These days, most IT issues can be solved remotely. Either a quick phone call or a short session of remote access tech support is enough to fix most issues. It might be that most issues aren’t worrisome enough to stretch your tech support wizard.
Whatever it is that makes it so easy, it leaves one to question whether a local solution is really that important anymore.
What benefit is there really to sourcing an IT Support solution that is local to your business?
Local ground is common ground
The problems that businesses face here in Northamptonshire are unlikely to be the same issues faced in Newcastle Upon Tyne. There are different culture issues, different connectivity problems, and the solutions needed here in the midlands are likely to be very different to those needed up North.
A local business will have a better understanding of power outage quirks, or internet service fluctuations that affect the day-to-day running of your business. If there is an issue in the local area with powerlines or internet signals, your local IT Support Service Providers are more likely to have the information ahead of time and able to proactively find a solution.
Not everything can be resolved remotely
The good thing about the internet is that most things can be resolved online. But that isn’t the case for every possible scenario in IT Support. Sometimes your tech expert needs to physically be at the offending machine or server.
Having an IT Support solution that can be at your desk in less than 2 hours is an invaluable resource. If your system goes down and production is halted, that could be costing you money. Worse, potentially, it could cause you reputational damage if you’re unable to provide your service to customers. The sooner your system is restored, the better.
Lower travel costs lead to more competitive pricing
When businesses create their packages, travel costs have to be considered. Whether they are built into your package cost, or charged separately, travel and fuel is a tangible overhead. Thinking local should lead to a more cost-effective solution.
If your IT Support business needs to be onsite to fix a machine or perform in-person tasks on your server, it works out more cost-effective for you to choose one close to you. It will cost a lot more for someone to drive down from The Outer Hebrides to a business in Daventry.
Important relationship building
Let’s be honest. Every business likes the personal touch. It’s nicer to not be a number in a supplier’s CRM and more a recognisable voice and face. A local supplier is much likelier to get to know your business and your team. Understanding your business needs better aids both parties.
An IT Support Solution close to you might also be able to recommend local solutions that will ultimately help your business. And, when building a relationship with a local business, there is every chance they can refer your services to another local business.
So be part of the community
Of course, there are going to be larger businesses with big teams of online technicians that will be able to talk you through most issues. However, what is their knowledge of your business? Were you given a bespoke service and tailored package, or are you working with a one-size-fits-all system that mostly works well?
Wherever you are, your IT Infrastructure is critical to your business. You need to make sure it is in the best possible hands. If you’re in need of IT Support, look to the local area first.
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