As the digital landscape continues to evolve, a whopping 64% of businesses have chosen to outsource at least a portion of their I.T. responsibilities to managed service providers (MSPs), as reported in a Clutch survey. If you’re unsure about adopting managed I.T. services for your own company, here are five compelling reasons that might encourage you to take the plunge. For each reason, we’ll cover an actionable tip and a mistake to avoid.
1. Enhanced Security
Managed I.T. services can significantly bolster your company’s cybersecurity. MSPs conduct regular security audits, update threat protection, and train employees in cybersecurity best practices.
Actionable Tip: Collaborate with your MSP to identify critical areas of vulnerability and prioritize addressing them.
Mistake to Avoid: Don’t overlook the importance of employee training; human error is often the weakest link in cybersecurity.
2. Cost Savings
Outsourcing I.T. functions to an MSP can save your business money. You’ll benefit from predictable monthly fees, reduced hardware expenses, and no additional hiring costs for in-house staff.
Actionable Tip: Evaluate your current I.T. spending and calculate the potential savings from outsourcing specific functions or your entire I.T. department.
Mistake to Avoid: Don’t focus solely on the cost; consider the value and expertise an MSP brings to your business.
3. Access to Expertise
Managed I.T. services give your business access to a team of certified professionals. They help you stay current with industry trends and provide rapid problem-solving support.
Actionable Tip: Ensure that your MSP’s team members hold relevant certifications and have experience working in your specific industry.
Mistake to Avoid: You don’t necessarily have to choose one or the other (MSP or internal I.T. staff). Partner with an MSP that will “Co-Pilot” with your business which gives you the best of both worlds. Choosing to do it this way provides you with access to the expertise and tools of an MSP while maintaining an internal point person who understands your business’s I.T. needs and can liaise with the MSP effectively.
4. Scalability & Flexibility
Managed I.T. services offer adaptable infrastructure, seamless onboarding for new staff, and expansion support as your business grows. This flexibility ensures that your I.T. department can scale with your company.
Actionable Tip: Regularly review your I.T. infrastructure with your MSP and plan for future expansion, making sure they can accommodate your business’s growth.
Mistake to Avoid: Don’t assume that your MSP will automatically scale their services to meet your needs; maintain open communication and keep them informed of your growth plans.
5. Reduced Downtime
Proactive maintenance, faster issue resolution, and 24/7 monitoring are essential features of managed I.T. services. These benefits help reduce downtime and keep your business running smoothly.
Actionable Tip: Implement a managed service agreement (MSA) with your MSP that outlines expectations for issue resolution times and maintenance schedules.
Mistake to Avoid: Don’t neglect to monitor your MSP’s performance; track their responsiveness and adherence to the MSA to ensure they’re meeting your business’s needs.
Conclusion:
The benefits of managed I.T. services are plentiful for businesses, ranging from improved security and cost savings to expert knowledge, adaptability, and minimized downtime. Heeding the helpful suggestions and avoiding the potential missteps discussed in this blog post will enable you to confidently determine whether managed I.T. services are suitable for your business.
If you ultimately choose to embrace managed I.T. services, never forget the significance of maintaining transparent communication and fostering collaboration with your MSP—doing so will lay the foundation for a successful partnership. With the perfect managed I.T. services provider by your side, your business can concentrate on its primary operations, expedite growth, and outpace competitors in the ever-changing digital world of today
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