What to look for in a Managed Service Provider when cyber-security matters
The Personal Touch: Why Choosing a Local, Independently Owned IT Support Provider Trumps Big Corporations
You rely on your IT partner to keep your operations running smoothly, so you can focus on running your business. While large, big name corporations may seem like the safe choice for comprehensive IT services, there’s a compelling case to be made for opting for an independently owned, local IT support provider. In this article, we explore the benefits of choosing a personalised and dedicated service over becoming just another number on the books of a faceless giant.
Tailored Solutions for Your Unique Needs:
Independent IT support providers thrive on their ability to tailor their services to the specific needs of each client. Unlike large corporations that often adopt a one-size-fits-all approach, smaller providers take the time to understand your business, its goals, and its unique challenges. This personalised attention ensures that the solutions provided are not only effective but also aligned with your organisation’s objectives.
Responsive and Agile Service:
Independent IT support providers are known for their agility and responsiveness. Things can change fast in the world of tech, and having a partner that can quickly adapt to emerging challenges is invaluable. Smaller providers can often implement changes and updates more swiftly than their larger counterparts, ensuring that your business stays ahead of the game and remains competitive.
Direct Communication and Accountability:
Dealing with a massive corporation often means navigating through layers of bureaucracy to reach a resolution. Independent providers, on the other hand, offer direct lines of communication. This means that when you have an issue, you can speak directly to the individuals responsible for resolving it. This direct communication fosters a sense of accountability, ensuring that your concerns are addressed promptly and effectively.
Personal Relationships and Familiarity:
Becoming just another number on the client list of a large corporation can make it difficult to establish meaningful relationships. Independent IT support providers take pride in building lasting connections with their clients. The familiarity that comes with working closely with the same team over time allows for a deeper understanding of your business’s intricacies and fosters a sense of trust that is often hard to achieve with a faceless corporation. For the independent provider, they often know your name, and not just your ticket number!
Cost-Effective Solutions:
While large corporations may boast economies of scale, independent IT support providers can often provide more cost-effective solutions tailored to your budget. With a focus on efficiency and providing bespoke solutions to your specific needs, you can get a lot more bang for your buck.
Local Expertise and Community Support:
Independent IT support providers are often deeply rooted in the local community. This connection brings a wealth of local knowledge and understanding of regional challenges. Supporting local businesses creates a positive feedback loop that contributes to the overall health and prosperity of the community.
Why Consider Consider IT
Consider IT is a leading managed service provider offering a range of comprehensive IT services. Specialising in organisations with between 10-300 employees, we focus on innovation, proactive services and excellent service delivery. Our ultimate aim is to become a part of your team, so you can focus on running your business. Big solutions, with an in-house team feel (and we can even help support your own in-house IT team).
Consider IT provides a full spectrum of IT services including managed IT Support, cyber security, compliance and certification, communications, business continuity, procurement and more. All delivered in as much or as little technical detail as you feel comfortable.
If you’re curious about our services, or would like to chat to an expert, get in touch today.
Consider IT Achieves Prestigious ISO 22301 and ISO 20000-1 Certifications for Business Continuity and IT Service Management
We are thrilled to announce a significant milestone for Consider IT – the successful achievement of two prestigious certifications: ISO 22301 for Business Continuity Management and ISO 20000-1 for IT Service Management. Colin Gilbertson, Head of Operations at Consider IT commented:
“This achievement reflects Consider IT’s ongoing commitment to delivering high-quality IT Support and Cyber Security solutions, reinforcing our position as a trusted service provider.”
ISO 22301: The Gold Standard for Business Continuity
ISO 22301 is a globally recognised standard for Business Continuity Management Systems (BCMS), focusing on fortifying an organisation’s ability to respond effectively to disruptions. Unexpected events like natural disasters, cyber attacks or other unforeseen events, can cause major disruption to business operations.
This certification attests to our robust business continuity planning, risk management, and incident response capabilities. It provides both Consider IT, and our clients with the confidence that we are equipped to navigate unforeseen challenges seamlessly, thereby minimising downtime and preserving the integrity of business processes during emergencies.
