by nsgadmin | Nov 24, 2014 | News and Updates
Business owners scrambling to keep up with rapidly changing technological demands may be weary of hearing about the importance of partnering with a network services company.
With that in mind, Network Services Group (NSG) understands it is also important to explain why reliable data services for businesses are necessary for success. Many technology trends cannot be ignored:
- While the phrase “paradigm shift” sometimes is used inaccurately, in terms of technology services it is not. The convergence of mobile devices, social business apps, and business analytics with cloud technology is indeed changing the game. Some compare these technological advances to the Internet revolution in terms of economic impact. Businesses must adapt to these changes – and they need reliable service providers to remain competitive.
- About 35 percent of SMBs (small and medium-sized businesses) use outsourced IT services, allowing them to take full advantage of new technologies. Enhanced mobility, productivity, collaboration, and information analysis will see that trend continue. IT budgets are increasing along with demand for mobile devices, BYOD, cloud applications, and big data. With reliable data services for businesses, companies can focus on what they do – and leave technical aspects to the experts.
- The use of cloud services, particularly among SMBs, also is increasing. This growing demand is attributed to the appeal of highly capable technology, now available without requiring in-house resources or costly upfront expenses. While smaller businesses largely adopted cloud applications first, midsized businesses are following suit.
Trending Tech Tidbits:
- Of technology services provided worldwide, SMBs purchase 44 percent (approximately $874 billion in 2012).
- The average SMB technology budget was $192,000 in the first half of 2013, a 19-percent increase from 2012’s second half.
- With 61 percent of SMBs using cloud services, an estimated 18 to 41 percent of technology budgets were spent on them last year.
- On average, SMBs operate more than four cloud applications and plan to add more.
With more than a quarter century in the business, we have a proven track record among thousands of business clients in Arkansas. Call 501-758-6058, or contact NSG online for additional information.
by nsgadmin | Oct 22, 2014 | News and Updates
Despite research proving quality business network services produce results like increased efficiency and higher profits, many continue to delay much-needed system upgrades. Often included in these upgrades is the addition or enhancement of backup and disaster recovery – an even higher-stakes gamble.
Many SMBs (small and medium-sized businesses) refrain from exploring their IT options in an effort to prevent a sunk cost. But the attempt to save often ends up becoming a self-defeating effort, as many don’t realize the financial benefits of partnering with a professional, modern business network services company. This is particularly true when it comes to data backup and recovery, which are included in most data network services.
Perhaps you’ve become numb to the horror stories about data loss and its potential effects on businesses. But consider these compelling (and recent) statistics:
- 90 percent of businesses that lose data as a result of a disaster close up shop within two years.
- Companies without a disaster recovery plan have a survival rate of less than 10.2 percent.
- Less than half (44 percent) recover data successfully after losing it.
- 53 percent of businesses never make up losses from a disaster.
A recent survey of SMBs shows the most common culprit of disasters (nearly half the time) is a power outage. Other causes include accidental deletion, employee mistakes, virus/malware, and application failure.
Now that we have illustrated why it’s so important, let’s get to those financial benefits we mentioned:
- Implementing a streamlined IT plan eliminates waste from unnecessary applications, features, etc. With a solid plan, you always know what your IT is doing – and where your money is going.
- IT inevitably will continue to play an integral role in the framework of successful SMBs, making that efficiency more important than ever.
- Modern IT companies like Network Services Group (NSG) make it possible to institute disaster recovery plans that may cost less per user than older technology without disaster recovery support. Implementing such a plan can reduce IT costs by up to 35 percent.
Call NSG at 501-758-6058, or click here for more information.
by nsgadmin | Oct 14, 2014 | News and Updates
While most business owners have at least heard of virtual phone systems, some have yet to explore this option when performing telephone equipment and networking upgrades. Network Services Group (NSG) believes part of this apprehension likely stems from a simple lack of knowledge about how these systems, referred to as virtual PBX (private branch exchange), will affect day-to-day operations.
First, we’ll offer a brief explanation of what virtual PBX is and how it works:
- A hosted PBX is a different type of switchboard system used for a business’ telephone service.
- Some use on-premise PBX systems, although this option continues to head toward obsoletion, largely because businesses have to manage and maintain them.
- A hosted PBX system is based on cloud data storage. In other words, employees access a virtual PBX using the internet.
