As technology continues to evolve, small and medium-sized businesses face increasing pressure to maintain efficient IT systems. Managing these systems in house can become overwhelming, diverting employees' attention away from their core business tasks. Fortunately, these challenges can be addressed by using managed IT services.
What are managed IT services, and how do they work?
Managed IT services involve outsourcing some or all of your IT needs to a third-party provider known as a managed IT services provider (MSP). You can hire an MSP to handle all your technology requirements, or to supplement your in-house IT team.
n many cases, your MSP will conduct an assessment of your existing IT infrastructure to identify areas for improvement and create a plan to address areas of concern, reduce risk by addressing cybersecurity gaps, and to improve the performance and reliability of your business’ technology. The plan may include the following services:
- Help desk support – providing technical assistance to your employees
- Remote monitoring and management – using advanced tools to monitor your IT systems and proactively address potential issues
- Regular updates and patches – automating updates and patches to maintain optimal performance and security
- Proactive maintenance – implementing preventative measures to keep your systems running smoothly and avoid costly downtime and work disruptions
- Data backup and recovery – creating copies of your data and ensuring its quick restoration in case of data loss events or a disaster
- Cybersecurity – safeguarding your business from cyberthreats such as phishing, viruses, and ransomware
- Employee training – critical training for your staff about cybersecurity and the use of productivity tools
Related reading: How to pick the right managed IT services provider (MSP)
Why small businesses should consider managed IT services
Managed IT services offer many advantages for organizations that may not have the resources or expertise to handle some or all of their IT internally.
Access to expertise
Partnering with an MSP gives you access to a team of skilled IT professionals who specialize in various fields such as network administration, cybersecurity, cloud computing, and more. With their extensive knowledge and experience, MSPs can handle the complexities of modern IT environments, giving you peace of mind that your technology is in capable hands while also helping you create a roadmap for using technology to improve your business.
Cost savings
For many businesses, building an in-house IT team can be prohibitively expensive, with the costs of salaries, benefits, and training adding up quickly. Partnering with an MSP allows you to access comprehensive IT support at a fraction of the cost, offering significant cost savings without sacrificing quality. MSPs can also supplement your team to provide tools and processes to automate maintenance tasks so your IT team can focus on more important tasks and projects.
Reduced downtime and disruptions
System downtime is costly and frustrating. By proactively managing your IT infrastructure, an MSP can identify and address potential issues before they cause major disruptions. This proactive approach significantly reduces downtime, ensuring your operations continuously run smoothly and minimizing business disruptions.
Improved productivity
Technical issues can disrupt your team's workflow and cause productivity loss. By partnering with an MSP, you can free your employees to focus on their core business tasks. With reliable IT support, your team can work more efficiently and productively.
Enhanced security
Small businesses are at a higher risk for cybersecurity breaches because they don’t have the knowledge or budget to implement more advanced security tools and practices. MSPs can help you implement advanced security measures and continuously monitor your systems for vulnerabilities, lowering the risk of cyberattacks. With a robust security posture, you can focus on your business operations without constantly worrying about cyberthreats.
Improved compliance
Industries such as healthcare, finance, and defense contracting are subject to stringent data protection and IT security regulations such as HIPAA, FINRA, PCI, and CMMC. Noncompliance can result in hefty fines and reputational damage. MSPs can help you meet these regulatory requirements by providing guidance and the necessary IT tools to meet your compliance needs.
Scalability
Your IT needs change as your business grows or adjusts. Managed IT services are designed to scale with your business, enabling you to easily adjust your IT support as needed. Whether you’re expanding, streamlining operations, or acquiring other businesses, an MSP can adapt to meet your changing requirements
Ready to leave your IT worries behind and focus on growing your business?
Partner with Fidelis and let our team of IT experts handle the rest. Schedule a consultation today to discover how we can drive your business forward and help you achieve long-term success.
