Understanding the various IT services available for your small to medium-sized business can be overwhelming. Each business is unique and needs a tailored solution, especially when it comes to email hosting, mobile, and voice services. This blog delves into the practical day-to-day application management needed when running a small business.

Email Hosting Services

Email is a fundamental form of communication in the business world. While it may not directly deal with security, it plays a crucial role in both internal and external communication, posing many security risks. When choosing an email host, consider not only the brand but also the security features and additional tools it offers, such as calendars and task management.

Types of Email Hosting:

• Self-Hosted Email: This type of hosting requires your business to have its own servers. It offers more control over the service and its security but incurs additional costs for servers and system administrators. Self-hosted email can also make it more challenging to avoid being marked as spam.

• Shared Web and Email Hosting: This is when your email hosting is provided by your website hosting provider. Often, email hosting is added to the web hosting service for free, making it a cost-effective option.

• Third-Party Email Hosting: Usually available via subscription, third-party email hosting comes with more features, such as shared contacts, calendars, messaging, and even built-in video conferencing, compared to what you’d get from a web host provider.

Mobile Device Management

Mobile Device Management (MDM) services are crucial for implementing Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) policies. These services allow employees to work from home or out of the office, making them increasingly important in a remote working environment.

MDM ensures that all mobile devices accessing your network are secure and comply with company policies. This includes remote wiping of lost or stolen devices, managing apps, and securing data.

Unified Communications & Voice Over IP Services

Unified communications consolidate all business communications into one platform, facilitating seamless interaction across multiple channels. This service can be set up independently or managed by a Managed Service Provider (MSP).

Voice over IP (VoIP) replaces traditional telephone lines, allowing your business to make and receive calls over the Internet. VoIP services typically come as a subscription and are often bundled with other services like video conferencing and messaging. VoIP can significantly reduce costs and improve communication efficiency.

For more information on the benefits of VoIP, visit TechRadar’s guide to VoIP.

Help Desk

Help desk services provide support for the installation, setup, and ongoing maintenance or repair of your office tech equipment and appliances. Popular providers include Geek Squad and Support Ninja, but many MSPs — like our team here at Commprise — offer these services as well.

Get the Services Your SMB Actually Needs

Navigating IT services can be challenging for business owners. At Commprise, we provide comprehensive IT services in both CT and MA, including support for all the services mentioned above. With our tailored solutions, you won't pay for extras that you don't need but still get all of the high-caliber support that allows your business to grow and thrive.

To fully leverage the capabilities and efficiency needed for your company to succeed, consider partnering with a managed service provider. And if you already are, check out our discovery guide that will show you whether they're really doing a great job.

Take the first step towards optimized IT management. Get a free consultation with Commprise today.