Here’s the thing: technology helps businesses succeed. BUT if not handled correctly, it can set businesses back immensely. I mean, think about downtime, system failures, internet connectivity issues, and other IT issues, all of which can easily overwhelm business owners.
Moreover, in-house IT personnel can leave at any moment, taking the knowledge of your infrastructure with them. Furthermore, hiring and retaining an in-house IT team can be expensive, as well.
So this is the reason why more and more companies are outsourcing their IT to Managed Services Provider (MSPs) to end the day-to-day struggles with their technology.
So if you are looking for validation, here it is: outsourcing IT is the right decision for many businesses! But I will say though, it does take some time and studying to get it right!
But first, what are Managed Service Providers (MSPs)?
A managed IT services provider is a third party hired to manage a client’s information technology. Managed IT services are often delivered via a subscription model.
Here is the main point: IT service providers handle daily IT tasks so clients can focus on their main operations. This reduces company the length of downtime and service interruptions.
MSPs put an end to the break/fix model, or when companies are only solving issues when they arise. So instead of taking on a reactive approach where you only act once something bad happens, managed IT services are proactive.
So all in all, MSPs are responsible for both maintaining technology and anticipating problems that may arise.
What do Managed Service Providers do?
An MSP abstracts non-customer-facing tasks from their clients. While companies are servicing their clients, MSPs keep their technology efficient and secure.
Roles and responsibilities vary depending on services agreed to by both parties. Managed IT support tasks include server, network, and endpoint support. Among other duties are cybersecurity, backup and disaster recovery services, and managed cloud services.
Managed IT services are generally on a subscription model, but MSPs will also handle individual projects for a one-time fee. IT relocation, infrastructure projects, and consulting are examples of singular projects.
Why Should I Use a Managed Service Provider?
#1: Effective Allocation of Resources
The main benefit of hiring an MSP is allocating your resources where they are best used. As a client of an MSP, you only tell your provider when something is wrong, and they take care of the rest.
The average employee loses 22 minutes of productivity per day dealing with tech issues according to the BBC. Outsourcing IT eliminates spending time troubleshooting, as help is delivered efficiently and remotely.
#2: Reduces Costs
Managed IT providers reduce costs. Clients wind up paying less for an outsourced IT team as they do for a single in-house IT professional.
This allows business owners to spend get more bang for the buck and spend their capital on other needs.
#3: Consistent Help Desks
Additionally, managed IT services generally include a 9am-6pm remote help desk support from Mondays to Fridays. Help desks give users access to their IT professionals as soon as necessary.
So you do not need to worry anymore about your in-house IT professional going on vacation or leaving for another job at a moment’s notice.
#4: A Full Team of IT Experts
Here’s the best part – you do not need to hire an IT expert just for your company anymore. Or have one of your employees double up as a part-time IT guy anymore.
With a full team of experts at your fingertips, MSPs have the range of knowledge to handle many projects. Keep a variety of skills in reach while paying a flat rate.
Moreover, these managed IT pros have been in technology for years, so they can forecast the tech landscape for years to come. This level of foresight puts businesses ahead of the curve when considering their infrastructure.
#5: Flexibility to Grow with your Business
When it is time to scale your company, and MSP will already have the resources on hand to take on added responsibilities. Not to mention the knowledge of your business.
No need to hire another IT tech to deal with demand. Managed services bring flexibility with no extra complications.