The terms ‘managed IT support’ and ‘professional services’ are not new. But with IT requirements growing in complexity, so many organisations still don’t know the difference, or understand what either scope of work entails. To help you make informed decisions to efficiently manage your IT resources, let’s demystify these frequently misunderstood terms, together…

Once upon a time, internal IT departments were almost solely responsible for maintaining hardware and software systems within a business. That meant configuring and updating applications, troubleshooting devices, supporting wider teams with technical difficulties, protecting local files, and so on. In other words, minimising downtime and keeping performance in check.

But a lot has changed over the years. Security concerns are growing at pace, workforces are becoming geographically disparate, and tech estates are more complex than ever. More recently, budgets have come into sharper focus too. Today’s IT professional therefore occupies a much more expansive role. As such, organisations are increasingly leaning on external expertise to help ease the load (and the headache!) — from managing routine helpdesk support tickets to implementing robust security measures, facilitating tech stack relocations, offering end-to-end consultancy services, and more.

The challenge is, how do firms know which kind of support they really need? Of course, jargon doesn't make the decision any easier. Managed IT support and professional services are two of the most talked about topics in the IT space right now. They're also two of the most frequently confused. So, what’s the real difference? And which one could help take your business to new heights? 

What is managed IT support?

With this service model, companies partner with specialised providers to oversee and maintain their IT infrastructure. This may include remote monitoring and maintenance of the IT estate, incident response support and disaster recovery, technical assistance and troubleshooting, to name just some examples.

As well as helping to reduce costs, offloading technical duties in this way can help free internal resources for more revenue-generating tasks. In turn, this could have a crucial impact on customer service quality, employee productivity, stakeholder relationships, and more. Plus, the holistic approach helps streamline operations and maximise efficiency too. 

There’s also much to be said about the level of expertise and experience available with a specialised managed service provider (MSP). Working day in, day out with varied threats is a holy grail for managing cybersecurity threats, and exposure to a variety of challenges means they’ve probably ‘been there, done that’ many a time. Therefore, downtime should always be minimum.

What are professional services?

This refers to a category of specialised, knowledge-based services provided by experts in various fields — including consulting and project management, data and analytics, disaster recovery and business continuity, cloud services, compliance and regulatory assistance, software development, and so much more.

Unlike managed IT support, it typically involves a more granular, in-depth analysis of a firms’ needs. Once a provider has a true grasp on the requirements, they’ll then formulate and implement a strategic roadmap to help navigate a specific challenge or capitalise on a unique opportunity. Think of a healthcare provider that wants to modernise its IT systems to improve security and meet regulatory requirements, for example.

Generally speaking, professional services are usually more project based, whereas MSPs can feel like more of an extension of your internal teams.

How do you know which option is right for your business?

Both services can deliver significant value to your business, but it’s important to consider which might fit the needs of your organisation best. While an MSP will oversee day-to-day operations and manage their own scope of work under a service level agreement (SLA), a professional services provider tends to undertake a specific project, to a set deadline, and empower your internal team to carry it forward. They won’t generally be involved in upkeep or management thereafter.

Of course, the choice between managed IT support and professional services doesn’t need to be an either-or decision. They can work in tandem to meet your business’ needs effectively. The key lies in assessing your current IT capabilities and resources and identifying specific challenges and opportunities. Recognising when to leverage professional services for specialised projects or improvements can pave the way for a seamless transition into managed IT services when necessary.

How do you choose the right technology partner?

Choosing the right managed IT support or professional services provider hinges on many factors. But here at Central, we’re big believers in true tech-agnosticism. Solutions should always be tailored to your firms’ specific needs, rather than selected for tech brand loyalty. Don’t be sold any old piece of kit, if it’s not going to add real value to your business.

A human-centric approach is equally important. Your chosen partner should craft personalised solutions that make you feel like your goals and objectives have been heard. To make an informed choice, evaluate their expertise, case studies and client testimonials, service level agreements (SLAs), and willingness to foster ongoing collaboration. This ensures alignment with your organisation's goals and adaptability to evolving technology needs.

