What is Managed IT Services?
Almost every contemporary company has continuous IT chores that must be handled on a regular basis. To mention a few, there is equipment that must be maintained up and running, cybersecurity measures that must be implemented, and apps that must be hosted and monitored.
Not every IT company has the resources to handle those responsibilities successfully in-house. That's where IT outsourcing and the use of a third party may help.
Not every IT company has the resources to handle those responsibilities successfully in-house. That's where IT outsourcing and the use of a third party may help.
Why Does Managed Services Matter?
Technology Advancement
Workplace technology is continuously evolving and becoming more sophisticated every year.
The amount of gadgets that employees rely on is a fantastic illustration. Most employees had access to work technology only while they were at work just 20 years ago. Employees are likely accessing corporate information in the office, at home on a work laptop, on a tablet, and even on their personal phone these days—and some of those devices are utilized without the IT department's knowledge.
The IT department must frequently devise new solutions to accommodate all of these devices and use cases while simultaneously ensuring the security of business data. That's just one example of how day-to-day IT labor can suddenly expand to stay up with how businesses use technology.
Workplace technology is continuously evolving and becoming more sophisticated every year.
The amount of gadgets that employees rely on is a fantastic illustration. Most employees had access to work technology only while they were at work just 20 years ago. Employees are likely accessing corporate information in the office, at home on a work laptop, on a tablet, and even on their personal phone these days—and some of those devices are utilized without the IT department's knowledge.
The IT department must frequently devise new solutions to accommodate all of these devices and use cases while simultaneously ensuring the security of business data. That's just one example of how day-to-day IT labor can suddenly expand to stay up with how businesses use technology.
Managed IT Services
We see that IT work is becoming more complex, but IT talent is not keeping up with the demand. Even though the unemployment rate is the lowest it's been since 2000, nearly 60% of employers struggle to fill job vacancies within 12 weeks. Experts predict that trend is going to get worse, putting the technology, media and telecommunications industries short 4.3 million skilled workers globally by 2030.
That means many companies won't have the talent to support many of these critical IT services. Without someone managing upkeep and maintenance business owners run the risk of cybersecurity breaches, data loss and other issues that can negatively impact a business.
If you are lucky enough to have IT talent on your team, the last thing you want to do is alienate them or cause them to burn out on small tasks and maintenance issues.
Using a MSP allows your IT team to focus on strategic initiatives that support your business. Not only is that good for the bottom line, it also proves the value of your IT department, giving you a bargaining chip for future budget talks.
That means many companies won't have the talent to support many of these critical IT services. Without someone managing upkeep and maintenance business owners run the risk of cybersecurity breaches, data loss and other issues that can negatively impact a business.
If you are lucky enough to have IT talent on your team, the last thing you want to do is alienate them or cause them to burn out on small tasks and maintenance issues.
Using a MSP allows your IT team to focus on strategic initiatives that support your business. Not only is that good for the bottom line, it also proves the value of your IT department, giving you a bargaining chip for future budget talks.
Managed Services' History
Networks were relatively basic systems in the 1990s. Because the IT department didn't have a lot of committed employees, the teams didn't usually do anything for routine maintenance if their machines were malfunctioning or slowing down—only when they stopped operating. The technical team would fix them after they broke, which became known as the break/fix approach.
Companies have lost a lot of money due to downtime, data loss, and productivity loss as a result of this attitude.
After a while, several of the world's largest Fortune 500 corporations realized the harmful impact this mindset was having on their operations. They started working with IT service providers to detect and fix problems before they became a problem for the firm. This early version of IT outsourced service management relied on complicated software to evaluate data, which was prohibitively expensive and unavailable to most businesses.
Networks were relatively basic systems in the 1990s. Because the IT department didn't have a lot of committed employees, the teams didn't usually do anything for routine maintenance if their machines were malfunctioning or slowing down—only when they stopped operating. The technical team would fix them after they broke, which became known as the break/fix approach.
Companies have lost a lot of money due to downtime, data loss, and productivity loss as a result of this attitude.
