Today’s businesses grapple with the increasing complexities of managing their IT. According to a recent Ponemon Institute study, 64% of companies faced substantial operational disruptions last year due to various IT issues.
Many organizations, however, lack the resources to handle these challenges effectively. “The success of any business hinges on how well it manages IT obstacles,” says Henry D. Overton, President and Co-Founder of Turn Key Solutions. “Adopting managed IT services is a strategic way to overcome these challenges.”
Before you decide whether they fit your needs, it’s essential to answer a key question: What are managed IT services, and how exactly do they support businesses? In this article, we will discuss the definition of managed IT services while exploring how managed services work to enhance your operations.
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What are Managed IT Services?
At their core, managed IT services involve outsourcing an organization’s daily IT operations to a specialized third party. This contrasts with traditional IT management, which is usually handled by an in-house team. – see note
The managed IT definition encompasses services such as remote monitoring, maintenance, and proactive management of IT systems. These solutions ensure businesses maintain seamless operations without the hassle of managing IT tasks internally.
Even for tech-savvy teams, handling IT in-house can divert focus from critical business activities. By collaborating with a managed IT services provider, companies can prioritize core functions while often reducing overall IT expenses.
According to CompTIA, 50% of businesses working with a managed service provider report saving up to 24% annually on their IT costs, while 33% achieve savings of 25–49%. In addition, 13% of businesses cut IT expenses by over 50% thanks to what managed services offer.
But what if your organization already has an internal IT team? Managed IT services aren’t just for companies without IT departments. Co-Managed IT Services provide a collaborative approach where your in-house team retains control while outsourcing specific tasks or projects to a managed service provider (MSP). This arrangement is ideal for IT directors who need additional resources or expertise without relinquishing their role.
For example, companies might rely on co-managed services for:
- Enhanced cybersecurity strategies.
- Supplemental help desk support during peak periods.
- Managing complex migrations or infrastructure upgrades.
This flexible model allows internal teams to focus on strategic initiatives while leaving time-consuming or specialized tasks to the MSP.
Core Features of Managed IT Services
To understand how managed services work, let’s explore some of the essential components that define these solutions.
1. Network Monitoring and Management
MSPs oversee and maintain your IT infrastructure, ensuring uninterrupted connectivity and optimal performance.
2. Data Backup and Recovery
Protecting vital data is critical. MSPs offer secure backup solutions and rapid recovery plans to safeguard your assets.
3. Advanced Cybersecurity
Cyberattacks pose significant risks, often costing businesses an average of $4.88 million per breach. In order to ward off these threats, MSPs implement top-tier security protocols to mitigate them.
4. Cloud Computing Services
Transitioning to the cloud is seamless with MSPs who facilitate migrations and manage cloud-based systems effectively. An MSP not only gets you migrated; they can also ensure your cloud solutions are tailored to your company’s unique needs while helping you reduce costs.
5. 24/7 IT Support
Unlike your business, technical issues never take a day off. Reliable IT support and helpdesk services offer round-the-clock assistance to help you minimize downtime and keep your operations running smoothly.
6. Proactive Maintenance and Updates
Managed services keep your hardware and software updated, reducing vulnerabilities and ensuring peak performance.
7. Strategic IT Consulting
Partner with IT experts to make informed technology decisions that align with your business goals and budget. Some MSPs connect you with a dedicated Virtual Chief Information Officer (vCIO) who acts as your source for expert advice and guidance that makes a difference.
The Benefits of Using Managed IT Services
1. Predictable Costs
A fixed monthly fee eliminates the high expenses associated with maintaining a full-scale internal IT department. This approach is especially beneficial for small and medium-sized enterprises aiming to optimize their budgets.
2. Access to Expertise
Partner with a team of seasoned IT professionals, a resource that many businesses find challenging to afford within their financial constraints.
3. Proactive Solutions
Proactively resolving issues before they escalate minimizes disruptions. This hands-on approach ensures your daily operations run smoothly, allowing you to focus on your business with confidence.
4. Scalability Improvements
As your business grows, so do your IT needs. Managed services adapt to your changing requirements, enabling you to scale your resources up or down with ease.
5. Enhanced Security
Leverage advanced security measures and develop a comprehensive cybersecurity plan to safeguard sensitive data from potential breaches.
6. Prioritizing Core Business Goals
By outsourcing IT tasks to a trusted provider, you can channel your energy into achieving key business objectives without the distraction of IT challenges.
7. Peace of Mind
By selecting the right IT Managed Services partner, you will be bringing on a team of professionals who care about your systems, your data, and your customers as much as you do. They will be able to work tirelessly to keep you secure, operational, and ready for the future.
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When Should You Consider Adopting Managed IT Services?
Adopting managed IT services is a game-changer for businesses facing the following situations:
- Rapid Growth: Expanding businesses often outgrow the capabilities of in-house IT teams.
- Recurring IT Problems: Persistent tech issues are a clear sign that outside expertise is needed.
- Meeting Compliance Requirements: Industries like healthcare and finance demand strict adherence to regulatory standards, making expert IT support essential. Although 71% of businesses rate their compliance as excellent or very good, maintaining those standards requires specialized knowledge to avoid penalties and reputational damage.
How to Choose the Right Managed IT Services Provider
Selecting the ideal MSP is a critical decision. Consider these factors during your search:
- Industry Expertise: Verify the provider’s knowledge of your sector’s unique IT needs.
- References and Testimonials: Learn from the experiences of other businesses.
- Service Level Agreements (SLAs): Understand the provider’s uptime guarantees and issue response times.
- Robust Security Practices: Confirm the MSP’s commitment to advanced cybersecurity protocols.
Managed IT Services vs. In-House IT Services at a Glance
Feature | Managed IT Services | In-House IT Services |
Cost Structure | Fixed, predictable monthly fees. | Variable costs, including salaries, benefits, and training. |
Expertise | Access to a diverse team of specialists with varied expertise. | Limited to the skills and experience of internal staff. |
Availability | 24/7 monitoring and support. -We never take a vacation or call in sick! | Typically limited to standard business hours. |
Scalability | Easily adjustable to match business growth or contraction. | Scaling requires hiring or laying off staff. |
Security | Proactive implementation of the latest cybersecurity measures. | May lag in adopting the latest security protocols. |
Focus on Core Business | Frees up internal resources to focus on primary objectives. | Diverts attention to managing IT challenges. |
Customer Service Experience | Constantly measuring and improving the experience | Task and project focus leaves little time for soft skills focus. |
Learn How Managed Services Work with a Trusted Partner
Understanding what managed IT services offer helps businesses make strategic decisions to bolster IT infrastructure.
As a premier MSP, Turn Key Solutions delivers tailored managed IT services designed to address your unique needs. From proactive security measures to 24/7 IT support, we provide the assurance you need through our tailored project scoping and array of service packages.
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Ready to transform your IT management? Contact us today for a free consultation and discover how our expertise can benefit your enterprise.