August 10, 2023

Does Your Business Need Co-Managed IT?

Does Your Business Need Co-Managed IT?

When it comes to managing your business’s IT infrastructure, there are several options available. One is fully managed IT, where an IT service provider takes care of all aspects of your IT needs, from monitoring and maintenance to troubleshooting and problem resolution. Another option is co-managed IT.

Co-managed IT provides supplemental support to your internal IT department. It isn’t meant to replace your in-house IT staff but rather augment their efforts and fill in the gaps. A co-managed IT service provider can help your internal IT team with monitoring, maintenance and troubleshooting so that they can focus on more important projects without worrying about missing a critical patch or incident alert.

In this blog, we’ll explain how co-managed IT can benefit your business and highlight a few signs that might indicate your business needs it.

Why your business might need co-managed IT

A few signs might indicate that your business needs co-managed IT:

Overwhelmed in-house IT staff

Your internal IT team is the backbone of your organization and plays a crucial role in the smooth running of your business. However, if you notice your IT staff is constantly overworked and needs help keeping up with the constant demands of your organization, then co-managed IT services may be just what you need. Co-managed IT will help alleviate the pressure on your internal IT team and enable them to focus on more critical tasks. Extensive downtime and disruptions

Downtime and disruptions can be costly for any business and can cause great stress for your internal IT team. If your organization experiences a lot of downtime and interruptions, then your internal IT team may need a helping hand to cope.

An IT service provider can help by monitoring your systems and proactively identifying and addressing potential issues. This will help your IT team and save your business from the adverse effects of extended downtime and disruptions.

Missed project deadlines

Your internal IT team is vital to completing your organization’s projects. If your IT team consistently misses project deadlines, it might be a sign that they need additional support.

Partnering with an IT service provider can help your internal IT team stay on track by providing the necessary resources and tools. This will help your IT team complete projects on time and help your organization achieve its business objectives.

Lack of adequate tools and resources

Your internal IT team plays a vital role in keeping your organization’s IT systems running smoothly. If your internal IT team is struggling without adequate tools and resources, consider co-managed IT.

An IT service provider can provide your internal IT team with the tools and resources they need to be more effective. This will allow your IT team to work more efficiently, enabling your organization to run smoothly.

An IT service provider can help

As an experienced IT service provider, we understand the importance of a reliable and efficient IT infrastructure for businesses. We offer various services, including fully managed and co-managed IT, to help organizations like yours reduce downtime, improve internal IT processes and drive growth.

If you need clarification on whether co-managed IT is the right fit for your business, we’re here to help. We’ll work with you to understand how it can benefit your organization. We offer tools and resources to help your internal IT team become more effective, and our team is dedicated to providing the support you need to succeed.

July 25, 2023

What’s the Difference Between IT Support and IT Helpdesk?

What’s the Difference Between IT Support and IT Helpdesk?

If you hear the terms “IT helpdesk” and “IT support” you might think these terms are interchangeable. That makes sense as, they are frequently used as synonyms of each other. However, in the world of technology support there are some crucial differences between the two.

Understanding the difference between support and helpdesks can ensure that you get assistance you need to minimize costly downtime if your technology goes awry. We’ve covered everything you need to know about the differences between these two services so you can stay on top of your IT needs.

IT Helpdesk and Support: Are They the Same?

The short answer is no, IT support and IT helpdesks (sometimes known as service desks) are not the same thing. While they do share similarities and have some overlapping functions, support and helpdesks are differentiated by the depth of expertise they’re able to provide.

A helpdesk is designed to respond to service tickets that resolve everyday customer issues with a technology product or service. Helpdesks are usually the first point of contact when a client or customer experiences a problem.

IT support (or tech support) goes deeper into issues that require more time and expertise. There can be overlap between helpdesk and support teams but IT support professionals require more training and experience to handle the demands of their job.

Understanding Helpdesk and Support Team Roles

The objectives and problem-solving perspective of support professionals and helpdesk professionals are where differences come to the fore. Helpdesk professionals take a person-centered approach while service professionals are focused on fixing problems with technical solutions.

Helpdesk professionals need a technical background in addition to large doses of people skills and empathy. As the first line of support, they often deal with frustrated clients who lack the technical knowledge to operate a product or service. Their role is to remain calm and offer general solutions related to the client’s issue. They might not have deep technical expertise, but they do need a wide understanding of the products and services their company offers.

In contrast, support professionals listen to the client to understand the technical issue. They either provide careful and detailed instructions that will fix the issue, or they fix it themselves as the situation permits. Support pros also have a wide knowledge of their company’s offerings but they also understand the ins-and-outs of the hardware and software to troubleshoot and repair more difficult problems quickly.

