What is the biggest dilemma in network support?
Leaving all technical problems aside, there's a dilemma lurking
at the back of every IT manager's mind.
It's a dilemma about who to entrust with keeping the network
maintained and operational at all times. The manager knows that
avoiding downtime is crucial. However, from somewhere comes the
realisation that they'll also be charged with keeping down costs.
And so the question keeps coming up:
Can I do this myself?
Yes, it's quite possible that a multi-skilled IT manager can
handle a lot of the network support issues without creating a
panic.
This is particularly true if you have built the network
yourself. The understanding of the technology you have used is an
important part of knowing what to do next.
Your network may function perfectly for a while, during which
time it is easy to assume it is bulletproof. Keeping your
networking knowledge up to date may not feel like a priority at
this time. And hiring a network support engineer is the last thing
on your mind, while the costs are nice and low.
Meanwhile, though, outsourced network engineers are busy adding
to their knowledge and broadening their skill base, ensuring there
are no IT network issues they cannot address.
It's just that breadth of skills and trigger-ready know-how that
you may need to call on. Since IT network malfunctions can have
- a wide range of potential causes
- a far-reaching set of consequences,
it's often necessary to call in an outside network support
engineer and abandon the DIY principle.
Unfortunately for cost-conscious IT managers, the charges for
expert help in a network emergency often eclipse the savings made
by keeping the job in-house thus far!
Last word on doing it yourself?
One post on the Techrepublic forum asked for advice on building
and maintaining their own network. Here's the memorable,
tongue-in-cheek response of the moderator:
Das netvork is nicht fur gerfingerpoken und
mitten-graben. Is too easy schnappen der springenwerk und
blowenfusen und poppencorken mit spitzensparken. Ist nicht fur
gewerken by das dumkopfen oder das rubber necken sightseeren.
Keepen der hands in der pockets. Relaxen, hire das experten to
fixen, und watch all der blinkenlights.
Chorus IT has been providing network support in
Bristol for ten years, so we can provide an answer to this
dilemma. If you'd like to find out an approximate idea of charges,
please call our IT support sales team on 01275 398900.
