Managing IT can be one of the most stress-inducing aspects of running a business. It’s complicated, time-consuming, and if something goes wrong, it can have a serious impact on your company. 

 

Small- and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) often do not have the time or resources to invest in a full-time IT department. That’s why more and more SMBs are turning to managed IT services. 

What are managed IT services?

Managed IT services refer to the practice of outsourcing IT tasks and responsibilities to a third-party provider. These managed IT services providers (MSPs) serve as an extension of a company’s IT department, providing around-the-clock monitoring, maintenance, and support for a fixed monthly fee. 

 

Many MSPs also offer a broad range of expertise and technology solutions to help a business stay operational and achieve its goals. For instance, some MSPs specialize in network maintenance, while others may provide first-rate cybersecurity and hardware support. This makes managed IT services an attractive solution for businesses that want to focus on their core competencies while reaping the benefits of an expert IT department.  

Why should you consider managed IT services for your business?

Here are seven benefits of working with an MSP:

1. Proactive maintenance and support

Traditionally, businesses only sought IT professionals when they encountered tech issues. The problem with this IT support model is that technicians only react to problems when these occur. This can put your operations at a standstill and severely affect your profitability as you wait for technicians to arrive and fix the issue. 

 

With managed IT services, your MSP will proactively manage your systems 24/7 to prevent technical issues from occurring in the first place. Proactive management may be in the form of regular system updates and patches, monitoring servers and networks for unusual activity, and configuring data backups. If an issue does occur, MSPs will analyze and address the root cause so that it doesn’t happen again in the future. This holistic approach to maintenance and support minimizes downtime and keeps your business running smoothly. 

 

Related reading: 7 Signs your remote workers need proactive IT support

 

2. Access to skilled IT professionals

MSPs employ professionals who are well versed in various IT disciplines, from desktop and software support to network optimization and data center management. Partnering with an MSP gives you access to all this expertise without having to hire and train in-house staff. MSP technicians also undergo regular training and certification tests, so they can offer the best solutions and services to their clients. 

3. Freed-up resources

One of the biggest advantages of managed IT services is that it allows you to focus on your business. By outsourcing IT management, managers and internal staff are free to concentrate on their core responsibilities instead of dealing with tedious technical issues. For instance, MSPs can handle all the routine IT tasks like network maintenance, while internal staff can work on revenue-generating projects and strategic initiatives. This setup leads to increased efficiency, higher employee morale, and a better bottom line.  

4. Massive cost savings

If you rely on in-house IT staff, you will need to factor in the cost of salaries, benefits, and training. Note that the average salary of an IT technician in the United States is more than $60,000 per year. This means costs can easily skyrocket when you require specialized services or need to hire multiple IT staff members. Working with traditional IT support companies can also be incredibly expensive because you will need to pay them an hourly rate for repairing technical issues. Plus, if your issue isn’t fully resolved the first time, you may have to pay additional fees for another support call. 

 

In contrast, managed IT services are much more cost-effective. Customers get billed in various ways depending on the MSP:

 

  • Per-device pricing – MSPs charge a monthly fee for each device connected to the network.
  • Per-user pricing – MSPs charge a monthly fee for each user that has access to the company’s IT systems.
  • All-inclusive pricing – MSPs charge a flat monthly fee that covers all IT services and support.

 

Regardless of the billing option you choose, MSPs are usually more cost-effective than hiring in-house technicians. For a monthly fee, you gain access to a team of IT professionals who have multiple expertise instead of just one full-time IT staff member. Fixed fees also make it easy to budget your monthly IT expenses and adjust your spending as your company scales up or down. What’s more, because MSPs are proactive with their maintenance and support, you can avoid many of the costly repair fees associated with traditional IT support. 

 

Related reading: Find out how to optimize your IT budget

 

5. Strategic consultation services

The best MSPs also offer virtual chief information officer (vCIO) services. A vCIO is essentially a senior-level consultant who evaluates your company’s goals, identifies its pain points, and develops an IT roadmap. They work with you to create an IT budget and recommend solutions that will improve your company’s efficiency and productivity. These solutions may include migrating to new cloud platforms, revamping data backup strategies, and installing cutting-edge VoIP phone systems. A vCIO also keeps up with the latest technology trends and best practices to ensure your business stays ahead of the curve. 

6. Seamless vendor management

A well-established MSP maintains good relationships with industry-leading vendors like Microsoft and Apple. These partnerships allow them to get discounts on hardware, software, and support services that they can pass on to their clients. MSPs can even manage your licenses and hardware renewals, so you never have to engage in overly technical conversations with direct vendors. 

7. Improved cybersecurity

MSPs use remote monitoring and management tools to look for potential signs of threats and promptly patch system vulnerabilities. They also have the expertise to implement robust cybersecurity solutions like advanced threat protection and security information and event management software. Additionally, MSPs will recommend security best practices that are on par with industry-specific regulations like HIPAA and PCI DSS. 

 

If you’re looking for a way to dramatically increase efficiency and reduce IT costs for your business, managed IT services are the perfect solution. Dynamic Solutions Group is a leading MSP that can cater to all your IT needs and reduce your technology anxiety. Call us today to learn more about our services.