Running a company isn’t an easy task. With 50% of new businesses failing within five years, it takes more than solid groundwork and financial backing to be successful. It also requires in-depth planning and forward-thinking to anticipate current and future needs. Every industry has its quirks and expectations, and competition is harsh for earning a steady customer base.
Even across unrelated markets, two factors influence them: technology and the internet. In 2021, an estimated 2.14 billion people made at least one purchase online. That means over 25% of the global population has access to a device that can connect to the internet and can make purchases with it. As tech becomes more accessible, that number will only continue to grow.
Technology isn’t just a tool, either. It’s an integral part of many people’s lives, from watching movies and taking photos to video chatting with family over long distances. As a result, it’s become valuable for businesses to bring their products and offerings to people’s day-to-day activities. That has made IT support essential to the success of many organizations.
What Is IT Support?
IT support refers to using technical expertise to support businesses with technology needs. That encompasses software development, mobile devices, computers, networking, cloud storage, backup solutions, cybersecurity, VoIP, remote support, and more. Businesses commonly have multiple overlapping IT needs, with 70% outsourcing their IT due to cost reduction. Managed service providers (MSPs) offer all-in-one IT support designed to cut costs and improve productivity.
How Is IT Support Used to Help Businesses?
Whether a business needs a full infrastructure upgrade or wants to lower costs, IT support can help in many ways. Some needs are easy to identify and solve right away, while others take more analysis to understand. That’s why an IT assessment is often a good place to start. Below are some of the ways IT support is used.
IT support keeps systems reliable, secure, and easy to use. It can include helpdesk services, cybersecurity, hardware and software management, and cloud support. With expert help, businesses can limit downtime, boost productivity, and stay current with technology updates.
It also helps with long-term planning. As a business grows, its technology must grow with it. IT experts can design strategies that align tech investments with business goals, like upgrading legacy systems, improving data protection, or moving to the cloud. This proactive approach helps organizations stay competitive and avoid costly disruptions.
What Types of Businesses Benefit From IT Support?
Any business that relies on technology can benefit from IT support. Even basic needs like Wi-Fi require secure network management. Payment systems must follow PCI standards, often needing expert setup and review. Because every industry is different, IT support can look very different depending on the business.
Small businesses often use IT support to fill skill or staffing gaps. Experts can handle device setup, backups, and security, freeing owners to focus on operations. Larger companies may need broader support, including network monitoring, vendor coordination, or compliance management.
Industry needs also shape how IT support is used. Healthcare providers must protect patient data under HIPAA. Schools need safe online learning systems. Manufacturers depend on reliable uptime to keep production moving. The right IT partner helps every organization stay secure, compliant, and ready for future growth.
When Should a Business Get IT Support?
Every business is unique and may have its own needs, priorities, and goals. While most companies can enjoy IT support in some form, knowing when to use them can vary. As of 2022, outdated IT upgrades factored into 47% of IT budget increases. Creating a new infrastructure from scratch can be even more expensive. Even so, having an online presence is important to reach the entirety of the market.
If a business is uncertain if they need an MSP, an IT assessment is a good place to start. A consultant will analyze a wide range of factors. That includes workflow, network mapping, device health, data back-ups, cybersecurity, and compliance. The assessment aims to find areas to improve efficiency, increase productivity, and cut costs. From there, an overview will point out issues and offer solutions to fix or enhance those areas.
Closing
Technology already has a significant role in many businesses. The reliance on computers and mobile devices has extended to customers too. User penetration for the U.S. eCommerce market is expected to reach over 80% by 2025. Globally, it’s trending to jump from 53.8% to 62.4%, showing that similar shifts are happening in other markets too.
Some business owners are still hesitant, though. An organization needs enough of a technology integration plan to warrant the upfront cost, and not all may want to invest in that. That being said, in a shopping survey across 25 countries, 79% of people shop online once a month, while 22% do it once a week. That has made having an online presence and virtual storefront a growing need to stay competitive.
Whether a business is already established or is looking to jumpstart its tech usage, IT support can help. MSPs like ITonDemand offer a wide range of solutions and serve many industries. While not all companies take advantage of IT, it’s worth looking towards the future. With customers’ evolving needs and growing online expectations, an IT service provider can keep businesses a step ahead.
