Should you use an MSP to manage your business IT needs?
Boost Productivity and Reduce Downtime with Outsourced IT Support
IT-managed service providers, or MSPs, are becoming increasingly popular. Businesses are seeking IT support that can adapt to rapidly changing technology while driving down overhead costs. For many companies, outsourcing IT and working with an MSP has proven to be the right choice. MSPs offer cost-effective and on-demand IT support, reduce risk and liability, and ensure business continuity.
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.” MSPs are IT consultants who work primarily with small and medium-sized businesses. They offer these companies 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 help with the customer’s IT network, data infrastructure, and end-user systems such as computers, laptops, and phones. Remote maintenance and monitoring are key features of MSP services. MSPs can provide proactive support, centralized management, and simplified billing through remote services.
Small businesses, medium-sized companies, and nonprofits hire IT MSPs for daily management of their IT systems. These services range from monitoring and security to disaster recovery, strategy consulting, and management. Small businesses use MSPs for technology needs. Larger companies hire MSPs for IT support, creating business processes, or advising their 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?
Regardless of your business model, 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.
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. In 2021, the Managed Services Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report estimated the MSP market at $239.71 billion. The demand is strong because businesses of all sizes recognize MSP’s cost and time efficiencies.
With an MSP’s support, your organization will benefit from improved security, reduced risk of data breaches, and real-time IT expertise. 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 MSP offering proactive monitoring helps resolve issues quickly, maximizing your company’s productivity and return on investment. It also reduces downtime and gives you peace of mind. Additionally, this proactive approach to IT administration gives you immediate access to various solutions.
Here are four benefits of using an MSP:
01. COST-SAVINGS
IT professionals need years of training, education, and credentials to enter the field. Their pay matches these requirements. A dedicated IT person or staff is too expensive for many small and mid-sized businesses. But that doesn’t change the need for IT expertise.
Hiring a reliable IT service provider can save your company money while getting quality IT support.
You won’t need to keep an IT team on staff. This allows you to use those funds to grow your business and achieve your goals instead of spending on IT expenses.
02. ON-CALL EXPERTISE AND IT SUPPORT
IT professionals specialize in network and data systems, coding, websites, cybersecurity, and other areas. Because IT systems are complicated, your IT person may be knowledgeable in many areas but need more expertise in any specific area. Moreover, IT is constantly evolving. This requires continuous training and education to stay abreast of tech trends, cybersecurity standards, and compliance regulations.
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 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. Good MSPs typically monitor and back up data, prevent security breaches, and look for weaknesses to keep systems safe.
04. LESS DOWNTIME, MORE PRODUCTIVITY
Maximize your business’s productivity by streamlining IT
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. Plus, you have pros equipped to deal with emergent issues available 24/7.
Managed IT Service Provider Frequently Asked Questions
MSP FAQs
WHAT ARE MSPs?
IT MSPs for businesses provide daily tech services such as user support, network monitoring, security management, and cloud consulting. They can also help with large projects like network architecture, office moves, cloud migration, and more. When you hire an MSP, you can get quick help for problems through daily remote monitoring and management.
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, backup and recovery, cloud services, and more.
WHAT ARE MANAGED IT SERVICES?
Managed IT services should be distinct from IT consulting services. Generally, IT consultants offer advice, while managed IT services do the actual work of implementing systems and providing ongoing technical support. However, MSPs can also offer planning and architecture solutions.
HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT MSP?
Picking the best-managed IT provider can be challenging, especially if you aren’t a managed service market or technology pro. That said, there are ways 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.
When choosing a provider for your needs, consider how often they report, maintain, and evaluate your system security. Many MSPs require service agreements with pricing models for specific service offerings, while others, like IT Insights, bill only for actual services performed
More Resources
This article helps you understand the nuts and bolts of MSPs. If you’re interested in learning more about IT Insights and other tech topics, here are some other blogs we think might interest you.
Ready to take your IT strategy to the next level? Reach out to learn how our IT managed services can benefit your business and keep you ahead of the technology curve.
