What is remote IT support?

Remote IT support is a service that provides people and businesses with IT support over the internet.

That means that if you have a computer problem that needs sorting out, an IT technician can remotely access your computer or mobile device to assess the problem and implement a solution. 

A key difference between remote IT support and in-office IT support, is that remote support can be provided from anywhere in the world, at any time of day or night. 

Most often the problem will be software-related, so there won’t be a need for any in-person assistance. Your managed IT service provider can access your machine virtually and resolve the problem efficiently so that you can continue working. 

NB Technology provides IT services and support which can be customized to suit your particular needs.

What are managed IT services?

Managed IT services are when a team of IT professionals manage your server and network infrastructure, your cybersecurity, your software updates, and your hardware needs. 

A Managed IT Service Provider (MSP) can be hired to monitor and manage your IT on an ongoing basis.

This may include updating your cybersecurity defenses on a continuous basis to help keep you protected from any cyberattacks.

It may also include performing regular backups of your data and providing a range of SaaS solutions.

NB Technology provides managed IT services and support, helping you to manage complex IT projects, on time and on budget.

Our comprehensive service offering includes network and firewall management, hardware and software procurement, server and PC backup management, remote workforce management, vendor management and proactive system maintenance. 

The Top 10 Benefits of Remote IT support

There are many benefits to hiring a remote IT support professional and to having a MSP to manage your IT business operations. 

Below are the top 10 benefits of remote IT support:

1. Fast response time

It is often faster to get IT support if you select a remote service provider, than if you have to wait for someone to come into your office in-person to resolve the issue. Faster response time means that you can resolve the problem faster and avoid costly and lengthy delays and downtime. 

Even if you have in-house IT staff, you may still require a specialist IT support professional to help resolve certain issues. For example, your remote IT service provider may have expertise in cybersecurity, IT legal compliance, or network security. 

2. Reduced costs

Instead of paying an in-house IT team a monthly salary, you could hire a remote IT support professional. You will typically be able to pay a monthly retainer fee based on how much support you’ll require. This can work out to be very cost effective, especially for small businesses. 

And if your MSP provides you with monthly IT and cybersecurity monitoring services, then you can avoid problems and therefore save on costs.

Remote IT support can be particularly cost-effective for small companies on a budget. You can choose between different packages, depending on your exact needs and requirements.

3. 24/7 support

Another benefit of having remote IT support and managed IT services is that you’ll typically have access to 24/7 support. That means that no matter what time of day you encounter a technical problem, it can be attended to quickly. This type of around the clock support is usually not possible when you have an in-house IT team. 

You'll also usually have the option of contacting your remote IT provider by phone, email or live chat. And you often get access to a range of experienced professionals that work for the IT support provider, which allows you to choose from a range of specializations to suit your exact needs.

It’s also much quicker for a remote IT support professional to attend to your queries as they don’t need to travel to your premises to inspect the problem.

As cyber attacks and breaches can happen at any time, having access to 24/7 support is a huge advantage that can also help save you money in the long run.

4. Access to global IT support talent

Remote work has the ability to connect people around the world. That means that you can access the top talent from around the world as your IT support team. 

You’re no longer limited to service providers in your neighborhood, as your managed IT support person doesn’t need to physically be present at your business premises to resolve problems and maintain your network. 

When choosing an MSP, there are several considerations you should however bear in mind. This includes whether they use industry best practices, whether their services are scalable, and whether they have great references.

5. Increased productivity

If you don’t have an on-site IT professional to help you when you have IT problems, then you may need to wait hours if not days for someone to help you fix your problem. And while you wait, your business may not be able to effectively or efficiently operate which can hamper productivity. 

The benefit of having a remote IT support provider or a MSP is that you can quickly and efficiently resolve your technical issues so that your business productivity is not affected.

And by having an MSP, you can focus on preventing disruptive IT problems from arising in the first place. 

6. Access to the latest IT technology

When your IT support services are performed remotely, you may have access to a wider range of the most cutting edge technology. 

That’s because MSP are in the business of providing tech support to many clients, so they need to stay up-to-date with the latest trends and technology. In fact, disruptive technologies are reshaping businesses.

According to Deloitte, technology’s “role is shifting to that of a catalyst for business strategy and transformation, changing the expectations and delivery of technology and blurring the lines between business and technology functions”.

That means that the future of work may evolve to have IT teams function as co-creators of innovative new business “products, services, and experiences that drive growth, revenue, and competitive advantage”, according to Deloitte.

7. Scalable support solutions

Another big advantage to having access to remote IT support, is that you can scale the amount of support you need as your company grows.

It can be daunting as a small business to hire full time staff. Outsourcing your IT requirements to professionals who can provide you with an increasing amount of support as your needs grow, helps you to save costs while you’re starting out. 

8. Reduced Downtime

IT problems can disrupt your ability to conduct business. Remote IT support can help minimize and reduce the downtime you experience as a result of IT problems, by providing quick and efficient support that’s often available 24/7. 

If you institute remote IT monitoring services, then you may be able to avoid any major problems, and thus avoid associated disruptions.

9. Regular monitoring and maintenance

Most managed IT service contracts include monitoring of your servers, firewalls, software updates, networks, and other key aspects of your business IT operations. 

You will then be notified of any threats, or where bandwidth or disk space is running low and needs attending to. By actively monitoring your IT systems, your MSP can help you avoid business interruptions and protect against cyber vulnerabilities. 

Regular maintenance also helps to prevent downtime, helping your business maintain efficiency and productivity.

10. Training on demand

Did you know that the sweet spot when it comes to staff cybersecurity training is every 4 months?

With the need for such regular training on the latest cybersecurity threats and risks, it’s important to have an IT support team that can provide training on demand. 

When you opt for remote IT support, you can request training on demand, to suit your businesses’ needs.

This includes training on any new software, cybersecurity, and any aspect of IT that you specifically need.

Training on demand can be customized to suit your requirements, such as onboarding new staff or performing regular productivity and efficiency training. 

Final Thoughts on Reasons to Invest in Virtual IT Support

Any business that operates digitally, requires a degree of IT support.

Have you considered remote IT support and managed IT services? Some of the many benefits include cost savings, scalability and fast response times. 

Managed IT services can also help your business reduce downtime, enhance productivity and access the latest technology from the best IT talent around the globe. 

The best of both worlds is to have a managed service provider that can provide you with both remote IT support and on-site support when you need it. As great as remotely fixing technical issues can be, some issues can only be troubleshot on-site.

Contact us today about our managed IT services and how we can support your Charlotte, Gastonia, or Belmont (North Carolina) business, prevent cyberattacks, and reduce downtime while maintaining and monitoring your IT infrastructure and IT-related business operating requirements. 

Speak to one of our team members on (704) 644-1220 to discuss how we can help provide you with IT business solutions.