Whether you’re seeking managed IT support of professional services, you’ll always be more than a ticket to us here at Central. As a family-owned business, we have the resources and flexibility to keep it personal too. 

Keen to see how we can take your IT strategy to new heights? Get in touch, and let’s get that no-obligations chat booked in.

Firewalls and encryptions were once the epitome of cybersecurity resilience. But the growing sophistication of attacks means traditional methods will no longer suffice — particularly for the UK’s housing associations, which are responsible for an ever-increasing volume of sensitive tenant data. Sharing why an active, proactive strategy beats reactive every time, our operations director John Blackburn explores the holy grail of cyber crisis simulation…

There are a number of pressures adding to housing associations’ plates right now. Plates that are already spinning at 100 miles per hour.

As well as resourcing constraints and stretched budgets, to name just a few challenges, organisations are plagued by the possibility of falling victim to a cybersecurity breach. Not only more frequent than ever, these threats are becoming more nuanced too. And the sector’s close proximity to government and public sector organisations makes them an even more attractive target too. So what can be done to mitigate the risks?

Today, it’s all about delving deeper than defence. Unless you’re a seasoned cybersecurity professional, working closely with variations of attacks on a daily basis, getting ahead of the curve and knowing which systems threat actors will target next can be difficult. 

And with human error posting more risk than ever right now, factors beyond technical vulnerabilities should play a key role in boosting resilience. According to researchers from Stanford University and cybersecurity firm Tessian, approximately 88% of all data breaches occur at the hands of an employee mistake. 

What is cyber crisis simulation and how can it help?

Proactive penetration testing methods certainly have their place — pinpointing weaknesses in a company’s IT estate that could be exploited elsewhere. But they not only fail to account for human error, they also only provide a snapshot of cybersecurity defences at the exact time the exercise was conducted. 

Here’s why cyber crisis simulation is better:

1. By mimicking the high-pressure scenarios that unfold during a cybersecurity attack or data breach, cyber crisis simulation gears teams up with the insight, experience, and confidence to tackle a real threat head-on. It’s not about policing employees, but empowering them.

2. It’s truly adaptable. Housing associations can tailor these methods to suit their unique applications and potential threats, and assess their readiness to respond to specific, high-risk situations. 

3. Teams can subsequently evaluate their performance, identify weaknesses, and refine their response plans accordingly. Implementing this feedback loop is essential in helping firms continually improve their cybersecurity posture as circumstances change, and better equipping them to protect their digital assets 

4. In transforming cybersecurity from a passive, reactive discipline into an active, proactive strategy, housing associations can ensure the safety and security of their tenants, while upholding their reputation as trusted community pillars.

Keen to simulate a cyberattack of your own? Get in touch, and we’ll help you formulate a robust strategy. 

In today's fast-paced digital landscape, SMEs are confronted with a critical decision: should they entrust their data to the public cloud or navigate their course towards the private realm? It's a choice that could make or break any organisations' digital journey. But with cloud environments growing in complexity, it’s a decision that demands careful consideration, as well as a keen understanding of both present and future business needs.

What you need to know about public cloud

Public cloud services are like the bustling markets of the digital world. They offer a plethora of resources and services on a pay-as-you-go basis. Need more storage? No problem. Want to scale up your computing power? Done. Public cloud providers like Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud Platform (GCP) have become household names for a reason.

The benefits:

• Cost efficiency: With the public cloud, SMEs avoid hefty upfront hardware costs and the maintenance nightmare that accompanies it. This flexibility means you pay for what you use, making it a boon for cost-conscious startups.

• Scalability: SMEs no longer need a crystal ball to predict future growth, because public clouds can scale resources up or down based on demand. This flexibility gives organisations a convenient, agile, and fast way to handle traffic fluctuations and storage requirements.

• Global accessibility: In a digital world, distance is a mere number. Public clouds let you reach customers, partners, and employees around the globe and empowers everyone, everywhere, to achieve more.

The drawbacks (and how to remedy them):

• Sharing is caring (maybe too much): While public clouds are secure, sharing infrastructure with others can raise concerns about data privacy and compliance. Imagine sharing an office with other businesses, for example – you trust the landlord, but you can't vouch for your neighbours.

