Network of Local IT Companies Grows Rapidly

    CHICAGO, IL, March 17, 2010 /24-7PressRelease/ -- LocalITCompanies.com was launched as a vital resource for companies looking to enhance their IT support in the metropolitan areas of Chicago, Dallas and Houston and is now nationwide. Due to their rapid growth, they are now accepting applications to join their network of Local IT Companies. All IT consulting companies in their network are required to provide three current customer references who have been working with them for at least one year.

It is only when they go wrong that machines remind you how powerful they are. - Clive James

Local IT Companies highlights the most important IT services and reasons why it is crucial for every business to have these services in place.

Disaster Recovery

Having a disaster recovery plan for a business is almost like having an umbrella on a rainy day. When it rains, there is no doubt one will get wet, but with an umbrella, the chances of getting soaked are mitigated. The same idea applies to a solid disaster recovery plan. Sure, there may be some down time, but having a plan in place will allow a business to continue to flow.

It is estimated that most large companies spend between 2 and 4 percent of their IT budget on disaster recovery planning, with the aim of avoiding larger losses in the event that the business cannot continue to function due to loss of IT infrastructure and data. Of companies that had a major loss of business data, 43 percent never reopen, 51 percent close within two years and only six percent will survive in the long-term. *This results in a majority of failed businesses.

Network Security

For most small businesses and medium sized companies, a security strategy may consist of a network firewall and some anti-virus software (that might even be outdated). While that may have been suitable years ago, Local IT Companies highly recommends a network security strategy that is multi-layered with various backup plans. All companies are connected to the Internet, and this alone makes them vulnerable to computer hackers and password crackers, network attacks, malware downloads from unscrupulous websites, as well as the risk of using insecure browsing and viruses sent via e-mail.

Network Monitoring

Businesses are monitored in terms of bottom line, sales, product inventory, etc. All companies should have IT specialists that are there to remotely monitor their network so they can have peace of mind and the ability to focus on their business. Local IT Companies stresses the importance of the 24/7 monitoring of critical devices and support from anywhere in the world, no matter what time of day, with off-site remote monitoring and on-site support.

Remote network monitoring allows qualified technicians to anticipate or identify issues before they become major problems for a company's network.

VoIP

A business' phone system is critical to how it communicates and functions. More and more companies of all sizes are shifting to VoIP (Voice-over Internet Protocol) communication systems. For many companies in the Chicago, Dallas, and Houston markets, especially service-based firms reliant on technology, VoIP calling packages not only improve the cost of doing business, but can change the manner in which a company does business, dramatically increasing the size of their potential market as well as increasing efficiencies throughout the company.

Whether a company currently has a small staff of IT personnel in place and needs some assistance with its IT infrastructure upgrades or just need to bring someone on board part-time or in an outsourced capacity, all companies need to be prepared to stay in business by utilizing Local IT Companies.

Local IT Companies has locations in Dallas, Houston and Chicago (headquarters). For more information, a representative can be reached at 877-500-0905 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, by mail at 230 S. Clark St. Suite 120 Chicago, IL 60604 or online at www.localitcompanies.com.

*Hoffer, Jim. "Backing Up Business - Industry Trend or Event." Health Management Technology, Jan 2001

# # #