With the technology landscape in constant flux, IT professionals often find themselves wearing a variety of different hats. Whether you have an in-house IT department or contract the work out to an IT managed services firm, a critical step in understanding the ROI of your technology services is to assess the value of each “hat” …
The IT-Squad: Assessing the Value of IT Managed Services Read More »
The world of business data backup is changing fast. Just a few years ago, the standard backup procedure involved regularly storing backup data on tapes. Leading firms sent those tapes to an off-site location so data could be retrieved even if the office building itself was destroyed. My, what a difference the cloud makes. Nowadays, …
3 Questions to Ask Your IT Consultant about Data Backup Read More »
Oftentimes, employees who provide IT maintenance are expected to supply strategy, as well. Many companies rely on their in-house IT staff to suggest new technologies, which is rarely the best approach. In-house IT employees often lack the perspective required to select the best solutions for the business.
It’s not unusual for SMB employees to wear different hats, but IT employees are often so busy that it seems they must need five heads and 10 hands to get it all done! Between managing daily service requests, repairing random system incidents and keeping technology current, it’s nearly impossible for IT staff to find time …
The 5-Headed IT Guy: How Much Time Can He Give to Technology Changes & Upgrades? Read More »
Intel CTO Justin Rattner links standardization with innovation, especially in information technology. Consulting on the outcome of standardization, Rattner points out that standards allow “technology investment to concentrate in a much smaller are of innovation.” Rattner is also articulate on why consumers should care about technological standards – namely because “Global standards create a positive …
3 Business Problems Caused By Neglecting ITIL Best Practices Read More »
CFIOs and other company leaders often measure IT efficiency in terms of the response time needed to resolve issues. The thinking behind this is that the more rapidly an IT department can respond to and resolve an IT snafu, the faster employees can get back to work. Or, if IT issues are impacting other aspects …
Collaboration Is Key to Decreasing Response Time to IT Issues Read More »
Are you on the hunt for a trustworthy, intelligent provider of IT services? If so, you’ve probably seen dozens of articles on what to look for in an IT consulting service. However, there’s plenty to avoid, as well, when hiring IT workers. Steer clear of the kinds of IT specialists listed below –they’ll only hinder …
Who NOT to Hire when Choosing an IT Services Provider Read More »
American fast-food business pioneer Ray Kroc once said, “The quality of a leader is reflected in the standards they set for themselves.” However, a strong leader will also create consistently high standards for his or her department. This is especially true for CFIOs and other IT leaders. Consistency is key in IT service management. Unless …
The ITIL Approach to IT Service Management: The Benefit to Small Businesses Read More »
Just ask any IT consultant: Your computer network is akin to the nervous system of your business. And just as you would be extremely careful about choosing a neurosurgeon or psychologist, it is key for the health of your organization to take your time while deciding who will provide your IT managed services.
Of all outsourcing partnerships, IT consulting is one of the most challenging. Not only do you have to deal with all of the regular outsourcing concerns – cost effectiveness, consistent service, etc – but you also have to ensure that your company’s intellectual property is safe. Add the fact that IT consultants can impact almost …
Tips for a Successful Experience with IT Consultants Read More »