Are your IT staff in-house cost-intensive, ineffective, and slow in responding to immediate issues? Perhaps you’re a brand-new company that has relied on antivirus software to safeguard your information? Whichever stage you’re at it’s probably time to look into managed IT support to enhance the IT system you have in place.
Companies rely on their digital systems more than ever to perform day-to day routines. Therefore, any disruption to these systems, as well as any downtime can affect productivity and efficiency. That’s why 83% small and medium-sized enterprises in the UK utilize the managed IT services to run the digital aspects of their infrastructure. We’ll review the best benefits of outsourcing IT support services, and why you should look into shifting to managed IT services.
What exactly is managed IT support?
Before we get into the benefits, let’s clarify precisely what we’re talking about. Support services for managed IT are provided by third-party firms that oversee the whole IT team. This includes cyber-security, troubleshooting repairs to hardware disaster recovery and more. The client typically is charged a monthly amount for IT support proactive that manages their IT infrastructure remotely. It’s a fantastic alternative to having an internal team and offers an even more complete IT support at only a fraction of the cost.
But what are the advantages?
1. Monthly costs that are controlled
Any business should budget for costs in order to reduce the possibility of unexpected expenses. This is crucial when you’re a small or medium-sized company with a small budget. Making a fixed monthly payment schedule through your Managed IT Service Provider will take the burden from IT expenses. You’re aware of the amount you’re paying for IT as well as the amount you’ll need to pay it every month and what services you’ll get in return. Knowing precisely what you’ll pay for IT can allow you to make more choices when investing in other aspects of your company.
2. Managed IT support offers an unlimited amount of assistance
Paying for temporary employees in the event of a disaster or you require additional support to support an internal team is costly. If you choose to use the controlled IT service, you’ll get unlimited, 24/7 assistance. There will be an expert team waiting to solve your problems right away and at no additional cost.
3. Outsourcing IT support can be cost-effective.
Managed IT support is cheaper than hiring an in-house IT team. You’ll still be able reach someone at any time an issue arises or in the event that you need assistance with upgrades and repairs. However, you will not face the stress and expenses that come by permanent staff. You’ll also enjoy lower costs for software and hardware since your managed IT services has an established relationship with suppliers and profit by savings of size.
4. Flexible service
Another advantage of outsourcing IT support is the option of upgrading when your company grows or expand as you need to. You can set up contracts so that you don’t need to spend money on services you don’t want and also easily scale up and get access to new services whenever you need they are needed. You are in charge.
It’s not possible to have the same level of flexibility from an internal team, as you must hire and fire employees when expanding or consolidating the IT system. It’s not an easy or inexpensive process.
5. Managed IT support solutions provide access to the expertise of experts
The most significant advantage outsourcing IT is access to specialist knowledge, expert capabilities, and years of IT expertise across a range of industries. Training employees to understand how to resolve a problem that occurs once in a rare event can be expensive. While using an IT service that is managed IT service, you get access to a team that has been through it all before and can tell you the best way to fix issues immediately.
6. Improved levels of customer service
If you use the managed service provider, you’ll have the benefit of a dedicated support team. The contract you sign will come with an agreement on service levels that promises a fast response time and friendly support. Support staff members will know your company inside and out and provide efficient IT support that helps reduce downtime while keeping your staff efficient.
7. Get access to the latest technologies and software for free updates
If you’re a small-scale business or a major enterprise, providing your staff with technology and managing the licensing fees for necessary software can be costly. You must also take into account the cost of frequent upgrades to add salt to the wound.
Managed IT services come with the incentive of providing customers with the top equipment and software , since they’re the ones who claim that they are able to upgrade your infrastructure. In-house IT departments are rewarded to cut costs and decisions where they can since the less you invest in IT the more profitable your business will be at the end of the year.
If you opt to use a managed IT solution that you can cut costs while having access to the top equipment and software. Utilizing an outsourced IT department will give users access to an service that’s constantly upgraded, while the costs for your monthly retainer remain constant.
8. Cyber security proactive and proactive, as well as disaster recovery
An IT provider managed by a professional will employ the top security and anti-malware software to ensure that their clients’ data is secure and safe. The outsourcing of your IT department ensures that your entire network will be secured with their strong data security systems that are constantly under surveillance. Your network will have a vigilant security guardian looking for suspicious emails as well as other cybersecurity dangers. In most cases it will be addressed before you are aware of the threats.
This proactive approach in terms of security will allow you to save money on downtime, and also take an approach of not being involved in keeping your network secure. If disaster strikes it will have someone on the ground to help your employees return working as quickly as feasible.
9. Enhances productivity by allowing you to focus on the core of your business
As your business expands the IT infrastructure must increase in size. The outsourcing of a part, or even all your department’s IT ensures that you can focus on your primary business and not be held back by lengthy IT issues. It will be possible to grow upon demand, thanks to having access to a group of experts who possess all the required skills to fill any gaps as your business grows. Finding a managed IT solution with flexible contracts is essential to get the assistance you require without having to purchase additional services that are not needed.
What should you look for in an IT support managed service
We’ve learned what the advantages can be when you choose to partner with an managed IT support provider, but what are the best ways to find the right company to collaborate with? We’ve outlined the advantages that an outsourcing IT department can provide:
Flexible, cost-effective fixed contracts that are flexible
24/7 customer support
Support for online and by phone
Customer service representatives who have advanced training in troubleshooting
Remote access capabilities
Comprehensive backup and disaster recovery solutions
A team of experts who have expertise across different industries
The latest software and technology
Infrastructure support (WIFI, network cabling, fibre-optics, etc.)
Proactive security protocols
The final thoughts regarding the advantages that can be derived from the management of IT support services
Employing an IT department that is outsourced can give your business access to a the most cost-effective solution to improve technology infrastructure. They’ll be proactive in defending against cyber threats and offer you access to the most advanced equipment and technology available. Flexible contracts mean you can increase or decrease your IT resources at any time, and you’ll never have to shell out for services you don’t really need or desire.
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