Tag: IT support

IT Support, Dispensed Instantly: Elevating Your Enterprise Technology

Posted on by Marley Watson

Imagine a world where upgrading your office network, replacing a broken laptop, or fixing a critical server issue was as simple, quick, and reliable as grabbing a snack from a vending machine.

In the modern business landscape, waiting hours—or even days—for IT support isn’t just an inconvenience; it’s a direct threat to your bottom line. Every minute of downtime translates to lost productivity, frustrated staff, and potentially lost revenue.

At Andromeda Solutions, we believe your enterprise technology should empower you, not slow you down. That’s why we’ve built our services around a simple promise: IT Support, dispensed instantly. ## Why “Instant” Matters in Modern Business

Technology is the backbone of your day-to-day operations. When it works perfectly, it’s invisible. When it fails, everything grinds to a halt. Traditional IT support models often involve submitting a ticket into a black hole and hoping someone gets back to you before the end of the day.

We take a different approach. We proactively monitor your systems to stop problems before they start, and when you do need assistance or new equipment, we deliver it with unmatched speed and precision.

Everything Your Business Needs, On Demand

If you look at our “IT Vending Machine,” you’ll see exactly what we mean. We don’t just fix computers; we provide comprehensive, enterprise-level solutions tailored to your specific business needs. Here is what we deliver instantly to our clients:

1. Premium Hardware Provisioning

From high-performance Dell workstations to sleek Apple MacBooks, your team needs the right tools to do their best work. We handle the sourcing, setup, and deployment of top-tier hardware, ensuring it’s ready to go the moment it hits your desk.

2. Seamless Network & Communications

A slow connection is a productivity killer. We design and install robust Wi-Fi 6 networks that can handle the heavy demands of a modern office. Furthermore, our advanced VoIP phone systems ensure crystal-clear communication with your clients, whether your team is in the office or working remotely.

3. Essential Peripherals & Accessories

Lost a mouse? Need a new headset for a sudden influx of video calls? A keyboard stopped working? We ensure you have access to all the essential peripherals—from reliable networking cables to ergonomic accessories—without the hassle of dealing with consumer retail stores.

4. Fully Managed IT Support

Behind the hardware is our dedicated team of experts. Think of us as your invisible, highly skilled in-house IT department. We manage your servers, secure your data, backup your files, and provide instant remote or on-site support whenever you need it.

The Andromeda Solutions Difference

Based in Middlesbrough and serving businesses across the region, Andromeda Solutions bridges the gap between massive corporate IT and local, personalized service. We bring enterprise technology solutions to businesses of all sizes, ensuring you have the infrastructure to scale and succeed.

You shouldn’t have to jump through hoops to get your tech working. You deserve IT support that is as immediate as pressing a button.

Ready to Upgrade Your IT Experience?

Stop settling for sluggish support and outdated technology. Let Andromeda Solutions streamline your IT infrastructure today.

The Backbone of Your Business: Why Professional Network Installation Matters

Posted on by Marley Watson

Take a look in your office’s server room or IT cupboard. What do you see? Is it a neatly organised, clearly labelled, and highly efficient system? Or is it a tangled “spaghetti” mess of cables that everyone is too terrified to touch?

At Andromeda Solutions, we know that a robust, reliable IT infrastructure is the lifeblood of any modern business. The image above shows one of our expert technicians hard at work doing what we do best: delivering clean, professional, and high-performing network installations.

But why is professional structured cabling and network setup so important? Here is why investing in your IT infrastructure is one of the smartest moves your business can make.

1. Reliability and Reduced Downtime

When your network goes down, your business grinds to a halt. Every minute your staff cannot access the internet, shared drives, or cloud applications costs you money.

A professional installation—like the server rack and wall-mounted hardware setup pictured—ensures that every connection is secure, tested, and optimised. By using high-quality components and proper cable management, the risk of accidental disconnections, hardware overheating, or signal interference is drastically reduced.

2. Faster Troubleshooting

In the event that an IT issue does arise, time is of the essence. If your cables are a tangled mess, diagnosing a simple faulty wire can take hours.

Notice the neat, colour-coded, and properly bundled cabling in the server rack our technician is working alongside? This is called structured cabling. It allows our IT support teams to instantly identify which cable goes to which port, making troubleshooting, maintenance, and repairs incredibly fast and efficient.

