How To

Education, Featured

How To Choose the Best Life Sciences Managed Service Provider

Life sciences companies must focus their energies on research and development and not be distracted by other business needs such as complex IT services. You deal daily with the intricacies of your industry and bringing breakthroughs in science to the general public. Your IT needs are many, but you may not be able to adequately deal with them in-house without allocating it a chunk of your budget that is best used elsewhere. Life sciences companies should consider outsourcing their IT needs to an expert life sciences managed service provider. Doing so offers you a number of advantages that will enhance the productivity of your company.

Look Toward Outsourcing Your IT

Many companies simply cannot afford the cost of maintaining a full IT staff. IT employees must have a high level of training and update their education continually. When you outsource your IT needs, you have access to a bigger talent pool, one full of the specialists that you need. You get advanced service while lowering your IT budget, and you can feel certain that you’re getting the best service possible. The significant funds you save can better be used for R&D.

Increased Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity threats have mushroomed in recent years, and hackers have grown more sophisticated and effective. So have the number of cybersecurity companies in San Diego. Your in-house IT department may be able to deal with basic security issues but be at a loss when faced with ransomware and especially damaging viruses. A managed IT company trains its employees to meet the dangers of the latest cyber threats at a level your company cannot manage. The cost of cyber attacks can be astronomical, and the life sciences industry is a favored target. Valuable industry secrets are a strong lure for hackers and scammers, so you need the best protection available.

24-Hour Protection

Your company can experience IT difficulties at any time of the day or night. In fact, if something is going to go wrong, it will probably happen at 3 am. By the time you discover the issue the next day, you may have lost valuable data as well as hours of time. A managed IT company will monitor your company’s IT status and take immediate action if there is an outage, cyber attack or other issues. They will limit your company’s downtime, which can save you hundreds of thousands of dollars. And you’ll be able to sleep better at night knowing that you are protected.

Cloud Computing

A managed IT services company offers you cloud computing, so a break-in or natural disaster will not be catastrophic for your research and client data. Even a devastating flood will not completely close down your business. You can simply have employees use laptops off-site to gain access to their files, which are safely kept online. While you might lose computers, you will not lose expensive servers or be forced to shut down for days or even weeks.

Software as a Service

Your company will also benefit from Software as a Service (SaaS). Instead of purchasing individual licenses for software and installing them on each office computer, a managed IT company will offer SaaS. You are then charged on a subscription basis, paying monthly for the software you need. A managed IT company will help guide you toward the best programs and make certain that your business stays up-to-date by offering you the latest software.

Your employees save time and effort with this arrangement. The software is already configured and can be easily installed from the cloud. The IT company will arrange for automatic upgrades as well. If you are currently managing your software in-house, you know how frustrating and time-consuming that process can be. Outsourcing your IT also frees you from a number of other software worries.

Faster Troubleshooting

A managed IT company has the resources to develop a sophisticated ticketing system and highly trained customer service crew so that your employees do not have to wait endlessly for help. Many companies who try and keep their IT in-house are stretched thin and don’t have the personnel to deal with the many issues that can arise in your business each day. The life sciences industry, in particular, cannot afford delays during their complex processes.

Outsourcing your IT means that problems will be prioritized and help quickly dispatched. Problems are less likely to fall between the cracks because you will be working with an extensive team with the time to devote to your critical issues.

Life Sciences Companies and centrexIT

For many companies, outsourcing their IT department makes a great deal of sense. Your company will benefit financially and be better able to keep up a high level of productivity. The life sciences industry is a demanding one, and you need to focus on the research and development aspect of your business. Maintaining your servers, software and security is time-consuming and difficult unless you outsource those tasks to the experts.

You can find the IT knowledge that you need at centrexIT. Our experts offer you a true IT partnership while delivering the latest in security measures and cloud operations technology. The work you do is too important to leave your data to anyone except the experts. For more information, log into the website and take our free assessment.
Education, Featured

15 Ways That Your Technology Can Give Your Company a Competitive Advantage

From smart spaces to big data in the cloud, technology has opened the world to businesses of all kinds. Whether your company relies on an established in-house IT staff or outsources data management to managed service providers, innovations in artificial intelligence, cloud computing and other kinds of technology can give your company the advantages it needs to succeed. Here are 15 ways today’s tech can help your business beat the competition.

1.Smart Spaces to Save Resources

The rise of “smart” technology – devices capable of communicating with each other as well as users – can improve not only a company’s workspaces, but also save money. Smart spaces allow users to control just about every aspect of the environment, such as turning lights and heat on and off.

2.Increased Accessibility on Every Level

Cloud computing and web-based services provide ways to stay accessible to customers, clients and peers at any time, anywhere. Cloud services offer secure data storage, round the clock IT support, and the tools to respond to issues, questions, and concerns whenever they arise from any device.