Implementing robust encryption, strict access controls, and thorough auditing mechanisms are some of the key ways to overcome this challenge.

• Performance hiccups: Cloud-hosted apps rely on the internet for user connections, causing more latency than on local networks. This can be even more significant for users who are geographically distant from the data centre where the cloud apps are hosted.

Remedies such as edge computing and multi-cloud setups minimise latency by locating servers strategically and distributing workloads across nearby data centres. Upgrading network paths and devices is also vital for efficient data migration or backup operations.

What you need to know about private cloud

Built and managed solely for your organisation, private cloud architectures provide a dedicated and secure infrastructure that caters specifically to your business’ needs.

The benefits:

• Fort Knox security: If your business handles sensitive data like financial or medical records, a private cloud can provide an extra layer of protection. You control the security protocols, and your data doesn't rub elbows with anyone else's.

• Predictable performance: With a private cloud, you don't have to worry about sudden dips in performance. Your resources are reserved for your use alone, with resource allocation fully optimised, ensuring consistent and reliable connectivity.

• Full compliance: SMEs in industries with strict regulations (such as healthcare, education and finance) often find solace in private clouds. You get to navigate the labyrinth of compliance without sharing your compass with outsiders.

The drawbacks (and how to remedy them):

• Cost: Building and maintaining a private cloud requires a significant investment. Servers, network gear, and the expertise to manage it all swell already stretched IT budgets.

To remedy the challenges of cost associated with building and maintaining a private cloud, organisations can consider implementing a phased approach, starting with a hybrid cloud model that integrates existing infrastructure with cloud services, gradually transitioning to a fully private setup. Additionally, outsourcing certain management tasks to specialised cloud service providers  can reduce the need for extensive in-house expertise and upfront capital expenditure.

• The (Im)mobility dilemma: Remember the global accessibility perk of public clouds? Private clouds can't offer that level of reach. If your business wants to tap into international markets, you might need a workaround.

Addressing the (Im)mobility dilemma of private clouds, companies can establish secure and efficient remote access solutions, such as using Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) or deploying edge computing nodes strategically in various regions — enabling improved performance and accessibility for international users while maintaining data security and compliance.

So, which cloud  solution steals the march?

In the public versus private cloud face-off, there's no one-size-fits-all answer. The choice boils down to your company’s unique needs, priorities, and financials. SMEs with lean budgets and dynamic growth patterns might find solace in the agility and scalability of the public cloud. On the other hand, those who handle sensitive data and prioritise security might lean towards the controlled environment of a private cloud.

Remember, there's no shame in mixing and matching solutions either. The hybrid cloud approach lets you cherry-pick the best of both worlds.

As you embark on your cloud journey, keep in mind that the cloud you choose isn't just about technology – it's about the foundation on which your digital dreams are built. So, make sure you choose a reliable provider like Central to take care of the groundwork. Get in touch, and we’d be happy to walk through your requirements together.

Here at Central, we have over 30 years’ experience within the tech industry. We’re passionate about IT and doing a great job for our customers, and we pride ourselves on being a trusted partner that organisations know they can rely on – no matter the time of day, or level of support required.

Our mission is to put IT at the heart of business – ensuring only the right strategic solutions are implemented. And this is something we achieve by working with our network of best-in-class partners.

That’s why, in our partner-led blog series, we’re shining a spotlight on the innovative companies we work with – exploring what they do, how they work with Central, and their top tips and advice related to their specialist field.

Next up, it’s Jonathan Burgoyne, senior account director and EMEA team lead at Darktrace…

1.  Tell us a bit about your organisation: 

Founded by mathematicians and cyber defence experts in 2013, Darktrace is a global leader in cybersecurity AI, delivering complete AI-powered solutions in its mission to free the world of cyber disruption. ~8,800+ customers of all sizes trust Darktrace’s technology to mitigate risk from the world’s most complex threats — including ransomware, cloud, and Software as a Service (SaaS) attacks.

2. And if you had to sum up your expertise in three words, what would they be?

Self-learning AI.