3. Scalability for the Future

Your business isn’t static, and your network shouldn’t be either. Whether you are hiring new staff, adding new VoIP phones, or expanding your office space, a professionally installed network is built with scalability in mind.

When Andromeda Solutions designs your network, we leave room for growth. Expanding your system becomes a simple matter of plugging into an available, pre-configured port, rather than having to rip out and replace inadequate consumer-grade hardware.

4. Enhanced Security and Performance

Consumer-grade routers and haphazardly connected switches simply cannot handle the data loads of a growing business, nor do they offer the robust security features required to keep your sensitive data safe.

Our technicians install enterprise-grade access points, switches, and firewalls. During installation, as shown in the image, we rigorously test signal strength, connection speeds, and port integrity to ensure you get maximum bandwidth and uncompromising security across your entire premises.

Why Choose Andromeda Solutions?

Network installation is not a DIY job. It requires careful planning, technical expertise, and an eye for detail. At Andromeda Solutions, we pride ourselves on delivering bespoke IT infrastructure that looks as good as it performs. From pulling the first cable to configuring the final router, our team ensures minimal disruption to your daily operations.

Are you ready to upgrade your business IT infrastructure? Don’t let a poor network hold your business back. Whether you are moving to a new office or need to overhaul your current setup, we are here to help.

Visit us at www.andromedasolutions.co.uk to learn more about our networking services, or contact our team today to discuss a bespoke IT solution for your business.

Seamless Connectivity: Why Professional Network Installation Matters for Your Business

Posted on by Marley Watson

In today’s fast-paced digital landscape, a reliable internet connection isn’t just a luxury—it’s the backbone of your entire business operation. Whether your team is collaborating on cloud-based platforms, hosting high-definition video calls, or managing vast amounts of secure data, a dropped connection or a Wi-Fi “dead zone” in the office can bring productivity to a grinding halt.

At Andromeda Solutions, we know that throwing a basic router into a comms room and hoping for the best simply doesn’t cut it for modern businesses. That’s why we specialize in professional, enterprise-grade network installations designed to keep you connected, secure, and operating at peak efficiency.

The Anatomy of a Perfect Installation

As you can see in the snapshot of our team at work, a proper network upgrade goes far beyond simply plugging in a device. When our engineers step into your office, we bring a comprehensive approach to your IT infrastructure:

  • Strategic Placement: We install high-performance access points (like the enterprise-grade Cisco equipment pictured) in optimized locations—often ceiling-mounted—to ensure maximum coverage and eliminate frustrating dead zones across your floor plan.
  • Precision Cabling & Testing: Behind every great wireless network is a rock-solid wired foundation. Our technicians custom-crimp, route, and rigorously test every Ethernet cable using professional diagnostic tools. This guarantees that your data is flowing at maximum speed without interference or packet loss.
  • Active Monitoring & Configuration: Installation is only half the job. We configure your network through advanced management dashboards, ensuring your firmware is up-to-date, your traffic is optimized, and your network is secured against unauthorized access.

Why Choose Andromeda Solutions?

Attempting a DIY network setup or relying on outdated consumer hardware often leads to hidden bottlenecks, security vulnerabilities, and messy cable setups that are a nightmare to troubleshoot.

By partnering with Andromeda Solutions, you are investing in:

  • Minimal Downtime: We work efficiently to install and upgrade your systems with as little disruption to your daily operations as possible.
  • Scalability: We design networks that grow with you. As you add more employees and devices, your infrastructure will be ready to handle the load.
  • Peace of Mind: With rigorous testing and ongoing support, you can stop worrying about your IT and get back to focusing on what you do best—running your business.

Ready to Upgrade Your Office?

Don’t let poor connectivity hold your team back. Whether you are moving into a new office space, experiencing frustrating Wi-Fi dropouts, or simply looking to upgrade your legacy hardware, our expert team is here to help.

Visit us today at www.andromedasolutions.co.uk to learn more about our network installation services and book a consultation. Let’s build a network that works exactly the way you need it to.

From Beige Boxes to the Cloud: The Unstoppable Evolution of IT

Posted on by Marley Watson

At Andromeda Solutions, we love a good dose of tech nostalgia just as much as anyone else. Looking back at the “beige box” era is a fantastic reminder of exactly how far technology and IT support has come over the last couple of decades.

