Managing IT systems is anything but simple. Maintaining networks, troubleshooting issues, and defending against cyberthreats can quickly overwhelm even the most capable teams and drain your finances. Fortunately, managed IT services providers (MSPs) can transform chaotic IT into a platform of growth and innovation. Here’s how managed IT services can propel your business to new heights.
Proactive maintenance and maximum uptime
With every minute your business is offline due to technical issues, you risk suffering productivity and revenue losses and missed opportunities. Effective IT management can mitigate these risks and keep your business running smoothly.
Managed IT services offer a proactive approach to maintaining your IT infrastructure. MSPs conduct 24/7 monitoring to spot and address issues before they become major problems. They also perform regular system updates, automate fixes to common issues, and optimize settings to prevent system crashes and downtime. All this equates to maximum uptime for your business, allowing employees to focus on their work.
Quick resolutions to technical issues
If a technical issue arises, you can't be waiting more than a few minutes, let alone hours, for the problem to be resolved. MSPs have dedicated remote help desk staff and on-call technicians to troubleshoot issues quickly and efficiently. MSPs try and go beyond simple fixes to address the root cause of the issue to prevent future recurrences.
Robust risk mitigation and cybersecurity
MSPs go to great lengths to protect businesses from various threats, offering a layered approach to security, from the network perimeter to the human component. By addressing vulnerabilities at every level, they mitigate risks and safeguard your business from ever-evolving threats. Here’s how they do it:
- Security operations center (SOC):A dedicated 24/7 SOC monitors your network around the clock, detecting and responding to threats in real time. This security service defends against external attacks such as hacking attempts, ransomware, and other cyberthreats, reducing the risk of data breaches and operational disruptions. By having 24/7 monitoring, a security analyst can help limit the risk of a cybersecurity incident spreading throughout your organization’s network.
- Data protection:MSPs secure sensitive data with encryption, backup solutions, and other relevant protocols that adhere to industry regulations such as HIPAA and PCI DSS.
- Network security measures:Next-gen firewalls serve as your first line of defense against unauthorized access by filtering traffic and identifying suspicious activity. These tools protect your network from cyberthreats such as botnets and spyware.
- Endpoint protection:Endpoint protection safeguards computers and mobile devices from malware and unauthorized access by implementing measures such as antivirus software, centralized device management, and regular software patching.
- Email security:Advanced email filtering systems reduce the risk of social engineering attacks and credential theft by blocking spam, looking for malicious email content, and quarantining messages that may contain malware attachments.
- Security awareness training:Employees are most business’ biggest risk, but with regular security training from your MSP, they'll know what to watch out for and learn how to respond in the event of an attack. They also get educated on best practices such as using strong passwords and avoiding suspicious emails.
Increased productivity and efficiency
Employee productivity directly impacts your bottom line. When your staff’s focus is on IT issues, they can't perform at their best. MSPs lift the IT burden off your employees’ shoulders and let them focus on what they're good at.
Your MSP can help provide your workforce with the latest tools to collaborate and communicate effectively, further improving efficiency. Plus, top MSPs can train your employees to master essential tools, learn the ins and outs of networked applications, and provide ongoing support when needed to keep productivity high.
Innovation through modernized technology
Technology is always advancing, and businesses that don't keep up will quickly get left in the dust. Fortunately, MSPs have access to modern solutions and services to help your business stay current. For example, they may offer:
- Cloud migration: Migrating to cloud technologies, such as Microsoft 365, offers unparalleled flexibility and scalability. MSPs facilitate seamless transitions to the cloud, enabling your team to work from anywhere with ease while maintaining data security and accessibility.
- Legacy system upgrades: MSPs can identify aging hardware and software that need to be replaced, reducing the risk of system crashes and data loss. They'll also work with you to create a roadmap for modernizing your technology infrastructure to make sure your business is always running on the latest and most efficient systems.
- Unified communication tools: Instead of juggling multiple communication platforms and outdated telephone systems, MSPs can provide a unified solution by integrating all communication channels (e.g., email, phone, video conferencing) into one easy-to-use platform.
- Artificial intelligence (AI): AI technologies are becoming integral to modern business operations. MSPs can help implement AI tools and solutions, such as chatbots or automated workflows, to streamline processes and increase efficiency. What's more, they can train your team on the safe and ethical use of AI tools, helping them maximize efficiency while avoiding the pitfalls (e.g., data breaches, biased decision-making) that come with these technologies.
Enabling flexible working models
Flexible work arrangements have become increasingly popular, and MSPs provide the necessary support for these models to thrive. With cloud productivity platforms and VoIP phone systems, many employees can work from anywhere. MSPs can even help organizations govern and manage their remote workforce by setting up policies and access controls across company devices so that security stays consistent across the board.
Reduced overhead costs
MSPs can either work with your internal IT team, or be an alternative to building your own internal team. MSPs are paid for the services they provide on a monthly basis, and these costs are usually lower than hiring and maintaining a full-time IT team. When it makes sense to have an internal team, partnering with a MSP can allow your internal team to have access to modern support tools which help them be more efficient and focus on more valuable tasks. Most MSPs are well connected with IT vendors, allowing them to negotiate better prices on hardware and software for their clients. All the money you save on IT can then be reinvested into your business for better growth and innovation.
Working with a trustworthy MSP can be a game-changer for your business, and Fidelis is the right partner for the job. With our robust suite of managed IT services, you can focus on growing your business while we handle the rest. Contact us today to learn how our services can take your business to the next level.
