Managed Services vs. In-House IT Staff

Most businesses, small and large, rely on computers to help accomplish their organizational goals. Often, those computers which are supposed to make you more productive can lead to even more frustrations than you can imagine. Your computer is moving slower than ever. Your computer freezes more than it runs. You keep getting these viruses etc. This leads you to the conclusion that you need help! What do you do?

Should you hire a person to be your in-house IT help or should you hire a provider to handle your managed services? Check out the benefits of using a managed services provider.

What is Managed Services?

Managed services is a service that an information technology (IT) service provider that manages and assumes responsibility for providing IT services to its clients. Managed services providers (MSP) are responsible for monitoring, managing and problem resolution for your computer systems and functions.

Some responsibilities of a managed services provider are server installation and more, data backup and recovery, data security, malware/anti-virus protection and much more. MSPs act as your own IT department, taking care of routine and non-routine computer monitoring and management.

Why do you need Managed Services?

Many companies wrestle with the idea of outsourcing their IT systems to an MSP or to hire their own internal IT person. At first glance, having an internal IT person would seem to be an easy choice. However, it can end up costing much more than hiring an MSP to handle your managed services.

Let's take a look at some costs for hiring and managing your own IT staff. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), in 2014 a Computer Systems Analyst in South Carolina on average makes $70,000 a year. A Network & Computer Systems Administrator in SC makes on average $68,500 a year. A Computer Network Supporter in SC makes on average $57,000 a year. In total, according to the BLS, the average wage for a Computer or IT professional in the state of South Carolina is $66,500 a year. Even if your company does not need multiple IT staff, the yearly costs are high for just one employee. Then you add to that equation payroll taxes and benefits. Even more, you will be faced with the challenges of scheduling around vacations, training, illness and other leave's and absences. Then you need to take into consideration the cost of equipment, training, and other supplies and expenses that can add up.

With a managed services provider you take all of that out of the equation. You don't have to worry about salary, payroll taxes, health and paid time off benefits, training and other hidden expenses. Those concerns and worries are gone.

Let's also consider that you may be a small operation without a need for even one full-time IT person and you also have a little bit of computer knowledge. Are you really maximizing your time if you are having to worry about computer maintenance and care? Are you really taking serious the potential risks of not monitoring your computer systems? Having a managed services provider for a small business provides you with more confidence in your computer systems and frees up your time to focus more on running your business.

What to look for in a Managed Services Provider?

So, you've decided to use an MSP. What now? What do you need to consider when choosing an MSP? Finding the right fit with an IT firm is crucial to your business. You don't want to choose one and have even more headaches because they weren't the right fit for your business. Here is a helpful list to consider when looking for an MSP:

• Do they follow industry standard practices? Are their technicians certified in the services they provide?
• Do they have experience serving other clients in your industry or same business size?
• Do they have enough resources to serve you effectively and timely?
• What are their normal business hours? Are they available outside of business hours? Can you contact them 24/7 in an emergency?
• Do they properly document their work?
• Do you trust them?
• Can you understand them?

Why Seras is the best choice.

Not only does Seras check off all of the boxes on that list, but we go far above and beyond that list. With all of our staff, you will find a commitment to customer satisfaction far above anyone else. We put a priority on our customer relationships. When we first meet with a prospective customer we don't try and sell you on our service. We actually will ask you questions about what your business goals are. We ask about what your needs are as it relates to your computer systems. We look at the customer first. We aren't going to sell you on a service that you won't need. We look to you and we look to how we can meet your needs and help you to reach your goals. Your business' success is our priority! We also offer flexible pricing options which fit your budget and speak in plain English! We don't talk over your head. We want you to understand what we can offer to help you succeed.

If you are interested in how you can benefit strategically, financially, and technologically by working with an MSP to handle your managed services, click here or contact Seras today at 803.233.9216!

Overpowered Offices: Computer Overkill

"Do I need the $25,000 server or the $2,000 server?  What about my network components - should I spend $15,000 for routers, firewalls, and remote access or will $1,000 suffice to meet my needs?  Do I really need to spend $2,000 for a computer?"