After a while, several of the world's largest Fortune 500 corporations realized the harmful impact this mindset was having on their operations. They started working with IT service providers to detect and fix problems before they became a problem for the firm. This early version of IT outsourced service management relied on complicated software to evaluate data, which was prohibitively expensive and unavailable to most businesses.
Managed IT Support Services
The Inception of Widespread Use
By the end of the decade, computers had become more complicated, and most workplaces had numerous more devices on their networks, such as printers and fax machines. Smaller businesses came to understand that the break/fix approach was no longer viable. Before something went wrong, they needed to start being proactive about monitoring and maintaining their equipment.
However, putting that insight into action was more difficult than it seemed, because proactive monitoring and maintenance put a significant pressure on already scarce IT personnel and resources. As a result, by the late 1990s, more businesses were turning to third-party IT services to handle some of their day-to-day IT needs, such as systems administration, network monitoring, and security.
IT services are used by 64% of organizations.
CompTIA is the source of this information.
As demand rose, the price dropped, making it more affordable for enterprises. Today, 64% of businesses claim they utilize managed IT services in some way.
By the end of the decade, computers had become more complicated, and most workplaces had numerous more devices on their networks, such as printers and fax machines. Smaller businesses came to understand that the break/fix approach was no longer viable. Before something went wrong, they needed to start being proactive about monitoring and maintaining their equipment.
However, putting that insight into action was more difficult than it seemed, because proactive monitoring and maintenance put a significant pressure on already scarce IT personnel and resources. As a result, by the late 1990s, more businesses were turning to third-party IT services to handle some of their day-to-day IT needs, such as systems administration, network monitoring, and security.
IT services are used by 64% of organizations.
CompTIA is the source of this information.
As demand rose, the price dropped, making it more affordable for enterprises. Today, 64% of businesses claim they utilize managed IT services in some way.
Managed IT Support
With new technologies becoming more widespread, the sector is anticipated to grow at a rate of 12.5 percent each year until 2020, when it will be worth $193 billion. We're also witnessing several emerging trends in IT, such as:
Data and IT Security: There isn't a month that goes by without news of a data breach or other cybersecurity incident. MSPs are reacting by providing their clients with more sophisticated cybersecurity services.
Specialization: While most MSPs will continue to provide broad services, many providers will likely begin to specialize on specific sectors. MSPs who become specialists will be able to comprehend the intricacies and provide more value to their clients.
Internet of Things (IoT): The Internet of Things extends well beyond your home's smart speakers. This trend is exploding in utilities, healthcare, the auto industry, and other sectors. MSPs will have to stay up with this rapidly changing trend.
Data and IT Security: There isn't a month that goes by without news of a data breach or other cybersecurity incident. MSPs are reacting by providing their clients with more sophisticated cybersecurity services.
Specialization: While most MSPs will continue to provide broad services, many providers will likely begin to specialize on specific sectors. MSPs who become specialists will be able to comprehend the intricacies and provide more value to their clients.
Internet of Things (IoT): The Internet of Things extends well beyond your home's smart speakers. This trend is exploding in utilities, healthcare, the auto industry, and other sectors. MSPs will have to stay up with this rapidly changing trend.
Managed Network Security
The quantity and type of services a firm need from an MSP are often determined by its internal IT capabilities. However, the following are the most frequent services for which businesses require assistance:
Data Backup IT backup services secure and preserve your data, allowing you to restore information as tiny as single files or whole databases.
In the event of a disaster, this layer of redundancy provides additional protection and accessibility. To take advantage of the cutting-edge technology that an MSP can provide, it's typically a good idea to outsource safe data backups.
Solutions for Help Desks
Many businesses that employ managed IT services have little or no IT resources. MSPs frequently provide help desk solutions to provide their clients with access to an on-call IT professional who can fix issues remotely or on-site.
Services for IT Support
When you require a combination of IT assistance and coaching, IT support services are quite beneficial. The MSP is in charge of proactive device management and patching, as well as offering insight into how your system works and should function.
Network Security that is Managed
This solution frees up your IT resources by outsourcing activities such as network intrusion detection and prevention, virus and spam removal, content filtering, and traffic analysis via a standard or next-generation firewall.
