In today's face-paced and ever-changing business environment, having someone that looks after your IT is crucial. For many businesses, this task falls onto the shoulders of an IT manager, but with a drastic increase in employment costs and revolutions in cloud technology, is this still the case?
Through this blog, we take a look at what traits are needed to be an effective IT manager, why good managers are harder to come by than ever, and the cost-effective and reliable solution that is changing the way businesses manage their IT, for the better.
Things You Look For in an IT Manager
Technical Expertise:
One of the most important qualities of a good IT manager is technical expertise. They should have a strong understanding of the technology and systems that are being used within the organisation as well as the latest trends and developments in the industry. This means staying up to date with new technologies, software and hardware, and being able to quickly learn and adapt to changes in the technological landscape.
Communication skills:
Effective communication is another important skill that a good IT manager should possess. they should be able to communicate technical information in an easy and non-technical way for staff that are less technically adept. They should also be able to effectively communicate with technical staff and vendors and be able to manage expectations and negotiate contracts using their expertise and experience.
Communication is important for every member of staff but for IT managers this is essential. Being able to communicate complex ideas in an easily understandable way for non-technical staff is imperative.
Leadership and Calculated Decision:
A good It manager should be able to lead and propose ideas and solutions to help their team and company reach their goals. This means setting clear objectivates and expectations, providing feedback and guidance, and fostering a collaborative and supportive work environment.
Strategic Thinking:
A good IT manager should be able to think strategically and align IT initiatives with the overall goals of the business. This means understanding the business strategy and objectives and identifying opportunities for technology to support and enhance these goals. They should also be able to prioritize projects, allocate resources effectively, and make data-driven decisions.
Communication:
Ensuring the security of the organization's data and system is another critical responsibility of an IT manager. They should be able to identify and manage risks, implement appropriate security measures, and ensure compliance with industry regulations and standards. This includes conducting regular security audits, monitoring system access and activity and implementing disaster.
Communication is important for any member of your team but even more so for an IT manager, being able to effectively and clearly communicate Complex IT ideas to non-technical staff will be essential.
Strategic Thinking:
A good IT manager should be able to think strategically and align IT initiatives with the overall goals of the business. This means understanding the business strategy and objectives and identifying opportunities for technology to support and enhance these goals.
An Effective Alternative to IT Management
Traditionally, businesses have relied on hiring an IT manager to handle their technology needs. While this approach can work, it's not always the best option. Having just one or a few people managing your IT can create several problems. They may not be able to solve multiple problems at once, or their time may be taken up with tedious tasks, leaving little time for more important projects.
This is where partnering with a managed service provider (MSP) comes in. By partnering with an MSP, you get everything you need to manage your IT with complete flexibility.
Here are some of the benefits of working with an MSP:
Projects and Goals:
An MSP can help you achieve your technology goals by providing expertise and resources for specific projects. Whether you need to upgrade your network infrastructure, migrate to the cloud, or implement new software, an MSP can help you get it done on time and within budget.
Help Desk:
An MSP provides a help desk to support your employees when they need assistance. This means that they can get help with IT issues quickly and efficiently, allowing them to stay productive.
Expertise:
An MSP provides a team of experts with a wide range of skills and knowledge. This means you get access to various expertise, including cybersecurity, network engineering, cloud computing, and more.
Flexibility:
An MSP provides flexible support options that can be tailored to your specific needs. Whether you need 24/7 support or occasional assistance, an MSP can provide the level of support that works best for you.
Predictable Costs:
An MSP provides predictable costs for IT support, which means that you can budget for IT expenses without worrying about unexpected costs. This allows you to focus on growing your business instead of worrying about IT expenses.
IT Head and MSP:
An IT head and an MSP can work together to provide the best of both worlds. The IT head offers the overview and strategic direction, while the MSP handles the day-to-day tasks and technical support. This creates a partnership that ensures your IT environment is well-managed and meets your business needs.
Make IT Management Easy
Having someone to look after your IT is essential in today's digital age. However, relying on just one or a few people to manage your IT can create problems. Partnering with an MSP provides you with everything you need to manage your IT with complete flexibility. By providing expertise, a help desk, flexible support options, predictable costs, and more, an MSP can help your already in-house IT team or completely manage your business's IT needs.
Take the first step towards a simpler IT solution. Get in touch with one of our experienced consultants on 0330 002 0045 or email enquiries@entrustit.co.uk.