We often hear the word "outsourcing", but what does it mean in IT services?

Outsourcing is a process or practice where the company outsources the needed services to a specific organization that will be able to provide immediate and accurate solutions to the problem.

As we all know, the increasing demand and use of technology require more expertise and accuracy. By outsourcing your IT, businesses are provided with a more flexible and updated environment with the latest and newest trends in terms of technology. In addition, outsourcing providers give you access to a wide talent pool of dedicated and skilled professionals for your business to take advantage of!

WHY OUTSOURCE?

• You don’t have sufficient IT staff to cover all your IT needs
• Your company doesn’t have an effective disaster and recovery plan in case of data loss.
• Training and on-boarding of new IT staff is time consuming and costly.
• Your company struggles when your IT staff takes a vacation or sick days.
• Your company is having more trouble in planning and executing projects.
• Cybersecurity is becoming more intense and issues are not being resolved in a timely manner.
• You don’t have sufficient funds to invest in a cybersecurity program that will keep your company away from cybercriminals.

If you have encountered 5 out of 7 of the above problems, this raises the red flag. This could mean it is time for your company to start using and benefiting from the services that come with outsourcing your IT.

Stop worrying about your IT infrastructure. General Technologies can provide you with the managed IT services your company needs. By the number of clients our CEO Paul General has partnered with, it is proven that IT outsourcing is not the best solution - no matter the business size.

For more details, book an appointment now! Our team of experts will gladly help with FREE quotes and job estimates. Contact us at 412-853-3708 or info@gcchelp.com

The post Why Businesses Are Outsourcing Their IT Services? appeared first on General Computer Consulting, LLC.

We often hear the word “managed services” especially when talking about IT infrastructure.

Managed Services are services provided by I.T. experts that resolve all technology issues occurring at a business. By putting the weight of technological concerns on an I.T. providers’ shoulders, business owners can focus more time on their business' strategic goals. The expert or group of people who handle managed services are called Managed Services Providers (MSPs).

What is a Managed Services Provider (MSP)?

Managed Service Providers consist of teams of experts who deliver I.T. services. It’s important to note that they are not onsite employees. Their main responsibility is to provide I.T. assistance to their clients remotely and/or on-site whenever a need arises. By hiring an MSP and paying a monthly fee for services, you’ll be surprised at how much more cost-efficient it is to have a MSP instead of hiring a full-time I.T. staff in the office.

What are Managed IT Services?

• Networking
• Data Backup
• Cybersecurity
• Project Management
• Email and Server Support

Aside from these, IP telephony services can also be included on Managed I.T. Services.

What you should consider when looking for MSP?

When choosing the right Managed Services Provider, be certain they offer a customizable plan that will allow to you to design your own program based on your business needs. They must be able to provide the following services:

• Remote Monitoring
• 24/7 IT Support
• Updated Virus Management Service
• Monthly Monitoring
• Data backup

Get access to support and management expertise for your IT infrastructure, and allow yourself to devote your time to your business goals.

To inquire about our managed services, contact us via phone 412-853-3708 or email info@gcchelp.com. You can also follow us on our social media pages @GCCHelp.

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The effectiveness of an IT infrastructure depends on the team of experts that handle your IT services. These professionals should frequently verify that your network systems and equipment are updated and fully operational to produce the best results. If your team of providers is efficient and responsive, managed IT services can boost your business growth.

Business owners are steadily looking for IT providers who can provide quality services without emptying their pockets. General Technologies, led by CEO Paul General, understands the needs of small to medium-sized businesses like yours. We provide quality Managed IT Services at a sensible cost. Our services are individualized based on your business needs.

As a Managed Services Provider, we offer:

• 24/7 helpdesk remote support
• On-site and off-site service
• Cybersecurity monitoring and awareness training
• Data backup and disaster recovery program

4 Ways How Managed IT Services Contribute To Business Growth:

1. COST EFFICIENT

Hiring a MSP is a lot more cost-efficient because you are not hiring regular employees. You will only pay them when they provide service, which can save you more than paying an onsite staff daily.

2. DEPENDABILITY, RELIABILITY, and EFFECTIVENESS

MSPs are very dependable. You can call them anytime especially, unlike regular IT employees, which only work during given business hours. MSPs work in small to large office settings with a handful of different IT issues, allowing them to efficiently handle any and all problems.

3. OFFERS MORE IN IT SECURITY AND COMPLIANCE

Security plays a vital role in your business; therefore, establishing a more secure network should be your top priority. For example, firewall protection is designed to prevent unauthorized access into or out of your computer - preventing cyber attacks.