3. Describe your relationship with Central? 

We support Central and their customers when questions arise such as:

• “We have lean resource in our team, with only a few IT people/one security person/no security specialists.. So how can we proactively monitor our hybrid estate 24/7, to mitigate the risk of anything being missed if it gets through our perimeter?
• “What about 24/7 Response — how can we plug that gap? If ransomware/data loss/an account compromise starts happening, there’s nobody there to pick that up.”
• “We’ve seen an uptick in sophisticated emails bypassing our filter and reaching users’ inboxes (some of which they click on). What additional layer can we add to reduce this happening, especially instances of social engineering, Zero-Days and supply chain compromise.”
• “How can we be more proactively preventative in our efforts, or heal quickly when it comes to incident response and preparation?”

4. And how long have you worked together?

Central and Darktrace have been in partnership for three years (about a third of the time that Darktrace has existed). 

5. What is the cyber AI loop  and why is it important for organisations?

By leveraging self-learning AI that learns ‘you’ and your business ‘on the job’ without human resources to configure a virtuous cycle of continuous improvement and adaptive cybersecurity, organisations can stay ahead of the curve.

6. Share a top tip on how companies can make their cyber security strategy more robust:

People. Process. Technology.

It's not enough to just buy state-of-the-art tools or solutions. You need the right people with the right skills and well-defined processes to make sure these tools actually work and keep your company safe from cyber threats.

Best practice is to team up with vendors who can provide different functions, so there's no redundancy. This way, you're covering more bases and making it harder for attackers. It's like building layers of defence to protect your company's valuable information.

7. Describe what it’s like working with Central in one sentence:

An absolute pleasure. It’s awesome when a partner really ‘gets’ the mission and understands what customers are aiming to achieve, and they place trust in us by leveraging our solutions.

8. What are the biggest cyber security challenges facing businesses over the next 12 months?

Over the next year, organisation will continue to grapple with escalating MFA attacks, persistent 'hacktivism,' growing instances of crypto-jacking, increasingly sophisticated ransomware threats, and an imperative for proactive security measures to safeguard against these evolving cyber risks.

My colleague and Darktrace’s head of threat analysis, Toby Lewis, recently wrote an article that details more of our 2023 cyber security predictions. You can find it here, if you’re interested in reading more.

10.   And how has the cyber threat landscape evolved over the years?

It’s evolved in two key ways:

1. The ‘good folks’ have more to look after. There are more ‘ways in and out’ now than there was historically, with the proliferation of cloud, SaaS, endpoint and hybrid environments. It means IT and security teams have more to protect with (typically) the same or less resource to do so.
2. The ‘bad folks’ are getting better at what they do. Increasingly, they’re able to leverage AI and effective techniques at scale to exploit zero day vulnerabilities, social engineering and cause more damage — which can drive higher ROI for malicious activity.

11. Finally, what should organisations’ biggest priority be when investing in cyber security solutions? 

Ensuring your tech stack doesn’t overlap in the approach each solution takes towards cyber security and mitigating risk for your business.

If there’s a bunch of perimeter tools that focus on what perpetrators have done before and what they might do next (rules, signatures, training data-based technologies), then that will absolutely take care of a majority of the risk.

But it does leave a gap for businesses when management asks ”‘okay, but what if something (like ransomware) does get through these defences? How will we know it is happening? How will we respond to contain it, especially since the team can’t work 24/7?”

That’s where it becomes important to have something, like a Darktrace solution, that aims for the same end-goal — minimising cyber risk — from an opposite direction.

If you possess a solution that concentrates on understanding the typical behaviour of legitimate users within your organisation, then any unusual activity that strays from this established norm, regardless of where it occurs within your combination of on-premises and cloud systems, will trigger a system that is simultaneously attentive to both favourable (normal operations for your business) and unfavourable (recognised attack patterns) actions. This layered approach aims to provide a more thorough and comprehensive defence strategy.

If you have any questions about any of the content covered above, please do get in touch. And for more news and updates, be sure to follow Central on Twitter and LinkedIn.