Microsoft Office 365 is a cloud-based version of Microsoft
Many MSPs are able to plan, create, install, and maintain Office365 for their customers as a result of so many organizations embracing this very popular cloud service.
Storage of Data
Customers may store huge volumes of unstructured data using this sort of data storage architecture. Object storage can provide cost-effectiveness, scalability, and dependability as organizations seek to discover methods to store enormous volumes of data. Data such as media files, online content, documents, and backups are generally stored in this sort of storage.
Storage
There are various layers of general data storage. In most cases, the supplier collaborates with the client to choose and implement the type of storage that would offer them with the best efficiency and lowest cost.
System Administration
Your MSP can monitor your servers, apps, and network using this sort of outsourced IT. They'll analyze the data and real-time analytics to detect and resolve issues before they create downtime and have an impact on your organization.
Virtual Chief Information Officer
Small and medium businesses seldom have the financial resources to appoint a professional Chief Information Officer. Some MSPs provide a Virtual CIO service, which includes analysis, strategy, and a step-by-step plan for the company's IT.
Data Backup IT backup services secure and preserve your data, allowing you to restore information as tiny as single files or whole databases.
In the event of a disaster, this layer of redundancy provides additional protection and accessibility. To take advantage of the cutting-edge technology that an MSP can provide, it's typically a good idea to outsource safe data backups.
Solutions for Help Desks
Many businesses that employ managed IT services have little or no IT resources. MSPs frequently provide help desk solutions to provide their clients with access to an on-call IT professional who can fix issues remotely or on-site.
Services for IT Support
When you require a combination of IT assistance and coaching, IT support services are quite beneficial. The MSP is in charge of proactive device management and patching, as well as offering insight into how your system works and should function.
Network Security that is Managed
This solution frees up your IT resources by outsourcing activities such as network intrusion detection and prevention, virus and spam removal, content filtering, and traffic analysis via a standard or next-generation firewall.
Microsoft Office 365 is a cloud-based version of Microsoft
Many MSPs are able to plan, create, install, and maintain Office365 for their customers as a result of so many organizations embracing this very popular cloud service.
Storage of Data
Customers may store huge volumes of unstructured data using this sort of data storage architecture. Object storage can provide cost-effectiveness, scalability, and dependability as organizations seek to discover methods to store enormous volumes of data. Data such as media files, online content, documents, and backups are generally stored in this sort of storage.
Storage
There are various layers of general data storage. In most cases, the supplier collaborates with the client to choose and implement the type of storage that would offer them with the best efficiency and lowest cost.
System Administration
Your MSP can monitor your servers, apps, and network using this sort of outsourced IT. They'll analyze the data and real-time analytics to detect and resolve issues before they create downtime and have an impact on your organization.
Virtual Chief Information Officer
Small and medium businesses seldom have the financial resources to appoint a professional Chief Information Officer. Some MSPs provide a Virtual CIO service, which includes analysis, strategy, and a step-by-step plan for the company's IT.
Types of IT Managed Service Companies
Depending on your company's demands, most managed service providers provide various degrees of service or even bespoke packages. With so many alternatives, your business may be unsure on how to select the best service provider to work with for IT needs. Before you begin, you should be aware of the common levels of service provided by most MSPs.
Basic
This is an excellent choice for a firm with large internal IT resources that wants to offload some of the day-to-day responsibilities from their in-house team. In this function, the MSP would often focus on monitoring and notifying the client so that any issues with the company's technology may be addressed before they become a problem. They are unlikely to be involved in any strategic IT projects.
Consulting
Companies that have some internal IT capabilities but require strategic direction for new initiatives or future expansion benefit from consultancy relationships. The MSP may fulfill all of the tasks of a basic relationship while also assisting the firm with more strategic efforts, such as developing a scaling strategy.
Outsourcing in its entirety
A full-service MSP will have highly qualified employees and be able to provide a full range of IT services utilizing their own premises and equipment. They'll be able to provide all of the services that a basic and consulting MSP can, as well as higher-level strategic services like a virtual CIO.
