As a business owner, you know that technology tools are essential for your success. Customer relationship management (CRM) software, accounting software, and payment processing tools help you track leads through your sales funnel, build brand visibility and better manage cash flow. With the shift to cloud-based apps for so many business functions, a robust, reliable network and rock-solid IT systems become increasingly important.
Managed IT services can reduce the strain on your in-house IT staff, permitting your team to focus on matters pertaining to strategic growth rather than day-to-day operations. With less time spent on mundane tasks like system maintenance and troubleshooting, you’ll have more bandwidth to devote to initiatives that will move your business forward.
What are Managed IT Services?
Managed IT services encompass a range of services that are delivered by a third party to help businesses manage and protect their technology infrastructure. Services can include anything from network and system security, to help desk support and cloud-based app deployment.
Many businesses find that outsourcing their IT needs to a managed service provider (MSP) is more cost-effective and efficient than hiring in-house staff. MSPs offer a wide range of services, so you can pick and choose the ones that best fit your business’s needs. And because MSPs have expertise in managing and supporting IT systems, they can often provide these services more efficiently and at a lower cost than your in-house team.
What are Some of the Benefits of Using Managed IT Services for your Business?
- Reduced Costs
When you outsource your IT needs to a managed service provider (MSP), you can expect to see significant cost savings. MSPs are experts in delivering IT services, so they can do so more efficiently and at a lower cost than if you were to try to manage everything solely with an in-house IT staff who require salaries, benefits, and equipment. This can save your business money in the long run. Managed IT services also offer a low start-up cost and steady monthly payments, making it easier for you to budget for your IT expenses.
- Increased Productivity
When your in-house IT staff is freed up from dealing with routine tasks like system maintenance and support, they can focus on initiatives that will increase productivity across departments. This can include deploying better software solutions, optimizing your IT infrastructure, or even training employees on how to best use technology tools to boost their productivity.
- Reliable Support
Another benefit of using a managed IT service is that you have access to reliable support when needed. If something goes wrong with your network or your systems are down, you can count on your service provider to help get everything back up and running as quickly as possible. Because MSPs have a team of experts, you can rely on them to help you with any IT issue, big or small. This reduces the strain on your in-house IT staff, who can then focus on strategic growth initiatives rather than day-to-day operations.
- Peace of Mind
When you outsource your IT needs to a third party, you can rest assured knowing that your systems are in good hands. Managed service providers have the experience and expertise to handle virtually any issue that may come up, so you can focus on running your business without worrying about your technology infrastructure.
- Future-Proof Services
A managed IT service provider is constantly learning and upgrading its systems to ensure that you have access to the latest technology. This means that you can rely on them to provide you with future-proof services, and you can rest assured that you won't have to constantly pay for upgrades to obsolete equipment.
- Ensured Compliance
One of the key benefits of using managed IT services is that it can help ensure compliance across different industries. By entrusting an outside provider with your IT needs, you can be sure that all applicable security standards and regulations are being met. This can be critical for businesses operating in heavily regulated industries like finance and healthcare, where a single compliance violation can lead to steep fines and other penalties.
Managed IT services providers have extensive experience working with a variety of clients in a range of industries, so they know the specific compliance requirements that need to be followed. They also have the necessary tools and technologies in place to help ensure compliance, such as firewalls, data encryption, and backup and disaster recovery solutions. By outsourcing your IT needs to a professional provider, you can rest assured that your business is always in compliance with industry regulations.
- Centralized applications and servers
When you outsource your IT needs to a managed service provider, one of the benefits you can expect is centralized applications and servers. This means that all of your systems are housed on a single platform, which makes them easier to manage and helps ensure stability and security. By having all of your systems in one place, it's also easier to track and monitor activity, and you can be sure that all of your data is safe and secure.
Centralized applications and servers can also help improve productivity across departments. When everyone is using the same system, it's easier for them to share information and collaborate on projects. This can help speed up the workflow and improve overall efficiency.
Conclusion
If you're looking for a reliable, secure, and cost-effective way to manage your IT needs, then consider outsourcing to a managed service provider. Managed IT services can save you money, increase productivity, and ensure compliance with industry regulations.
When considering managed IT services for your business, here are some things to keep in mind:
- Make sure you select an MSP with a proven track record.
- Ask about the provider’s experience with your specific industry or business type.
- Ask about the provider’s experience with the specific software applications you use in your business.
- Make sure the provider has a robust service level agreement (SLA) that outlines response times and service commitments.
- Ask for client references and contact them to get feedback on the quality of service received.
Digital Boardwalk is a mature managed IT services company with a proven track record of providing quality service to businesses of all sizes. With over 13 years of experience in the industry, we know how to deliver the solutions you need to keep your business running smoothly.
Please contact us today for a free consultation. We would be happy to discuss your specific needs and how we can help you meet them.
