Prior to obtaining the managed service approach with PCM, we were already using PCM as our IT support on an as-needed basis. The biggest benefit of moving to managed services is my increased productivity. Before we started using the managed services, because I was one of the more tech-savvy individuals in the office, IT support would fall to me. It seemed that I was constantly being interrupted to assist in a various staff technology issues. I would spend the time and sometimes could solve the issue, but when we could not, we would eventually call PCM to solve it for us.

Now, when an issue comes up, we have already paid for the solution, so the staff directly creates a ticket to have the issue looked at, and it is solved without my interaction. I find out about it when I review the monthly invoice. In addition to that benefit, I can control and budget my monthly IT service costs. While I have seen cheaper options, the price of PCM’s services are at least partially due to the number and expertise of their technicians. When we have a need, it is addressed very quickly. In the case of an emergency, I have experienced immediate service and good work-around solutions in the interim to ensure we can continue to function.

On-going monitoring of our IT, provides me, as the principal, with an added level of security. Because of the monitored service that we have signed up for, our desktops, remote laptops, and server are automatically updated with the latest security patches. This is done late at night and the results are monitored by PCM to ensure that they are fully implemented. As we are only as secure as our weakest point, it is good to know that we have no weak points in our network.

PCM is also extremely knowledgeable at protecting us from external threats from viruses, spam, and cyber-attacks. Our entire office is now using the same virus protection system. As such, our server, the individual computers, and client data is as protected as it can be from exterior threats. PCM has also ensured that our router is secured to prevent data breaches and that we have a dual backup system so that we can recover in that unlikely event. The result is that my business is protected in the event of a catastrophic loss of system. I also have the added security that my business could be fully up and running within 24 hours in the event of a physical location loss.

That kind of security is something that makes my monthly tech expense simply a cost of running a successful and protected business.