When you’re starting a new business, money can be tight and you may be tempted to DIY your IT. Here are 5 reasons you are putting your business at risk with DIY IT and not partnering with a professional IT provider from day one. Investing in your IT will pay dividends while protecting your business.
Security Risk
There was a time that hackers focused on large, corporate businesses. Today, even small to medium businesses are at risk of being taken for ransomware. Hackers can steal your data through phishing attempts, weak passwords, unencrypted data, and more. Partnering with an IT service provider mitigates the risk and provides training for your staff on how not to fall victim to ransomware attacks.
Threat To Compliance
If your business or organization operates in an industry with compliance standards, you know the importance of staying in compliance. Industries such as Legal and Healthcare are required to comply with certain standards and are at risk of being shut down if these standards are not met. Working with an IT service provider allows you to stay in compliance while having a partner to provide technical compliance details to compliance auditors.
Redundant or Unused Services
Trying to manage your own IT frequently leads to spending money on products and services you don’t really need. We often see businesses waste money trying to maintain an old phone system or software product—when a brand new solution is actually less money. And while most companies use Office 365, they don’t always realize the huge bundle of services it comes with and pay for something else they could be getting for free already.
Paying Too Much For Hardware & Software
Ordering hardware and choosing software for your business can be an overwhelming undertaking. How do you know if you are getting the right specs for your hardware? How can you be sure the software solution you choose won’t require a massive IT infrastructure overhaul? When you partner with an IT expert, you no longer need to worry about hardware procurement or software selection. Your Director of IT will research options and give guidance on which direction to choose.
IT Infrastructure Lacks Strategy
When your technology is left running in the background, things will go wrong. Without an IT strategy, your IT environment can easily become a duct-taped tech monster. Overpaying for disparate services, hardware that doesn’t work together. This can affect your business growth. Taking the time to plan for growth and reviewing IT strategy can save you dearly in the long run.
If you’re serious about your business and long term growth, now is the time to partner with an IT expert. All industries rely on technology and you will only benefit from implementing great workflows supported by tech. DIY IT can put you at risk. Stop wasting your time, say goodbye to tech headaches, and get on board with a professional IT service provider. You’ll be so glad you did.
