713-622-3443
Get a Proposal

The Benefits of Having a Managed Service Provider On Your Side

October 10, 2022 | By: Scott Lard

For any business owner growing their company — medium or small — having the right technology and appropriate IT support is essential for success. However, it can get costly over time to keep up with technology trends and to have the right IT services and support in-house to manage and fix them. This is why so many small to medium-sized businesses, or SMBs, choose to take a different approach by partnering with a third-part managed IT services provider, or MSP, to manage their IT.

What are Managed IT Services?

Managed IT Services Houston

Managed IT services is a form of IT support and solutions for businesses that utilize any level of technology to run. Third-party providers offer managed services at a fixed monthly price, offering a range of solutions, including:

  • Cloud-based support
  • Unlimited IT solutions and support
  • Computer support
  • Network services
  • Cyber security monitoring and support
  • Custom IT packages

By outsourcing IT maintenance, management, and repair needs, your organization can focus on growth and customer support while MSPs handles the IT processes and solutions behind the scenes.

The Benefits of Managed IT Services

When it comes to managing their IT infrastructure, small and medium sized businesses run into a variety of issues, including a lack of manpower, a lack of budget, and a lack of understanding of some of the more complex types of technologies.

By engaging with an MSP, your business can receive comprehensive solutions that result in a variety of benefits. For example:

  • Lower Cost – IT operations can be expensive. Working with an MSP offers a fixed monthly cost to address many challenges.
  • Less Downtime – Network functionality is essential for most businesses. Having an MSP helps reduce downtime and ensure your system is up and running at all times.
  • More For Your Money – Metrics show that utilizing IT consulting services like managed IT can maximize the standard of your technologies at a lower cost than developing an in-house team.
  • Custom Solutions – Most MSPs offer custom packages so they can meet any business’ criteria or preferences.
  • Unlimited Support – The majority of MSPs offer remote support and monitoring 24/7/265.
  • Peace of Mind – With an MSP on your side, you can rest assured that your workstations, networks, platforms, applications, and services are all working as proficiently as possible.
  • Professional Expertise – Outsourcing with managed services allows businesses to access professionals with decades of experience, giving them expert support and education without the expert price tag.

The Difference Between Managed IT Services and Break/Fix Services

There are many benefits to outsourcing your IT needs and various ways you can do that. One option is to simply outsource IT needs on an as-needed basis. This means that your business hires an IT professional only if and when products, software, or hardware stop working or experience issues. This is known as break/fix IT management. 

The other options are to have an IT team or employee in-house or to have a managed services provider. As discussed above, there are many advantages to choosing a more comprehensive level of support through an MSP.

How Managed IT Services Can Help Your Business

Managed IT Services Can Help Your Business

For any business, the list of IT tasks that need to be taken care of is long. Luckily, an IT service provider like an MSP can help manage, monitor, and fix things through a variety of services. Below are just a handful of the responsibilities an MSP can help with.

Network Management/Monitoring

Managing your business’ network is an essential task, especially as it grows over time. A knowledgeable MSP can provide the information, skills, and tools necessary to keep your network operating at peak performance. Most MSPs also offer network audits and reports that can help give you a better idea of your network’s current state. These reports can then help you determine what changes to make. 

Help Desk Support

Having a partner in IT is extremely helpful, especially at times when you need IT expertise the most. With a dedicated help desk, your MSP can provide quick support. When working with an MSP, the help desk services they offer become an extension of your business, giving similar support to an in-house team without the expense of one. Help desk professionals can assist in a variety of issues, ranging from simple user concerns to more complex network malfunctions.

Cybersecurity Support

Data loss and security breaches have become very concerning for businesses today. There is a very real fear of losing important and sensitive business or customer information. In addition, there is the threat to your business’ uptime in the event of a breach. By working with an MSP, you can rest easy knowing that you have experienced professionals on your side to not only help provide backup and disaster recovery solutions in the event of an incident but also to provide preventative steps to help stop issues from occuring before they cause problems.

Consulting & Custom IT Support

Unsure what your business needs to succeed when it comes to IT? Not a problem. Managed IT services providers typically offer consulting services to help you determine where improvements can be made. In addition, they can offer custom packages to create a plan that is just right for your needs and budget.

Managed IT Services Pricing

When it comes to pricing for managed services, every provider is different. So, you’ll want to get a quote from potential providers to see what they offer. Expect their quote to include details on a service level agreement, or SLA. This agreement outlines specifically what is offered for what length of time and at what price. Generally, the price can be negotiated depending on what kind of services you’re looking for. Regardless, the manpower cost of working with an in-house team will always be higher than working with an MSP.

If your business is still relying on break/fix IT and you’re not ready to take the leap of developing an in-house team, managed services are a great way to lower IT support costs while still maintaining a great IT infrastructure.

WANT TO DISCUSS WITH AN IS&T REP?
Contact us today to discuss your new projects!
Let’s Talk
Contact Us