Making Technology Dependable: Proactive IT Explained

Proactive IT refers to designing and implementing technology in a carefully structured way so as to prevent or reduce problems or failures in equipment, operating systems, programs and other areas of your IT environment. We call this proactive as opposed to reactive, which means taking a preventive approach so we aren’t just reacting after a failure. This philosophy has developed over many years of experience observing where trouble begins in hardware and software, how it affects other systems and what steps can be taken to help prevent it from starting. The goal is a more stable and dependable IT environment.

JH Computer Services believes very strongly in a “foundation up” approach to IT services. Areas of IT are built in layers, each connected to another layer to form a kind of chain. You’ve likely heard the expression, “a chain is as strong as its weakest link.” This is true in technology too. For example, home users might have a first layer consisting of a router and a modem providing Internet services and WiFi. If these devices are not well configured, everything up the chain may be unreliable or prone to failure. Poor WiFi or network connections on Phones, TV, desktops, laptops and other devices could be the result. In another example, a typical business will start with a network consisting of a mix of network cabling, an Internet source, switches and routers. Then some kind of server is connected, either on-site or cloud based. Every system up the chain right on up to the staff workstations depends on that first and second layer being configured properly and efficiently. A weak link here could see workstations not able to connect to file shares, printers, the Internet or other shared resources.

When you have no weak links, you will have a strong chain that is far less likely to break a link when you need it most. But not everyone is technical, and that’s where maintenance services can help. Even at home, this occasional service is very affordable and well worth the investment. It will help keep your equipment and software running trouble-free.

In summary, when you design and implement a well planned and properly configured set of IT layers, technology runs faster, smoother and requires less service calls and attention. You have less downtime, reduced costs and the technology you depend on is not letting you down. The results are all the proof you’ll need to see the difference between band-aid™ solutions and ongoing reliability.