Why IT Professionals Say No to Patch Jobs in the Summer Heat
Imagine for a second: it’s a blistering hot summer day, and you’re driving along with the air conditioner blasting, listening to your favorite Taylor Swift songs. Suddenly, your car starts running slow and sluggish. You pull over and discover a flat tire. You limp to the nearest tire center and ask them to patch the tire since you can see a huge nail sticking out. To your surprise, they refuse to fix it, explaining that your tire is unsafe to patch and recommending a new one instead.
Now, imagine (I know, I know, too much imagining) that this scenario involves your computer, server, or network at the office. What if the “nail” was a missing software patch, ransomware, or virus? What if your IT expert told you that the solution wasn’t as simple as patching the software or cleaning up the virus, but instead required buying a new server or firewall? When you ask why you can’t just fix it cheaply, they explain that anything less than a thorough solution would be a temporary fix. The problem would return, likely worse than before. Taking the easy way out would ultimately cost you more money, because when the issue recurs, you might lose valuable data.
As IT experts, it’s sometimes hard for us to say “we can’t do that.” It’s not because we don’t want to help, but because we aim to protect users and businesses from potential risks. If you succeed, we succeed. As IT professionals, we’ve seen quick-fix solutions fail time and again, creating unnecessary and unforeseen liabilities. We want to provide you with the best solutions to ensure continuity, resiliency, and success for you and your business.
Is your IT provider simply telling you “yes” and offering short-term fixes, or are they looking out for your long-term interests and success? Despite the initial objection to the new tire and its cost, you realize that they want to ensure your safety. This way, you can continue your journey with the air conditioner on full blast, singing “Shake It Off” at the top of your lungs in your version of carpool karaoke.
By John Guerrero