Frequently Asked Questions

Getting Started

Who are Alcom IT?

We are a leading managed IT services company proudly looking after businesses since 1998. Over more than 25 years we have grown into a trusted, full-service technology partner supporting over 500 businesses nationwide across IT support, cyber security, telecoms, hardware procurement and AI.

Our aim is simple, to deliver technology that works flawlessly in the background so you can focus on growing your business with complete confidence.

What services do you offer?

We cover the full range of business technology under one roof:

  • IT Support - proactive monitoring, helpdesk and on-site support
  • Cyber Security - protection, training and threat monitoring
  • Telecoms - VoIP phone systems, broadband and mobile
  • IT Sales & Procurement - hardware, software and licensing
  • AI - practical automation and productivity tools

Because it is all handled expertly by one dedicated team, you enjoy a single, reliable point of contact for everything technology-related.

What size of business do you work with?

We proudly support organisations of every size, from small teams of a few people through to companies with well over a hundred staff. Whatever your headcount, we tailor our support around how you actually work, so you get exactly what your business needs and nothing you don't.

Which areas do you cover?

Our office is in Aylesbury and we provide on-site support across Buckinghamshire and the surrounding counties, while delivering seamless remote support to clients nationwide. Wherever you are based, you can count on the same responsive service. You can see the full list on our locations we cover page, and if you'd like to confirm we reach you, just ask.

How do I get started with Alcom IT?

Getting started is refreshingly simple. Get in touch for a relaxed, no-pressure chat about what you need, and we'll arrange a thorough review of your current setup. From there we put together a clear proposal, agree a plan built around you, and manage the move across so the switch is smooth and stress-free.

Call us on 03333 055 055 or head to our contact page to begin.

IT Support

What does your IT support include?

Our managed IT support combines a fast, friendly helpdesk with powerful proactive monitoring that spots and resolves issues before they ever affect you. Depending on your plan it covers day-to-day user support, server and network management, software updates, backups and on-site visits whenever a problem needs hands-on attention.

Take a look at our IT support plans for the detail on each tier.

How quickly will you respond when something goes wrong?

Our helpdesk responds fast during working hours and resolves issues remotely within minutes. Because we monitor your systems around the clock, we catch and fix problems before you even notice them. Clear response times are set out in your support agreement, so you always know exactly what to expect.

Do you offer 24/7 support?

Our helpdesk is staffed Monday to Friday, 9:00am to 5:30pm, and we back this with round-the-clock system monitoring and emergency out-of-hours cover for critical issues. If something serious happens outside office hours, you can rest assured you're never left waiting until the next morning.

Can you support our existing systems, or do we have to change everything?

We work happily with what you already have. We start by getting to know your current setup and only recommend changes where there's a genuine benefit to you, whether that's improving reliability, reducing cost or strengthening security. There's never any need to rip everything out and start again.

Do you provide on-site as well as remote support?

Absolutely. We resolve issues remotely for speed, and when a problem needs someone physically present - new hardware, cabling, or a fault that can't be fixed over the wire - our skilled engineers come directly to you.

Cyber Security

Why does my business need cyber security?

Businesses of every size are targeted by cyber attacks, and smaller organisations are prime targets precisely because they assume they're too small to be at risk. A single breach means lost data, downtime, financial loss and damage to your reputation. Strong security safeguards all of that, and it's increasingly expected by clients, insurers and regulators too. With the right protection in place, you can operate with total peace of mind.

What cyber security services do you provide?

We deliver comprehensive, layered protection tailored to your risk, including threat monitoring, antivirus and endpoint protection, advanced network protection, secure password management and staff security awareness training. Explore the full range on our cyber security services page.

Do you train staff to spot threats?

Yes, and it's one of the most valuable investments you can make. Breaches start with human error, so we run engaging security awareness training that empowers your team to confidently recognise phishing emails, scams and other common tactics before they cause harm. New to the subject? Our learn about cyber security page is the perfect place to start.

What should we do if we think we have been hacked?

Contact us straight away on 03333 055 055 - acting quickly makes all the difference. If you're already a client, our monitoring will often have flagged the issue before you even called. Our experts contain the incident calmly, establish exactly what happened and put robust measures in place to stop it recurring.

Telecoms

What telecoms services do you offer?

We provide modern, reliable business phone systems and connectivity, including VoIP and hosted telephone systems, superfast broadband, leased lines, business mobile and data SIMs. Whether you're office-based, hybrid or fully remote, we keep your team connected and productive nationwide.

Can we keep our existing phone numbers if we switch?

Yes. We port your existing numbers across to your new system, so your customers see no change at all. We manage the entire transfer for you, keeping disruption to an absolute minimum.

What is VoIP and is it better than a traditional phone line?

VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) carries your calls over the internet rather than a traditional phone line. It's more cost-effective, far more flexible and packed with powerful features, like taking your office number anywhere, effortless call routing and simple scaling as you grow. With the UK's traditional phone network being switched off, VoIP is the smart, future-proof choice. You can read more on our VoIP page.

Sales & Procurement

Can you supply hardware and software as well as support it?

Absolutely. Through our IT sales and procurement service we source laptops, desktops, servers, networking kit, printers, accessories and software licensing, and because we support what we supply, everything is set up perfectly from day one. Browse our IT products to see the sort of thing we handle.

Will you help us choose the right equipment?

Yes. We're not here to sell you the most expensive option - we recommend what genuinely suits your needs and budget. Our knowledgeable team takes the time to understand how you work before advising, so every pound you spend delivers real value.

Do you handle setup and disposal of old equipment?

We do. New devices arrive fully configured and ready to use, and when kit reaches the end of its life we arrange secure, environmentally responsible disposal and data erasure so nothing sensitive is ever left behind. It's a genuinely hassle-free, end-to-end service.

AI

How can AI help my business?

AI isn't just for large corporations - it's a powerful advantage for businesses of every size. Used well, it automates repetitive tasks, speeds up everyday work, elevates your customer service and frees your team to focus on higher-value activity. We help you cut through the hype and unlock practical, safe ways to put it to work. See our AI page for examples.

Is it safe to use AI tools with our business data?

Yes, provided the right controls are in place - and that's exactly where we come in. The risk comes from adopting tools without thinking about where your data goes. We help you choose reputable tools, set sensible policies and keep your information fully secure, so you enjoy all the benefits with none of the worry.

Working With Us

How much does IT support cost?

Every business is different, so we price around what you actually need rather than quoting a headline figure that turns out to have caveats. You'll enjoy the simplicity of a predictable monthly fee that makes budgeting effortless. Tell us a little about your setup and we'll put together a clear, competitive, no-obligation quote.

Are we tied into a long contract?

We'd far rather earn your business every month than lock you in. Contract terms are agreed openly and transparently up front, with no hidden surprises, and we're always happy to talk them through before you commit. Our confidence comes from the quality of our service, not the small print.

What if we already have an IT provider?

Switching is far easier than you'd expect. We manage the entire handover seamlessly behind the scenes, liaising with your current provider where needed, so the change is smooth and your team barely notices the transition. Making the move to Alcom IT really is that simple.

How do I contact you if I need help?

We'd love to hear from you. Reach us by phone on 03333 055 055, by email at [email protected], or through the form on our contact page. Existing clients also enjoy direct access to our helpdesk and customer service zone for logging and tracking support requests with ease.

Explore our FAQs by topic

Looking for something more specific? Dive into our topic-by-topic FAQ collections in the knowledge base.

Visit the Knowledge Base

Still have a question?

Can't find what you're looking for? Get in touch and we'll be happy to help.

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