Types of Helpdesks                        

Helpdesks themselves can be organized in different ways or deliver their services via different platforms. The most common types of helpdesks are centralized, decentralized, virtual, and specialist helpdesks.

• A centralized helpdesk relies on a single individual or team to make the final decisions about when and how tasks are completed and what the goals of each task should be.
• A decentralized helpdesk is organized into different sub departments or teams that make their own decisions regarding the tasks they encounter on the job. Typically each department has a focus like customer complaints, employee issues, etc.
• Virtual helpdesks provide remote helpdesk services through a digital interface. This eliminates the need for onsite helpdesk staff while still providing robust and responsive IT assistance
• A specialist helpdesk is manned by subject matter experts who have in-depth training on a specific product or service their company offers.

Helpdesks regardless of type of often organized in a hierarchy, or tiered support model that is designed to funnel customer needs into the appropriate category so they can get the help they need fast. The tiered model categorizes requests based on their complexity to get to the root of the problem fast.  

IT Specialist vs. IT Support: Understanding the Differences

Now that we’ve covered the nuances of professionals who man the helpdesk, it’s time to cover some of the differences you might encounter within the world of IT Support. An IT specialist and an IT support professional both have deep knowledge of the more technical aspects of the job but they have different sets of focus and responsibilities.

An IT Specialist has expertise in a specific area of IT, like network administration, database management, or cybersecurity. Their primary responsibility is to create and execute specific IT systems within their area of specialization. They use their in-depth knowledge and advanced skills to handle complex tasks and resolve issues related to their expertise. Typically, an IT specialist spends more of their time handling projects and less time handling people.

An IT Support professionals have broad knowledge across multiple areas of IT and use their expertise to manage day-to-day inquiries from customers and clients. In their role, they troubleshoot hardware or software problems to keep operations running smoothly. These IT pros have more direct engagement with the people who use technology and leverage their prodigious IT experience to help them with complex technical tasks.

Deciding Which Option is Right for You

The size and nature of your business determines whether you need a helpdesk, IT support, or both. If you’re a smaller company and generally deal with a lot of easily-resolved computer issues then a helpdesk might be the best option for you. In contrast, if your business is larger and finds itself in need to more sophisticated IT systems and support then IT support is the way to go.

In general, most people find that their needs are met with a happy medium between the two. Outsourcing your IT needs to a dedicated consulting firm provides you with the service you need at a cost you can afford. When you outsource your information technology needs, you’ll have access to everything from day-to-day troubleshooting support to cybersecurity systems that will save you time and money.

If you’re looking for a solution to your IT needs, GUT consulting can help. We bring over a decade of leadership, strategic planning, and implementation experience to keep your organization functioning properly. We create and implement proactive ideas designed to increase your profits and keep your business running smoothly. Contact us to learn more about how we can be your partner in success.

July 13, 2023

The Power of Technology: Why You Need Managed IT Services

The Power of Technology: Why You Need Managed IT Services

You rely on technology to operate your business efficiently. But for many individuals and businesses, keeping up with that technology can quickly become overwhelming.

Managed IT services provide a smart solution. By moving the day-to-day management of your technology to a team of third-party experts, you can reduce costs, improve the efficiency of your systems, and free yourself and your internal team to focus on building the business.

What Are Managed IT Services and Why Do You Need Them?

Managed IT services are vendors hired to support their customers’ core technology, typically for a flat annual or monthly fee. They offer 24/7/365 proactive support that encompasses everything from basic computer system management and user support to overseeing data centers, cloud computing and digital disaster planning.

Business IT needs are complex and ever-changing, often integrating multiple systems used by multiple employees.

Hiring a specialist onto a team can be challenging, especially if you don’t speak the language of IT. The more technology your business uses, the more hands you need to help it run smoothly. For most small- and medium-sized businesses, it’s more cost-effective to hire a managed service than to employ a whole IT department.

Managed IT services offers specialists that understand the IT industry, from its history to its most recent advances, and who are easily accessible remotely whenever you need them.

The Benefits of Managed IT Services

A managed IT service gives you peace of mind that your technology is in the hands of team that understands your needs. Benefits include:

Improved network and system security: Managed IT services set a high bar for security standards and keep sensitive information about your business and your clients safe from leaks and hackers and can manage the complex details of data compliance regulations.

Proactive monitoring and issue resolution: Managed IT services are available 24/7 to care for a business network, leading to less downtime caused by equipment issues, power outages, or employee errors.

Access to skilled IT professionals: Managed IT services are experienced problem-solvers and ensure their staffs have the most up-to-date training and certifications.

