What constitutes business IT services?
IT plays a crucial role in any organisation. From various types of computer systems and network connectivity to the places and security of which data and files are stored. Therefore, every business needs IT to some degree – it’s just a matter of how much.
However, IT services encompass far more than meets the eye, with several categories and subcategories of services falling under this broad umbrella term. In fact, many of these specific services are only offered exclusively by certain companies that won’t venture into other realms or aspects of IT. Therefore, you’d be hard-pressed to find a third-party IT service provider that covered every single technological area.
For this reason, you need to think carefully about your organisation’s unique IT requirements. The services you need will largely depend on the products or services you offer, the size of your business, the scale at which your business is growing, the amount of staff you have, and numerous other factors.
To help you pinpoint the IT service types that your company may need, we have highlighted seven ‘categories’ that would likely benefit the modern organisation. However, please be advised that many of these categories would likely encompass more defined subcategories of services, so it’s worth researching further if you identify some that you know your organisation needs. Also, some providers you find may overlap with more than one category listed below. So it’s worth keeping an open mind.
The below is purely for information purposes, to help you get an idea of what you may need.
7 types of IT services for businesses
1) Cloud computing and hosting services
More business owners are choosing to take their companies into the cloud. Cloud services go beyond data storage, encompassing web hosting and remote servers too. Many cloud hosting providers offer scalable services, meaning that companies can pay for the essential storage and infrastructure they need.
Companies may need to adopt a predominantly or entirely cloud-based infrastructure for their business, particularly given the prominence of remote working, or operating from multiple locations nationally or even internationally. Companies often adopt a private, public or even hybrid cloud environment for their business when migrating, all of which offer distinct advantages and drawbacks. Quite often, a cloud hosting company will offer round-the-clock technical and server support in case of any hosting inaccuracies, outages, issues or downtime.
2) Network infrastructure
When talking about networks, it typically encompasses internet connectivity, landline access and internal networking between all company devices, computers and servers. At any given location, companies will need some form of networking infrastructure, which covers everything from server installation and configuration to firewalls and network security.
Larger organisations might need managed network security and monitoring services to identify and address intrusions, server capacity, web traffic and much more. A network security provider might also be needed to ensure the protection and safeguarding of data.
3) Data backup, storage and management
While on the same topic, regardless of the size and scope of data, it’s crucial to ensure it’s sufficiently stored and managed. A managed IT service provider would typically set up databases and servers to host data, along with measures for the client (the business in this case) to easily and quickly access said data.
Alongside data storage and management, it’s highly likely that most – if not all – sensitive company information and assets would need to be securely and regularly backed up. Backup solutions aim to prevent the loss or theft of sensitive information on physical external hardware or cloud-based platforms.
4) Managed security services
Cybersecurity goes hand-in-hand with many of the services listed here and others not mentioned. However, it’s also a diverse and rapidly-evolving sector in itself. When discussing cybersecurity, it’s important to consider the measures that a company would take to ensure all their – and, more importantly, your – data, systems and devices are secure and protected.
More broadly speaking, cybersecurity services encompass top-level strategies that are often outlined, communicated and delivered by an outsourced company. Such a company would undertake activities that would test, assess and report on a company’s overall cybersecurity posture, ensuring that all vulnerabilities are addressed and thoroughly communicated. In many cases, they may simulate cyber attacks as a part of a managed virus, hack or malware detection and response service.
Companies must consider the security of their assets and systems, along with their software and tools, through firewall management, multi-factor authentication (MFA), testing, patching, server security and much more. Sometimes outsourcing to a third-party security company is an easier and more effective way to manage their estate, while also meeting essential compliance and regulations.
5) IT consultancy
Growing or scaling companies often need flexible and adaptable IT. Whether a company plans to expand the team, open new offices, transition into different sectors, or anything in between, the infrastructure it uses will need to accommodate and support its requests. Sometimes, certain systems or programmes become insufficient for the growing team. That’s where IT consulting providers can offer assistance.
An IT consultant would help a company plan and prepare for their short- and long-term plans, as it relates to their IT, systems and networks. Quite often, company owners starved of time or technical knowledge may simply require expert help and advice from a trusted, reliable, and experienced IT consulting company.
6) Hardware and software support
Hardware installation, maintenance and support might occasionally involve repairs or replacement. While sometimes it can be beneficial to go straight to the manufacturer, sometimes a warranty is invalidated. That’s where managed hardware providers can help, from device disposal to reformatting of drives, printers, cabling and so on.
In many cases, a provider would also extend to include maintenance and engineering for any associated software, which can include licensing, user agreement verification, customisation and more.
Companies with numerous devices and hardware might need expert assistance from a hardware and software support company that can make recommendations about how to streamline, optimise and repair their setup.
7) Web development
Coding is not for everyone. Often, getting software and programmes to coexist requires the help of a technical programmer or developer. For certain services to be delivered, companies may need to hire a web developer in-house or seek outsourced support from an agency.
Web developers don’t exclusively build websites or apps, they often need to understand system components, servers, networks, patching, application programming interfaces (APIs), vulnerabilities, web security, and much more. While it’s likely that developers may have web design experience, there is a big difference between designing interfaces or websites and developing the functionality that sits underneath them.
Companies will likely need customer-facing websites and possibly one or more internal databases, of which both, ideally, need to exist and communicate harmoniously. Without a skilled development team, it’s very likely to go wrong.
How to choose the right type of IT services
The best and most effective IT service you will need will rely on several factors. Your choice of in-house or outsourced IT services will depend on:
It’s crucial to consider what you can realistically handle within your company. It’s normal to consider delegating responsibilities to one or several internal teams. However, you may also have no alternative but to outsource specific services and contract certain others when you need them. Of course, it largely boils down to what you can afford in both the short and long term.
Hopefully the above has given you a reason to consider multiple types of IT business services and how they can be assets to your business. They are crucial and all have parts to play, whether it’s related to connectivity, communication, security, data, efficiency, equipment, or storage. Consider the most important elements you need to control and others you feel comfortable leaving in the hands of trusted suppliers.