COVID-19 has caused extensive changes to businesses in nearly all industries. According to a 2021 annual report by Spiceworks Ziff Davis, business transformation plans drove technology spending in 2020 and more than one-third of 2021 budget increases are likely to be influenced by the pandemic.
Benefits Of Working With A Managed IT Service Provider
With tech becoming an essential component in running a business, both from home and in a traditional office setting, businesses must find ways to effectively manage their IT infrastructure. Working with a reputable managed IT service provider is one of the best ways to keep business systems running smoothly and efficiently.
There are many benefits of working with a managed IT, service provider, such as:
1. Greater Control Over Costs
Hiring an in-house team of IT professionals to manage an infrastructure can be a costly endeavor. Fortunately, modern businesses can avoid this hefty expense by partnering with a managed IT service provider. Managed IT services are typically provided on a subscription basis, making the cost affordable and predictable.
The cost of a subscription is based on the services requested and the number of people that will be using these services. Managed IT service providers assist in keeping costs low by performing system updates, maintaining high security levels and reducing hardware costs.
2. Enhanced Productivity
Businesses rely heavily on technology to perform everyday activities and streamline operations. When IT issues develop, it can lead to costly periods of downtime and a decrease in morale among employees. According to IBM, unplanned downtime costs businesses 12.4 hours a year due to server issues and 6.2 hours due to network problems.
Working with a managed IT service provider enhances productivity in the workplace, especially in the IT department. When IT staff are not consumed with resolving malfunctioning equipment or troublesome bugs, they can focus on more important priorities.
3. Improved IT Security
Organizations are exposed to new threats all the time, and without the proper protocols in place to deal with these vulnerabilities, businesses are at risk for widespread damage. One of the best ways to decrease this risk is by working with a managed IT service provider.
Experienced service providers help businesses by preventing malware from entering the network, resolving misconfiguration issues, blocking hackers from stealing sensitive information and eliminating security loopholes to further reduce risks. These benefits are achieved through services like regular antivirus updates, 24/7 monitoring, intrusion detection systems (IDS) and other cybersecurity solutions.
4. Expert-Level Support
When it comes to making money, every minute is crucial. When businesses are constantly experiencing IT issues, it can result in a loss of revenue, reputational damage and employee stress. Partnering with a managed IT service provider provides businesses with a reliable point of contact that they can immediately access to ask questions or resolve problems.
When an IT issue occurs, businesses need it fixed as quickly as possible to prevent a disruption to operations. Many service providers offer round-the-clock monitoring and support to ensure that businesses are able to get back to work as quickly as possible.
5. Innovative Services
Managed IT service providers do much more than just remove viruses and monitor networks. They also can help businesses build and implement a security plan to keep their sensitive data safe from cybercriminals. One of the most sought-after IT services among modern businesses includes cloud-based services.
With access to the cloud, businesses can access important data and tools quickly, securely and from any internet-enabled device. In the event that the business suffers a disaster, the cloud can be used to store and recover crucial business data for a fast and efficient restoration of information.
6. Access to New Technology
Technology is constantly evolving and businesses must keep pace with changes in the tech world to improve efficiency and gain an edge over the competition. Unfortunately, many businesses fall behind in terms of technology, resulting in lost earnings potential. With assistance from a managed IT service provider, organizations can learn about and implement new technology quickly.
Although purchasing new technology is always an investment, it pays off significantly in the long-term. Managed IT service providers help businesses choose technology that will best improve their operations and enhance productivity. A provider also can train employees to use new technology to minimize business interruptions.
Speak With A Managed IT Service Provider
It can be challenging to focus on core business activities when IT problems get in the way. Outsourcing common IT tasks, such as data backup and network monitoring, to a managed IT service provider is an effective way to eliminate the distraction of making complex IT decisions and repairs, allowing employees and management to work on growing the business.
To learn more about the benefits of working with a managed IT service provider or to inquire about managed IT services, contact the tech professionals at SeaGlass Technology today.