Back to
Managing IT infrastructure is critical to staying competitive, but it can also be complex, time-consuming, and costly – especially for growing businesses. This is where a solution like Uniware Managed Services can make all the difference, offering cost-effective solutions that streamline IT management and support growth.
In this Q&A, Uniware’s General Manager, Craig Alford, explores the challenges many businesses face when trying to manage their own IT infrastructure and explains why adopting a managed services solution can be the most efficient and cost-effective way to overcome them.
1. What are some of the big challenges growing businesses face when managing their own IT infrastructure, and what can they do to overcome them?
Many businesses struggle with the high costs, ongoing maintenance, and security risks associated with managing IT infrastructure. Some of the most common pain points we see include:
- Expensive on-premise hardware that requires regular updates and maintenance.
- Keeping up with security patches and ensuring systems are always protected.
- Ensuring backups are complete and data can be recovered from them.
- Reliance on time-poor in-house IT teams or external contractors who may lack expertise in the latest Cloud technologies.
For businesses looking to streamline IT management, moving to a managed services model can be a real game-changer. Instead of dealing with the complexities in-house, businesses can find an expert partner who will handle everything – from infrastructure management to security and system optimisation. This means those teams can focus more time on what matters most – their customers and growth – while ensuring their IT systems remain up-to-date and cost-efficient.
2. If businesses are moving to the Cloud, what things should they consider in order to avoid costly mistakes?
Cloud migration offers incredible benefits, but a poorly planned transition can lead to plenty of disruption, unexpected costs, and major security risks. For teams currently on that journey, key considerations to keep in mind include:
- Understanding what data and applications need to move and ensuring they are compatible with Cloud environments.
- Planning the migration timeline to minimise downtime and business disruption.
- Reviewing licensing and cost-saving opportunities to optimise Cloud spending.
- Assessing security and compliance requirements to meet industry standards.
A successful migration begins with careful planning and testing. Before fully transitioning to the Cloud, conduct a ‘dry run’ to identify potential issues and ensure a smooth go-live. An experienced managed services provider like Uniware can help create and manage this plan and rollout with efficiency.
3. How can businesses effectively adopt new technologies without disrupting daily operations?
Adopting new technologies is critical for staying competitive, but unplanned changes and new systems can disrupt workflows and frustrate employees. The key is proactive evaluation and gradual implementation. Instead of blindly following the latest tech trends, it’s important to:
- Assess new tools for their actual business value before you make the switch. Being informed, is key to successful implementation.
- Train employees and provide support to ensure smooth adoption and ongoing use.
- Phase in changes to minimise operational impact.
- Ensure you have the right support in place.
By partnering with a managed services provider like Uniware, you gain expert guidance on adopting technologies that enhance efficiency and security – without unnecessary disruption. Our team help you to stay ahead of market innovations, ensuring you’re always leveraging the best solutions for your business.
We proactively identify emerging technologies that will benefit our clients. When we find a solution that aligns with their needs, we reach out to discuss its potential impact and whether it’s a path worth exploring. By staying at the forefront of the technology landscape, we keep our clients ahead of the curve. Learn more here.
4. What challenges do businesses face when migrating legacy systems to the Cloud? How does Uniware Managed Services help simplify the transition?
Many businesses still rely on legacy systems and these aren’t always Cloud-compatible. Migrating these systems requires expertise and a strategic approach to avoid compatibility issues and service disruptions. The Uniware Managed Services team has a robust approach that includes:
- Assessing the level of support for older applications and identifying alternatives if needed;
- Installing and testing the latest OS version on AWS before live migration;
- Rigorous testing and final client approval;
- Scheduling and rollout of a phased migration.
Having the added experience and expertise on-hand and the people to support you through the migration process is key to a smooth transition with minimal risks.
5. How can managed IT services enhance performance, scalability, and security?
As businesses grow, their IT needs evolve. Managed services provide a scalable solution that allows businesses to expand without worrying about infrastructure limitations. Benefits include:
- Seamless resource allocation – scaling CPU, memory, and storage as needed.
- Automated security updates to protect against cyber threats.
- Continuous monitoring and support to optimise system performance.
This proactive approach ensures businesses have the flexibility to scale while keeping their IT systems secure and efficient.
6. How can businesses stay on top of security threats while ensuring system efficiency?
Cybersecurity is vital – but it can be overwhelming if you don’t have dedicated resources to manage it or proactively address issues. Working with a managed services provider means businesses gain access to enterprise-grade security – without the complexity of managing it themselves. Uniware employs real-time monitoring tools to track system performance and detect potential threats for every one of our clients. If performance concerns arise, we proactively adjust resources to maintain optimal efficiency. We are very shortly set to be named an ISO 27001-compliant provider – this means, we implement stringent security measures, including timely patch applications, supplier security updates, and comprehensive system monitoring to protect against emerging threats.
7. Why is choosing the right managed services provider so important?
Choosing a managed services provider is about more than just outsourcing IT– it’s about finding a strategic partner who understands your business needs and is dedicated to creating solutions that are right for you. Key factors to look for include:
- Local expertise and data locality – ensuring data is securely hosted in Australia.
- 24/7 support and proactive management to prevent IT issues before they arise.
- A tailored approach that aligns IT strategy with business growth goals.
It’s all about helping to take the stress out of IT management so you can focus on what you do best.
If you’re considering a move to the Cloud or seeking ways to streamline IT operations, get in touch with the Uniware team. Let’s discuss how Uniware Managed Services can support your business.
