We are often asked, “How would Managed IT Services help my business?”
From customers, professionals of every industry, and people browsing along, this question is instinctive. Businesses are all racing to be at the top, but they often let their technology fall through the cracks.
Managed IT Services are fully managed, outsourced IT support and services that greatly benefit businesses that use technology for everyday operations. Small to medium-sized businesses lacking internal IT support teams and organizations needing additional IT services can reap the benefits of Managed IT Services. There are many different types of Managed IT Services, so it’s essential to find which managed service provider is right for your business. Let’s jump into the different scopes and services Managed IT Services bring to the table.
An Emerging Solution for Small Businesses
Over the last two years, many companies shifted to a remote/hybrid workforce. Grade schools, colleges, and universities found ways to implement work-from-home solutions. The advancement of technology has allowed working professionals and dedicated students to make this smooth transition while maintaining their productivity.
According to a Deloitte report, over 80% of small to medium-sized businesses use internal management and logistics technology. However, with many companies using technology in daily operations, it’s surprising that 80% of small US businesses do not take full advantage of their digital tools. By knowing how to adopt the best IT practices, businesses’ performances reflect how well they optimize their technology.
Managed IT Services: Is it Worth the Cost?
As technology becomes more incorporated into our lives, it’s essential to be smart about IT spending. Many factors determine how much managed IT services cost; it’s not a one-size-fits-all package. Managed service providers usually have different tiers of service and factors that affect the price, but these are the most common factors that determine the cost:
- Length of service: charged at an hourly rate or a fixed price per service.
- Number of users: based on how many employees have access to your IT systems
- Number of devices: includes computers, networks, servers, and mobile devices.
In a survey by CompTIA, a non-profit organization considered one of the IT industry’s top trade associations, half of the businesses saved 1-24% in annual costs, a third saved 25-49%, and 13% of surveyors saved more than 50% total. Managed IT Services help businesses cut IT spending while providing professional IT support.
Avoid the Break/Fix Method
You may have heard about the break/fix method before. This method of IT support helps customers resolve technical issues when they occur. However, this method and Managed IT Services are opposites in terms of approach. While it’s true that break/fix services resolve issues when they happen, it’s in your business’s best interests to prevent them from happening in the first place.
Managed IT Services provide the monitoring, management, and maintenance companies need to protect sensitive information, prevent downtime, and increase overall productivity. Managed IT Services are more sustainable for companies in the long term because an IT support team is working to prevent issues from occurring in the first place. On the other hand, break/fix services will add up over time if your company faces many IT issues and is a quick bandage fix for more significant, underlying problems.
The Breakdown of Managed IT Services
1. Management
Businesses are often burdened with day-to-day tasks to tend to their IT needs. Installing software and hardware shouldn’t overshadow the daily operations of a company, so many turn to outsourcing their IT department. This helping hand provides help desk support, infrastructure upgrades, and troubleshooting to help businesses shift the focus back to their long-term objectives.
To put it into perspective, a company hiring a new employee must undergo an onboarding process. An IT provider manages the setup from beginning to end, from hardware distribution, software installation, and user access. The same goes for offboarding an employee; companies must be careful when an employee departs from a company because they risk exposing sensitive company data. According to a study by Osterman Research, 89% of employees still had access to their company’s network and data after termination. Knowing the pros and cons of Managed IT Services is essential, especially when there’s a chance of simple tasks risking company data.
2. Monitoring
Managed service providers offer monitoring for devices, software security, and IT infrastructure during after-hours and holidays. With an extra eye keeping track of your IT environment, IT professionals can pinpoint and resolve issues before they occur. Troubleshooting helps eliminate any potential downtime caused by failing hardware or software and is a great preventative measure to ensure your business stays productive.
With the rapid transition to remote work, businesses are more prone to cyber threats. Managed IT Services offer antivirus security and 24/7 monitoring to stop malware attacks from infiltrating IT systems. Managed IT services implement the best practices for cyber security so businesses can have peace of mind knowing their information is secure. The end goal for companies that use Managed IT Services is to ensure their technology works in favor of their business needs.
3. Maintenance
Regular IT maintenance is essential to ensure the security of your business’s software and systems. Managed service providers perform system updates, system patches, and hardware checks to ensure secure data storage and accessible information. Having systems up to date will prevent downtimes, which costs companies time and money.
IT security maintenance allows for secure data backup and disaster recovery. Managed service providers complete routine backups if systems go down, ensuring that your business can get back up and running without losing years of work. Performing maintenance keeps your IT environments up to date and eliminates the chances of downtime occurring. As a result, companies focus on business operations and experience fewer interruptions.
Finding the Right IT Provider
After learning the ins and outs of Managed IT Services, it’s crucial to move forward with a managed service provider that fits your company’s needs. At Parried, we offer a flexible pricing structure with services ranging from monitoring and maintenance to fully managed support. As industry experts with a proven track record of over 13 years, our experts provide comprehensive IT support and exceptional customer service. Schedule a free virtual IT consultation today to grow your business with Managed IT Services.
