The beginner’s guide to managed IT services

That’s huge.

This tells us that companies — both big and small — are starting to realize the value of managed IT services. They understand that it’s better to pay a flat, monthly rate for a dedicated IT partner, rather than go at technology all alone.

But what exactly are the benefits of managed IT services, and how does a managed services agreement make your business better in the long run?

In this guide to managed IT services, we’ll cover:

• Promoting efficiency
• Protecting data
• Meeting needs
• Embracing innovation
• Selecting a partner

Managed IT services is all about efficiency

At the end of the day, a managed service provider (MSP) is there to keep your technology healthy.

But what exactly does that mean?

Let’s go ahead and cover the basics:

1. Routine hardware maintenance — MSPs keep your hardware working at all times of the day and help you avoid downtime.
2. Unlimited helpdesk and remote IT support — MSPs get you the fixes you need (and fast).
3. Automatic security patches and software updates — MSPs make sure you never miss a beat with automated support.
4. Expert IT consulting and advice — MSPs have the industry experience to put the right tech in the right places.

In this case, it’s all about proactive care.

Instead of just responding to IT issues as they happen (which they also do), MSPs provide ongoing IT support and maintenance to prevent issues from happening. This gives your technology the boost it needs to remain healthy and last longer.

Managed IT services protects your data

If you have no data, then healthy technology means nothing. And managed service providers get that.

This is why managed IT services agreements typically go above and beyond hardware maintenance and helpdesk support to cover your data and its ability to survive.

Here’s what you need to know:

1. Network security is part of the package — That’s right. Protect your data with a fully managed and layered network security solution. Avoid current and future cyber threats and in the process, avoid downtime, reputation damage, and data loss.
2. Data backup and disaster recovery plays a role, too — Because why wouldn’t it? Let’s say an employee clicks on a malicious ad, and your system is introduced to ransomware. In this case, it’ll probably overcome your defenses, which is why it’s important to have a backup and recovery solution. Most managed service providers are able to wrap this type of service into your managed services agreement, giving you an added layer of protection where it matters most.

Managed IT services gets you what you need

Think about it for a second …

An MSP’s ultimate goal is to prevent problems and keep your technology as healthy as possible for as long as possible — the more issues you have, the more issues they have.

Because of this, they’ll work hard to find, implement, and manage technology solutions that fit your business needs the best.

In other words, you’re getting a lot more than you could ever get with a break-fix IT solution. You’re getting a true business partner who has your best interests in mind.

Here are just a few of the areas an MSP can help you in:

1. Budgeting — Understand where you’re spending money and make strategic business decisions to cut costs and better allocate your resources.
2. Planning — Align short-term needs with long-term business goals and find technology solutions that can scale with your business.
3. Implementing — Get the help you need to intelligently implement new technology solutions and tools.

Managed IT services helps you innovate

Every business eventually needs to upgrade its technology. Whether this means switching out one software for another or migrating your company to the cloud, innovation is necessary — but also stressful, time-consuming, and resource-intensive.

However, with a managed service provider at your side, innovation is simplified.

Start from scratch, make simple adjustments, or go from this to that. With an MSP, anything is possible.

1. Save time — Don’t use up internal resources for a new IT project. Rely on an MSP to handle large (or small) IT projects and never miss a beat.
2. Spend less money — With strong vendor partnerships and decades of combined IT experience, MSPs can show you the simplest and most cost-effective way to implement new technology.
3. Avoid downtime — All new IT solutions are implemented against strict SLAs and according to industry best practices — which means less downtime and more efficiency.

How to select the right managed service provider

When it comes to selecting an MSP for your company, it’s important to take your time and do your research.

Once you find an MSP you like, get to know who they are and how they operate. For example, how do they treat their staff? How do their current clients feel about them? And what do their SLAs look like?

It’s important to understand not just their internal operating procedures but also their culture.

Here are a few things to consider:

1. Certifications and vendor partnerships
2. SLAs and response times
3. Ticketing system and tools
4. Internal culture and company environment

What’s next?

Of course, this is just the tip of the managed services iceberg. But if you’d like to learn more about MSPs and what they bring to the table, feel free to reach out to us. We’d love to talk to you.