Managed IT Support vs Technical Support

by

17 December 2019

Technology

IT support

Whatever the business and industry, there’s no doubt IT support is the key element ensuring proper operations. It partially makes for the success of a company. With a countless number of IT support providers, it may be quite a hassle to decide on the format of such services. Should you choose managed or technical support?

The fundamental difference lies in the way things are handled. That is why businesses ought to evaluate their needs and requirements so that they can decide on the form of IT support. Today, we’ll discuss what managed and technical services are.

The Core of Managed IT Support

Managed IT support is a relatively new concept. Its proactive nature provides numerous benefits for a company. Even though it’s usually aimed at bigger enterprises, the trend of opting for managed services is increasingly growing in small businesses as well.

The core of this format is constant, 24/7 access to an IT team. In case an issue occurs, companies don’t even need to inform their managed services provider as thanks to the advanced technological infrastructure an error is already being handled. This way businesses can put their efforts into day-to-day tasks while a team of IT specialists is dealing with an issue. The result? Smooth operations as if nothing had happened.

Technical Support in a Nutshell

Technical support is a more traditional way of handling a company’s issues. If you don’t happen to have an IT department or an in-house IT team, you might find this option fit. Clients usually purchase pre-paid hours on a monthly/quarterly or even yearly basis and in case an issue occurs, they can use their provider’s manpower to fix the problem.

Having access to a team of IT experts can be highly beneficial in terms of running a business in a trouble-free manner especially when a company runs into a bigger project and faces difficulties juggling their efforts. Technical support comes in handy, allowing such a company to put its focus on the important matters while professionals are handling the issue.

Managed Services or Blocked Hours – Which is Better?

Whether a company should opt for managed services or blocked hours is very individual. Firewall Technical suggests evaluating the needs, profile, and requirements in order to make a smart decision. While managed support is a perfect and highly-efficient option for medium-sized and large enterprises, small businesses can find it fit too.

The biggest difference here lies both in the cost and effort. Managed services is a more pricey form of IT support but it generally pays off in the long-run. Technical support, while being a cheaper option, does not give companies full 24/7 access to a team of IT experts. The contract is based on a specific amount of blocked hours that can be used within a certain period of time.

That is why a thorough analysis should be done beforehand. However, if you own a digital company no matter the size, you would probably find managed services to be the more efficient option.

Advantages and Disadvantages

Listing pros and cons is always a good idea in order to estimate the best solution for your company. There’s a lot to consider in terms of budget, time, and effort. So what are the biggest advantages and disadvantages of managed services and technical support?

Managed IT Support

A growing number of companies are going for this type of IT support. No wonder, all the issues are handled right after they occur, or long before they even get the chance to. This is one of the biggest advantages of managed services, and that is why it makes a perfect fit for those whose operations rely heavily on IT systems.

Your company’s efficiency will most likely boost thanks to outsourcing it. Increased focus on development and innovation gives businesses additional asset – competitiveness. Experts at Miropoint emphasize that it’s not only about fixing issues and updating software but most importantly about preventing errors from happening in the first place.

Another very prominent pro of managed services is the level of security, which is crucial if you’re running a business that stores clients’ sensitive data. Cybercriminals like to hunt such companies down and this could cost you money, trust, and reputation.

When talking about the biggest cons of managed support, businesses usually mention the cost. It scares most small companies off since they simply can’t afford it. Well, that’s what they think. They seem to be forgetting about the long-term effects when managed support is a highly cost-efficient solution and does pay off.

Technical Support

IT support prevents your technological infrastructure from any malfunction but not 24/7. In fact, you can use the help of experienced IT professionals any time you need as long as you purchased enough blocked hours to fix your issue. Again, you can also have them improve your old systems so that they’re more compatible with new software. This solution, therefore, could be beneficial for companies that don’t rely on IT infrastructure entirely.

Another advantage is that you’re not bound by any contract. You pay for what you need. No overhead expenses, no flat monthly fee. Such providers are usually quite flexible when it comes to purchased hours so you don’t have to block the same number as the previous month for instance.

