July 13, 2023
The Power of Technology: Why You Need Managed IT Services
The Power of Technology: Why You Need Managed IT Services
You rely on technology to operate your business efficiently. But for many individuals and businesses, keeping up with that technology can quickly become overwhelming.
Managed IT services provide a smart solution. By moving the day-to-day management of your technology to a team of third-party experts, you can reduce costs, improve the efficiency of your systems, and free yourself and your internal team to focus on building the business.
What Are Managed IT Services and Why Do You Need Them?
Managed IT services are vendors hired to support their customers’ core technology, typically for a flat annual or monthly fee. They offer 24/7/365 proactive support that encompasses everything from basic computer system management and user support to overseeing data centers, cloud computing and digital disaster planning.
Business IT needs are complex and ever-changing, often integrating multiple systems used by multiple employees.
Hiring a specialist onto a team can be challenging, especially if you don’t speak the language of IT. The more technology your business uses, the more hands you need to help it run smoothly. For most small- and medium-sized businesses, it’s more cost-effective to hire a managed service than to employ a whole IT department.
Managed IT services offers specialists that understand the IT industry, from its history to its most recent advances, and who are easily accessible remotely whenever you need them.
The Benefits of Managed IT Services
A managed IT service gives you peace of mind that your technology is in the hands of team that understands your needs. Benefits include:
Improved network and system security: Managed IT services set a high bar for security standards and keep sensitive information about your business and your clients safe from leaks and hackers and can manage the complex details of data compliance regulations.
Proactive monitoring and issue resolution: Managed IT services are available 24/7 to care for a business network, leading to less downtime caused by equipment issues, power outages, or employee errors.
Access to skilled IT professionals: Managed IT services are experienced problem-solvers and ensure their staffs have the most up-to-date training and certifications.
Cost-effectiveness and predictable budgeting: IT costs are consolidated into one bill at a fixed rate and can help prevent unexpected charges for maintenance and repairs. The business also saves the cost of salaries, benefits, insurance, training, and office space for an in-house staff.
Enhanced data backup and disaster recovery capabilities: Managed IT services can provide cloud backup technology solutions and redundant data centers customized to your business needs.
Flexibility to adapt to growth: Managed IT services provide the manpower, coordination and expertise to scale your network on your schedule and offer recommendations about the best way to do it.
How Can Managed IT Services Help Your Business?
Moving to a managed IT service allows you to better focus on running your business and growing your bottom line, including:
- Increased productivity and reduced downtime as your network and systems run more efficiently.
- The time and energy to focus on core business activities.
- Continual efforts to mitigate security risks and compliance challenges by trained specialists.
- Seamless technology integration and upgrades as your needs change and the technology you use advances.
- Strategic IT planning and consulting for the future.
Why is Managed IT Infrastructure Important?
IT infrastructure is the base that allows your business to operate virtually in the cloud and is critical technology in today’s market.
Managed IT services offer the expertise and staffing to keep this foundation running smoothly for your customers and employees, generating higher user satisfaction ratings, repeat customers and increasing profits.
Key Components of IT Managed Services
Managed IT services offer a wide array of services, which you can customize to meet the unique needs of your business. The core services typically included in a managed IT service contract include:
- Network and security monitoring.
- Data backup and recovery.
- Help desk and technical support.
- Software and hardware updates.
- IT asset management.
The Difference Between IT Services and Managed IT Services
Unlike traditional IT services, experts hired typically for one project or task, managed IT services provide a proactive and holistic approach to managing technology, similar to having a complete IT department on your staff.
Plus, a managed IT service provides one point of contact – someone you build a relationship with – who communicates with the various vendors and providers that offer systems, software and technology services.
Managed IT Services Provide a Partnership
A managed IT service is a smart solution for individuals and businesses that offers peace of mind that your technology is in the hands of an experienced and highly trained team that truly understands your needs.
Under managed systems or poorly trained employees can lead to inefficiencies that affect customer relationships and your bottom line. Because of that, a business needs specialized IT expertise.
Managed IT services offers that expertise in a cost-effective, easy-to-customize package that will keep your business ahead of ever-changing technology.