4. 24/7 IT Support

Emergency IT issues, unforeseen downtime, and outages can be a real pain if there's no one to count on. Managed Services Provider provides 24/7/365 support to any type of business.

As you select the right Managed Services Provider for you, one thing you should always consider is efficiency and accuracy. General Technologies offers those two, along with reliability and profitability. Ultimately, we are an extension of your business who will always prioritize your business needs and concerns.

Contact the expert team at General Technologies to learn more at 412-853-3708.

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HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST MANAGED SERVICE PROVIDER

Managed Service Providers (MSPs) are fully trained to take care of your IT infrastructure. Their advanced skill sets allow them to assist businesses with all technical matters. From setting up a computer system to installing software and other equipment, Managed Service Providers will give you not only the luxury of time to focus on your business - but the reward of knowing that your concerns are being handled by professionals in a timely manner.

WHAT SHOULD YOU EXPECT FROM A MANAGED SERVICES PROVIDER:

1. EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS

When choosing MSP, it is very important that you check them to learn about their experience and skill set. MSPs should always be on top of everything in terms of new resources, training, and certifications.

2. BUSINESS CONTINUITY AND RECOVERY

Your MSP should have a detailed plan in handling your IT concerns - especially in times of disaster. Continuity is vital to any business to ensure that financial loss is minimal, or even zero when disaster hits.

3. PRIORITIZES BUSINESS IT SOLUTIONS

Having and sticking to a list of the IT needs for your business will help your company and its MSP stay on the same page. As soon as you reach out when a problem occurs, your technician can refer to their resources and stored information about your business’s infrastructure to tackle the issue immediately.

4. SCALABILITY

Technology changes quickly and so do your business needs. Your MSP should have scalable services to give your business the flexibility to add on services or equipment without filling out a lot of paperwork.

5. 24/7 SUPPORT SYSTEM

Not all businesses operate at the same time. It is important that you can rely on your MSP 24/7/365.  For the advanced trust, MSPs can set up remote access to your network system in order to provide a solution without even going to your site.

CONCLUSION:

With General Technologies as your MSP, you can count on us for any and all computer troubles and refrain from headaches. As your all-in-one IT service provider, we guarantee to tackle any issue in a timely fashion and get you back on track.

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The advancement of technology, as well as IT infrastructure, are both adding up more pressure on businesses to stay up in the competition. Therefore, business owners are finding different ways to transform and improve their IT infrastructure to be more competitive and relevant.

With this fast-paced tone in the IT industry, more Managed Services Providers are born to help businesses to provide IT solutions in a variety of ways.

The Contributions of Managed Services Providers to Business Growth:

1. DEPENDABILITY, RELIABILITY, and EFFECTIVENESS

MSPs are very dependable. You can call them anytime especially, unlike regular IT employees, which only work during given business hours. MSPs work in small to large office settings with a handful of different IT issues, allowing them to efficiently handle any and all problems.

2. COST EFFICIENT

Hiring a MSP is a lot more cost efficient because you are not hiring regular employees. You will only pay them when they provide service, which can save you more than paying an onsite staff.

3. OFFERS MORE IN IT SECURITY AND COMPLIANCE

Security plays a vital role in your business; therefore, establishing a more secure network should be your top priority. For example, firewall protection is designed to prevent unauthorized access into or out of your computer - preventing cyber attacks.

4. 24/7 IT SUPPORT

Emergency IT issues, unforeseen downtime and outages can be a real pain if there's no one to count on. Managed Services Provider provides 24/7/365 support to any type of businesses.

SUMMARY:

According to a report from MarketsandMarkets, the global managed services market size is expected to grow at a CAGR of 7.9% and reach USD 354.8 billion by 2026 from USD 242.9 billion in 2021.

Finding the right Managed Services Provider is like finding the perfect IT solution for your business. We are an extension to your business, as we are staying true to our slogan -- "We do IT, so you don't have to."

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Managed IT Services is a tasks handled by a third party, a reliable partner who you will manage the technical part of your business.

The managed services is designed to offload the tasks from the owners and designate it to the third party called Managed Services Provider.

Remote monitoring and management of computers, servers, networks, and mobile devices are the most common type of managed IT service. Managed Services Provider also offers a more extensive services such as Networking, Project IT Management, Cybersecurity, Data Backup, and Email and Server Support.

With the advancement in business technology, more and more companies are finding it difficult to deal with daily IT issues. Many companies are shelling out lots of money on outsourcing IT support when equipment breaks or a part of the system goes down, which could be well-spent on growing the business. Today, more and more companies are leaning towards Managed Service Providers (MSP) not only to increase the productivity and but also to lower the risk.