ISO 20000-1: Elevating IT Service Management
ISO 20000-1 is the international standard for IT Service Management (ITSM), emphasising the implementation of best practices to enhance the quality and efficiency of IT services. Achieving this certification highlights Consider IT’s commitment to delivering excellent IT services that align with global industry standards.
With ISO 20000-1, we assure our clients that our IT Service Management processes are meticulously designed and executed, promoting continuous improvement and ensuring the optimal performance of their IT infrastructure.
“This certification serves as a testament to our dedication to providing reliable, secure, and efficient IT services that empower both us as a business, and our clients.”
-Colin Gilbertson, Head of Operations
Why This Matters for You
For businesses in search of a dependable partner for IT Support and Cyber Security solutions, our achievement of ISO 22301 and ISO 20000-1 certifications distinguishes us in the field. These certifications reflect our commitment to a proactive approach in managing risks, safeguarding the resilience of our operations, and consistently providing top-notch IT services. These new achievements add to our collection of other coveted industry standards, including ISO 27001, CREST and Cyber Essentials Plus. Consider IT is also an IASME certifying body, meaning we can get your organisation up to scratch with Cyber Essentials controls, award the certificate, and ensure your continued compliance. To see a full list of our credentials, please visit our website here.
Our commitment to excellence extends beyond certifications; it is ingrained in our culture of continuous improvement and client satisfaction. Whether you seek reliable managed IT solutions, robust cyber security measures, or a combination of both, our experts are always here to help. Get in touch today to talk about how we can help your business.
Navigating the IT Support Onboarding Process: A Comprehensive Guide
Taking on a new IT Support provider can seem quite daunting, whether you’re entirely new to the world of IT support, or switching from an existing provider. The prospect of handing over your organisation’s crucial technological infrastructure to a new partner can be overwhelming. However, this transition doesn’t have to be as scary as it might initially appear. At Consider IT, we strive to make the process as seamless and reassuring as possible. Our experienced team is well-versed in guiding clients through these transitions, ensuring that your IT systems continue to run smoothly without any significant disruptions. We understand your concerns, and we’re here to provide the expertise and support necessary to make the transition a positive and productive experience. Here’s a short guide to show you what a typical onboarding process looks like at Consider IT:
Initial Audit
The onboarding process typically begins with an initial audit of your current IT. During this stage, a comprehensive evaluation of your existing IT infrastructure will be conducted. This includes hardware, software, networks, security protocols, and any existing IT-related issues. The goal is to gain a deep understanding of your specific needs and challenges.
Setting Objectives and Expectations
After the assessment, clear objectives and expectations will be set out. This includes defining service level agreements (SLAs), response times, and the scope of services provided.
Planning and Customisation
Based on the needs analysis and agreed-upon objectives, a customised service plan will be put in place. This plan outlines the specific services that will be provided, such as helpdesk support hours, software updates, security monitoring, and any other IT-related tasks that you may require.
Knowledge Transfer
To get up and running smoothly, we want to know as much as possible about your IT. This may include knowledge transfer sessions with appropriate personnel and our Client Success Manager and sharing all relevant documentation regarding your IT systems.
Deployment and Migration
Once the service plan is established, Consider IT will begin the deployment and migration phase. This may involve setting up monitoring tools, configuring software, and ensuring that all systems are running optimally. During this phase, we may also work closely with the client’s in-house IT personnel or previous IT Support provider to ensure a seamless transition.
Ongoing Support and Maintenance
With the initial setup and training completed, Consider IT would continue to monitor your systems and provide ongoing support. This includes proactive monitoring of network security, software updates, and addressing any issues that arise. Regular performance assessments and reporting help ensure that the IT infrastructure is meeting the agreed-upon objectives.
Review and Reporting
The IT support onboarding process doesn’t end once systems are up and running smoothly. Regular reviews and optimisation are crucial to ensure our IT support services continue to meet your evolving needs. This phase involves assessing the effectiveness of the services and making necessary adjustments to keep the IT infrastructure aligned with your business goals.
About Consider IT
If you are considering taking on or replacing an IT support provider, we hope this gives you some comfort that the onboarding process isn’t as daunting as it may seem.
