SMBs Must Make Computer Repair and Maintenance a Priority

Summary: This 3-minute article underscores why it’s essential for SMBs to commit to regular computer maintenance and network support. Small businesses cannot afford to take their computer systems for granted. Routine repair and maintenance are vital to a thriving business. Contact GEEKAID Computer and Network Support at https://www.geek-aid.com/ to discuss what IT support is best for your SMB.

In this millennia, fewer and fewer businesses in the world operate without computers. Some have essential wireless networks with a few connected devices. Others have extensive networks, servers, and offices connected across vast distances. One thing holds true for businesses large and small: they all need network support and maintenance. It is foolhardy to believe that a fast and securely operating computer system is a “set and forget” asset. On the contrary, all aspects of business computer systems must be scrutinized regularly to ensure the best speed and functionality.

Regular IT Maintenance Extends Device Life

All devices on your computer network need to be maintained and repaired (if necessary) on a regular basis. By “all devices,” we mean everything from cell phones and desktops to printer and laptop maintenance. The more regularly they are checked, updated and maintained, the longer they will operate properly. Small to mid-sized companies, dependent on their computers to do business, cannot afford their systems going down. Inventory, customers, vendors, suppliers, banks etc., are all potentially affected by a system failure. For some SMBs, a prolonged system shutdown could lead to bankruptcy.

Computer system health must never be taken for granted. There are at least three very compelling reasons for small to midsized businesses to embrace computer repair and maintenance:

• Faltering Computers Slow Down Your Employees – Without regular maintenance, productivity might be going down without anyone’s intention or knowledge. Long before a complete system failure, your system could be slowing down or hanging up little by little. Imperceptibly at first, yet the slowdown manifests in less efficiency and eventually less production from your team.
• Neglected Systems Are More Likely to Fall Victim to Cyberattacks – Regular professional maintenance will uncover vulnerabilities and hidden malware attacks. Sometimes, the system slowing down can be caused by a cyberattack launching in the background.
• Healthy Computer Systems Support Brand Image – Professionalism in many fields is supported by the quality of the work produced by your employees and all devices on your network. For example, on a video conference call, a weak cell phone connection or a laptop that is slow to load files can impact your company’s image, making it seem less than first class.

Do You Need a Computer Tune Up?

Computer repair and maintenance should be done by a computer-savvy employee as the point person in your company and IT maintenance professionals. The IT experts can train your point person to do daily, weekly and monthly in-house maintenance. That employee can also reach out to the IT professional when a problem arises. Many computer system problems can be diagnosed and fixed remotely. However, when a major event is hindering your business's operation, expert computer repair and maintenance specialists can come onsite with knowledge and solutions beyond your SMB's expertise.

Case Study

The small Boston manufacturing business owner felt she had enough IT knowledge to perform the company’s computer repair and maintenance herself. She felt, “After all, we’re small fry and only have a network with ten computers.” However, last Spring, the network computers were starting to slow down and key employees were getting hung up, waiting for programs and websites to load and wasting time by plowing through it rather than saying anything to management. By July, the frustration level and dwindling productive time were hindering production and blowing up the company culture with frustration. The SMB owner finally got involved with the problem when the system went down repeatedly and output was less than 70%. After two work days and a weekend's worth of effort, the owner found she could not analyze the problem and was at a loss to fix it. After suffering financial losses and a tanked corporate culture, the owner finally relented and called in professional IT consultants.

Managed IT Services

There are affordable options to help manage all your IT needs. GEEK-AID^® Computer and Network Support specializes in customized Managed IT Services for small to midsized businesses. GEEK-AID^®’s team of experts is comprised of specialists in different areas of IT services, serving clients onsite and remotely. The GEEK-AID^® team doesn’t clock out at five o’clock on Friday. They are available 24/7 to ensure your computers, network and data stay healthy and secure. As your business grows, expands its network and adds more devices such as smart controls, wireless access and remote access, your network vulnerability and need for regular IT support will grow, too. Hardware and software installation and maintenance, repair, security and network protection must be consistent, proactive and not wait for a system failure or data breach to create a crisis management situation.

Call (877) GEEK-AID (877-433-5243) to evaluate and discuss your IT support needs. Remember, we are here for your computer network support 24/7.