Skip to main content
We’re here with practical IT information for your business. Access comprehensive IT resources and more.

Search

How to choose the right computer equipment for your business to increase your productivity and efficiency without it costing the earth.

Business software helps you complete a range of tasks. Choose the right software, provide support and train your staff with our introduction.

It is highly likely that you depend on the internet for some aspects of your business. Find out how you can use the internet more effectively.

Good communication with customers, partners and suppliers is vital for business success. This summary explores business communication methods.

How would you cope if your IT system failed or was breached? We cover the main IT security issues and how to protect against them.

Good IT management can help you choose, use and implement IT. Our overview helps you manage IT in a way that maximises the return on your investment.

IT support is vital if you rely on your IT system. But how can you set up an effective safety net in case things go wrong? We explore the options.

Getting the right IT is just the first step. Appropriate training, policies and working practices can help you maximise return on your IT investment.

IT support contract essentials

When you consider IT support options for your business, there are some items you shouldn’t scrimp on

Here are five things you should make sure are covered properly:

  1. Your server hardware

    Make sure you get a warranty for your server, and arrange this directly with the manufacturer. Get at least three years’ cover and make sure you have guaranteed next business day response (if not faster).

    Regardless of who supplies the rest of your IT, this ensures you’re always able to deal directly with the company that built your server in the event of hardware failure. It’s such an important piece of equipment that you shouldn't opt for second rate cover just to save a few pounds.

  2. Proper IT support for your server

    Even if you don’t get cover for any other aspect of your business IT, make sure other problems with your server are covered too. You usually need specialist knowledge and a technical background to fix server issues, and pre-emptive maintenance can often avert serious future issues.

  3. Your domain name

    Never give control or ownership of your domain name to anyone outside your company. It’s one of the most crucial elements of your business’s online identity, and central to your brand.

    Your IT supplier should have access to your website and email to resolve any problems, but make sure your domain name is owned and controlled by your company, and not by your IT supplier.

  4. Email

    At some point, your business email is almost certain to fail. It happens. The important thing is to make sure that any email sent to you during the downtime doesn't get lost. Make sure your IT company puts systems in place to store email safely, even if there are problems getting it to your inbox.

  5. Backups

    No matter which backup methods you choose and what data you decide to backup, make sure the whole system works properly. Test your backups regularly and backup to more than one place so you can be absolutely certain that you’re protected against losing any crucial data.

Stay up-to-date with business advice and news

Sign up to this lively and colourful newsletter for new and more established small businesses.

Contact us

Make an enquiry