Cost-effectiveness and predictable budgeting: IT costs are consolidated into one bill at a fixed rate and can help prevent unexpected charges for maintenance and repairs. The business also saves the cost of salaries, benefits, insurance, training, and office space for an in-house staff.

Enhanced data backup and disaster recovery capabilities: Managed IT services can provide cloud backup technology solutions and redundant data centers customized to your business needs.

Flexibility to adapt to growth: Managed IT services provide the manpower, coordination and expertise to scale your network on your schedule and offer recommendations about the best way to do it.

How Can Managed IT Services Help Your Business?

Moving to a managed IT service allows you to better focus on running your business and growing your bottom line, including:

• Increased productivity and reduced downtime as your network and systems run more efficiently.
• The time and energy to focus on core business activities.
• Continual efforts to mitigate security risks and compliance challenges by trained specialists.
• Seamless technology integration and upgrades as your needs change and the technology you use advances.
• Strategic IT planning and consulting for the future.

Why is Managed IT Infrastructure Important?

IT infrastructure is the base that allows your business to operate virtually in the cloud and is critical technology in today’s market.

Managed IT services offer the expertise and staffing to keep this foundation running smoothly for your customers and employees, generating higher user satisfaction ratings, repeat customers and increasing profits.

Key Components of IT Managed Services

Managed IT services offer a wide array of services, which you can customize to meet the unique needs of your business. The core services typically included in a managed IT service contract include:

• Network and security monitoring.
• Data backup and recovery.
• Help desk and technical support.
• Software and hardware updates.
• IT asset management.

The Difference Between IT Services and Managed IT Services

Unlike traditional IT services, experts hired typically for one project or task, managed IT services provide a proactive and holistic approach to managing technology, similar to having a complete IT department on your staff.

Plus, a managed IT service provides one point of contact – someone you build a relationship with – who communicates with the various vendors and providers that offer systems, software and technology services.

Managed IT Services Provide a Partnership

A managed IT service is a smart solution for individuals and businesses that offers peace of mind that your technology is in the hands of an experienced and highly trained team that truly understands your needs.

Under managed systems or poorly trained employees can lead to inefficiencies that affect customer relationships and your bottom line. Because of that, a business needs specialized IT expertise.

Managed IT services offers that expertise in a cost-effective, easy-to-customize package that will keep your business ahead of ever-changing technology.

May 29, 2023

Demystifying IT Management Consulting: A Comprehensive Guide

In today’s digital landscape, where technology plays a pivotal role in the success of organizations, the need for effective IT management consulting has never been greater. IT management consulting serves as a vital bridge between technology and business, helping organizations make informed decisions, improve processes, and implement technology solutions to drive growth and stay competitive. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the world of IT management consulting, answering key questions and shedding light on this critical field.

What is IT Management Consulting?

At its core, IT management consulting refers to the practice of providing expert advice and guidance to organizations in leveraging technology to achieve their strategic goals. It involves collaborating with business leaders, IT departments, and stakeholders to identify challenges, develop tailored solutions, and execute strategies that align technology with business objectives.

In the fast-paced and ever-changing business environment, IT management consulting plays a crucial role in helping organizations navigate complex technological landscapes. By understanding an organization’s unique needs, suitable recommendations can be made to optimize IT infrastructure, streamline processes, and enhance operational efficiency.

What Does an IT Management Consultant Do?

IT management consultants are highly skilled professionals who possess a deep understanding of both technology and business. They act as trusted advisors, bringing expertise in IT systems, industry best practices, and emerging technologies to the table. Their primary responsibilities include:

1. Assessing Organizational Needs: IT management consultants evaluate an organization’s existing IT infrastructure, processes, and systems. Through thorough analysis and stakeholder interviews, they identify pain points, shortcomings, and areas for improvement.
2. Developing IT Strategies: Based on the assessment, IT management consultants devise strategic plans to align technology initiatives with the organization’s overall goals. They create roadmaps that outline the necessary steps to enhance IT capabilities and address business challenges.
3. Overseeing Project Implementation: IT management consultants play a crucial role in guiding organizations through the implementation of technology projects. They provide project management expertise, ensuring the successful execution of initiatives within budget, timeline, and quality parameters.
4. Expertise in Specialized Areas: IT management consultants bring expertise in specific areas such as IT infrastructure, cybersecurity, digital transformation, and cloud computing. They stay updated with the latest industry trends and technologies to offer informed advice to organizations.

By leveraging their comprehensive skill set and domain knowledge, IT management consultants help organizations make informed decisions, improve their technology landscape, and achieve their strategic objectives.

IT Consulting vs. Management Consulting: Understanding the Difference

When delving into the realm of consulting, it’s essential to distinguish between IT consulting and management consulting, as they have distinct focuses and areas of expertise.