In today's fast-paced and technologically-advanced marketplace, most people are over-whelmed when it comes to understanding their office's technological needs.  The moment eventually comes when decision-makers must place their trust in an IT professional to provide solutions to their computer and technology needs.

The problem arises with the typical background and experience found in an IT professional: many are extremely intelligent, experienced, and dedicated when it comes to technology, BUT are very limited when it comes to evaluating business goals, needs, and objectives.  For example, Seras meets with small businesses (5-10 employees) every day that are not using any extensive software programs, do not currently need or have plans in the future to need secure remote access, and use only a small amount of data on a shared-file system.  The cost of technology found in their office is staggering: expensive multi-rack servers with layered intrusion security and terabytes of unsused storage space.  All of this with no back-up or recovery system in place!

"What do I do to ensure that I only get what I need?"

Seras recommends taking the time to familiarize yourself with exactly what is being proposed and why.  Get at least three written proposals and ask for references before spending valuable time and money on a new relationship with a computer service provider.  At a minimum, each aspect of proposed change should be questioned and evaluated based soley on the current and future needs of the organization - aside from budget, security, and culture concerns.

Click here for more information about our services or here to contact us today!

Are Your Computer Systems a part of your Business Plans?

 

It is just about two weeks into the new year. Companies are focusing on their business plans for sustaining and growing their business this new year. What are the goals that your company is trying to hit this year? Generate new sources of revenue? Increase brand awareness? Improve customer service? Reduce operational costs? What actionable steps are you taking to ensure that these goals are met? Have you reviewed your business plan lately? What can you do to help your company grow and sustain that growth? Are your computer systems an integral part of your business plans?

These are all questions that many business owners and managers think about on a frequent basis. Seras would like to encourage you to think deeply about how your business operates. Are you doing all it takes to make sure your company is running as smooth and efficient as possible? What are often overlooked operational aspects of your business that need to be performing at a high level to help your business grow?

Your computer systems are one of those operational aspects that many businesses often overlook or don't place an appropriate amount of value on it's importance to the business' growth. You understand that technology is a necessary tool that can grant your business competitive advantages and increased production. But, you don’t have the time or expertise to keep your IT investment running at top efficiency.  Are you properly evaluating the importance of your computer systems to your business?

At Seras we can help you cut and control costs and increase your confidence in your computer system, computer security and backup systems. Seras' trained experts can help you in many areas such as: hardware and software component repairs and upgrades, network configuration and support services, antivirus/malware protection, wire management and cabling, cloud services and data backup services for any sized business.

Seras offers the services you need to help grow your company in this new year. We are locally owned and operated with 24 hour access to management. We offer flexible payment and service plans and we promise to communicate with you in plain English. We want your business to not only succeed in 2016, but flourish and grow! Call us today! 803.233.9216

Customer Spotlight: Northeast Dermatology

Seras is excited to announce its one-year anniversary of partnering with Northeast Dermatology for computer and IT support services.  Northeast Dermatology is "Your Neighborhood Skincare Specialist", providing medical services, cosmetology services, and a variety of specialized products to meet your dermatology needs.  Dr. Lee Carson opened the practice 9 years ago and has continued to grow and thrive by providing the highest quality treatments and patient support available.

Dr. Carson has studied at The University of South Carolina, Clemson University, The University of South Carolina School of Medicine, and Wright State University School of Medicine where she performed her Residency.  She holds B.S., Ph.D., M.A.T., and M.D. degrees.  Dr. Carson's husband Steve is her practice manager and a joy to work with.  The two of them make a great team.  The Carsons have huge hearts, spending most of their time with their four children, along with mission trips to Nicaragua, volunteering at Columbia Free Clinic, and helping with Skin Cancer Prevention / Lecture Series.  For more information about the practice or to contact Northeast Dermatology for an appointment, check out their website: www.northeastderm.com.

