Why you need managed IT services becomes clear when considering the wide range of benefits they can provide to small and medium-sized businesses. Managed IT service providers (MSPs) play an essential role in keeping a company’s IT systems efficient, streamlined, and secure. Having a well-oiled IT department can assist a corporation in driving innovation and achieving long-term goals.
When considering all of the possible variations and combinations of technology and business processes, it is just more efficient for most firms not to reinvent the wheel. Managed IT service companies understand IT, how complicated IT services can be, and how to match the value of their managed services solution to the business as an overall service provider.
Depending on their particular area of expertise, managed service providers can work either full- or part-time hours in any industry, both vertically and horizontally. They may on occasion cross-train other service providers in the various business departments using their specialised skills.
IT infrastructure and business systems are more vital than ever in today’s ultra-competitive environment for running modern business operations. It’s no wonder that the managed IT service market is booming.
Needless to say, more and more businesses are realising how convenient and valuable MSP services can be.
Our team at Inspired IT assists businesses in the Perth, WA industry in achieving economies of scale and effectiveness. Contact us today to see how our comprehensive IT services may help your company expand and become more productive.
Read on to learn why you need managed IT services, we cover the top ten benefits. We’ll also look at how to find a top-managed IT service provider and how they may play a critical role in assisting growth and innovation amid difficult economic times.
What is a Managed IT Services Provider (MSP)?
Managed IT services are a sort of outsourcing in which an independent IT service provider manages the computer systems of a company. This is usually done in exchange for a monthly fee, and it is a very simple and efficient way for a company to gain committed IT experience without having to hire or educate new employees.
MSPs offer a variety of managed IT services, ranging from customising existing systems to offering a comprehensive IT platform including systems and applications, as well as technical IT consulting.
MSPs offer routine, low-cost services such as cloud storage, data cybersecurity, data loss prevention, and network monitoring to enterprises. In addition, they offer remote IT help to firms that would otherwise have to pay an in-house IT department.
One of the most crucial elements of MSPs is their emphasis on proactive support. An IT MSP will actively monitor the system to detect vulnerabilities before they become problems, rather than simply responding to them when they occur.
Outsourcing your IT services to Inspire IT ensures that your computer systems are continuously protected and that you are never caught off guard by a technology problem.
The Growing Popularity of Managed IT Services
Managing the complexity that comes with all of the other technologies being employed is what managed services will be all about in the future. At Inspired IT, we also take the drive toward digital transformation into account.
The vast majority of companies in the Perth, WA market are actively attempting to become digital-first companies, as can be shown. These variables, which have been there for a while, have contributed to managed services experiencing a sharp increase in popularity.
Automation is the most effective approach to scaling a business. The expansion of managed IT services is an excellent illustration of how organisations are accomplishing this. Managed IT services enable businesses to outsource IT maintenance and management.
They also aid in reducing the inefficiencies connected with an internal IT workforce, which have become more apparent in a pandemic economy.
According to Statista, 30% of all employees today work from home. COVID-19 triggered tremendous disruptions to traditional workplaces around the world. As a result of the increase of remote working arrangements, managed services are now more important than ever.
Indeed, MarketsandMarkets predicts that the managed IT services market would increase from USD 223.0 billion in 2020 to USD 329.1 billion by 2025 their annual study on the worldwide Managed Services Market.
Transparency is key to the managed services of the future. Customers want to know where their money is going. They also want to know what precautions their providers are taking to protect the security of their customer’s data and their own companies. This is because top-tier managed service providers can now be separated from mediocre ones by their cybersecurity capabilities.
Updating the Break/Fix Service Model
Prior to the advent of managed service solutions, the ‘break/repair approach was a popular option for organisations looking for a ‘fast cure’ for their IT problems. However, it became obvious over time that this paradigm had numerous flaws.
To begin with, the model did not adapt to the changing nature of the IT industry. It focuses on one-time fixes to problems rather than addressing fundamental issues within the overall infrastructure and wider IT requirements. This exposes businesses to future breakdowns and system failure.
Second, break/fix services do not incentivise long-term IT process management and monitoring. Break/fix vendors thrive when your systems are broken.
