Independent management consultants often have the need for Information Technology (IT) support, and can struggle with where to turn to find services for independent professionals.
We conducted an informal survey among our members to find out who utilizes some sort of remote IT support services (and what they use).
While we found that only a handful of respondents have any official IT support, many said that they don’t feel they need such support, while others who don’t currently have IT support expressed an interest in finding such a service.
Here we share our findings and some resources for remote IT support.
Contents
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Services an IT support professional can provide
Independent consultants told us they were most in need of IT support in the following categories (ranked in order):
- Remote IT “general help desk” support
- Software installation and configuration
- Website development/maintenance
- IT security advisory
- Data backup and recovery
- Advice on purchase/maintenance of hardware
- Mobile device management
- Email management/setup
- Network setup and maintenance
- In-person IT support
- Email deliverability expert
- App development
Additional Resource: Directory of web development professionals
An IT support professional can work onsite, but they can also provide their services through remote access applications. This allows the IT person to work with your systems as if they were sitting at the computer itself.
A remote management tool gives the support professional the ability to look at the processes that are being run on a computer, the CPU usage, and the programs installed — all in the background. Remote access support saves on the amount of time a technician has to put in.
Professional IT support can consult and work with you to go through the following:
- Assessment. Analyze your tech needs, current computers and other devices, data, apps, and software; as well as run checks for viruses, malware, etc.
- Data security. Consult on what kind of data you keep and how it’s stored, secured, and backed up. Make suggestions and implement tools for data security and back-up.
- Network security. Assess and provide proper security for your Wi-Fi networks.
- Passwords. Review the quality of your passwords, how they are stored and managed, and make suggestions for better password security.
Additional Resource: IT Security for Independent Consultants
Questions to ask an IT support technician
When evaluating individuals or companies that provide IT support services, there are a few things you should ask:
- Who exactly will you be talking to when you need help? Will it be the actual, local techs, a rotating help desk, or someone outsourced?
- What kind of experience do they have?
- What are the support hours? Is it 9-5 weekdays, 24-hour support, or something else?
- What response time can you expect when you make a support request?
- What is the cost? Is it a set monthly fee, a per-hour fee, or another arrangement?
- What kind of security does the support professional or company use themselves? This is particularly important if you are giving them remote access.
Additional Resource: Unleashed Episode 45: Remote IT Support with Roger Lee
Directory of IT support providers recommended by our members
The following are IT support services used and recommended by Umbrex and Veritux members.
ABI Solutions
At ABI Solutions, we provide you Technical Solutions without keeping you in the dark. Our step by step process ensures that your repair, or service is provided with the utmost professionalism and efficiency.
Website: abi-solutions.net
Contact: Ady Menon, ady@abi-solutions.net
IT support categories: Remote IT “general help desk” support; Data backup and recovery; Software installation and configuration; Network setup and maintenance; Mobile device management; Email deliverability expert; Advice on purchase of hardware; Website design and development; Domain management; SEO; Virus and malware cleanup; Server support
Area served: United States nationwide (remote)
Cost: Contact
ACA Computers
Managed IT services offering cloud computing, help desk, data back-up and recovery, and a single point of contact.
Website: acacomputers.com
Contact: JP Cladek, jp@acacomputers.com
IT support categories: Remote IT “general help desk” support; Managed IT services; Data backup and recovery; Cloud computing
Area served: Primarily New Jersey, New York, and Connecticut, but can serve United States nationwide with remote support
Cost: Contact
Alfizo
Alfizo LLC is a minority-owned consulting company operated by Gary S. Chan. Gary helps companies use IT as a business enabler while meeting compliance, security, and privacy obligations. Offers free IT security training videos. Solutions are tailored for each business.
Website: alfizo.com
Contact via: https://alfizo.com/#contact
IT support categories: IT security
Area served: Global
Cost: Directory and assessment starting at $8K
Best Buy Totaltech™
Free Geek Squad tech support 24/7 and up to 24 months of product protection. Get unlimited 24/7/365 tech support on all the technology in your home, no matter where you bought it.