There are some drawbacks too. Even though technical support experts have access to state-of-the-art technology, they don’t monitor your systems 24/7, which can cause slight delays before the issue has been recognized. It is also said that sharing information with a third-party could be risky, however, the policy doesn’t allow them to use any information.

Conclusion

The true winner is hard to determine. For some managed services is the top option that provides continuous monitoring, updates, improvement, and security. It is quite costly, which may scare smaller companies off. In this case, they will probably opt for technical support and use an as-needed form of cooperation. No matter what you decide, remember to evaluate your company’s needs and choose the support accordingly.

Read Also:

Content Rally wrapped around an online publication where you can publish your own intellectuals. It is a publishing platform designed to make great stories by content creators. This is your era, your place to be online. So come forward share your views, thoughts and ideas via Content Rally.

View all posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Related

how to call someone who blocked you

Tech Tactics: Reestablishing Contact With Blocked Numbers  

Want to know how to call someone who blocked you? Well, trust me, you are not the only one doing so! In the realm of relationships, rocky times are as inevitable as software updates on your smartphone. Disagreements, arguments, and misunderstandings are the glitches that pop up in the code of any human connection. Face it, no matter how much love you share, agreeing 100% of the time is simply impossible. Parents and children clash, siblings squabble, best friends have falling-outs, and even happily married couples lock horns from time to time. It's all part and parcel of the grand tapestry of life. Unfortunately, sometimes these conflicts escalate to the point where one party decides they're no longer "on speaking terms." In today's digital age, that often translates to a dreaded outcome: they block your number. Keep scrolling down till the end to learn more about the same… But First, How To Know If Someone Has Blocked Your Number?   Imagine this: you dial a friend's number, eager to chat about the latest episode of your favorite TV show or share exciting news, but instead of the cheerful ringtone, you're greeted with an eerie silence. You've been ghosted, and not in the trendy, playful way. You suspect you might have been blocked. But how can you know for sure? Let's embark on a journey to uncover the telltale signs of a blocked number, in a casual and friendly tone. 1. Straight To Voicemail Every Time   One of the first hints that your number may be on someone's blocklist is that your calls go straight to voicemail. It's as if your calls are being mysteriously rerouted to a digital voicemail dungeon, bypassing their phone's ringtone entirely. If this becomes a recurring theme when trying to reach someone, it's a good indicator that they might be actively avoiding your calls. 2. The Perpetual Text Abyss   You've sent your friend a series of witty texts or heartwarming messages, but there's not a single blue bubble in sight. It's like your words have vanished into the digital void. When someone has blocked your number, your text messages won't be delivered, and you won't see those reassuring read receipts. It's like you're texting into an alternate dimension where your words simply cease to exist. 3. Mysterious Disappearance From Social Media   In our interconnected world, social media is often the playground where we share our lives and keep in touch with friends. If someone has blocked your number, they might also choose to sever digital ties with you on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter. Suddenly, you notice their profile is nowhere to be found, and your friend count just dropped by one. It's a social media ghosting that leaves you scratching your head. 4. The Ring And A Swift Hang-Up   Imagine you finally get through after multiple attempts, and their phone starts ringing. But before you can exhale a sigh of relief, it abruptly goes silent, and the call ends. It's like a tease, leaving you with unanswered questions. This behavior could be a result of call-blocking apps that instantly disconnect calls from blocked numbers. It's a bit like being shut out at the door of a VIP party. 5. No Profile Picture Or Status Updates   If your friend has blocked your number on messaging apps like WhatsApp or Telegram, you may notice that their profile picture and status updates have vanished. You're left staring at a generic silhouette or a blank space where their witty status once was. It's like a digital cloak of invisibility, leaving you to wonder what's going on behind the scenes. 