The Why Behind Managed Services
Organizations of all sizes rely on technology to operate efficiently and effectively, and as the reliance on IT grows, so does the need for extra support. But, your time and energy should be focused on growth and innovation, not worrying about whether your IT systems are working like they should. It’s easy to become overwhelmed by the day-to-day responsibilities of managing your IT infrastructure, that’s why many businesses are choosing to work with a managed service provider.
What are managed services?
Managed services let you offload specific IT operations to a managed service provider (MSP), who assumes responsibility for making sure your technology runs like clockwork by delivering 24/7 monitoring, ongoing management and fast problem resolution . MSPs offer services such as alerts, security, data backup and recovery, storage systems, network solutions and more.
What drives SMBs towards managed services?
CompTIA found that improving the efficiency and reliability of IT operations was a main driving factor for going with an MSP for 56 percent of companies with 100 or more employees and 47 percent of companies with fewer than 100 employees. Here are a few other main drivers that steer companies toward MSPs:
- Enhanced Security
- Proactive Approach
- Maximum Uptime
- Cost Savings
- Peace of Mind
How does an MSP fit into my model?
While an MSP can take on full responsibility for managing all of your technology, it’s common for MSPs to complement rather than replace internal IT staff. According to Channel Insider, 60 percent of respondents said their managed services engagement is a collaborative arrangement with their internal IT department.
Either way, developing a true partnership with a trusted MSP to act as an extension of your IT department or completely manage it all frees up your staff to focus on higher-value projects and your own success.