It’s no longer the beginning of the twentieth century. Nor is it 2016, when 64 percent of all companies in the world were using managed IT services of different types. Since then, MSP usage by SMBs has grown more than 12%! If you’re unsure of what managed IT services are and what they can do for you, we’re going to fill you in!
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Managed IT Services Aren’t Just for Corporations
Of course, there are many big companies out there that need a lot of techs and IT support to compete against rivals. However, with an MSP (managed service provider), they have a lot that they may need to tackle, and some providers only handle certain types of IT areas. For example, you may notice that larger companies may have one company hired for network services, one for their VoIP service and support. They may have both an internal and external team for system security and network monitoring.
It’s nothing for a larger company also to have more than one help desk service. That’s because they have to rely on a high amount of teleconferencing. They probably also have a lot of remote workers that connect with them via telecommutes daily.
Most large corporations currently have close to 100% of their employees working remotely. This means their IT teams are managing every computer in the office and at employee’s homes. All while doing the lion’s share of the work remotely themselves. Flexibility and reliability are two critical factors to look for when hiring an MSP. Big businesses prepare for this by hiring specialists in each area. But how can a small business owner recreate the tech environment of a much larger business? They need to hire a well-seasoned, well-rounded MSP that can do everything as good or even better than an enterprise IT team.
Tips for Small Businesses
Smaller businesses can benefit from these services as well. Because now you don’t have to hire an actual technician to come in and fix or replace computers or your networks. The best MSPs cover multiple platforms to provide the right services that any business – large or small – needs.
Managed systems aren’t like repair services (although they’re capable of these functions). Instead, they offer a continuous connection with their customers and clients, so they handle all of your areas with networking for a monthly service fee. This includes setting up computers to work remotely. Also, making sure teleconferencing equipment is working, updated, and secure, as well as backing up your data daily no matter where you may be working.
Most Fix-It Felix companies charge an hourly rate. While they may be worth every penny, you’re also going to pay a pretty one in most cases. However, they may be less beneficial and efficient. There are a lot of problems that companies have had when it comes to these repair services. From lack of performance (they do this on purpose) all the way to spending more money depending on how severe your issues may be. These are the companies you want to avoid.
How do Manage IT Services Benefit Businesses?
Along with simple repair problems, you get a whole different level when you hire a managed IT company to handle your network. While they can provide a lot of different applications separately, there are a few great ones out there that they provide as well:
· Network Monitoring, Administration, and Support
By handling all of these requests, we can monitor your network successfully. You can even get custom firewall services installed to ensure that you are not going to get hacked, phish slapped (by phishing e-mails and phone calls), as well as malware protection.
A competent managed IT services team will closely monitor your network and make sure nothing phishy is going on.
· Hardware and Cloud Backup Services
When you hire a good IT service, they can often provide cloud backup services to their servers that feature a slew of secure options to keep your data safe and out of the centralized network in your company. While some companies utilize cloud-based solutions like Dropbox, these are far less secure than having a contracted team of IT support representatives to host your files and keep them safe. This way, they can save your data inside your company’s walls (and outside) at all times.
Having a solid disaster recovery plan is just one way managed IT services can benefit your business.
· Excellent Response and Resolution Time
Managed IT services have a higher response time. They will answer the call and show up faster. They’ll also get the problem solved quicker to establish a better relationship with you.
Your managed IT services provider can get your problems solved faster than a Ferrari can drive from Phoenix to Tempe.
· Network Security Solutions
With advanced systems to protect your networks, they don’t just take part in network administration but also security solutions beyond virus control. They often have custom firewalls and other services to provide for their customers for a minimal additional cost.
With the right managed IT services provider, you can have total protection.
· VoIP Setup and Maintenance
VoIP is where it’s at when it comes to telecommunication these days. A company is only as secure as their phone provider, and with an excellent company to provide network encryption and great phone hardware, they can get you into a virtual meeting room in no time. It is allowing you to connect with others on the fly no matter what. Having a competent on-hand MSP that can also handle your VoIP is just an added benefit!
With Yealink’s new video phones, you can use 3cx WebMeeting without using your computer screen.
· Cost Savings
Another major benefit for small businesses centers around cost savings. For big companies, an MSP is used to assist an in-house team. They do this so full-time employees can focus on making the company money and not on IT. But if your business has less than 100 users, utilizing an MSP is undoubtedly the way to go. Surely you can hire an internal team, but it’ll likely cost more.
Your resources may also be limited because your team consists of two or three members instead of the ten you could get by using an MSP. Financially speaking, if you own an SMB using an MSP makes sense.
You’ll end up saving buckets of cash when you start using managed IT services.
Do You Need Managed IT Services?
If you’ve noticed your competitors gaining ground or even passing you by, it may be because they are working with an MSP. Working with an MSP makes it easier for them to concentrate on what’s important. What’s important is their actual work! There are numerous other ways that managed IT services can help small businesses. To hear more ways, send us a message. Stay safe, everyone!