Three Main Aspects of IT Support
IT Support refers to a point of contact (either internal or external) who is able to be contacted when problems arise. There are three main aspects of IT Support: Technical support which deals with computer hardware and software; Support Services which provide IT Solutions to businesses and organizations; and Customer Service which is basically online customer support for IT Services. The customer support approach aims to provide assistance to the business. A few well known IT Support solutions include Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCE), CompTIA Server+, Cisco Certified Technology Specialist (CCT), Sun Certified IT Security Associate (SITA), and McAfee Certified Information Technology Specialist (CITAS). These are some of the most common IT Support roles in the market today.
Hardware issues are one of the major concerns IT Support professionals are confronted with on a regular basis. It includes antivirus software, networking devices, security hardware, memory, hard drives, data cables, printers, keyboards, monitors, processors, wireless cards, audio/video devices, and other peripheral electronics. When an IT Hardware part breaks down, or becomes defective, a call is made to an IT support company (usually an independent consultant) who would be hired to fix, maintain or replace it according to the agreed upon contract period.
Call center support When a business requires expert tech support at any stage of its operation, it usually calls a tech support center for services. Level I and II call center support is standard practice and is provided by computer hardware and software companies. When calling at level III support level, a computer is tested for system compatibility and security. After testing is complete, a customized solution is created according to the specifications of the client.
What Are The Basic Network Technologies
Maintenance and repairs are included in the service package. Businesses may also hire a desktop support technician to perform PC maintenance tasks such as installing antivirus software, defragmenting disc contents, setting disk permissions, and running disk diagnostic tools. A good technician would also be capable of installing antivirus, anti spyware applications, and anti malware applications. Network installation is also an important IT support function. Computer network technologies such as cable, router, firewall, and IP telephony are among the basic network technologies that need to be installed and configured. Installation of data backup software and servers is also included in the IT support package.
Data center maintenance is a separate function that is required only by large organizations with multiple departments that need access to the same server. This IT support service is usually performed by a professional computer network maintenance technicians who have years of experience and qualifications in providing managed maintenance services. Maintenance technicians help technicians in installing, repairing, upgrading, and maintaining all types of computers network related equipment such as servers, switches, routers, hubs, and access servers. IT support technicians are also required to install new hardware for new or upgraded data centers. For companies who aim at reducing capital expenses, they may hire a third party logistics support firm for hardware maintenance.
Computer security maintenance is another service that can be outsourced to the outside support company. Many companies that aim at improving their IT infrastructure make use of third-party security maintenance firms for their onsite computer security maintenance tasks such as updating firewall algorithms, antivirus definitions, patching, and server defragmenting. IT support company may also install and configure intrusion detection systems for controlling security threats to the onsite data centers from the Internet and internal networks.
What Is Involved in Maintaining Enterprise Servers
Enterprise server maintenance is one of the major IT support functions. This service plan involves the continuous monitoring of the overall computer network performance. It includes the deployment of patches, server checks, service packs, and application updates according to the specific needs of the company. These services are normally done on an annual basis and the exact costs of this service varies with the size and complexity of the company’s IT system. Major components of the enterprise server maintenance include the following:
The three major components of computer maintenance included in the support company package include the following: hardware monitoring, physical checks, and software testing. IT support company uses four different ways to test and monitor the hardware and systems of your business. The monitoring technique involves testing for faults that might occur in the hardware. The physical check involves testing the operational capability of servers and other IT equipment. Software testing involves detecting the presence and non-existence of software bugs in the servers and other IT equipment. Lastly, the third technique which is called the break-fix method is used to find out the problems that could arise from the miscommunication of the communication links between the servers and the other IT equipment.
