Reliance on technology continues to grow as both large and small companies need IT to thrive in their respective markets. But technology investment is not a one-time thing. IT equipment and computer networks need to be maintained to keep a business running and secured. However, small businesses usually don’t have the financial or technical resources to manage IT infrastructure in-house. Hence the need for managed services, an offsite team of third-party IT experts.
What is Managed Services
Managed services involve delegating and outsourcing IT tasks and operations to third parties referred to as managed service providers (MSP). They are responsible for round the clock monitoring, management, maintenance of IT systems and other types of IT solutions.
Managed services can be a basic network monitoring or as comprehensive as a fully outsourced IT department.
Before managed IT service there is a “break and fix” model where an outside technician is hired to diagnose and fix IT equipment when they break down. Usually, performance and productivity are sacrificed as organizations have to wait for the external expert to fix the system issues.
Benefits of Managed Services for Business
Proactive Maintenance
Managed Services allow businesses to discover and address technical problems before they can cause significant damage. This means your network will run smoothly and efficiently without a surprising disaster.
Manage Complex Technology
Workplace technologies are getting more complex. An organization’s applications may span from onsite to the cloud and interdependent. It is also common for employees to use their personal devices at work while also taking work devices home. Through managed services, various business technologies can be organized and streamlined for efficient use.
Filling IT Talent Gaps
It is very challenging to find sufficiently skilled experts who can handle all your current and future IT needs. Managed services allow you to get the required skills without hunting for new talent or retraining employees in emerging technologies.
Reduced Cost
Cost is one of the most important factors for business success. To thrive in your industry, you need outsourced managed services to run various aspects of your business. An MSP will save you money in the long-run and make your IT budgeting easier.
Focus on Core Services
IT services help to protect your business valuable IT assets without your employee’s intervention. This helps employees to focus more on core business competencies thus improving productivity.
Up-to-date Tech
It is hard to keep up with the emergence of new technology if you have other priorities. Managed services ensure your business systems are up-to-date.
Component of Managed IT Services
There are several services included in managed services, some common ones are discussed below
1. Security Management
A managed service can protect your business against the latest malware attacks by providing regular software patching and upgrades. Because the MSP is focused, they can manage your cybersecurity more effectively. Cybersecurity issues covered include email security, application compatibility, and general risk protection.
2. Backup and Disaster Management
No system is foolproof, thus you must prepare your business for eventual disasters whether through employee mistakes or external threats. A managed IT service provider understands backup and disaster recovery and can help you choose the best option to secure your business data.
3. Network and System Management
Full-scale monitoring ensures that errors and crashes are promptly detected and fixed. Outsourcing to manage service providers ensures that network and system management is done efficiently at scale. Monitoring can be done remotely via a remote monitoring management platform. Also, opportunities for optimization can be discovered via system monitoring.
4. System Upgrade
While working with your business, an MSP can design the best update methods based on the unique requirements of your organization and ensure that your IT systems fully support your business growth objectives. This may include migrating your application and data to the cloud for easy and secure access.
5. Compliance
Managed IT services can handle industry regulatory compliance on your behalf. With the right system in place, data security, user privacy, and data sharing concerns are addressed with a robust policy.
6. System Analytics and reporting
A critical part of Managed IT services is the analysis and creation of regular reports about your business network and systems. This includes the current state of your system, issues detected and rectified as well as suggestions for improvement of your network.
For small businesses, it is essential to secure the services of managed IT companies who have the required resources for the effective management of your IT infrastructure needs.
SDTEK provides helpdesk and procurement managed IT services to help your business with various tasks such as on-site and remote support, 24/7 system monitoring, devices and security management, equipment procurement, and others. Our services will help boost employee productivity and help you meet your business goals. Contact us today to learn more how SDTEK can help manage your IT needs.