3.Constant Connectivity

Cloud services and the rise of smart mobile devices make it possible for a company to stay in touch with its customers, vendors, and others in the network at any time. Constant connectivity improves customer engagement and promotes collaboration.

4.Instant, Accurate Information

When company data and policies are accessible to anyone from a single centralized source, accuracy improves. The latest version of company documents can be instantly accessed at any time, which reduces ambiguity and enhances a company’s authority. For consumers, too, instant access to the latest company information can encourage connections and build a brand’s reputation for transparency and trust.

5.Collaboration for Better Productivity

Digital technology makes round the clock collaboration possible, which can boost productivity and build cohesiveness when members of a team are working remotely. When project materials are available from the cloud on any device, at any time, projects and products can be completed more quickly, which saves resources on multiple levels.

6.Access to a Global Workforce

Digital technology also enables companies to take advantage of the skills and expertise of a global workforce. With cloud-based data management that can be accessed from a variety of devices, your company can connect with contractors, consultants and experts from anywhere in the world to solve problems and create new products and services.

7.More Efficient Data Management

Cloud services and remote managed IT services allow companies to store more data, more securely, than ever before, and to access it whenever needed. These kinds of services allow users to access data immediately and share it as needed, without the need for on-site storage that consumes resources and requires onsite IT staff for managing the system.

8.Advanced Analytics for Better Performance

Digital technology also provides tools for advanced analytics, which provides sophisticated insights into a company’s performance according to a variety of metrics, and also reveals key information about competitors that can be useful in planning new products and strategies.

9.Improved Accuracy With Automation

Automation, driven by artificial intelligence that “learns” to adapt to changing information, can improve the accuracy of processes ranging from accounting to complex medical procedures. Without the variables of “human error,” many functions can be performed with greater efficiency and precision, freeing human resources for other uses.

10.Increased Worker Satisfaction and Support

A technologically advanced workspace increases worker satisfaction by providing user-friendly tools to make their jobs easier, and their work environment more comfortable. That can help companies to recruit quality employees and retain existing ones for a cohesive, skilled workforce that enhances the company brand.

11.Improved Experience for All Users

Technology improves user experiences of all kinds, making it easier for customers and clients to contact companies and stay engaged with brands they trust, and for others in the company network, such as vendors, contractors and colleagues, to conduct business smoothly and efficiently. With instant, round the clock connectivity, everyone involved can resolve issues and handle transactions quickly and efficiently.

12.Efficient Use of IT Resources and Staff

Digital technologies allow companies to use IT resources more efficiently. Outsourcing many basic IT functions to the cloud, or to a remote management team, reduces the need for a dedicated on-site IT team for maintaining and upgrading in house systems and allows existing IT staff to take on new roles and responsibilities.

13.Lower Costs for Computing and Data Management

Along with IT staff, in-house computing systems cost money in terms of buying and maintaining both hardware and locally installed software. But by exploiting the vast data storage and maintenance capabilities of the cloud, companies can save money on overall computing costs and also conserve energy.

14.Safeguards for Company and Customer Data

Keeping sensitive customer data safe is a key to doing business successfully in a digital world. Cloud-based storage and a growing list of cybersecurity resources allow companies to demonstrate a commitment to safeguarding the sensitive personal and financial data customers provide – and that builds trust and enhances a brand’s reputation.

15.Immediate Access to Support Services

With cloud-based technology and responsive devices of all kinds, users can get immediate access to support services from remote service providers, hosting services and a long list of other resources immediately. That kind of quick resolution can help to keep services up and running without interruption, for a better user experience overall.

Innovations in technology have changed the way the world does business. And strategic use of a rapidly growing array of tech tools is making it possible for companies of all sizes to compete in a constantly connected, digitally driven global marketplace.
Education

How to Choose a Legitimate Healthcare IT Support Provider

Proper IT management of healthcare information can be a matter of life and death. Most patient information is now kept on private servers or on secure cloud storage providers. While written records still exist, getting patients the treatment they need depends on fast access to accurate digital information. If your IT company isn’t knowledgeable about HIPAA, network security and disaster recovery, people won’t just lose money. Their health can be affected. Not all IT management companies can properly handle the healthcare industry, so do thorough research before you hire one.

HIPAA Adherence

HIPAA stands for the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, which was passed in 1996 to protect individual’s insurance and healthcare information as well as allow individuals to keep their coverage if they lost their job. Any company dealing in health information must follow government regulations to secure and protect the confidentiality of protected health information (PHI). This act pertains to all forms of information, including electronic data. Breaches in HIPAA can lead to fines and other legal action.

Your managed IT service needs to have experience in protecting this information, making certain that it cannot be misused in any way. Unless the firm knows HIPAA rules backward and forward, they are not the right company for you.

Network Security

You will need an IT service that provides flexible solutions for security. Of course, your information must be safeguarded from hacking by malicious third parties, so you need to choose a company that keeps up with the latest in security trends such as incorporating AI, protecting against ransomware, and dealing with the Internet of Things.