The “Good Old Days” of IT

Back when the setup in the picture was cutting-edge, IT was a completely different landscape. Data was stored locally on spinning hard drives (or stacked in binders full of floppy disks and CD-ROMs). If you wanted to share a file, you often literally handed it to a colleague on a disk. Software was bought in physical boxes and installed one computer at a time. Security was largely about having a decent antivirus program and making sure the server room door was locked.

It was an exciting time of rapid discovery, but let’s be honest – it was also slow, clunky, and highly vulnerable to hardware failure.

The Hidden Risks of Legacy Systems

While looking at vintage setups brings a smile to our faces, it also brings up a very serious point for modern businesses: legacy technology. Believe it or not, there are still businesses out there relying on aging hardware and outdated, unsupported operating systems (yes, even systems as old as Windows XP or Windows 7) to run critical applications. While the “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” mentality is tempting, running legacy IT systems in the modern world is a massive risk.

Older systems lack the critical security patches required to defend against today’s sophisticated cyber threats. They are prone to hardware failure, lack compatibility with modern cloud software, and can severely bottleneck your team’s productivity. What is nostalgic in a photo is a liability in the office.

Welcome to the Modern Workplace

Today, the IT landscape is virtually unrecognizable from the days of beige monitors.

  • The Cloud: We’ve moved from floppy disks to seamless, secure cloud storage, allowing teams to collaborate in real-time from anywhere in the world.
  • Sleek Hardware: Monitors are paper-thin, and incredibly powerful micro-PCs can fit in the palm of your hand.
  • Proactive Cybersecurity: Modern IT support isn’t just about fixing a broken machine; it’s about deploying advanced, multi-layered cybersecurity protocols to stop threats before they happen.

Ready to Leave the Past Behind?

It’s fun to look back at where we started, but your business needs to be focused on where the future is heading. If your office tech is starting to feel a little too similar to our nostalgic graphic, it might be time for an IT review.

Whether you are looking to migrate your data to the cloud, upgrade your hardware, or secure your network against modern threats, Andromeda Solutions is here to bring your business firmly into the present.

Don’t let legacy systems hold your business back. Visit us at www.andromedasolutions.co.uk today to learn how we can modernize your IT infrastructure and keep your business running smoothly, securely, and efficiently.

The Safety Net Your Business Can’t Afford to Ignore.

Posted on by Marley Watson

Imagine this scenario: You walk into the office on a Tuesday morning, coffee in hand, ready to tackle the week’s biggest project. You sit down, log in, and… nothing. Your files are gone.

Maybe it’s a corrupted hard drive. Maybe it’s a ransomware screen demanding Bitcoin. Or maybe, a well-meaning employee accidentally hit “Delete” instead of “Save.”

It’s the nightmare scenario that keeps business owners up at night. Yet, surprisingly, many businesses still rely on sporadic, manual backups – or worse, no backups at all.

At Andromeda Solutions, we believe that data security shouldn’t be a gamble. A robust, automated backup strategy is the difference between a minor hiccup and a business-ending disaster.

Here is why upgrading your backup strategy is the single most important investment you can make this year.

1. The “It Won’t Happen to Me” Myth

Data loss doesn’t discriminate. It doesn’t care if you are a small local startup in Middlesbrough or a multinational corporation. The risks are real and present every day:

  • Hardware Fails: Hard drives have moving parts. They have a 100% failure rate eventually. It’s not a matter of if they will fail, but when.
  • Cyber Crime is Rising: Ransomware attacks are becoming more sophisticated, targeting small businesses specifically because they often have weaker defences.
  • Human Error: We are all human. Accidental deletions or overwriting critical files happens more often than hardware failure.

2. Automation is Key (Set It and Forget It)

The biggest flaw in most backup strategies is the human element. If your backup relies on someone remembering to plug in an external drive every Friday at 5 PM, your strategy is already broken. People forget. People get busy. People go on holiday.

Automated backups run quietly in the background, ensuring your data is safe without you lifting a finger. You get the peace of mind of seeing that “Backup Complete” notification, knowing your day’s work is secure.

