Category: Outsourced IT Support

Useful content and advice on outsourcing your IT support

Navigating remote work: The crucial role of reliable IT Support and Cybersecurity

Posted on by Loredana Emmerson

In an era where remote and hybrid working models have become the norm, businesses are rapidly adapting to new digital landscapes. The shift has brought forth unprecedented opportunities, but it has also exposed companies to unique challenges, making reliable IT support and robust cybersecurity more critical than ever. Enter expert firms like Codus IT, who not only offer a lifeline for technical issues but also pave the way for streamlined operations, innovation, and fortified defenses against cyber threats.

The Changing Landscape

The remote and hybrid working trend has reshaped the traditional office setup. Employees now collaborate from various locations, relying heavily on digital tools and connectivity. While this transformation has enhanced flexibility and productivity, it has also ushered in a host of technical complexities. From network vulnerabilities to software compatibility issues, companies face a daunting array of potential pitfalls.

The Role of Reliable IT Support

Seamless Operations: Imagine a scenario where your team is on the brink of an important virtual presentation, and suddenly, the network crashes. Reliable IT support acts as a safety net, ensuring that your operations run smoothly without disruptive technical glitches.

Enhanced Security: With remote work, the need for robust cybersecurity measures is paramount. IT support experts like Codus IT can implement cutting-edge security protocols to safeguard sensitive data.

Efficient Problem Solving: When faced with technical issues, every moment counts. Professional IT support offers swift troubleshooting, minimising downtime and maximising productivity.

Resource Optimisation: Outsourcing IT needs to experts allows your in-house team to focus on strategic initiatives rather than getting bogged down by routine technical challenges.

Scalability and Innovation: As your company evolves, so do your IT requirements. A proficient IT support partner can align your digital solutions with your growth trajectory, ensuring scalability and fostering innovation.

The Vital Importance of Cybersecurity

Data Protection: In the digital age, data is a valuable asset. Robust cybersecurity measures protect your business data from unauthorised access and breaches.

Phishing and Social Engineering: Cybercriminals are adept at exploiting human vulnerabilities. Comprehensive cybersecurity includes education and training to empower employees to recognise and respond to phishing attempts.

Secure Communication: Remote collaboration relies heavily on digital communication tools. Cybersecurity ensures that sensitive information shared through these channels remains encrypted and protected from interception.

Endpoint Security: With devices scattered across different locations, endpoint security becomes critical. Effective cybersecurity measures ensure that every device connected to the network is fortified against potential threats.

Compliance and Regulations: Depending on your industry, remote work might bring forth specific compliance challenges. Adequate cybersecurity measures ensure that your operations adhere to relevant regulations.

Codus IT: Your Trusted IT and Cybersecurity Partner

With a proven track record and a team of seasoned professionals, here at Codus IT we specialise in delivering bespoke solutions tailored to the unique needs of each client. Our comprehensive approach encompasses network management, cloud integration, and cutting-edge cybersecurity.

Embrace the Future with Codus IT

In a landscape that’s rapidly evolving, businesses must stay ahead of the curve. If your company is grappling with the challenges of remote and hybrid work, it’s time to consider the invaluable support of experts like Codus IT. By entrusting your IT needs and cybersecurity to a reliable partner, you’re not only ensuring seamless operations but also safeguarding your digital assets against threats.

Harnessing the Power of Outsourcing IT Support: The Benefits for a Growing Business

Posted on by Loredana Emmerson

In the digital age, information technology (IT) has become the backbone of every business, regardless of its size or industry. As a growing business, outsourcing IT support services can significantly impact your operations and overall success.

However, maintaining an in-house IT department can be expensive and resource-intensive. This is where outsourcing IT support services comes to the rescue. In this blog post, we will explore the numerous benefits of outsourcing IT support for a growing business and how it can help you streamline your operations, enhance productivity, and achieve sustainable growth.