IT consulting primarily revolves around technology-related projects and problem-solving. IT consultants bring their specialized knowledge and skills to assist organizations in leveraging technology effectively. Their primary objective is to provide guidance on implementing and managing IT systems, optimizing infrastructure, and addressing specific technical challenges. IT consultants work closely with IT departments, offering recommendations on software selection, cybersecurity measures, database management, and IT project management.

On the other hand, management consulting takes a broader perspective that encompasses strategic planning, organizational design, and operational efficiency. Management consultants work with organizations across various industries, helping them navigate complex business challenges and achieve their overarching objectives.

While they may collaborate on technology-related initiatives, their focus extends beyond IT. They delve into areas such as corporate strategy, process improvement, human resources, marketing, finance, and supply chain management. Management consultants provide insights and solutions that go beyond technology, aiming to enhance overall organizational performance.

The Role of a Management Consultant in the Tech Industry

In the tech industry, management consultants play a pivotal role in advising organizations on business strategy and operational excellence. They bring a unique blend of business acumen and technological expertise to help tech companies thrive in highly competitive markets.

Management consultants in the tech industry assume various responsibilities, including:

1. Advising on Business Strategy: Management consultants work closely with tech companies’ leadership teams to develop and refine business strategies. They analyze market dynamics, identify growth opportunities, assess competitors, and provide recommendations to position the company for long-term success.
2. Market Analysis: By conducting thorough market research, management consultants help tech companies gain insights into customer needs, preferences, and industry trends. They provide valuable data that guides product development, marketing strategies, and customer acquisition efforts.
3. Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A): In the tech industry, where mergers, acquisitions, and partnerships are common, management consultants offer their expertise in evaluating potential deals. They conduct due diligence, assess synergy opportunities, and provide strategic recommendations to facilitate successful transactions.
4. Innovation Initiatives: Tech companies thrive on innovation, and management consultants contribute by fostering a culture of creativity and guiding innovation initiatives. They assist in identifying emerging technologies, exploring new business models, and developing strategies for sustainable growth.

The value management consultants bring to technology-driven organizations lies in their ability to bridge the gap between business and technology. By integrating these two critical aspects, they help companies achieve strategic alignment, optimize operations, and capitalize on technological advancements.

Examples of IT Consulting Services

IT consulting services encompass a wide range of expertise and support to address various technology-related challenges. Some common examples of IT consulting services include:

1. IT Project Management: IT consultants assist organizations in planning, executing, and managing technology projects. They ensure projects are delivered within scope, timeline, and budget, while also addressing potential risks and obstacles.
2. IT Infrastructure Consulting: Consultants assess an organization’s existing IT infrastructure and provide recommendations for enhancements. This includes optimizing hardware and software, network design, data storage solutions, and disaster recovery planning.
3. Cybersecurity Consulting: In an era of increasing cybersecurity threats, consultants offer guidance on implementing robust security measures. They conduct risk assessments, develop security frameworks, establish policies and procedures, and provide training to mitigate potential breaches.
4. Software Implementation: IT consultants aid organizations in selecting and implementing suitable software solutions. They evaluate software options, assist with customization, oversee the implementation process, and train users to maximize the benefits of the software.
5. Digital Transformation Services: Consultants support organizations in their digital transformation journeys. They provide guidance on adopting emerging technologies, developing digital strategies, implementing automation and data analytics solutions, and driving cultural change within the organization. They help businesses embrace digital technologies to streamline processes, enhance customer experiences, and gain a competitive edge in the market.
6. Cloud Consulting: With the increasing adoption of cloud computing, consultants assist organizations in developing cloud strategies, migrating data and applications to the cloud, and optimizing cloud infrastructure. They help businesses leverage the scalability, cost-efficiency, and flexibility offered by cloud platforms.
7. Data Analytics Consulting: Consultants in this domain help organizations extract valuable insights from their data. They assist in data collection, analysis, and visualization, enabling businesses to make data-driven decisions and improve operational efficiency. Data analytics consultants also play a vital role in implementing machine learning and artificial intelligence solutions for predictive analytics and automation.
8. IT Governance and Compliance Consulting: IT consultants help organizations establish robust IT governance frameworks and ensure compliance with industry regulations and standards. They assist in implementing controls, assessing risk management practices, and conducting audits to maintain data security and regulatory compliance.
9. IT Training and Education: Consultants provide training programs and workshops to enhance the technical skills of employees. They develop customized training materials and deliver sessions on topics such as software usage, cybersecurity best practices, and IT project management methodologies.
10. These examples demonstrate the breadth and depth of IT consulting services available to organizations. By leveraging the expertise of IT consultants, businesses can address specific technology challenges, optimize their IT infrastructure, enhance data security, embrace digital transformation, and drive innovation.

