Have you tried turning it off and on again? Or so the catch-all response to any IT mishap goes.

In 2024, technology is a more sophisticated beast than that of twenty years ago, and its users are increasingly capable. The challenges facing customers have long surpassed a simple reboot, and with that, the old notion of the IT help desk is fading fast.

IT teams are highly skilled and hold the power to foster or hinder business growth. It is essential that skills are enhanced, development is enabled, and teams are inspired to do more.

Inspiring the upskilling and development of any individual requires the opportunity to take on new challenges, without blockers such as maintaining a secure critical infrastructure getting in the way. It means investing in the right areas, and not sinking valuable cash, time and resources into talented IT pros who quickly become a flight risk.

While the specific IT challenges facing your business will be just that, unique to you, there are common threats that all IT teams should be sinking their teeth into to enhance your business’s overall security posture, as well as their own skills.

What are the top IT challenges in 2024?

Embracing digital transformation

Bringing new technology into the business can feel like an unnecessary expense. After all, why disrupt the ecosystem when everything is working perfectly well as it is?

Unfortunately, the philosophy doesn’t hold when it comes to harnessing advances in technology. Instead, we must always seek to improve to thrive and avoid being left behind. Or worse, face the risks posed by neglected legacy technology becoming a serious threat to your business, and customers, later down the line.

While many IT teams are committed to delivering transformation, supporting end users holds back progress. It is essential to enable your IT team to thoroughly research and implement new technology that can enhance the day-to-day efficacy of your business. Freeing up their time by outsourcing tasks such as end-user support ensures you are maximising the investment in great people.

Keep it secret, keep it safe

Cyber threats will continue to increase in scale and sophistication. It’s vital that businesses implement the appropriate safeguarding measures to effectively secure their data.

Data and compliance requirements vary from business to business, depending on the industry. Getting to grips with and maintaining data compliance is no easy feat, and tasks can quickly fall through the cracks if responsibility is spread too widely, amongst too many people, and communication allowed to falter.

For example, organisations that are ISO27001 compliant may still find their efforts are thwarted by internal teams bypassing essential processes. If a familiar voice pops up on a call, what is the likelihood of a rigorous authentication process vs. skipping to supporting the user’s problem?

Do you have the right skills in-house?

Whether your business is small or large, it is likely that you are experiencing varying degrees of difficulty in the acquisition and retention of highly skilled IT professionals.

IT is a broad discipline, and the chances are that larger organisations will require more specialised roles, that are inevitably harder and more expensive to fill. Businesses are often faced with a choice; upskill current employees or outsource specific roles and responsibilities.

Driving value with end-user support

So how do we get from A to B? How do we make the transition from an IT team hemmed in by mundane tasks, to one that can concentrate on rewarding work that enhances job satisfaction?

Step 1. Remove the mundane tasks

Find a reliable, trusted IT partner that will take look after the IT functions that stand in the way of real progress:

• Password resets and troubleshooting
• User education on basic applications e.g. Microsoft Office
• End-user hardware management
• Employee onboarding and offboarding

Step 2. Get into the mind of your end user

Consider your end user’s needs, and the support that must be made available to them. From security essentials to operational support, find an IT partner that is focused on safeguarding a robust technology environment.

Your IT partner should deliver:

1. Secure, remote service based on Microsoft 365 or desktop visualisation tools with anti-virus
2. Single, auto-deployed desktop environment, including up to five changes per month
3. Management of Microsoft 365 services/tenant, including file share permissions
4. Support and management of network infrastructure
5. General day-to-day end-user support
6. Desktop/laptop hardware provisions, replacement and co-ordination of repair under manufacturer’s warranty (excluding hardware repair)
7. Access control including starters/leavers/movers and password reset
8. Quarterly strategic reviews with a trusted, strategic point of contact

Step 3. Driving business growth, starts with your IT team

Streamline your organisation’s IT requirements in one simple move, with outsourced end-user support.

Choosing to outsource your IT function can seem like a challenging task, but with the right IT partner you can begin to prioritise the areas where you need the most support, and free up your team to focus on what matters.

Reboot your business with End-User Support

Whether it’s support with your day-to-day IT operations, management of cloud infrastructure or providing your team with a flexible and secure digital workplace, LIMA offers a range of strategic IT services that support your team to optimise and grow your business.

Your IT team can help you achieve your greatest ambitions. Start your journey to your optimal IT strategy today with LIMA call us 0345 345 1110, or contact us at enquiries@lima.co.uk to find out more about End-User Support from a dedicated IT partner.