Cost Savings

One of the primary advantages of outsourcing IT support is cost savings. Building an in-house IT department requires substantial investment in recruitment, training, and infrastructure. Outsourcing eliminates these upfront costs, allowing you to leverage the expertise of an external IT team without the financial burden. By partnering with a reputable IT support provider, you gain access to a team of skilled professionals who can efficiently handle your IT needs at a fraction of the cost of maintaining an in-house team.

Access to Expertise and Specialised Knowledge

IT support providers specialise in managing a wide range of IT issues and challenges. By outsourcing your IT support, you tap into a pool of highly skilled professionals with diverse expertise and experience. These experts stay up-to-date with the latest technologies, security threats, and industry best practices, ensuring that your business benefits from cutting-edge solutions and proactive support. Their specialised knowledge can help you overcome complex IT hurdles, implement efficient systems, and optimise your IT infrastructure to support your growth objectives.

Scalability and Flexibility

As your business grows, so do your IT requirements. Outsourcing IT support offers unmatched scalability and flexibility. An external IT support provider can quickly adapt to your changing needs, whether it’s scaling up or down, integrating new technologies, or addressing emerging IT challenges. They can accommodate fluctuations in demand, provide additional support during critical periods, and ensure that your IT infrastructure aligns with your evolving business goals. With an outsourced IT support team, you have the freedom to focus on core business functions while leaving the IT complexities to the experts.

Proactive Monitoring and Issue Resolution

Downtime and technical issues can cripple a growing business. Outsourced IT support providers employ advanced monitoring tools and proactive maintenance strategies to identify and resolve potential issues before they disrupt your operations. They can monitor your systems 24/7, detect vulnerabilities, and implement security patches and updates promptly. By proactively managing your IT infrastructure, they minimise the risk of downtime, data breaches, and other IT-related setbacks, allowing you to maintain seamless operations and uninterrupted productivity.

Enhanced Data Security and Compliance

Data security is a critical concern for businesses of all sizes. With cyber threats becoming increasingly sophisticated, safeguarding sensitive information is paramount. Outsourcing IT support provides access to a team of experts who are well-versed in the latest security measures and compliance requirements. They can implement robust security protocols, perform regular backups, monitor for potential breaches, and ensure that your business remains compliant with industry regulations. By mitigating security risks, you protect your valuable data, preserve your reputation, and build trust with your customers.

Outsourcing IT support for a growing business offers a multitude of benefits that can significantly impact your operational efficiency, productivity, and bottom line. By leveraging the expertise of external professionals, you gain cost savings, access to specialised knowledge, scalability, proactive monitoring, and enhanced data security. These advantages allow you to focus on core business activities, stay ahead of the competition, and navigate the ever-changing IT landscape with confidence. As you plan your business’s growth trajectory, consider outsourcing your IT support to Codus IT by contacting our team on 0161 7634529.

Cloud Migration and outsourced IT management

Posted on by Loredana Emmerson

Cloud computing has revolutionised the way businesses operate, providing a range of benefits that were previously unavailable to small to medium-sized businesses.

As more companies are embracing the cloud, it’s becoming clear that cloud migration can be a game-changer, particularly when combined with outsourced IT management. In this article, we’ll discuss the benefits of cloud migration for small to medium-sized businesses and why it’s important to partner with an outsourced IT management provider.

Cost Savings

One of the most significant benefits of cloud migration is cost savings. With the cloud, businesses can avoid the expense of purchasing and maintaining expensive hardware and software. Cloud computing providers offer pay-as-you-go pricing models, which means businesses only pay for the resources they use, making it much more cost-effective than traditional on-premise IT solutions. Additionally, outsourcing IT management can also help reduce costs by providing access to a team of experts who can optimise resources and ensure efficient use of technology.

