IT Support for your Chicago Business
Managed IT Services Company should help with Software, Hardware, Telecom Renewals and Tracking
As more Chicago based companies move to a managed IT Service for small business platform it's important to consider these needs when choosing a managed IT Service partner. A good managed service provider must provide leadership when it comes to Software Asset Management and Hardware Maintenance Renewal Management. They also must have a handle on your telecom, bandwidth, and Internet costs.
Software Asset Management with your IT Support partner
Software Asset Management is the business practice of managing and optimizing the purchase, deployment, maintenance, and utilization of software applications within an organization. You may not want to outsource 100% of software asset management to your managed it services company, but they definitely need to have input and help bring value to your IT support needs by contributing time to this responsibility. A comprehensive Software Asset Management solution is crucial to your organization. It helps you know what software licenses you have in place, what renewal costs you maybe facing in the budget year, and it keeps your business in compliance. Managing your software assets impacts your bottom line. Therefore your IT support company or managed IT services firm should help with this responsibility.
Today's software license models can be very complex and ambiguous. It can require hours and hours of time to make sure you are paying the proper amounts and you have the most up to date licenses. Since your IT Managed service partner deals with many of your software products on a regular basis they should have a platform you can leverage to track your license needs. Prior to purchasing any software your business should verify the compliance terms and requirements. However be ready for change. The cloud adds complexity to your license compliance challenge. Your IT Support firm should have a good handle on all the services your company is using in the cloud and provide a good framework to be able to track usage costs, compliance costs and on-going services costs.
Managed Internet and Telecom Costs
Since your IT Support firm deals with your network support and IT support service needs on a regular basis they should have an idea on what your circuit, Internet, and telecom costs are also. A good managed IT service firm for small business will be able to evaluate costs and services related to all your Internet Services. IT Risk Managers LLC for instance has a separate team to manage telecom and Internet costs and services. We will make you aware if there are contract renewals due for site to site services like Windstream, Verizon, CenturyLink, Comcast and others. We would also let you know if changes or efficiencies are available in circuit and Internet prices. Sometimes increased capacity and bandwidth is needed for improved network performance. We would go to the carrier get pricing, and contract terms, and verify what's the best solution or deal available. Your IT managed service partner should have the relationships and tools to make sure you are getting the most cost effective solution for your Internet and telecom business needs.
Hardware Maintenance Renewals from your IT Support Partner
Equipment and hardware maintenance renewals are also an area where your IT support firm needs to be able support your business. A Managed IT services company should have a platform that keeps track and inventory of all your systems and network equipment. Our IT support desk portal tracks serial numbers, versions, CPU's, disk space, operating systems, software versions and much much more. This is all data necessary to keep you informed of what hardware is due for retirement, what systems need a maintenance contract renewed, or how systems are doing performance wise. Our Managed IT services and IT Support model provides an annual budget of maintenance and software renewals required to keep your systems up to date and in compliance.
If you have further questions or or would like an IT Health Assessment please call Rick Bolda at 630-918-7370 or email info@itriskmgrs.com