Millions of companies worldwide already use managed IT services to focus their efforts on achieving business goals. You can also benefit from the services of a managed services provider (MSP) to manage your information technology (IT) operations by paying a flat fee or monthly fee.
The harsh business environment requires you to concentrate on planning how to gain a competitive advantage over your rivals. By hiring MSPs to provide IT support services for the long term, you can manage your business better.
What are Managed IT Services and MSPs?
Managed IT services enable companies to assign their IT activities to an MSP by signing a service level agreement (SLA). Under the SLA, the MSP will provide various technology services like IT remote monitoring and management, development of disaster recovery plans, and others.
Furthermore, the managed services provider assumes full responsibility for the tasks contained in the agreement SLA. The SLA details the exact service offering that the MSP will provide and the metrics for determining the success of the service.
The advent of cloud computing technology has allowed MSPs to expand their offerings through a specific service model. These models include break-fix, Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), Software as a Service (SaaS), and Platform as a Service (PaaS).
Here are other services offered by MSPs:
- Security-as-a-Service
- Mobile device management
- Remote firewall administration
- Managed print services
- Network monitoring
- Disaster recovery and virtualization
- Root cause analysis
- Connectivity and bandwidth
- Desktop optimization
- Security patch management
- Cloud hosting
Benefits of MSPs
Millions of companies attest to the advantages of managed IT services to their operation. Here are some of them:
Cost-saving
By hiring MSPs, you can substantially reduce your IT costs as compared to establishing your in-house system, which could also be time-consuming. Furthermore, you can project your monthly, quarterly, and annual IT expenses effectively.
IT Operational Readiness
By entrusting your IT operations to the experts, you can be assured that your system is up-to-date and secure. MSPs are always aware of the latest technologies, procedures, and information to ensure the smooth operation of your infrastructure.
IT Policy and Regulatory Compliance
MSPs can advise you about the IT policies and regulations you need to follow. Some of these regulations are the consumer data privacy laws like the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA).
In industries like healthcare, finance, and education, regulatory compliance for IT operations is mandatory.
Implementation of IT Standards
Because they are constantly monitoring the developments in IT, MSPs are aware of the new standards being implemented in the industry. As a result, they will be able to guide your manage systems within the rules and parameters they should ensure compliance.
Payment card industry data security standard (PCI DSS) compliance
According to the PCI Compliance Security Council, all business who wants to store, process, or transmit credit card data should meet the requirements of the PCI DSS. MSPs are aware of the conditions, so they will ensure your business is compliant.
Updated technologies, processes, and information for efficient IT infrastructure
MSPs will ensure your IT system is running efficiently and smoothly by using the latest procedures and technological updates in the market.
Disadvantages of MSPs
Business enterprises hire the services of MSPs to ensure that the most qualified personnel conducts all critical computing jobs. However, there are several disadvantages of managed IT services.
Security Protocol Issues
When you hire an MSP, you are entrusting your entire IT system in its care. Consequently, the security and operability of your infrastructure will entirely depend on the expertise of your MSP.
To avoid any problem, make sure to hire the services of reputable MSPs who are knowledgeable about the regulations and standards in your industry and country of operation.
Possible Operational Downtime
You can experience downtime when your MSP could not provide technicians to troubleshoot your issues immediately. However, you can avoid this by hiring credible providers with sufficient specialists.
Misaligned Goals and Objectives
To avoid this disadvantage, make sure to choose an MSP who does not demand the use of systems and processes that might hinder your business. Ensure that your provider cooperates with you in advancing your business plans.
Why Managed Services Are Good for Small Businesses
Small and medium businesses (SMB) usually lack the financial capability to buy the required IT infrastructure for their operations. As a result, they experience security issues and high downtime that limit their productivity.
The good news is, managed IT services are already affordable to SMBs to operate smoothly and compete effectively. By hiring the services of MSPs of their choice, small businesses can stop worrying about their IT system.
Furthermore, managed IT services allow SMBs to do away with costly servers and the staff to manage them. With the support of MSPs, management concerns like limited support, production downtime, and data security will be eliminated.
Finally, managed IT services from SMPs are a cost-effective way for small businesses to secure IT expertise. With their limited in-house IT capabilities, SMBs should hire credible providers to enhance their IT infrastructure.
Conclusion
Managed IT services offer critical benefits to the competitiveness of both large companies and small and medium enterprises. By hiring the right MSPs, you will be in a better position to achieve your business goals and objectives. Contact us today at Streamline Technology Group for your analysis.