The migration towards digitization among businesses has been going on for several years, but it was only after the events of 2020 that the migration became a veritable exodus. With increased digitization comes the need for expert IT services. Consequently, the question of whether businesses need a managed IT services partner has been emphatically answered.
As more businesses increase their reliance on their network, any downtime that occurs— that is, the time when a company’s network, power, or Internet is inoperative—is sure to be costly disruptions. According to a report published by Statista last December 2020, the average downtime cost per hour for businesses worldwide is between USD$301,000 to USD$400,000.
Downtimes are caused by a lot of things, but having the services of a managed IT service can help your organization avoid disruptions that can result in downtimes.
Everybody knows the role an IT department plays within an organization, but what about managed IT services? How are these different? Managed IT services, also known as managed service providers (MSPs), take care of a company’s IT systems wholly or some parts of it, including business IT support. Their level of responsibility would depend upon the Service Level Agreement (SLA).
They add to whatever level of support that MSPs and another company agree upon. Whether just for a single-function like backup and recovery or a complete IT outsourcing. They could also provide 24/7 support and monitoring remotely or on-site, assist in lessening the workload of in-house IT staff, or any other IT services.
Typical managed IT services have personnel that have special skills within their field. They also have larger teams than the average company’s in-house IT department. Essentially, engaging the help of a managed IT service means you’re outsourcing your IT requirements to a third-party IT specialist.
There are many benefits to this, some of which are below:
There is in-house IT personnel that may be experts, but usually, they only encounter problems that occur within your company. With managed IT services, you’ll have access to experienced team members who most probably have encountered a wider variety of IT issues.
This means they’d have insights that only experienced people can bring to the table. Additionally, these IT specialists regularly undergo training to level up their know-how on the latest technologies.
Outsourcing IT staff means fewer workers in your company for salaries, benefits, and office space. You also wouldn’t have to procure additional infrastructure, including hardware, software, and other tools. Technology, after all, is always evolving, and you’d be disadvantaged if your business runs on obsolete infrastructure.
Managed IT services, due to the nature of their business model, are always able to provide their clients with the latest tech tools, as well as the expertise to use them. Also, a typical MSP provides custom solutions according to their client’s needs, further reducing costs.
Businesses such as law, medical, and dental offices, as well as other industries, have regulatory guidelines that they must adhere to. A managed IT service can take care of a business’s compliance with regulations regarding security and privacy. For some businesses, security and privacy compliance aren’t that simple.
Often, they’d need a security specialist to keep them up to speed. Moreover, data protection, in many countries, is mandated by law. Having a managed IT service to take care of all that is a huge boon for them.
MSPs can take the minutiae of adhering to security regulations from your hands; they’ll be responsible for keeping your business up-to-date with all pertinent compliance laws, as well as the actual implementation of any necessary measures. You can leave this facet of IT operation to people who know what’s needed to comply with any laws regarding security and privacy.
Cybercrimes, unfortunately, have increased during the pandemic. Security is a critical concern across many industries. Additionally, cybercriminals do not discriminate with regards to a company’s size. Big or small, companies aren’t safe from cyberattacks. In the past year, more than half of cyberattacks were on small businesses. About 60% of small businesses that are victims of cyberattacks close their doors within six months after the attack.
Without the support of a team of security experts, a small company is in real danger of hackers. Many managed IT services for small business have a team of security specialists who provide protection to a company 24/7. With the current spate of cybercrimes, any business would be wise to invest in top-notch security.
Small-to-medium business enterprises typically don’t have the resources that large conglomerates have, but with IT outsourcing, they can have a virtual IT department that is on equal footing with what these large corporations have in terms of IT resources. They’d have the same level of IT equipment, tools, support, and expertise. With their IT needs taken care of, they can focus more on the business side of their operation.
Having a robust IT department is a necessity for modern businesses. Unfortunately, not all companies have the wherewithal to set up an in-house IT department that can make them not only safe but competitive as well. Outsourcing IT will also let them focus on the core part of their businesses. They’d also have access to tech experts with the latest tools to help their businesses with their IT needs.