Scalability

Another major advantage of cloud migration is scalability. With traditional on-premise solutions, businesses had to estimate their technology needs and invest in costly hardware and software to accommodate future growth. The cloud offers a more flexible and scalable approach, allowing businesses to easily scale up or down their resources as needed, without the need for additional hardware or software. This is particularly important for small to medium-sized businesses, which need to be able to adapt quickly to changes in demand.

Improved Security

Security is a top concern for all businesses, regardless of their size. Cloud providers have invested heavily in their security infrastructure, providing a level of protection that would be difficult for most small to medium-sized businesses to achieve on their own. Cloud providers have teams of experts that focus solely on security, which means businesses can benefit from the latest security protocols and technologies without having to invest in expensive security solutions. Additionally, outsourcing IT management to a reputable provider can help ensure that all security protocols are implemented and monitored effectively.

Increased Productivity

Cloud migration can also increase productivity by enabling employees to work from anywhere, at any time. Cloud solutions provide access to data and applications from any device with an internet connection, allowing employees to work remotely, collaborate more effectively, and access the information they need when they need it. This level of flexibility and accessibility can significantly improve productivity, particularly for small to medium-sized businesses with limited resources.

Business Continuity

Finally, cloud migration can help ensure business continuity in the event of a disaster. Cloud providers offer backup and disaster recovery solutions that can help businesses quickly recover from unexpected events such as power outages, hardware failures, or natural disasters. Additionally, outsourcing IT management can ensure that all backups and recovery solutions are in place and tested regularly, providing additional peace of mind for businesses.

In conclusion, cloud migration offers a range of benefits for small to medium-sized businesses, including cost savings, scalability, improved security, increased productivity, and business continuity. Partnering with an outsourced IT management provider can help businesses maximise these benefits by providing access to a team of experts who can optimise resources, monitor security, and ensure that all technology solutions are working effectively. By embracing cloud computing and outsourcing IT management, businesses can compete more effectively and efficiently in today’s fast-paced business environment.

What are the benefits of outsourcing IT services

Posted on by Loredana Emmerson

In today’s fast-paced business world, IT services play a critical role in ensuring the smooth running of operations. However, for many companies, maintaining an in-house IT department can be expensive, time-consuming, and challenging. This is where outsourcing IT services comes in.

In this blog post, we will discuss the benefits of outsourcing IT services.

Cost savings

One of the most significant benefits of outsourcing IT services is cost savings. Building and maintaining an in-house IT department can be expensive, especially for small and medium-sized businesses. Outsourcing IT services eliminates the need to invest in expensive hardware, software, and IT infrastructure, as well as the costs associated with hiring and training IT personnel. This enables companies to focus on their core business while still enjoying top-quality IT services at a lower cost.

Access to specialized expertise

Outsourcing IT services also provides access to specialised expertise that may not be available in-house. IT service providers typically have teams of highly skilled professionals with extensive experience and knowledge in various IT fields. This expertise is especially crucial for businesses that require specialised IT services, such as cybersecurity or data management.

Increased efficiency and productivity

Outsourcing IT services can also help to increase efficiency and productivity within the organisation. IT service providers typically have the latest technology and tools to manage and support the company’s IT needs. This enables businesses to focus on their core competencies while leaving IT services to the experts. Additionally, outsourcing IT services ensures that the IT systems are always up-to-date, reducing downtime and increasing overall productivity.

Scalability and flexibility

Outsourcing IT services also provides scalability and flexibility. As businesses grow, their IT needs may change, and outsourcing IT services can help them to scale up or down as required. IT service providers can quickly and efficiently adapt to the company’s changing needs, providing the necessary IT resources and support to meet these needs.

Reduced risk

Outsourcing IT services can also help to reduce the risk of security breaches and data loss. IT service providers typically have robust security measures and protocols in place to protect the company’s data and systems from cyber threats. Additionally, outsourcing IT services enables businesses to comply with relevant regulations and standards, reducing the risk of legal and financial penalties.

