Network management encompasses many different areas, including performance management, fault identification, network provisioning and maintaining the quality of service. As the size and complexity of networks grow through new technologies, network managers are facing new challenges. Today, networks must handle more traffic moving in more directions from more devices. While each new connection provides more capabilities, they also create added potential vulnerabilities for network professionals to manage. The size and complexity of network management have led many companies to outsource their management to experienced third parties.

Here are some of the top challenges of IT managers in network management today across the following four categories — network security, configuration management, cost and network performance.

1. Network Security

Maintaining network security requires constant vigilance and the ability to respond to always-evolving threats. Today, network boundaries exceed traditional on-site perimeters, making it harder to protect against threats. Blocking unauthorized outside traffic is not enough to protect data, as threats can enter the network through phishing emails and insider attacks.

Service attacks don’t even have to connect to succeed, and while encryption helps to protect data, it also makes it more difficult to monitor activity on the IT network. Many firms use numerous data protection tools and must ensure they work together for maximum effectiveness. Using multiple tools in this way requires increased management and monitoring.

Data Breaches on the Rise

Data breaches are a significant threat to today’s businesses, and their associated costs are rising. According to IBM’s 2023 Cost of a Data Breach Report, the average global cost of a breach reached $4.45 million in 2023. The numbers are even more startling when narrowed specifically to the healthcare industry, with the average cost of a breach exceeding $10 million. The mean size of a breach has also increased steadily over the past seven years, with over 133 million records exposed in 2023.

More Users, Devices and IP-Based Systems

The growing number of users and devices on each network is making managing security more challenging. In addition to employees, security teams have to contend with unmanaged users such as business partners. Employees are also using more mobile devices, both managed and unmanaged. As virtualized software becomes more common, more employees are using their personal devices for work — a trend called bring your own device (BYOD). Protecting unmanaged devices creates new challenges, as the company does not control every aspect of these devices. 

Additionally, many users access personal emails on their devices, and less tech-savvy ones could easily introduce malware to their phone or tablet’s operating system. Once compromised, it’s easier for bad actors to gain system entry through piggybacking on legitimate user sessions.

The growth of internet protocol (IP)-based applications and systems — such as voice over internet protocol (VoIP), virtual desktop infrastructure and IP-based storage — also means that security teams have more endpoints and access points to monitor. As the network expands and becomes more complex, it becomes increasingly difficult to monitor traffic.

Constantly Evolving Threats

Cybercriminals are constantly coming up with new ways to infiltrate and disrupt networks, meaning businesses also need to continually improve how they protect their networks and data from cyber attacks. Because of this ever-changing threat landscape, cybersecurity requires constant attention and resources. Network managers need to stay current with the latest cybersecurity incidents, technologies and trends to keep their networks safe.

To reduce their risks, organizations should conduct penetration testing to determine where their security weaknesses are. Modern businesses also need to embrace advanced security tools that incorporate artificial intelligence, automation and other technologies and keep those tools updated.

Regulations

The changing regulatory landscape also presents challenges. Companies must keep up with regulation changes and ensure compliance with state and national laws, industry standards and international regulations. Healthcare companies must follow HIPAA and many other regulations. Recently, many companies have had to adjust to the introduction of the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), and some states are introducing similar laws. Complying with the various applicable regulations can be complex and expensive, but it’s necessary for successful network management and security. Proper network management can help support regulatory compliance by strengthening a business’s security posture.

2. Configuration Management

Another challenging area of IT network management is configuration management, which involves gathering and maintaining information about all the components within a computer network. This information includes the network address or IP address of every hardware device, information about default settings and which programs are installed on network devices.

Whenever the network requires repair, expansion, upgrading or modification, the configuration management database will help you determine how to approach changes. Activities involved in network configuration management include:

• Troubleshooting.
• Device discovery
• IT network inventory management
• Configuration database backup
• Change monitoring
• Compliance support
• User activity tracking 

Expanding Networks and More Devices

As with security, the increasing size of the typical network is another substantial challenge with configuration management. As the number of devices on each network grows, keeping all information and settings up to date can be an issue, and devices can sometimes conflict with one another.

One reason for the growing number of devices is the Internet of Things (IoT), which refers to the numerous connected devices, from smart thermostats to industrial machines to wearables. 

In 2023, there were 15.8 billion connected devices worldwide, and that figure is expected to soar to 39.6 billion by 2033. Beyond the challenge of the sheer volume of devices, the advent of IoT technology means network configuration managers now need to track a much wider variety of device types and keep them up to date, functional and secure.

Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) is another rapidly growing segment. As of 2024, the market has a value of $114.09 billion, and experts predict it will almost double to $238.49 billion by 2029. 

Network configuration managers have to figure out how to keep track of BYOD devices and integrate them into their management system. Employees may bring a wide range of devices into work, and the company can’t manage every aspect of these devices. Accounting for each device is still crucial, however, for network configuration management and security.

Despite these challenges, it’s essential that firms prioritize configuration management. Issues with network configuration negatively impact network performance, result in noncompliance with regulatory standards and compromise network security.

3. Cost and Available Budget

As more business functions move onto the network, companies need to upgrade their networks to add capacity and new capabilities. In addition to traditional IT applications, networks now need to handle other business services, like telephony and video conferencing, which require improved network bandwidth. Multimedia applications also require the addition of multicasting protocols, new endpoint devices require autoconfiguration protocols and adding new services to shared network infrastructure requires the introduction of IP virtualization features.

Adding these capabilities to the network, however, is expensive and often time-consuming. You may need to:

• Introduce new hardware to increase bandwidth
• Deploy new software releases onto existing hardware
• Update configuration on existing infrastructure to enable new protocols
• Upgrade cabling to higher-spec cable types
• Hire experts to help with setting up and managing network features

Even as more demand is placed on IT, there is a push to reduce the cost of ownership of network infrastructure. This means IT staff need to figure out how to improve the network and add capabilities without significantly increasing costs — or sometimes even while cutting costs.

Companies can’t afford to sacrifice proper network management to reduce costs, as it’s crucial to business success. The cost of downtime, data leaks and other issues can easily result in much higher costs than those of upgrading and maintaining the network. Limited budgets can make it difficult to maintain network security, yet many organizations are trimming their IT security budgets. A recent survey of over 2,500 IT professionals worldwide revealed that only 9% of the average business’s IT budget is earmarked for security, and 60% of participants had plans to reduce their current investments.

To help reduce costs, many businesses are turning to third-party network management providers. The complexity of today’s networks means many businesses are spending a significant amount of time and resources on network management, leaving less for their core business activities. Working with an experienced third party that provides network management services can help businesses save money and time and put more focus on their core activities. It’s also important to highlight that investments in IT can drive revenue and improve performance for the company, which helps offset and justify the costs involved.

4. Network Performance

Maintaining network performance is a crucial part of network management. Today, businesses rely on their networks more than ever before, and an outage can mean significant losses. Recent studies have pinpointed the average cost of downtime at $9,000 per minute. In higher-risk industries like manufacturing and healthcare, these costs can easily exceed $5 million hourly. These numbers don’t include fines, civil or criminal penalties, or the costs of any litigation that could result from lawsuits or noncompliance issues caused by the downtime.

Clearly, ensuring reliable network performance is vital for business success. However, as networks expand and become more complex, doing so is increasingly challenging.

More Traffic and More Complexity

Modern businesses rely on their networks for a huge range of activities, many of which are mission-critical. They’re essential for everything from internal communications to e-commerce sites to marketing campaigns. There’s more activity, and much of this activity — such as video conferencing — demands significant bandwidth from the network. Many businesses, especially online-based ones, also need their network to be available and reliable 24/7.

Today, networks need to handle more traffic from more directions. With more traffic and longer distances between users and services, there is a higher risk of poor network performance. Businesses need to have the right equipment and the right network management processes in place to ensure consistently high levels of reliability.

Ensuring adequate network performance requires careful bandwidth, latency and packet loss management because problems can occur if they drop even slightly below tolerance thresholds. Those managing the network need to constantly monitor network performance in real time and have the visibility to determine the bandwidth used by each application and the associated IP addresses. They must also efficiently troubleshoot and assess whether the network is ready for new services before deployment.

Time Spent Troubleshooting

Networks play a crucial role in strategic business initiatives, but network professionals often struggle to find the time to work on them because they need to spend so much time troubleshooting issues across the network. As networks become larger and more complex, troubleshooting becomes more time-consuming, especially with limited visibility and control.

To ensure network professionals have time to work on business initiatives in addition to troubleshooting, businesses can:

• Work with a third-party expert: There are many benefits to outsourcing network management tasks to a trusted and experienced provider, including access to expertise and cost-effective, customized strategies.
• Improve their IT network management tools: Introducing sophisticated solutions like artificial intelligence can help automate some routine and time-consuming troubleshooting tasks.
• Increase IT resources and personnel: Organizations can consider these options if their budget allows for new technology or team expansion.

Healthcare Network Management Solutions From Prelude Services

Today’s businesses face various network management challenges related to security, configuration management, costs and performance. As you navigate the quickly shifting business and tech environments, remember that Prelude Services is here to help. We provide network management, security IT strategic planning and around-the-clock support to healthcare companies across the U.S. Some of the IT network management services and solutions we provide include:

• Management tools that track usage trends across your network and alert our team when it needs an upgrade to maintain peak performance and security
• Design tools that help in planning upgrades and expansions to enable your network to grow with your company and introduce new capabilities
• Internet monitoring tools that prevent malicious software from entering your network from online sources, preventing potential damage to your business and saving your network managers time and resources
• Security tools that detect any malicious software on your network and alert our managers, so we can quickly address the issue and prevent damage
• Network backup and failover capabilities to ensure you don’t lose data in the event of a disaster, protecting your business and your data subjects

Partner With Prelude Services for IT Network Management Services

We help hundreds of senior living, long-term care, skilled nursing, community service, affordable housing and other healthcare organizations countrywide, set up their IT networks, protect their electronic health records and ensure HIPAA compliance. We take pride in supporting our clients so that they can better serve their communities. To learn more about how our services resolve the top challenges facing network management, contact us today.

