What are managed IT services?

Keeping your computer processes and network running safely and smoothly is crucial to maintaining a successful business. While it is possible to monitor your network’s functionality internally, it is not without risks.

A managed IT service allows you to outsource your IT maintenance to a third-party expert on a subscription basis. Outsourcing certain processes and functions can improve and protect the overall functionality of your business, while also reducing the expenses that can come with either having to fill the role internally, or the costs that you will incur should something go wrong.

Transferring the responsibility of safeguarding your IT services to a managed service provider eases a lot of potential but completely unnecessary headaches. Technology grows at such a fast rate that keeping up with trends and being knowledgeable about growing risks and new forms of cyberattacks is really a full-time job. It’s hard enough for most of us to keep track of the status of our own personal software, let alone ensuring the network-at-large is kept up-to-date and functioning at its full capacity.

What does managed IT services cover?

The main purpose of a managed IT service provider is to create a well-balanced and effective management of a company’s desktops, servers and mobile devices, as well as other systems. They can ensure that each component of your network functions well alone and synergistically. The service provider can set it up so that monitoring and any changes or updates can be done remotely, keeping business operations free from disruption. This is key, because often they are able to catch inconsistencies or errors or red flags on their end and tackle the issue before it becomes a bigger problem. They are also first in the field to become aware of any new issues with software or disruptions in certain services. Having issues with the functionality of a software or process and not having any idea exactly where the problem is coming from is enormously stressful. Having a managed IT service will eliminate that stress.

Your IT Infrastructure

Building and maintaining your IT infrastructure is the most basic service offered by most IT firms. What they offer in addition is what sets these service providers apart. The better, more reputable providers can assist with ongoing security services, which is without a doubt, a crucial aspect to maintaining successful business operations. A good managed IT service provider will work with you to ensure your business is protected from cybersecurity breaches and attacks. Because of the sensitive and dangerous nature of these attacks, and because cybercriminals use increasingly sneaky and tricky ways to break into networks, having an IT expert on hand is a crucial asset.

Cybersecurity Strategy

Having a strong cybersecurity system in place is the first step in protecting your business from an attack. A provider can assist in not only creating a well-rounded cybersecurity strategy, but also they will also work with you to set up a disaster recovery plan in the event that something does happen.

Managing Service Providers

Managed services can also assist with a number of other processes, including data storage, mobility and setting up a helpdesk. They can also assist with communications. This includes managing a business’ telecommunication and voice services. The transition towards cloud based computing is an area that remains an obstacle to many businesses. Managed services providers can ensure that the transition is seamless for businesses and provide training to staff.

Cost Savings

The cost of retaining managed IT services providers is actually set off by savings realized both short-term and in the long-term. They know how to streamline your infrastructure’s functionality and cut out unneeded applications and software that many businesses are unknowingly paying for. They also prevent shutdowns and failures in your network that can drive business operations to a halt. If operations slow down or shut down altogether, you’re looking at major losses. The same can be said if you fall victim to a cyberattack and get extorted for money or lose access to your data. 

It is unwise to take risks with your IT security. Retaining managed IT services will give you peace of mind and save you money.

Are you interested in exploring managed IT services for your company? If the fast pace of changing technology or cybersecurity are concerns, get in touch with CITI.