What is IT Management?

IT Management

What is IT Management?

It is essential for any business to make sure your IT infrastructure is up to date and working effectively. There is a large capital investment in IT and not only does this need to be looked after, but the systems, processes and planning you have in place can help move your business forward too.

As technology develops at an ever-increasing pace, so do the resources available to manage your IT. These now include hardware, cloud-based systems, mobile devices, and data collection technologies, not to mention the constantly emerging new tech. Unless you have a large IT team, with a suitably large budget, it can be hard to keep on top and ensure everything is in place to let your business run effectively. Outsourcing your IT management is a perfect way to get the best results.

What does IT Management include?

The IT professionals who look after the management of your IT have many hats to wear. Not every business needs every function covered, but responsibilities may include:

·        Supporting users

·        Implementing and adhering to security procedures

·        Database management

·        Website maintenance and development

·        Network administration

·        System upgrades and updates

·        Software maintenance and development

·        General project management

·        Recruiting and training new staff

It is common to outsource many of these tasks and remote IT management can be a highly cost effective option. You also have the benefit of increased flexibility, often with 24/7 cover, as well as alleviating the worry about holiday or sickness cover.

Why is IT Management so important?

When a company’s systems go down – even just their email – panic sets in. We are all so reliant on technology that we can’t afford lengthy downtime. Having a proper IT Management plan in place will include disaster recovery, easily accessible backups and business continuity. It also means there will be solid preventative measures in place too, such as firewalls and cyber security.

What skills are needed for IT Management?

Such a varied workload calls for a wide skillset. There are specialisms within the IT management field, such as programmers, analysts and network administrators. But some of the key skills needed across the IT board include:

·        Up-to-date technology knowledge

·        Budget management

·        Strategic thinking to maximise budgets, hardware and software, all the time looking to increase business productivity

·        Time management to ensure projects are completed on time and to budget

·        Leadership skills in driving projects forward and getting the most of our resources to hand

 At JLex, we are experts in IT management. We have the skillset needed to look after any aspect of your IT. We work remotely, taking the burden from you and freeing you to get on with the aspects of your business that need you more.

 

We pride ourselves on taking the mystery out of IT. We always speak to you in your language, not expecting you to understand our jargon. This way, you’ll always know what we’re doing, why we’re doing it and the impact it’ll have on your business. Most of the time you won’t even know we’re there, things will just get done.

 

To talk to us about outsourcing your IT Management, contact us and we’ll be delighted to look at some options tailored for your business.  

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The Benefits of Microsoft 365

The Benefits of Microsoft 365

Microsoft 365 is a powerful tool that helps businesses be more productive. You can use Microsoft 365 to collaborate on projects, manage your team’s workloads better and generally improve productivity. Best of all, it’s pretty intuitive too, so you don’t need to be an IT genius to make it work to your advantage.

What is Microsoft 365 and how does it work?

Microsoft 365 is Microsoft’s suite of applications that streamline your work admin processes. It includes Outlook, Word, PowerPoint and Excel, as well as sharing services such as One Drive and SharePoint, plus the messaging and video app, Teams. You can manage it yourself via a purchased license, or your IT service provider can supply it for you if they are a certified Microsoft reseller.

 

What are the benefits of Microsoft 365?

Microsoft 365 is a cloud-based service so always accessible and guarantees safe storage of all your documents. You can use it across multiple devices and platforms, such as desktop and mobile, so you can work from anywhere in any way that makes sense for your business.

 

When using all of the tools in Microsoft 365 effectively, it can have a positive impact on your business’ productivity. You can share documents, create projects, manage deadlines and communicate across teams, just for starters.

 

·         Security: set up multi-factor authentication to stop others accessing your files. Plus Microsoft’s threat detection stops any such threats in their tracks.

·         Accessibility: cloud storage means you can access from files from any device you’re logged into, anywhere with an internet connection. Perfect for mobile and hybrid working.

