issues.
  • Recovering lost data and fixing backup issues to keep important information secure.
  • Providing helpful tips and guidance on using software, tools, or devices more effectively.

Whether troubleshooting remotely or coming in person, the help desk keeps your business running smoothly no matter the challenge.

2. Network management

Your business's network is the backbone of all your digital communication, data sharing, and access to essential resources. Keeping it stable and secure is crucial to keeping everything running smoothly.

Your IT support team plays a key role in making sure data moves seamlessly between devices, systems, and locations. They do this by:

  • Setting up and configuring important network hardware like routers, switches, and firewalls.
  • Keeping an eye on network performance to quickly fix issues like slowdowns or outages.
  • Making sure your network is always up-to-date with the latest firmware, security patches, and tweaks to protect against new threats.

With regular monitoring from your IT team, your business can enjoy reliable, secure, and efficient operations without interruptions.

3. Cybersecurity

50% of all UK businesses experienced a cybersecurity breach in 2023, a 64% increase from the previous year. With cyberattacks on the rise, protecting your business from these threats is more important than ever.

An IT support team will take all the necessary steps to safeguard your business from cyber crime, including:

  • Setting up firewalls, antivirus software, and encryption tools to protect your data.
  • Keeping an eye out for any suspicious activity on your network.
  • Regularly updating systems to patch vulnerabilities and stay ahead of threats.
  • Educating employees on the best practices to stay secure.

Taking these proactive steps will reduce the risk of cyberattacks and avoid the potential costs and downtime they can cause.

4. Data backup and recovery

Data loss can be a major setback for any business, potentially wiping out weeks, months, or even years of work, and costing thousands in lost revenue.

An IT support team can protect you from this by putting backup strategies in place to safeguard your data from accidental deletion, hardware failures, or cyberattacks. If the worst happens, your IT team can recover your files and get your systems back up and running quickly, minimising downtime and reducing costs to your business.

5. Cloud-based solution management

A cloud-based solution is any service you access over the internet ("the cloud") rather than hosting it on your business's own servers or computers. Your data and tools are hosted by a third-party provider, making them easy to access from anywhere with an internet connection. This comes with great benefits like better scalability, cost savings, and greater flexibility. Common examples of cloud solutions include Google Drive for file storage, Microsoft 365 for productivity tools, and AWS for hosting websites or running applications.

IT support teams play an important role in managing your cloud setup, making sure your data is securely stored and easily accessible. They can also help migrate your business systems to the cloud, optimise performance, and manage access permissions to keep everything running smoothly.

6. Hardware and software management

With thousands of hardware options and countless possible combinations, choosing the right setup for your business can feel overwhelming. IT support can take the hassle out of this process by handling everything from selecting and installing the right equipment to maintaining it.

No matter if you need new computers, servers, or software, your IT team makes sure everything works together seamlessly. They also take care of regular updates, patches, and replacements, so your systems stay up-to-date and run smoothly without any extra effort on your part.

7. IT consultancy

Sometimes you need expert advice to make sure your technology is aligned with your business goals. IT consultants can help by assessing your current setup and offering recommendations to boost efficiency, scalability, and security. Whether you're implementing new software, expanding your operations, or planning for future growth, their guidance can make a big difference in helping your business succeed.

Choose Treken for expert IT support in Poole, Bournemouth, and the South

When it comes to IT support, you need a partner you can trust - and that's where we come in.

For over 20 years, Treken has been helping businesses across Dorset and Hampshire with fast, reliable, and personalised IT services. We're here to keep your business running smoothly with a wide range of services, including:

No matter what your IT needs are, we're ready to help.

Don't let IT issues slow you down. Get a free quote online or give us a call on 01202 612333 to learn how our expert team can help your business stay ahead!