Today’s businesses frequently grapple with the growing complexities of information technology. A study from the Ponemon Institute indicates that 64% of companies experienced substantial operational disruptions last year due to recurring IT difficulties.
Nevertheless, many companies are not adequately equipped to address these challenges independently.
"Relying on one or a few individuals to solve all problems is unrealistic and poses significant risks to your business", says Grant Menard, Director of Growth at Lazorpoint. "By partnering with a managed service company you can supplement and complement expertise across IT areas."
However, before you consider them for your organization, one essential inquiry stands out: what are managed IT services, and what advantages do they offer for your business? This article will clarify this question and provide a detailed exploration of how managed services work.
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What are Managed IT Services?
You may be wondering, “What are managed IT services?” At their core, the managed IT services definition entails the external management of an organization’s day-to-day IT operations and responsibilities, a departure from traditional onsite IT management.
This service model involves partnering with specialists who perform remote monitoring and management of your IT infrastructure, thereby ensuring smooth operations and a consistent level of service.
Even for those with substantial technological knowledge, taking on the task of managing your information technology in-house can divert your attention from managing your core business activities.
Delegating your IT responsibilities to a managed services provider (MSP) not only allows you to concentrate on your principal business operations but can also help you generate considerable cost savings over time.
A study by CompTIA shows that 50% of businesses that partnered with an MSP noted savings of between 1 and 24% in their annual IT costs, while 33% reported savings of 25 to 49%.
Furthermore, 13% of these companies saw cost reductions of more than 50% through the adoption of managed IT services.
Exploring the Fundamental Elements of Managed IT Services
To fully understand managed services, it’s important to examine the complete suite typically provided by managed services providers.
1. Comprehensive Network Management
This service focuses on the health of your business’s computer network, maintaining, overseeing, and ensuring constant connectivity.
2. Robust Data Backup and Recovery Services
Securing your data is essential. These services guarantee that your data is safely stored and that effective recovery solutions are in place for any situation.
3. Advanced Cybersecurity Strategies
Given the constant threat of cyberattacks, where a single incident can lead to losses of approximately $4.45 million, fortifying your digital defenses with top-tier industry practices is critical.
4. Seamless Cloud Integration and Management
Transition smoothly to cloud computing and leverage cloud-based storage options. Managed IT services support effortless migration, management, and assistance for cloud services.
5. Responsive IT Helpdesk Solutions
For any IT-related issues or challenges, dependable technical support is just a call away, ensuring minimal disruption to your day to day activities.
6. Updating Critical Software and Hardware
Stay ahead in the tech game with a reliable IT ally that keeps your systems and software up-to-date, ensuring your business remains competitive.
7. Expert IT Strategy and Advisory Services
Did you know that 70% of IT projects fail to reach completion? You can’t afford that, which is why MSPs connect you with the expertise and insights of experienced professionals who offer decades of knowledge in the information technology field.
These experts, which include IT consultants and Virtual Chief Information Officers (vCIOs), guide your technology choices and assist you with planning and budgeting for your business’s future IT needs.
The Concrete Advantages of Managed IT Services
A managed services provider acts, effectively, as an extension of your IT team. For some businesses that means augmenting an in-house team, for others that mean outsourcing their IT entirely. “The accountability and leadership of ensuring your IT operates reliably 24x7x365 rests on your IT partner” Grant adds. “We provide peace of mind so you can focus on being productive.”
1. Predictable Cost Management
You avoid the economic strain of maintaining an extensive in-house IT team with a monthly flat fee. This pricing model is especially beneficial for small and medium-sized businesses like yours.
2. Reliable Expertise at Your Fingertips
Benefit from the privilege of partnering with a team of seasoned IT experts, a resource often considered beyond reach for many businesses due to fiscal constraints.
3. Preventive IT Care
By tackling technical issues before they escalate, disruptions are minimized. This fosters a proactive environment where your day-to-day operations can thrive without hindrance, granting you the confidence to lead your business forward.
4. Enhanced Flexibility for Growth
As your business expands, so do your IT needs. Managed IT services offer the flexibility required to scale your IT resources up or down, aligning perfectly with your company’s development.
5. State-of-the-Art Cybersecurity Measures
Embrace the latest security protocols and develop a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy with managed services, safeguarding your critical data against unauthorized access.
6. Increased Business Focus
By entrusting your IT challenges to a reliable managed services provider, you free up valuable time and resources to focus squarely on your most crucial business goals.
When is the Right Time to Switch to Managed IT Services?
Recognizing the appropriate time to start working with a managed services provider (MSP) is pivotal for your company’s operational effectiveness and expansion. Reflect on these scenarios as telltale signs:
1. Rapid Business Growth
As your company expands, the intricacies of IT management intensify, potentially overwhelming your in-house team’s capabilities.
2. Frequent Technical Issues
When technical problems become more common than exceptions, it’s a definitive indicator that external technical support is necessary.
3. Regulatory Compliance Requirements
In industries such as healthcare and finance, where adherence to regulations is mandatory, possessing specialized IT expertise is crucial.
Even though 71% of businesses consider their compliance to be excellent or very good, continuous observance is essential to avoid fines, legal entanglements, and reputational harm.
Key Considerations for Choosing a Managed IT Services Provider
Choosing the right MSP is a critical decision following your conclusion that managed services are in line with your business’s strategic goals. To simplify your selection process, consider these crucial factors:
1. Emphasize Specialized Knowledge
Ensure the MSP demonstrates proficiency, especially in areas pertinent to your industry.
2. Trust in Testimonials and Evaluations
The track record of an MSP is a trustworthy measure of its effectiveness. Look for feedback from similar entities that have or had engaged with the MSP’s offerings.
3. Examine Service Level Agreements (SLAs)
Dedicate time to understanding the MSP’s Service Level Agreement (SLA). It’s important to know the promised uptime and how swiftly they address issues. If these details are unclear, don’t hesitate to ask for clarification.
4. Demand Robust Security Protocols
Confirming that the MSP follows stringent security standards to protect your business and its data is of utmost importance, especially since the cost of cybercrime is expected to be over $20 trillion by 2026.
A Quick Comparison of Managed vs. Traditional IT Services
Feature |
Managed IT Services |
Traditional IT Services |
Pricing |
Fixed monthly costs (flat fee) |
Prone to variability, often at a higher expense |
Industry Expertise |
Skills obtained from industry experts |
Dependent on the skill set of in-house employees |
Maintenance |
Proactive and preventative strategy |
Reactive to problems as they occur (break-fix method) |
Scalability |
Adaptable to the expansion of the business |
Potential for reliance on outdated security practices |
Cybersecurity |
Employs up-to-date security protocols |
Risk of using older security measures |
Impact on Focus |
Enables focus on core business goals |
Possibility of dispersed business focus |
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Discover the Benefits of Managed IT Services for Your Business With a Trusted Partner
Mastering the intricacies of information technology is crucial for modern businesses. By grasping what managed IT services involve, companies like yours are well-positioned to make informed decisions that bolster their IT framework.
Trustworthy Managed IT Services Near You |
As a leading IT services provider, Lazorpoint excels in delivering managed services tailored to your specific needs. Whether you’re in search of comprehensive managed security services or reliable technical support, we offer the confidence and support that you require.
Ready to refine your IT operations? Contact us today to learn more and to schedule a free consultation.