As an active business since 1977, RCI has been an IT company since before the term “IT services” existed. We’ve seen 50 years of growth and changes in the field, perhaps best known for high-speed growth and changes. So, though we have a pretty good idea of what IT services mean, we understand why not everyone might!
So today, we’re getting down to basics to answer the question, “What Does IT Services Mean, Anyway?”
Computers?
When most people hear IT services, they think of computers, but these days, everyone uses a computer for their work and at home, so saying you work with computers doesn’t give much information.
IT services do often deal with the world of computers, but that means a lot, and not every IT company deals with all aspects of them.
Hardware Ordering and Installation
It starts with the right equipment. And when you don’t know a PC from a server, picking the right equipment may be challenging for you! Though many companies that sell computers and other hardware may be helpful in choosing the best computer equipment for you, many companies would prefer to speak to a third party with an understanding of their business.
IT companies can benefit companies or departments picking out the right equipment to meet their current and future needs. We know the right questions to ask and the answers we’ll need to get you what you need.
Then, companies like RCI can also help with your new hardware setup and installation.
Hardware Repair
Even the best equipment doesn’t last forever, so some IT services include fixing and replacing broken hardware. When your computer just stops working, the IT company is the one you want to call.
We understand what specific problems mean and whether they are more likely to relate to a hardware or software problem.
Software & Troubleshooting
Of course, hardware is only half the picture. You also need software for your business IT equipment to perform the specific tasks you need it to perform. Most software is straightforward for laypeople to install, but when you hire RCI to install your equipment, you can also get us to handle your software setup, so you have one fewer thing to do.
With more complex systems, you may need an expert to help with the installation and to help you understand why one piece of software won’t communicate with another, and then rectify the problem.
Security
Online security is an ever-important issue, and it is one you’ll frequently find making headlines when a hacker breaches someone’s security. A big part of online security is following the best practices that your IT services provider gives you, like password specification, privacy procedures, and the like.
While IT companies can often provide much of what you need to secure your office environment, many firms specialize in IT security. For highly sensitive data, it’s best to speak with a security company that handles IT security.
Maintenance
While having a local IT company available for quick repairs is an invaluable necessity for small business owners, you know what’s even better than fixing a problem? Avoiding it!
Signing up for an IT maintenance contract is a smart business move that not only pays for itself in repairs but also allows you to keep everything you have up-to-date and avoid costly data losses.
Not Included in IT Services?
One thing that gets some people confused is that, typically, an IT company does not build websites. For that, you need a marketing company that specializes in sharing your message. Occasionally, a company may do both.
IT companies are also not licensed to work on high-voltage electrical equipment, even if an electrical engineer founded the company (like RCI)!
IT Services for Everything
While we’ve spent more than half of this blog discussing computers, IT applies to many other parts of your office and home. When RCI started, we primarily worked on telephone systems (which are basically specialized computers), and computers were a rare sight in the office.
Today, while the telephone is still a significant part of office life, computers are also built into everything from your surveillance system to your refrigerator!
RCI doesn’t generally work in people’s homes, but we do work on nearly every piece of business technology you find in the modern office. Once again, that includes ordering, installation, repair, and maintenance. And the best time to get an IT company involved in your equipment is before you order it!
Then you get the necessary equipment and don’t have to have someone rig the wrong thing to do what you thought it would do out of the box!
Your Technology Partner
RCI’s nearly 5o years in business have taught us a few things, but the most important are these 2 facts:
1) IT services will keep changing, and
2) We’ll keep changing with them!