Contact An IT Management Consulting Firm to Transform Your Business

IT management consulting plays a pivotal role in helping organizations navigate the complex intersection of technology and business. It offers a rewarding and challenging career path, with opportunities for professional growth, exposure to diverse industries, and the ability to work on cutting-edge technology projects. While both IT and management consulting come with their own set of challenges, they also provide avenues for personal and professional development.

By understanding the distinct differences between IT and management consulting, recognizing the demands and rewards of each, individuals can make informed decisions about their career paths. Whether it’s IT or management consulting, both fields offer exciting opportunities for those passionate about making a tangible impact and driving organizational success in the digital age.

March 2, 2023

Maximizing Productivity and Collaboration: A Comprehensive Guide to Office 365 Features and Benefits

Comprehensive Guide to Office 365 Features & Benefits

Businesses have been using Microsoft products to streamline workflows and boost productivity since 1988 when they introduced their iconic word-processing and computing tools. Today, businesses of all sizes can take advantage of Office 365, a cloud-based software suite that provides users with a variety of powerful productivity applications.

Office 365 can be a game-changer for your business; its cloud-based computing offers many benefits over traditional software suites. Keep reading to explore the features and benefits of Office 365 and learn how it can help make collaboration and communication easier and more efficient.

Microsoft Office vs. Office 365

By now, most of us are familiar with Microsoft Office, so what differentiates Microsoft Office from Office 365? Both software suites are developed by Microsoft to improve productivity— the applications you know and love, like Word and Excel are the same. The main difference comes down to the cloud.

While Microsoft Office is a traditional software suite installed on an individual computer, Office 365 is a cloud-based platform that provides greater access to a variety of tools and applications. Here are the key differences:

• Installation and Updates: With Microsoft Office, users must purchase and install the software on their computer. Updates are also only available with the purchase of a new version of the software. In contrast, Office 365 is a cloud-based platform that is updated automatically and can be accessed from any device with an internet connection.
• Collaboration: While Microsoft Office has some collaboration features, they are limited. In contrast, Office 365 is designed to facilitate collaboration and teamwork, with real-time co-authoring and the ability to work on documents simultaneously with others.
• Scalability: Microsoft Office is designed for use on a single computer, while Office 365 is designed to scale with businesses, providing additional services and applications as needed.

Office 365 Features

WIth Office 365, you’ll still have access to Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook, plus so much more. The traditional Microsoft Office suite has been enhanced for Office 365 with cloud-based collaboration features and additional capabilities. No more waiting for access or updates. Your whole team will have easy access to files and can rapidly collaborate from anywhere. You’ll love the key features of Office 365, which include:

• Email and Calendar: Office 365 provides users with an email and calendar system that can be accessed from anywhere with an internet connection.
• File Storage and Sharing: Office 365 comes with OneDrive for Business, which allows users to store and share files securely in the cloud.
• Collaboration: With Office 365, users can collaborate in real-time on documents, spreadsheets, and presentations using apps like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Communication: Office 365 includes Skype for Business, which enables video and audio conferencing, instant messaging, and online meetings.
• Mobile Apps: Office 365 has mobile apps for iOS, Android, and Windows devices, allowing users to access their files and applications from anywhere. This is a great option for remote teams or even businesses that offer flex-time or hybrid schedules.
• OneDrive for Business: OneDrive for Business is a cloud-based file storage and sharing service that enables users to access their files from anywhere and collaborate on documents in real-time.
• SharePoint Online: SharePoint Online is a web-based collaboration and document management platform that allows users to share files, collaborate on projects, and automate workflows.
• Teams: Teams is a communication and collaboration platform that enables users to chat, share files, and collaborate on projects in real-time.
• Power BI: Power BI is a business intelligence platform that enables users to analyze and visualize data from a variety of sources.
• Microsoft Planner: Microsoft Planner is a task management tool that enables teams to organize and prioritize their work, assign tasks to team members, and track progress.

Benefits of Office 365

In a post-Covid world, flexibility and remote access are more important than ever. Many teams discovered that remote work, or hybrid schedules work best for them. With Office 365, your team will never miss a beat, no matter where they are in the world. Even if your team is on-site, you’ll find that the benefits dramatically improve your workflows and productivity and bottom line.