3. The Power of the Hybrid Approach

A truly resilient business doesn’t just put all its eggs in one basket. Effective disaster recovery often involves a Hybrid Backup Strategy, combining the best of both worlds:

  1. Local Backups (NAS/External Drives):
    • The Network Attached Storage (NAS) and rugged external drives provide rapid recovery. If you delete a file by accident, you can restore it from the local drive in seconds at high speed.
  2. Cloud Backups (Andromeda Cloud):
    • This is your insurance policy. If a fire, flood, or theft occurs at your office and steals your physical hardware, your data is safe off-site in the cloud.

4. The 3-2-1 Rule

We often recommend the industry-standard 3-2-1 Rule to our clients:

  • 3 copies of your data (Production data + 2 backups).
  • 2 different media types (e.g., Local NAS Drive + Cloud).
  • 1 copy kept off-site (The Cloud).

This ensures that no single point of failure can wipe out your business.

How Andromeda Solutions Can Help

We don’t just fix computers; we protect livelihoods. Our team in Middlesbrough specialises in setting up seamless, automated backup solutions tailored to your business needs.

Whether you need a robust on-site NAS server or secure, encrypted cloud storage, we monitor your backups so you don’t have to.

Don’t wait for a disaster to prove the value of a backup.

Contact Andromeda Solutions today for a free consultation on securing your business data. Let’s turn that “Data Loss Nightmare” into a “Business Continuity Plan.”

Computers Over the Decades

Posted on by Peter

Imagine landing at work to a desk FULL of files, papers and the all important roladex with not a computer in sight. There certainly wouldn’t have been the need for IT support! If you remember such times; what were they like? Over the years computers have evolved and advanced significantly, meaning today we have every piece of information required at the click of a button.

Let’s take a walk down memory lane;

1930s Calculating Machines

Considered the world’s first ever programmable computer, the calculating machine was created by Berlin born Konrad Zuse. Using his parents’ living room to design a prototype, Zeus used metal plates, pins and old film to create a machine that could easily add and subtract.

The 1940s Mathematical Robot

By the 1940s technology really started ‘hotting up’ with the introduction of the ENIAC created by John Mauchly. Designed to aid the army with ballistics and analytics, this machine had the ability to calculate thousands of problems every second. If you’re imagining a neat little desktop sized box then think again. The ENIAC required a 1,500 square foot room to accommodate its 40 cabinets, 6000 switches and 18,000 vacuum tubes. Imagine the IT Support requirements for this!

Sticking With Matchs in the 1950s

With the 30s and 40s creating computers designed to solve maths related problems, the 1950s focussed heavily on use for scientific and engineering research. In 1954 the JOHNIAC was introduced and operated successfully for 13 years by RAND researchers before its demise.

The 1960s Programma 101

Of course everything changed in the 60s! Alongside peace and music festivals the Italian made Programma 101 was introduced to the market and sold as a desktop computer to the ‘average customer’. Prior to 1965, computers remained reserved for engineers and scientists. The Programma 101 however offered features helpful to everyone. This machine was the size of a typewriter and was equipped with 37 keys and an in-built printer.

1970s Introduced The Mouse

A surge in technological advancements meant the Xerox Alto could not only print documents, it could send emails. This computer included a screen, keyboard and mouse and was designed for use by everyone including children. It’s suggested that the Xerox Alto influenced Apple designs in the 80s.  

The 1980s Apple’s Macintosh Changed the Computer Industry

In 1984, Steve Jobbs introduced the world to his Macintosh computer, a brand that has only strengthened over time. Similarly to the Xerox Alto, the Mcintosh was available to everyone and included a screen (small at 9 inches), keyboard and mouse. What was prevalent about this design was the interface of windows and icons. The Macintosh was extremely light in comparison to previous machines weighing just 22 pounds. If you were lucky enough to afford one, the Apple Macintosh would have set you back £2,092. This is the equivalent to just under £5,000 in today’s money.

Stepping into the 90s with the iMac G3

The iMac G3 was customisable and quirky with its Bondi blue clear casing. Alongside the now standard screen, keyboard and mouse, this machine included USB ports and was designed to be portable. Introduced in 1997, again by Steve Jobbs, it’s suggested that the 800,000 computers sold in the first five months of launch actually saved Apple from going under. Imagine that!

