3 Reasons Why IT Should Matter to Non-Profits

Nobody today is safe from a cyber-attack, not even the good-hearted non-profits like yours that want to make a difference. Unfortunately, cybercriminals are out there, and their tactics are only becoming more sophisticated as each second passes. Your organization’s data is like a gold mine to these hackers who will do anything to get their hands on it.

As an IT organization, we understand the fear that goes along with even mentioning the word IT. However, it’s something that needs to be discussed and something that needs to find its way into your budget plan.

Below are our three reasons why IT should matter to all non-profit organizations.

• Increased Efficiency

Non-profits can benefit significantly from technology that helps them to automate and streamline their operations. This, in turn, can help free up staff’s time, allowing them to focus on mission-critical activities, such as fundraising and community outreach. For example, implementing a Customer Relationship Management (CRM) System can help non-profits to manage donor relationships more effectively and even possibly help increase donations.

• Improved Communication

Technology can help non-profits to communicate more effectively with their constituents, including donors, volunteers, and community members. Social media, email marketing, and other digital communication channels can help non-profits stay at the forefront of members’ minds and engage with their supporters.

• Greater Impact

By leveraging their new technology to enhance their operations and communication, non-profits can ultimately increase their impact and achieve their mission more effectively. This can translate into greater social and environmental benefits for the communities they serve. For example, a non-profit that provides clean water to rural communities may use technology to monitor water quality and distribution more effectively, ultimately reaching more people and improving their health and well-being.

We understand change is difficult, but it’s also necessary. Technology has developed far beyond what it used to be for both the good and the bad. We feel all non-profits should be reaping the benefits of what IT can do for their organizations and communities. Cybersecurity aside, we have mentioned the many bonuses that come along with increased technology and believe that your non-profit should take the plunge.

Finding a trusted IT partner can be difficult; there’s no denying that. However, once you find the right one that fits your needs and your budget, you will breathe a sigh of relief at how easy it is to maintain your team’s mission and purpose.

Why IT Experience Matters

If you’re considering partnering with an MSP or are already working with one, you should know why IT experience matters most when it comes time to choose one. Below we will explain the importance of experience and what you should for when vetting your options.

The Importance of Experience

Experience is a crucial factor in determining a provider’s quality of service.

First, it helps you to gauge their level of proficiency. Second, previous experience, especially in dealing with various types of businesses and clients, offers insight into how an IT Service Provider or MSP will approach your partnership. Experience is the key to ensuring that your computers and other IT infrastructure function optimally and are protected from cyber threats.

With experience, MSPs know what works best for different businesses and can help you in selecting the right technology for your particular needs. However, it is also essential to keep in mind that MSPs are not infallible. No one can promise 100% uptime, nor can they guarantee that their clients will not experience any outages or service interruptions because they vary from one MSP to the next. In short, nothing is guaranteed. Even though your MSP can help you avoid many problems, plenty can still occur.

The First Rule of IT: Panic

Panic is the first act when an emergency occurs. This can affect your own staff, and IT staff may not be available at the time. Luckily, MSPs are prepared for any crisis. Most MSPs work with a standard response time of 30 minutes, which applies to a wide range of issues while some promise a faster 15-minute response time. When an MSP works with you, it is essential to understand their response time and the steps they take to resolve an issue. This can be crucial in determining the quality of service that clients receive.

When an emergency occurs, the first question that arises is what’s happening. The most typical answers we get are we just lost a cluster node (a part of the data center) or the main firewall blew up, knocking out thousands of customers.

In this situation, Richard Luna, CEO of Protected Harbor, recommends focusing on what’s working. In a crisis, this is the best thing to do; it will tell you what you can move to, what infrastructure can be used and what’s functional at this point.

Emergencies Occur, and They Can be Resolved

Experienced MSPs or IT Service Providers are successful if they have prepared for everything. They understand that emergencies can occur at any time and must be able to respond. Whether it’s a power surge, a flood in the building, a fire, or an earthquake, all of these disasters can cause severe damage to your IT infrastructure, which can impact your staff, your customers, and your business as a whole. All of these issues can be resolved, though, especially if you have an experienced and trustworthy MSP ready to respond.

Hiring an MSP is Not Always the Best Solution

When you’re in a hurry to get a new IT infrastructure, you may be tempted to hire an MSP on an “as needed” basis but you may end up paying more for the work performed and not getting everything you actually need in the long run. If you receive services from a third party, you don’t have much say in the configuration of your IT system. You cannot change your hardware or software whenever you need to also, you may not have access to all the necessary backups and other information you need for your business continuity plan. If you work with an MSP on an “as needed” basis, you do not have any guarantee that you will receive the same team in case of a problem or an emergency.

The Optimal Solution: Experienced People With A Plan

When working with an MSP, you should look for experienced people with a plan. The team should also have a proven track record of success when working with other clients in your industry. In short, you should look for MSPs with a proven track record. When you work with an MSP, you should be able to trust their team altogether while they should also be able to adapt to any changes and know how to solve problems as they arise. You should be able to work with an MSP without worrying about the issues that your IT infrastructure may face.

“The optimal solution in this situation is a blend.” Richard explains that in order to get the best, you will need to have the best of the minds, experienced people who have been through crises before and understand the long view of the technology, intermixed with fresh minds or a brand new staff will give a terrific blend of a solid, communicative, collaborative team.

This is an approach that we use internally at Protected Harbor.

Summing up

How you handle your business’s IT infrastructure can make or break your organization.

The best way to ensure that you have a strong IT foundation is to partner with an experienced MSP. When you choose an MSP with experience, you can be sure that your IT systems will run smoothly and efficiently. You can expect your systems to be managed appropriately, and they can also help you to use resources in your systems more efficiently. With an MSP, you can rest assured that your IT team will be ready to respond when an emergency occurs.

While most IT service providers or MSPs offer a one-size-fits-all approach, Protected Harbor has been set apart from the competition by its focus on providing an individually tailored experience to its clients. Whether it’s an enterprise company or a mid-sized business, you can expect to be treated as an individual.

If you’re looking for managed IT services for your company, you deserve more than a cookie-cutter solution. You deserve a trusted advisor who understands your business and technology challenges and works with you to create a solution that meets your unique needs.

Protected Harbor is not your typical MSP. We have the experience and focus on solving issues for our clients, not selling service plans. We work with you to build a relationship based on trust and transparency. We have a 95% client retention rate and an average of 15 minute ticket response times. Don’t just take our word for it; check our testimonials.

Contact us today to get a free IT Audit and experience for yourself why IT experience matters.