As a managed service provider, one of the key things we help our clients with is effectively managing and maintaining their technology infrastructure and assets. This involves several key practices that can help ensure the smooth operation of your systems and protect your business from costly disruptions.
Here is a summary of six key practices to follow:
Keep track of your hardware and software inventory.
Develop a maintenance schedule.
Monitor your systems.
Implement security measures.
Train your team.
Have a plan in place for disasters.
Let's delve into each of these practices in more detail.
A related topic that might be of interest is our IT Roadmap resource: www.koshsolutions.com/itroadmap
Keep track of your hardware and software inventory:
Having an up-to-date inventory of all your hardware and software is crucial for effective management. This includes keeping track of serial numbers, model numbers, and any relevant license information. For example, if you have a hardware issue and need to order a replacement part, having the serial number on hand will make it easier to identify the correct part. And if you're audited for software licenses, having a complete and accurate inventory will ensure that you're in compliance.
This can be trickier than you may think! We have seen well-run companies with out-of-control spreadsheet that are not up to date or accurate. Accountability is typically murky. This is where Kosh Solutions, managed IT service provider, can help!
Develop a maintenance schedule:
Regular maintenance is essential for keeping your systems running smoothly. This might include tasks like backups, software updates, and hardware cleanings. Think of it like going to the dentist – you might not enjoy it, but it's important for maintaining good overall health. By setting up a schedule for these tasks, you can ensure that they don't get overlooked and that your systems are being properly cared for.
Monitor your systems:
Using tools to monitor your systems can help you catch issues before they become major problems. This could include monitoring your network for unusual activity, keeping track of available disk space, and monitoring your servers for performance issues. It's like having a check engine light for your technology – it might not be fun to deal with, but it's better to address the issue before it becomes a major breakdown.
With the right tools deployed across your technology, this is a task that can almost be fully automated. As much as we love automation, there are always instances when you will need a skilled IT professional to address an issue.
Implement security measures:
Protecting your systems and data from cyber threats is crucial for any business. This might include using firewalls, antivirus software, and implementing security protocols. Imagine your data is a valuable piece of jewelry – you wouldn't just leave it lying around for anyone to take, you'd put it in a safe. Security measures are like that safe, protecting your valuable data from would-be thieves.
Check out our Cybersecurity Order of Operations resource for businesses!
Train your team:
Ensuring that your team is trained on how to use and maintain your systems is important for their productivity and the overall health of your technology. This could include training on specific software, hardware maintenance, and security protocols.
We have our team not only train on applicable software but also have ongoing training to keep up with developments in key areas. Not every team member at Kosh trains on all the same software but everybody participates in cybersecurity training.
Have a plan in place for disasters:
Disasters, such as data loss or hardware failure, can strike at any time. Having a plan in place for dealing with these events can help minimize their impact on your business. This might include having backups, having a plan for restoring service, and knowing who to contact in case of an emergency. It's like having an umbrella on a rainy day – you might not need it every day, but when you do, you'll be glad you have it.
More resources regarding Disaster Recovery and Backups.
By following these practices, you can effectively manage and maintain your technology infrastructure and assets, helping to ensure the smooth operation of your business. And remember, a little bit of maintenance can go a long way in preventing major issues down the road.
We know that keeping maintaining the technology for your business can quickly get complicated and time consuming. If you'd like to find out more about Kosh's managed IT services, send a quick message and we will be happy to answer any questions you may have.
Disclaimer
The information contained in this communication is intended for limited use for informational purposes only. It is not considered professional advice, and instead, is general information that may or may not apply to specific situations. Each case is unique and should be evaluated on its own by a professional qualified to provide advice specifically intended to protect your individual situation. Kosh is not liable for improper use of this information.