These days, you need to stay connected at all times. Smooth-running and secure IT systems and servers are a must for your business to thrive, and your employees to maximize on their output. However, those pesky IT issues keep arising and stealing your precious time.

It’s time to take a look into managed services. A recent study found that two-thirds of organizations are outsourcing their IT needs to managed service providers. Outsourcing has numerous benefits to businesses in every industry.

Take a closer look into managed services, and what they can do for your company.

What are managed services?

Managed IT services is the practice of outsourcing some or all the responsibility of managing, monitoring, and maintaining your IT infrastructure to a third-party IT support provider.

A managed service provider (MSP) is a company that offers remote management of their customer’s day-to-day technology responsibilities and end-user systems. This could be anything from providing proactive IT solutions, remotely monitoring and managing your networks, procuring and installing equipment, or improving security.

MSPs will generally customize their services to meet your business model. For instance, you may be looking to migrate to the cloud and need assistance with the migration and subsequent cloud management. Or you may be looking to tighten the security around your database. Whatever you require can be talked through with your chosen MSP.

Once the details are decided, you’ll enter into a service level agreement (SLA) with your MSP with the terms and conditions outlined. You’ll be required to pay an agreed-upon monthly fee, and your partnership will begin.

What services do MSPs offer?

“Managed services” is an umbrella term that covers a wide range of processes and functions aimed at improving your daily operations, and reducing your expenses. An MSP’s goal is to proactively monitor your IT software and resolve issues before they become problems. They will also provide you with IT strategies that will help your business become more scalable, efficient, and productive.

Some of the most common services offered by MSPs:

IT consulting: an IT consultant will offer advice and informed decisions about your IT systems by comparing solutions and identifying potential issues within your current infrastructure.

IT support: a technical support team will remotely monitor your network and handle any IT issues as soon as they arise.

Endpoint management: the endpoints of a network are the most vulnerable to a cyber-attack. MSPs will control, monitor, and protect these endpoints from any potential cyber threats or data breaches.

Network management: MSPs will install, configure, support, and manage your networks to ensure you’re connected and running smoothly at all times.  

Cybersecurity: a top priority within any organization. MSPs will tighten and strengthen your cybersecurity to protect your – and your customer’s – data, and maintain your privacy at all times.

Other services offered by MSPs:

Cloud services: MSPs will help you migrate to a cloud platform, manage your cloud infrastructure, and provide analysis and proactive support on your business’ cloud database needs.

Microsoft suite: MSPs that partner with Microsoft offer the full 365 suite to their clients, from OneDrive to Windows. This includes full remote support, installation, and maintenance, at reduced prices.

HIPAA compliance: complying with HIPAA regulations is an absolute must for every healthcare company. MSPs offer cost-effective solutions that protect your patient’s data and privacy from cyber threats, and IT infrastructure support designed specifically for the healthcare industry.

Communications: collaboration and communication are key to the smooth running of any company. MSPs offer a wide range of telecommunications services aimed at improving your business efficiency and keep you connected.

VoIP: Voice over Internet Protocol solutions are a cost-effective alternative to outdated phone systems. MSPs offer cost-effective VoIP solutions that keep you connected, even when the internet is down.

The services offered differ from provider to provider, as your needs differ from another organization. Take a close look into what your business requires to streamline its productivity and output, and your chosen MSP can help from there.

What are the benefits of outsourcing to an MSP?

Your reasons for outsourcing your IT needs will be as varied as the services on offer. However, what all MSPs will guarantee is peace of mind, time returned, and reduced costs.

With IT experts proactively monitoring and managing your network 24/7, you can rest assured knowing that any issues arising overnight will be dealt with before you return to the office in the morning.

Your greatest asset is also your most limited one – time. If you’re running a business, you want to focus on your core competencies and functions, rather than trying to work through network issues or software patches. Outsourcing your IT means you can focus on growing your business and increasing productivity to keep up with the competition.

The best MSPs will offer:

Round-the-clock support: technical issues can arise at any time, and malicious actors will strike at any moment. Most MSPs will offer 24/7/365 monitoring and support to ensure that all problems are dealt with as soon as they arise. In the same vein, system maintenance and software updates can be scheduled outside your business hours so your employees can work uninterrupted.

Flexible services: upon entering into an SLA, you may find that you’re paying for services you don’t require. The best MSPs will be open to amending your subscription with them, rather than risk losing you as a client altogether. Just be certain to query them on their subscription flexibility in the early stages of your partnership.

Sharing their expertise: rather than simply implementing software patches and IT strategies without your knowledge, your IT support team will endeavour to explain the technicalities to you. This way, you don’t suffer any surprises, and your own IT knowledge will grow.

Why should I outsource my IT needs?

Outsourcing your IT has many benefits to your business and employees. You’ll save money knowing that your servers, data, and privacy are all securely protected. The cost of keeping a full in-house IT team, expensive infrastructure, software updates – they all add up quickly. MSPs house experts in every IT field who are dedicated to keeping you up-to-date and running smoothly.

Five benefits of outsourcing your IT:

1.       Outsourcing frees up your time so you can focus on your core business.

2.       MSPs will respond to issues within your networks before they become a problem, at any time of the day.

3.       You gain access to a full team of IT experts who are dedicated to providing you with the solutions and advice your business needs to thrive.

4.       It’s cost-effective; from saving on internal staff, to saving on expensive IT infrastructure, your budget will thank you.

5.       With round-the-clock monitoring of your endpoints, you will be less likely to experience data breaches or cyber-attacks.

It’s time to think proactively

Technology is an absolute must for businesses in this digital age. To grow your business and provide the best experience to your customers, you need to be sure that your IT infrastructure is up-to-date and running smoothly at all times.

Outsourcing to a managed services provider will increase your business efficiency and streamline your day-to-day operations. It’s a cost-effective solution that will free up your time and help your employees focus on revenue-building tasks.

Talk to the IT experts at PWR Technologies today about how they can support your IT.