At Consider IT, we take pride in our knowledgeable and friendly team of IT professionals who go the extra mile to ensure a smooth transition and uninterrupted operations. Our ultimate aim is to become a part of your team. Our dedicated experts understand the common IT challenges faced by individuals and businesses alike. From password resets to complex network issues, we have the expertise to handle it all, ensuring your technology operates seamlessly.
What sets Consider IT apart is our commitment to building strong relationships with our clients. We believe in fostering open communication and a transparent approach. Our team actively listens to your concerns, tailoring solutions that perfectly fit your unique requirements. We are also one of the few IASME certifying bodies in Scotland, making us uniquely qualified to award the Cyber Essentials accreditation. We are dedicated to ensuring that all our clients adhere to the essential baseline cyber security controls necessary for safeguarding their digital assets. This is just one of the many cyber security accreditations we hold in our dedication to providing top-notch security solutions for our clients. If you’d like to lean more about this, visit our awards and accreditations page on our website.
When you choose Consider IT, you gain more than just technical support; you gain a reliable and responsive partner. We proactively monitor your systems, identifying potential issues before they escalate into problems. Our goal is to empower you with the right tools and knowledge to harness technology efficiently, enabling your business to thrive.
Get in touch today to speak to one of our experts about your business.
7 Ways IT Support Services Can Transform Your Company
Have you ever had one of those weeks when technology fails you? Maybe you’ve forgotten your password, or the internet has gone down, or your printer has completely malfunctioned. OR, on a more serious note, your computer has been infected with a virus or malware. From little issues to larger ones, these problems can really affect your productivity throughout the day.
That’s why many successful businesses outsource their IT. In a fast-paced business environment you want quick problem solving, and proactive management of all your IT systems. Not to mention, you need to be protected from cyber attacks which can prove to be devastating for many organisations.
The worst mistake business owners can make is discounting the importance of a strong IT infrastructure, and its role in keeping you competitive. Here are the main reasons why:
1. Rapid Issue Resolution:
Effective IT support services are the backbone of any organisation’s IT infrastructure. They provide timely and efficient solutions to technical problems, ensuring that employees can work with minimal disruption. By swiftly addressing IT issues, businesses can maintain their productivity, thereby increasing their competitive edge. The faster your technology-related challenges are resolved, the quicker you can return to focusing on what matters most: your core business operations.
2. Proactive Monitoring and Maintenance:
IT support services offer proactive monitoring and maintenance of your IT systems. They can identify potential problems before they become major issues. This proactive approach not only prevents downtime but also helps in optimising system performance. By avoiding unexpected outages and improving the overall efficiency of your IT infrastructure, you can better allocate your resources and maintain a competitive advantage.
3. Data Security and Compliance:
Data breaches and cyber attacks are significant threats to businesses large and small. IT support services are well-equipped to handle these threats by implementing robust security measures, such as firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and antivirus software. They also help businesses comply with industry-specific regulations and data protection laws. Ensuring the security and integrity of your data not only protects your company but also helps build trust with your customers, contributing to your competitive edge.
4. Scalability and Flexibility:
As your business grows, your IT needs will evolve as well. IT support services are adaptable and can scale up or down according to your requirements. They can help you seamlessly integrate new technologies and services to accommodate growth or changes in the market. This flexibility ensures that your IT infrastructure remains agile, allowing you to respond quickly to market developments and maintain your competitive position.
5. Access to Expertise:
With IT support services, you gain access to a team of IT experts with a wide range of skills and knowledge. They stay up-to-date with the latest industry trends, technologies, and best practices. Leveraging their expertise can help you implement innovative solutions and stay at the forefront of your industry. Additionally, they can provide guidance on technology investments, ensuring that your resources are allocated strategically.
6. Cost Efficiency:
Outsourcing IT support services can often be more cost-effective than maintaining an in-house IT team. It eliminates the need for hiring, training, and retaining specialised IT personnel, along with the associated overhead costs. This cost efficiency allows you to allocate your budget to other critical areas of your business, further strengthening your competitive edge.