Northeast Dermatology became a customer when Seras was asked to begin supporting the practice one year ago based on the need for a local computer and IT service provider that could provide fast and efficient support and communicate effectively with all departments in the practice.  Since then, the firm has a new-found confidence in their virus and malware protection, data backup and recovery, information security, and general continuity of operations.  Seras has "remodeled" their secure server room, adjusted network components for speed and accessibility, enhanced security aspects of remote access procedures, and provided "peace-of-mind" protection through on-going security monitoring.  Seras looks forward to another great year with Northeast Dermatology.

Click here for more information about how to enjoy the many benefits of working with Seras.

Document Scanning Services | Meet the Team

Seras is excited to announce the addition of six new partners to its document scanning team. Ryan Vincent joined Seras this fall and assumed the role of service manager for our document scanning services.

He was previously with The McKay Firm - Mckay, Cauthen, Settana & Stubley, PA.  Ryan was in an administrative role there that included facilities management, personnel management, and records management.  His unique skills in these areas make him a perfect fit for managing Seras' document scanning projects from start to finish.  Ryan has already started establishing value-added relationships with existing customers and has also helped the sales team with business development strategies.

Seras wouldn't be able to provide the highest quality service to all of our customers without our excellent service team.  Ryan coordinates staffing for all of our projects - working with Debbie Hurt, Cameron Bowers, Brianna Lockaby, Amanda Sippel, and Pam Younts.  Debbie has extensive experience in administrative organization and brings great energy to the team.  Cameron, Brianna, and Amanda are students at USC and are very proficient with the various processes within the office.  Pam's attention to detail, based on a career in accounting and tax management services, provides great value to our quality department.

Seras is growing fast and always looking for professional, pro-active individuals that appreciate an organized work environment that promotes professional development.  Click here for more information about our document scanning services.

Customer Spotlight: Clarkson Law Firm

Seras is excited to announce a new relationship with Clarkson Law Firm.  Clarkson Law Firm, LLC, located in Columbia, SC, focuses on consumer debt collections in South Carolina.  It is a highly-trained debt collection law firm employing skilled and quality employees.  The firm handles files from the pre-suit status, throughout litigation, and during post-judgement activities.  Clarkson Law Firm covers secured and unsecured credit transactions, including revolving credit accounts, installment loans, student loans, lease agreements, medical bills, first and second notes and mortgages, replevins or claim and delivery, and commercial collection accounts.  They are a member of American Lawyers Quarterly (ALQ) and the National Association of Retail Collection Attorneys (NARCA). Their friendly staff offers personal service to all clients and consumers in an effort to reach the most amicable of resolutions. Clarkson Law Firm focuses on ensuring satisfaction and creating and maintaining long-lasting relationships with their clients. They also strive to treat all consumers honestly, fairly, and respectfully. Clarkson Law Firm is also very strict on compliance with state and federal laws including the FDCPA and information security requirements.

Wylie W. Clarkson received a B.S. in Business Administration from the University of South Carolina in 2006, and a Juris Doctor from the Charleston School of Law in 2009. While in law school, he was a member of the Charleston Law Review, and his Law Review article was published by the journal. He also interned for Judge Robert Carr, U.S. Magistrate Court, while in law school. He is a member of the South Carolina Bar and the Richland County Bar Association. He is admitted to practice in the South Carolina Courts and the U.S. District Court of South Carolina as well as U.S. Bankruptcy courts in South Carolina.

Seras helps to keep Clarkson Law Firm up and running securely by providing fast, professional solutions to any computer and IT problems that arise within the firm.  Recently, the firm decided to enhance efficiency and security through our document scanning services, converting their hard-copy records into a digital format - not to mention the huge savings in paying for storage space for the many boxes of files that were kept on site.  Seras is handling all aspects of the project including transport and delivery, prepping and organization, scanning, and quality control.

For more information about Clarkson Law Firm, contact Wylie Clarkson or visit www.clarksonlawllc.com.  If you'd like to see if Seras can provide similar benefits to your organization, complete our contact form here or call us at 803-233-9216.