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With the increase of artificial intelligence alone, it’s clear that rapid technological advancement isn’t slowing down anytime soon. The information technology (IT) industry is no exception, particularly as the worldwide revenue for IT outsourcing is projected to reach over $770 billion by 2028. As a provider in the skilled nursing or senior living industry, you’ve likely realized the challenge of keeping up with competitors and business responsibilities while dealing with IT and data analytics.

Managing your IT department in-house can be costly and time-consuming, especially if you require certain technology or expertise that’s out of reach. By understanding how to outsource IT for your healthcare organization, you can focus on scaling your business while third-party providers handle everything from specific functions to all your IT needs.

The Rise of Healthcare IT Outsourcing

The ongoing shortage of healthcare workers continues to put a strain on providers and facilities. Due to the current lack of funding for training and education needed for healthcare professionals, the United States may see a shortage of over 120,000 providers by 2034. Implementing technology and automation is one of the most effective ways to alleviate the healthcare staffing crisis and create a better experience.

For healthcare facilities that may not have the technology or resources to streamline their IT workflows, outsourcing can eliminate much of the manual labor burden. As of 2022, healthcare IT outsourcing services have been in high demand due to the need to manage large amounts of patient data and the complexity of billing and reimbursement processes.

Now more than ever, healthcare providers recognize the benefits of increased operational efficiency, scalability and flexibility by delegating IT functions to third-party service providers. By 2030, the global healthcare outsourcing market size is expected to reach over $680 billion. Partnering with third-party IT vendors can mitigate the challenges of staffing, budget constraints and technology implementation.

What Healthcare IT Services Can You Outsource?

Outsourcing your healthcare IT services to a third-party provider means you’ll gain access to around-the-clock IT support for a variety of processes and tasks essential for your operations. External vendors provide a range of technologies, resources and expertise to streamline and standardize your IT processes, including:

• Medical billing
• Data entry
• Strategic planning
• Mobile device management 
• Enterprise reporting
• Cloud computing
• IT vendor management 
• Payroll Based Journal
• HIPAA IT risk assessment 
• Claims processing/analytics
• Coding 
• Quality assurance 
• Medical transcription
• Chart retrieval 
• Patient scheduling and follow-up
• Network maintenance 
• Compliance management
• Cybersecurity
• Data management 
• Finance and Accounting
• Human resources
• Sales
• Marketing
• Managing electronic health records
• Technology implementation
• Infrastructure management 

What Are the Benefits of Outsourcing IT in Healthcare?

In addition to enhancing the quality of your organization’s IT services, partnering with outsourcing providers can equip you with the tools you need to keep up with the evolving landscape of modern healthcare, resulting in various benefits.

1. Reduced Operational Costs

Outsourcing IT services can provide significant cost control. Maintaining in-house IT infrastructure and personnel can be costly, particularly if you fail to meet compliance or experience frequent data breaches. Because outsourced companies complete many of your routine tasks and maintenance with specialized partners, you can save money you currently spend on your IT department’s salaries, benefits, equipment and training.

With the time and money you save, you can prioritize internal operations and projects that grow your healthcare business. Outsourcing IT services can be an effective cost-reduction strategy because it also means you won’t need to acquire, maintain and upgrade technology as advancements roll out in the industry.

2. Access to Specialized Teams and Resources

Relying on external experts means your organizations won’t be limited to internal resources. When you outsource your IT healthcare services, you’ll gain access to a wealth of specialized knowledge, expertise and superior talent. This means your skilled nursing, senior housing or independent living communities can tap into the latest technological advancements that optimize efficiency and reduce redundancies across your organization.

The right outsourcing provider will give you peace of mind by effectively managing and streamlining your IT operations so you can focus on patient-centric activities.

3. Enhanced Compliance and Cybersecurity Measures

Non-compliance and data breaches can be extremely costly to resolve. Failing to adequately address data privacy risks can create a culture of non-compliance with regulations and laws, such as HIPAA. Maintaining compliance with this patient privacy law is a critical business requirement for all healthcare organizations.

If you currently lack the data security protocols, tools or experience to effectively handle these security risks, it can result in hefty fines and the risk of unauthorized access. Healthcare data breaches cost more than any other sector, with an average of nearly $11 million per incident.

When you outsource your IT services, you can put the responsibility in the hands of expert partners who are well-versed in HIPAA and other regulatory standards. Expert IT partners can mitigate risks, maintain a secure and ethical IT environment, meet compliance standards, and ensure your organization adheres to regulations.

4. Reliable Monitoring and Support

Healthcare data breaches have increased by nearly 60% since the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, there has been a 337% increase in data breaches since 2018, with 2022 being ranked as the second-worst year for HIPAA compliance breaches.

Keeping your systems safe from hackers is essential for preventing downtime and improving business resilience. With an in-house IT team, it might not always be possible to have overnight or 24/7 availability. Outsourcing your healthcare IT services means you can rely on 24/7 monitoring that keeps your vital systems running efficiently at all times.

If you do face a disruption, your outsourced company can help keep your operations running, implement data recovery strategies and reduce the risk of lost data. Having access to reliable IT support around the clock can protect the integrity of your data and mitigate security threats — even when you’re not there.

5. Access to the Latest Technology and Innovations

Another benefit of outsourcing IT in healthcare is gaining access to the latest technology. With in-house IT departments, you may prolong the use of outdated storage options and solutions until it becomes more cost-effective to replace them. Outsourcing services give you access to the most up-to-date resources and proven solutions in the industry. As a result, your organization becomes less vulnerable to security risks associated with ineffective legacy systems.

Additionally, working with an external team means you partner with experts who can view IT challenges from a different angle, helping to implement innovative solutions you may not have considered. Having access to cutting-edge technologies drives your business to provide the highest quality service and experience for your patients.

6. Improved Flexibility and Scalability

As with any fast-paced industry, healthcare demands are constantly evolving. An in-house IT team may not always have the capability to stay agile in the face of evolving needs, such as scaling with your business. Outsourcing IT can offer the flexibility and scalability your business needs to expand your IT functions quickly and efficiently. Unlike long-term investments with specific IT professionals or solutions, partnering with a third-party provider means you can adjust your services as your needs change.

For example, if your healthcare business is growing, you need a provider that can meet your new IT requirements so you can dynamically scale in response to fluctuations. Relying on your own processes can make it challenging to pivot quickly and align with new patient care requirements.

As an added benefit, you won’t need to spend the time and money on installing and modifying infrastructure, including hardware, software and network management. Your internal teams won’t be overburdened because you can allocate resources where they’re needed.

7. Improved Focus on Patient Care

The number one priority of any healthcare business is providing quality patient care, delivering better patient outcomes and fostering improved patient satisfaction. However, putting too much time and effort into running your IT department can take away your focus on these primary operations.

Outsourcing healthcare IT enables you and your teams to prioritize the core functions of patient care. By liberating your staff from the complexities of IT management, they can focus on productivity and efficiency. Increased productivity often leads to higher-quality work, which directly impacts your patients and business reputation.

Less repetitive and time-consuming administrative tasks can also help reduce stress, fatigue and burnout in your health professionals and boost morale. When your teams have more time to devote to what matters most, your entire organization can collaborate to create a more impactful healthcare environment. Delegating tasks to outsourced teams enables you to address patient needs first.

8. Reduced Medical Billing Errors

Overburdened administrative healthcare teams are more likely to make data entry mistakes and coding errors, which can create complicated and costly challenges. Medical coding and billing can be a highly intricate process, especially if your teams lack the expertise and training needed to avoid these mistakes. Managing and automating your healthcare billing processes with outsourced IT services can help improve collections, reduce errors and support a better patient experience.

Outsourcing also means you can depend on a dedicated team of trained professionals to efficiently and effectively manage your patient records and accurately maintain your medical billing data. Fewer medical billing mistakes can also improve your revenue streams. Payroll Based Journal support helps ensure accuracy and can contribute to reduced employee turnover.

9. IT Integration and Implementation

With the increasing demand for automation and electronic solutions in the healthcare industry, it’s no secret that your business will need to shift to new systems. However, electronic billing and payments systems, cloud computing and electronic health records can be challenging to manage. If you’re short on staff and resources, this process can be extremely daunting.

Seeking the assistance of external healthcare IT experts to manage these complex systems can reduce the burden on your IT administration. Instead of dealing with the hassle of integrating new technologies and learning new software, you can devote your time to delivering the best possible care to your patients.

10. Provide a Competitive Edge

Healthcare system modernization can be time-consuming, but it’s necessary for accomplishing many business goals and initiatives. As a healthcare provider, you know the importance of gaining a competitive edge in the healthcare space. Without the tools and resources to keep up with other businesses and facilities, growing your business can be challenging. As many health systems are exploring new models of care, outsourcing can help you level the playing field — particularly if your healthcare organization is smaller.

Equipped with a wider talent pool, increased capabilities and valuable scalability, your business can employ critical agility in the face of unforeseen changes and fluctuating needs. Healthcare IT outsourcing can help you jumpstart your most important initiatives and facilitate planned growth with emerging technology. These strategies are vital to staying competitive in an increasingly competitive environment.

11. Tailored Solutions to Your Needs

A significant benefit of outsourcing IT infrastructure is that it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. The right IT provider will tailor solutions to meet your needs and budget. Your outsourced IT strategic planning provider will carefully evaluate your healthcare business’s unique needs to ensure you have the highest degree of security and reliability.

With the right vendor, you can decide how much you want to outsource. Whether you want some extra support or a fully managed IT service, you can determine which functions you’d like to delegate to your provider. 

When it comes to IT outsourcing in healthcare, identifying your needs may not always be easy. Working with experienced professionals can provide you with a unique perspective on the gaps you need to address in your processes. From integrating your systems to strengthening your cybersecurity measures, the right provider will give you a comprehensive view of your needs.

Gain the Full Benefits of Healthcare IT Outsourcing With Prelude Services

Your healthcare organization can take advantage of these strategic IT outsourcing benefits to improve your services and stay competitive. Working with a trusted outsourcing provider is essential if you want to meet your desired outcomes, including cost savings and enhanced patient care. The right company on your side can make all the difference in helping you deliver the best services possible while expanding your organization.

