Wednesday, December 9, 2020

7 Ideas To Get The Most Out Of Your Managed IT Services

   What is a Managed IT Service?

Put simply, with Managed IT Services, companies can manage IT operations by leaving everything to the service provider. This external service provider is also known as a Managed Service Provider (MSP).

Why Managed IT Service?

As more companies adopt managed services, it is easier to determine the benefits of managed services. Traditionally, IT-related machine or network maintenance was only performed using "troubleshooting methods". This meant that if something broke, the company would bring in a maintenance professional and hopefully fix the problem.

By handing over IT operations to a trustworthy MSP, the provider is responsible for managing, monitoring or solving problems with selected IT systems and functions. This enables companies to concentrate on their core business processes without being disrupted by IT problems.

Why do you need to worry about managed IT services?

Established and expanding companies need good technology in order to survive effectively in the market. However, maintaining large IT resources on-site to cope with the increasingly complex IT environment is not an easy task for small businesses. You rely on a functioning IT infrastructure that runs continuously and often adapts to tight budgets.

In addition to security, alerts, patch management and data backup, MSP offers a range of options for client devices such as servers, desktops, storage systems, notebooks, networks and individual applications. MSPs typically offer subscription-based pricing options. This allows companies to save money and choose the right package for their needs. MSP is a hassle-free addition to the IT department.

MSPs have been around for a long time and their adoption rate is relatively low despite some of the obvious advantages of managed IT services. According to a study by the IT industry group CompTIA, only three in ten companies implemented MSPs in 2016 to meet their IT requirements. The main reason it is a company is not entirely happy with its implementation. There is a lot of information available about the benefits of managed services, but some companies waste IT resources and others use only a small fraction of their capabilities. There are seven key points to keep in mind before and during the provision of managed services:

1). When choosing an MSP, first consider your needs.

Many MSPs offer a variety of services that can be confusing when choosing the right service. Would you like to support certain functions like storage, desktop administration, help desk services etc.? Do you need servicing and maintenance of server hardware, operating system or middleware? When you first have a clear understanding of your specific needs, you can decide which MSP or subscription package is best for your needs.

 

2). Choose your MSP carefully.

After evaluating your own IT needs and the needs of your MSPs, take the time to evaluate multiple MSPs before choosing one. Don't just compare costs. Most MSPs try to seduce you with solid deals, but be sure to read the details. Examine your business model. How stable are they? The time they were in business. You can also request case studies and discuss them with existing customers to get better ideas about the offering. Make sure they comply with the latest ITIL standards.

3). MSP is a partner to IT staff, not an alternative.

More and more companies are looking for external providers to meet their IT needs. It is important to note, however, that MSPs complement, rather than replace, existing IT teams. This doesn't mean you are wasting resources. By adopting MSP, internal IT staff can focus on more strategic projects and improve efficiency.

4). Build a relationship with the MSP.

Try to develop a sustainable and positive relationship with the MSP. Use your expertise to evaluate existing systems, servers and workstations. Most MSPs offer free advice or strategic advice to help you plan your future IT projects more efficiently.

5). MSP can act as a virtual CIO.

Leading MSPs leverage the latest technology and equipment to serve them. You do this to win the competition. For you, this means access to the latest developments in IT. To take full advantage of these benefits, schedule regular meetings with the MSP. This way you are always up to date with the latest industry trends.

6). Use MSP to develop a clear data protection and disaster recovery strategy.

If you've ever wondered if you need a data protection strategy, the answer is simple. Regardless of how sophisticated your security system is, how encrypted your files are, or how secure your storage space is, your data will eventually be compromised. There can be many reasons including human error, machine failure, virus attacks, hackers, and even natural disasters like hurricanes. Given the importance of data to the business, we need to make sure it's protected. Work with MSP to develop an intelligent data protection plan along with a disaster recovery strategy. Take this step by step, test the backup process and do a sample restore.

7). If you exceed the MSP, don't be afraid to move on.

Like most things in life, your business model needs to be continuously adjusted. Maybe MSPs that used to work well can no longer do this. This often happens when a company goes beyond MSP. If you notice recurring issues or problems from service providers, don't be afraid to make changes. While MSP is not a mechanic, it adds real value to the company and ensures that IT resources are in line with its business strategy.

With the right MSP, companies can save money and improve their revenue streams with a larger talent pool and better insights. Reliable managed service providers can be a strategic and tactical addition to IT staff. This is a dedicated IT department that makes it easy to redirect resources used to put out a "fire". To get a clear idea of ​​what a competent MSP looks like, download the free managed services checklist and start the process.

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