·         Communication: keep in constant contact with your whole team from one platform. You can chat via Teams or Skype, email easily and reference the same documents in real time.

·         Budget friendly: no hidden costs with your Microsoft license. There are different pricing options according to your usage and you only pay for the licenses or users you have.

·         Business continuity: with all your files stored in the cloud, should your servers go down or worse, you can still access your work.

·         Latest version: upgrades are automatic with your Microsoft O365 subscription, so you don’t need to worry about not having the latest version. You will be notified when it’s time to download any upgrades.

·         Collaboration: with shared mailboxes and calendars, and shared folders and documents in SharePoint, collaboration between teams and individuals is straightforward.

 

How widely used in Microsoft 365?

More than a billion people globally use Word, Excel and PowerPoint in 105 languages. It’s no surprise then that it’s the most powerful suite of productivity tools available today. Whether you’re working on a spreadsheet, sending emails to your team, writing a report or creating a presentation, Microsoft 365 has the power to help you get it done.

 

With Microsoft 365, you don’t get just a single tool, but rather a suite of tools that all work together to help you communicate with your team more effectively. It is mainly designed for teams and sharing information, but works well for individual usage, given its adaptability and ease of use.

 

Integrating the power of Microsoft 365 into your business processes can help you work better from anywhere in the world. It’s a great tool to help you get things done faster and more efficiently wherever you and your team are based. JLex Networks can help you make the move to Microsoft 365, or support you if you already use it. We are also always happy to answer any questions you have about Microsoft 365 or any other IT-related issue.

What Is VoIP and What Are the Benefits?

Voip Phone

VoIP is the technology that allows you to make calls using a computer connected to the internet. It is short for Voice over Internet Protocol and essentially switches your voice into a digital signal, enabling it to be sent over the internet. No more handsets or copper wires. All you need is an internet connection, a computer and a headset.

VoiP services can be adapted for different businesses, and you can either manage your own VoIP system or another company can host it for you. The biggest advantage of a hosted service is you don’t have to worry about anything, such as software updates and hardware, and can just use it as you would a standard telephone service.

Benefits of VoIP

  • Adaptable: VoIP works for all sizes of team, remote or office-based. You can choose your preferred hardware too, depending on whether you prefer desktop phones or want to route calls through your computers.
  • Reliable: VoIP calls made and received are clear and of high quality because they are made through your internet connection. No crackly lines or signal dropping.
  • Cost Effective: Because you are using existing internet connections, there’s no extra cost for arranging and maintaining separate phone lines, and potentially very little cost for hardware. 
  • Simple integration: VoIP integrates with most other business software. This makes it easy to transition to VoIP and once your systems are integrated, can help you capitalise on your software’s features. For example, sharing data between your VoIP system and your CRM.
  • Customer satisfaction: It’s easy to have several VoIP lines to manage call queues and avoid placing customers on hold. You can also use AI services to help customers, and route them to the right place.
  • Business growth: New team members can be added quickly and easily to a VoIP system. If you’re moving to bigger premises or expanding into a different country, your VoIP system can move with you.
  • More services: VoIP systems offer several communication methods on top of regular voice calls, such as text, email and video calling. Giving your customers different methods of getting in touch with you is great for the customer journey.
  • Improve productivity: VoIP is great for group calls, making it perfect for remote teams. You can also tailor the system to your specific business needs, including answering services, voicemail delivered to your inbox and call reminders. No more missed calls and messages!

Is VoIP Right For Your Business?

VoIP works for any business. Like with any new systems, the key is in making the right choices before you invest. Always speak to a professional partner who can advise on the best system or package for your specific needs.

JLex has extensive experience in the VoIP sector. We can convert your existing telephone systems quickly and painlessly, whatever the size of your company. And we will always make sure you know exactly how it works and what extra benefits VoIP will bring to your business. Get in touch with us for an initial chat and to find out more.