6. Mutual Friends Report Silence   In some cases, your mutual friends might be the ones to spill the beans. They may casually mention that your friend hasn't been responding to their calls or messages either. This could be a clue that your number is indeed blocked. After all, if it's not just you experiencing the silence, there's a pattern emerging. 7. The Subtle Social Snub   In the world of social media, a subtle snub could also be a sign. Your friend may continue posting and engaging with others but consistently ignores your comments or messages. It's a virtual cold shoulder, and it stings just as much as the real thing. 8. The Final Frontier: Directly Asking   Sometimes, the best way to settle the mystery is the simplest one: just ask. If you suspect you've been blocked, reach out through an alternative method, like email or a different phone number, and express your concern politely. Remember, communication is key in any relationship, and a sincere conversation can help clear the air and address any issues that might have led to the blocking in the first place. How To Call Someone Who Blocked You?   When you're blocked, your calls divert straight to voicemail, and your heartfelt text messages remain undelivered. It feels like you're shouting into the void, with no way to reach out, and they remain blissfully unaware of your attempts to reconnect. But here's the silver lining: blocking doesn't always spell the end of the relationship. Sometimes, both parties just need some time and space to reflect on what transpired. After a cooling-off period, they may unblock you, paving the way for a much-needed heart-to-heart conversation. In some cases, a sincere apology can mend fences. The real challenge, though, is how to apologize when your number is firmly on their block list. Apologizing to someone who refuses to answer your calls or read your messages may seem impossible. Yet, owning up to your mistakes is often the right course of action. So, how do you go about it when they've blocked you? Well, fear not, for there are a few clever tricks up your digital sleeve to reestablish contact: 1. Use A Different Phone   Sometimes, simplicity reigns supreme. The most straightforward approach is to use a different phone to call the person who's given you the digital cold shoulder. Phones can't block individuals; they can only block specific numbers. Therefore, dialing from an unblocked number is a surefire way to get around the blockade. While using a public pay phone used to be an option, they're not as common these days. Instead, you could ask to borrow a work phone or even a business landline, though this may require some convincing. A more effective and less complicated option is to seek help from a friend or family member. They likely know the person and the situation and may be willing to lend a hand, as long as it doesn't entangle them in the feud. 2. Dial *67   An age-old technique for disguising your number involves dialing *67 before you make the call. This method has been around for decades, and it's incredibly simple. All you have to do is input *67 before dialing the number. However, remember that you'll need to enter their number manually, as you can't select it directly from your contacts. When the call goes through, their Caller ID will display "Unknown" or "Private Number," keeping your identity under wraps. 3. Disguise Your Caller ID   Both Apple and Android phones offer features to conceal your Caller ID information. By activating this setting, the recipient will see "Hidden" on their Caller ID, akin to dialing *67, but it automatically applies to every call you make. Here's how to enable it: For iPhone:   If you want to know how to call someone who blocked you on your iPhone, follow the steps below: Open the “Settings” app. Select the “Phone” option. Scroll down until you see the “Show My Caller ID” option. Slide the toggle to the “Off” position. For Android:   If you want to know how to call someone who blocked you on Android, follow the steps below: Open the “Settings” app. Select the “Additional Settings” option. Tap the “Caller ID” option. Choose the “Hide Number” option. 4. Change Your Phone Number   Admittedly, this one's a bit extreme. Changing your phone number just to bypass a block is quite the hassle, involving updating contacts and contact information across the board. However, it's an option worth mentioning, even if it's not the most practical for a single phone call. Changing your phone number is relatively straightforward and usually free. Just call your service provider and request a new number. Keep in mind that once you change it, there's no turning back—you'll permanently lose access to your old number. How To Call Someone Who Has Blocked You On WhatsApp?   