There are times when it’s obvious you need help with
networking from an experienced Phoenix area IT team. When you’re staring at a
pile of hardware that’s covered in water and giving off smoke, for instance.
Or, when you try to load up your computers and see nothing but error screens.
However, when it comes to network maintenance and security,
there are also more subtle indications you could use professional technical
assistance. Sometimes, these little signals are clues that bigger (and more
expensive) network problems are on the way. In other cases, they could simply
be slowing you down and causing endless aggravation.
Either way, you don’t want to ignore serious network issues.
They may get better on their own for a little while, but you’ll almost always
end up with bigger headaches – not to mention IT repair bills – at a later
date.
To help you understand why, let’s look at five clear signs that
it’s time to call us for help with IT networking…
#1 Your Network Goes
Down for No Identifiable Reason
If your network is unreliable, going off-line at irregular
times and for no identifiable reason, it’s important to figure out what’s
causing the issue. That’s because whatever problem you may have, it’s likely to
become more prevalent the longer you wait.
Generally speaking, when a network isn’t as stable as it
should be, it’s because there are hardware problems or conflicts in the
configuration. In other words, you have a piece of equipment that is wearing
out, or multiple devices or apps that don’t work together the way they are
supposed to.
That might not seem particularly dire, but consider what
happens when equipment fails altogether and causes more serious failures or
data loss. Imagine that suddenly you can’t process credit card transactions,
access account information, or save files you need to complete your projects.
Why face that kind of situation when you can see it coming ahead of time?
#2 Your Network
Performance is Slow at Times
A network that runs slowly from time to time might not seem
like a big concern. After all, as long as it isn’t always happening, and
performance turns back to normal, do you really need to worry about something
that’s a minor inconvenience?
You probably should, if you want to get the most from your
technology. Slow networks can be a sign that some of your hardware is on the
verge of failing. Or, it could simply indicate that you have bottlenecks that
are holding up the flow of data during peak periods of usage. It might even be
a sign of compatibility problems between newer and older devices or software
packages.
None of these common IT issues should cause you too much
stress on their own, but they can lead to larger difficulties. For instance, if
your network is too slow, it might prevent backups from occurring normally. Or,
you could find that software updates can’t run the way they should, leaving you
with security issues.
As a rule of thumb, it isn’t difficult to repair a slow or
lagging network. Put it off for too long, though, and you might end up with a
bigger issue than the one you started with.
#3 You Aren’t Sure if
Your Network is Being Backed Up
No matter how big or small your organization might be, and
what kind of hardware software you’re running, regular data backups are crucial
to your long term profitability. That’s because you’ll eventually run into a
situation where your primary storage devices fail.
A lot of business owners and executives fail to understand
just how common it is to lose access to important data when it matters most.
Something as simple as an electrical surge, hard drive failure, or an improper
setting in the wrong place can all lead to years and years worth of files
disappearing within moments. When that happens, you’re going to want the data
you’ve been sending back and forth through your network to be accessible as
quickly as possible.
If you aren’t sure where your data is being backed up, how
often those backups are being run, or whether that backup data itself is being
secured, now is the time to get the answers you need. Even a network that’s
functioning perfectly at the moment can experience problems. That’s just a fact
of life in the digital age. Whether such an event causes minor hiccups or major
problems for your business will largely be dependent on what you have stored in
the event of an emergency.
#4 Network Security
Feels Like a Bit of a Mystery
It almost goes without saying that network security has
become a top priority for businesses of all sizes in the past few years. For
every high-profile hack and cybercrime that has made the news – and there have
been dozens – there are dozens of other smaller companies affected by online
theft and malware.
In the same way that locks, alarms, and cameras can help
keep a retail business safe from shoplifters and break-ins, basic networking
security protocols can prevent unauthorized third parties from snooping in on
your files and communications. If you don’t have the right tools and procedures
in place, though, you’re practically inviting thieves to see what they can
steal.
A good IT team will ensure your network is as safe and
secure as it can be. However, if you haven’t had a professional looking after
your systems in the past, now might be a good time to ensure you aren't an easy
target for hackers.
#5 You’re Opening a
New Location and Want to Install Networking Equipment
Expanding your business is a sign of prosperity, not IT
problems. But, it can also present some logistical headaches. Do you need to
buy new networking equipment? Is what is available on the market compatible
with your existing hardware and software? Are you sure your new network will be
reliable, and connect seamlessly between offices or locations?
Your IT partner can help you make sense of all of these
questions. That’s because a technical team that knows your business can help
you choose the right hardware at an affordable price, set it up correctly, and
test it for both performance and security. In other words, they can ensure you
are ready to step in and get to work from the first minute your new office or
location opens.
We deal with bad network configurations every week. Usually,
they come about because a company was in a hurry to get things set up and
didn’t do enough planning. That leads to persistent (and expensive) networking
problems that go on and on for months and years. Do yourself a favor and hire
an experienced IT partner who can set your systems up correctly the first time.
Networking and IT
Support Done Right
Most networking issues, if they are caught early enough, are
easy enough to fix. That’s because a team of trained technicians can identify
simple issues with routers, servers, and backup media pretty quickly.
Additionally, these kinds of components are generally inexpensive to repair or
replace.
On the other hand, once you get into a situation where your
network is failing, the costs can spiral out of control quickly. If you’re
dealing with issues like malware or corrupted data, the problem can spread from
one drive or device to another. And of course, it’s worth pointing out that you
and your team aren’t being as productive as you could be when you can't
communicate with customers and each other.
Consider these details together and it’s easy to see why
networking problems should be dealt with sooner rather than later. Luckily, we
have a team of trained, experienced, and inexpensive technicians that can get
you back online and working quickly. So, if you’ve noticed one of these five
signs affecting your network, contact Kinetik IT in Phoenix today so we can get
to work for you!