Managed Service Provider in the Cloud
A cloud managed service provider provides many of the same advantages as a typical MSP, with the added benefit of cloud administration. While some businesses are primarily focused on cloud services, many others may provide both traditional and cloud services as part of their packages.
Basic
This is an excellent choice for a firm with large internal IT resources that wants to offload some of the day-to-day responsibilities from their in-house team. In this function, the MSP would often focus on monitoring and notifying the client so that any issues with the company's technology may be addressed before they become a problem. They are unlikely to be involved in any strategic IT projects.
Consulting
Companies that have some internal IT capabilities but require strategic direction for new initiatives or future expansion benefit from consultancy relationships. The MSP may fulfill all of the tasks of a basic relationship while also assisting the firm with more strategic efforts, such as developing a scaling strategy.
Outsourcing in its entirety
A full-service MSP will have highly qualified employees and be able to provide a full range of IT services utilizing their own premises and equipment. They'll be able to provide all of the services that a basic and consulting MSP can, as well as higher-level strategic services like a virtual CIO.
Managed Service Provider in the Cloud
A cloud managed service provider provides many of the same advantages as a typical MSP, with the added benefit of cloud administration. While some businesses are primarily focused on cloud services, many others may provide both traditional and cloud services as part of their packages.
Local IT Company vs Big Box Provider
When clients decide to engage with an MSP, many of them ask if geography is an important factor to consider when selecting a provider.
You'll have the option of using a local provider, such as us, or a national provider, such as Amazon Web Services, when you first get started. Both have advantages and disadvantages, so you should consider what your firm requires and values from the partnership before making a decision.
Choosing a Local IT Company
You don't have to sacrifice services or capabilities by going with a local supplier. Many small-town MSPs have the infrastructure and technological know-how to compete with big-box retailers. "Local" suppliers can have numerous locations, offer longer support hours, and provide a diverse service offering.
A long-term relationship with a local vendor is one of the reasons our clients choose a local supplier.
This is because these MSPs specialize in providing personalized service and attention to each customer.
They can also give specific expertise of your local market and can respond swiftly if you want on-site assistance.
Choosing a Big Box Store
One advantage of a large box MSP is that they usually have a global presence. These suppliers will have expertise scaling up businesses fast or replicating them in numerous regions. Big box stores may also provide you with the most up-to-date technologies. However, you might not get the same quality of customer service as you would with a local supplier.
What Kinds of Companies Make Use of Managed IT Services?
MSPs are used by businesses ranging in size from a one-person startup to the Fortune 500. Because most providers may provide multiple levels of service, it's simple for businesses to select one that meets their IT requirements.
Solutions Tailored to Your Industry
Certain sectors may need to engage with managed service providers who have industry-specific knowledge. MSPs with industry experience will be better able to grasp how IT affects business objectives in areas such as:
Law Firms that Provide Professional Services
Firms that provide financial services and accounting insurance
Real Estate Manufacturing and Distribution Challenges for Businesses with Managed IT Services
When it comes to dealing with an MSP, there are a lot of misunderstandings. Some of the most prevalent fallacies regarding managed service providers have been debunked.
Myth: Using an IT services provider will be too expensive.
Fact: Hiring a new employee might be more expensive than outsourcing IT duties. Especially when you consider that the service allows your present IT staff to focus on more strategic initiatives that will benefit your bottom line. Most providers will have several service tiers, so you should be able to pick one that fits your budget.
Myth: The MSP will have too much power.
Fact: In every relationship with a service provider, the client is ultimately in charge. Even if you hire a managed IT service provider to act as your virtual CIO, your organization should always have the final word.
Myth: IT services should be handled by the company's own IT department.
A managed service provider, in fact, functions as an extension of your in-house staff. An MSP frees up your IT team to conduct more strategic work by taking care of some of the day-to-day chores.
Myth: My business is too tiny to benefit from working with an outsourced IT supplier.
Fact: Small businesses require managed service providers even more than bigger businesses. Small businesses often lack the resources to handle these IT responsibilities in-house, leaving them exposed to costly downtime and data breaches.
When clients decide to engage with an MSP, many of them ask if geography is an important factor to consider when selecting a provider.