• Increased productivity and collaboration: With Office 365, teams can work together on projects in real-time, no matter where they are located.
• Cost-effectiveness and scalability: Office 365 is a cost-effective solution that allows businesses to scale their software needs as their organization grows. This means that businesses can add or remove users and services as needed, without having to invest in new hardware or infrastructure.
• Enhanced security and compliance: Office 365 provides advanced security features and compliance capabilities that can help protect sensitive data and prevent data breaches.
• Access to the latest features and updates: With Office 365, businesses always have access to the latest versions of the software, ensuring that they have access to the latest features and security updates.

Contact GUT Consulting to Implement Office 365 into your Workflow

Office 365 is a great investment for your business now and into the future. If you’re thinking about adding Office 365 into your workflows, get in touch! As Office 365 admins, GUT Consulting can make the transition smooth, secure, and painless. We’ll migrate your data, process to a smart workflow, and train you on new features and capabilities that improve efficiency.

At GUT Consulting, our goal is to save your business money and increase your productivity. We’re always there for technical support You can reach organizational goals faster through office applications combined with our technical support and admin center.

Contact us today to speak with a representative about we can help you implement Office 365 to benefit your business.

January 19, 2023

How IT Consulting Services Can Help Your Business

5 Reasons Your Business Needs IT Consulting Services

In today’s digital age, technology is a crucial aspect of any business. However, not all businesses have the resources or expertise to fully utilize technology to its fullest potential. That’s where IT consulting services come in. Here are five reasons why your business needs IT consulting services:

1. Stay Up-to-Date with the Latest Technology: Technology is constantly evolving, and it can be difficult for businesses to keep up with the latest advancements. IT consulting services can help your business stay current with the latest technology, ensuring that you are using the best tools and software to stay competitive in your industry.
2. Improve Efficiency and Productivity: With the help of IT consulting services, businesses can improve efficiency and productivity by streamlining processes and automating tasks. This can lead to cost savings and increased revenue.
3. Enhance Security: Cybersecurity is a major concern for businesses of all sizes. IT consulting services can help businesses identify vulnerabilities and implement security measures to protect against cyber attacks.
4. Reduce Costs: IT consulting services can help businesses reduce costs by identifying areas where technology can be used more efficiently and effectively. This can lead to cost savings in areas such as software and hardware expenses.
5. Scalability: As your business grows, so does the need for technology. IT consulting services can help your business scale technology to meet the changing needs of your business.

IT consulting services can provide a wide range of benefits to businesses of all sizes. By staying up-to-date with the latest technology, improving efficiency and productivity, enhancing security, reducing costs, and ensuring scalability, IT consulting services can help your business stay competitive in today’s digital age. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help your business thrive with our IT consulting services.

January 19, 2023

What is Business Continuity Planning and Why Do You Need It?

Why You Need Business Continuity Planning

Good leadership involves great planning. As a business leader, you know it’s important to have an emergency preparedness plan to keep your employees and customers safe if the worst happens. But do you know how to keep your business running in the face of disaster?

Many business leaders assume that emergency preparedness is the same thing as business continuity planning, but in fact they’re quite different. A business continuity plan can make all the difference during difficult times.

What is Business Continuity Planning?

Business continuity is a company’s ability to maintain crucial functions during and after a disaster. A business continuity plan is a proactive, companywide system that’s implemented long before emergencies occur so you can quickly get back to business.

A business continuity plan contains clear guidelines on what your business needs to maintain operations, from management all the way down. If emergencies happen, you don’t waste time getting everyone up to speed because they exactly what must be done to move forward.

IT companies offer business continuity plans because nearly all businesses rely heavily on their IT to power operations. From accounting and payroll to online commerce, your business needs connectivity. With solid processes in place, you can get computers, servers, networks up and running fast even if they’ve been disrupted by disaster.

Benefits of Business Continuity Planning

We’re a hyper-connected society and consumers have low tolerance for downtime. Being able to respond to customers, even at a reduced level, helps maintain trust and relationships. Continuity prevents negative business outcomes, preserving job security for your employees. Maintaining operations means you can meet the needs of consumers during a possibly difficult time. Here’s what continuity might look like for your business:

• Reduced downtime — Having access to your essential functions as soon as possible after disruption keeps operations functional and avoids costly downtime.
• Increased flexibility — Cloud options provide data backup, giving you the power to bring back primary operations first and minimize data loss.
• Maintained productivity — Limited downtime enables you to maintain productivity and keep data secure.
• Customer satisfaction — When you can continue operating, you build trust and satisfaction with your customers. Plus, they’ll feel comfortable knowing that their data has stayed secure.

How to Get Started on Your Business Continuity Plan

There are three main ingredients to a good business continuity plan: resilience, recovery, and contingency. To plan for resilience, you must clearly determine which business functions are essential. These are the functions you’ll bring back online first when time is of the essence. The next step is to create a system of data backups so you’ll never lose critical information needed to maintain operations. Rapid recovery involves setting recovery time objectives for various functions, systems, and networks. Contingency plans involve preparing for eventualities like property and hardware loss. Developing a chain of command that distributes contingency responsibilities can expedite the execution of your contingency plan.

