Why Do I Need Managed IT Services? The Quick Take:
Many companies are realizing an outside managed IT services provider (MSP) may be able to handle their IT better, and more cheaply, than they can on their own. In fact, Straits Research reports that the global managed IT services market will grow by at least 12.8%, year over year through 2033, from USD $348.12 billion in 2024 to $1,037,46 billion by 2033. Companies of all sizes are coming to managed IT services firms for:
- Cost savings—with outsourced IT help, companies eliminate the need for an extensive in-house IT department, getting only the fractional IT help they need. Recent estimates from COMPTIA show companies can save any where from 25-45% a year on their IT costs by working with an outside IT support firm.
- Breadth of experience—with IT firms offering a wide array of high-value IT experts, from system engineers, to virtual chief information security officers (vCISOs), to on call service desk staff, that many companies would struggle to recruit on their own.
- Scalability—with predictable monthly charges that scale up or down based on the size of its user base, growing companies only pay for the IT services they need.
- Focus on Core Business—with an MSP taking daily IT tasks taken off the organization’s to-do list, management can spend more time driving other business objectives
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Why Do I Need Managed IT Services? A Closer Look.
In a world where IT talent is getting harder to recruit and cybersecurity threats are growing, it’s becoming harder for the small and mid-sized business to build an internal IT department with the depth and variety of expertise they need. The Right IT MSP can meet with your complex needs around cybersecurity, cloud productivity, and IT governance and compliance—all at a price that’s predictable and scaled to the size and needs of your business. For many companies, it’s a win-win. But is it right choice for you?
There’s a lot to consider. Let’s get into the ins and outs of what you can expect from an IT MSP, and how managed IT support might work for you.
What Are Managed IT Services?
Managed IT support is a comprehensive service provided by Managed Service Providers (MSPs) that handles all aspects of a company’s IT needs. Unlike hiring IT consultants for specific tasks, managed IT support offers continuous, holistic management of your IT infrastructure.
This includes network management to ensure reliability, cybersecurity to protect against threats, data backup and disaster recovery to safeguard information, and help desk support to assist employees with IT issues. By choosing managed IT support, businesses benefit from predictable costs, expert assistance, and the ability to focus on core operations without IT distractions. This makes it an ideal solution for small and medium-sized businesses looking for robust and reliable IT support.
What Are the Benefits of Managed IT Support?
When you’re not running your full IT operation internally, businesses give themselves new options for targeted, fractional help. Here’s just a few ways an IT MSP can help.
Saving Money:
Managed IT support can be significantly more cost-effective than maintaining an in-house IT department. With managed IT services, businesses benefit from predictable monthly costs, which helps in budgeting and financial planning. Depending on the IT MSP and the type of package you choose, these monthly charges could include the licensing for all your information technology software for cybersecurity and cloud productivity, network management, devices and inventory, IT governance, and more. Most bills come monthly, and are based on the number of seats and devices you have at your business, as well as any special consulting and project costs.
Expertise and Experience:
One of the major advantages of managed IT support is access to a team of IT experts. MSPs employ professionals with a wide range of skills and experience, ensuring that your business benefits from the latest technology and best practices. This level of expertise is often difficult and expensive to maintain in-house, especially for small and medium-sized businesses. With managed IT support, you have a dedicated team that stays up-to-date with the latest developments in the IT industry, providing you with high-quality service and support. Best of all, you don’t have to worry about things like key employees quitting, or large spikes in expenses around hiring and firing IT staff.
Focus on Core Business:
Outsourcing IT support allows businesses to focus on their core activities without the distraction of IT issues. When IT management is handled by an MSP, your internal team can concentrate on what they do best, whether that’s developing new products, serving customers, or expanding the business. This not only improves productivity but also enhances overall business performance by ensuring that IT problems do not disrupt daily operations.
Scalability:
Managed IT services are designed to scale with your business as it grows. Whether you’re expanding your operations, adding new locations, or increasing your workforce, an MSP can adjust the level of support to meet your changing needs. This flexibility ensures that your IT infrastructure can grow seamlessly with your business, without the need for significant investments in new technology or additional IT staff. Scalability is particularly beneficial for businesses experiencing rapid growth or seasonal fluctuations in demand.
By leveraging these benefits, businesses can enhance their IT capabilities, reduce costs, and focus on achieving their strategic goals.
Why Do I Need Managed IT Services? Here’s How to Know When It’s Time.
Now that you’ve answered the question “why do I need managed IT services?” — the trick is knowing when they’re needed. What’s the tipping point for taking your IT operations out of house? Here are some of the common complaints we hear from new customers, looking for IT help.
