Managed IT services’ meaning is as follows: It’s a third-party service that’s utlized when businesses outsource various technology processes to specialized providers. This approach allows businesses to focus on their core competencies while the managed IT service provider manages their technology needs.
“Business leaders apprehensive about outsourcing managed IT usually have cost concerns. The best way to address that issue is to choose a provider willing to tailor their services to your needs.”
Sheikh Sadiq, CEO, ALIS Technology
What managed services do that makes it different from traditional IT support (or the break-fix model) is proactivity. Instead of waiting for issues to happen, managed IT providers work to prevent them from occurring. This proactive protection from tech challenges has been found to increase overall operational efficiency by 60%
If you’re new to the managed services model, this article is your introduction. We’ll explore who provides managed IT, what managed services include, how they work, and where to get started if you want to add managed IT to your business.
What is a Managed Service Provider (MSP)?
Managed service providers (MSPs) are the companies that offer managed IT services. They can remotely manage a customer’s IT infrastructure and end-user systems, typically under a subscription-based model. The most common reason why companies use MSPs is to get the IT services they need without having to invest heavily in their own IT staff and technology.
How Managed Services Work
Managed IT services are delivered through a subscription-based model. Businesses pay a regular fee for ongoing support and system management. Service providers use advanced monitoring tools to oversee and maintain networks, applications, and infrastructure.
They also often handle updates, security, and troubleshooting remotely to ensure minimal disruption to the client’s operations.
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What Do MSPs Typically Offer?
Technical Support
Any MSP’s main goal is prevention. However, a good provider should still offer IT support when issues do happen. Because MSP IT support is generally more prevention-focused, its advice is more likely to involve root cause analysis, which reduces the risk of the same issue reappearing.
Managed Security
Data protection is a must for any business of any size. However, many smaller organizations lack the resources to handle security requirements in-house. Managed security services involve allowing an MSP to take over this task.
Managed security service providers (MSSPs) are organizations dedicated solely to providing cybersecurity solutions. However, most general MSPs offer sufficient security solutions for most businesses.
Network Monitoring
Most MSPs provide remote monitoring and management services for their clients’ IT networks. Having someone perform this service significantly reduces risks, as they can detect and respond to anomalies almost instantly.
Network support providers can also detect security vulnerabilities in systems. About 80%-90% of high-impact system security flaws are easy to exploit, and a managed IT provider can find and patch those vulnerabilities before they cause issues.
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IT Consulting
Proper IT management begins with the right IT strategy. Many business leaders know their business goals but are unsure how to translate them into IT goals. MSPs can help bridge that gap. Experts with technical knowledge will listen to your business objectives and suggest how IT can help you achieve them.
Cloud Support
Over 93% of organizations have already moved their data to cloud environments. Yet, expert cloud management, security, and resource optimization are always needed. An MSP can perform all of those tasks. Additionally, they can help you migrate to the cloud if you aren’t already there or switch cloud platforms if needed.
Are Managed IT Services Worth The Cost?
Although the monthly fee for an MSP is an additional cost, one of the biggest benefits of managed IT services is that the proactive model will reduce costs in the long term.
Here’s an overview of how to perform a cost-benefit analysis of outsourcing managed IT for your SMB.
| Cost Component | Managed IT | In-House Resources |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Investment | Lower (utilizes shared resources and economies of scale) | Higher (equipment, software, and infrastructure) |
| Operating Costs | Fixed (predictable monthly fees) | Variable (depends on issues and maintenance needs) |
| Scalability | High (can easily adjust to changing business needs) | Limited (requires significant investment to scale) |
| Expertise & Specialization | Easy access to a team of specialists and latest technologies | Dependent on staff capabilities |
| Predictability | Consistent service levels and support | Fluctuates with staff levels and skill levels |
Looking to Try Managed Services for Your Business?
If your organization could benefit from managed IT, your next step is knowing where to look. Like any vendor, some are better than others, and not all offer the same services.
ALIS Technology is an excellent option for all small and medium-sized businesses. We guarantee you’ll spend 5% less on your technology when outsourcing your IT tasks to us. Our team also boasts a combined 40 years of experience, so you can rest assured that you’ll work with experts.
Contact us today to ask for a consultation.