At Prelude Services, it’s our goal to address your IT needs and create tailored solutions for important technology management processes. Our experts are here to help you optimize your healthcare company’s time, money and resources. Leveraging our outsourced IT support, security and management services can help your senior living facility or healthcare organization focus on providing quality care.

We invite you to contact us today if you want to learn more about how our services can transform your organization’s efficiency.

The post The Benefits of Outsourcing IT Services in Healthcare appeared first on Prelude Services.

Healthcare data has significant value for hackers, and older adult care is one of the most targeted industries. Hackers use personal data to access patient healthcare information, create false identities, commit insurance fraud or obtain free medical treatment. 

Knowing how to prevent smishing attacks is crucial to protect patients and your bottom line. A healthcare data breach can have devastating consequences. It can cause care disruptions, jeopardize patient privacy and eliminate an entire healthcare network. Recovery from a cyberattack can cost millions of dollars, and attacks on the healthcare industry are increasing. In a recent survey, 21% of healthcare organizations claimed they had been victims of a smishing attack. 

What Is a Smishing Attack?

Let’s take a look at the meaning and definition of smashing. Smishing is a type of short message system (SMS) phishing — the name is a combination of “SMS” and “phishing.” These cyberattacks use social engineering to exploit human trust. Hackers send fraudulent messages to trick recipients into clicking on a malicious link or sharing personal information. People tend to trust text messages more than emails, which has led to a 300% increase in smishing scams within two years. 

How Does Smishing Work?

Smishing is almost identical to email phishing, where the attacker wins your trust through manipulation. Cybercriminals send you a message via SMS or instant message, enticing you to click a link or reply with your personal information. 

If you click the link in a smishing message, the cybercriminals have two ways to steal the data they want: 

• The link may direct you to a fraudulent version of an official website, directing you to fill out a form containing your personal information. 
• Clicking the link may download malware onto your device, allowing them to access your sensitive information. 

Since healthcare providers must keep patient data safe, hackers may also use phishing and smishing to install ransomware. 

How Does Smishing Spread?

Scammers can deliver smishing messages through traditional messaging and web-based messaging applications. Users often assume that text messages are more trustworthy than emails. Many people also multitask on their phones, making them more likely to click links in a hurry or by mistake. 

Many healthcare workers use their devices in the scope of their work. While this bring-your-own-device (BYOD) has enhanced efficiency and productivity, it has significant cybersecurity challenges. Smishing uses malware to spread throughout networks. Once cyberattackers breach one network-connected device, they can access the entire network, gaining access to sensitive patient data. 

Types of Smishing Attacks

Smishing is a phishing method and hackers can deliver many types of phishing scams via text message, including the following:

• Spear phishing: In this more direct attack, hackers target a specific team or individual within your organization instead of sending generic messages. 
• Whaling: Whaling attacks either target or impersonate high-value individuals within the organization. Impersonating a senior executive is an excellent method of convincing employees to make payments or divulge sensitive information. 
• Clone phishing: Attackers may clone legitimate text messages instead of impersonating someone else. They alter the link slightly, taking you to a cloned replica of the original site where you’ll feel comfortable providing your personal information. 
• Vishing: A vishing scam is similar to smishing, except scammers use voice calls instead of text and email. Vishing and smishing sometimes go hand in hand as a social engineering technique.
• IM smishing: This attack targets users through instant messaging, such as Facebook messenger. It may come from a stranger or what appears to be one of your contacts. Hackers sometimes create spoofed accounts, pretending to be someone you know to gain your trust. 

How to Recognize Smishing

Recognizing a smishing text message is the first step to preventing smashing attacks. Look for the following signs to help you identify them:

• Text messages that ask for personal information or entice you to click on a link
• A sender name or number that resembles a legitimate entity but has one or two different characters  
• Spelling and grammatical errors
• Unexpected messages or messages from senders you haven’t spoken to before
• Text messages with a sense or urgency or threat of immediate action 

How to Defend Against Smishing

Defending against smishing attacks is critical for patient care, data safety and profitability. The HIPAA privacy rule requires covered healthcare organizations to implement a security awareness training program to protect sensitive patient data. While vital, these training sessions are only a starting point. As cybercriminals become more adept, specialist IT services are a must for many. 

Complementary methods of smishing defense include the following:

1. Employee Training

Smishing targets individuals, so staff must be able to recognize smishing attempts and know the protocols for reporting them. Training might include running mock smishing events to identify potential weaknesses in your team. As smishing scams evolve, healthcare organizations should provide ongoing training as needed. Regular training will help healthcare professionals recognize and report new trends. 

2. Cybersecurity Measures

Protecting yourself and your organization from smishing attempts requires IT professionals with considerable expertise. A trained team will identify and patch network weaknesses, implement endpoint security systems and keep antivirus software up to date. They will conduct regular vulnerability scans across your network and block malicious domains as they are identified. 

Many smashing scams use spoofing technologies to mimic a legitimate website, manipulating users into filling in their personal details. As many healthcare providers rely on their mobile devices for their work, implementing anti-spoofing technologies to minimize fraudulent websites can be crucial. 

3. Communication

Healthcare organizations must stay current with the latest scams and communicate the dangers throughout their organization to defend their data. If vulnerable parties know what to look for, they are less likely to fall prey to smashing attempts. 

Examples of Smishing

Cyberattacks are constantly evolving as cybercriminals engineer their attempts to catch you off guard. For example, the New Hampshire COVID-19 smishing campaign claimed to provide test results and asked recipients to validate their COVID-19 status. 

Some common smishing examples include the following:

• Competition wins: Receiving a message informing you that you’ve won a contest is a well-known red flag. Clicking on the link to claim your prize can cause you to accidentally install malware on your device instead. 
• Surveys: Smishing attempts can take the form of surveys, often claiming you’ll win a prize if you answer the questions. If they ask you to click on a link, there’s a strong possibility it’s a smishing attempt. 
• Delivery notifications: Scammers know there’s a good chance you’re waiting for a delivery. Even if you’re not, you may click on a link that looks like it comes from a trusted brand. Many delivery companies offer legitimate updates, making this an easy entry point for scammers to confuse you. 
• CEO fraud: Hackers sometimes rely on people’s instincts to reply to a boss’s request as soon as possible. They may send a message that looks like it comes from someone in your organization claiming to need immediate assistance with a task. 
• Bank or credit card scams: Receiving a message about your money can be stressful and cybercriminals use this anxiety to get you to act quickly. These scams often ask you to verify your banking or contact information. 
• Fake password resets: With many people using two-factor authentication to protect their data, scammers may send a text message claiming your account has experienced a breach. When this happens, they have already established your phone number and email address. They’ll send a code to reset your password and a link to a spoofed email site that asks you to enter your login information. Once they have your password, the hackers will either sell the information, take control of your account or use it to send more phishing emails.
• Cellphone smishing: Scammers may pose as your mobile service provider and offer you discounts or upgrades. These messages often include a link to activate the offer, taking you to a spoofed website that prompts you to confirm your personal information. 
• Tax scams: Hackers often take advantage of tax season with messages claiming that you owe money or are due a refund. They install malware on your device when you click the link to make payments or retrieve your money. 

While these attacks personally affect the victim, they also grant hackers access to their work networks and sensitive patient data. Malware travels rapidly through an organization’s network and can cause significant damage without effective and professional cybersecurity protection. 

How to Protect Seniors Citizens from Smishing Attacks

Educating older adults is the most effective way to prevent smishing. Make them aware of common scams and ask them to verify any texts they receive with you or the sender via telephone. 

The more you can do to stop scammers from making contact with older adults, the better. Loneliness, diminished cognitive reasoning and accrued savings often make them prime targets for scammers. 

Some tips to prevent seniors from falling victim to smashing scams include the following:

• Security software: Ensure older adults have updated security software on their devices and check that it updates automatically. 
• Multi-factor authentication: Familiarize older adults with multi-factor authentication for all social media and online accounts. Activate biometrics on their devices to prevent unwanted access. 
• Call recording: Many smishing attempts begin with a phone call. They can install a call recording app on their devices to monitor suspicious conversations or requests. 
• Communication: Stay abreast of the latest scams so you can advise the older adults in your care. Print posters and display them in common areas as a constant reminder. 
• Network protection: Set up proxy servers with robust security for your internet connections and install anti-spam solutions. 
• Monitoring: Monitor your security log for intrusions, suspicious activity and attacks. Conduct regular vulnerability scans of your network to assess your cyber risk. 
• Outsourced IT: Outsourced IT services can help protect your network from a breach. They can also provide training and keep you up to date with the latest scams. 

Teaching Older Adults to Steer Clear of Smishing Attempts

Teaching older adults how to approach text communication correctly is one of the most powerful methods of helping them avoid financial fraud and scams. Make them aware of the following cybersecurity practices for their personal devices:

• Avoid clicking on links: If links appear in a text message, only click on them if you initiated the original communication and are confident it comes from a trusted source. 
• Type web addresses out: Instead of clicking on a link that takes you to a website, type the website directly into the browser. 
• Check security certificates: You can check a website’s security status by clicking on the padlock icon in the left corner of the browser. The website should always begin with HTTPS, which means any information you share through the website remains private. 
• Refuse to send personal information over text message: Teach older adults that there is no need to share personal information over text or phone. 
• Call and confirm: If you receive a communication from a company, colleague or well-known brand, call and confirm the contact before acting on it. 
• Reach out: Many older adults experience shame after falling victim to a phishing or smashing scam. Encourage them to speak up and provide a supportive environment where they can share their experiences. 

What to Do if You’re a Victim of Smishing

It’s important to know what to do if you become a victim of smishing. Stay calm and take the following steps:

1. Change your passwords: Once a hacker has access to your device, they have access to your passwords. Change them as quickly as possible, then log out of the device. 
2. Disconnect and call IT Support: As soon as you realize what’s happened, disconnect from all networks immediately to limit the spread of malware. Smishing can happen to anyone and your outsourced IT team is the best prepared to deal with it. Contact them and follow their instructions. They will let the rest of the organization know. 
3. Have your device scanned: If you clicked on a suspicious link, hackers might have downloaded malware onto your device. Ask an IT professional to scan your device for viruses and malware. 
4. Report the attack: There are several organizations you can report the attack to, including your local police station and the federal trade commission. Your IT support provider can guide and support you through the process. 
5. Stay alert: Be aware of future attempts to breach your device, as the hackers may try again. Report anything suspicious and verify any links before you click on them. 