In this age of digital communication, WhatsApp stands as one of the pillars of staying connected. But what happens when the digital door gets slammed in your face, and you find yourself blocked by someone you need to reach? Fear not, for we're about to embark on a journey to decode the mysteries of calling someone who has blocked you on WhatsApp. The Art Of WhatsApp Blocking   First, let's decode what happens when you're blocked on WhatsApp. You'll notice a distinct lack of updates on their profile picture, a blank last-seen status, and no more read receipts for your messages. It's like they've vanished into the digital ether. But don't despair; there are ways to pierce this virtual veil. Try Sending A Message   Believe it or not, sometimes a blocked contact can still receive your messages. They won't see them in real time, but the messages will be there waiting when they eventually unblock you. So, go ahead and craft that heartfelt message or apology, and press send. It's like sending a message in a digital bottle, waiting to wash up on their shore someday. The Unblocking Game   Here's where the real strategy comes into play. Often, those who block you might reconsider their decision with time. Be patient; give them the space they need to cool off and reflect. It's like waiting for a cloudy sky to clear – eventually, the sun will shine again. Change Your Number   Now, this one's a little more drastic. Changing your phone number can be a last resort. It's like getting a new identity in the digital world. While it guarantees a fresh start, it's not without its complications. You'll need to inform everyone in your contacts about the change, update your accounts, and wave goodbye to your old number forever. Getting blocked on WhatsApp might feel like a digital slap in the face, but there are ways to navigate around it. Be patient, craft thoughtful messages, and remember that even in the virtual realm, time can heal wounds. While changing your number is an option, it's a last-ditch effort. So, whether you're seeking reconciliation or just trying to reconnect, don't let a blocked contact hold you back in the WhatsApp world. Things To Keep In Mind While You Try To Reconnect!   Now, before you embark on your mission to reconnect, there are a few crucial considerations. Here are some of the things that you should keep in mind while you try to call someone who has blocked your number: 1. Think About Why They Blocked You:    Remember that blocking doesn't typically happen by accident. The person who blocked you did so deliberately for a reason. Reflect on what led to this action and whether a call will genuinely resolve the issue. Surprising someone who blocked you might not yield the desired outcome. 2. Beware of Legal Ramifications:    The Truth In Caller ID Act of 2009 made it illegal to use Caller ID spoofing technology to harm or defraud someone. Depending on how the person who blocked you feels, your attempts to contact them through unconventional means could be deemed harassment. Ensure that reaching out won't lead to legal trouble. 3. Consider Alternative Communication:    While a phone call might be the most direct approach, it's not always the most effective or considerate one. Explore other avenues, such as asking a mutual friend to mediate, using social media or email, or even sending a heartfelt handwritten letter. These methods respect their need for space and provide them with something to ponder while maintaining a less intrusive approach. Wrapping It Up!   Reconnecting with someone who's blocked your number may seem like a daunting task, but it's not impossible. You have several strategies at your disposal, each with its own set of pros and cons. However, before attempting any of these methods, it's wise to consider whether reaching out is genuinely in the best interest of all parties involved. Sometimes, the best course of action is to exercise patience and allow time to heal wounds, knowing that they can reach out when they're ready. After all, respect for their boundaries and feelings should be your top priority. In case you wanted to know how to call someone who blocked you, I hope that this blog has been of help to you. If there are any other queries related to the same, please feel free to let me know. All that you need to do is scroll down till you reach the bottom of the page. Then leave your comments and queries in the box below. And I will be there to answer them all for you! Learn More About: How To Delete A Page In Google Docs? What Data Does Google Analytics Prohibit Collecting? How To See Someone’s Imessages Without Their Phone?