2000s and Laptops

In a bid to make computers as portable as possible, laptops increased in popularity in the early 2000s. Thanks to Steve Jobbs in 2008, the first ever MacBook Air was introduced to the world. Brave enough to remove the CD drive this machine measured 0.76 inches thick and changed the industry forever. 

Benefits of IT Support as a Service

Posted on by Peter

Since the COVID-19 pandemic and its subsequent lock downs, businesses have forever changed the way they operate. With staff members all over the country forced to carry out duties from home, higher management and company owners have realised the benefits attached. Today we’re investigating the advantages of outsourcing IT Support as a service.

Onsite & Remote IT Support

Remote IT support involves troubleshooting and fixing computer related issues directly from another location. Technicians have the ability to remotely connect to a device when needed. If onsite help is required, a specialist will travel to the required location.

Will my business benefit from remote IT services?

Outsourcing IT support is not a service reserved for larger businesses. Smaller companies will save time and money when opting to outsource. Remote IT services provide a cost effective solution to gaining the same support levels received by corporate giants. Let’s take a look at some of the benefits of remote IT support and Help Desk services.

You’ll Experience a Rapid Response

If experiencing issues, your remote specialist can jump on the problem immediately without having to travel to your place of work. This process ensures maximum uptime and uninterrupted workflow.

Operational Costs are Reduced

The savings a company makes when opting to outsource IT support is potentially rather large. Because the cost of a dedicated support contract is significantly lower than hiring a specific individual, companies are able to manage cash flow much more effectively whilst passing these savings onto customers.

Productivity Increases

Because remote IT support means there’s always someone on hand, productivity naturally increases. Updates, changes and fixes can be actioned at any time so employees are free to focus on daily tasks without interruption. With the right support contract in place that’s bespoke to the needs of your business, less time is required managing employee schedules.

Employee Benefits

Giving employees the option to work in the office, from home or using the hybrid method offers trust and respect. Creating an efficient, relaxed environment where people can work where they feel most comfortable means productivity increases alongside loyalty. Giving employees such freedom reduces staff turnover whilst creating a solid work environment.

Knowledge is Shared

With inhouse IT support, employees bring problems directly to the responsible specialist who will make the fix alone before moving on. With remote support services, knowledge is shared between the contractor and employee, helping improve staff’s overall ability to restore or maintain operations.

Early Access to New Technologies

It’s easy to rely on exissting technologies whilst carrying out the same processes over and over again. If it’s not broken, don’t fix it right? Becoming stuck in your ways means you could be missing out on not only utilising some of the newest technologies but creating further time and monetary savings. Specialist IT support companies receive all the necessary training and guidance regarding brand new technology. In turn, applications worth considering for your business are offered quickly and sometimes with discounted access.

Patches, Updates & Maintenance

Outsourced IT support services cover everything required for a safe and smooth user experience including cyber security. The provision of regular maintenance means downtime decreases whilst viruses and cyber threats are closely monitored. In addition, the risk of data breaches is reduced alongside compliance violations and damage to brand value. When researching IT support companies, choose one that provides managed security services. With cyber threats at an all time high, this is the ideal solution for smaller companies without an in house IT team. Specialists have the ability to manage integrations, permissions and more.

Top 5 Reasons to Pick up the Phone

Posted on by Peter

In the modern world each business day is guided by a multiude of emails and text messages as a quick, viable way to communicate. With ease of use and the availability of such technologies, we sometimes forget the benefits of taking time out to pick up the phone. Today we’re investigating the ‘personal touch’ approach and how it’s made easy with the likes of VoIp services (voice over internet protocol) and 3CX.

Number 1: People like the personal touch

Picking up the phone to speak with someone requires taking time out of your day. The question to ask is ‘are your clients worth this time’? They absolutely are of course! Having a verbal conversation shows not only you have the time, but that you’re invested, attentive and able to demonstrate high levels of customer service.

Number 2: Information is relayed faster

Emails and text messages are great. Within 30 seconds, you’ve conveyed your message to the other end. How is your message perceived though? Is it necessarily in the way you meant? By the time you’re on with your next task, a response could be ready and waiting in your inbox evoking further questions. When making a phone call you’re able to relay information, take feedback and get on with the rest of your day. Quite simply, there’s no back and forth.

