IT Insights Trends

Network monitoring

Network monitoring is the process of continuously tracking the performance, health, and security of a network infrastructure. By monitoring traffic, devices, and services in real-time, businesses can proactively identify potential issues, optimize performance, and ensure seamless connectivity. Our network monitoring solutions provide visibility and control, helping you stay ahead of potential disruptions and maintain a reliable, secure network environment.

Help Desk / End-user support

Help Desk and End-User Support services ensure your team stays productive by providing fast, reliable assistance for technical issues. Whether it’s troubleshooting software, resolving hardware problems, or guiding users through common tasks, our expert support team is available to solve issues quickly, minimizing downtime and maximizing efficiency. We’re here to keep your operations running smoothly and your users happy.

On-site / Consulting support

On-site and Consulting Support offers hands-on assistance to address complex technical challenges directly at your location. Our experts work closely with your team to analyze, recommend, and implement tailored solutions that align with your business needs. Whether you need system upgrades, network design, or troubleshooting, our on-site support ensures your technology runs optimally and efficiently.

Vendor Management

Vendor Management services help you streamline relationships with third-party providers, ensuring that your business receives the best value and service. We handle everything from selecting and negotiating with vendors to monitoring performance and managing contracts. Our goal is to optimize vendor partnerships, reduce risks, and ensure seamless integration with your operations, so you can focus on what matters most—your business.

Cloud Solutions

Cloud Solutions empower your business with flexible, scalable, and secure computing resources. From cloud storage and data management to custom applications and infrastructure, we provide tailored solutions that help streamline operations, enhance collaboration, and reduce costs. Transitioning to the cloud with us means increased efficiency and future-proofing your business in a fast-evolving digital world.

Technology Consulting

Technology Consulting helps businesses harness the power of technology to drive growth, improve efficiency, and stay competitive. Our expert consultants work closely with you to assess your needs, recommend innovative solutions, and guide the implementation of tech strategies that align with your goals. Whether optimizing existing systems or exploring new technologies, we provide the insights and support you need to succeed in the digital age.

IT Outsourcing

When you hire managed IT services, not all companies are the same. There’s what they say they do – and then what they actually do.

At Great Lakes Computer, we want you to get the very best service from your provider when you sign the contract. Before you actually do that, here’s what you should look for when outsourcing to your next IT service provider:

    1. Easy to Communicate With:It’s not always easy to get in touch with IT service providers. You’ll want one that you can promptly get a hold of by phone, e-mail, or both. Make sure you check out their references first to see if this is something you can count on getting from them.
    2. Prompt Response When You Actually Need Service: The next benefit you’ll want is someone who responds to you and begins making the fix within minutes of your request. Some IT support providers wait hours, or even days, before providing service. Even though IT outsourcing is relatively young and growing as an industry, check out each company’s reputation with organizations like the BBB (if possible).
    3. Straightforward Billing: Let’s be honest – not all companies make their billing easy to understand. Some are charging hidden fees, trying to get everything out of you they can. When talking with your managed network service provider, you’ll want to make sure you can easily understand how they charge. If it gets complicated or unclear, that’s a red flag to start getting bids from other companies.
    4. Friendly, Personal Service: Shouldn’t you get this with every organization? But, you’ve had that negative customer service experience where you were treated like an inconvenience before. It can happen in the IT industry too. When you talk with the company before actually making your selection, evaluate how they seem to treat you. That gives a good indicator of how they’ll treat you later on.
    5. Service from a Local Provider: Because much of IT outsourcing can be done remotely, it’s tempting to compare providers from across the nation. But, consider how difficult it is to work with people hundreds, or a couple thousand, miles away. With someone who operates locally, you don’t have to deal with remote communications. You can go to their office and talk with them in person if you have major concerns.

You Can Find All of These IT Support Benefits in One Place

Don’t all of these IT Outsourcing things sound fairly basic? That’s because they are! But, it’s very hard to find these qualities within a single IT Support company. However, you shouldn’t compromise on a single one of them. If the first few companies you talk to don’t meet these criteria, move on until you find the perfect fit that does.

Learn more about the author Bob Martin