READ MOREDetails
Data-Centric vs Data-Driven Organizations

Data-Centric vs. Data-Driven Organizations

Regardless of the industry, you’re in, as the digital transformation era continues to fight upon Data-Centric vs Data-Driven information. there’s an increasing focus on customer experience and technologies that facilitate the improvement of experiences. Data-centric information is at the center of this transformation. Data is at the center of this transformation. There are two main terms often used when discussing data and its role in digital transformation. The first is data-centric organizations, and the second is data-driven organizations. So how do the two compare, and which should you be striving for? Data-Centric vs Data-Driven Organizations Data-centric is an organization that’s reached the final stage of the data transformation and evolution. When you’re a data-centric organization, data and data science are the central foundational core of your business. In a data-centric organization, all key decision-makers and stakeholders have a holistic view of how data is used. Data engineers maybe their own separate departments and they ensure that they’re developing a scalable infrastructure. In a data-centric organization, the data science department is its own entity and there is often a Chief Data Officer. There is an efficient flow of information between the people who ultimately make decisions in the organizations and the data scientists, and there are formal processes for the implementation of data. Often what will happen is that an organization believes itself to be data-centric when in reality is it’s application-centric. There are silos that block the open flow of information, and applications are put in place to solve one specific problem without taking a holistic view. Also, with an application-centric organization, you don’t fully own your data. Instead, the applications or vendors might own the data. When you’re truly data-centric, there are enormous advantages. There aren’t silos and no one outside of your organization owns your data are two big ones. If your objective is to become data-centric, your data is your main asset, and it’s a permanent asset even as applications come and go. What’s a Data-Driven Organization? Many organizations think they’re data-centric, but the reality is they’re data-driven. Data-driven organizations aren’t bad by any means, and it’s a necessary phase to get to the point of being data-centric, but not fully there yet. Data-driven means that your culture is collecting data and using it as an actional part of the business. When you’re data-driven, you’re both acquiring and analyzing data to fuel decision-making and make better overall decisions. There are often certain features you’ll see uniformly with data-driven organizations. One is that the executive leadership team is creative and curious. To be data-driven, leadership has to be open-minded, and they have to appreciate challenges. With this in mind, there is a distinction to be made between being data-driven and metrics-driven as well. When companies have metrics-driven, which is what most companies are, they have performance indicators they track. When you’re data-driven, it’s more about taking the body of data as a whole and gaining insights from it, rather than strictly measuring set KPIs. A data-driven organization is likely to be more adept at innovation than one that’s metrics-driven. Another feature across the board in most data-driven organizations is accessing. It’s important for data to be widely accessible to all employees. Along with this comes the need to improve data literacy so that the transparency of the data has relevance. Sometimes a metrics-driven organization is also referred to as data-informed. A data-informed organization is collecting data from different sources, it’s organized, and it’s well-documented. Decision-makers will always have a fight on Data-Centric vs Data-Driven information. How Can You Move From Data-Driven to Data-Centric The goal should be a move from data-driven to data-centric since data-centric is the full realization of data as its own entity. Usually, the way that organizations can move from one step to the next is by learning from the best Data Science course and starting technically by gathering all the data and cataloging it. That then makes it possible to map it and create a data model. Once the technical elements are taken care of, the processes can move up toward the business level. Overall one of the main takeaways is that just because you’re using data in an actionable way, it doesn’t mean you are Data-Centric vs Data-Driven. There’s a required evolution from the acceptance that data is essential all the way through the full realization of being a data-centric organization. With a data-centric organizational model, it allows you to take your architecture and interpret your data with agility. As the digital transformation continues to evolve, so will the nature of the data-centric organization. Read also: The best free software for data recovery

READ MOREDetails
Waterjet Vs. Laser Cutting

Waterjet Vs. Laser Cutting: Which Is Worth The Hype?