7. Focus on Core Competencies:
By delegating IT management and support to experts, your internal teams can focus on what they do best—developing and enhancing your products or services, expanding your customer base, and exploring new opportunities. This sharpens your core competencies and enables your business to excel in its primary mission, which is essential for staying competitive.
About Consider IT
Consider IT is a trusted Managed Service Provider with offices in Edinburgh, Glasgow, London and Austin, Texas. With our team of experts and a wealth of experience, we offer comprehensive solutions that empower businesses to thrive in an ever-changing landscape. Beyond providing top-notch day-to-day IT support, we are also an accredited IASME certifying body, ensuring that all our clients are fully compliant with the baseline controls for Cyber Essentials. If your business aims to go the extra mile and attain accreditation, we can issue you with the necessary certificate, solidifying your commitment to data security and building trust with your customers.
Want to know more about how Consider IT can help you keep your competitive edge? Get in touch today for a chat with one of our experts at [email protected].
Have you considered your Cyber Security defences this Cyber Security Month?
Have you thought about your cyber security lately? If you haven’t, you just need to take one glance at the news to see why you should. Cyber attacks are on the increase, and many companies are falling victim to the ever increasing problem. Just last week, we saw the tragic downfall of KNP Logistics Group, a haulage company with a 158 year legacy falling victim to a vicious ransomware attack. The June 2023 attack ultimately resulted in the company’s administration and the loss of 730 jobs. In the same week, the Royal Family were even targeted when their website was temporarily taken down by Russian hackers. No one is immune to cyber attacks, but there are ways that you can strengthen your defences against them. Now is the perfect time to explore essential strategies to safeguard against cyber threats as we observe Cyber Security Month this October.
The Business Imperative for Cyber Security Awareness
Protecting Sensitive Data: As a business, you store vast amounts of sensitive data, including customer information, intellectual property, and financial records. A data breach not only jeopardises this critical information but also damages your reputation and finances.
Regulatory Compliance: Many industries are subject to strict data protection regulations, such as GDPR in Europe or HIPAA in the healthcare sector. Non-compliance can result in hefty fines and legal consequences.
Financial Impact: Cyber attacks can lead to direct financial losses due to theft, ransom payments, or business interruption. Additionally, the costs associated with investigating and mitigating an attack can be substantial.
Reputation Management: A cyber security incident can destroy customer trust and confidence. Your business may find it challenging to regain your reputation even after addressing the breach.
Strategies to secure your business this Cyber Security Awareness Month
Conduct Risk Assessments: Begin by assessing your organisation’s cyber security risks. Identify vulnerabilities, and the most critical assets that need protection. Specialist IT providers such as Consider IT can carry these out for you.
Develop a Cyber security Policy: Create a comprehensive cyber security policy that outlines best practices, employee responsibilities, incident response procedures, and compliance requirements. Ensure all employees are aware of and adhere to this policy.
Employee Training and Awareness: Invest in cybersecurity training for employees at all levels. Teach them how to recognise phishing attempts, practice safe password management, and report security incidents promptly.
Regular Updates and Patch Management: Keep all software, operating systems, and security tools up to date. Regularly apply patches and updates to address known vulnerabilities.
Implement Strong Access Controls: Limit access to sensitive data and systems to authorised personnel only.
Secure Your Network: Invest in robust firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and encryption protocols to protect your network infrastructure from cyber threats.
Implement 2-factor Authentication: Add an extra layer of protection to your passwords to prevent unauthorised access to company data.
Data Backup and Recovery: Regularly backup critical data, and ensure that you have a tested and effective data recovery plan in place. This can be crucial in the event of a ransomware attack or data breach.
Incident Response Plan: Develop a well-defined incident response plan that outlines steps to take in the event of a cyber security incident.
Get Cyber Essentials Accredited: Add an extra layer of trust with your customers and stakeholders by getting Cyber Essentials Certified. Cyber Essentials is a government-backed scheme that ensures organisations adhere to fundamental cyber security principles, providing a crucial defence against common cyber threats
Consider talking to your IT Partner
At Consider IT, cyber security is our top priority. We are dedicated to assisting our clients in fortifying their digital defences to safeguard their sensitive information and operations. This Cyber Security Month, we invite you to reach out to us for a complimentary cyber security assessment. Consider IT is an IASME certifying body, and as such our expert team will work with you to achieve Cyber Essentials accreditation and compliance. Reach out today to learn more.
