Corporate IT support – what does it include and what does it consist of?

IT support for companies has become fundamental to the smooth functioning of any modern organisation. From ensuring data security to optimising business processes, IT support plays a key role in the success of companies.

In this article you will learn:

• What is IT support for companies?
• What is included in company IT support?
• What are the costs of corporate IT support?
• What are the benefits of corporate IT support?

Business IT support – definition

Business IT support is a comprehensive service that provides information technology (IT) support to businesses. It usually covers a wide range of activities, from network infrastructure and hardware management to technical support and IT consultancy.

Business IT support is a comprehensive service that provides technology support, IT infrastructure management and data security for businesses.

Definition of corporate IT support

Its main objective is to ensure that all IT systems are running smoothly and efficiently, allowing businesses to focus on their core business. IT support can be provided either by internal departments or by external IT companies. Outsourcing IT support is often beneficial for smaller companies that do not have the resources to maintain their own department.

Scope of corporate IT services

The scope of corporate IT support includes a wide variety of services. Here are some of the most commonly offered:

• Analysis and reporting collection and analysis of IT performance data to optimise processes and increase operational efficiency.
• Continuous monitoring of the network to ensure its stability, performance and to react quickly to problems.
• Alignment with regulations and standards helps to ensure compliance with local and international IT regulations, such as GDPR or HIPAA.
• IT experts often help companies to plan and implement technology strategies, select appropriate solutions and optimise business processes with technology.
• Systems integration connecting different IT systems so that they work together seamlessly and efficiently.
• Assist in planning, coordinating and managing IT projects, from planning to implementation and evaluation.
• Assisting with risk management and implementing disaster recovery strategies and ensuring business continuity.
• Prevention and incident response means responding quickly to hardware failures, software bugs or cyber-attacks, and includes implementing preventative measures.
• Regular upgrades and replacements of computer and other IT equipment ensure that the company is using the most up-to-date and effective technology.
• Regular reviews of infrastructure and software to ensure the highest performance and efficiency.
• Creation, updating and management of software tailored to the company’s specific needs. Examples include, but are not limited to, business applications, CRM or ERP systems.
• Maintenance and optimisation of databases, ensuring their security and efficient operation includes performance management, data backup and recovery.
• Corporate IT support often includes providing training for employees on IT security, software and hardware operation.
• Technical support and helpdesk is nothing more than assistance in solving technical problems, both simple and more complex. Support can be remote or on-site. It often also includes assistance with day-to-day use of software and hardware.
• Support in data and systems migration, for example when changing software or moving to the cloud.
• IT security management focuses on protection against cyber threats, securing data and implementing security policies and emergency procedures.
• The management and integration of cloud-based solutions, such as data storage, application design and deployment or offering infrastructure as a service, is increasingly an important part of IT support for companies.
• IT infrastructure management and maintenance includes the management of servers, computer networks, peripherals and other hardware. This ensures that all elements of the infrastructure run smoothly and are properly secured.
• Software licence management means that all software used in the company is correctly licensed, helping to avoid legal issues and ensuring access to the latest updates and support.
• Mobile device management and technology support for remote workers.

The above services can be tailored to the specific needs and requirements of each company, depending on its size, industry and internal processes. They ensure that the technology the company uses is not only effective and up-to-date, but also secure and compliant with current standards and regulations.

Costs of company IT services

The first and most important factor affecting the cost of IT support for companies is the range of services needed. Companies requiring IT support that ranges from technical support and infrastructure management to advanced security services and software development will pay more than those that only need basic support.

Costs are also affected by the size and complexity of the IT infrastructure. Larger companies with extensive infrastructure and numerous teams will require more complex solutions and more resources, which translates into higher costs. The industry in which the company operates also affects the cost of IT support – companies in the financial or healthcare sector may require specialised, and therefore more expensive, security solutions.

It is also worth remembering that employing an in-house IT team can be costly due to salaries, training and other related expenses. Outsourcing, on the other hand, can offer flexibility and scalability, but prices often depend on the contract and level of support. They are also determined by the level of customisation and specialisation also affects the price – standard solutions are cheaper.

The location of the company also matters – IT support costs in large cities or regions with high living standards can be higher than in other locations. The size of the company is also important – in the case of small companies, costs can be a few thousand PLN per month, while large corporations can spend hundreds of thousands per month.

Benefits of corporate IT support

Professional IT support ensures that all IT systems and processes run smoothly and guarantees the security of data and systems. In an age of increasing cyber threats, specialist IT support protects against data loss, hacking attacks and other forms of cybercrime, which is essential in protecting sensitive information and maintaining customer trust.

IT support for businesses also gives you access to the latest technology and industry best practice – suppliers often offer cutting-edge solutions and can help you implement them, which is important in keeping your business competitive. It is also worth remembering that IT support allows problems to be identified and resolved quickly, which not only improves operational efficiency, but also the customer experience.

Outsourcing IT services, on the other hand, can bring financial benefits – instead of investing in an in-house IT infrastructure and team, you can reduce costs by using external providers. Not only does this allow for better control of expenditure, it also provides better business scalability – companies can flexibly adapt their IT needs to changing requirements.