As a small business grows, it can be hard to define the moment when you suddenly need to start asking for help. With so much to consider, getting in a team of professionals to manage your IT systems can fall to the bottom of the priority list.
You might even persuade yourself that you don’t need a managed IT service provider. Until one day, you suddenly do. . . and it’s too late.
So how do you know when you need to consider having your IT managed professionally?
Watch this three-minute video to find out or continue reading below:
When should I get proper IT support for my business?
As soon as possible!
Unfortunately, there is rarely ever a single moment where a business owner or manager realises they need properly managed IT services. Usually, small problems, IT errors, mistakes, and complications build up over time until internal IT teams cannot keep up. The result is your IT department spends its time fighting fires and working on disaster recovery instead of preventing problems and working proactively.
Most people put getting proper IT support off for too long. In reality, if you have valuable data stored on any type of system, or an IT system is crucial for the day-to-day running of your business, you need managed IT support.
Managed IT support packages can vary in price and coverage level, so you can opt for a package that suits your business needs. It doesn’t have to be expensive, and you may not need the same support as a multinational company.
IT support companies can build support around your needs from day one, and these services provide scalability as your business grows. We offer specialised Managed IT Services with a proactive approach to enable business growth.
What is a managed services provider?
To fully understand if your business needs a managed service provider, you need to understand what they do and how they differ from other types of IT support.
Also known as MSP, a managed services provider is a third-party company that works with your business to remotely manage and monitor your networks, IT infrastructure, and systems. They are responsible for ensuring everything runs smoothly, preventing errors, and ensuring your data is protected and adheres to official regulations.
Usually, you will agree on a level of service or support with the MSP, and then they can continually and proactively be in charge of your IT. Unlike traditional helpdesks, MSPs take a broader approach and work more proactively. However, many MSPs offer helpdesk services as a part of the support package.
An MSP is not an internal team, although they often work with internal IT teams to ensure consistency. As an external provider, an MSP will have its own staff and technology to work alongside your existing systems.
What are the benefits of IT managed service providers?
When it comes to choosing a third-party provider, many people ask why you need managed IT services and what the benefits of managed IT services really are. If you are struggling with your IT or want to better understand the benefits of outsourcing your IT infrastructure and daily business operations, here are a few immediate benefits to consider.
Considerable Cost Savings
Managed service provider companies can discuss an appropriate IT support package with you in detail. You can set a budget, select the most suitable service solutions and save money by only paying for what you need.
By using a professional company, you can reduce the number of incidents and minimise downtown and error. In the long run, this results in long-term savings. Furthermore, an inclusive package helps control outgoing expenses with predictable monthly costs, so there are no surprises down the line.
Improved Operational Efficiency
With an external service provider proactively monitoring your systems from centralised data centres, every aspect of your supply chain can be monitored to prevent issues. This means less downtime at any point in the production chain to help save costs and cut wastage.
With every system working correctly and a managed network ensuring everything is running smoothly, your in-house team can focus on doing what they do best instead of wasting time and resources.
This operational efficiency extends to customer relationship management software. Ensure data is collected, stored, and communicated promptly for immediate order fulfilment and appropriate customer communication by letting a remotely managed services provider track and control your CRM software.
Increased Security
Working with a managed provider allows you to gain access to the latest software and best practices. By migrating to the cloud and operating secure network infrastructure, a managed service provider can help prevent data breaches and improve cyber security for your business.
Many businesses are concerned about data leaks, data protection, and following industry regulations. A managed service provider can implement inbuilt standards and security measures to help reduce the risk of a major incident.
In addition, by using a secure data control system and offering regular and encrypted backups, you can be sure that if the worst does happen, it will have a minimal impact on your business and customers. For any security breach event, having a professional team on hand can significantly increase the chance of recovering lost data and protecting sensitive information.
Potential scalability
Another benefit of using an external managed services partner is having support as your business grows. Your internal IT staff may be able to cope now but will struggle as your business grows. To help protect your business’s future, you need IT operations that can expand.
A managed services company can offer cloud computing and proactive monitoring to help plan your company’s future. As industry experts, we can provide advice on support when you add new systems to your secure infrastructure and will help keep your infrastructure efficient and effective as you grow.
Is a Managed Services Provider worth it for small businesses?
Many small business owners are concerned that the cost of using a managed services provider for their IT isn’t worth it. But they couldn’t be more wrong in our opinion. The operational efficiency, cost-savings, improved security, and greater control over data and systems mean that all businesses should consider professionally managed IT services.
However, working with the right Managed service company is crucial. The managed services market is full of companies that won’t be right for your business. Since IT is a crucial part of any business, you need to take finding the right provider seriously.
Here are some things to consider when selecting your managed services provider:
- How much are you willing to spend each month?
- Do you want an all-inclusive package or perhaps just Supplementary IT support?
- Do they offer virtual services?
- Are their offices in a good location for your business?
- Can they work with existing internal IT staff?
- Do they offer any specialized services you may need?
- Do they offer remote monitoring?
- Do they operate within or have an understanding of your industry?
- Are their packages flexible/bespoke?
- Does their managed services business model fit your company?
When choosing to work with an external services provider, you should be sure they will complement your existing business. A reliable company will let you ask questions and will work with you to design a support package that is worth it and adds value to your business.
You don’t have to work with the first company you see.
Is an IT helpdesk good enough for business support?
Some businesses choose to use an external IT helpdesk. While this can be very useful for fixing minor problems, it is just one aspect of managed IT services.
You might call a helpdesk to help recover a lost file, set up an email for a new employee, or even help install new software. However, a helpdesk is not equipped to handle more significant issues such as security breaches, ransomware, and malware, and they won’t be looking to the future.
An IT helpdesk is a valuable part of managed IT services, but it is only one part and cannot be relied upon to fix every problem. Every business should be looking to resolve issues before they happen, plan for future technology, and look at what could be improved. In this capacity, an IT helpdesk is not enough.
That’s not to say IT helpdesks aren’t necessary. In fact, to help things run efficiently, many MSPs will offer a helpdesk as a part of their services. This means people with a wider understanding of your business IT systems handle daily issues and minor complaints. The result is the helpdesk can make more fixes without impacting the broader system.
How will managed IT services support my small business?
To feel secure and safe in your IT system, you need professionally managed IT services. Usually, this encompasses four sections; the helpdesk, centralization, admin, and VITD.
By taking this thorough approach, you can be confident that someone is looking after your systems now and preparing for the future. You can still call the helpdesk when things go wrong or you need help setting up a video call. But with better data management, increased security, and improved communication, you’ll find fewer things go wrong.
And if the worst does happen, you know you’ve taken every step possible to protect your data and business. More than peace of mind, this means your business won’t fall foul of data protection laws. Get started today.
Managed IT service providers can tailor their services to suit your business. So there really is no excuse to rely on a single helpdesk for all your IT needs.
In the end, an MSP or any IT services provider should support your business in a way that you need support. You may use systems differently from competitors and require a specific level of support. You can create service-level agreements to suit your needs.
At Microbyte, we believe that by offering high-quality managed services for you, we can stamp out emergency IT support. When you work with an external company, you should see fewer data breaches, increased security, less downtime, and more fluid IT systems.
How managed service providers can help your business is down to you and what you need.
Speak to a professional about managed IT services today
You should be proactively improving your security and planning for a better future. If you are stuck with an outdated IT system, rely on a helpdesk to fix all your problems, or have concerns about cyber security and data breaches, you may benefit from working with a professional managed IT services provider.
We can discuss your unique requirements and work together to design a support package that suits your business model. For more information on our services and or to speak to a professional, don’t hesitate to get in touch