Here are some key best practices to help you and your business focus on your core strengths, and get the best value from your IT investment.

Simplify, Standardize and Control your IT Environment

The simpler your Information Technology (IT) environment, the easier and cheaper it is to manage, and to ensure it works well.  Avoid toys and “free” downloads.  Make sure there’s a business need for everything.

Implement Defense in Depth

We know this from experience: relying on a single security solution just doesn’t work.  It takes layered security, with a firewalled network, securely configured systems, and managed, monitored virus/malware protection.

Don’t let your staff users try to be PC administrators

Staff members with PC admin rights tend to install software that has little or no business value and wastes time.  They are unintentional prime targets for viruses.  Having someone on staff doing IT support is a hidden cost you need to eliminate.  Well-managed PCs are much less expensive to own and support.

Be sure your backups are well planned and regularly tested

Think “business continuity.”  Be sure your backup solution includes regularly restore testing, monitoring and reporting.   A business that is down for days may never survive.

Use uninterruptible (UPS) power protection for critical equipment

Power protection needs proper configuration and regular testing.  Key factors are run time, alerting and automatic controlled shutdown.

Select and manage your systems carefully

Business computers should be business-grade: 3 year warranties, in warranty, with features selected for business productivity, not home gaming and multimedia.  Your software needs to be selected, licensed and approved for business use.   Personal amusement software greatly increases support costs.

Be Proactive – It Really Does Save Money

Wait for something to break, and it will.  Unreliable systems are even worse than failed ones.  Use monitoring and maintenance to keep them working well.

Talk regularly with your IT partner, to plan your approach and review results.