GUT Consulting Offers Business Continuity Consulting Services

GUT Consulting specializes in helping small businesses prepare for the worst. We offer a no-cost assessment meeting to learn exactly where your vulnerabilities are and how to address them. When you choose GUT, you’ll gain the right relationships, product understanding, and know-how to solve business needs and setbacks. Contact GUT Consulting to learn how we can help you create and implement a business continuity plan today.

November 11, 2022

What Are the Benefits of a Server Maintenance Plan?

Benefits of a Server Maintenance Plan

Imagine this: you’re commuting to work for another productive day at the office. When you arrive, you pour yourself a cup of coffee, sit down at your desk, and fire up your computer. But you notice that nothing works properly. You can’t check your email or access the files you need to complete your tasks. You’re experiencing a server failure.

In today’s hyper-connected world, a server failure would be a serious setback for most companies. Nearly all the information you need to do business is digitized and stored on servers. If you can’t access mission-critical information you might experience delays in production or services. Worse yet, if your server hasn’t been properly maintained you could lose years of important data. Luckily, there is a simple solution to prevent delays or catastrophic data loss: a server maintenance plan.

What is a Server Maintenance Plan?

A server is a type of computer designed to hold substantial amounts of data and perform demanding computational tasks. They’re connected to networks so other computers can request and retrieve data stored on the server. To function optimally, servers require regular physical and virtual maintenance. These tasks can include:

• Regular cleaning and dusting
• Temperature regulation
• Regular data backups
• Software updates and patches
• Security reviews
• Antivirus configuration and updates

Each task has its own demands and frequency. For example, a server should be cleaned and dusted three times a year but must be backed up every 24 hours. Keeping up with a long list of maintenance tasks can be complicated, which is why you need a server maintenance plan.

A server maintenance plan is a schedule that tracks all the tasks required to keep your server running optimally and ensures that they are performed in a timely manner. With a server maintenance plan, you’ll stay on top of issues to prevent problems before they happen.

What Are the Benefits of a Server Maintenance Plan

A server maintenance plan is crucial for your business. When your servers are properly cared for, they’ll last longer (which saves you money) and you’re much less likely to face server failure and data loss. It’s difficult to overstate how much your business will benefit. In addition to peace of mind, a server maintenance plan will provide:

• Reduced Downtime—Servers don’t last forever and sometimes they crash. Having a data back up makes recovering your information faster and easier. And if you need a new server, data migration will be smooth, saving you time and money.
• Minimized Vulnerabilities—Thanks to regular antivirus updates, a server maintenance plan protects you against cybersecurity attacks. You’ll receive timely alerts regarding suspicious activity so you can keep your data and your business operations safe.
• Improved Efficiency—You need your server to work smoothly. With remote monitoring, an expert will keep an eye on your server’s health and performance to keep it running in top shape.

Contact GUT Consulting to Create a Server Maintenance Plan

If your server safety keeps you up at night, GUT consulting can help. GUT consulting brings over a decade of experience to every server maintenance plan and its execution. We work with businesses of all sizes to create and implement ideas that will increase their profits, efficiency, and sales. Contact us today to get started on a server maintenance plan that works for you.

October 26, 2022

How IT Outsourcing Can Improve Your Business (and Your Bottom Line)

Are you a leader struggling to manage the IT demands of your company? You’re not alone—IT problems are a common pain point for many businesses. In our digitally driven environment, it’s impossible to run a business without technology infrastructure but not every business has the expertise to troubleshoot problems or handle security.

Outsourced IT services could be the answer to your IT troubles. When you engage managed services from a reputable IT consulting company, you immediately gain access to a team of experts—often at a lower price than a single, full-time employee. Read on to learn more about the benefits of IT outsourcing and find out if it’s a good fit for your company.

The Benefits of Outsourcing IT Through Managed Services

If you’ve noticed a decrease in efficiency, higher instances of cybersecurity problems, or frequently unresolved customer support issues—you likely have an IT problem. You can gain immediate relief and enjoy several benefits when you hire IT Consulting Services.

1. Reduced Cost

Engaging managed services from an expert IT company often costs less than hiring a new, full-time employee. Managed services can tackle problems right away and bypass expensive training and onboarding time.

2. Scale Staff

With managed services, you only pay for what you need. That means, you can bring on more staff to handle the demands, and then reduce numbers when the project is completed. And each time you engage more staff, you can rest assured that they bring high levels of experience with a commitment to quality outcomes.