Outsourcing to a managed service provider like Inspire IT will eliminate these issues while also delivering numerous additional advantages.
Virtual Chief Information Officer (vCIO)/Virtual Chief Information Security Officer (vCISO)
The option to use a Virtual Chief Information Officer (vCIO)/Virtual Chief Information Security Officer is one of the most innovative components of managed IT services (vCISO). These officers serve as designated experts, offering your company ad hoc, round-the-clock IT support.
A vCIO/vCISO is very valuable since they can create a comprehensive technology roadmap by looking at your company’s goals and objectives holistically and optimising their IT strategy to fit.
10 Ways Managed IT Services Can Benefit Your Business
As a business owner, understanding how Managed IT Services can benefit your business can get tricky. A managed service provider does more than merely complete one-time IT work. In addition, they work on all areas of the network. This includes security, compliance, support, user experience, and the implementation of new technology.
Let’s take a look at some of the main benefits of working with a Managed IT Service provider like Inspire IT.
#1) Helps Reduce Capital Expenditures
With technology generally being one of the more expensive investments a company can make, being able to save a significant amount of money on IT costs is a no-brainer. These are some of the reasons why utilising an MSP is incredibly cost-effective:
It is less expensive than hiring a full-time IT team
In Australia, the average salary for an in-house IT employee is $69,308. It is significantly less expensive to work with a managed service provider.
Instead of spending money on IT employee salaries and developing an entire IT department, outsourcing managed services allows your company to recruit exactly the people it needs.
Less costly than the break/fix model
Break/fix service companies typically charge more than managed service providers. Instead of working to improve technology efficiency and productivity, break/fix service companies profit from network outages and other IT issues.
Low initial investment requirements
The initial investment is typically cheap because you are paying for an operational expense rather than a capital expenditure. You won’t have to spend a lot of money upfront on software, hardware, and other IT resources.
#2) Greater Cost Transparency
A managed services provider (MSP) explores the inner workings of your technological infrastructure, proactively identifying and addressing potential issues. This approach lowers the risk of unexpected costs and ensures that your IT systems are always running smoothly and efficiently.
Another significant advantage is the predictability of expenses. With a fixed monthly payment, you gain access to a wide array of services, from routine maintenance to emergency support. No matter how much assistance your business requires, you’ll only ever pay a single fixed monthly fee. This cost structure allows for accurate budgeting and financial stability.
An MSP can also tailor solutions to align with your specific business goals, ensuring that technology becomes a driving force for growth. Continuous monitoring and regular updates are often included in the fixed fee, fostering a more secure and efficient environment. By entrusting your IT needs to an MSP, you free your in-house team to focus on core business functions, leveraging technology to its fullest potential.
#3) Certified IT Specialists
Employing managed services means hiring a team of IT professionals equipped with relevant education, training, and experience. Unlike starting from scratch with an in-house team, IT professionals have amassed a variety of industry experience, enabling them to deliver high-quality service right away.
What sets MSPs apart is their ability to hit the ground running. They understand the complexities of various technologies and have hands-on experience implementing and managing them across different industries. Whether it’s cybersecurity, network optimisation, or cloud integration, they have the expertise to tailor solutions to your specific needs.
The benefit of this expertise is not just in the quality of service but also in the efficiency. With an MSP, you don’t have to spend time and resources on extensive training or trial-and-error approaches. They know what works and how to make it work for you, translating into faster implementation, fewer errors, and ultimately, a more robust and reliable IT infrastructure.
#4) Improved Data and Cyber Security Standards
The rise in cybercrime and data/cloud security breaches puts businesses and insurers at risk. MSPs help ensure that all of your systems are in compliance with the relevant regulations, reducing future risk.
This includes ensuring that your organisation adheres to all PCI Security Standards. PCI compliance entails checking off items including building and maintaining a firewall, restricting access to sensitive customer data, and testing security systems on a regular basis.
#5) Enhanced Productivity and User Efficiency
Effective end-user assistance is more than just troubleshooting. It’s about up-skilling users, and empowering them to become more confident and knowledgeable about the systems they use daily. Managed IT services often include targeted training and support, tailored to the unique needs and skill levels of your team.
