IT Managed Service Provider Benefits & FAQs
Should you use an MSP to manage your business IT needs?
IT managed service providers, or MSPs, are gaining popularity as businesses seek IT support and solutions that evolve as fast as technology. For many companies, outsourcing IT and working with an MSP have proven to be the right choice. Working with an MSP offers cost-effective, on-demand IT support and reduces risk and liability.
Some organizations opt for an in-house IT employee or team, but this isn’t always the best solution. Other businesses work with an outsourced managed service provider that manages and monitors their IT infrastructure and systems.
Keep reading to understand the benefits of managed IT services versus in-house IT support.
What is a Managed Service Provider? Why Do You Need One?
WHAT DOES MSP STAND FOR?
MSP Meaning
MSP stands for “managed service provider.” Managed service providers are IT consultants that work primarily with small and medium-sized businesses. For these companies, MSPs offer the benefits of dedicated IT support at a more manageable price point.
WHAT IS AN MSP?
MSPs are third-party companies that manage information technology assistance and maintenance. They also support the customer’s IT network, data infrastructure needs, and end-user systems like computers, laptops, and phones.
Remote maintenance and monitoring are key features of MSP services. Through remote services, MSPs can provide proactive support, centralized management, and simplified billing.
Small businesses, medium-sized enterprises, and nonprofit and government organizations hire managed IT providers to perform a specific set of day-to-day management services. These services range from monitoring and security to disaster recovery, strategy consulting, and management.
While small businesses often use managed service providers to meet their technology needs, larger companies contract with MSPs to provide IT support or consultation to in-house teams. This collaboration effectively manages IT-related expenses without sacrificing on-demand support or consistent network monitoring.
WHAT SERVICES DO MANAGED SERVICE PROVIDERS OFFER?
An MSP oversees daily IT management so a company can focus on its core objectives. These providers ensure the smooth running of everything IT-related to prevent extended downtime and service interruptions. Learn more about MSP services.
Some MSPs offer niche IT services like data storage, printers, and security. For example, a managed security service provider assists customers with security and remote firewall monitoring. Other MSPs focus on healthcare, legal, and manufacturing verticals. IT Insights offers services that meet all of these needs and business types.
WHY DO YOU NEED AN MSP?
Hiring an MSP frees financial and human resources to focus on your core business. According to Managed Services Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Solution, the managed services market has grown to USD 239.71 billion in 2021. The demand is strong, and businesses of all sizes are relying on the efficiency of MSPs.
With an MSP’s support, your organization will benefit from improved security, eliminating the risk of data breaches. Furthermore, an MSP ensures that your IT infrastructure complies with specific local and global regulations.
The Benefits of Outsourcing Your Business IT Services
Four Reasons Why You Should Hire an MSP
Hiring a reliable IT monitoring partner resolves issues quickly, maximizing your company’s productivity and profitability, all while reducing downtime. Additionally, you get immediate access to various solutions by taking this proactive approach to IT administration.
Here are four benefits of using an MSP:
01: COST-SAVINGS
IT professionals require several years of training, education, and professional credentials to enter the field, and their pay is commensurate with these requirements. Hiring a dedicated IT person (or staff) to service your organization is too expensive for many small and mid-sized businesses.
By outsourcing and opting for a trusted IT-managed service provider, your organization can reduce the cost of retaining an IT team, allowing you to allocate funds to fulfill the company’s vision and expand your business, instead of paying for IT-related overhead.
02: ON-CALL EXPERTISE AND IT SUPPORT
Because of the complexity of IT systems, IT professionals often specialize in areas like network and data systems, coding and websites, or computer user support. As a result, in-house IT personnel may be a “jack-of-all-trades,” but they tend to have limited expertise across all areas. Moreover, they require continuous training and education to stay abreast of cyber security evolution and compliance laws.
You can access a team of professionals with expertise in multiple areas with an IT-managed service provider. This gives you more value for your money and ensures that your computing needs are fully met.
03: PREVENT SECURITY BREACHES
Network and data security breaches are an increasingly common problem that tax your personnel and financial resources. In fact, large corporations lose $4 million a year due to security breaches. Companies also face legal consequences if sensitive or personal information is stolen.
Protecting a client’s systems and data is one of the highest priorities for IT managed service providers. In addition to 24/7 monitoring, data backup, and recovery services, a skilled MSP will regularly look for vulnerabilities and ways to prevent possible security breaches.
04: LESS DOWNTIME, MORE PRODUCTIVITY
Maximize your business’s productivity by efficiently streamlining its processes.
Outsourcing IT services allows your organization to focus on your actual business. With an IT MSP, you have a team of professionals capable of designing, implementing, and monitoring the latest technologies. And you have pros equipped to deal with emergent issues. All available to you 24/7.
Managed IT Service Provider Frequently Asked Questions
MSP FAQs
WHAT ARE MSPs?
IT MSPs, or managed service providers, deliver day-to-day IT and technology management services like network monitoring, infrastructure, security management, and cloud consulting. They can also help with large projects like network architecture, office moves, cloud migration, and more. Hiring an MSP also gives you access to daily, on-demand support for immediate issues.
WHAT IS AN MSP COMPANY? HOW DO MSPs WORK?
An MSP company remotely manages a customer’s IT infrastructure. In hiring an MSP company, you allow them to monitor your network from a centralized location. You also benefit from enhanced cybersecurity protection, end-user protection, cloud services, and more.
WHAT ARE MANAGED IT SERVICES?
Managed IT services should not be confused with IT consulting services. Generally, IT consultants offer advice. Managed IT services do the actual work to implement systems. However, MSPs can also provide planning and architecture solutions.
HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT MSP?
Picking the right managed IT provider can be challenging, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the managed service market or information technology. That said, there are ways in which you can gauge whether a particular company is the right fit for you.
Start by identifying the service offerings you need to narrow down your choices. Then, compile a short list of MSPs that offer the services you’re looking for. The next step is to review their experience and evaluate their level of expertise.
You’ll also want to consider factors like how often they provide reporting, system maintenance, and evaluation of your system security. Many MSPs have monthly contracts, and pricing depends on which services are included. Others, like IT Insights, bill only for actual services performed.
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