System downtime can have serious implications to the productivity of a business depending on the nature of their work. It is therefore crucial for businesses to have the right systems in place to ensure that downtime is minimised. They also need to have an efficient disaster recovery plan available to fall back upon as necessary. The IT environment is composed of a number of components such as desktops/laptops, networks, routers and servers. All of these components need to work together efficiently to enable a business to communicate internally and externally, maintain accounts, predict future trends, provide efficient customer services and improve existing functions.

Companies often find that the support provided by their in-house team lacking in a number of areas such as their ability to stay abreast with the latest technological trends, implement and execute IT structures or functions, or take care of any issues that may arise. A business could also find itself to be short-staffed, or lacking the expertise or resources necessary to handle their IT department's workload. Business goals and strategy are often affected by market trends leading to changes in the functioning of the business and the scope of work. The organisation is then forced to explore options to ensure that they continue to function efficiently.

The business may then consider working with an IT support services provider who can help them address all their IT issues and also save costs. It is paramount to choose the right IT support services provider. The various services provided by an IT support services company that is robust and flexible will have the following characteristics:

1. 24x7 availability - they will monitor IT systems and fix glitches immediately. This will ensure that downtime is minimised or eliminated and thus improve operational efficiencies.


2. Encompass both reactive and proactive support.


3. Access to a global pool of highly qualified, multi-lingual IT support professionals, who with their extensive experience across industries and various IT environments can resolve issues quickly and efficiently.


4. Have the capabilities to provide full assistance necessary to keep all hardware and software functioning smoothly.


5. Experience and knowledge of employment regulations.


6. Global coverage offering a single point of contact for all IT issues across locations spread over multiple continents, thereby eliminating the need for multiple vendors.


7. Flexibility - offering services that can be availed full time or part time, depending on the IT needs of the business.

Another plus would be to partner with a company that is knowledgeable and experienced in providing services that follow stringent employment laws. For example, businesses operating in the UK will have to adhere to European employment regulations like IR35 and TUPE. Partnering with the right IT support services company in the UK, will help seamless functioning and transfer of resources, if any. A business which bears all these points in mind when selecting their service provides will benefit from the support of competent provider who can help the business flourish and stay ahead of competition. Such a provider will create the right business model with a flexible bespoke solution and also provide advice that will enable cost savings in addition to providing expert services and implementing best practices.