Top 7 IT Support problems
Technology plays a crucial role in any business operations, and unfortunately things can sometimes go wrong. You’ll have seen it all before, John’s computer won’t turn on, Sally has forgotten her password and Dave hasn’t installed an update on his machine since 2020. This is where IT support comes to the rescue, helping users overcome common technical difficulties. In this blog, we will explore some of the most common IT support requests that professionals encounter regularly. Having an IT Support partner like Consider IT that understands these issues and can solve them quickly and efficiently can help to boost your organisation’s productivity and efficiency.
Password Resets:
One of the most frequent IT support requests is password resets. Whether it’s due to forgetfulness, security concerns, or expired passwords, users often find themselves locked out of their accounts. IT support professionals play a vital role in assisting users by resetting passwords or guiding them through the process.
Internet Connectivity Issues:
In the digital era, a stable internet connection is crucial for seamless productivity. Therefore, it’s no surprise that problems related to internet connectivity are commonly reported to IT support teams. These issues can range from slow internet speeds to complete network outages. IT support professionals troubleshoot the problems, identify the cause, and work towards restoring the connection to get you back up and running as quickly as possible.
Software Installation and Updates:
Installing or updating software can sometimes be a daunting task for users, leading them to seek assistance from IT support. Common issues include compatibility problems, installation errors, and challenges in navigating the installation process. IT support teams guide users through these processes, ensuring they have the necessary software tools to carry out their tasks efficiently.
Hardware Problems:
From malfunctioning printers to unresponsive keyboards, hardware-related issues can hamper productivity and cause frustration. IT support personnel are trained to diagnose hardware problems, repair or replace faulty components, and ensure that users can work with reliable equipment.
Email Issues:
Email is a critical communication tool in today’s workplace, and any disruptions can have a significant impact on productivity. IT support often deals with problems such as email configuration, password recovery, syncing issues across devices, and spam filtering. Troubleshooting email problems requires expertise in email systems and protocols, enabling IT support teams to restore email functionality and get you communicating again.
Virus and Malware Removal:
With the constant threat of viruses and malware, the vigilance of the IT team becomes paramount. IT support teams employ antivirus software, perform system scans, and provide guidance on preventing infections. Proactive prevention helps protect sensitive data and ensures a secure working environment.
Software Application Support:
Different software applications come with their unique set of challenges. Users often require assistance with tasks such as file recovery, error debugging, and general troubleshooting. IT support personnel possess in-depth knowledge of various applications and can guide users to overcome software-specific hurdles.
Are you looking for efficient, friendly IT Support?
In the fast-paced and tech-reliant world we live in, having a reliable IT support partner is essential to ensuring smooth operations and uninterrupted productivity.
At Consider IT, we take pride in our knowledgeable and friendly team of IT professionals, who go the extra mile to become an integral part of your team. Our dedicated experts understand the common IT challenges faced by individuals and businesses alike. From password resets to complex network issues, we have the expertise to handle it all, ensuring your technology operates seamlessly.
What sets Consider IT apart is our commitment to building strong relationships with our clients. We believe in fostering open communication and a transparent approach. Our team actively listens to your concerns, tailoring solutions that perfectly fit your unique requirements.
When you choose Consider IT, you gain more than just technical support; you gain a reliable and responsive partner. We proactively monitor your systems, identifying potential issues before they escalate into problems. Our goal is to empower you with the right tools and knowledge to harness technology efficiently, enabling your business to thrive.
Get in touch today to speak to one of our experts about your business.
Consider IT achieves Microsoft Solutions Partner designation
Consider IT are proud to announce that we have achieved the Solutions Partner for Modern Work Designation in the Microsoft Cloud Partner Program. The Solutions Partner for Modern Work designation recognises MSP’s who have demonstrated expertise to help customers boost productivity and shift towards a hybrid working environment using Microsoft 365.
