|
7
Common Myths About Caring For Computers In Small Business Myth
#1: "Our computer systems are running fine. Nothing needs to be done with
them." Fact: This common misconception is best dispelled
by using an automobile as an analogy. Everyone knows that their vehicle needs
to be inspected periodically and certain maintenance activities performed at various
milestones (i.e. oil change, tire rotation, cooling system flush, etc), to protect
the investment, and maximize the lifespan of the vehicle. Ignore these maintenance
activities, and your vehicle will inevitably leave you stranded on the highway
- it's just a matter of time. Computer networks are no different. Computers,
servers, firewalls and printers all need regular preventative maintenance to keep
them running at their optimum, and to minimize the likelihood of failure. You've
invested a lot of money in your systems, and you expect them to perform. Like
cars and people, they'll let you down if not treated properly during their lifecycle.
Myth #2: "We schedule anti-virus scans, spyware scans and Windows
updates, so we know our computer network is safe, and there's nothing else that
needs to be done."
Fact: Like all scheduled, automated tasks,
there is a chance that something will go wrong and one or more tasks don't get
done. There needs to be a process in place to audit the success or failure of
these regularly scheduled activities, or else you risk exposure to a virus attack,
unnecessary system crashes and threat of hackers stealing your data. In
most cases, software updates also need to be done - everything from Adobe Reader
to Microsoft Office applications need periodic updates to repair the security
faults that are identified by the software vendors. A reliable and professional
IT support company stays current on all software updates from major vendors, and
will advise clients of the necessity to apply these updates, and the risks associated
with not doing so.
Myth #3: "We do regular backups, so we're
prepared for a computer disaster." Fact: A successful backup
routine doesn't start and end with inserting a new tape, DVD or CD at the end
of the day, week, or month. Many companies don't realize they need to:
a) Backup not only data files, but system files from the operating system
or applications. These additional files are critical when recovering from a system
crash or hardware failure, and will speed up the recovery process and get your
business up and running much quicker in the event of a catastrophic failure. b)
Store backup media off-site to protect the backups in the event of fire, theft
or flood; c) Test the success of their backups by regularly recovering data
from the backup media. d) Have an archive process that allows them to go
back to data several months old, should a file or database become lost or corrupted.
Myth #4: "We're a small office and everyone has access to everything
on the network. We're not worried, we all get along well and trust each other.
"
Fact: This may be true today, however as a company grows
and its staff changes, a company's exposure to data loss increases because of: a)
The disgruntled employee that intentionally deletes or shares sensitive company
information; b) Accidental deletion or modification of files that certain
staff members have, but don't need access to. A professional IT support
company can help identify potential security vulnerabilities and risks, and provide
recommendations on how to prevent the above situations.
Myth #5:
"We don't need professional IT support since Bob our accounting guy is a
bit of a self-taught computer geek and enjoys tinkering. When we have a problem
we go to Bob, and he hacks around until he either fixes it, or finds a workaround."
Fact:
Although Bob's a great guy and loves to help with the computer problems, his time
spent fixing them takes his focus away from his core responsibilities in accounting.
Because Bob's core talents lie in the accounting field, he often encounters
computer issues that are beyond his capabilities to address. Not only is Bob spending
a greater quantity of time solving computer problems than a professional would,
but while Bob is fixing them, he may unknowingly be creating other problems, or
not fixing the problem permanently. This could mean Bob's either fixing the same
issue repeatedly, or trying to fix the new ones caused. Which brings us to Myth
number 6:
Myth #6: "We can't afford professional IT support,
and I'm saving money by having one of my staff, who's a non-IT professional, fix
our computer problems."
Fact: Sure, you're not paying an
external professional resource to help so you don't see an additional payable
on your books. There is however, a greater cost coming out of your bottom line
from staff overtime, decreased productivity, redoing work, slow network performance
- all stemming from not having a comprehensive system for maintaining your network's
needs, and qualified expert resources to help when issues arise. Professional
IT support can be affordable by having a provider work within your budget to tailor
a service package that meets your specific needs. Have questions about
this article? Call us.
The Technical Action Group helps small companies
who depend on computer systems to conduct their business. TAG has helped many
clients achieve 99% uptime within their computer network environment. We can help
you do the same.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Joseph Stoll is the
founder and president of The Technical Action Group Inc. (TAG) that helps small
to medium-sized companies that depend on computer systems to conduct their business.
By TAG assuming the burden of managing their technology and keeping all systems
running at their optimum, these companies can stay focused on their core business.
For more information please visit
http://www.TechnicalActionGroup.com
or email JStoll@TechnicalActionGroup.com
.
NOTE: You may “reprint” this article online as long as it remains complete
and unaltered (including the “ABOUT THE AUTHOR” information), and send a copy
of the reprint to
JStoll@TechnicalActionGroup.com
. |