Contact Prelude Services for Complete IT Services

Healthcare organizations have massive amounts of data to manage and cybersecurity is one of many IT processes you need to consider. Prelude Services provides an inclusive IT service for your healthcare facility, including 24/7 desktop support, mobile device management and HIPAA IT risk assessment, ensuring your data are as safe as possible. 

If you’re looking for a reliable, safe IT service you can trust, look no further than Prelude Services. We believe that IT services in healthcare should be accessible and reliable so you can care for patients without stress and downtime. Please reach out to us today to learn more about how we can streamline your IT processes, manage your network and keep your data safe. 

The post How to Defend Against Smishing Attacks appeared first on Prelude Services.

Senior living centers must protect information regarding patients’ medical records, prescriptions, diagnoses and medical history. Most of this information is private and sensitive, making it essential to protect it from potential hackers or cyberattacks. 

Learning about the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), its importance and who needs to comply with HIPAA can help your facility protect information at every step. Senior living centers can take critical steps for protection, including staff training and internet security. 

What Is HIPAA?

HIPAA is a United States law that protects patients’ medical records from being shared with other parties without the patient’s consent. HIPAA sets a standard for privacy that healthcare providers, plans, clearinghouses, and business associates related to healthcare must follow at every step.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) implemented both the HIPAA Security Rule and the HIPAA Privacy Rule. The Privacy Rule ensures that healthcare-related industries and companies comply with HIPAA regulations, while the Security Rule protects additional health information outlined in the Privacy Rule.

Why Is HIPAA Important?

HIPAA is important in the healthcare industry because it protects sensitive patient information. Many residents cared for in a senior living center have various health issues, whether due to aging or preexisting conditions. Senior living center patients often require various medical provisions or prescription drugs, making it integral to protect sensitive information related to resident records. 

Any nurse, employee or staff member who works with seniors at nursing homes or living centers must have easy access to residents’ information to ensure each patient receives appropriate care and medications related to their condition. Should something happen, it is essential to have medical records on hand with information about allergies, prior illnesses and health problems or other relevant information. 

At the same time, easy access to patient information requires extra protection to prevent leaks or violations of patient rights. This is why HIPAA was created. Many of the benefits of the Act include the following:

• Patient control: All patients have complete control over their medical information, including who can see it or when it can be shared.
• Boundaries: HIPAA ensures safe limits for sharing and distributing patient health information.
• Safeguards: All providers and medical professionals related to the patient must protect residents’ health information privacy.
• Accountability: Anyone who violates the rules and regulations of HIPAA will be held accountable.

All patients deserve to know how their private health information will be used. Even older adults in nursing homes require boundaries and limits on information release and have the right to receive copies of records whenever asked. 

Who Must Comply With HIPAA Guidelines?

All companies, organizations, businesses and operations that handle protected health information must comply with HIPAA guidelines. For example, the following organizations must remain compliant with HIPAA rules and regulations:

• Health plans: Plans might include Medicaid, Medicare or other specific health programs.
• Healthcare clearinghouses: Clearinghouses include any billing services and companies that collect sensitive health information and process private data.
• Healthcare providers: Providers may include a dentist, surgeon, physician, pharmacy, hospital, clinic or nursing home. 
• Business associates: Businesses that handle health information include document shredding, medical equipment, data processing and data storage companies. 

While HIPAA specifically requires nursing homes to follow their guidelines, other senior living centers and care facilities may not be held to the same laws if they don’t specifically handle health information. Many communities with different models have their own regulations, as HIPAA may not apply to every organization. 

However, if your senior living facility handles any form or amount of healthcare information, it must comply with HIPAA guidelines. It is best practice to follow HIPAA regulations at every step in the process, no matter how much health information you contain. 

In many cases, some organizations may be confused when specific departments or sections of the company work alongside hospitals and healthcare workers who must comply with HIPAA. Following HIPAA regulations ensures patient privacy, and while HIPAA may not specifically name some senior living facilities, it is best practice to follow their guidelines regardless. 

All residents, staff members and healthcare workers at the senior living facility must comply with HIPAA regulations, including refraining from discussing patient information outside the workplace. Keep medical history and patient information private to prevent accidental leaks. 

How To Protect Senior Health Information

Protecting sensitive patient information requires adherence to rules and regulations from every nurse, employee and healthcare provider. Here are four steps to protecting health information in a senior living center.

1. Increasing Internet Security

Increasing your facility’s internet security is a great way to protect senior health information. Many facilities have done away with traditional paperwork filing, mailing or data entry, meaning technology has helped reduce the need for manual labor. However, the possibility of hackers and cyberattacks comes with the increased usage of computer systems and the quick transference of confidential information.

To comply with HIPAA, your facility needs secure software for sensitive information. Ensure you have the firewall applications to block ransomware, malware and phishing attempts. Many IT security companies and outside sources offer the protection assistance you need to fend off possible leaks and attacks.

2. Improving Staff Training

Training staff members, nurses, and all employees in your facility on HIPAA guidelines ensures you maintain compliance at every point. Proper training in HIPAA regulations, data protection and rules allows employees to refer to privacy guidelines when unsure of the next step. You can even have staff members take courses on protecting patient and resident privacy. 

3. Making a Contingency Plan

Make a plan of action should your facility accidentally leak sensitive information or experience a breach in security. Adding security and training measures can only go so far. Data breaches and privacy violations may be possible, but an action plan ensures your company knows what to do in the case of a leak. 

Make sure you track every investigation of a data breach to completion. It should also be possible for staff members to report incidents anonymously when needed. 

4. Securing Outside Access

Due to the nature of your senior care facility, you may have to work with various businesses, care workers, nurses, facilities and individual family members. Third parties often have short-term access to your documents, patient information and sensitive data. The more outside sources gain access to your facility’s private information, the more you must take care to protect that data. 

To secure outside access, be sure all partners sign an agreement with your facility. Do so for any third-party vendors, including but not limited to” attorneys

• Consultants
• Accountants
• Software companies and technicians
• Document destruction services
• Malpractice carriers 
• Telephone providers

All third parties are prohibited from selling or sharing patient information, according to patient rights outlined by HIPAA.

Find Help With Information Security At Prelude Services

Our IT management, security and strategic planning services at Prelude Services protect sensitive patient information. Our services are meant for healthcare providers, whether you work in senior living centers, long-term care, community service or affordable housing. Our secure IT software lets you protect patient information at every step of your facility processes. 

Data security and reliable technology are essential to us. Consider partnering with Prelude Service for all your information technology needs. Contact us today to speak to a representative.

The post How to Protect Health Information in a Senior Living Center appeared first on Prelude Services.

When caring for older adults, post-acute care is a reality. More than 40% of Medicare beneficiaries are discharged to post-acute facilities — an essential step in their recovery. The post-acute care programs’ efficacy dictates patient health outcomes in many ways, so IT services and post-acute care go hand in hand.

Access to current information and the most effective IT tools can improve patient care and streamline information sharing. Focusing on improving care transitions can help ensure older adults receive the post-acute care they need. With the proper care, they can take positive steps in their recovery. IT services for post-acute care facilities are a critical consideration.

Types of IT Services for Post-Acute Facilities

For patients to achieve the best possible health outcomes, post-acute care facilities must have the capabilities to coordinate and manage high-quality healthcare specific to each individual. Much of this care depends on the reliable transition of information, internally and externally.

Access to critical health information allows post-acute care facilities to provide better quality care to patients, whether identifying patients at risk of injury or having access to indicators of their recovery timeline to make further adjustments. Caregivers can provide preventive care and stay current with patient needs.

Types of IT Services that can augment post-acute care include the following:

Network Management for Post-Acute Care

Most businesses use computer networks, and monitoring and managing them is essential to maintain optimal performance and care for patients. Upgrading your IT systems is vital for data safety and backup in the event of a critical failure. Your post-acute care facility will still have access to valuable patient data so you can continue to provide high-quality care.

Management tools can keep your facility providing optimal patient care by outlining upgrade requirements. The accompanying design tool tailors your network infrastructure to your facility’s needs, ensuring you can expand your networks and perform as needed to meet your specific requirements.

Security is necessary for any business that holds data. Network management tools identify malicious software entering your network and resolve the problem before you experience data theft or damage.

Cloud Computing for Post-Acute Care

Managing, processing, storing and communicating patient data is crucial in a post-acute care environment. When caregivers can access up-to-date patient data from web-based applications, they have flexibility and confidence in their work, knowing they can tailor their approach to specific patients. Storing your data in the cloud can help you achieve this.

Anyone with authorization can access patient data with this simple cloud solution as long as you have an internet connection. It’s easy to expand and upgrade and saves you money and space on physical infrastructure.

Service Desk for Post-Acute Care

Your IT systems must work for you to provide quality post-acute patient care. A 24/7 service desk may be the answer, as you can contact professionals whenever an issue might affect your ability to provide patient care. There is no need to compromise what you do best with expensive downtime.

Hardware and Software Support for Post-Acute Care

Both hardware and software are necessary to keep your IT systems performing well. Choosing the right equipment and hosting your applications can be daunting without an IT service that provides hardware and software support. IT services can help your team stay productive and focused on providing the best care for your patients.

Why Post-Acute Facilities Should Outsource IT Services

Providing superior patient care is a top priority for post-acute facilities. There can be a disconnect when patients are transferred, compromising their care, as you lose access to vital information about their treatment. Outsourcing specialist IT services can bridge that gap and provide your facility with access to information, data protection and faster processes.

