It’s about doing more with less!

 The objectives of Managed Security Services are about developing optimal security solutions within a limited budget. Small and Medium size Business (SMB’s) have a lot to deal with each day just to remain competitive andwith limited resources, focus for these organisations should be on areas within the business that drive profits. 

SMB’s do not require the additional stress associated with managing their connectivity and network security.  Unproductive distractions such as worrying; Are my network resources secure? How can I reduce spam? What would happen to my business if a disaster occurred?  Are all concerns that do not assist in driving profit! 

When you estimate the cost incurred and the time and resources spent researching and implementing these solutions, a managed security solution just makes sense. With limited finance, SMB’s can’t afford to get it wrong! 

Benefits managed solutions add over traditional do it yourself solutions

 The disposition of SME business generally means they have limited resources to invest.  These resources can be utilised in areas of the business that drive profit forward, such as marketing and sales, or they can be invested in areas that are regarded as a non-profit expense.

A company’s IT department does not need to be a cost burden to the business.  It can be the enabler of sales and should assist in driving profit into the business.  Unfortunately many IT solutions are implemented incorrectly and hence are seen to take profit out of the business.  What an SME business cannot afford is to get it wrong! 

At the same time, SME’s cannot ignore the security risks associated with running their networks.  Cybercrime is a serious reality in Australia i with the Australian Computer Emergency Response Team (AusCERT)  reporting the infection of over 11,00 Australian hosts from one piece of malicouis software earlier this year.  ASIO, Australia’s domestic spy agency, also demonstrates a critical need for organisations to secure their networks, warning about freelance hackers who are available for hire by organised criminals and terrorists. 

Another major issue faced by SME business is that the person employed to manage and secure the corporate network is more often than not, a generalist. That is to say they are usually unqualified to detect and manage prominent security threats.   However, a Managed Security Service Provider (MSSP) such as Seccom provides the benefit of an online security expert, specialising in managing protecting and securing your network..  Would you go to your General practitioner if you required brain surgery? Then why would you rely on a generalist to protect the critical information held on your network?. Imagine if you could have all your employees concentrate on profit driven concerns rather than protection, wouldn’t this be a better use of your valuable business resources? 

An MSSP is not only in the best position to ensure you get the best advice, but, because they can share costs across many customers, they can give SME’s access to enterprise level solutions not normally afforded by this size business. 

One solution could be to employ your own security expert. Expecting little change out of a $140,000 per annum investment, after a major security issue occurs, your organisation is still up for substantial restoration costs. On top of this, your security expert has now become a security liability, holding almost supreme access to all critical organisational data.   

Imagine how vulnerable your company will be if this person, for one reason or another, no longer wished to provide this information to the rest of the business. How would your organisation cope?  By employing an MSSP based security solution you have SLA’s in place to ensure your issues are always resolved quickly and risks such as the one described above become irrelevant.

 Security engineers who work for an MSSP are constantly  exposued to many varied threats and issues, resulting in your organisation receiving fast and efficient resolutions. 

Utilising an MSSP solution for SMB’s just makes good sense. When you partner with an information security specialist such as Seccom, all facets of your business network are secure. Providing solutions for internet and interoffice connectivity, mail and internet security, core network connectivity and security and remote connectivity to ensure the best solution to meet your business needs. Utilising the right security solution for your business just makes sense.

 SIMPLY A SMARTER CHOICE

 Why purchase hardware? – Do you want to run the risk of owning hardware that becomes dated or your business simply outgrows?  Utilising a MSSP model ensures that you have upgrade protection.

Why manage your own infrastructure? – With an MSSP partnership maintenance and monitoring of the infrastructure is taken care of, freeing you to focus on the areas of your business that bring in the profit.

Why spend your capital? - Funded from Operating Expenses, our service means you save.

 Cost Reduction Audit

A Seccom Global cost reduction audit will provide a comprehensive report with an unbiased view of what your current costs are and how these could be reduced by applying the principles discussed in this paper. It is a small investment to make considering the huge return on investment it will yield. To understand the value of a cost reduction audit, go to the following link to find out how Seccom Global has reduced costs for one well branded and respected Australian organisation: (http://www.seccomglobal.com/index.php/reducemycosts)

 Conclusion

It is clear that the majority of organisations are on the lookout for ways to reduce IT Security costs, without impacting business. With the information provided thus far you should be able to piece together a roadmap for reducing costs and increasing business productivity and profitability.

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