“What have managed IT services?” is a question we get multiple times a month from people looking for a cost-efficient solution for their growing list of enterprise-level IT problems. In this explainer, our technicians will outline the types of managed IT services, what to look for in a service provider, and how to use managed services to gain an edge over the competition.
What Are the Benefits of Managed IT Services?
Managed IT service firms allow hundreds of SMB owners to meet customer expectations and commercial milestones by reducing network-related problems while lowering operating costs. Instead of creating training teams and expanding their IT departments to host an in-house group of specialists, they hire reputable third parties like Succurri to care for their cloud-based and physical enterprise technologies.
Resolving The Skills Gap
Many employees do not have the time and technical expertise to manage certain aspects of commercial operations. A managed service provider can craft a service level agreement that allows third-party professionals to accomplish specialized tasks as employees focus on initiatives within their job descriptions.
Cost Savings
Managed IT services help small to mid-sized businesses save on staffing and training expenses by providing monthly or annual rates that are competitive, contract-based, and free from hidden charges.
Reliability
A managed IT service provider will make your service more reliable, shorten production times, and optimize business processes by keeping employees from multi-tasking, which could lead to overproduction, operational downtime, and network security issues from oversight.
What Are the Different Types of Managed IT Services?
As more businesses migrate to cloud-based infrastructures, more variants of managed IT services will exist. Whenever people ask us a question like “What are managed IT services?” we find that they are looking for a custom third-party solution that will suit their needs. Today, five types dominate the market.
- End-user services help businesses rectify concerns from employees and customers by establishing an IT helpdesk that upgrades operating systems and fine-tunes security policies.
- Infrastructure support services maintain network security, managed networks, website backups, and more via remote monitoring.
- On-site IT services repair, install, and replace dedicated wiring, server parts, and Wi-Fi equipment after conducting site surveys.
- Cloud service professionals monitor internet security, data storage, and file sharing. They can also facilitate cloud migrations and disaster recovery initiatives.
- A managed security service provider or MSSP specializes in threat hunting, disaster recovery, and awareness training for employees.
Considerations for Managed IT Services Providers
With the vast number of companies offering managed IT services to small business owners, it is easy to get overwhelmed and overpay for things you do not need. Here are three things you should look for in a business partner.
Holding Providers Accountable
When creating a service level agreement with a provider, make sure that it stipulates they must keep your customer-facing and back-end networks running 24/7 for 365 days a year. You must be able to reach them when your website is down or loading slower than usual. They must respond to customer concerns promptly, with a guaranteed response time when disaster strikes.
Getting Strategic IT Planning
Look for a managed IT service provider that employs planning professionals who can meet with you to discuss disaster recovery plans and how security and website policies will change as your business expands.
Finding a Provider with a Good Track Record
Most business owners get managed IT services to ensure that their online marketplaces, social media pages, websites, and internal networks stay up 24/7. Only hire companies with stellar ratings on independent websites like Gartner, Clutch, and G2, that compile professional and customer reviews into an aggregated score.
Contact Us About Managed IT Services Today
If you are still wondering, “What are managed IT services?” and how they might help your business thrive, contact our experts, and we will give you a free consultation. Call Succurri at 206-745-2629, and discover how you can get top-notch cybersecurity support, server maintenance, and end-user support for cost-effective prices.
