Month: June 2020

The Difficulty of Switching It Companies

As many parts of the country start to open up from coronavirus lockdowns, we’re receiving a TON of calls from business executives asking about how to switch IT companies. Why? Typically, when we speak with them, we discover that they’ve been struggling with their current IT company during the pandemic. In some cases, they’re not responding quickly enough when their remote workers have challenges. In other cases, they’re not securing their remote workers against cyberthreats.

In all cases, the abrupt switch to remote work made one thing clear: their current IT company wasn’t up-to-par in terms of service quality. Technology plays a critical role in virtually all businesses nowadays. Every company is a technology company to some degree. They all depend on technology to make, market, or sell their products and services. So how hard is it to switch IT companies?

Today, we’re going to answer that question honestly and openly for you. The truth is, switching IT companies is a MASSIVE project. It’s a big deal, and that can’t be overlooked. Your IT company will have administrative access to everything on the network, and of course, all of that documentation will need to be transferred over.

How Can You Strategically Switch IT Companies?

Our biggest recommendation is to switch IT companies in a strategic manner. Here’s how to do that:

1. Don’t cancel your current IT agreement until you’ve selected a new IT company, and they’re ready to get started.
2. Make sure you have administrative access to everything on your network: logins, passwords, etc. If you don’t already, it’s a good thing you’re switching IT companies.
3. Conduct an extensive security assessment to find any existing vulnerabilities and backdoors that need to be resolved.
4. Give the notice to cancel with your current IT company as soon as the new IT company is in place and an agreement is signed.
5. Speak with your staff about the change, including any contact information for support, policies, and procedures, and more.

Although we’ve seen some hostile circumstances arise over the past few years, the majority of the time, switching IT companies is quite simple and straightforward. If you undergo the process with Data Magic, the process can be a breeze.

For more information as to how Data Magic can assist your business, click here to get in touch with our representatives or call (469) 635-5500 today! 

Introducing The New Director Of Sales

On a recent episode of All In, Shane Kimbrel introduced the latest addition to the Data Magic Team – Director of Sales, Gary Sullivan.

The Data Magic team is excited to announce their newest member – Gary Sullivan, who joined us in March as Director of Sales. Shane and Gary recently appeared on BizTV’s “All In” to talk about the work Gary is doing for Data Magic.

Check out the full episode here:

“We’re truly looking to build the foundation,” says Gary. “I want to bring the company into the channel; I want to bring the company into growth and account management and get some salespeople on board.”

Before joining Data Magic, Gary worked on the carrier side, gaining extensive experience working with vendors. Over the past few years, he has become more familiar with the channel, and the type of work Data Magic does.

“There’s a whole different world to this technology,” says Gary. “I appreciate having the opportunity to come on board with Shane and do this full time.”

Gary brings a depth of knowledge and range of interpersonal skills to the CSP team that will no doubt add to our success in the industry. We’re proud to have such a well-rounded team at Data Magic, including team members like Gary.

Like this article? Check out the following blogs to learn more:

How Partnering with an IT Company Can Help You Support a Remote Workforce

How to Embrace a Remote Workforce During Coronavirus Outbreak

 

A Wave of Permanent Business Closures is on the Horizon

A future economic downturn is inevitable at this point, and CFOs NEED to find effective ways to position their organizations for growth and success…

Every executive knows that economic downturns can be challenging to navigate, especially CFOs who are tasked with navigating the ups and downs, and overall, making difficult financial decisions. The coronavirus pandemic unfolded incredibly fast – leaving many organizations struggling to get a grasp on the new reality.

You’re working hard to find and budget for tools to work remotely.

You’re assessing the inevitable impact on the supply chain.

You’re adjusting to less cash-flow due to fewer people interested in purchasing.

But here’s the thing:

You have no clue when, or even if, things will go back to normal. Forecasting seems near impossible with such uncertainty about the future, right? We get that. But similar to any crisis, the ability to act swiftly will be key to positioning yourself for growth and success coming out of the pandemic, despite an economic downturn.

Creating a strategy

You need a plan that incorporates the right technology to cut costs, keep your people, and above all, position yourself for growth and success.

But before we look at your options for positioning your organization for growth and success, let’s review what other CFOs are doing in response to the coronavirus pandemic. PCW surveyed a group of CFOs to discover more about how they’re handling the situation at hand:

• Nearly 1 in 3 are expecting layoffs in the next month
• 72% feel that COVID-19 has the potential to impact operations significantly
• 58% are considering pushing back or canceling planned investments
• 68% say remote work will make their company better in the long-run

CFOs cutting costs

The consensus is clear: CFOs are looking to cut costs, but they’re overwhelmed and uncertain about how and where.

Does this sound familiar?

CFOs are looking to cut costs; there’s no doubt about that. But when it comes to the “how” and “where” of cutting costs, there’s uncertainty…

Some are expecting layoffs, others are canceling planned investments, but ultimately, a clear strategy is necessary, and it’s important to consider the role people play in any given organization. There’s a range of factors impacting short-term cash-flow, but the long-term value of an organization lies in its human capital.

We mentioned above that organizations need a strategy that incorporates the right technology to cut costs, keep their people, and above all, position themselves for growth and success. But where do you get that strategy?

You can count on us for the strategy you need

You need a technology partner that’s been around and helped organizations leverage the right technology during economic downturns before. We’re willing to bet you can weather this storm with the proper guidance on your side. Here’s what you can expect from us:

1. You meet with our information technology experts, at no-cost with no-obligations, to discuss your challenges and goals.
2. You get a customized technology strategy to cut costs and come out from the pandemic stronger than ever.
3. You receive ongoing support to make that technology strategy work for you with adjustments as needed along the way.

We’ve already helped many businesses stay afloat with various tools, processes, and procedures put in place:

• Affordable remote work technologies, including VPNs, VoIP systems, cloud-based productivity suites, and more.
• Automation of manual, time-consuming tasks to lessen the need for human resources, and in turn, keep cash-flow available.
• Data analytics to assist with making smarter, more informed decisions through access to real-time information.

You have options. Failure isn’t one of them.

Surviving the Covid-19 fallout

A wave of permanent business closures is on the horizon.

However, you’re going to get through this with the right tools, processes, and procedures – and we’re going to help you get there. If you’re ready to replace uncertainty and doubt, position yourself for growth and success, and come out of the coronavirus pandemic stronger than ever, you need to get in touch with us.

If you don’t put a strategy in place, you will continue to reduce your staff (your most valuable asset), watch your cash-flow drop, and struggle through the uncertainty. It’s time to recession-proof your technology (the foundation of your business), gain a competitive edge, and feel confident in your place in the market.

You know what’s at stake. Book a no-cost, no-obligation meeting with us to get your customized technology strategy now.