Unless you’re operating some sort of retreat or venture based on spirituality and the rejection of modern living – which is highly unlikely if you’re reading this article – running a business nowadays without the help of technology is virtually impossible.
As tech continues to grow and develop, so does the demand for tools, solutions, and applications that the tech world provides and enterprises’ reliance on them.
Therefore, there comes a point in all entrepreneurs’ lives when they have to ask themselves if they should do more to improve their use of technology and bolster their IT infrastructures or if they should stick to what they know and have.
That’s both a common dilemma and a valid question since making changes for the sake of change is a recipe for resource waste. One cannot swing into action without first making sure that the solutions they’re contemplating can bring them real benefits.
This entails taking into consideration a long list of factors and aspects, such as market trends, legal and compliance requirements, objective alignment, budgeting, and so on.
That’s also the case with using managed IT services. You may be wondering if resorting to a managed service provider (MSP) would make sense for your company. If your business is using technology in any shape or form, then there’s a good chance the answer is yes.
However, since every business is unique and you have to know exactly what you’re getting into before taking the leap, we’re going to lay out some key points to help you make a well-informed decision.
What are managed IT services?
You first need to understand what managed IT services are and what they imply. Managed IT services refer to any tech and IT-related tasks and processes that a company outsources to a third-party provider that specializes in this field.
MSPs often operate remotely or they can travel to their clients’ location to offer the required assistance.
Businesses and organizations in all industries and sectors that don’t have their own IT department or may need extra help to handle different IT activities resort to these types of services to address common issues and streamline operations.
Some choose to outsource only specific services that go beyond their internal expertise, while others prefer to delegate the management of their entire IT system to a trustworthy partner.
With the rapid technological advancements of the past decades, the demand for capable IT professionals who can manage and maintain companies’ IT infrastructure has increased considerably, and so has the number of companies offering managed IT services.
So, if you’re searching for a reliable MSP in Los Angeles or any other part of the world, you’ll find plenty of options to choose from.
Here’s what an MSP can do for you:
- Help desk support – providing quick and efficient IT support for your staff members
- System maintenance – fixing patches and keeping systems and software up to date and running smoothly
- IT compliance and risk management – ensuring your company complies with industry-specific regulations regarding IT operations and reducing potential risks
- Data backups and recovery – creating and storing copies of critical data so your company is protected against data loss
- Cloud services – delivering computing resources and solutions over the internet to enable more efficient workflows
- Cybersecurity – keeping your company safe from cybersecurity threats
How can managed IT services benefit your company?
No matter what kind of business your running of where you find ourself in your entrepreneurial journey, there’s a lot you can gain from using managed IT services.
For starters, working with a top-rated MSP can help you reduce costs by eliminating the need to invest in hiring and training in-house staff.
Moreover, with an MSP at the helm, you can prevent system failures and decrease downtime, affecting your company’s productivity and bottom line. This goes against the common belief that outsourcing your IT needs will leave a hole in your budget.
With cyberattacks becoming more prevalent in recent years, you need to make sure your company has strong defenses that will keep common risks and hazards at bay.
You can address these concerns by partnering up with a reputable MSP who can set up an maintain a strong security system.
On top of that, an MSP can provide guidance and advice on best practices and the right solutions for your business, while also helping you keep all your devices and systems running smoothly, thus allowing you to scale your operations and increase productivity.
Ultimately, knowing that you have a team of skilled professionals taking care of your IT infrastructure will give you peace of mind and allow you and your team to focus on other areas of your business that require your attention.
You’re a good fit if…
So, are you a good candidate for contracting the services of an MSP? If you’re still on the fence about it and have trouble making a decision, maybe these tell-tale signs can bring you more clarity:
You’re a small or medium-sized business looking to take advantage of the latest tech and advance your IT systems but don’t know how to go about it.
Your in-house IT department is overwhelmed by the workload or lacks the expertise and specialized skills required to perform certain tasks.
Your company is plagued by tech issues that lead to downtime and setbacks, and you’re looking for a more permanent solution to these problems.
You’re planning to scale your company and want to find a trustworthy IT partner who can support you on your journey.
Your IT infrastructure is outdated, and you’re finding it difficult to keep up with the rapid changes and innovations in the tech space on your own.
You already have an IT department, but you want to work with an expert to cover all your bases.
If you identify with any of the statements above, then you might want to give managed IT services a serious consideration. No matter what your IT needs, you’ll surely find an MSP that will fit your requirements.
