| A Letter to Companies Without IT Managers |
|
A Common
Scenario...
Your business has grown over
the last few years and you have added computers, software and other
technology to help you do your business. Often you may have installed
these yourself, or had someone who is technically oriented in your office
or even an outside person. Nothing wrong with this, isn’t this how
many small businesses became larger businesses?
You Already have Access
to Several Resources Now...
You probably have a technician,
who can diagnose and repair computers, fix viruses and update your software.
These folks are usually highly trained and may have certifications from
Microsoft or someone. And usually they are quite reasonable in cost.
Why have IT Management?
IT Management looks
at the overall picture of your business and your technology. IT Management
evaluates your company’s basic IT Practices. For instance, do you
have:
- Do you have Backup and Restore Procedures in place that are tested and used? If a file disappears from a computer, does your business come to a halt? How many of your staff can find and restore an earlier version? If just one person, who does it if they are gone? How vulnerable is your company to lost of sales data, inventory data?
- Security and Anti-virus Protection in place? Unfortunately, the dangers from viruses are real and must be dealt with on all your computer systems. Are you protected? Do your employees know what to do if they get a virus?
-
Current documentation for all your policies and procedures? Do
your employees have written instructions on how to:
Backup of your systems?
Restore lost or corrupted files?
Know where files should be stored on your systems?
Identify legal / illegal software? Do you know there are organizations
that target disgruntled employees to tell them about illegal software
in their workplace?
And do you periodically check that this is being done regularly?
- Current E-Mail and Web Site Evaluation?
Do they professionally reflect your company? Do you have policies in place
on the usage of your e-mail system? Internet usage? 
- Training plans for your employees?
Since computers and technology play such an important role, can you quickly
train a new employee on using you technology? Or do you lose efficiency
while they are trying to figure out the systems on their own?
What’s the cost of not having periodic IT reviews?
As you can see from the above, you leave your company vulnerable
to wasted time in case of lost / corrupted files. Do you find yourselves
searching for files because you don’t have an overall system for
storing
files on your computers / network? Can you effectively bring in new employees
without spending lots of time waiting for them to search and find things?
Are you vulnerable to losing a key employee, who has all your ‘documentation’
in their head?
We can help you develop a solid technology foundation for your business.
Our Mission...
Our mission is to work with companies to develop their technology practices
rather than being their ‘tech guy’. Our background is in overall
management rather than the day to day hands on support. We know that if
you want to grow your business, at a certain point it is necessary to
have IT Management. We also know that for many companies, this is not
a full time position rather it is an ideal outsourced position.
Our Background...
The principal, Alan Dean, has his Masters in Computer Science
from DePaul University. In addition, he has 20 years experience working
in a major insurance brokerage company, managing the technology for a
national division. Alan also brings an understanding of business and marketing
to the job.
