What Is Managed IT Services And What To Include In It?

According to one report, the global IT service market will grow to $1.124 trillion by 2025, as an increasing number of small- to medium-sized businesses embrace modern tech every day. That’s a growth rate of over 8 percent annually between 2020 and 2025. From fraudulent activity to simply not having an in-house team, businesses face many issues that managed IT services can help resolve. So what is managed IT services? What does a managed IT services provider offer? And how can they benefit your business?

What is Managed IT Services in the IT Industry?

Managed IT services is the outsourcing of expected maintenance of various company processes so businesses can save money while improving operations. Rather than waiting for a system to break down and subsequently fixing it — also known as “on-demand outsourcing” — a managed service provider (MSP) or managed technology service provider (MTSP) continuously monitors a company’s IT tech and provides services as needed.

Managed IT services is normally a subscription service in which you retain ownership of the systems and processes that need management, and the IT services provider oversees them. You and the service provider sign a contract, or service agreement, that highlights the performance expected by both parties.

What Does Managed IT Mean?

Outsourcing your IT tasks to experts at a managed services provider is far less expensive than setting up and managing your own information technology department. Rather than hiring internally — and paying the salary and benefits for an in-house employee — hiring a provider offers multiple benefits, not the least of which are many years of experience and special knowledge you might not otherwise have access to. Setting up managed IT services delegates these operations and responsibilities so you can focus on what you and your team do best.

What Do Managed IT Services Providers Actually Do?

Managed services providers take over the reins of your business’s IT tech, systems, and processes. This typically means they monitor your business’s IT, solve any issues, and report to you. Providers offer:

• Security and compliance adherence. As digital data grows, data security and legal compliance are major concerns. Managed service providers have protocols in place that help deter system hacks, ransomware attacks, and theft of data.
• Network and infrastructure solutions. Minimizing downtime means your MSP helps your business continue its work with little to no interruptions.
• Recovery. Hiring a managed IT services provider doesn’t mean that disaster can’t strike, but it does ensure you’re in the most capable hands in the event something does happen. A good MSP can help your business get back on track fast, with minimal downtime and fewer catastrophic consequences, such as data loss.

What Is Included in Managed IT Services?

In addition to the peace of mind that comes with a managed IT service provider partnership, you get access to advanced technology, resources, and other tools that can help your business reach its key performance indicators (KPIs). Services offered may include:

• Cloud access. Access to cloud services drastically reduces your business’s hardware expenses and increases its security.
• A managed help desk. A managed help desk provides the support you need when you need it. Even if you just have a question, help desk support is typically available during regular business hours, which is especially important when you have a sensitive problem. This professional availability lets you focus on your business and helps improve productivity across the board.
• Managed infrastructure. Your managed IT services provider can help you maintain operations throughout the business. Endpoints and apps align with resources and goals. Overall, your provider’s comprehensive approach should allow you to cut costs on in-house management and increase your tech reliability. Some of the most common infrastructure management offered includes management of servers and networks; cloud infrastructure and applications; and even virtual CTO services.
• Enhanced security. You can rest easy knowing that your business is secure and in compliance with aspects such as secure endpoints, networks, and policies, including cybersecurity and identity access.

What Are the Benefits of Managed IT Services?

If you’re a particularly small business, you may wonder, “how could managed IT services benefit my business?” Maybe you don’t think you’ll ever have to worry about disaster striking, but no business is off-limits to cybercrime. In fact, in 2020, small businesses were the primary target of 43% of cyberattacks. Some reasons businesses choose managed IT services include:

• It lets owners focus on what they’re good at. Most small business owners simply don’t have the expertise required to manage their business’s IT concerns. Leaving this crucial portion of your business to experienced professionals allows you to focus your time and attention on what you’re good at — running your business.
• Expert availability at reasonable prices. Small business owners usually can’t afford to hire an in-house IT team. It’s more cost-effective to outsource this department’s functions to a team of experts who stay updated on the most relevant security threats and who can provide support whenever necessary.
• Proactive — not reactive — support. A good MSP monitors your systems, tools, and apps round-the-clock, so if there’s a potential problem, they’ll usually find it well before it becomes an issue you can’t recover from.
• IT strategies and planning. MSPs also advise you along the way and help you strategize and plan for current and potential future infrastructure changes and needs.

Having an MTSP on your side offers you a complete, accessible IT department without the time, hassle, or cost of setting up your own. Contact us for more information, and follow BrevAll Technologies for more insights like this.

 

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