Managed IT Services for Small Businesses

Benefits of Managed IT Services for Small Businesses

We’re living in an age where IT processes are a crucial part of any business. To support your business operations, you need a strong and secure IT infrastructure. The ongoing pandemic has shown us the importance of adaptable technology that can work in different environments. It’s not just about adapting; it’s about adapting quickly with minimal downtime. Small businesses understand the need to manage their information technology better, which is why they are embracing managed IT services and reaping the rewards.

However, many small businesses still think that hiring a single person or relying on break-fix IT support is acceptable.

What’s Best for You: an “On-the-Go” IT Company or Hiring a Full-time Employee?

Imagine you run a family-owned clinic, and you have one employee responsible for managing and supporting your IT systems. This employee handles your clinic’s IT department, including confidential patient data, point of sale systems, phone systems, video conferencing systems, employee payroll data, and more.

Then, suddenly, a cyberattack occurs that your employee can’t recover from. You find yourself unable to access sensitive patient files, with no backups, and you have to inform all your clients about the data breach. This is obviously a devastating situation, and it has happened before. Without proactive maintenance and experienced IT knowledge, such incidents are likely to occur.

1. A Break-fix Model Can Spell Disaster

The days of pushing computers to the breaking point are long gone, and the risks of doing so are well known. This reactive approach often leads to longer delays in resolving issues, costing you not only money but also damaging your reputation and business.

Contrary to popular belief, outsourcing your IT to an experienced Managed IT Service Provider can be cost-effective, especially if you engage with the service provider for advice and assistance on business management processes and methodologies. A good managed service provider can also act as your virtual Chief Information Officer (vCIO).

2. Lack of Expertise

As a small business, you may only be able to hire an entry-level or mid-level technician due to limited resources. In this case, an inexperienced solo technician can become overwhelmed with a wide range of IT responsibilities, from networks to phones, desktop support, backups, project implementations, emails, and storage. This can lead to disaster.

3. What’s Covered under Managed IT Services?

Managed IT Services for Small Businesses offer a wide range of solutions. If your business requires unique, tailor-made options, having a larger team of skilled engineers can be beneficial. Some common services include:

• Efficient on-call helpdesk IT support.
• Preventive maintenance of the entire infrastructure, including computers, routers, and networks.
• Constant monitoring of equipment, with alerts for any abnormal behaviors.
• Software assurance guarantees.
• Security checks, monitoring, and alerts.
• Asset management and lifecycle controls.

For the most part, Managed IT Service providers work remotely, accessing your systems through remote technologies, which saves you time and money.

4. Why Are Small Businesses Embracing Managed IT Services?

• Predictable Costs: Hiring a Managed Service Provider offers fixed-cost services, making budgeting easy. You can access teams of experts for less than the cost of hiring an employee.
• Expert Services: Engaging with a managed service company gives you access to experts for any issues you may encounter.
• Up-to-date Security Measures: Recent data breaches and cyberattacks highlight the cost of recovery, which can be significant for small businesses. Outsourcing IT ensures up-to-date security measures, including strict data compliance policies, robust firewalls, updated software, and top-notch antivirus protection.
• Minimal Interruption: Most MSPs work remotely, reducing the need for physical access to your system while addressing issues and running checks. This ensures uninterrupted work even during IT problem resolution.
• Reduced Downtime: Regular maintenance reduces downtime and associated work interruptions. MSPs offer proactive solutions, resulting in fewer glitches. They operate 24/7, so there’s always someone available to address your issues promptly.

5. Future-proofing

All these measures not only increase customer satisfaction but also reduce your business’s overhead expenses. Unless your primary area of business is technology, you won’t want to invest your time in IT maintenance. Waiting for a problem to happen can be a costly mistake.

• Innovation: A Managed IT services provider for small businesses can help you select innovative, cost-effective technologies that will future-proof your business and your IT requirements well into the future.