About the Microsoft Cloud Partner Program
In October of 2022 the Microsoft Partner Network changed their name to “The Microsoft Cloud Partner Program”. Previously, Microsoft partners were designated with Gold or Silver badges to signify their level of competency. The new changes replace the old badges with new designations that differentiate solutions by highlighting their technical competencies, making choosing your IT provider simpler.
Achieving a place in the new Microsoft Cloud Partner Program is now a more complicated process, with MSP’s having to prove their technical capabilities, experience, and ability to deliver successful customer outcomes. To become a Microsoft Solutions Partner, applicants are given a “partner capability score” in which they need to achieve at least 70 points out of 100, with only those who demonstrate true capability in each of the judging criteria being awarded with Microsoft Partner Designations.
Consider IT as a Microsoft partner
At Consider IT, we help empower our clients with Microsoft services to boost performance, productivity and engagement. We will work with you to provide the most efficient set up for your business – from start-up to enterprise. From making sure you get the best licensing deal, to ensuring your team has the newest features and updates, we can:
· Get you set up with all the classic Microsoft office apps that your team will use daily, including Word, Excel, Powerpoint, Office, OneDrive and SharePoint.
· Supporting remote and hybrid workers with Microsoft Teams, to become a central hub for online meetings, chat, content and calling.
· Empowering businesses to create and innovate with Microsoft Azure’s cloud computing platform, allowing them to scale and grow with more than 200 products and cloud services.
We are very proud to have achieved this designation and would like to thank our excellent team for getting us to this point, particularly since one of the major scoring metrics was based on intermediate and advanced certifications of our staff.
Previously to the changes, Consider IT was a Silver Partner, and with the new Microsoft Cloud Partner Program designation we remain committed to providing excellent support services to our customers, empowering their success by staying ahead of the competition.
Get in touch
If you would like to talk to us about your business’ Microsoft 365 migration, please get in touch today. Or, if you would like more information, visit our website and check out our case studies.
You can also contact us by phone on 0131 510 0110.
They say there’s no such thing as a free lunch…
When people say there’s no such thing as a free lunch, they’re usually on the money – but not in our case.
We’ve created a completely 100% free tool that anyone, anywhere in the world can use with absolutely zero catch.
That’s right, no subscriptions needed, no sign-ups required, no data taken – we don’t ask for anything in return. As our good deed to round out 2019 we’re helping businesses (both clients and non-clients) to upgrade their computers from Windows 7 to Windows 10.
Most in-house IT teams and specialist IT support companies are helping organisations upgrade their PCs to the new version of Windows but very few are doing it for free.
To ease the burden on any businesses panicking about the upgrades, we developed our own Window 10 installer which allows anyone to seamlessly upgrade their operating systems.
The process for migrating from Windows 7 to Windows is actually really straightforward, which is why we were surprised to learn that a council spent £34,000 in November to help them upgrade all of their machines (which didn’t include the cost of the licence either).
While businesses will still have to pay Microsoft for their new Windows 10 licences, our free tool will allow the upgrade to happen on both Windows Business and Windows Enterprise versions of the system – our tool doesn’t care which is being rolled out. It will also work for businesses of all sizes with any number of PCs.
Silicon Valley giant Microsoft is ending its support for the popular operating system from January 2020. Windows 7 will cease to operate from January 14th 2020, leaving businesses scrambling to upgrade their outdated operating systems to Windows 10.
While Windows 7 machines will still work, Microsoft is retiring the 10-year-old platform. That means the tech giant will no longer provide any technical support for any issues and users will no longer receive software updates or security fixes, otherwise known as “patches”.
Microsoft has told users: “While you could continue to use your PC running Windows 7, without continued software and security updates, it will be at greater risk for viruses and malware. Going forward, the best way for you to stay secure is on Windows 10.”
Microsoft also says it is possible for users to upgrade Windows 7 machines to run the Windows 10 operating system, its advice is that PCs should be replaced with newer machines.
Anyone interested in accessing our free Windows upgrade tool can find out more, and access the code at https://considerit.com/resources/windows-7-to-windows-10-tool/