You'll have the option of using a local provider, such as us, or a national provider, such as Amazon Web Services, when you first get started. Both have advantages and disadvantages, so you should consider what your firm requires and values from the partnership before making a decision.
Choosing a Local IT Company
You don't have to sacrifice services or capabilities by going with a local supplier. Many small-town MSPs have the infrastructure and technological know-how to compete with big-box retailers. "Local" suppliers can have numerous locations, offer longer support hours, and provide a diverse service offering.
A long-term relationship with a local vendor is one of the reasons our clients choose a local supplier.
This is because these MSPs specialize in providing personalized service and attention to each customer.
They can also give specific expertise of your local market and can respond swiftly if you want on-site assistance.
Choosing a Big Box Store
One advantage of a large box MSP is that they usually have a global presence. These suppliers will have expertise scaling up businesses fast or replicating them in numerous regions. Big box stores may also provide you with the most up-to-date technologies. However, you might not get the same quality of customer service as you would with a local supplier.
What Kinds of Companies Make Use of Managed IT Services?
MSPs are used by businesses ranging in size from a one-person startup to the Fortune 500. Because most providers may provide multiple levels of service, it's simple for businesses to select one that meets their IT requirements.
Solutions Tailored to Your Industry
Certain sectors may need to engage with managed service providers who have industry-specific knowledge. MSPs with industry experience will be better able to grasp how IT affects business objectives in areas such as:
Law Firms that Provide Professional Services
Firms that provide financial services and accounting insurance
Real Estate Manufacturing and Distribution Challenges for Businesses with Managed IT Services
When it comes to dealing with an MSP, there are a lot of misunderstandings. Some of the most prevalent fallacies regarding managed service providers have been debunked.
Myth: Using an IT services provider will be too expensive.
Fact: Hiring a new employee might be more expensive than outsourcing IT duties. Especially when you consider that the service allows your present IT staff to focus on more strategic initiatives that will benefit your bottom line. Most providers will have several service tiers, so you should be able to pick one that fits your budget.
Myth: The MSP will have too much power.
Fact: In every relationship with a service provider, the client is ultimately in charge. Even if you hire a managed IT service provider to act as your virtual CIO, your organization should always have the final word.
Myth: IT services should be handled by the company's own IT department.
A managed service provider, in fact, functions as an extension of your in-house staff. An MSP frees up your IT team to conduct more strategic work by taking care of some of the day-to-day chores.
Myth: My business is too tiny to benefit from working with an outsourced IT supplier.
Fact: Small businesses require managed service providers even more than bigger businesses. Small businesses often lack the resources to handle these IT responsibilities in-house, leaving them exposed to costly downtime and data breaches.
MANAGED IT SERVICES
Other IT Service Provider Issues
Working with a managed services provider may be beneficial for your organization, but it can also be difficult at times.
The customer's understanding of what the firm will deliver or how it will be implemented may differ from the company's. This is because customers and providers frequently have conflicting interpretations of terms like "best practice" or whether networking gear management begins with the initial configuration or after everything is up and running.
With different levels of service offered and multiple interpretations of what each party is liable for, it's critical for both the client and the managed service provider to be clear on what the agreement covers and what it doesn't.
As a consumer, you should always seek for a firm that can provide experienced personnel, cutting-edge technology, and preventative maintenance, rather than simply a quick fix when anything goes wrong.
How to Determine Whether You Need a Managed Service Provider
Is it time to hire an expert IT provider for services like IT support, backup, and other comparable services that your company requires? Here are some things to think about:
Your company's size
Almost all small and medium businesses may benefit from hiring a managed service provider. Many of these services, such as anti-virus software and data backup, are already paid for a la carte by these businesses.
A third-party IT service provider may combine all of these services, be proactive in addressing problems before they occur, and reduce your downtime.
Internal resource capacity
The second consideration is if you have the internal resources to handle these services. If you answered yes, consider if administering these IT services is diverting your team's attention away from more important IT efforts. Remember that you don't want to spend your IT resources on little jobs and maintenance difficulties; instead, you should concentrate on resolving IT management concerns.