Some of the many benefits of outsourcing IT services for post-acute facilities include the following:

• Elevated patient care: Providing quality patient care is the primary goal of any healthcare facility. IT services and patient care are linked, and patient care improves when healthcare facilities can access their data immediately. This is especially important with post-acute facilities, where caregivers exchange data from one facility to another. Outsourcing IT services streamlines this process so caregivers can focus on patients.
• Enhanced scalability: Outsourcing IT gives you more flexibility for growth and change, as these professionals provide full scalability for your business. Instead of investing in static IT solutions, you can update your services as your needs shift. If you need to expand, for example, your IT partner already has the infrastructure to streamline the process.
• Efficient billing: Healthcare professionals rarely have time to focus on complex coding and billing procedures. Outsourcing medical billing can decrease billing errors, provide accurate medical insurance claims and reduce the risk of denied claims.
• Improved cybersecurity: Cybersecurity is crucial for businesses. If you handle patients’ data, it needs to be protected. Outsourced IT services provide that protection with innovative security solutions.
• Increased productivity: Removing the focus on IT challenges allows your staff to focus on their core competencies and give acute-care patients the full attention they deserve. They also have access to the data they need in real time, and with the information at their fingertips, they can make informed decisions about patient care without delays.
• Decreased costs: Partnering with a professional IT service means saving on the high costs of an in-house IT team. Outsourced IT services also have up-to-date equipment and resources at your disposal. IT service providers can work within your budget to help you accomplish your goals.
• Advanced compliance: The healthcare industry is bound by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) privacy rule concerning data protection. Meeting these requirements can be challenging, but outsourced IT services have vast experience in data security compliance.
• Streamlined operations: IT challenges can be disruptive, especially for patient care. Outsourced IT teams can help prevent downtime and elevate your customer service — there is less chance of data breaches or inaccessible websites with professionals on your side.
• Enhanced access: Partnering with an outsourced IT provider gives you access to professionals in their field who can provide you with their specialized skills.

Contact Prelude Services for Post-Acute Care IT Services

Post-acute care facilities rely on IT services to provide patients with the highest standard of care. Prelude Services is here to assist you by providing IT services focused on helping healthcare providers navigate the rapidly changing industry landscape. Our innovative technology solutions are the perfect choice for post-acute care providers looking to improve patient outcomes and reduce unnecessary costs.

Our vast industry experience can strengthen your cybersecurity, manage your electronic medical records system and networks, and support your hardware and software. Our 24/7 service desk will help you reduce downtime, so you can focus on what you do best — caring for patients. We have a wide range of reliable options tailored to your specific need. Please reach out today to learn more about how Prelude Services can help you.

The post IT Services for Post-Acute Care appeared first on Prelude Services.

Many facilities choose to store their data and web applications in cloud-based software. These technology forms can help your assisted living or senior housing facilities securely manage data. You can access the data constantly and enjoy the enhanced security features of the software.

If your facility wants to invest in cloud software, it’s important to understand the difference between the three deployment options — public clouds, private clouds and hybrid clouds. Each type can benefit your organization differently, so learning their variations can help you make a well-informed decision.

But what is a private cloud vs. a public cloud vs. a hybrid cloud, and how can they help your organization? This article covers all your cloud options and explains their differences so you can choose the best one for you.

What Are the Deployment Options When Choosing a Cloud?

If you’re considering using cloud storage, you have three deployment options — private clouds, public clouds and hybrid clouds. All three cloud computing models allow data storage, management and communication across remote servers. Instead of keeping your data on an in-house server, you use servers and software from a cloud service provider.

You deploy cloud services into your organization using one of these three different methods:

• Public cloud: On a public cloud, a third-party cloud provider owns and maintains the cloud software. You share the same hardware, storage and network applications with other cloud users. Many organizations use public clouds for web-based communications, office applications and storage. For instance, many businesses use Google cloud services for email and storage purposes.
• Private cloud: A private cloud consists of software and resources used by a single organization. You can deploy this type from a third-party service provider or manage it in your on-site data center. On a private cloud, all services and infrastructure are on a private server without any other users. This privacy allows for more security and control over the software.
• Hybrid cloud: Lastly, hybrid clouds combine the benefits of both public and private clouds. They use on-premises infrastructure and public cloud services to create a comprehensive solution. Your data and applications can move between on-premises and public cloud servers, allowing optimal flexibility and speed.

Organizations can choose from the three deployment options depending on their available budgets and preferences. To make the best decision for your company, it often helps to compare each cloud option closely.

Private Cloud vs. Public Cloud

Many industries use private and public clouds to store their data and infrastructure. These deployment types have a few key differences:

• Tenancy: One of the most significant variations between the two options is the number of tenants. On a public cloud, multiple companies or organizations can use the software at once. Each user stores their data in a shared environment. For instance, many organizations use Google Drive to store files. In contrast, a private cloud is only for a single tenant. Only one organization holds its data in the cloud server.
• Privacy levels: The two also vary by privacy levels. One of the benefits of private clouds is their total privacy. Only the intended organization can use the cloud and access the data stored there. On the other hand, public services are available to anyone who needs them. While public clouds are still highly secure, they don’t offer the same extreme privacy as private ones.
• Management: Next, public and private clouds use different management forms. With a private cloud, your company needs its own administrators to manage the software services. Your organization has to find the necessary resources and staff to manage the cloud correctly. However, third-party administrators manage the cloud in public clouds. If you experience any issues with the software, you rely on the service provider to help rather than solve it yourself. Third-party management is one of the benefits of public clouds, especially if you don’t have the IT resources for troubleshooting.
• Cost: Public and private clouds can also differ in expenses. If you select a private cloud, you might have more upfront costs than a public one. You have to purchase hardware, software and other necessary features. You also need to pay for staffing and ongoing maintenance costs related to the set-up. On the other hand, a public cloud is handled entirely by a third-party service provider. While you pay to use it, you don’t have to pay for staffing or hardware costs.

Overall, both private and public clouds offer a reliable way to store data and use web-based applications.

Public Cloud vs. Hybrid Cloud

Next, public and hybrid clouds are both excellent options for cloud storage. Looking at their differences can help you decide which is a better fit. In a hybrid cloud infrastructure, you house information in a public and private cloud.

A hybrid cloud has features from public clouds, so the two share similarities. For instance, the public components of a hybrid cloud are also managed by third-party service providers and can have multiple tenants.

Here are some variations between public and hybrid clouds:

• Integration capabilities: A public cloud is limited to just public capabilities, while a hybrid model contains both public and private cloud features. For instance, a hybrid model would allow you to store sensitive data in your private cloud center, then use the public component to manage email or other web components. In contrast, if you only select a public cloud, you can only use the public cloud features.
• Data center location: The two also differ by location. Public cloud servers can exist anywhere online, depending on the service provider’s location. A hybrid cloud is maintained both privately and publicly. Your private data resides in your private server, while your public cloud data resides in the third-party service provider’s location.

Hybrid Cloud vs. Private Cloud

Lastly, hybrid clouds and private clouds also contain crucial similarities and differences. A hybrid cloud’s private features are the same as a private cloud. For instance, only your organization can access data you house privately.

However, the two have a few key differences:

• Flexibility: The most significant difference is that a hybrid cloud model includes private and public capabilities. Instead, a private cloud only has one type of function. While you can store data on both public and private servers in a hybrid cloud, you can only use private servers in a private cloud.
• Cost: Private clouds can often cost more than the alternatives because you have to purchase and maintain hardware within your organization. In a hybrid model, you manage your private server, but a third party manages your public cloud. The combined nature of a hybrid model could impact overall prices.

Contact Prelude Services for Cloud Services

Clouds of all types can bring several benefits, including cost efficiency and accessibility.

Prelude Services is committed to delivering high-quality cloud services and support. We offer public, private and hybrid cloud options, so you’re sure to find the best fit for your facility’s needs. Our expert team helps you select the best option, then integrates the necessary hardware and software to get started. Our dedicated customer service team will quickly address any questions or issues you may have.

We understand every organization has unique needs and work hard to provide customized solutions. To get started with Prelude Services, contact us today.

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Senior living communities use a wide range of technologies throughout daily procedures. From digital records and recorded voice alerts to motion sensors and security alarms, many forms of technology are used by residents and employees alike. These tools help with residents’ health and safety.

It’s crucial for these technologies to remain online. Without them, residents might not receive the care they need. One way to ensure your technical tools stay protected is with a 24/7 IT service desk. These services offer support for various technologies at any time of day, allowing you to solve issues before they become significant. Whether you need help recovering a lost file or have a question about security protocols, a 24/7 service desk can help.

Discover more benefits of 24/7 service desks for senior living communities.

What Are 24/7 IT Service Desks?

A 24/7 service desk provides a source of ongoing technical support for companies and organizations. This customer service strategy is available during all hours of the day so customers, residents and other patrons can get support whenever they need it. 

Providers might offer 24/7 support through tools like:

• Live phone calls: Most service desks employ IT-certified technicians who have been trained in particular software, hardware or web-based applications. These technicians can respond directly to phone calls from users. Then, they can diagnose and resolve the problem over the phone. If the technician cannot solve the issue, they can escalate it to more senior officials.
• Online submissions: Another form of IT 24/7 support is through online submissions, sometimes called “tickets.” Users can submit questions or concerns through an online form, and technicians respond in writing instead of over the phone. These forms are often intended for issues of lower priority rather than emergencies.
• Online knowledge bases: Many services make knowledge bases available for 24/7 access. These interfaces often contain frequently asked questions, instructions for basic setup, common troubleshooting answers and other useful information. Users can access these bases at all times, allowing them to resolve their problems on their own.

For senior living communities, a 24/7 help desk can assist with the various forms of technology used in the center. For instance, administrators might call or submit a question about record-processing software. With 24/7 support, you can solve technical problems no matter what time they occur.

4 Benefits of a 24/7 Service Desk for Senior Living Communities

Investing in a 24/7 IT service desk can bring many benefits to senior living communities. Here are four examples:

1. Enhanced Safety

The safety of senior residents in living communities is a top priority. Various forms of technology, from security systems to electric wheelchairs, keep residents safe during their stay. Many senior residents rely on technology for their care, making the tools crucial for their well-being.

With a 24/7 IT service desk, you can access support for your community’s technology at all times. With immediate support, you can diagnose technology issues right away. In turn, your community can continue to provide the highest support possible.

For instance, many senior living communities use online software to manage health records and emergency contact information. If a technical malfunction blocked your access to these records, employees would be unable to use them for residents. You could call the 24/7 IT help desk, and they could help you get your files back online. In turn, you can keep your residents safe. 

2. Resident-Centered Approach

As mentioned, technology is a crucial component of senior living communities. By committing to an IT service support line, you can ensure these vital tools stay online and in the best shape possible. You invest in the residents’ well-being and make sure their security remains the highest priority.

From older adult care facilities to hospitals, most healthcare practices use digital solutions to store sensitive data. While these solutions are convenient and streamlined, they also present the threat of cyber attacks. Data breaches at your senior living facility could be extremely harmful, because attackers could gain access to medical records, financial information or other vital documents.

By investing in a 24/7 IT support service, you can add more protection against attacks. You can call the support line if you notice any suspicious activity, preventing large-scale cyber attacks. Many IT support technicians can also help with disaster recovery. In this service, your IT support will help you recover lost files or retrieve other stolen information. 

Overall, the enhanced security of 24/7 IT services helps you focus on residents, from protecting their information to providing the best care possible.

3. Increased Efficiency

Another benefit of a 24/7 security desk is enhanced efficiency. IT support can help you keep your devices and software online. With their help, you can reduce downtime and move through daily tasks more efficiently. You can provide high-quality care to residents without delays due to malfunctioning technology.

For instance, a facility might rely on digital records to know what medications each resident uses each day. If their software was delayed and employees couldn’t access these records, they wouldn’t be able to complete this procedure. With a 24/7 support line, IT service professionals could resolve the issue and allow residents to receive care more quickly.

4. Analyze Responses

You can also use your IT services to analyze your current technology systems. You might notice that you have to call about a particular service more commonly than others. If you realize an application or piece of equipment constantly needs assistance, it might be time to replace or upgrade it. Your IT services can suggest alternatives or help diagnose a larger problem that might need to be addressed. 

Making any suggested updates, repairs or replacements can help your facility’s systems avoid downtime and service delays. IT professionals who have experience with senior living communities can make suggestions tailored to your specific needs.

Contact Prelude Services for 24/7 IT Support

A 24/7 service desk for senior living communities can solve many technical issues. At Prelude Services, we understand the importance of reliable technology in your practice.

Our 24/7 IT support service can help your senior living community stay secure and efficient. We can help with hardware issues, software problems, potential cyber attacks and other technical problems that arise. Our expert technicians provide high-quality advice that resolves your issues quickly. Prelude Services can help senior living communities of all sizes and needs.

To get started with Prelude Services, contact us today.

The post Benefits of 24/7 Service Desks for Senior Living Communities appeared first on Prelude Services.

Technology has become an integral part of our everyday lives, from the smallest starting businesses to the biggest multibillion-dollar corporations. Computers are used for business emails, PR and advertisements, inventory and more, while mobile phones are crucial for contacting employer and employee alike. Without modern technology, our current business models would fall apart, leaving us unable to carry out once-simple tasks. What’s more, for businesses involved in critical services, such as the healthcare industry, these delays can be a matter of life and death — quite literally. 

Unfortunately, technology isn’t infallible. Chances are that you’ve experienced a technological malfunction at least once in your life, whether it be a crashing computer or a phone that refused to turn on. Tech issues can put the breaks on what would otherwise be a productive workday, costing you, your employer and your clients valuable time and money. Depending on the severity of the issue, you can even lose important files that are impossible to replace. 

Information technology (IT) services have become as crucial a part of our technological world as technology itself. IT support staff help you solve technology-related problems, saving you the time, money and stress of getting a replacement device. Even better, they can help you learn how to prevent those issues from happening again. IT services are crucial in minimizing the damage caused by inevitable technological troubles, and since those troubles can strike at any time, it’s important that your IT support is available 24/7. 

What is 24/7 IT Support? 

24/7 IT support is exactly what the name implies — IT support available twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, fifty-two weeks a year. Whether you’re having an issue at two in the morning or on Easter Sunday, a 24/7 IT service will be available and ready to help. They manage this by either utilizing a steady shift rotation or by using staff located in multiple time zones. 24/7 IT can include a variety of IT services, such as:

• Backup and recovery: Backing up important files is an important step for anyone handling vital information. IT services can guide you on how to back up your files and where best to store them. They can also assist you if you need to recover important files. 
• Analyzing logs: If you’re unsure of how to access logs or other management data, IT support can help you through the process. 
• General troubleshooting: If you’re having issues with your device and you aren’t sure what the cause could be, IT will help you root out the issue. It can be malware, software that hasn’t been updated properly, a misplaced file and more. 

These are just a few of the available services. In general, if a service is performed by standard IT, it will also be performed by a 24/7 IT service. 

Benefits of 24/7 IT Support 

At first glance, 24/7 IT support may seem like overkill — after all, how many businesses really need to operate around the clock? Your computer isn’t going anywhere, so you might think that you can afford to wait until morning to call about your issue, or even put it off until the next business day. However, there are several benefits to having access to constant IT service: 

• Reduced waiting time: Having access to 24/7 IT support means being able to tackle technical issues as soon as they appear. While it’s true that not every issue needs to be handled the instant you discover it, for businesses that depend on technology, the sooner the better. In addition, the fact that the IT service is able to take clients at all hours means that clients are less backlogged. This reduces the amount of time you have to spend waiting to see your consultant. 
• Better customer reach: One of the benefits of modern technology is that it allows people to connect with each other regardless of distance. However, this means that you won’t always be doing business with someone in your time zone. 24/7 IT support removes this issue, meaning you won’t have to call at a late hour because it falls into the standard 9-5 cycle where your IT service is located. 
• Increased customer satisfaction: Very few customers enjoy businesses that make them wait. If you’re familiar with business phone calls, then you can probably think of at least one time you were left on hold — and you can also probably remember how irritated that made you feel. 24/7 IT services cut down on customer waiting time, which in turn cuts down on customer stress. You won’t have to wait as long to hear back or to have your issue resolved, which means you can spend more time thinking about other things. 

In short, 24/7 IT services help customers solve their problems faster and at more convenient times for them. This, in turn, leads to happier customers. 

How do You Know if You Need 24/7 IT Support? 

Even knowing the benefits, you may still view 24/7 IT support as unnecessary. You may think that, while your business wouldn’t be harmed by having access to around-the-clock support, it doesn’t necessarily need it. So you may wonder, How can I tell if my business will benefit from 24/7 IT support? Here are a few indicators:

• Your business is active 24/7: There are many jobs that need to be done regardless of the time of day or what day that is, such as jobs in the healthcare industry. There are also jobs that, while not time-sensitive to an extreme degree, benefit from being done quickly. For example, if night shift employees in a nursing home discover an issue with their computer, it would be better for the issue to be resolved that night instead of them having to wait for the day shift workers. If you have clients demanding your services around the clock, you can’t afford to wait for your IT support’s hours of operation. 
• You want to serve a wider demographic: Depending on how big your business is, you may be serving clients in multiple time zones. Having access to 24/7 IT support means that you can solve issues that occur during their hours of operation as well as yours. 
• You want customers to have a better experience: One of the best ways to show your clients that you care is to be available for them around the clock. If you run into technical difficulties, you won’t be able to serve your clients until the issue is sorted out, and every second you wait is another second your client grows more irritated. Being able to solve tech issues quickly will save both you and your clients time and stress. In situations where you encounter your clients regularly, such as in a nursing home, ensuring their satisfaction makes interactions easier for everyone involved. 

Common IT Problems 24/7 Support Addresses 

Now that you understand the larger benefits of 24/7 IT support and know it’s right for your business, you may be wondering what specific problems it can help with. There are all sorts of technological malfunctions and mishaps, but some of the more common ones are included on this list. If you’ve experienced one or more of them, then you’ll understand how they can disrupt your workday and how important it is to have them solved as quickly as possible: 

• Slow performance: When your computer’s performance slows down, it can take much longer to perform simple tasks. While computers slow down naturally with age, there plenty of other causes for sudden loss of performance speed. These can include too many programs being open at once, a lack of space on the disk, or malicious software. If you aren’t sure what the cause is, then contacting IT can be useful. 
• Slow connection: Similarly to a slow performance speed, a slow internet connection can drastically increase the amount of time it takes for you to perform work-related tasks. Slow connections can be caused by overloaded wifi routers or a blocked wifi connection. Before contacting IT, be sure the issue isn’t the physical location of your computer, such as a thick wall between it and the router. 
• Lost password: A strong password is important for your digital security, as it serves as the first line of defense if your device is compromised or physically stolen. However, this security can easily turn against you if you forget or lose your password. Many programs have ways to recover or reset passwords, but if they don’t work, IT may be able to help you regain access. IT may also be able to help you if you’ve lost access to the device itself. 
• Lost files: Losing business-related files can be catastrophic, especially if the files housed critical information or contained work necessary for an approaching deadline. In the best-case scenario, you’ll have to regather and re-enter the information — in the worst-case scenario, you’re left without it permanently. In the healthcare industry in particular, losing information can be disastrous. It’s not always possible to regain lost files, but if it is, an IT support service will help you do so. 
• Printer issues: While plenty of work-related information and paperwork can be stored digitally, there are times when a physical copy is necessary. Obtaining one, however, is only possible if your printer is working. Aside from not printing, some printer issues can even slow down connected computers. Printers count as work devices, especially the more sophisticated ones, so don’t be afraid to contact IT when they malfunction. 
• Overheating: This issue is exactly what it sounds like — your computer’s temperature gets too high, forcing it to shut down. In some cases, overheating can permanently damage your computer. While it can be caused by placing your computer in the sun or in places where the fan is blocked, or by the accumulation of dust inside the case, it can also be a deeper issue that you’ll need IT to solve. Even if you think the issue is physical, it’s advised to contact IT before taking your computer apart. 
• USB Issues: Even the most spacious of computers can’t hold everything. In those cases, a USB drive is useful for storing additional files, but only when the drive works. USB issues don’t always come from the computer — sometimes they come from the USB device itself. However, there are times when the computer’s USB driver is the issue, making it a job for IT. 
• Malware: Malicious software, or malware, is software specifically designed to damage, slow down or otherwise interfere with your computer. With the advancement of modern technology, malware is becoming more and more subtle in its infiltration. Even if you’ve avoided clicking on suspicious links or downloading unknown files, you may still end up with malware. If a malware program has made its way on to your computer, IT services can help you locate and remove it. 

Even if your issue isn’t listed here, IT services are there to help, so don’t be afraid to call. 

Why is 24/7 IT Support Essential? 

At this point, it’s safe to assume you have a decent grasp on the benefits of 24/7 IT services. But you still may be wondering — are they truly essential? 

The answer is yes. In today’s modern world, technology is a more important part of keeping businesses running than ever before. For example, in the healthcare industry, computers are used to store important patient files. Hardware failure, network connection issues and malware are just a few of the problems that can interfere with modern technology. 

24/7 IT support means that you can get these problems fixed as soon as possible. Gone are the days of waiting for the next business day, for the holiday to be over, or for the service to open up in the morning. With 24/7 IT support, you can contact an IT team about your problems as soon as they occur. Not only will this minimize the losses caused by these problems, but it will save you and your clients both time and stress. You can spend less time worrying about when the issue will be fixed and more time focusing on your work. 

If you still aren’t quite convinced, think back to the last time you were put on hold for IT services. Think about how long you waited for tech support. Now ask yourself this — How much time could you have saved if that support line had been open 24/7?

Contact Us for 24/7 IT Support 

Technology has become a crucial part of the modern business experience. Without functional computers and mobile phones, many business practices would grind to a halt. Unfortunately, breakdowns and malfunctions are an inevitable part of any machine, meaning businesses do grind to a halt until the issues are fixed. In order to keep your business running, it’s crucial to have access to IT support when you experience technical difficulties. 

If you’re a healthcare company, long-term care provider, or small business in need of IT support at all hours, consider Prelude Services. We’re a SSAE SOC Compliant business dedicated to improving your security and functionality. We offer specific IT services for senior living care, nursing homes, retirement home services and assisted living, including 24/7 IT support. If you want to know how Prelude can help you, contact us today!

The post Guide To 24/7 It Support appeared first on Prelude Services.

Organizations and businesses of all sizes use cloud computing.

Everything from email to software development to healthcare records can be securely stored on a private cloud. Cloud-based software is updating and changing so quickly that it’s a constant challenge for in-house IT personnel to keep up with it. Cloud computing and outsourcing your IT functions instead can benefit your organization.

Cloud computing helps businesses save time, money and resources. These businesses can focus on their other business operations, knowing that their IT infrastructure is in capable hands. Use this guide to help determine if cloud computing may be a good option for your organization.

What Is Cloud Computing?

Cloud computing involves outsourcing your computing infrastructures like software, storage, servers, databases, networking and more to a cloud service provider. Making those infrastructures accessible over the internet, rather than being housed on-site, enables businesses of all sizes to provide faster innovation and flexible, on-demand resources for customers and employees. The third-party provider hosts data and programs to allow for more processing power on your hard drive, promote collaboration and allow for secure access to files and applications from any device with an internet connection.

Cloud computing services offer a more efficient way to run your business’s infrastructure and scale it as you grow or change it.

Types of Cloud Computing

Many services fall under three main types of cloud computing — Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS) and Software as a Service (SaaS). Each type builds on one another, providing different levels of management, control and flexibility. Each type is also available as public or private cloud services, depending on the provider. Cloud computing is a highly customizable type of service, and the different types of cloud computing allow each business to find the right services for their needs.

IAAS

The base level of cloud computing, IaaS, provides an IT infrastructure from the cloud provider. You’ll have access to features like servers, storage, operating systems, networks and more. Infrastructure as a Service leaves the most room for businesses to customize the cloud services for themselves, making it a common choice for tech-savvy companies. 

PAAS

Platform as a Service is the preferred cloud computing service for developers and creators. The cloud provider handles all the data, security and infrastructure systems, creating an ideal environment for developing, testing and managing a business’s software. This aspect of PaaS allows your business to be more efficient while focusing on deploying software applications.

SAAS

With SaaS, cloud service providers help businesses deliver on-demand software applications accessible to users on any mobile device. The cloud provider is responsible for hosting and managing the software and its infrastructure and handling the maintenance. With everything taken care of on the IT end, your business only needs to consider how it will use the software. Software as a Service is the most common form of cloud computing, used for popular applications like Microsoft Office 365 or Google Apps.

Uses and Applications of Cloud Computing

Businesses can apply cloud computing services in a variety of ways. Many people might be surprised to discover they use cloud computing every day. However big or small your business is, there are numerous opportunities to integrate cloud computing. Here are some common services that cloud providers offer:

• Store and recover data: Store your business’s data more cost-effectively on a larger scale. Remote cloud storage systems can store and recover your data and make the data accessible from any device.
• Build and test applications: Whether you’re developing an entirely new software application or testing the expansion of an existing one, cloud computing can help you build and test applications quickly. 
• Stream video and audio: Stream audio and video to connect with your customers and audience from any location or device.
• Deliver on-demand software: Offer your customers the latest software updates as they need them from wherever they are. 

To find out specific ways your business can use cloud computing, consult with a professional cloud computing service.

Benefits of Cloud Computing

Many businesses are moving to cloud computing services. While doing so is a significant shift from traditional IT resources, they find that the benefits are well worth the change.

REDUCED COSTS

With cloud computing services, businesses save money on buying, maintaining, and storing hardware and software and the cost of electricity to run it. Since the cloud provider manages the computer infrastructure, you’ll also save the expense of hiring in-house IT experts. Additionally, most cloud computing services charge businesses on an as-used basis, which means you only pay for what you use.

ABILITY TO SCALE UP AND DOWN

All businesses have needs that change over time. While accounting for future changes used to mean occasionally overcompensating in the present, cloud computing gives you the ability to quickly scale your resources up or down as your needs change.

GLOBAL RANGE

Cloud computing includes elastic scale, the ability to deploy applications and infrastructure globally. Businesses can deliver the right amount of computing power, bandwidth, storage and more at any moment and from any location.

RELIABILITY

Cloud computing services are reliable ways to quickly access or recover data during power outages or other disasters. Cloud computing helps ensure business continuity even during disruptions.

Cloud Computing Challenges

As with traditional IT practices, cloud computing has a set of challenges along with its numerous benefits. It’s essential to be aware of the challenges you might face with this shift in order to prepare for them. Some of these include:

• Cloud security: Security is a challenge for any technological service, with the risk of hackers and data breaches. Be sure the cloud provider you’re choosing to work with is transparent about how they handle sensitive information.
• Unpredictable costs: While pay-as-consumed plans can be extremely cost-efficient, they can also be challenging to budget. Studying past trends and keeping abreast of fluctuating demands and scaling resources will help you predict your final costs. 
• Cloud migration: Migrating existing applications and data can be complicated, especially when moving your own infrastructure to the cloud. Some complications may include lengthy project times and over-budget costs. 

Before committing to a cloud computing service, be sure to find out how they’ll help you with the challenges you’ll be facing. 

Contact Prelude for Cloud Computing Services

Prelude Services offers private IT cloud computing services with enhanced security compliant with HIPAA regulations for storing sensitive information. Our 24×7 service desk is here to support any IT issues that may arise with technical expertise and engaged and patient customer service.

Prelude Cloud Computing is secure and SSAE 18-compliant so you can feel confident your data is in good hands. Contact Prelude for more information about our computing services!

The post The Complete Guide To Cloud Computing appeared first on Prelude Services.

As nearly every industry becomes more and more digitized and more and more reliant on internet connectivity, networks and network management continue to take on increased importance. Because of the complexity of network management, this is a specialized field that requires a considerable amount of knowledge, skill and troubleshooting ability. 

Network management includes both hardware and software, and for some of the more complex systems, it can mean connecting very large, involved networks across different geographical locations. It’s understandable that network management may seem intimidating and overwhelming for people who do not have a background in IT. Nevertheless, for most professionals and small business owners, some level of network management ability will be crucial for both metaphorically securing your professional and financial future as well as literally securing your electronic data and information. There is no reason why anyone can’t learn about network management, the benefits and basic principles behind the practice, and the benefits of a network management system. 

What is Network Management?

Essentially, network management refers to a practice of overseeing, monitoring and controlling all aspects of a computer/data network. In doing so, the network manager is able to ensure that all of the network’s components — both hardware and software — are running correctly, efficiently, productively and securely. In most cases, network management is administered by a person, usually a network manager or network administrator, and in some cases, a managed service provider (MSP). This individual or team of individuals is responsible for using the most up-to-date protocols, systems, applications and devices to collect and analyze network data. Using that data, the network manager can then create and push out network configuration demands that will increase productivity, keep up with business demands and ensure the reliability and security of the network.    

Network management, then, is an incredibly important job that entails many different responsibilities. These responsibilities include the security of the network and its data and the productivity which the network allows, along with the overall user experience. To alleviate the complexity of this task, many businesses and companies choose to use a network management system, which essentially automates the primary task of network management.

Typically, a network management system comprises switches, routers, access points, and wireless controllers, which are all connected to a centralized server. The server itself can be either physical (on the premises of the business or located in a secure data center) or virtual (for example, located in the cloud). With the use of a network management system, clients, applications and devices can communicate directly with the server about their status. Network managers/administrators can then monitor the status of the network as a whole by connecting to the server. From the server, they can evaluate productivity and security and are able to troubleshoot as needed. 

What Does Network Management Involve?

Network management, then, can be a highly involved and complex line of work. To better understand what network management entails, it can be helpful to use the acronym FCAPS, commonly used in the industry to describe the basic components of network management. 

• Fault management. The “F” in FCAPS stands for “fault” and it is generally the most common and time-intensive aspect of network management. In network management, a fault — more commonly called an error or an issue — refers to any type of problem in the network that prevents the user from completing their desired task. When it comes to fault management, it is the network administrator’s responsibility to resolve the fault as quickly as possible. In most cases, a network administrator will first detect the problem, then isolate the issue and identify its cause(s). Then, the network administrator will use their knowledge and skills to troubleshoot until the process is resolved. Lastly, the network administrator will document the problem and the steps they took to address it.  
• Configuration management. The “C” in FCAPS stands for “configuration.” In order for networks to work the way in which they are intended to work, they must be configured. Proper configuration dictates how devices on the network communicate with each other and with the server. There are a few different types of configurations that comprise a healthy network. Router and switch configurations store the network’s IP addresses and route settings, along with other information. Host configurations connect a device, like a laptop or desktop computer, to the network via logging the network settings. Software configuration allows for network-based software, such as Adobe, to access the network, connect to devices and monitor traffic.   
• Administration. The “A” of FCAPS refers to “administration” and is another crucial component of network management. Network administration is one of the more clear-cut aspects of network management. In fact, it is in the title of network administrator. Some of the most common aspects of network management include setting passwords and granting permissions, along with general software security and data backups. 
• Performance management. Lastly, the “P” of “FCAPS” stands for “performance management.” When it comes to performance management of a network, the network administrator uses metrics to monitor network performance and productivity, along with tracking any and all changes to the network itself. Collecting and analyzing data is crucial for establishing baseline performance for the network, as well as opportunities for improvement and increased capacity. 

Why is Network Management Important?

Network management is highly important for any individual, company or business that uses the internet. Network management is crucial for ensuring the fastest possible connection speeds and productivity, security across devices and ease of use with minimal faults/errors. With the rise of the cloud, remote jobs and Bring-Your-Own-Device (BYOD) work models, ensuring that networks are running smoothly and securely is more important than ever before. 

Most of the networks that are still operating today were created long before current cloud models and BYOD were in wide practice. As such, network administrators are having to come up with creative ways to keep their networks running as best as they possibly can. With more users connecting via the cloud and from personal devices, good network management is key to ensuring that users have seamless, secure access to the network. 

What are the Challenges of Maintaining Network Management and Infrastructure?

One of the primary changes faced by network administrators today is the increasing complexity of the networks themselves. Network administrators must grapple with the complexities of the networks with which they work, in addition to many other challenges, included but not limited to the following: 

• Security. As stated, with the rise of remote work and BYOD practices in the workplace, not to mention the presence of smartphones and other personal devices, networks are no longer held by traditional boundaries or physical locations as they were in the past. Today, network administrators must deploy additional strategies to protect data and eliminate threats. Network management can effectively monitor potential attacks on the network and ensure that security tools are working together to maintain network speeds and traffic while also securing user data.  
• Cost. The cost of maintaining healthy, productive and secure networks will nearly always exceed a business or company’s IT needs, including network management. Now, with the rise of remote work, video conferencing and BYOD, networks require additional levels of reliability and quality. As such, there is more work than ever for network administrators, and this is reflected in the rising cost of network management.   
• Growth. Networks continue to expand in terms of both reach and the number of connected devices. As more and more devices connect to the network, the strain on the network itself will also increase. As a consequence of this increased connectivity and growth of networks, network managers face the additional challenge of managing rapid growth while also performing all other duties relating to security and troubleshooting of the network.  
• Poor network performance. Perhaps the most obvious challenge posed to network management, poor network performance is the single most important and impactful issue with which network administrators must grapple. As a consequence of the aforementioned growth and overall increase in network traffic, poor network performance is faced by network administrators across industries and companies. Network management must address this challenge before it can address any of the other challenges. It is a consequence of many of the other challenges, such as security concerns, growth and cost, that have previously been mentioned.    
• Vendor collaboration. As networks continue to grow and expand in completely new and rapid ways, a business or company’s ability to continue collaborating with vendors is likely to be a challenge. Both software and hardware that was state-of-the-art within the past year or two may now be considered out-of-date. Network management teams must understand how they can continue to work with old, existing programs and systems in order to maintain their networks.   

Best Practices for Network Management

The exact practices of each network and its network management team will vary based on the specific size, scope and needs of the network in question. Some of the most effective best practice for network management can include the following:

• Understand the network. The more that a network administrator or network management team understands the network and its baseline for operating, the better network management will be able to address any problems and security threats that may arise. An established baseline for the network is key for nearly every aspect of network management and can greatly contribute to network flexibility and adaptability.   
• Create and enforce escalation protocols. Despite the best and most dedicated efforts of any network administrator and network management teams and systems, problems — from errors to speed issues to security breaches — are inevitable. It’s critically important that network management practices have escalation protocols in place for these problems when they arise. For example, having specific plans in place for resolving different types of issues is one way in which escalation protocols can assist in the entire troubleshooting process.  
• Layered breakdowns. Layered breakdowns are an invaluable feature that can be applied and maintained by many different network management systems. Essentially, with layered breakdowns, the network management system is able to collect information about every layer of the network, from physical cables and wires to IP addresses to connectivity issues to transport protocols. Wth this feature in place, network administrators are better positioned to pinpoint the exact source of problems within the network. 
• Failover protections. As network management systems and/or network administrators work to troubleshoot and then to resolve issues, there is a risk that the entire network can go offline or crash during the process. This can result in loss of data and, of course, interrupts productivity until the network is back online. Failover protections are a kind of fail-safe that all network management systems should have in place in order to prevent those kinds of network outages from occurring. 
• Planning for growth. As is true with nearly every aspect of business, the capacity for network growth is a critical indicator of the potential for success of the business or company as a whole. Network management systems and the individuals who work as network administrators should always be looking for ways in which they can pursue growth opportunities and investments in new technologies and network systems. 

Benefits of Network Management Software 

It will always be important to invest in skilled, competent IT professionals to work as network managers and network administrators. Today, there are also several different types of network management softwares that can assist IT professionals, and network administrators in particular, to monitor and manage the networks with which they work on a daily basis. Some of the greatest benefits of using a network management software can include, but are not limited to, the following: 

• Reduced network disruptions. Thanks to the innovative nature of many network management and/or network monitoring systems, it is easier than ever before to reduce network disruptions. Network monitoring systems are able to reduce these disruptions by employing clear, easy-to-understand predictive technology. This technology can help IT professionals and network administrators to identify more quickly the source of a network disruption, as well as how to resolve these disruptions as they arise.    
• Improved network security. Network management systems are able to provide 24/7 monitoring to a level that human network administrators are simply not able to achieve without assistance. As such, IT teams can expect much greater security for their data and overall network when they rely on the security capacity of a network management system. 
• Increased IT productivity. With the assistance of network management software, IT professionals, including network administrators, are better positioned to increase their own productivity. Network management systems automate many of the basic network monitoring systems, freeing up the IT team to work on more pressing issues. In this way, the network management system can save a business both time and labor costs, while increasing productivity and reducing employee stress. 
• Better view of network performance. Network management systems are able to collect information and data across all levels of the network. These systems can give an unprecedented level of insight into the daily workings and performance of the network as a whole. With these insights, network administrators are able to analyze the data to make predictions about future performance, as well as identify opportunities for network growth and potential investments into new technology and infrastructure.     
• Automation of manual processes. Network management systems can allow IT professional teams, including network administrators and managers, to automate many of the rote and tedious manual processes that take up significant time and energy. Some of these manual processes include network inventory and assessments, mapping, wire tracing, configuration backups and remote access to the network infrastructure. Once a network management system automates these and other processes, the entire network will likely operate more smoothly and streamlined, with less interruptions and security breaches.    

Why Your Business Should Evaluate Network Management Services

For most of the industries and businesses of today, there are innumerable benefits for investing in network management, and in particular, network management services. Nearly every business can expect to see both financial returns and increased productivity when they invest in meaningful network management services. When evaluating network management systems, it can be helpful to think about the exact challenges that your business wants the network management system to address and/or mitigate. By asking yourself the following questions, you can understand better how network management systems resolve problems and challenges which your business is facing. 

Can the system automate manual processes?

CAN THE SYSTEM AUTOMATE MANUAL PROCESSES?

For most businesses, automating manual processes is likely one of the primary benefits that you wish to gain from a network management service. When asking yourself this question, it can be helpful to identify the most tedious processes currently faced by your team. If your current network management service is not addressing this challenge, it may be time for your team to upgrade your system, and/or invest in an automation-forward system in the first place. 

CAN THE SYSTEM GIVE MEANINGFUL INSIGHT INTO THE NETWORK AND ITS OPERATIONAL CAPACITY? 

In addition to automation, IT professionals and network administrators will be most interested in network management systems that can provide real-time, comprehensive insights into the network and how it operates on a daily basis. With these insights, tasks like troubleshooting, isolating errors and resolving network issues can be completed with more ease than ever before. 

CAN THE SYSTEM SUPPORT DIFFERENT VENDORS?

Depending on the type of business/company with which you work, the importance of vendor support may vary, in terms of network management and network management systems. For some businesses, vendor support is critical to their ability to do business successfully. Vendor support can be made much simpler and more comprehensive with the use of the right network management system. 

CAN THE SYSTEM INTEGRATE DIFFERENT TOOLS?

Like vendor support, the level to which integration of different tools into the network is important will vary from business to business. For some businesses, this component of the network management system will be crucial to their daily operations. Network administrators should carefully evaluate what tools they need to use on their network and which network management system(s) will best allow them to do so.  

DOES THE SYSTEM HAVE A PROVEN RECORD OF REDUCING COSTS? 

As previously stated throughout the article, one of the biggest challenges to network management is the sheer cost. As such, network administrators and network management teams should not shy away from interrogating how, exactly, a network management system will save them money and help them to stay at or under the allotted budget. 

Trust Prelude Services with All of Your Network Management Needs

Prelude Services specialize in innovative, secure IT solutions to the healthcare industry. Prelude is proud to assist healthcare organizations by securing their data, streamlining their networks and providing the highest quality of customer service. Your organization’s IT needs will always be their top priority.

Prelude Services technologies are specifically tailored to the needs of senior living and care organizations. Currently, they provide IT support to over 700 senior living, long-term care, affordable housing and community service facilities throughout the country. Prelude is able to offer the most innovative technologies, along with a comprehensive understanding of HIPPA and the unique needs faced by the long-term care and senior living healthcare markets. Contact Prelude Services today to request more information about their dynamic IT solutions.

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