Managed IT services are a necessary evil for many small and midsize businesses (SMBs). However, they can be beneficial as well. Businesses that need IT support might not have the resources to hire and manage their own IT staff. This is where managed services come in.
What is a Managed IT Service?
A managed IT service is a type of IT service that is given by a third-party IT service provider, typically an external company. In many businesses, some or all of the IT functions can be outsourced to a managed IT provider. This can include things like network design and installation, security management, data backup and management, virtualization, and more. In a managed service model, you hire a company to handle your entire IT department for you. They’ll handle everything from setting up your network, hiring your staff, and managing your budget. You’ll be able to focus on running your business without having to worry about the day-to-day operations of your IT department.
Pros of Managed IT Services
A managed service provider offers a number of benefits to their clients, including: – Dedicated Account Manager – When hiring a managed service provider, you’ll have a dedicated account manager who’ll be solely responsible for helping you navigate the entire process. You don’t have to worry about trying to navigate the bureaucracy that is your own company, and you don’t have to worry about getting lost in the details of your own company’s IT department. – Lower Costs – By outsourcing your IT department, you’ll be able to save money on the salaries of your IT staff. This can include both administrative costs like overhead and benefits as well as the cost of hiring certain skill sets in the first place. – Better Security – Outsourcing your IT department can result in a more secure and reliable network with dedicated IT staff who are more experienced and skilled than your current IT staff. – Better Support – Outsourcing your IT department allows you to hire specialized IT staff dedicated to your specific needs and business processes. This can result in faster and more reliable service.
Cons of Managed IT Services
There are a few cons of managed services, including – Lack of Control – In some cases, companies end up outsourcing their IT department to a managed service provider who then takes over the entire operation. This can leave the client feeling like they don’t have control over their own IT department any longer. – Lack of Expertise – Some companies end up outsourcing their IT department to a managed service provider who has less experience than the company’s own IT staff. This can result in less reliable service. – Limited Support – Some managed service providers offer a limited number of support options that are out of the price range of most businesses.
Final Words
Migrating your entire IT operation to a managed service provider is a major change. You need to be sure that it’s the right decision for your business. Make sure to evaluate all of your options, including outsourcing your IT to a managed service provider and using a cloud solution. You may find that a managed service provider is the right fit for your business, or you may find that you need to move to the cloud. Either way, the process is not easy, and you need to be thorough, patient, and thoughtful as you make the decision to outsource your IT department.