Number 3: Phone calls offer authority

How do you feel when receiving a letter? This traditional method of relaying information is one of authority and the same can be said for a phone call. Delivering a message with your voice is a definitive and trustworthy way of ensuring your company and clients are on the same page.

Number 4: Video calls can be cumbersome

Over the last couple of years many of us have become used to the likes of Teams and Zoom. A lot of companies continue using these as a viable way of communication where face-to-face meetings aren’t possible. That said, a video call isn’t always necessary, or comfortable! Depending on the context of a conversion, video calls can sometimes be awkward with a phone call proving the better solution.

Number 5: Cost isn’t an issue

Prior to now, landline calls were anything but cheap, especially when calling abroad. That’s no longer the case, especially with the use of VoIP. For minimum fees and minute bundles, making calls no longer has to be an expensive task.

Introducing 3CX

We’ve established the importance of picking up the phone and understand the importance of this in business. Essential to the smooth running, there’s an option we’d like to discuss for smaller companies. Ideal for micro businesses 3CX StartUP covers everything from configuration to choosing the right settings. Calls and messages come through via a web client where you can directly manage set up.

How does 3CX StartUP work?

For companies with 10 or less, the use of advanced features isn’t required.Set up is straightforward and can be completed by yourself or IT provider. Within settings, users can be added easily and begin using the system. Anyone choosing to call you via 3CX will not be charged. Users are assigned a ‘talk link’ that can be placed within an email signature and across social channels. In addition to standard phone calls, you also have the option to create video conferencing. Connecting to mobiles and landlines requires account creation with a SIP trunk provider. This is something you can do yourself or pass across to IT support.

At Andromeda Solutions we can help with 3CX, making your business run smoothly whilst you keep clients happy with telephone conversations!

Andromeda Solutions Wins 2022-23 North England Prestige Award For IT Support!

Posted on by Peter

Andromeda Solutions has triumphed yet again, this time at the North England Prestige Awards, where the company has scooped a prize recognising superb performance in delivering IT Support and relevant services.

What Are The Prestige Awards?

Introduced by Corporate LiveWire, the Prestige Awards have a long and highly impressive global pedigree, having handed out plaudits all around the world. From Australia, Africa and Iceland to the USA and UK, Prestige Awards have spent a number of years dedicating their work to the recognition of the very best businesses making standout achievements in their industry or sector.

The Prestige Awards are designed to highlight that often it’s the smaller to medium-sized enterprises which are making a big impact; a category of businesses all too often overlooked for the big international prizes. As a result, the team behind Prestige Awards hones attention on varying regions and cities, choosing locations where communities of independent SMEs are thriving. Recent awards in the UK have focused around Oxfordshire, Wales, Scotland, Bristol, Central England, and, of course, the North of England, for which Andromeda Solutions was nominated.

Why The Focus On SMEs?


The Prestige Awards focus on recognising the achievements of SMEs (small to medium sized enterprises) as opposed to rewarding bigger names that may have a national or even global presence. This decision to focus on SMEs was born to the belief that independent companies are the real backbone of a nations economy whilst also reflecting unique strengths and other qualities that stem from their local environment.

Nominations for standout small businesses are invited from each region with the aim of finding the enterprise which has represented the best in its particular field over the previous twelve month period. In order for the judges to make the right decision, each nomination must be backed up with evidence of the business’s excellence, including positive testimonials from clients, details of any awards received or accreditation’s earned, as well as demonstrating how the company goes above and beyond their competition.

We are delighted to say that winning this coveted Prestige Award, Andromeda Solutions has proven it has fulfilled all of these requisites, showing yet again we provide the very highest quality of IT services in the North of England.

Andromeda Solution Delivers Standout IT Support

Our many glowing testimonials from delighted customers have proven the quality of our IT services and support, time and again. With praise for “outstanding”, “honest”, and “efficient” services, it’s no wonder we have coveted 5 star ratings on Facebook, Yell, and Google. Indeed, we’ve already been recognised by several other awarding bodies, earning an impressive array of titles from Three Best Rated, the Global Excellence Awards, and the Northern Enterprise Awards, to name but a few.

Working with both domestic customers and SMEs we’re able to help with every aspect of IT. From networking and security systems, VOIP telephony and servers, through to getting you set up with the most advanced Cloud software, Andromeda takes a corporate-style approach to small and medium-sized enterprise solutions, ensuring the most efficient and effective results. We also take care of routine maintenance and repairs at a time that best suits you or your business (many problems can even be dealt with remotely for maximum convenience).

