Managed IT Services have been a trendy term for businesses for quite some time, for all the right reasons. Many businesses have boasted about their profitable expansions, all thanks to Managed IT Services. Are you a business weighing your options when it comes to Managed IT Services? If so, then you have come to the right place.
Managed IT Services have changed the way businesses perceive technology. Managed Service Providers (MSP) aren’t merely troubleshooters for technical problems. These providers have emerged as jack of all trades. Be it marketing, cloud computing, security or desk support, they offer every service that can help a business grow.
So, what are managed IT services and are they worth the investment?
What Are Managed IT Services?
Managed IT services are in a way a type of outsourcing that involves a third-party company taking on responsibility for all or part of an organization’s IT infrastructure and management.
The term “managed services” covers a wide range of IT functions, including but not limited to:
- Network management;
- Security;
- Storage;
- Server administration;
- Desktop support;
- Software updates and patches;
- Data backup and disaster recovery; and
- Help desk support.
Organizations usually outsource managed IT services when they lack the in-house expertise or resources to effectively manage their IT systems. By doing so, they can free up internal staff to focus on other core business activities.
Managed IT service providers (MSPs) typically use a combination of onshore, nearshore, and offshore resources to deliver their services. This mix allows them to offer a high level of service at a lower cost than if they were to use only local resources.
There are two common models for managed IT services:
- The MSP provides all the necessary hardware, software, and personnel to manage the customer’s IT infrastructure. This is known as the “full outsourcing” model.
- The MSP manages only specific aspects of the customer’s IT infrastructure, such as security or storage. This is known as the “partial outsourcing” model.
The choice of full or partial outsourcing depends on the organization’s needs and preferences. Some organizations prefer to keep certain aspects of their IT infrastructure in-house for greater control, while others are happy to outsource everything to an MSP.
What are the financial benefits of Managed IT Services?
Managed IT Services can provide businesses with an unprecedented level of efficiency, cost savings and security. With the right managed IT service provider, businesses can benefit from an array of features and services, such as proactive IT monitoring, managed backups, and access to the latest technologies.
Let’s looks at the financial benefits that businesses can gain from investing in Managed IT Services, exploring how these services can help improve profitability and reduce operational costs.
Cost Reduction
One of the most important benefits is cost reduction. By outsourcing IT functions to a third-party provider, you can save on overhead costs associated with maintaining your own in-house IT staff. In turn, they get a team of experts, who have hands-on experience of all the latest technology.
Increased Productivity.
Managed IT services can help your business improve the last-mile operations by increasing efficiency and productivity.By leveraging the latest technology and tools, managed IT service providers can help you streamline your business operations and improve the overall performance. In many cases, these improvements can lead to increased revenue and profits.
Help scale businesses.
Managed IT services can also help businesses create new revenue streams. For example, by developing new applications or improving existing ones, businesses can tap into new markets and generate additional income.
Help Monetize Intellectual Property.
Managed IT service providers can also help you monetize their data or intellectual property, providing another source of revenue.
Are Managed IT Services worth the investment?
Managed IT services can be a great investment for businesses that want to improve their operations and bottom line. When considering if managed IT services are worth the investment, you should weigh the potential benefits against the costs.
Money Saver.
The biggest benefit of managed IT services is that they can help businesses save money. Managed IT service providers often have economy of scale, meaning they can provide services at a lower cost than businesses could by going it alone.
In addition, managed IT service providers can help businesses optimize their existing technology infrastructure, resulting in further cost savings.
Responsible for All of Your IT Infrastructure.
Managed IT services can also help businesses increase their efficiency and productivity. By taking on some or all of the responsibility for a business’s IT infrastructure, managed IT service providers can free up employees to focus on other tasks.
In addition, managed IT service providers often have expertise in a wide range of technologies and can provide guidance on how best to use them to achieve business goals.
Create New Revenue Streams
Finally, managed IT services can help you create new revenue streams. By leveraging their technology expertise and resources, managed IT service providers can help businesses develop new products and services or enter new markets.
Managed IT Services, thus, are totally worth the investment. Let’s see how they are different from traditional IT Service.
Managed IT Services vs. Traditional IT Services
There are a number of key differences between managed IT services and traditional IT services.
Managed IT services are typically much more comprehensive, with a focus on proactive maintenance and monitoring, while traditional IT services tend to be more reactive and only address problems as they arise.
Managed IT services also often include 24/7 support, meaning businesses can get help any time of day or night, while traditional IT services may only offer business hours support.
Another key difference is in terms of cost. Managed IT services are typically more expensive than traditional IT services, but businesses can save money in the long run by avoiding costly downtime and disruptions to operations.
Businesses should carefully consider their needs when deciding whether to invest in managed IT services or traditional IT services. Managed IT services can be a great option for businesses that want comprehensive support and proactive maintenance, while traditional IT services may be more suitable for businesses with simpler needs.
Pros and Cons of Managed IT Services
There are more pros of investing in a Managed IT Service, then cons. Let’s deep dive and understand.
Cons of Managed IT Services
- Lack of Control: One of the main drawbacks of managed IT services is the lack of control that businesses have over their IT infrastructure. By outsourcing certain aspects of their IT infrastructure, businesses are no longer in control of how their systems are managed and maintained.
Additionally, you may not have direct access to the hardware and software used by the managed service provider.
Pros of Managed IT Services
- Cost-Effectiveness: Managed IT services can help businesses reduce their IT costs by outsourcing certain components of their IT infrastructure to a managed service provider. This can help businesses save money on IT resources, personnel, and maintenance costs. Managed IT services can help you leverage economies of scale, enabling you to access the latest technology at a fraction of the cost of in-house resources.
- Increased Efficiency: Managed IT services can also help businesses increase their efficiency. By outsourcing certain aspects of their IT infrastructure, businesses can focus on their core operations, freeing up time and resources to devote to other areas of the business. Managed IT services provide you with access to the latest technology and expertise, allowing you to benefit from the latest innovations in the field.
- 24/7 Availability: Managed IT services also provide businesses with 24/7 access to their IT infrastructure, eliminating the need to hire additional staff members to manage their IT needs. Managed IT services can also offer around-the-clock support and security, ensuring that your systems remain secure and reliable.
How to get started with Managed IT Services
There are a few key considerations when getting started with managed IT services. First, you should assess your current IT needs and budget. You should then research different managed IT service providers to find one that fits your needs and budget.
Once you have selected a provider, you should work with them to create a customized service plan. This plan should detail the specific services that will be provided, the frequency of those services, and the cost. Finally, you should monitor the results of the managed IT services to ensure they are meeting their needs.
If you are just getting started with an MSP, you can ask them for a trial plan too.
The bottom line is, you should consider investing in a Managed IT Service Provider for a long, long time.