Are you operating at peak productivity?
IT networks are one of your most valuable assets. While their upkeep deserves the utmost attention and care, it should not take focus away from the core business mission. So, how can you ensure your IT & security infrastructure gets the possible care without overwhelming your internal team? The answer lies with Managed Services.
Many businesses assume that their only option for effective network and security management is to keep it in-house. But that’s far from reality. Managed IT and security services provide businesses with affordable, world-class IT management with the added benefit of boosting productivity.
This blog is your chance to explore the benefits of managed services. Understand the numerous ways in which managed services uplift businesses and embrace the power of dedicated IT services.
Let’s work smart in 2024 and not burn out!
What are Managed Services?
IT and security management services provided by third-party contractors and delivered to a client over the cloud are “managed services.” The managed service provider (MSP) retains primary responsibility for the maintenance, monitoring, and functionality of IT assets. The customer typically pays the provider on a subscription basis with predictable monthly fees.
“Managed services” is a vast category. Numerous different types of services fall under the umbrella of managed services. Some of them are:
- Security management
- IT support
- Networking and infrastructure
- Unified communications
- Data Analytics
- Backup and disaster recovery
- Software-as-a-Service (SaaS)
A managed services vendor can help you with routine day-to-day tasks and complex projects. Ultimately, the model increases business efficiency by letting you focus on delivering your core competency.
Managed Services vs Outsourcing: Is it the Same?
Many people assume that managed services are just IT outsourcing by another name. That’s not true. While both managed services and outsourcing involve working with an external organization, the scope of work is vastly different.
Outsourcing firms (BPOs) provide limited services and narrowly defined activities. On the other hand, managed services offer a way more comprehensive support structure. Managed service providers assist your business strategically, take over the management of your IT infrastructure, and possess a vested interest in your growth.
Managed Services Benefits That Will Make You Pivot Today
Here are the 10 financial, operational, and business benefits of the managed services model. They will make you assess your present structure and make you want to pivot immediately.
1. Predictable and Reduced Costs
The most prominent benefit of managed services is their cost-cutting aspect. Besides reducing in-house costs and limiting capital expenditure, managed services make costs more predictable.
Managed services ensure your IT management costs are neatly packaged into pre-defined segments to be paid annually or monthly. In contrast, an in-house IT team frequently comes up with unexpected expenses that drain your budget.
The managed services model saves you from spending excessive amounts on repairing network equipment. MSPs provide maintenance and repairs as part of the service level agreement. The provider absorbs a repair that might cost you thousands of dollars.
Small businesses benefit immensely from managed services. The initial cost of starting from scratch, hiring and training a team, and paying for servers and all the equipment is financially overwhelming for budding businesses.
2. 24/7/365 Support
Managed services employ remote monitoring technology to keep a check on your systems night and day. Real-time monitoring and Support mean there’s an ever-ready team to address any problems before they noticeably impact your business.
With round-the-clock Support, monitoring, and instant alerts, it’s easy to control network and security issues that happen during off-hours. Could-based remote monitoring enables your MSP to take instant corrective measures as soon as they get an alert.
Another significant benefit of 24/7/365 MSPs lies in the area of cybersecurity. Working with managed security service providers – a subset of MSPs – can improve your security posture by leaps and bounds.
- Instant threat detection and response: MSSPs monitor for security threats round-the-clock and prevent them from escalating into malicious attacks.
- Updated security infrastructure: MSSPs help you implement cutting-edge security strategies and technology to combat emerging multi-vector threats.
- Constant vulnerability assessment: 24/7/365 security vigilance ensures MSSPs teams catch and address network vulnerabilities as soon as they emerge.
Suggested reading: 6 Benefits of Managed Security Services That You Should Know
3. Minimized Downtime
Equipment issues are the biggest reason for business downtime. Servers fail, computers malfunction, operating systems crash, or electrical disruptions occur. Managed service providers implement several redundancies that allow systems to switch to a backup in case of failures.
Reducing backup risks is a multi-faceted mission. Many in-house teams may be ill-equipped to create safeguards against all potential downtime risks. They may not have the capacity, skills, or experience to tackle this challenge effectively.
Managed services cut down the business loss associated with downtime by implementing multiple fail-safes.
4. Preventive IT & Security Approach
Repairs and maintenance usually greatly dent a company’s IT budget. But it’s unavoidable. When something breaks, you have to fix it. With an MSP, you can significantly reduce this operational pain.