With a modernised IT provision, and new offices, the charity can take the first steps towards an even brighter future.

The community we have created here at Central over the last 30 years is the beating heart of our business, and we wouldn’t have been able to provide a valued service that clients can rely on without it. With that in mind, we’ve been keen to spotlight our behind-the-scenes team as much as possible this year — from events attendance and goings-on at HQ, to demonstrated expertise, personal achievements outside of work, and more.

If you caught our first instalment of the series, you’ll know we had a very busy and fulfilling start to the year. And with plenty of events and client-related activity spanning the spring season, it’s been an equally pacey second quarter too! Here are some of the highlights…

Success in business is not just about technology and innovation. Crucially, it’s about building strong, honest relationships to — and the best way to build a fruitful partnership is by taking the time to connect on a personal level. That’s why our team was so pleased to join Jonathan Daniels at First Garden Cities Homes for tea last month.

This client's server cabinet was a tangled mess of cables and old, outdated hardware — difficult to navigate, and troubleshooting was a nightmare. After some much needed decommissioning and re-organisation by Andrew Walker, our technical engineer, the cabinet now looks much sleeker, and operations are far more streamlined too. Excellent work, Andrew!

It was a pleasure to be involved in the annual DTX 360 expo at Manchester Central earlier this month. With an expert speaker line-up delving into all-things IT strategy and innovation, and a host of like-minded professionals to knowledge-share with, it was great to hear about the exciting technologies and methodologies shaking up the industry.

…Plus, this clone trooper knows the ultimate 'force' in a tech event is a well-timed 'firewall' shot!

We had a wheel-y good weekend earlier this month, coming together for our latest team building exercise at our local go-karting haunt. The competition was fierce and the overalls even fiercer, but it was a well deserved win for our technical architect Jordan Gallier in the end, who dominated the leaderboard.

Following closely behind Jordan on the podium was finance and business manager Darren Crompton, with technical engineer Tom Lindley in third. Excellent effort, Central team!

That’s all for Q2! We’ll be back with more of this in September, to share what the Central team gets up to over the coming months. If you’re keen to see more in the meantime, don’t forget to follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter.

A robust and comprehensive cloud platform, Microsoft Azure has emerged as a leading choice for some of the globe’s most ambitious organisations. But with many firms lacking the expertise or internal resources to manage it, the infrastructure risks rapidly becoming a burden to already-stretched IT budgets. So, how can SMEs navigate this growing challenge?

Mike Dunleavy, client director at Central Networks, shares some actionable insights to prevent cloud costs from spiralling out of control — helping you optimise your tech estate and maximise the value of your investment — as well as guidance on the role a trusted managed service provider (MSP) can play in eliminating the headache…

Naturally, as usage and demand of Microsoft Azure increases, particularly as the solution matures, companies have seen their cloud estates evolve significantly. This is, for the most part, a good thing — offering great scope for scaling as requirements change, increased data security and compliance in a time where cyber attacks are at their pique, and reliable disaster recovery protocols to help keep applications running, amongst other advantages.

The challenge comes when organisations overlook resource ‘rightsizing’, and over-provision their teams with technology that’s no longer fit for purpose, unused, or completely idle — incurring unnecessary costs that could be deployed elsewhere, through complete lack of visibility and monitoring. Additionally, the absence of a well-defined cost optimisation strategy and lack of employee awareness can also contribute to unchecked spending.

Here’s a jargon-free run-down of the ways you can tackle the challenge:

Embrace Azure cost management and billing tools

To gain better visibility and control over your cloud spending, take advantage of the robust cost management and billing tools provided by Microsoft Azure. These tools offer features like cost tracking, budget alerts, and recommendations for optimising resource usage. By monitoring your spending and setting budget thresholds, you can proactively identify any potential spikes and take necessary actions to keep your expenses in check.

Leverage resource sizing and scaling

One of the key advantages of cloud computing is the ability to scale resources up or down based on demand. Properly sizing your Azure resources ensures you are only paying for what you need. Regularly analyse your resource utilisation patterns and adjust the sizing accordingly. Utilise features like Azure Auto Scaling to intuitively adjust resource capacity based on predefined conditions, ensuring optimal performance while minimising costs during periods of low demand.