Website: bestbuy.com
IT support categories: Remote IT “general help desk” support 24/7/365; Device Help and Simple Repair; Device Set-up and Troubleshooting; Hardware Install (Remote and In-Store); Data Backup or Transfer (Remote and In-Store); Email Troubleshooting; Diagnostic Service; Operating System Install; Software Install and Troubleshooting; PC Tune-Up; PC Virus Removal
Area served: United States nationwide
Cost: $199/year
CloudMSG
AI-powered support with qualified US-based IT helpdesk agents to triage and escalate requests.
Website: cloudmsg.com
IT support categories: Remote IT “general help desk” support; AI support; IT strategy development; Data backup and recovery; Cloud computing; Application support; Website development and SEO; Server implementation; Hardware procurement; Disaster recovery; Networking; Physical access security; Cybersecurity
Area served:
Cost: From $29/month
Conintento Consulting
Conintento Consulting will review your IT stack and evaluate what changes can be made to your IT strategy that will improve profitability and efficiency.
Website: conintento.com
Contact: Steve Ferry, helpdesk@conintento.com
IT support categories: Remote IT “general help desk” support; Strategic IT Advisory
Area served: Western hemisphere
Cost: Contact
Doctor Computer
Doctor Computer has been providing computer repair, on-site business and residential computer, server and network installation support for over 10 years. Doctor Computer serves thousands of business customers with on-site support throughout New Jersey, New York City and Pennsylvania.
Website: drcomputer.com
IT support categories: Remote IT “general help desk” support; IT security advisory; In-person IT support; Data backup and recovery; Software installation and configuration; Network setup and maintenance; Mobile device management; Email deliverability expert; Advice on purchase of hardware
Area served: New Jersey, New York City, and Pennsylvania
Cost: Contact
Eisber
Eisber is your Berlin expert for electrical installations and IT solutions in Berlin and Brandenburg. Our services include the professional new installation, maintenance, troubleshooting, checking and expansion of electrical systems as well as communication and data networks. As an IT system house, Eisber offers reliable and tailor-made IT service for small and medium-sized companies. Our focus is on the operation of Microsoft-based client/server networks.
Website: eisber.de
IT support categories: Remote IT “general help desk” support; IT security advisory; In-person IT support; Data backup and recovery; Software installation and configuration; Network setup and maintenance; Mobile device management; Email deliverability expert; Advice on purchase of hardware
Area served: Germany
Cost: Contact
Empowered IT Solutions
We are a technology success provider, with more than 15 years of experience serving small and medium sized companies in the United States and Mexico. Offering innovative IT technologies and cutting-edge cybersecurity solutions to businesses in various industries. As a specialized IT cybersecurity risk consulting company, we provide technical support services to computer networks to ensure they operate efficiently and avoid downtime. We implement cybersecurity controls for regulatory compliance. We keep your systems running smoothly, with a high performance and protected against cyberattacks, so your organization can be productive and focus on growing your business.
Website: empowereditsolutions.com
Contact: Joaquin Hernandez, info@empoweredITsolutions.com
IT support categories: Remote IT Support, IT Security Services, IT Security Advisory, Data Backup and recovery, CMMC, NIST, GDPR, and HIPAA Compliance
Area served: United States and Mexico
Cost: Contact
Field Ten Flight Systems
Field Ten Flight Systems offers a variety of IT Support services which are extended shared services made available to our client base.
Website: field10.com
Contact: Jonathan Dziok, jondziok@gmail.com
IT support categories: Remote IT “general help desk” support; In-person IT support; Data backup and recovery; Software installation and configuration; Network setup and maintenance; Mobile device management; Website development; App development; Email deliverability expert; Advice on purchase of hardware; Search-engine optimization (SEO) and marketing; Website development
Area served: Remote support (telephone, video conference, chat) is provided U.S. nationwide; In-person support in Greater Boston and Greater Los Angeles (though he can travel for on-site support work in other locations at standard per diem rates)
Cost: Contact
Mayfair IT Consultancy
Leverage your data for informed decision making. We’ve delivered Data and Digital transformation projects for global brands, and central UK Government authorities around Risk, Regulatory, Facilities Management and Technology.