In conclusion, outsourcing IT services can provide businesses with numerous benefits, including cost savings, access to specialised expertise, increased efficiency and productivity, scalability and flexibility, and reduced risk. However, it is essential to carefully evaluate potential IT service providers to ensure that they meet the company’s specific IT needs and requirements.

Simply contact to us to learn how we can help.

Multi-Factor Authentication in 2022

Posted on by Loredana Emmerson

Multi-Factor Authentication is becoming part of daily digital activity. Traditionally, you would access online accounts with a username and a password. However, with the changing digital environment, usernames are often easy to discover and, since passwords can be hard to remember, people tend to pick simple ones, or use the same password across all accounts.

Almost all online services – banks, social media, shopping and Microsoft 365 – have added a way for your accounts to be more secure. This is sometimes referred to as “Two-Step Verification” or “Multi-factor Authentication”. When you sign into the account for the first time on a new device or app (like a web browser) you need more than just the username and password. You need a second “factor” – to prove who you are.

In today’s current climate, everyone and every organisation is a target, so we need to make strides to enhance security measures. Multi-factor authentication is a simple way to add a layer of protection to the sign-in process.

Why should I use MFA?

If you only use one password to login or authenticate a user, it can leave you vulnerable to a cyber attack. If that password is weak or has been exposed elsewhere, it is an easy entry point to your network by an attacker. When you are required to use a second form of authentication, security is significantly increased as this additional step isn’t something an attacker can easily obtain or duplicate.
With MFA, even if a compromised password is used, the attacker would be unable to gain access without either a code or fingerprint confirmation, and the legitimate user would be notified of the attempted login.

MFA and Microsoft

Microsoft is taking the first steps towards mandating MFA by switching off basic authentication methods in Exchange Online. Modern authentication will become the standard for Microsoft’s online services, allowing Microsoft to begin to mandate MFA for all cloud services.
If you are considering obtaining a Cyber Essentials certification, under the new criteria, MFA is a requirement for all cloud accessed apps, therefore, you must have this in place beforehand.

Ready to implement MFA?

How MFA can be implemented to your business will depend on the complexity of your infrastructure. Get in touch with our experts today to learn how we can help!

Outsourced IT Support: What Are The Benefits?

Posted on by Loredana Emmerson

Outsourced IT support has been a hot topic since the lockdown started in March. Suddenly, businesses found themselves having to relocate their daily working environment, needing quick support to maintain their workforce running with the least amount of disruption possible. Unfortunately, this also came with the dreaded ‘furlough’ term, having to run their business on limited numbers whilst trying to maintain, or in some cases increase, their IT requirements. 

Outsourced IT Support Manchester Lancashire

Managers found themselves having to worry about providing their teams with the right devices and tools to work from home. This came with the worry of online and data security, how they would access company information and how could they stay connected and communicate effectively as a team.

This has caused many business owners to consider outsourcing their IT support, not only to reduce labour costs, but also to have the right expertise, flexibility and resources available as soon as required.

Codus Outsourced IT Support

Here at Codus we have been supporting companies across the North West with their IT requirements for over 10 years. And when they needed us the most, we were there every step of the way. Below we have listed what we believe are the key benefits our customers are experiencing from outsourcing their IT support.

Outsourced IT Support: expertise, versatility and scalability

As your business changes and evolves, so should your IT support. An in-house service may not necessarily be geared up to assist with rapid changes. They may also lack the expertise to keep up with a growth strategy. By outsourcing, you are opening your organisation to a level of capability which is costly to create internally, with an adaptable knowledge base ready to assist you and your employees whatever the direction required.

Outsourced IT Support: control service costs and reduce labour costs

Often, businesses with in-house IT support don’t realise that they are potentially paying for a skill they don’t require. When you employ an individual, you pay a salary that covers their education level and experience, even if you may only end up using 50% of what they know. Also, once you consider hardware expenses, software licenses, cloud service subscriptions, and maintenance costs, outsourced solutions start to look more and more attractive.

