5 Issues To Consider for Your Managed IT Budget

As businesses wrap up the year, the preparation of next year's managed IT budget is on the minds of many IT professionals. With so many technological changes continuing to evolve , many businesses are shifting where they spend their valuable IT dollars. As we move to a new year, having a managed IT budget that considers all of these changes is critical. Here are several ways IT budgets should look different in the upcoming year.

• Endpoint Device Security is KEY!  Endpoint security is securing the entry points of end-users in your company. This is any device that connects to your network, including computers, mobile devices, printers, tablets, copiers and more! Any device that connects to your network is considered an endpoint. The number of individual devices connected to your company's network can easily reach thousands, tens of thousands or more!  Endpoints provide entry for cyberattacks, including malware and ransomware. Just one open endpoint means your company data is at risk. To ensure your business is protected, it is critical to employ an endpoint security platform that monitors and manages all endpoints on your networks. A reputable managed IT services company, such as Fraser, can provide these services so you can rest easy.
• Communication and Collaboration For A Remote Workforce!  With remote and hybrid work becoming more accepted, collaboration and communication are key.  Most companies didn't have the luxury of time to consider all the available solutions and determine which ones would be best for their workers when their workers were forced to work from home during the pandemic. Now that some time has passed, businesses really need to lean into communication and collaboration platforms that help their employees stay engaged with colleagues and customers. This includes transitioning from analog phones to cloud-based versions, migrating to a secure online collaboration tool that meets all your needs, and selecting hardware that enables employees to create more engaging meeting or learning experiences from remote locations. Fraser offers a wide range of cloud phones and online collaboration tools to help your business stay engaged with your clients.

• Out With the Old!  One thing the pandemic magnified was all of the old or slow-working systems everyone had in place. Whether it is an old server in the office or laptops that have seen better days, keeping your technology updated is a key to employee productivity.  Using managed IT services, you can ensure that your hardware is up-to-date and ready to handle your business needs.
• Data Backup WILL Save The Day!  Whether it is a ransomware attack, a natural disaster, a fire or some other event, knowing you have a secure and solid data backup in place provides every business owner with peace of mind. A recent LogicMonitor study revealed that 96% of businesses experienced some form of outage or downtime affecting their operations in the last three years. Whether you're a small, medium, or large business, a data backup strategy ensures that your business is prepared and ready when a disaster strikes.
• Informed Employees Mean a More Secure Company!  A recent IBM Study showed that nearly 50% of all data breaches happen due to human error. Training your employees to spot phishing, online scams and other cyber threats is key to protecting your business data. Employee training programs are crucial for maintaining data security, and one-time training isn't enough. Quarterly training for all employees reinforces best practices for email, social media and internet safety. A small investment in employee training can save your business thousands in the event of a data breach.

These common IT problems are just a few to consider when developing your managed IT budget. Working with a business technology company that can handle all of these issues gives your company access to services from a partner that you know and trust. Fraser is pleased to offer the latest technology for IT security, communications, and collaboration, as well as employee security training, data backup, and hardware solutions. Contact us today for a free managed IT assessment!