5 reasons why businesses should hire MSP

(1) 24/7 Monitoring
With 24/7 on-going maintenance and monitoring by MSP, you will never have to agonize over costly downtime. If a problem arises, MSP deals with it swiftly while ensuring to free up more time for you to focus on other aspects of your business.

(2) Comprehensive Security Solutions
MSP offers real-time monitoring, proactive analysis, and quick response times. Aforementioned, MSP offers 24/7 protection with most innovative threat detection technologies.

(3) Automated Tools
MSPs have numerous tools that assist in effectively managing and monitoring IT systems to prevent interruption or downtime.

(4) Cost-effective
MSPs are competitive in price when compared to hiring an onsite IT staff. Hiring an onsite IT staff and a manager can cost over 6 digits to just have a staff onsite.

(5) Long-term Strategy
Getting MSPs for your business will provide your organization with an ability to upgrade servers, switches or any other piece of technology on your network. Most importantly, you don’t have to worry about any negative impact on your business.

With the advancement in business technology, more and more companies are finding it difficult to deal with daily IT issues. Managed Services Provider like General Technologies will help you find more ways to improve the technical aspect of your business while you can focus on growing your business.

We offer customizeable services that will suits the need of your business. Contact our team of professionals at 412-853-3708 or info@gcchelp.com.

CLICK HERE to get updated with our specials, promos, and freebies.

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A key component of Lidl’s strategy of keeping costs low is to minimize staffing by accommodating cutting-edge technology. With this background in mind, GCC’s partnership in the technology side of this business has taken on added importance.

To better appreciate the magnitude of the technology needs involved, let’s take an overview of the technology packed into one Lidl store, all managed and installed by General Computer Consulting.

Services we provided to Lidl:

TECHNOLOGY SYSTEMS

Closed circuit TV, access control, and burglary prevention systems. That CCTV system is composed of cameras, lenses, mountings and covers, cables, power supplies, switches synchronizers, monitors, and video recorders.

CYBERSECURITY MANAGEMENT

Lidl makes use of the Genetec Cloudlink (Synergis) system to manage and coordinate the access control system. Key pieces of hardware include:

1 Genetec server (preconfigured)

3 PoE switches

2 Altronix rack mount 12 VDC power supplies

1 Genetec Cloudlink

1 Bosch cellular card

3 Commscope 24 port patch panels

2 surge protection panels with seven modules

VISUAL SECURITY

Literally overseeing store security, both interior, and exterior, the building makes use of ceiling-mounted dome cameras along with exterior bullet cameras, exterior 360-degree cameras as well as 360-degree interior cameras. A partial list of interior and exterior visual security hardware for the project include:

23 Mini-dome cameras

2 exterior bullet cameras

3 exterior 360-degree cameras

8 interior 360-degree cameras

INVOLVING PUBLIC

A proven help in retail loss prevention and in reducing shoplifting and other crimes in the retail space is the use of public view monitors. These monitors are normally displayed in a very public place, like a front desk or a lobby, obvious to all visitors that video surveillance is underway across the facility. Their value is primarily as a deterrent, but the monitors could be used, as well, to summon help, or to show a trouble spot. 2 public view monitors (PVM)

ROLLUP DOORS

A primary feature in the operation of rollup-type warehouse doors is that they are normally fitted with contact sensors, which provide door alerts or show their open/closed status for security checks. That hardware included:

10 MEIR boxes

12 SY-EP1501 control boards

15 card readers

2 roll up door sensors

5 surface mount contacts

8 recessed contacts with magnets

2 control panel enclosures (B8103)

1 Bosch B8512 Control Panel

1 Bosch B520 Power Supply

1 Bosch B308 relay module

2 Bosch B942W keypads

1 Bosch D116 interior siren

5 Honeywell WAVE2 sounders (for door forced)

ADDITIONAL SECURITY

Intrusion alarms take many forms, including the detection of breaking glass, sensing movement or motion, holdup alarms, fire alarms, and smoke detectors. Hardware for this group included:

5 Bosch DS1103i glass break sensors

9 Bosch Ceiling mount motion sensors

1Bosch 25’ antenna cable

1 Bosch B299 Popex module

4 UltraTech 12V batteries with one harness

3 Electric rim strikes & 1 Dual Door Electric Strike

5 Electric door strikes

1 Altronix relay

Lidl is committed to lower prices and higher quality of goods, and to providing a safe and comfortable environment for its customers as they shop. As customers enter the store they immediately see evidence of the security measures put in place by the store’s management and professionally installed by General Computer Consulting.

Let us help you, as we have with so many companies: contact our estimating department at GCC (412) 990-1414 or bidding@GCCHelp.com

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