Is your business struggling to stay ahead of the curve in a tech landscape that evolves at a breakneck speed? Having an in-house department may be ideal, but it isn’t for everyone. Small businesses, in particular, might not feasibly sustain an in-house IT department, considering its cost and space demands. If that is the case, how do you solve this issue? The answer lies in managed IT services.
What Are Managed IT Services?
Managed IT services are any services a third-party provider carries out for an office or organization instead of the employees. The delegated services can be network management, data backup, troubleshooting, software updates, security surveillance, and more.
Managing IT in-house is a challenge. It takes considerable time and resources. Large corporations can often do this easily, as they have the means, funds, and personnel, but a smaller company may struggle. Some challenges include keeping up with new IT systems, upgrading old equipment, following cybersecurity measures, and cooperating with other departments.
The range of services under the umbrella of managed IT services is impressively broad. Here are some facts about these services and how they help.
- Did you know cybercrime damages were expected to hit $6 trillion annually since 2021? Managed IT services defend against these threats by implementing advanced security protocols and continuous monitoring.
- It’s not just about keeping software current. Many data breaches occur due to outdated software; managed IT services keep all software up-to-date to enhance functionality and fortify security.
Here’s how managed IT services stay ahead:
- Providers can predict and prevent system failures using AI and machine learning. AI and machine learning are expected to reduce the incidence of system outages.
- Just like a regular health check-up can prevent diseases, IT health checks prevent system breakdowns. Companies that regularly evaluate their IT systems save up to 25% in IT costs annually thanks to reduced downtime and better resource management.
Benefits for Companies
Now that you know what managed IT services can do and what it covers, it’s time to find out what companies stand to benefit from them.
Cost Efficiency
The perks of managed IT services extend beyond convenience. A company can save considerable funds if it outsources its IT infrastructure to a third-party service provider. The reduced labor costs and the ability to convert fixed expenses into more flexible ones turn into substantial savings that are easy to redirect into other projects.
For small to medium-sized businesses with limited resources, this cost efficiency can make all the difference in maintaining a thriving IT infrastructure. Entrusting these services to experts means more money in your company’s bank accounts to try new projects, increase core employee pay, or build an even better IT infrastructure.
Expertise on Tap
The easy, always-available access to a pool of experts is another compelling reason to opt for managed IT services. Companies that use managed services considerably improve their operational efficiency due to the expertise provided by their service providers. These experts can bring to the company special knowledge or skills that might be too niche or expensive for many companies to develop in-house. They stay abreast of the latest technological advancements, and the businesses they serve benefit from this knowledge.
You will especially notice the effects of this impact in areas like cybersecurity, where both the threats and means to fight back against them constantly change and engage in an unseen confrontation.
Managed IT services protect data, users, customers, and even the physical hardware of the office they manage. They have to stay vigilant consistently, even when work is not in session, to identify and rectify vulnerabilities. IT service experts also must have a backup plan in case a vulnerability breach does happen and allow for continuity in business in case of data loss.
Also, this “expertise on tap” means that a company doesn’t need to invest considerable time and effort into handling IT systems. If you outsource your IT services to a service provider, you will notice a marked increase in efficiency, especially if you’re running a small business with just a few employees. That’s because the time spent on handling IT-related problems is considerably shorter, so the office staff can instead concentrate on activities that are more in line with what your company actually does. For example, they can solely solve strategic or creative problems that directly contribute to the bottom line, like product development, customer service, and market expansion, rather than troubleshooting.
How to Choose a Managed IT Services Provider
It’s clear that managed IT services have the potential to make work in your company much more convenient. But the caveat is that the company you choose to entrust your IT systems must be deserving of that trust. Take a look at some factors worth considering when picking a service provider.
- Assess the provider’s track record and areas of expertise. Ask what services they provide and if they align with what you need.
- Service level agreements (SLAs) are particularly significant. Look into the provider’s SLA and understand what it entails, its terms and guarantees.
- Talk to them beforehand. Evaluate their customer support’s responsiveness and support structure to determine whether it’s up to par with your standards.
Let a Professional Manage Your IT
Managed IT services are a smart strategy for handling technology. They also level the playing field for companies of any size rather than limiting advanced tech to those who can afford a large, dedicated team. The services they offer are broad: security, data protection and management, communications, network management, and even remotely managing printers and copiers. With so many tasks, you can easily imagine how costly and daunting it could be to maintain an in-house team and how unattainable it could be for startups and businesses with only a few employees.
For companies in Burnsville, Twin Cities, Fargo, Duluth, and St. Cloud, Metro Sales stands ready to provide top-tier managed IT services. Visit our homepage or the blog for more insights, and feel free to contact us for personalized services.