“Managed services” has become a buzzword in the technology industry as more businesses choose to delegate their IT operations to an expert third-party organization. A Managed Service Provider (MSP) is a company that remotely manages a service or technology and allows the use of said service or technology to customers through a subscription.
What Are Managed IT Services?
Managed IT services often cover functions such as data backup, communications, network administration, IT support, and network security. In a managed service arrangement, the MSP claims responsibility for the functionality of the IT equipment and service, and the customer pays a monthly fee to use the service.
Managed IT services allow customers to enjoy predictable pricing and expert IT services while gaining the ability to focus on other core business functions.
Reasons To Acquire Managed IT Services
The general idea of having a managed service provider is to take care of all the day-to-day maintenance involved in running business systems and services. Hiring a third-party organization to handle these IT tasks frees up time for in-house IT professionals and has the potential to boost a business’s bottom line.
Some of the top reasons to consider acquiring managed IT services include the following:
Lower Monthly IT Related Costs
When trying to save money, it may seem counterproductive to hire an outside party to perform internal IT functions. However, managed IT services can actually save businesses money. Managed IT services are predictable as the same amount is paid on a monthly or annual basis.
Tasks performed by an in-house IT team can often be unpredictable which can quickly eat up a budget. An MSP can provide essential maintenance and repair for one set subscription price.
Ability To Scale
In-house IT teams face countless challenges each day due to growing technical demands. Unfortunately, many businesses do not have the budget needed to hire an adequate in-house IT team, which means established employees are often understaffed and overworked.
Hiring an MSP eliminates the need to hire and train new in-house IT professionals. Managed IT services can be useful for upgrading or expanding systems to enable businesses to stay competitive.
Minimize Downtime
Downtime can result in lost money for businesses and can even impact the way that customers view a brand. Downtime is often caused by equipment issues, such as computer malfunctions and server failures.
An MSP can help a business set up a backup to kick in when a failure occurs to prevent downtime. A provider can also implement safeguards to minimize downtime caused by other factors like human error.
Disaster Recovery Prevention
Just one security breach can cost a business upwards of $3.9 billion, according to research published by IBM. Disasters such as data theft can cause a business to suffer substantial financial hardship.
Instead of making the decision to hire a managed IT service provider after a disaster has already occurred, consider acquiring data backup & disaster recovery services to help protect against these types of costly incidents.
More Focus On Internal Projects & Processes
In-house IT teams are often busy taking care of basic equipment malfunctions and other everyday maintenance tasks. This leaves little time left in the day to work on internal projects and to streamline important processes. When a business chooses to hire an MSP, in-house IT professionals can focus on other tasks designed to help a business grow.
Remain Compliant
Businesses must comply with certain regulations to ensure that sensitive data is kept secure. As standards change, businesses must continually check to see if their current standards align with current regulations, such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS). An MSP can help a business remain compliant to avoid possible consequences, such as an audit.
24/7 Expert IT Support
Managed IT service providers use remote monitoring technology to provide businesses with continuous monitoring of all networks and systems. Businesses can also enjoy a wide range of services, such as real-time alerts when a potential risk threatens the company.
This helps to ensure that problems are taken care of right away to minimize any damages. It is important to remember that network problems can occur at any time of the day, but with managed IT services, businesses can take advantage of 24/7 IT help desk support services.
Constant Access To New Technology
Technology is always on the rise, but that does not mean that every technology upgrade is right for every business. Investing in new technology that does not provide value to a company is a waste of time and money. Managed IT services provide businesses with access to up-to-date technology, ensuring that business systems are never outdated. If a piece of technology is found to be unsuitable, there is no major loss for the business.
Speak To An Experienced Managed IT Services Provider
Managed IT services can help a business enhance their infrastructure while also reaching their goals. To learn more about the benefits of managed IT services, contact the managed IT service experts at SeaGlass Technology by calling 212.886.0790 or by scheduling a consultation online.