Your IT management company should provide the option of a Hybrid Cloud, a system that lets you keep some things in the cloud while maintaining other information, such as that protected by HIPAA, on site. Healthcare providers and insurance companies benefit most from the use of this hybrid system since it gives them the storage they need and protects patient privacy.

Disaster Recovery

When a disaster strikes, natural or otherwise, all types of businesses suffer, but none more than the healthcare industry and their patients/clients. During a hurricane, for instance, you deal with injured people who desperately need to reach their healthcare provider or get information from their insurance company. Any problems with data at that point can have serious consequences.

An excellent IT management company can offer you a HIPAA compliant backup and data recovery plan. Having backup is a different process than actual recovery. Backing up data simply means all data is copied and stored in another location from the original. Recovery means retrieving this backup information, even under the most difficult of circumstances.

Because healthcare data is so sensitive, your IT management firm will have to complete audits regularly to prove that they maintain HIPAA compliance, especially during and after a natural or man-made disaster.

Cloud-based recovery, as well as on-site recovery, is necessary to keep large healthcare facilities running after a ransomware attack, flood or power outage. To ensure that their system is adequate, your IT provider will need to conduct regular testing.

Storage Capability

Healthcare data is exploding, both due to patient records and increased use of digital tools. As a result, initial and backup data requires a huge storage capability. Before choosing an IT management company, make certain that they have this capability and the ability to expand as necessary. Also, find out how much such an expansion in data storage will cost your company. You will need more storage, so plan for this reality now.

Data Integrity

Data integrity simply means that your company’s information is kept safe and private from anyone who should not have access to it. Obviously, the more people who have access, the greater chance of a security or ethical breach. A recent Forbes article suggests that you ask the following questions of IT companies.

How do you keep proprietary and candidate data safe? Ask for specific examples.

If applicable, are you GDPR compliant? GDPR is the new European Union law that regulates data privacy and imposes severe fines for non-compliance.

What are your certifications that apply to data privacy? Have them show you proof of specialized training, awards, etc.
You should also add any questions you have that pertain to your particular business.

Healthcare-related businesses require more from an IT management company than businesses from other industries. The privacy issues involved are more sensitive and carefully legislated. Failure to maintain data privacy has severe consequences. The firm’s focus has to be on HIPAA compliance as well as data backup and emergency recovery. A business can lose millions of dollars from even a short period of computer/internet downtime. A healthcare facility or insurance company outage will harm the business financially, but, more importantly, may endanger patient health.

Carefully interview any managed service providers to make certain they can handle your security and storage needs before contracting with them. Inquire about their experience in this particular field and ask for customer testimonials. When it comes to healthcare, your IT management service cannot be less than perfect.
Education, Featured

In-House vs. Outsourced IT: What Is Best for Your Business?

There are no “normal” information technology (IT) requirements for a company in today’s market. Some businesses require extensive information security and attention to compliance requirements. Another may be looking for public cloud solutions. Maybe your business needs all these tools and more, and you aren’t sure where to go with IT services. According to CIO Magazine, an average of 4 to 6 percent of revenue is spent on IT.

With a cost that adds up to this much revenue, having a competent and trustworthy IT team is essential. Once the need for IT specialists is apparent, the question is one of insourcing vs. outsourcing and whether to hire an in-house team or an outsourced team on an as-needed basis.

In-House IT

Pro: Trusted, Immediate Service

Having your own hired, in-house IT team could have huge advantages. Having vetted your employees personally, you know that you have hired trustworthy and hardworking individuals. There will be no question that they are up to the task at hand when you assign them to fix an issue or start a brand-new project. Continuity will be carried throughout the work they do, as they are familiar with your business and the inner workings of specific IT needs. There will also be little to no wait time for emergent issues, like website crashes or breeches.

Con: Competitive Salary Needs

While having a highly trained and capable team at your fingertips is an invaluable tool, it comes at a high financial cost. Retaining this type of employee will require that a competitive salary is maintained. They offer a highly sought-after service and may need to be convinced to stay with a competitive salary.

Outsourced IT

Pro: Hire as Needed

One of the biggest pros of outsourcing is the ability to hire someone for a specific issue or project on an as-needed basis. It could prove to be cost-effective to only pay someone for work that needs to be done rather than have them on staff at all times waiting for a project to arise.

Con: Freelance Is Rarely the Right Model

While hiring freelance could save you money if it is a rare occurrence, your organization may need to find the right managed services provider (MSP) to fit your needs. If you know that there will be quite a few projects and a steady amount of work, it may be smarter to fully outsource your IT department instead of purchasing services a la carte.

Takeaway

There is no right or wrong answer for everyone. Considering the needs of your business is your best bet to winning the war for tech talent and choosing between in house and outsourced IT services.

Sources:
http://searchcio.techtarget.com/magazineContent/How-Company-Size-Relates-to-IT-Spending