3. Increased Security

Managed services are customizable and give you access to services that you need. IT consulting services can monitor data, audit your security, and manage essential software like anti-virus protection and firewalls. Extra protection guards you against data breaches that can cause expensive downtime and a host of other problems.

4. Greater Efficiency

When companies manage IT in-house, finding and implementing solutions often includes many hours of research and development. IT professionals providing managed services don’t have to reinvent the wheel and can quickly implement new technologies solutions for your company.

5. Improved Focus

Managed services remove the burden of complex IT decisions and frees up current employees to focus on core business affairs. The extra focus can help improve morale, outcomes and move your company forward.

Things to Know Before You Choose to Outsource Your IT

As a leader, you’re responsible for making choices that are in the best interest of your company. Before you engage IT consulting services, there are a few things to consider to determine if it’s truly right for you.

1. Less Control

Some businesses leaders hesitate to outsource their IT needs because it entails trusting a third party with important business functions. This potential loss of control makes some leaders uncomfortable, which is why it’s important to thoroughly interview your prospective IT consulting company before engaging them.

2. Communication

Depending on the provider, communication can be less straightforward when compared with an in-house employee. If you experience long periods of silence from your IT provider, consider this a red flag and consider looking for services from a more communicative company.

3. Security Issues

Generally, managed services increase your cybersecurity protections and monitoring—which is a benefit. However, if the IT company you engaged doesn’t share your standards or is compromised in some way, your data may be at risk. It’s a good idea to inquire about a provider’s processes, procedures and philosophies before bringing them on board.

What To Look for in An IT Outsourcing Partner

You’re convinced that managed services from an IT consulting company is the right answer for your business but how to do you find the right one? The criteria for hiring the right company is similar to hiring the right person. You should look for a track record of success, aligned values, and trustworthiness.

Your IT consulting company should demonstrate a wealth of experience and easily be able to discuss way in which they helped their clients succeed. After all, one of the benefits of outsourcing is having access to an entire team of experts. Another important aspect to a productive partnership is ensuring that your company values are aligned. A mismatch in goals is a recipe for frustration. Lastly, it’s important to know about a company’s client retention, quality of work and facilities. Feel free to request client testimonials or references and be sure to take a tour of the prospective company’s facilities to get to know them well.  

Contact GUT Consulting for IT Outsourcing

The world of technology can feel overwhelming and be expensive. GUT Consulting specializes in helping stressed and small businesses achieve goals and gain peace of mind. With us on their side, businesses save money, secure tools, and solve problems.

Make better IT decisions for your business. Contact us to start working with an information technology consulting firm that cares about your success and satisfaction.

July 8, 2022

What is VoIP and How Does it Work?

What is VoIP and How Does it Work?

VoIP, or Voice over Internet Protocol, is a technology that allows users to make phone calls via the internet instead of a traditional phone line. With VoIP, your voice is converted into a digital signal that travels over the internet. People who use VoIP can make calls from their computers, a specially designed VoIP phone, mobile phones, or traditional phones with an adapter. All you need is the device of your choice, a VoIP service provider, and an internet connection.

What are the Benefits of VoIP?

If your current phone provider is working fine, why should you consider switching to VoIP? The simple answer is that VoIP will save you money, while providing the same or better service. In fact, there are many benefits to VoIP.

More affordable—In most cases, VoIP costs less than a traditional phone provider. You could lower your phone bill by over 60%

Excellent sound quality—VoIP provides crisp audio. You’ll be able to hear your conversation partner better and no longer have to tolerate distorted sound.

Facilitates remote teams—A major feature of VoIP is the flexibility it provides. Employees working offsite can use a mobile app on their desktop or smartphone to make business calls from anywhere.

How to Choose the Right VoIP Provider

As we’ve seen, VoIP offers a host of benefits. The key to having a great experience with VoIP is choosing the right provider. You want to work with a provider that operates as effortlessly as the VoIP technology itself. Here are several qualities to look for when choosing the right provider for you:

Around the clock support—You never know when you’ll need help. Your VoIP provider should offer 24/7 support to get you up and running in no time.

Proven record—A quality VoIP provider’s work should speak for itself. Look for a provider with a reputation for reliability and consistency.

Compatible with your network—keep the headaches to a minimum. When you work with a VoIP provider that’s compatible with your network, you’ll use your existing systems to get up and running in no time.

GUT Consulting: Ohio’s VoIP Provider

The VoIP services from GUT consulting are different because we eliminate jitter, distortion, and echo while offering phone numbers in any area code. Our VoIP consulting services are reliable with robust phone service and multiple perks and calling features. Find out what GUT Consulting can do for you and your business. Contact us today to get started!