Implement cost-effective storage strategies

Storage costs can quickly accumulate if not managed efficiently. That’s why assessing your requirements and classifying data based on its access frequency is key. Utilise Azure's storage tiers — such as hot, cool, and archive — to store information cost-effectively, while ensuring it remains accessible when needed. Implementing a data lifecycle management policy also enables you to automatically transition between storage tiers based on defined rules — optimising costs by keeping frequently accessed data in high-performance storage, and moving less frequently accessed information to lower-cost options.

Utilise Azure Reserved Instances 

If you have long-term resource requirements, Azure Reserved Instances (RIs) can help you save significantly on compute costs. This is because they provide discounted pricing for virtual machines and databases when you commit to a specific term. By strategically planning your resource needs and leveraging RIs, you can unlock substantial savings compared to pay-as-you-go pricing. And in today’s uncertain economic climate, where keeping a laser-sharp focus on costs is crucial, every penny truly counts. 

Continuous monitoring and optimisation 

Cost optimisation isn’t a one-time solution. Instead, it requires regular monitoring of Azure resource usage, performance metrics, and cost patterns to identify areas for improvement. Leverage Azure Advisor's recommendations and other cost optimisation tools to implement best practices and eliminate wasteful spending. Engage with your development and operations teams to foster a culture of ultimate cost awareness and accountability — encouraging them to make budget-conscious decisions when provisioning and managing resources in the cloud.

Lean on outsourced IT specialists for support

The complexity of the cloud can make cost optimisation feel like a time-intensive and headache-inducing process — particularly for enterprises without a designated IT division internally. Specialised MSPs can prove to be an invaluable extension of your team here.

Bringing rich expertise and industry experience, outsourced technical partners can assess your cloud infrastructure and identify areas where cost-saving measures can be implemented, without compromising service delivery. This includes rightsizing virtual machines, scaling resources based on demand, and leveraging RIs for long-term savings. By implementing cost management tools to monitor and track usage patterns, identify cost anomalies, and provide actionable insights for optimisation, they can also implement tagging strategies to allocate costs accurately and enable department-level visibility.

Taking a proactive and holistic approach to managing your future cloud costs in Azure, MSPs can also regularly review and optimise subscriptions, eliminate unused resources, and adjust configurations to align with evolving business needs. It’s all about striking the right balance between performance and cost efficiency in your Azure cloud deployments.

Of course, these services come at a cost, but the benefits of investing in a trusted specialist truly outweigh the ramifications of hiking tech stack costs that often fly under the radar.

Keen to continue the conversation? Get in touch, to see how Central can help your organisation manage spiralling cloud costs and get maximum ROI from Microsoft Azure. 

With over 30 years’ experience in sectors spanning social housing and charity, to manufacturing and education, you’re in safe hands with us.

The community we have created here at Central over the last 30 years is the beating heart of our business, and we wouldn’t have been able to provide a valued service that clients can rely on without it. With that in mind, we’ve been keen to spotlight our behind-the-scenes team as much as possible this year — from events attendance and goings-on at HQ, to demonstrated expertise, personal achievements outside of work, and more.

It has certainly been a busy start to the year too! So, let’s see what they’ve been up to, in our first quarterly round-up…

Here, business development executive, Harley Mycock, joins cyber security specialist VIPRE’s partners-only event in Manchester. We’re always striving for continuous improvement in our relationships — and this was an excellent opportunity to develop trust, transparency, and disseminate knowledge with other like-minded professionals.

Did you know, January 31^st is National Gorilla Suit Day? Clearly, John Blackburn, our operations director, was the only one who got the memo!

We couldn’t deliver our exemplary levels of service without the expertise of our team, as well as their ceaseless drive to learn and grow. A big shout out to our technical architect, Jordan Gallier, for putting his IPAF training to use recently — as he installed a new switch to help manufacturer Aflex Hose with its digitisation project.