Discover Andromeda Experience For Yourself

Andromeda Solutions is so confident your small to medium-sized business will love our award-winning IT support and services that we are offering a 30 Day Free trial, subject to terms and conditions. Why not get in touch to learn more about our incredible range of services. Your call will be put through to one of our skilled IT consultants straight away, rather than leaving you to deal with any call handlers. With transparent pricing and clear communication every step of the way, isn’t it time you tried our IT services for yourself?

Choosing Cloud Storage As Part Of Your IT Services: How does it work?

Posted on by Peter

In recent years, more and more organisations have expanded IT Support Services, embracing the latest cloud technologies, for very good reason. The cloud delivers incredible data analytics and processing power whilst offering unlimited rapid scalability. This is done at highly cost-effective prices.

Offering superb storage solutions is another of the Cloud’s strengths. Read on to discover more about what cloud storage actually means and how it works.

What Is ‘The Cloud’?

When people talk about “the Cloud”, it’s easy to imagine our data simply being held vaguely in the atmosphere somewhere. Perhaps in the very same elusive ether that provides other modern technologies, such as wireless internet connectivity or 5G. In truth, it’s a little more down-to-earth.

The cloud is a generic name for thousands upon thousands of computers linked to the internet which can be drawn upon to deliver the processing power required by its clients. The largest “clouds” can be made up of computers distributed over a number of data centres (vast premises which store and manage these machines) in a number of different locations. By offering shared computing resources in this way, cloud computing opens up incredible performance to users whilst keeping costs low.

So rather than enduring the expense of purchasing and maintaining relevant hardware to store all company data, using the cloud allows you to simply subscribe to a storage service.

What About Cloud IT Storage?

When you choose to store your business data (which can include user, organisational, or application data) in the cloud, this means that in physical terms, data will be held on servers at a data centre location, where it will be managed securely. The data centre operators are responsible for ensuring company data remains accessible.

Accessing the data can be achieved in a number of ways, too: such as through an API (application programming interface), a CMS (content management system), or a cloud storage gateway. There are three main options when it comes to adopting cloud storage services. There is the public cloud option, the private cloud option, and the hybrid cloud option. Understanding the differences between the three will help you to make the best choice for your organisation.

Public Cloud

Public cloud is the easiest to get started with and makes a good choice for small to medium-sized businesses, or where it is largely unstructured data which will be stored. In this provision, the data is kept on machines owned and operated by the service provider (such as Microsoft Azure, Amazon, or Google). This means your company’s data could be held across a number of different data centres, or even different countries. This is useful, however, as it reduces the chance of substantial data loss should a disaster such as fire or flood affect a single data-holding location. In this type of storage service, you will usually “pay as you use”, making it a very cost-efficient choice, although transaction charges may also feature.

Private Cloud

The private cloud option allows a business or organisation to create their own in-house cloud, keeping data securely behind a firewall. This option is better suited to larger companies, as it requires stringent security and managed IT services, and of course, taking on the expense of both purchasing the necessary machines and maintaining them.

Hybrid Cloud Model

Finally, a hybrid cloud model blends public and private clouds to create a bespoke environment that can deliver high levels of flexibility and data deployment options. However, the task of administering a hybrid cloud can be extremely challenging because it is important to ensure that both public and private platforms and applications work together properly.

Practicalities of Cloud Storage IT Services

Whilst it’s clear that choosing to store your organisation’s data in the cloud can offer some superb benefits, it’s still important to assess whether it’s the right choice for your needs. Assess the costs of cloud storage, including the expense of setting up and running your own machines if you want to create a private or hybrid cloud environment, likely requiring a dedicated IT services team. Be sure to create a cloud safety policy for all staff to follow, in order to ensure that accessing data in this way is managed securely. That being said, for purposes such as backing up files, DR (disaster recovery), or archiving “cold” (infrequently used) data, the cloud is an invaluable tool to have at your disposal.

Our expert team here at Andromeda IT Solutions will be very happy to understand your organisational needs and offer appropriate cloud-based solutions to ensure you achieve a truly cost-effective solution.