Waterjet and laser cutters can slice through materials that no other cutting tool can. They are invaluable for prototyping products and precision manufacturing. But which one is worth the hype - waterjets or laser cutters? This article provides everything you need to know about waterjet vs laser cutting units. Learn how they work and which one is best for your industrial manufacturing facility. Waterjet Vs Laser Cutting: Unlike the vast majority of blades and saws, waterjets and laser cutters don't have a blade. The lack of a blade makes engraving and detail work much more precise. And, waterjets and laser cutters are computer operated, as to achieve a very high level of precision. Both machines can engrave minute lettering and symbology into a wide range of manufacturing materials. But each machine goes about it a very different way. Both methods of cutting excel with 2D objects and engraving, but which is better: waterjet or laser cutting? What Is Laser Cutting? Laser cutting uses a high-focus laser to cut or engrave materials. Laser cutting is a method of subtractive manufacturing, which means it only takes away material. This is in opposition to additive manufacturing, like 3D printing. Special software guides the lasers using mirrors. A gas power source provides energy to the system, usually in the form of CO2. The CO2 fuels the laser which outputs between 1,500 and 2,600 watts. Some systems implement an additional gas jet to expel the excess material. Laser cutting is a very precise form of subtractive manufacturing. The intense heat of the laser cuts through material like a razor using a precision burn. Laser systems cut material from sheets or large panels. Laser Cutter Materials: Laser cutting systems make precision cuts in a wide range of materials. The only material that a laser cutter is not "cut-out" for is reflective metals. The reflective property of some metal reflects the laser off of the cutting surface, which can be dangerous. Laser cutters are great for cutting glass, wood, plastic, and a wide range of metals. Laser cutters encounter obstacles, however, when trying to cut compound materials. If the material contains multiple materials, then it has multiple melting points. If the material has multiple melting points, then a laser takes longer to cut through it, and cuts can become uneven. Laser cutting systems work the best with flat sheets of material, with a thickness range between 0.1 inches to just under a half-inch. And, most laser cutting systems proficiently perform the functions of cutting, drilling, engraving, welding, ablating, and structuring. What Is Waterjet Cutting? Waterjet cutting systems utilize a high-pressure waterjet to slice through materials. The water is shot through a very fine point and creates over 60,000 pounds of pressure per square inch. For tougher materials, a mixture of water and an abrasive acts like a diamond saw blade. Garnet is a common abrasive for use in waterjet cutters. Aluminum oxide is another common abrasive that you can use with a waterjet cutter. The process of waterjet cutting is a high-speed version of natural erosion. With a big enough waterjet cutter, you can make another grand canyon in a fraction of the time. Read more about how the best water jets can cut through anything nature makes. Waterjet cutters differ from laser cutters in that the power source does not reside with the cutting unit. Since a waterjet cutter outputs between 4 to 7 kilowatts, the water pump is located away from the worksite. This is also true because the water source is rarely nearby your bench. Waterjet Cutting Materials: Unlike a laser cutter, waterjet cutters can effectively cut almost any material. They have no problem cutting through compound materials with multiple material types. The pure pressure of the water jet is enough to cut cleanly through anything. Waterjet cutter units are especially useful for cutting precisely through masonry. They're also good for cutting and structuring stone, thick metals, ceramics, and glass. Waterjets handle thicker material than laser cutters. They can handle material that is up to around 2 inches thick. But they don't do as well with material thinner than 0.4 inches. Level of Waste from Waterjet vs Laser Cutting: Laser cutters create a minimal amount of off-fall and waste. Very little, if any, cleanup is required after cutting. The only waste that laser cutting produces is a small amount of dust that is easily vacuumed up. Waterjet cutting, on the other hand, creates a lot of waste. You might think that waterjet cutting would be cleaner, but it is not. The abrasive material in the water adds a toxic element to the off-fall liquid. For this reason, waterjet cutting requires special waste-water disposal, safety gear, and a bigger project budget. What's the Cost to Purchase and Operate a Waterjet vs Laser Cutter? A plasma laser cutting machine will cost between $15,000 to over $250,000 at the initial purchase. Waterjet cutters are more expensive because they require more specialized materials. They range from $100,000 to around $400,000. On average, either machine will cost around $350k. Expensive industrial machines can exceed $1,000,000. On average, a laser cutter costs between $13 to $20 an hour to operate. Waterjet cutting systems run between $15 to $30 an hour to operate. Final Thoughts: At the end of the day, waterjet cutters cost up to five times more to operate than laser cutters. Waterjet cutters can cut thicker and more complex materials, but they are slower than laser cutters. So, when considering waterjet vs laser cutting, laser cutting will save you time and money. If you like this article on which is better, share it with your friends on social media. And check out the blog for more resources on hardware and gadgets. Thanks for reading! Read Also: How Portable Metrology Tools Are Making Manufacturers More Flexible

READ MOREDetails