As an Oklahoma City-based IT company, we understand that many small businesses in the area may not have the financial capacity to invest heavily in IT—but we also know that skimping on your IT support services can lead to massive expenses down the road. So, here are some tips on how you can save money and optimize your IT services in Oklahoma this year:
1. Make the Switch to Fully Managed IT Services
The cost of even an entry-level in-house IT professional is rising rapidly—the average salary in Oklahoma starts at $52,000. And the true cost of every employee is usually about 1.2 to 1.4 times more than the salary, so you’re looking at a minimum of $62,400 for one employee. And with the threat of cybercrime always climbing, one employee is not going to cut it.
With managed IT services in Oklahoma, you get access to a team of highly experienced professionals that will give you a comprehensive layer of security and strategy. You probably already outsource all the time—maybe you have someone do your taxes for you or keep track of your bookkeeping. Think of managed IT services as the same: you don’t need to purchase, train or find a spot for a team of professionals in your office.
2. Maintenance Over the Break/Fix Model
If you were to have an HVAC person come to your house once a year and service your heating systems, it would cost between $75 and $200 a year. But if you never give your furnace a second thought and something breaks, you could be looking at a $4,500–$8,000 bill to replace it.
Instead of waiting for something to go wrong, it’s always better to invest in regular maintenance. The same goes for your IT services—you can save a lot of money by investing in preventative maintenance and regular updates, instead of waiting until something breaks or gets compromised.
The average cost of a data breach is $148 per record so depending on what a hacker accesses, you could be looking at losses in the hundreds of thousands of dollars.
3. Customize Your IT Services
You may not need every new piece of technology and IT solution that’s out there. If you handle lots of financial information but don’t have any remote employees, then you won’t need a complex VPN setup. Similarly, if you’re mostly handling customer service queries and don’t have to worry about cyber threats as much, then investing in the most extensive cybersecurity package isn’t necessary.
The key is to sit down with your IT provider—or potential IT provider—and discuss your needs. Together you can find a solution that fits within your budget and still gives you the level of service and protection you need.
4. Take Advantage of the Cloud
Many small businesses take advantage of the cloud to save money on their IT services. The cloud allows you to access data and applications from anywhere with an internet connection and can reduce your hardware, software, storage, and energy costs all at once.
Before you make any decisions, however, start by assessing your current IT setup. If it’s outdated or inefficient, consider migrating your data and applications to the cloud.
Once you’ve identified what parts of your IT system need to move and how they can be optimized for maximum efficiency, you should take a look at pricing options. With cloud computing often costing less than traditional hosting services, you’ll find yourself saving money in the long run.
5. Invest in VoIP Solutions
Voice over Internet Protocol (VOiP) phone systems are becoming increasingly popular and may be worth considering. By switching your phone system to a VOiP, you’ll cut down on your monthly telephone costs and have access to features like voicemail-to-email, conference calling, video chat, caller ID, call forwarding, and more.
Optimize Your IT Services in Oklahoma With iTology
When it comes to IT services in Oklahoma, small businesses can take advantage of the options, instead of feeling the need to slash them out of their budget. Whether you’re looking for cybersecurity, cloud hosting, VOIP systems, or managed IT services, there’s something for every business in the Sooner State.
If you’re ready to partner with a managed IT service provider in Oklahoma, iTology would love to set up a free assessment with you! With our comprehensive IT solutions and 24/7 support, you can rest assured that your business is in safe hands. Schedule a consultation today to learn more about how we can help optimize your IT services and keep your business running smoothly.