The digital landscape is filled with risks that can seriously damage your business. In fact,according to the U.S. National Cyber Security Alliance, a staggering 60% of small businesses that suffer a cyber attack go out of business within six months.
In this environment, we all need all the help we can get. And that’s why you need to understand the potential benefits that a trustworthy and knowledgeable managed IT services partner can provide to your business.
| “In an era when leveraging and protecting sensitive data is critical to business success, choosing the right Managed IT Service Provider is important for protecting your digital assets and extracting value from them.” ~George Terrone, Co-Founder of ITSco |
In this guide, we’ll dissect some of the intricacies of managed IT services to empower you to make an informed decision appropriate to your business needs.
What Are Managed IT Services? A Primer
In a nutshell, managed service providers (MSPs) offer professional IT outsourcing services to a wide variety of businesses so that they can focus their energies on core strategic business initiatives.
These Managed IT Services can be structured in a way that are customized to your business needs – handling some or all of your business’s technology infrastructure – and governed by a Service Level Agreement that describes the services being offered and the response times required.
Managed IT Services: The Nitty-Gritty
Using outsourced ‘Managed IT Services‘ should mean more than simply delegating your information technology functions to a 3rd party. At its best, it should represent a mutually beneficial relationship wherein the service provider assumes responsibility for maintaining your entire IT ecosystem in a way that supports your business goals.
As for the efficiency of this model, according to industry research giant Gartner, enterprises that elect to externalize their IT services stand to attenuate their operational expenditures by a margin of up to 30%.
How Managed Services Work: The Inner Workings
You should envision managed IT services as an extension of your organization, where the services are architected to work seamlessly with your pre-existing operations, and offer an expanded array of functionalities including automated monitoring and maintenance and advanced cybersecurity services.
A well orchestrated alignment of business goals and IT services frees up your internal resources to channel their energies into your organization’s core competencies.
Benefits of Managed IT Services vs. Typical In-House IT:
| Criteria | Managed IT Services | In-House IT |
| Cost-Efficiency | ✔️ Lower upfront costs | ❌ Higher upfront costs |
| Scalability | ✔️ Easily scalable | ❌ Limited scalability |
| Expertise | ✔️ Access to specialists | ❌ Generalist skills |
| 24/7 Monitoring | ✔️ Constant surveillance | ❌ Limited monitoring |
| Cybersecurity | ✔️ Advanced measures | ❌ Basic measures |
| Compliance | ✔️ Regular updates | ❌ Manual updates |
| Focus on Core Business | ✔️ Frees up internal resources | ❌ Diverts focus |
| Technology Updates | ✔️ Latest tech | ❌ May be outdated |
| Disaster Recovery | ✔️ Quick response | ❌ Slower response |
| Vendor Relationships | ✔️ Established partnerships | ❌ None or limited |
Managed IT: More Than Just a Help Desk
An IT Managed Services Provider is a third-party organization that manages and assumes the responsibility of a defined set of IT management services to its customers. It is much more than outsourced tech support – and should be viewed as a strategic asset that can help you achieve your business goals. A good MSP will act as the architects of your IT strategy, ensuring that your technology aligns with your business objectives.
From monitoring your systems and networks, to optimizing your cloud storage, and implementing advanced cybersecurity measures, Managed IT offers a plethora of services designed to elevate your business.
Managed IT Services Meaning: The ROI Factor
Investing in Managed IT Services is not simply an expense; it’s an investment.
A study by CompTIA found that 46% of managed IT service users have cut their annual IT costs by 25% or more. The value proposition here is clear: Managed IT Services offer a significant ROI.
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What Should You Look for in a Managed Services Provider? A Checklist
- System and Network Monitoring and Management
- HelpDesk competency (The more localized, the better)
- Cybersecurity expertise
- Data Security Solutions
- Cloud Migration and Management
- Senior-level expertise across a wide variety of disciplines
- Flexibility and honesty
- A proven track record of customer service
Consider ITSco When Choosing a Managed IT Services Provider
ITSco offers a unique blend of services tailored to meet your specific business needs. From cybersecurity to network and data management, we’ve got you covered.
Ready to rethink your IT strategy? Contact ITSco to start an open and honest conversation about optimizing your business’ IT future.