Your MSP's Services
As previously said, MSPs provide anything from simple IT assistance to complete IT outsourcing. They might be a huge national corporation or a small local business with excellent customer service. Before deciding whether or whether your organization should engage with a managed service provider, it's critical to assess your needs. This will help you make the best decision and, if you choose to work with a provider, choose the appropriate one.
In our article What to Look for in a Managed Service Provider, we go through how to make an MSP choice.
Cost-cutting
It is frequently less expensive to work with a managed IT services company than to hire new employees. It's also usually a recurrent monthly expense that's easy to forecast and budget for, and it may save your organization both time and money.
An MSP can also help you decrease downtime, which may save you a lot of money when you realize that the average cost of downtime is over $9,000 per minute.
Management of Risk
Your MSP is proactively monitoring and managing your systems, which means they'll be able to address any issues before they become a costly issue for your business.
A Long-Term Strategy
Your MSP may advise you on how to improve your IT and help the company's bottom line.
Services Offered by IT Support Naperville
Our managed IT service line will provide your business with all it need, from application hosting to a virtual CIO. We arrange our services to provide you with as much or as little assistance as you require, and we take pride in our ability to work smoothly with your IT staff.
We offer enterprise-level solutions of a national supplier with exceptional customer service, including 24/7/365 support, as a local provider.
We have 3 main sites in which we can best service our consumers. We can be found in the following Chicagoland locations:
Working with a managed services provider may be beneficial for your organization, but it can also be difficult at times.
The customer's understanding of what the firm will deliver or how it will be implemented may differ from the company's. This is because customers and providers frequently have conflicting interpretations of terms like "best practice" or whether networking gear management begins with the initial configuration or after everything is up and running.
With different levels of service offered and multiple interpretations of what each party is liable for, it's critical for both the client and the managed service provider to be clear on what the agreement covers and what it doesn't.
As a consumer, you should always seek for a firm that can provide experienced personnel, cutting-edge technology, and preventative maintenance, rather than simply a quick fix when anything goes wrong.
How to Determine Whether You Need a Managed Service Provider
Is it time to hire an expert IT provider for services like IT support, backup, and other comparable services that your company requires? Here are some things to think about:
Your company's size
Almost all small and medium businesses may benefit from hiring a managed service provider. Many of these services, such as anti-virus software and data backup, are already paid for a la carte by these businesses.
A third-party IT service provider may combine all of these services, be proactive in addressing problems before they occur, and reduce your downtime.
Internal resource capacity
The second consideration is if you have the internal resources to handle these services. If you answered yes, consider if administering these IT services is diverting your team's attention away from more important IT efforts. Remember that you don't want to spend your IT resources on little jobs and maintenance difficulties; instead, you should concentrate on resolving IT management concerns.
Your MSP's Services
As previously said, MSPs provide anything from simple IT assistance to complete IT outsourcing. They might be a huge national corporation or a small local business with excellent customer service. Before deciding whether or whether your organization should engage with a managed service provider, it's critical to assess your needs. This will help you make the best decision and, if you choose to work with a provider, choose the appropriate one.
In our article What to Look for in a Managed Service Provider, we go through how to make an MSP choice.
Cost-cutting
It is frequently less expensive to work with a managed IT services company than to hire new employees. It's also usually a recurrent monthly expense that's easy to forecast and budget for, and it may save your organization both time and money.
An MSP can also help you decrease downtime, which may save you a lot of money when you realize that the average cost of downtime is over $9,000 per minute.
Management of Risk
Your MSP is proactively monitoring and managing your systems, which means they'll be able to address any issues before they become a costly issue for your business.
A Long-Term Strategy
Your MSP may advise you on how to improve your IT and help the company's bottom line.
Services Offered by IT Support Naperville
Our managed IT service line will provide your business with all it need, from application hosting to a virtual CIO. We arrange our services to provide you with as much or as little assistance as you require, and we take pride in our ability to work smoothly with your IT staff.
We offer enterprise-level solutions of a national supplier with exceptional customer service, including 24/7/365 support, as a local provider.
We have 3 main sites in which we can best service our consumers. We can be found in the following Chicagoland locations: