A Rundown on Common Types of IT Support and Services

Welcome to the Fourth Industrial Revolution, where businesses and life are driven by the power of technology in one way or another. Therefore, information technology (IT) plays a significantly important role in the operation of a modern business, whether it is tech-related or not, a small business or a large corporation.

The business realm has incessantly altered around us, unlocking new potentials and possibilities with the aid of new technologies. You do know a few prime examples, like artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, automation and robotics, (IoT), cloud computing, etc. With a growing tendency to rely on such technical power to streamline and maximize business processes, the demand for capable and efficient IT support and services has risen exponentially.

As a result, we now have a multitude of IT service types catered to specific requirements of users and resolving problems in various areas. And we’ll expect more in the future, no doubt. So, it can be overwhelming to understand all the different types of IT support services available. Rest easy, then, because you have this article right here.

What Are IT Support Services?

First of all, let’s recap so that all can catch up on the basics and understand what IT support services mean. Does the term IT or Information Technology ring any bell to you? Yes, you got it right. IT support is a wide-ranging field that encompasses most aspects of computer-based technology.

It covers a spectrum of services in terms of IT-related issues, such as information reporting, technology training, troubleshooting and resolving hardware, software, and application issues, installation of computers and peripherals, data collection, backup, and recovery, network management, device management, maintenance of security systems, system upgrades or updates, internet connection setup, and configuration, etc. In other words, any IT function or activity that you are unable to handle internally can be outsourced.

Ordinarily, these IT operational activities are managed and handled by teams or individuals with expertise in information technology and computer science. At times, organizations can totally manage IT services in-house, while they can request aid from third-party vendors at other times.

This is true for startups and small companies or even larger organizations that are short on in-house IT staff, specialized teams, and departments in house to attend to specific tasks. At this point, the IT support service providers come into play and offer requisite technology tools and technical assistance in managing business technology assets.

Some of the Key Types of IT Support Services

Guess what? The array of IT support services can be vast. All of them are distinct in nature yet serve one ultimate cause - to assist businesses in operating efficiently and smoothly. Well, we will not run across all the types, but some of the most conventional ones. Grab a pen and a paper and get set for a better understanding of each IT support service.

Managed IT Services

Basically, you are hiring some sort of managed IT services when you entrust the end-to-end management and maintenance of your company’s internal IT infrastructures to a third-party vendor.

Managed IT services cover everything from the installation of IT equipment to the network monitoring and management of email services, data storage, and a series of other technical activities. Clients can decide on which IT functions to outsource and which not as well as the service levels they wish to pay for; the contract is quite flexible in this respect.

Managed IT services are particularly beneficial for startups and small businesses with limited resources and budget constraints, as you can pay fixed monthly fees for the services. However, it does not mean that large-scale companies cannot leverage managed services. Indeed, big businesses can also benefit from managed IT services as they free up their internal resources to focus on core business activities.

Under the managed service category, you have a few more types, such as:

IT Help Desk Support

Amongst the most common types, technical and helpdesk support is also at the top of the list. It serves as a single point of contact for technical assistance within one organization.

IT helpdesks provide sufficient assistance for the use of technology such as computers, laptops, tablets, mobile devices, and so on. This includes troubleshooting hardware and software issues and installing applications and operating systems. If necessary, support specialists can give technical advice or guidance to users on solving computer problems.

Oftentimes, there will be at least an in-house technical expert available to handle inquiries and resolve tech issues for employees, customers, or clients. What if one individual cannot handle all the incoming requests? In that case, the organization can potentially hire a whole team of IT specialists to cover long hours and more extensive coverage. That’s helpdesk support services.

With an outsourced helpdesk team, your organization or project is provided with the required technical assistance. When a user encounters an issue related to any software application or hardware, they send a request to the IT service provider, who resolves the problem either remotely or through on-site support. Moreover, IT helpdesk services also include PC repair, data recovery solutions, consulting services related to technology projects, etc.

Network Security

Network security services involve regular network checkups and managing access control over network resources and the security of data traveling through them. Businesses require secure networks that protect their sensitive information from external threats as well as internal ones. IT service providers ensure advanced protection with state-of-the-art encryption technologies, endpoint protection, and more. Furthermore, they provide solutions to protect your systems in case of any cyber-attack or data breaches, such as building firewalls and other security solutions.

Monitoring Services

IT monitoring services do as it is stated – to keep track of the operations and performance of the IT systems to ensure that everything functions as it should, ranging from the network activity to server performance, etc. Before any issue arises and affects the operations of an organization, IT monitoring service providers detect it before time, thereby preventing data loss or unplanned downtime. Any issues that are detected will be fixed immediately by the IT support team without disruption to the operations of the business.

Data Backup & Recovery

Data and information backup services cater to companies’ needs to protect their sensitive data from being leaked or misused. Also, these professional services are a means to prevent data loss in case of a power outage, system failure, natural disasters, or malicious attacks.

The service providers are responsible for keeping your confidential data safe and secure on offsite servers using reliable backup solutions. It also offers complete recovery of any lost or corrupted files/data, restoring them without hassle.

Cyber Security Services

In today’s digital world, the need for cyber security is more pressing than ever. Cyber threats are unavoidable and can cause immense damage to any business. IT service providers offer cyber security services that provide secure access control over networks and systems with advanced technologies to protect your data from potential threats.

The secure network infrastructure also protects systems from unauthorized access, malicious viruses, malware, and all other data security threats. These services ensure secure web hosting and reliable network infrastructure with high-end encryption, which provides the utmost protection for your confidential data.

Voice Over Internet Protocol (VoIP)

Voice over Internet protocol is a versatile communication method in which users within an organization can make calls and send messages or receive them through Internet connections instead of traditional landline phones. VoIP does more than a regular phone line, such as voicemail, call forwarding, video conferences, and heaps more.

VoIP makes a fine choice for companies of all sizes and types, particularly those that lack the resources of larger companies or large-sized ones that strive to cut down on communication costs. It permits companies to access the services of a VoIP service provider and receive IT support, both on-site and remote support.

Software as a Service (SaaS)

Software as a Service (SaaS) is a model of software delivery in which users can access applications over the Internet. IT service providers offer SaaS solutions that are hosted on their servers, making it easier for businesses to utilize the latest and most advanced technologies without having to invest in any hardware or software. The provider will take care of all the technical aspects related to the software, such as installation and maintenance. This makes it easier for businesses to focus on their core operations and activities without having to worry about the IT aspect.

Custom Software Development Services

These services are brought on to support many businesses in the development lifecycle and completion of a software project. The service providers will provide users with the extensive expertise and experience or any resource required to conduct the project, which offloads the in-house teams and secures better outcomes.

Based on the niche requirements of clients, software development services can be tailored accordingly. A project or business can decide to outsource either a part/process of the development cycle or entrust the entire SDLC with a partner. It ranges from QA testing, software design, coding, development, troubleshooting, and support. Custom development covers different categories, such as web app development, mobile app development, etc. The service provider will also be responsible for providing end-user technical support and maintenance services on the software created.

Up to your choice of services and involvement, service vendors arrange a dedicated team of adepts or add extra personnel to your IT teams for more comprehensive and cohesive support. The professionals work closely with your team to offer the most efficient solutions that are in line with your business goals. This helps streamline operations and achieve success in minimal time. With such an approach and its advantages, businesses can stay competitive and achieve greater heights of success.

AI Consulting Services

In recent years, when the world has been hyped about AI technologies, a need for a proper AI strategy has also emerged. That’s what we are talking about here. AI consulting services.

AI consultants offer a comprehensive evaluation of your business processes and readiness and provide recommendations on how artificial intelligence can be implemented into day-to-day operations to enhance your operations and increase efficiency. These services are especially beneficial for young businesses or those that lack the technical expertise or resources to fully utilize AI solutions.

Benefits of Outsourcing IT Services to a Service Provider

It is commonplace for a company to entrust its activities or functions to an intermediary in the modern business world. Not every organization, especially small businesses, can afford an IT team or department on its own; therefore, most companies cut through the chase by leveraging technical support from an IT service provider. On the other hand, there are many organizations that still nurture uncertainties about hiring IT support services. Surprisingly, they all may have changed their minds after running through a number of advantages they would never otherwise be able to touch.