Navigating the complex world of IT systems can be a daunting task, especially for small and medium-sized businesses. In fact, the results of a Fujitsu study showed that 76% of respondents believed that the complexity of the IT landscape was their most significant barrier to productivity.
“Managed IT services are a beacon of hope for small businesses striving for seamless IT operations in a complex digital landscape,” says Kyle Elworthy, CEO of Network Essentials.
“They remove the burden of IT management so small businesses can focus on their day-to-day operations and reach their business goals.”
But the main questions on many business owners’ minds are what are managed IT services, how do they work, and what are their benefits?
In this article, we’ll answer these questions and provide you with the full managed IT services definition.
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Learn MoreDefining Managed IT Services
Managed IT Services Definition: The main question is, what are managed IT services?
Managed services are the strategic outsourcing of your company’s IT responsibilities to an external expert known as a Managed Services Provider (MSP). This approach allows businesses to focus on their core competencies while the MSP handles the technical aspects.
The Mechanics: How Managed Services Work
Think of managed services as a partnership. You collaborate with an MSP who first evaluates your current IT setup. They will identify gaps and vulnerabilities and then craft a tailored plan to meet your specific needs.
Once in place, they continuously oversee and manage your IT systems, ensuring everything is up-to-date and secure.
These are just some of the reasons why the managed services market is expected to see a significant increase over the next few years. The market was valued at $278.9 billion in 2022 and will grow by a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.9% to $834.7 billion by 2032.
Source: GlobeNewswire
What Managed Services Can Offer
Managed services go beyond the traditional break-fix model. Instead of waiting for something to malfunction or go offline, MSPs proactively manage and monitor your systems. Here’s a look at what they typically offer:
Cloud Services: With the rise of cloud computing, MSPs help businesses migrate to the cloud, manage their cloud-based applications, and ensure everything is secure and compliant.
Cybersecurity: Given that the average cost of a data breach these days is $4.45 million, MSPs offer advanced digital protection and monitoring solutions that protect your business and its critical data from attacks, breaches, and other forms of cybercrime.
Some MSPs also provide Security Operations Center (SOC) and Security Incident and Event Management (SIEM) services as part of their cybersecurity offerings.
Service Level Agreements (SLAs): This is a commitment between the MSP and the client, detailing the nature and scope of the services provided. It ensures you get the best service possible.
Cost Effectiveness: One of the primary benefits of opting for an MSP is the cost-effectiveness. Instead of incurring high upfront costs associated with internal IT teams, you pay a predictable monthly fee for comprehensive IT services. Research shows that outsourcing IT services can reduce your costs by 60%.
Technical Support: Whether it’s support for mobile devices or complex IT systems, MSPs offer round-the-clock technical support to ensure your business never faces any costly downtime.
IT Consulting: If you are considering upgrading or replacing certain aspects of your IT or need assistance with long-term planning, budgeting, or strategy development, an IT consultant can help you make the right decisions. With some MSPs, this role is also covered by a Virtual Chief Information Officer or vCIO.
Remote Monitoring and Management (RMM): MSPs use advanced tools to remotely monitor and manage your IT infrastructure, ensuring that any potential issues are identified and resolved promptly.
Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS): Some MSPs offer IaaS, where they provide the necessary hardware and software resources over the Internet, eliminating the need for businesses to invest in their own infrastructure.
Aligning With Your Business Goals
Managed IT services are not just about taking care of your technology. They’re about aligning your IT strategies with your business goals.
MSPs work closely with businesses like yours to understand their objectives and then tailor their services to help achieve those targets. This ensures that IT becomes an enabler, not a hindrance, to your day-to-day operations.
Choosing the Right Provider
Managed Service Providers typically bring varied expertise and offerings to the table. It’s crucial to choose one that aligns with your business needs. Look for experience, range of services offered, industries supported, and most importantly, customer reviews and testimonials.
What Managed Services Offer vs. Traditional IT Services: A Closer Look
| Aspect | Traditional IT Services | Managed IT Services |
| Cost Structure | High upfront costs | Predictable monthly fee |
| Support Availability | Regular business hours | 24/7 (varies by the provider) |
| Service Offerings | Limited | Comprehensive |
| Alignment With Business Goals | Rarely | Always |
| Adoption of Latest Technologies | Slow | Immediate |
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See What Managed Services Can Do for Your Business With a Leading Provider
As the world of information technology continues to evolve, small businesses need a reliable partner to navigate its many complexities. Managed IT services offer a solution that’s both cost-effective and efficient.
Now that you understand the managed IT services meaning, you need a trusted IT partner of your own. That’s where we come in.
As a leading Managed Services Provider, Network Essentials has a proven track record of excellence. For over 21 years, we’ve helped businesses like yours achieve success through technology.
With our 12-minute average response time and 99.999% uptime guarantee, you can rest assured that your infrastructure is always in capable hands.
Ready to elevate your IT game? Contact us today for more information and to schedule a free consultation.
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