Looking to scale your company’s tech strategy? Outsourcing to managed services in IT can be one of the best things you can do for your business. But before you incorporate a new tech plan, you ought to know what managed IT is and how these services can benefit your business.
What is a managed IT service?
Managed IT is an alternative solution to traditional IT support. Instead of using internal staff, you can delegate all your IT needs to a third party or a managed service provider (MSP). It’s like hiring a pre-made IT department that already knows the business.
A managed IT provider can offer a wide range of services, such as network monitoring, cybersecurity, or telecom solutions.
Unlike other IT services, which rest when the workday is over, an MSP works 24/7 to keep your systems in check. This includes weekends and holidays.
The problem with traditional IT strategies.
Some business owners might not value or understand the vital role technology plays in the success of their company. To save money, they either reduce their in-house IT staff or ignore their IT altogether until something goes wrong.
While these business owners mean well, the reality is that these solutions can be more costly in the long run. Here’s how:
- There’s an opportunity cost to reducing or getting rid of your IT team. You lose out on opportunities that would otherwise improve your business. And without someone maintaining your software, network, and devices, your technology plan can deteriorate.
- A break-fix strategy is also inefficient. Your technology shouldn’t be ignored. Sometimes, major tech issues are the result of underlying problems that aren’t so obvious. Without an IT team on deck, you risk significant downtime that slows down your business and results in revenue loss.
These methods are short-sighted and ultimately harm your business’ growth and efficiency. A disaster could happen at any moment. And if you’re unprepared, you stand to lose money from cut revenue as well as repair and recovery fees.
The benefits of managed IT services.
An MSP can supplement or even replace your current IT solution. By choosing a managed IT service, you can avoid the headache of dealing with IT infrastructure yourself. You also save time and money from needing to hire and train new staff.
Here are some other perks of working with a managed IT provider:
24/7 monitoring and protection
What is managed IT without this critical feature? A managed service provider will put people and systems in place to monitor your network all day, every day. They’ll also take a more proactive approach to cybersecurity, preventing most disasters before they happen.
Less downtime
Technology disasters can slow your operations down, or worse, stop them completely. This means productivity halts, and you potentially lose money from it. A managed IT provider would minimize any downtime you experience and get your business back up and running in no time.
Increased productivity
Managed IT services go beyond simple monitoring and bug fixes. A provider such as BlackPoint IT will seamlessly integrate into your organization. They’ll consult you and help put systems in place that improve workflow. They can even manage your technology budget for you, allowing you to focus on other vital activities that grow your business.
You save money
The upfront costs of working with a managed IT provider might be higher than what you’re used to, but you have to play the long game. If you stick with managed IT over time, you save money thanks to the improved efficiency and protection they provide your business.
What does a managed service provider do?
When it comes to managed services in IT, there’s a lot an MSP can do. Companies like BlackPoint IT offer a broad range of services that dramatically improve the quality of your business. Here are some of the key services you should expect:
- Server monitoring and optimization – 24/7 support that maintains the health and performance of your network and servers. These services can either be remote or on-premise.
- Virtual helpdesk and support services – A team of IT experts is available to troubleshoot issues and deal with any major tech hiccups you encounter.
- Cybersecurity – An ever-present concern, an MSP will take proactive steps to minimize threats and prevent cyberattacks from ever happening. Should you ever have to deal with ransomware, data leaks, or other issues, they’ll get you up and running quickly.
- Managed cloud services – Migrate essential parts of your business to the cloud. Back up important data and access it from anywhere in the world. Or use cloud computing for increased security and productivity.
- Backup and disaster recovery – Nobody can guarantee 100% protection from cyberattacks. Even a wrong click of the mouse can result in data loss. In the event of a disaster, managed providers will back up and restore all your data.
- Telecom, PBX, and VoIP solutions – Staying connected with staff and customers is more important than ever. The MSP will keep your lines of communications working while providing quality phones, devices, and services.
- Maintain licenses and compliance standards – Your business most likely utilizes several different types of software programs, each with its own standards. Your MSP will keep your licenses up-to-date and ensure everything running your business is up to code.
- IT assessments and consultation – A great managed service provider will gather insights about your current business and identify areas of improvement. They’ll manage your budget, discover ways to optimize your tech strategy, and suggest incorporating new technology.
Not every business is going to have the same needs. A managed IT provider can offer customized solutions tailored to your business.
Find out how a managed IT provider can help you.
If you run any sort of business that relies on technology in any form, a managed IT service is for you. BlackPoint IT offers customized solutions that help your business run smoothly and help you avoid the aggravation of handling IT needs alone.
Want to know more about managed IT services? Give us a call and find out how we can help your business grow.