Any business or company today is likely to make use of computers and the Internet for its work. This can be a powerful asset, but getting all the software and hardware set up just right may take some outsourced professional help, such as from IT service providers. Today, IT service providers can be contacted to build a company’s computer and data system, or upgrade an existing network or diagnose problems. Managed IT services can be called upon if a computer virus is affecting a business’s data server, of IT consulting may be brought over for updating the company’s cyber security. While the Internet and computers can be powerful, there are some risks and limitations that employees must be made aware of. So, IT service providers may fulfill all of these needs and keep a company running smoothly and safely. What might IT service providers do?
A Data Server
IT service providers may be called upon to build, maintain, or update a data server for a client business. For those not aware, a data server is a collection of computers that are linked into a single, powerful network by use of cables. These are no ordinary desktop PCs; they don’t even have monitors or keyboards attached to them for human use. Instead, these computers work together to form a giant digital brain of sorts, one that can store vast amounts of data and speed up the processing power of regular PCs connected to it. Employees’ PCs will connect to this data server with cables, and this allows the quick and flexible sharing of files and other data with each other.
IT service providers are the ones who can build such an assembly and take care of any problems that it may have. These are not a handful of computers on a desk; rather, the data server room is a dedicated room that holds many storage racks and shelves for those computers. Holes in the cabinet walls and doors allow cables to connect the computers to each other, and IT professionals can open the cabinet doors to tinker with the computers as needed. Sometimes, it may be necessary to remove a computer’s burnt-out hard drive with a new one. And no matter what, a data center needs cooling, since computers run hot. Air conditioning is one option, or liquid cooling tubes may be used instead. A data server may grow over time, and additional racks can be placed here along with computers that add to the server.
Communications
IT professionals can also be used to set up other methods of file sharing. Some employees at a company choose to work remotely, either on board a private jet or even at home. Employees who travel or work from home can’t afford to be cut off from everything, so they can share files with their co-workers with Cloud data storage. This is a sort of Internet-only data server, and any authorized person can access it from a computer anywhere. This way, an employee may send and receive files from any location. Remote workers don’t have to sit out meetings, either; they can use Skype and related services to talk directly with others by live video, and this is known has having a virtual presence at a meeting. One-on-one chat sessions over the Internet are possible with this, too. Managers are always looking for new ways to make their workers flexible and productive, and these computer solutions may be the way.
Security
Computers can be hacked into. Cyber crime is a real and serious threat to anyone, and companies stand to lose a lot of money or customer information if a cyber-criminal breaks into private data servers. Large security breaches have been known to cost bigger companies millions of dollars, and such breaches can ruin smaller companies entirely. IT service providers can set up firewalls, anti-virus scanners, and more to keep a company’s data servers and Cloud storage safe from criminal activity. These IT professionals can also teach the employees safe habits online, such as refraining from opening attachments or clicking links in strange and unexpected e-mails. Employees may be urged to think of complex passwords for bank and personal information and to never share that information with anyone. This can ensure better cyber-security.
