Ah, the cloud. That magical place in IT land where computing is trouble-free and easy. There’s no doubt that cloud services make you more efficient. You can work anytime, anywhere without the frustrations and security concerns of managing your own servers. However, along with the convenience of the cloud for you comes different responsibilities for your IT management. Here’s why you still need IT support even if “everything” is in the cloud.
Network Management
Shifting from an on-premise server to the cloud doesn’t mean you’ve eliminated your network. You’ve simply shifted it somewhere else.
Even without a server in your office, your computers are connected through an internet domain, so your network still relies heavily on the proper internet connection, firewall, switches, and router.
You need a solid, reliable infrastructure and knowledgeable management to make cloud services most effective.
Network User Access
Who’s allowed to access the cloud services you pay for and use every day? How are those users validated as legitimate? Who removes access from an employee who is no longer with your organization?
Your IT provider will make sure these permissions are set up properly and manage the comings and goings of staff. That way, you can be confident that the people who need access have it, and those who don’t, don’t.
Microsoft 365 Management
M365 is a complex service that requires proper set-up and ongoing management to work effectively.
Your IT provider will ensure the numerous security and user access settings in M365 are established and maintained correctly. This includes things like adding and removing email boxes and adjusting to Microsoft upgrades.
Backup Services
M365 services, including email, are not automatically backed up. Consider implementing an M365 backup as part of your disaster recovery planning. The backup will be set up, managed, and restored (if needed) by your IT team.
Workstation backup is another consideration. Workstation Backup as a Service (BaaS) is a secure, direct-to-cloud encrypted backup solution that allows restoration of your data from three different types of loss: corrupted file, damage to workstation hardware, or damage to your office that renders the workstation unavailable or destroyed. Backups occur on an agreed-upon schedule, typically every two hours when the computer has an internet connection.
We recommend workstation BaaS for every computer on the network. If a machine is physically damaged, local settings and data can be restored in a new machine. If a former employee wipes the machine before returning it, having a cloud backup gives the organization some reach to the data if needed.
Asset Management
You should always have a handle on the counts and configurations of your hardware assets. Maintaining a current inventory makes it easier to plan for refreshes as hardware ages. Company-provided phones and tablets should also be accounted for.
Applying Hardware and Software Updates
Desktops and laptops not only need to be patched regularly, but proof of that patching should be documented for insurance and other purposes.
Plus, switches, firewalls and routers require manufacturer service subscriptions, and often someone to apply the updates. Those responsibilities rest with your IT team.
Help Desk
We often hear, “our people know what they’re doing and they hardly ever call for help.” Or, all we need is the help desk because everything else is in the cloud. Either way, a help desk team that knows your environment comes in handy not only for routine support but also in the event of a compromised email account or other data breach.
Planning and Budgeting Expertise and Advice
In addition to day-to-day management, you should want access to expert advice to help plan and budget for your future IT needs. Do you want to be the one in charge of planning for your company’s future IT needs?
Creating a Cybersecurity Culture
Even with the infrastructure and hardware in place, the last line of defense from a security perspective is each one of us behind the keyboard. Up to 90% of breaches are caused by human error, so safeguarding your people is key. Your IT provider can help with test phishing and training to make sure everyone’s cybersecurity awareness skills stay sharp.
Cyber Attack Response
Someone makes an errant click on a keyboard that locks your entire network, except for a ransomware message that pops up. If you don’t have an IT provider, what happens? Who do you call?
Having the right IT people in place can make all the difference in those early hours after a breach to re-secure your systems. And, if you make a claim, you’ll need to justify to your cyberliability insurance provider how your network is managed and what security safeguards you have in place to protect yourself and your business.
Using cloud services helps make your staff more efficient and effective, and you still need IT support even if “everything is in the cloud”. Working with a skilled IT team provides the technical and management skills to make sure you’re using cloud services to their best advantage.
Contact us to learn more about how CRU Solutions can help you get the most out of your cloud services.