July 22, 2024
Introduction:
It’s easy to assume that IT support can be fully managed remotely. However, the reality is that an effective IT strategy often requires a blend of remote and onsite support. Choosing a local IT provider can improve your business continuity, problem resolution speed, and overall IT infrastructure support.
Misconception: IT Can Be Fully Remote
It’s a common misconception that IT issues can always be resolved remotely, and it’s something I hear frequently. Just the other day, someone said to me, “It’s easy for you; you can handle everything in your job from home.” Statements like this are just simply untrue. While a significant amount of troubleshooting and maintenance can indeed happen over the internet, there are countless situations where having an IT technician onsite is irreplaceable. Hardware failures, network installations, even software failures are some examples where quick, local, onsite support can save the day. Additionally, onsite support offers the added benefit of a personalized service which can also be very beneficial.
Recent Scenario: Crowdstrike
Recently in the news, CrowdStrike released an update that caused widespread outages, rendering many computers unable to boot up due to the infamous blue screen of death. The fix, though relatively straightforward—boot into safe mode, delete a specific file, and reboot—required physical access to each affected machine. This sort of troubleshooting can’t be handled remotely when computers can’t connect to the internet.
So, what do you do in this situation? You need an engineer to physically visit each affected workstation to resolve the issue. But imagine if your IT provider is based in India while you’re located in a rural area of the UK. The delay in getting the necessary onsite support could be substantial, causing significant disruption to your business operations. You might even end up having to hire a local IT provider to handle the emergency, assuming they are available costing you emergency call-out fees which won’t be cheap. Resolving issues like this may not always be the quickest process and can certainly strain your IT provider’s resources. However, if you choose a local, reputable provider that offers onsite visits, you can be assured that you’ll be up and running much faster compared to relying on those who don’t.
Second Scenario example:
A client purchases several IP telephones, along with remote instructions on how to set them up. The client connects the phones at various points throughout the day. When they return to work the next day, they find that there is no network connection and no internet access at all. They call their ISP, which confirms that there are no issues on their end. Despite rebooting the router, the problem persists. The client is unable to work for hours, and their IT provider, based in Scotland, cannot send anyone onsite to their Sussex-based location for several days.
This real-life scenario was ultimately caused by a single IP telephone being incorrectly connected, which resulted in a network loop. The issue was only identified when Cranfield IT Solutions was independently hired to investigate. With our technical expertise and physical presence on the site, we were able to diagnose and resolve the problem quickly and get them back up and running. It was an easy fix but not easily determined over the phone for the IT provider.
Cranfield IT Solutions In Heathfield & Sussex: Your Local IT Lifeline
Based centrally in Heathfield, Cranfield IT Solutions cover East Sussex and can respond quickly to both remote and onsite requests. Our strategic location ensures that we’re typically no more than an hour away from any client, whether you’re in Tunbridge Wells, Eastbourne, Hastings, or Horsham.
Our dual capability means that everyday issues can be managed remotely, but when urgent onsite support is required, we can be at your doorstep promptly. This ensures minimal disruption and maximum efficiency for your business.
Why Local IT Support Matters
- Rapid Response Times: A local provider can be onsite swiftly, rapidly addressing and resolving issues to minimize downtime.
- Understanding Local Needs: We understand the unique challenges faced by businesses in East Sussex, offering customized solutions that a remote provider might not be able to deliver.
- Trust and Reliability: Personal interactions build trust. Knowing that your IT partner can—and will—show up in person provides peace of mind.
Why You Should Have an IT Provider on Retainer:
As illustrated in both scenarios discussed in this article, investing in an IT service provider—even if it’s just for retainer support that offers a certain number of support hours—is crucial. While technology can be quite reliable these days, IT support functions much like a fire department in a local town. Having a fire department based in Scotland wouldn’t be much help in putting out a fire in Eastbourne, and the same principle applies to IT support.
Combining both approaches of remote and onsite using a local provider offers a robust, resilient IT support system. Cranfield IT Solutions, with its deep-rooted commitment to East Sussex businesses, provides the best of both worlds, ensuring your IT environment is both responsive and reliable.
So if this sounds like something your business could benefit from in Heathfield or Sussex then reach out to me today on linkedIn, or send me an email: matt@cranfielditsolutions.co.uk. Always happy to have a coffee and a chat to discuss your needs.