Now, here are some of the benefits your business could realize with a virtual phone system:
- Hosted virtual PBX systems are managed and maintained by a VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) service provider.
- Experienced companies will negotiate with these providers on your behalf, ensuring you always get the most for your dollar out of this rapidly changing technology. (NSG works with 35 telecommunications providers.) This is just one way in which these systems can save your business money.
- Virtual PBX, or cloud PBX, doesn’t require business owners to invest in hardware.
- Not only do they free your employees from managing a hardware PBX system, your business receives all the advanced features of a comprehensive business VoIP service, many of which aren’t available with traditional systems.
- You’ll have all these calling options and other benefits at a more affordable cost than your traditional PBX system. Using VoIP services with a cloud PBX can save your business up to 70 percent on your monthly telephone bill.
If you’re ready to make a change, don’t settle for anything less than the most professional, experienced, and cost-effective solutions for your telephone equipment and networking needs. Call us today at 501-758-6058, or contact NSG here for more information.
by nsgadmin | Sep 22, 2014 | News and Updates
We’ve all been there. Few things are more terrifying than a computer crash during an important project – particularly when that crash could cost your business substantially due to downtime, data loss, and other headaches.
Enter Network Services Group (NSG), an expert in network management services, among others. Our experienced team has worked in – and evolved with – the industry since our founding in 1989, now serving thousands throughout Arkansas.
While some problems are best left to IT pros, we’d like to share a few common crash culprits and how you and your employees can prevent them:
- Most people realize by now that you simply cannot work online without a quality anti-virus program, which should include an anti-spyware feature. Spyware can install harmful malware as you work online.
- Do not open suspicious emails – particularly attachments from unknown senders – or visit questionable websites. These actions make your computer more vulnerable to infection.
- Scheduling regular defragmentation and hard disk clean-up helps your computer operate more seamlessly, as will a frequent systems check. And keeping your system updated improves security.
- Check your applications to be sure you aren’t running too many programs for your system to handle, which can cause a crash.
- Keep your computer clean and well-ventilated, with enough space to allow proper air circulation. Avoid overheating, particularly if working on a laptop. Many devices contain fans to cool systems while in use.
You’ll love having NSG as your partner, particularly as it relates to handling – and preventing – crises:
- Our support techs respond to hundreds of after-hour requests each year – and they do it within a half hour. Others sometimes claim to provide 24/7 support but don’t deliver, a problem you’ll never experience with us.
- NSG is flexible in the techniques we use to address IT problems, as we are trained in the most advanced methods for solving any issue.
- Hands down, we provide the best backup and disaster recovery planning and administration.
Set your mind at ease – partner with the best in Little Rock network services. Call 501-758-6058, or contact us here for more information.
by nsgadmin | Sep 19, 2014 | News and Updates
We’ve discussed how reliable managed network services for business provide an essential building block. We’ve also offered tips on choosing an effective IT partner.
Network Services Group (NSG) now would like to emphasize how much a professional tech team impacts your bottom line.
The bottom line is that network uptime is essential for profitability. The less time spent wasted on tech problems, largely due to many IT companies’ antiquated break-fix approach, the more time spent getting the job done – whatever yours happens to be.
Part of our commitment to providing reliable and professional services entails making sure our team knows the ins and outs of the ever-changing managed IT services industry. We make sure your business has the most advanced technology and customized solutions to successfully accomplish your goals.
We’ve compiled yet another list outlining more attributes of quality network services for business:
- A proactive approach is a primary characteristic of any quality IT company. By adhering to this philosophy, companies like NSG are able to significantly reduce downtime, while increasing productivity.
- The right partner also allows you to reign in your tech budget by replacing billable hours (a classic break-fix approach) with a more predictable, monthly flat fee.
- While we’ve mentioned this before, it can’t be stressed enough that having reliable managed IT services allows you and your employees to spend more time on what you should be doing – your jobs. Many small- to medium-sized businesses can’t afford to have an IT person on staff. So employees end up taking on responsibilities that divert from primary duties.
- In addition to avoiding that hourly service fee to get your network back online, working with a good tech company will save you from losing money on payroll employees who can’t work and clients who cannot connect with you during downtime.
NSG has been in the business long enough to know what works and what doesn’t. We’d like to share that knowledge to help your company succeed.
Click here for more on our managed IT services plans. Call 501-758-6058 today, or contact us here.
