Nearly every business has IT tasks that must be continually managed. With managed IT services, businesses can delegate their IT operations to an experienced third-party company, known as a managed service provider (MSP).
Managed IT service providers are responsible for managing a business’s IT systems based on requirements laid out in a Service Level Agreement (SLA). Many benefits are derived from managed IT services that improve business efficiency and generate useful insights using stored data.
1. Predictable IT Expenses
Managed IT services generally result in lower and more predictable IT costs. When a business acquires managed IT services, they choose a comprehensive package that clearly outlines what services are included and the set amount due on a monthly or annual basis.
Without a dedicated IT team on call, sudden or unexpected IT problems can quickly drain a business’s budget. The upfront costs of managed IT services also tend to be considerably lower than the cost of hiring and training a team of in-house IT professionals.
2. Access to IT Professionals
Most small businesses do not have the resources needed to retain a versatile team of professionals with experience in many different IT areas.
Acquiring managed IT services gives businesses access to an established team of IT professionals who have experience in many different IT areas. These trained and experienced professionals have earned certifications and often possess industry-specific knowledge.
3. Minimized Downtime
Any amount of downtime can be detrimental for a business. Downtime can occur for a wide range of reasons, such as computer malfunctions or server failures.
When these disruptions occur, productivity is lost and businesses ultimately lose money. Organizations safeguard against these risks and promptly address unexpected IT issues to minimize downtime with managed IT services.
4. Increased Efficiency
Having an in-house IT team may seem like the superior option but this is not always the case, especially cost-effectiveness.
Businesses that utilize in-house IT services face high research, development, and implementation time compared to a third-party organization that provides managed IT services. These extra costs are often passed onto consumers which can lead to lower customer satisfaction.
5. Fewer Costly IT Repairs
When equipment breaks or an organization experiences an IT failure, the cost of repairs can be high. MSPs take a preventative approach to IT by continually monitoring systems for problems and resolving issues before they become more costly.
In addition to monitoring an IT infrastructure’s overall health, a managed service provider will also be always alert for security breaches and other cybercrimes.
6. Fast Implementation of New Technology
Technology is constantly changing and adapting and modern businesses must keep pace to maintain a competitive edge.
However, many organizations do not have the time or resources to research, develop, and implement new technology as it becomes available.
Working with a managed IT service provider can help businesses update their systems and technology to improve efficiency, increase productivity and gain a cutting edge in their industry.
7. Meet Compliance and Security Standards
Businesses are required to meet certain compliance and security standards to avoid hefty fees and other penalties. Organizations should have PCI security standards implemented to help keep consumer information and other data protected.
Other security efforts should also be made, such as ensuring that all computer systems contain up-to-date firewalls. Ideally, organizations should perform regular audits of their servers and workstations to minimize risks.
8. Stay Focused on Core Business Goals
Resolving frequent IT issues can be highly time-consuming for organizations with their own in-house IT teams. When IT teams are forced to spend all of their time resolving IT problems, they have little time left to work towards core business goals.
Businesses that invest in managed IT services can ensure that IT tasks are swiftly completed with great accuracy, while their in-house IT team focuses on reaching important business goals.
9. Form a Valuable Relationship
Maintaining an ongoing relationship with an experienced managed IT services provider can prove highly valuable for organizations. An MSP acts as a partner for a business and can bridge a gap between a business and its technology vendors.
MSPs also provide businesses with a single point of contact that organizations can rely on for assistance when IT problems occur. A managed service provider has a vested interest in keeping a client’s systems and networks healthy.
Speak with a Managed IT Services Provider
Managed IT services providers use remote monitoring technology to monitor business systems consistently and provide clients with round-the-clock support. Like with any professional service, outsourcing IT duties is only effective when a business chooses the right partner.
The MSPs at SeaGlass Technology offer reliable managed IT services to small- and mid-sized businesses throughout New York City. Contact SeaGlass Technology today to schedule a consultation with a trusted IT professional.