The Buyers Guide: What Are Managed IT Services?

5 Managed IT Services Tips

One of the most common questions we are asked is, “What are Managed IT Services?” The simple answer is Managed IT Services are peace of mind for your business. The peace of mind that your business technology (data network devices, workstations, servers, software, security, endpoints and more) is being actively managed to keep your business running smoothly and your digital information safe.

The technical answer is that “Managed IT Services” are a business model where companies hire IT professionals to monitor, manage and maintain their entire IT infrastructure. Instead of calling a break/fix IT company when something goes wrong, you have a full team of IT specialists working for you around the clock. This benefits your business because your technology will receive regular proactive maintenance.

Managed services work best when the provider keeps all your networking and computer equipment functioning optimally all the time. Servers, routers, computers, etc., last longer and perform better when they receive regular maintenance.

If you wait until something breaks, then you’re shortening the life of your equipment. And because this type of equipment can be expensive, in the long run, you’ll save money and experience fewer technology headaches.

What Is A Managed Service Provider?

A Managed Services Provider (MSP) is an information technology (IT) company. They hire engineers and IT specialists. And they are often certified partners with industry leaders like:

• Microsoft
• Cisco
• Dell
• HP
• Aruba
• VMWare
• Sophos
• Mitel
• Datto
• Avigilon
• Many others

With a wide range of experienced professionals, a managed IT company can address just about any type of technology problem you might experience They don’t just fix broken computers —They can do much more, like helping you develop a new design for your Wi-Fi or installing new cabling to accommodate video surveillance cameras.

They also offer a wide range of other services that can benefit your business including:

• IT Consulting
• Cloud services
• Cybersecurity Services
• Virtualization
• Email/Spam protection
• Business phone systems
• Video surveillance
• Backup & Disaster Recovery services
• Cabling services
• Audio-Visual systems and services
• IT Audits
• Virtual CIO services
• IT Security

Managed service providers usually offer different service packages that can be customized so you get only what you need at a price that fits into your budget. Your Service Level Agreement (SLA) will outline your services and prices. Many companies like this type of agreement because it covers anything and everything that could go wrong with their IT equipment for the same price each month. This alleviates your worries about your IT infrastructure plus it typically provides worry-free maintenance that will keep your network in the best working condition.

5 Managed Service Tips

1. Outsource Your Internal IT Department

Those with an in-house computer technician may think they’re saving money, but with today’s hefty salaries in this industry, it’s often not a bargain. Even when businesses have talented IT people or staff, there are always areas that need attention and support.

2. Early Issue Detection Reduces End-User Delays

Often, day-to-day computer issues don’t get immediately noticed. Managed IT Providers run monitoring and reporting tools that identify these unknown items. They will report their findings when a potential problem gets discovered. That way, the problem gets fixed before it causes frustration and downtime for your employees.

3. Remote Technical IT Support Shortens Response Times

Workstation issues can often get resolved remotely, eliminating the expense of a technician doing an on-site visit and assessment. This is a fast, easy way to handle common computing issues so your employees can get back to work.

4. The Break/Fix Model Forces Companies To Pay High Incident Fees

Undetected IT issues become expensive break/fix fee incidents. This happens when a system isn’t monitored correctly. When the server and network outages keep occurring, this is a sign that there may be deeper problems that could be expensive to repair.

5. Managed IT Helps Avoid Unanticipated Costs

When mission-critical technology fails, this can cost your company in several ways. First of all, your workflow is disrupted, and your employees can’t work. During downtime, employees still get paid (and often for overtime to catch up after the downtime). Then, you must not only pay your in-house technical support personnel, but possibly outside consultants to help solve your IT problems. Then there’s the loss of business you’ll experience from downtime.

Technology Can Drive Revenue and Innovation

When your IT infrastructure works, it can significantly increase the productivity of your users. But what about goals specific to your company? Your Managed IT provider serves the role of a consultant for your business development and how technology can drive your business forward. From new solutions to better internal practices, your goals can be reached through the professional management of your technology.

When you partner with a Managed Service Provider, you’ll have a dedicated technology team working to help you succeed in business. They’ll keep your IT infrastructure running in peak condition. This allows you to focus on building your business. So stop stressing out over your technology issues and team up with a dependable managed services provider who understands how important your business is to you.

If you found this article helpful, visit our Blog. We post new articles regularly that will keep you up to date on IT news and solutions. Here are a few examples to get you started:

Managed Services in San Antonio: How to Protect Your Firm Against Hackers
Managed Services in San Antonio: Understanding What the Dark Web Is All About
IT Services Providers in Houston Provide Managed Services Which Facilitate Profitability

Jason Simons

ICS is a Texas-based 40-year-old technology company specializing in Managed IT, VoIP, Video Conferencing and Video Surveillance solutions for US and International businesses. ICS has over 4000 regional installations and specializes in multi-site businesses between 25 and 2500 employees. ICS’s customers enjoy the experience of ICS’s Total Care program which provides clients flat fee services with obsolescence and growth protection. Whether a customer elects to deploy their IT, Video Conferencing or VoIP in the cloud or on the customer’s premise, ICS can provide a full turn-key solution for our clients under one flat monthly fee.