Companies often rely on IT support specialists to solve technical problems, including those relating to computer hardware, software or cloud platforms. Business processes depend significantly on technology, but evolving technologies are susceptible to bugs and other problems. From site downtime to outdated software, an IT support specialist can help businesses maintain modern, well-functioning computer systems.
What Is An IT Support Specialist?
IT support specialists cater to the technical needs of businesses. These professionals are responsible for the implementation, maintenance and monitoring of IT systems. This may involve a wide range of functions, such as IT audits, web administration, and security, and information assurance. IT support specialists often provide round-the-clock IT assistance to ensure that businesses rarely experience downtime. A specialist may also continually update systems with the latest components and the newest software and hardware. IT specialists also oversee the backing up of important data, securing databases, and other important maintenance tasks.
Roles & Responsibilities Of A Specialist
IT support specialists have many responsibilities that aim to help a company’s technological equipment run smoothly. An IT support specialist provides assistance and maintenance for computer systems and may install, configure, and update hardware and software. Some of the other functions that IT support specialists perform include:
Ongoing Testing Of Software & Hardware
Having access to the right business software and hardware is critical as these computer components affect production quantity and quality. Working with faulty software or hardware can also cause disruptions in business operations and result in an overall delay in work output. Ongoing testing of software and hardware by an experienced IT support specialist can help prevent these types of disruptions and enable employees to be more efficient. Continuous testing of computer components can also help catch problems before they turn into more catastrophic and costly computer failures.
Expert Education To Staff & Clients
Staff and clients tend to get used to working with the same computer system after a while. If there is a change in a computer system, such as new hardware or software, it could cause confusion. Without proper training on how to use the updated system, staff could experience a loss in productivity and businesses could lose clients. An IT support specialist can provide expert education to both staff and clients to help ensure that everyone understands the various functionalities of the computer system. Staff and clients can also turn to IT support specialists to ask questions or get feedback about a particular feature or function.
Timely Problem Troubleshooting
Problems are common in the IT industry as no form of technology is flawless. Troubleshooting is a systemic approach to problem-solving that is often offered by IT support specialists as a way to correct issues with electronics, custom software systems, computers, and other complex machines. An IT support specialist can provide businesses with timely problems troubleshooting to prevent disruptions to business operations and to allow employees to continue working productivity. The troubleshooting process generally involves the gathering of relevant information to better understand the problem and trying different strategies to resolve the issue.
Installing & Configuring New Technology
IT support specialists play many roles, including the installation and configuring of new computer systems and applications within a company. When computer systems and apps become outdated, they may start experiencing problems that could ultimately affect productivity. Installing and configuring new technology allows businesses to maintain a competitive edge while retaining the resources needed to deliver optimal products or services. An IT support specialist can also provide businesses with ongoing updates to keep the new technology operating properly.
Routine Security Checks
Nearly $600 billion is lost to cybercrime each year, according to the Center for Strategic & International Studies. The larger the business, the more likely it is to experience an attack. However, small- and mid-sized businesses are also at risk for data breaches, malware attacks, and similar cybercrime. Many businesses choose to work with an IT support specialist to minimize the likelihood and impact of a security breach. IT support specialists can run routine security checks to identify possible gaps in security and to deter cybercrime before they occur. An IT support specialist can also help deal with technology breaches when they do occur so that the problem is resolved as quickly as possible with a minimal amount of damage.
Learn More About Managed IT Services With SeaGlass
IT support specialists play a critical role in helping businesses remain productive and efficient. When problems arise with hardware, software or other computer components, having an IT support specialist available to assist can help minimize downtime and reduce revenue loss. Building a relationship with the right IT support specialist also makes all the difference. For more information about what an IT support specialist does or to inquire about managed IT services, reach out to the IT experts at SeaGlass Technology.