The advantage of this approach is twofold. Firstly, it enables users to make the most of the technologies at their disposal, enhancing productivity and efficiency. Whether it’s mastering a new software tool or optimising existing workflows, expert guidance helps users navigate the complexities of technology with ease.
Secondly, it fosters a culture of continuous learning and growth. With expert help and training readily available, users are encouraged to explore, experiment, and expand their skill sets. This not only leads to more proficient use of technology but also contributes to overall job satisfaction and engagement.
#6) Roadmap for Effectively Incorporating New Technologies
An MSP plays a vital role in shaping your company’s technology future. By creating a new technology roadmap, they align both your short- and long-term technological goals and ambitions with actionable strategies.
The process begins with a thorough understanding of your business – its current state, future aspirations, challenges, and opportunities. An MSP then translates this understanding into a tailored technology plan, identifying the right tools, platforms, and methodologies to drive your business forward.
But it’s more than just a plan; it’s a strategic partnership. An MSP works closely with you, providing ongoing guidance and support as your business evolves. They adapt the roadmap to changing circumstances, ensuring that technology remains a catalyst for growth rather than a constraint.
#7) On-Demand Support & Monitoring that is Proactive
In the fast-paced world of business, time truly is money. That’s why round-the-clock support is not just a convenience but a necessity. An MSP’s commitment to providing 24/7 support, including on-call services and weekend availability, reflects a deep understanding of the critical nature of technology in modern operations.
Imagine a scenario where a vital system fails outside regular business hours. Without immediate support, the downtime can lead to significant losses, disrupt customer relationships, and even damage your brand’s reputation. An MSP that offers round-the-clock support ensures that help is always just a phone call or email away, no matter when a crisis occurs.
MSPs with 24/7 support often include continuous monitoring of your systems, identifying and addressing potential issues before they escalate into problems. This proactive approach minimises disruptions, maintains optimal performance, and gives you peace of mind knowing that your technology is in capable hands.
#8) Less Downtime and Network Administration
The staggering cost of network outages can be a significant burden for businesses, with industry estimates suggesting that downtime can cost thousands of dollars per minute. In Australia, where the business landscape is highly competitive and interconnected, an outage can have far-reaching consequences. It’s not just about the immediate financial loss; it’s about the ripple effect on customer trust, operational efficiency, and long-term reputation.
When there is an outage, there is little time to waste and every minute counts. This is where a managed service provider can truly make a difference. With their expertise in network management and their commitment to rapid response, an MSP can quickly identify the issue and put a fix in place.
The value of an MSP goes beyond crisis management. By proactively monitoring your network, implementing robust security measures, and maintaining up-to-date systems, they can significantly reduce the risk of outages in the first place. They understand the unique challenges and opportunities of the Australian market and tailor solutions to align with your specific needs and goals.
#9) Realise Your Primary Business Goals
As a business owner, your focus should be on growth, innovation, customer satisfaction, and many other responsibilities that come with steering a successful business. Spending time trying to troubleshoot your business’s IT issues will only distract you from your most important goals but also lead to frustration and inefficiency.
This is where entrusting managed IT services to professionals like Inspired IT becomes a strategic decision. By partnering with experts who understand the complexities of technology, you can have a hassle-free experience, knowing that your IT systems are in capable hands.
But it’s more than just outsourcing a function; it’s about gaining a technological ally. MSPs don’t just fix problems; they work proactively to prevent them. They align technology with your business objectives, ensuring that systems are not just functional but optimised to drive success.
#10) Growing Your Business
When hiring MSPs, flexibility is a necessity. In the ever-changing landscape of business, the ability to adapt quickly to new opportunities or challenges is vital. As a business owner, you need technology that can keep pace with your ambitions, whether that means scaling up to seize a new market or scaling down to streamline operations.
With MSPs, this flexibility is built into the partnership. You have the power to scale up or down, and all it takes is a conversation with your service provider to increase or decrease service orders.
The flexibility offered by MSPs is a strategic asset. It turns technology management from a fixed function into a dynamic capability, responsive to your needs, and aligned with your vision. Whether your company grows or contracts, the partnership with an MSP ensures that technology is always in step with your journey, a highly valued ally in achieving your business objectives.
