In today’s markets, small and medium-sized businesses should implement the latest information technologies (IT) to stay competitive and operational. However, investigating and choosing the right technology solutions is time consuming, and you should be focusing on growing your business and assisting your staff.
Business owners frequently turn to managed IT services for high-quality technical support that removes the hassle associated with technological management and maintenance.
Regardless of your business model or the types of customers you serve, your organisation should leverage a team of experts to look after your network for greater efficiency and more reliable technology.
What does managed IT services mean?
Managed IT services (or managed services for short) are a type of technical service provided by a managed service provider (MSP). The main aim of managed services is to deliver proactive, preventative, and ongoing IT support to companies.
It offers the following services:
- Hardware support – maintenance of your organisation’s physical devices, such as computers and mobile devices.
- Software installation and support – sourcing and adopting digital programs to streamline your business’s operations.
- Cloud services – adopting and managing cloud computing software and infrastructure.
- Cyber security – installing and managing antivirus programs and solutions. This also covers practices including data backups, disaster recovery, device management, etc.
- IT consulting – providing comprehensive IT advice to businesses.
- Unified communications – installing and managing internet and telecommunications solutions.
With people searching for new ways to innovate their business and tackle the latest workplace trends, in-depth IT support from professionals with specific industry expertise can assist you in maximising the benefits of your IT infrastructure.
How much does managed services cost?
There is no standard price for managed services. Every price is unique and is determined by the requirements of the company looking to work with the MSP. However, to give you a general idea of the costs for managed services, you can expect to pay approximately $75 to $300 per user.
A service level agreement (SLA) will outline and clarify the nature of the partnership your business shares with an MSP and the degree of service that you are paying for.
Commonly, MSPs classify their managed IT services pricing models into one of three categories:
- Per user/per month – this arrangement requires you to pay per the number of users on your network once a month.
- Per device/per month – this arrangement follows the same formula as the per user/per month model. Only it refers to your organisation’s individual devices and hardware.
- Flat rate – a predetermined price that covers general technical support.
Entrusting your IT infrastructure to another company can be enormous for any business. While the cost should be considered, it should not be the only deciding factor. You should look at the services being offered and the value they provide your business before making a decision.
Is managed services the same as break/fix support?
While both services strive to identify and solve your IT problems, there is a distinct difference between managed services and break/fix support. Break/fix is when an MSP sends a technician to your company to examine your IT systems for issues. They will then offer and implement a solution to the problem, charging you an hourly rate with no contract.
There is nothing inherently wrong with a break/fix service. However, the main problem with it is the lack of ongoing maintenance. Unlike managed services which offer regular maintenance and monitoring, break/fix can leave your IT infrastructure vulnerable to cyber threats because they are effectively a one-time fix.
Your organisation’s network is crucial to your daily operations and cannot go down without warning. An MSP provides cost-effective protective services that optimise your technical infrastructure 24/7.
How managed services benefits companies
In-house IT departments are capable of supporting your company’s IT systems. But, from network audits to hardware sourcing, managing an organisation’s technical infrastructure is a lot of work. Internal staff should be spending their time working on driving your business forwards, rather than spending energy on smaller tasks.
By hiring an MSP, your company will enhance your productivity and streamline your procedures with:
Improved cyber security
All businesses can be subject to threats and your network needs to be protected with programs and policies that are regularly updated. An MSP can offer you the protective services you need to ensure your company’s IT infrastructure is secure and responsive to potential threats.
Fewer chances of downtime
With your IT network out of commission and no clear time as to when it will be operational, downtime can negatively impact your business. An MSP offers regular upgrades and preventative maintenance to keep your systems running efficiently.
Consistent technical support and advice
From preparing for a digital transformation to looking for ways to fill in the gaps in your company’s IT strategy, MSPs offer customers expertise and relevant industry skills to support your business efforts and overcome any IT issue.
Outsource your IT needs to experts
Managed services are an asset all companies should invest in. An MSP can provide you with the professional support and expertise you need to optimise your IT systems for better operational performance.
The managed IT services at Itopia are robust solutions to your company’s technical challenges. Contact the team today to upgrade your IT network and uphold it with the latest programs and services.