Website: mayfairitconsultancy.com
Contact: Asad Ansari, asad@mayfairitconsultancy.com
IT support categories: Remote IT “general help desk” support; Software installation and configuration; Website development/maintenance; IT security advisory; Data backup and recovery; Email management, setup, and deliverability
Area served: Global
Cost: Contact
Mindbank
We offer tailor-made turnkey software engineering, consulting solutions designed to meet the ever-changing market demands and business needs of our customers.
Website: mindbank.tech
Contact: Leo Nguyen, svbksocola@gmail.com
IT support categories: Remote IT “general help desk” support; Enterprise IT Support Services; Data backup and recovery; IT infrastructure support; application development; network operations support; communication systems engineering
Area served: Global
Cost: Contact
TechPros
Computer Tech & IT Services in North Dallas. We specialize in getting all of your tech back up and running. Below are a few of our primary services, however we have over 15+ years of experience fixing a wide variety of tech including Windows, Apple, Linux, Android, iOs, and much more.
Website: techprosweb.com
Contact: Zach Crockett, info@techprosweb.com
IT support categories: Remote IT “general help desk” support; IT security advisory; In-person IT support; Data backup and recovery; Software installation and configuration; Network setup and maintenance; Mobile device management; Email deliverability expert; Advice on purchase of hardware; Website development; Domain management; SEO; Virus and malware cleanup; Server support
Area served: Greater Dallas area
Cost: Contact
TechtoUs
Tech to Us provides industry-leading technical support services to home customers and small business clients. All our techs are experienced, friendly, professional and based in the US. Our goal is to provide you with quick and efficient solutions to all of your technology problems whatever they may be. We’ve worked with thousands of happy customers over the years and even include a 100% money-back guarantee for all of our home support plans.
Website: techtous.com
IT support categories: Remote IT “general help desk” support; IT security advisory; In-person IT support; Data backup and recovery; Software installation and configuration; Network setup and maintenance; Mobile device management; Email deliverability expert; Advice on purchase of hardware; Virus and malware cleanup; Server support
Area served: United States and Canada
Cost: Contact
Upwork
Upwork is a marketplace on which you can find freelance talent in many categories, including IT support.
Website: upwork.com
IT support categories: Remote IT “general help desk” support; IT security advisory; Data backup and recovery; Software installation and configuration; Network setup and maintenance; Mobile device management; Website development; App development; Email deliverability expert; Advice on purchase of hardware
Area served: Global
Cost: Contact individual freelancers for rates
VIP-IT Inc.
VIP IT Inc. is a leading provider of IT strategy and support for small to mid-sized businesses who want their IT infrastructure operating at peak performance. Privately held, our team has decades of experience dealing with complex and challenging IT environments. Our goal is to provide technology support to help our clients grow their business. We’ve seen the positive impact that technology can have on a company, and we love being a part of the solution.
Website: vipitinc.com
Contact: Rob Miller, rob@vipitinc.com
IT support categories: Remote IT “general help desk” support; Remote Network & Workstation Monitoring/ Remediation; Windows/Apple corporate desktop support; Information Technology Professional Services
Area served: Global
Cost: Contact for free consultation & quote
Wellesley Cove Group
Wellesley Cove Group is a top-tier group of consultants, engineers, strategists, & problem-solvers moving the world’s best business leaders towards impact. Their Technology Consulting services help clients execute shifts in technology strategy, system integration, software development, cloud computing, cybersecurity, data analytics, & digital transformation. Wellesley Cove Group is a Microsoft certified Partner and works extensively with Apple products.
Website: wellesleycove.com
Contact: Mete Tuzcu, metetuzcu@wellesleycove.com
IT support categories: Email setup, Apple computer setup, help with Microsoft suite, Apple Business Essentials setup, website development, application development, and IT operations advisory
Area served: Global
Cost: Contact