Onsite vs. Cloud-Based Managed IT
It’s important to understand why the IT sector is moving away from on-premise server storage and toward a market dominated by cloud storage.
Data held on-site (often on the physical premises of the business) using hardware is referred to as onsite storage. Data is saved in the cloud using software and the internet. This information is not physically located anywhere.
So, why are onsite servers becoming obsolete? Here are a few key reasons:
- Too costly: The hardware required to store local data must be purchased, which is often costly.
- Takes up too much space: Because the data is stored in a physical location, the server consumes physical space that could have been utilised for something else.
- Equipment failure: Hardware malfunctions can be difficult, time-consuming, and expensive to repair. Furthermore, you also run the risk of losing potentially sensitive data.
- Needs ongoing maintenance: Manual upkeep is expensive. These can include the cost of electricity as well as the cost of repairs.
Cloud storage, on the other hand, has the following advantages:
- Scalability: You can scale up or down depending on your data requirements.
- Data backup: The process of backing up cloud data is significantly simpler, less time-demanding, and less expensive.
- More availability: Storing data in the cloud does not require a physical location. Furthermore, users can access and share this data regardless of their location.
- Increased Security: The data can be watched and safeguarded remotely 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
- Much less expensive: Cloud data storage is significantly less expensive than local data storage.
White Labeled Versus Local or Outsourced Solutions
Local or in-house solutions refer to tasks performed within your company by your own staff. Outsourced or white-labeled solutions, on the other hand, are performed by a third party and rebranded as your own.
In the context of MSPs, organisations can outsource managed service providers to develop specific solutions and advertise them as their own, rather than depending on their own workers to do so.
In many cases, white-label services can be more beneficial than local solutions:
- Hassle-free: When you use white-label solutions, you take the burden out of any research and development that needs to be done.
- Cost Effective: Similarly, any R&D costs connected with an in-house team working to develop a solution will be avoided.
- Focus on your company’s goals: Delegating tasks to white-labelled services allows your company to concentrate on meeting its goals and objectives.
Small Business vs Corporate Managed IT Services
Managed IT services are useful regardless of business size, whether you operate a small firm or manage a large enterprise.
MSPs are particularly tempting to small firms (those with fewer than 200 workers) that may not have the funding for their own IT department or dedicated IT program but yet want to keep their technology up to date and aligned with their business goals.
In these situations, working with a managed service provider is a great cost-effective option that provides access to experienced small business IT services without breaking the bank.
Choosing the Best Managed IT Services Company for You
A managed services company can help you eliminate several difficulties and streamline operations. This can be a terrific way to save time and money, but it is crucial to choose a managed services provider carefully. It’s a big investment for your organisation, and you don’t want to waste time dealing with someone who isn’t a suitable fit.
When hiring an MSP, check for the following positive characteristics that may distinguish an excellent managed IT services firm from a mediocre one:
- Experience and qualifications: The MSP should be very knowledgeable and certified, with years of experience behind them.
- Flexibility: A good MSP should be able to customise and modify their services to the needs of each particular business.
- Budget-friendliness: The services should be competitively priced and within your financial constraints.
- High availability: Support should be offered quickly and simply.
- Customer service: The managed services supplier should be approachable, courteous, and helpful.
- A long-term commitment: Is the provider hoping to solve or prevent difficulties in the long run? The MSP should invest in the future of your company by delivering comprehensive preventative solutions. One example is the provision of centralised services.
Ready to Transform Your Business with Managed IT Services?
In today’s complex and competitive business environment, technology isn’t just a tool; it’s a strategic partner in achieving your goals. Whether you’re looking to enhance efficiency, secure your data, or scale your operations, Managed IT Services offer the expertise, flexibility, and reliability you need.
At Inspired IT, we understand the unique challenges and opportunities your business faces. Our team of experienced professionals is committed to delivering tailored solutions that align with your vision and drive your success.
Don’t let technology challenges hold you back. Embrace the power of Managed IT Services and take control of your technological future. Contact Inspired IT today, and let’s explore how we can work together to create a technology strategy that empowers your business.