Here’s a look at Central’s refurbished breakout room, fitted with brand new furniture and a games console. The significance of an area for colleagues to relax and socialise is emphasised in studies examining energy levels at work. It’s important for us to have a space for our team to rebuild their energy, in order to increase engagement, boost performance, and maximise productivity. From the looks of it, finance and business manager, Darren Crompton, and sales apprentice, Joe Mulkeen, are happy about the new digs!

Earlier this month, it was great to see our client director, Mike Dunleavy, catch up with our long-time client in social housing, Lee Walsh from Bron Afron. These relationships are sustained in and out of house, through engaging and honest communication and collaboration — which has allowed us to make positive differences to people’s lives over our last three decades of operation.

Congratulations to Darren for his hard work and dedication in receiving an Advanced Driving accreditation from the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA)! We are endlessly proud of our team’s  ability to achieve success both inside and outside of work. Anyone fancy a spin?

Well, there goes Q1! Don’t forget to check back in June, to see what else the Central team has been up to. In the meantime, why not follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter to catch more of the latest?

Housing association, Eastlight Community Homes, enhances internal and external communications with a unified communications system.

Recently in Housing Executive our operations director John Blackburn outlined some of the biggest IT challenges facing the social housing sector and the role that outsourcing could play in resolving them.

When it comes to IT provision, housing associations (HAs) aren’t known for their big budgets, and there is increasing pressure to streamline systems and demonstrate greater return on investment. However, privy to large amounts of sensitive data, they still need access to high-quality, robust tech support.

Achieving budgetary and operational efficiency

Managing a range of complex, integrated systems and portals is no easy task for social housing IT professionals. And with an increasing number of daily help desk tickets being raised — comprising login queries, authentication issues, antivirus questions, and more — everything can rapidly feel like a competing priority.

Enlisting the help of an experienced IT partner — whether for help desk requests and security, or larger technology integration and transition projects — can bring significant financial and operational benefits.

Offering the ability to scale up or down as required, it means housing associations have the support they need, and only pay for what they require at that moment in time – with the guarantee that the resource will be readily available.

It is commonly misconceived that outsourcing IT replaces in-house teams. The reality is the two can, and should, complement and enhance one another. With external assistance, internal teams can afford the time and headspace to focus on the core business applications and tactical future of the HA’s tech stack, without getting engrossed in help desk issues.

Overcoming recruitment challenges

The shortage of high-level talent within IT teams and beyond is a growing concern for social housing organisations across the UK. Not having the right personnel in place can greatly impede growth, stifle efficiencies and productivity, and result in spiralling recruitment fees. And this will remain a reality if a solution is not found.

To help avoid skills shortages within technology departments, outsourced teams could hold the answer – whether temporarily or permanently.

As experienced specialists who are highly skilled in their role, they can be engaged at short notice to bring an immediate solution to an urgent project need. Furthermore, outsourced teams regularly work across a spectrum of clients and industries, which means they can use knowledge and learnings from other projects to help quickly solve persistent issues. 

Ensuring a strong security posture

The dramatic shift to more flexible, hybrid, and digitally focused ways of working means that effective cyber security strategies are essential — enabling full visibility over software and hardware updates, antivirus technology, firewalls, Virtual Private Networks (VPNs), and more. But it also affords more secure access control – ensuring only authorised personnel within the organisation can gain entry to sensitive data.

Specialist outsourced IT support can also work with housing associations to improve the performance of virtual and physical servers, including when they should be backed up and at what frequency — whilst also devising a robust recovery plan. This details the steps to be taken to regain access and functionality to IT infrastructure — following events such as natural disasters, cyber-attacks, or business disruptions. For example, in the case of a hacking attempt, what data protection measures will the recovery team have in place to respond?

By having processes and procedures for a disaster recovery plan set up, and regularly testing and optimising security and data protection strategies, social housing providers can successfully navigate such challenges.

Obtaining peace of mind

Against the current backdrop of IT-resource challenges and economic uncertainty, having the flexible, specialist support of outsourced IT can not only alleviate some of the burden but boost efficiency too – providing housing associations with the peace of mind that their IT infrastructure is fit for purpose both in the present and for the future.