January 2, 2024

Exploring the Benefits: What Are Managed IT Services?

Exploring the Benefits: What Are Managed IT Services?

Every business relies on its IT infrastructure to operate. But keeping up with today’s technology can be challenging. Using a managed IT service is a cost-effective way to ensure your infrastructure is functioning efficiently, is always up-to-date, and is primed to grow alongside your business.

What are Managed IT Services?

Managed IT services are third-party specialists hired for a monthly or annual fee to support their customers’ technology infrastructure. These vendors offer round-the-clock support based on a business’ specific needs — ranging from basic computer system management and user support to proactive oversight of data centers or cloud computing systems.

Example of Managed IT Services

Instead of employing and training a full IT department, many businesses find it more cost-effective to hire a managed IT service.

For example, a small but growing law firm needs to stay focused on providing legal services to clients but also needs a robust computer system, secure cloud storage for case files and training for employees. By outsourcing the technology and training to an managed IT service, the law firm can continue to grow without needing to set up an entire IT department. 

Difference between Managed IT Services and IT Services

Sometimes, businesses need one IT solution. An IT service can help assess a specific technology problem or IT pain point affecting the business — anything from removing a virus from a computer system to setting up a cloud computing system. It’s an efficient way to support an in-house IT employee or bring in another IT professional with very specific expertise.

Other times, businesses need longer-term support. A managed IT service can oversee the whole of the business’ technology and be proactive in heading off issues before they become pain points. A managed IT service will put focus on building a relationship with clients, understanding the business and its needs and helping increase efficiency and security for its systems.

Components of Managed IT Services

Managed IT services can offer a variety of services tailored to the specific needs of the business. These include:

• Monitoring and proactive maintenance
• Help desk and technical support
• Security services
• Data backup and disaster recovery
• Network management and infrastructure services
• Cloud Services and Hosting
• Security and Compliance Management
• Data Backup and Recovery Services

Why Use Managed IT Services?

Moving to a managed IT service can give managers peace of mind that the IT infrastructure they rely on is optimized to support the needs of the business. Other benefits include:

• Cost-effectiveness and predictable budgeting
• Access to specialized expertise
• Enhanced security and compliance
• Increased focus on core business activities

Who Needs Managed IT Services?

Because technology is ever-changing, any business can benefit from managed IT services. These include:

• Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs)
• Large Enterprises
• Organizations with limited IT staff and resources

Difference between Cloud and Managed Services

Managed IT service and cloud service providers offer similar services. The difference is the scope of work being done.

Cloud service providers offer a resource — for example, storing a business’ data on their servers — and support that resource.

Managed IT services provide holistic and proactive support for a business’ IT infrastructure and can be the business’ liaison to a cloud service provider.

While cloud services may cost less, business’ also get less and will have to manage their daily IT needs in house.

Why Do Companies Use Managed Service Providers (MSPs)?

Managed service providers (MSP) offer cost-effective solutions for businesses, allowing them to focus on growing the business. These benefits include:

• Outsourcing IT tasks and responsibilities
• Leveraging MSPs’ expertise and experience
• Improving IT infrastructure and operations

GUT Consulting: Providing Premier Managed IT Services

Managed IT services offer a cost-effective way to maintain and grow a business’ IT infrastructure over time. As computer systems become more and more high-tech, the need for managed IT services grows as well.

With 10-plus years of leadership and strategic technology experience, GUT Consulting can keep your IT infrastructure optimized for your business needs. Contact us for a quote on managed IT services for your business.