Rather than rushing to fix something when it breaks and paying exorbitantly, the smarter option is to take a preventive approach and partner with an MSP. Managed service providers monitor your environment for vulnerabilities and problems round-the-clock. This way, they can address and resolve the issues before they become full-blown catastrophes.
5. Ready Access to Vetted Experts
Hiring an in-house team is not only expensive and time-consuming, but it is also a risk. Even though future employees come with references, you can only know how competent they are once they face a challenge. A bad hire can cost your company a lot of money.
Even the most well-trained and skilled employees may not have the experience to deal with the new systems you add as the company expands. Even the most equipped in-house team will need to gain the knowledge, experience, and resources of an MSP’s extensive team.
MSPs can provide specialized services to fill the spaces where your internal team needs more expertise. Hiring people or having employees learn new skills for a one-time project makes no sense. An MSP gives you access to a team of vetted industry experts with precisely the skills you need.
6. Seamless Scalability and Agility
The high prices associated with maintaining in-house teams often lead to understaffed, overworked employees unable to produce efficiency. That’s not good for business and especially bad for expanding companies.
Training even one additional IT resource costs thousands of dollars. If you work with an MSP, you don’t have to worry about expanding the IT team while growing your business. An MSP absorbs the cost of acquiring and training additional resources.
Another challenge for expanding businesses is scaling the network infrastructure. It requires considerable coordination, workforce, and new equipment. Managed services help you upgrade and expand your network systems without growing pains.
MSPs make your business flexible and help you swiftly accommodate changes without hampering productivity and team efficiency.
7. Visible Jump in Productivity and Focus
With a million things vying for their attention, is your team focusing on the core business mission? Ineffective use of IT resources is the roadblock most businesses face while trying to succeed.
The primary purpose of IT teams is not to do menial repairs or daily monitoring. IT is meant to drive business innovation. Unfortunately, they’re often bogged down by routine tasks and don’t have any bandwidth left for big-picture thinking.
Managed services boost productivity by redesigning workflows, automating routine tasks, and upgrading equipment. MSPs shift the pressure away from internal teams and let them focus on innovation that drives your business to the top of the charts.
8. Ease in Data Compliance
Today, sensitive data is as valuable as gold in the cyber world. Your company’s data is subject to several regulations designed to enforce security. Ensuring compliance is a time-consuming task. It involves sifting through hundreds of standards and figuring out which ones apply to your business. Also, your team needs to ensure every application rule is followed.
The consequence of violating compliance standards like GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation), PCI DSS (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard), or HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) are severe. Falling short of these regulations can mean hefty fines and irrecoverable reputation damage.
MSPs are adept at handling complex compliances and auditing. Once you transfer this responsibility to an MSP, you no longer have to worry about violating data security regulations. They give you regular reports on your company’s data hygiene practices and conduct audits that prove you meet all requirements. As such, MSPs save your team thousands of hours in the long run while giving you security and credibility.
9. Stay Ahead of the Technological Curve
Technology is one of the highest costs in IT. The rapid pace at which technology is becoming obsolete puts severe pressure on IT teams. There is always a piece of equipment that needs upgrades, and it can take time to discern which is critical for your business.
It’s even more frustrating when you invest in new technology, but your team needs to learn how to operate it efficiently. Catching up with the learning curve can lead to a significant loss in time and revenue.
MSPs constantly use up-to-date technology at their end, which means your systems are continuously updated by proxy. With their expertise, you are constantly reassured about outdated systems or worthless investments.
10. Road Mapping and Strategic Support
A trustworthy MSP becomes your partner for all seasons. Over time, your in-house team and the MSP work together like a well-oiled machine. Qualified MSPs have the potential to become a bridge between your company and technology vendors.
Your company’s success reflects on the MSP’s performance. Therefore, managed service providers are vested in helping your company achieve business goals. You can rely on your MSP for strategic insights to help the bottom line.
In Conclusion
Now you know how managed services enrich your business. With an MSP by your side, you unlock the potential to reach peak productivity and focus.
Ace Cloud Hosting, a managed cloud and security service provider with 14+ years of experience, has helped its clients achieve unparalleled growth and ease of operations. With a customer-centric approach that always prioritizes your needs, ACE experts are available round-the-clock.
Curious about how ACE can supercharge your business? Consult with our solutions experts today and book a demo!
Search
Popular Posts