Frequent IT Issues:
If your business is constantly dealing with IT problems, it might be time to consider managed IT support. Frequent issues such as network outages, onboarding/offboarding headaches, slow system performance, cyberattacks, and patching backlogs can disrupt your operations. Managed IT support provides proactive monitoring and maintenance, ensuring that potential problems are identified and resolved before they impact your business.
Lack of In-House Expertise:
When your team lacks the necessary IT skills, it can be challenging to keep up with the demands of modern technology. Managed IT support gives you access to a team of experienced professionals who can handle everything from routine maintenance to complex IT projects. You can get a staff of experienced hep desk professionals, an escalation desk staffed with engineers, and the ability to contract with high-end cybersecurity professionals like virtual Chief Information Security Officers (vCISOs), and so much more. This expertise ensures that your IT infrastructure is always in top shape, allowing your team to focus on their core responsibilities.
Security Concerns:
In today’s digital landscape, cybersecurity threats are a major concern for businesses of all sizes. If you’re worried about protecting your sensitive data and systems from cyberattacks, managed IT support can provide the security measures you need. MSPs offer comprehensive cybersecurity services, including threat detection, firewall management, and regular security audits, to keep your business safe from potential threats.
Growth and Expansion:
As your business grows, so do your IT needs. Whether you’re adding new employees, expanding to new locations, or increasing your service offerings, you need a robust IT infrastructure to support this growth. Managed IT support can scale with your business, providing the resources and expertise needed to handle increased demand. This scalability ensures that your IT systems can grow seamlessly with your business, without the need for significant investments in new technology or additional IT staff.
Recognizing these signs can help you determine if managed IT support is the right choice for your business, ensuring that your IT infrastructure is reliable, secure, and capable of supporting your growth.
How to Choose the Right MSP for Managed IT Services
Selecting the right Managed Service Provider (MSP) is crucial for ensuring your business receives the best possible IT support. Here are some key criteria to consider:
- Experience: Look for an MSP with a proven track record and extensive experience in your industry. Experienced providers are more likely to understand your specific IT needs and challenges.
- Range of Services: Ensure the MSP offers a comprehensive range of services that cover all aspects of your IT infrastructure, including network management, cybersecurity, data backup, and helpdesk support.
- Customer Support: Evaluate the quality of customer support. The MSP should offer 24/7 support with quick response times to address any issues promptly.
- Compliant Network Operations: Your MSP should be compliant with the latest standards from the National Institutes of Science and Technology, at a minimum. Integris has a SOC2/Type 2 Compliant Operations center, and we can help your business get compliant, too.
- Pricing: Consider the pricing structure. Look for transparent pricing with no hidden fees. Compare the cost of managed IT support with the potential savings and benefits it offers.
- Reputation: Check reviews and testimonials from other clients. A reputable MSP
What Kinds of Questions Should I Ask an IT MSP Before I Hire Them for Managed IT Support
#1—What is your experience in our industry?
Industry-specific experience ensures the MSP understands the unique challenges and requirements of your business sector. An MSP with relevant experience can provide tailored solutions, anticipate potential issues, and implement best practices.
#2—What services are included in your managed IT support package?
Knowing the full range of services helps you understand what you’re paying for. If the MSP offers comprehensive services, like our Empower managed service package, you won’t need to hire additional vendors for specific tasks, saving time and money.
#3—How do you handle cybersecurity and data protection?
Cybersecurity is critical to protect sensitive business data from breaches and attacks. An MSP with robust cybersecurity measures can prevent costly data breaches and downtime.
#4—What are your response times for support requests?
Quick response times are essential to minimize downtime and keep your business running smoothly. Slow response times can lead to prolonged outages and lost productivity.
#5—Can you provide references or case studies from similar businesses?
References and case studies offer insight into the MSP’s reliability and effectiveness. Positive feedback from similar businesses can give you confidence in the MSP’s ability to deliver.
#6—How do you handle scalability as our business grows?
Your IT needs will evolve as your business grows, so the MSP must be able to scale their services accordingly. An MSP that can scale with your business ensures continuous support without disruptions.
#7—What is your pricing structure?
Understanding the pricing model helps you budget accurately and avoid unexpected costs. Transparent pricing allows for better financial planning.
#8—What kind of reporting and transparency do you offer?
Regular reporting and transparency are crucial for tracking performance and ensuring accountability. Detailed reports help you understand the value you’re getting from the MSP.
Why Do I Need Managed IT Services? Integris Can Help You Find Your Answer.
At Integris, we help hundreds of companies across the country empower their business with technology. We can offer your business the 24/7 help desk support and IT tools to build your business. We’d love to tell you more about it. Contact us for a free consultation.