By outsourcing, you only pay for what you need. You reduce internal labour costs whilst also becoming more efficient with your IT budget. Your IT costs will be controlled by a set budget with the flexibility to increase the level required and quick access to skills for one-off projects.

Codus Outsourced IT Support North West

Outsourced IT Support: increased efficiency and access to new technologies

Outsourcing your IT support will bring increased efficiency. This will allow you to concentrate on the core of your business without having to worry about IT recruitment, what systems to invest in, appraisals and development programmes, as well as potential worry on how you will be able to support your team if you don’t necessarily fully understand their role and duties. A quality outsourced IT service company will have the resources to start new projects right away. This will allow you to spend your precious time on your business and customers. Additionally, a proactive supplier will notify you of any new technologies that could bring benefits to your ways of working, with efficiency and security always a priority.

Outsourced IT Support: compliance, security and reduced risks

Online security is such a hot topic right now, and majority of businesses who are safe will most likely outsource their IT support. A service company will make it their priority to make sure your business is up to date on all security matters, and compliant with all current legislation. This links back to the above point, of allowing you to do what you do best without having to worry about your business and data security. 

Codus Outsourced IT Support Manchester

All the benefits and advantages we have mentioned above point to one major goal – allowing you and your employees to focus on your business.

At Codus we specialise in supporting companies within the architectural, planning and construction sector. We provide proactive IT support matched with a high level of customer service practised by all members of our team. We believe in not only answering your requirements, but also assisting in constantly discovering new ways of working, helping you grow and maintain a competitive edge.

To find out more about our Managed IT Support, Digital Solutions and Cyber Security simply call us on 0161 763 4529. Also follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter @Codus_IT for regular tips and advice.

Manchester based and looking for IT Support?

Posted on by Joanne Hunt

Codus IT provides IT support in Manchester to a range of businesses big and small.  We are passionate about working with businesses, supporting their IT services whilst also offering new ways to develop their IT.

As we don’t believe in a ‘one size fits all’ mentality, to begin with, we will provide a full systems audit. This allows us to tailor a package to suit the size and complexity of your business.

What services do we provide in Manchester and across the North West?

IT Support

  • Day to Day management of IT support 1st line – 3rd line. Most of our support takes place remotely, although we can be onsite in Manchester or throughout the North West within 60 minutes if needed.
  • IT Help Desk – We run our IT support using a ticket system. We will assign a team member to your query and prioritise it accordingly. Since Codus first began, the average response time to the closure of a ticket  is a mere 13 minutes!
  • Virtual IT Management – We’re proactive and therefore will suggest ways to cost cut and enhance your IT

Server Setup & Configuration

  • Set up of servers from basic Small Business Servers to high end virtual server clusters using the latest technology

Network design & install

  • Administration & set up of virtualised environments in Microsoft Hyper V & VMWare

Managed Services

  • We are an official Microsoft Partner and so offer Office 365 for hosted email services
  • Codus Cloud – This is our offsite backup service which automatically encrypts & also backs up your systems every night to our servers.
  • Codus Monitor – We are alerted if there are any problems with your servers due to 24/7 monitoring. We review your set-up once a month and let you know of any potential problems or upgrades required.
  • Antivirus – We are an official Kaspersky reseller.
  • Codus Anywhere – This is our VPN software, it allows people to connect to their works servers from their laptop.

Web & Software Development

  • Codus Web – We can design, build and administer websites using WordPress.
  • We develop high end web based software used by large companies around the world.

Mobile Computing

  • The days of 9-5 are over and as a result, mobile technology is becoming more relevant. This means you need access to critical systems and data at any time of the day. We can work with you and help make mobile working simple, reliable and secure.

If you would like more details on the services we provide across the North West, then please click here

Alternatively, give us a call today on 0161 763 4529 or email us info@codus.co.uk

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