You can get help optimizing your information technology infrastructure, including your physical security system, wireless network, and telecommunications, from an IT infrastructure service provider.
While many business leaders and information technology professionals have discovered that outsourcing infrastructure services to an expert service provider can be a smart move, others are wary of completely turning over the management of their core technologies to a third party. In most cases, that is not what “outsourcing” means.
In today’s business world, any interruption of IT infrastructure can be extremely harmful to business. That’s why it is necessary to have cutting-edge technology deployed and maintained by folks with deep expertise and up-to-date knowledge in a number of areas. That is where information technology infrastructure service providers can add value.
When seeking information technology services, it is wise to ensure that the services you pay for fit your specific needs. Instead of buying a cookie-cutter package, you will want a technology partner who will tailor your service agreement to your business, not the other way around. That kind of flexibility allows you to save time and money by outsourcing precisely the services you require assuring that your IT infrastructure is optimized to suit your business goals.
Here are steps to optimize five core elements of your IT infrastructure to keep it running smoothly.
- Ensure that your online meetings are secure
Audio visual (AV) optimization allows you to create an online environment that is conducive to efficient and creative collaboration, which pays off in productivity. That benefit goes directly to your bottom line.
Even more importantly, AV optimization is required in today’s business world to protect your organization’s confidential data. As virtual meetings have proliferated, so have cybercriminals’ abilities to sneak into meetings to steal valuable information. There are proven best practices to prevent this from occurring, and it’s urgent to keep up to date with them, as the bad actors’ tactics evolve almost daily. - Level up to state-of-the-art telecom equipment
Again, this is an area where you need to find the sweet spot—be certain that you have exactly the telecom infrastructure you need to remain competitive and to leverage your team’s efforts. More than likely, you do not need every telecom innovation the minute it is released. However, there will come a time when the cost in missed opportunities or staff frustration exceeds that of an upgrade.
Providing telecom construction and maintenance as a service requires deep knowledge of the technology itself, various regulatory environments, and the myriad of vendors in the telecom market. To that last point: You will want to have the flexibility to work with various vendors and not be locked in to one because your service provider is contractually obligated to deal exclusively with that company. - Keep your physical network wired correctly
There is an optimal way to connect your computers, printers, telecom system, routers, and security systems to ensure it that your entire operation runs smoothly. You want to be certain that this crucial bit of IT infrastructure does not turn into a can of worms.
The physical network layer of your IT infrastructure is an essential way to ensure your organization’s technological integrity. To do this right requires careful planning and optimal technology design. - Strengthen your wireless IT infrastructure
When installing a wireless network, it is important to conduct a review and analyze your locations to learn about radiofrequency performance, possible interference, and other potential obstacles to peak wireless performance. The importance of determining the proper placement for wireless antennas and access points cannot be overstated. Surprisingly and unfortunately, too many wireless network deployments do not put enough care into their wireless review.
That is one of the simpler and more straightforward wireless problems to solve. The fact is, like everything else, wireless technology is evolving at a staggering pace. Some providers claim to offer a “set it and forget it” solution. If you are interested in keeping your business infrastructure running smoothly, do not fall for that sales pitch. - Minimize the risk to your physical environment.
The first step when installing or upgrading the IT infrastructure underpinning your physical security system is a site assessment to determine vulnerabilities and prioritize levels of risk. As with everything when it comes to infrastructure services, it is key that you put together a custom-designed system adapted specifically to your site’s conditions.
I also strongly recommend that you consider an integrated security system that fuses access control, intrusion detection, video surveillance, perimeter security and the many other tools that together comprise true security.
When it comes to your operation’s physical security, as with each of the areas described above, the key to success is to begin with an honest assessment of your current position.
As technology advances and becomes more essential to the smooth operation of your enterprise, you may find that a trusted technology management partner can help you put the right systems in place, maintain those systems, and avoid costly disruptions.
I hope you found this information helpful. As always, contact us anytime about your technology needs.
Until next time,
Tim
