In an increasingly digital world, businesses are finding their IT needs have grown exponentially, and many are not sure how to keep up with the demands of security and integration. However, it remains vital that your business has an up-to-date system, with policies and protection in place to secure your network and your data.
An in-house IT department is an overly expensive solution for most small-to-medium-sized businesses, and even large companies may see their resources used more effectively elsewhere. One solution to the struggle is to outsource your IT to an external supplier.
Managed IT services are the perfect way to solve your IT woes in an efficient and cost-effective manner. There are many advantages to outsourcing your IT. Alongside saving money, managed IT services will be able to offer a specialized, higher-level resource for strategizing long-term plans, meeting your business goals, providing 24/7 support, and creating advanced cybersecurity plans, among other benefits.
Economic Benefits
In a recent survey, 59% of companies stated that they use outsourcing to reduce costs. The reason for this is simple: it works. In-house IT teams are expensive, requiring payment of full salaries, desk space, equipment, software, and other costs.
An alternative is to use a break it/fix it IT service, which will only provide assistance in the event of a fault or breakdown. While this may seem cheaper, the costs of these one-off calls can actually be astronomical.
Furthermore, it is important for an IT system to receive long-term support, which can prevent these issues from occurring in the first place. Managed IT services are the perfect alternative to these options, saving you money while providing holistic, lasting support.
Consulting Services
As your business expands, your network capabilities will have to keep up, otherwise you risk crashes, slow-downs, poor security, and being unable to fulfil greater numbers of client orders or requests. An MSP (Managed Service Provider) will not only look after your IT in the present, but they will also offer consulting services to strategize long-term plans for the future. This allows you to concentrate on growing your business without the stress of also managing your IT.
24-Hour Support
Unlike an in-house IT department, which would usually work on the same fixed 9–5 schedule as the rest of your employees, an MSP will work around the clock to ensure your system is kept working with minimal downtime.
This has become even more useful for modern businesses due to the uptick in remote working. In the last 10 years, home working has increased by 400%, and the recent pandemic has caused another surge in remote workers, many of which look to remain so long after the effects of COVID-19 have passed. Remote workers often aren’t fixed to the same schedule as an office, making it even more important that networks can be supported around the clock.
Advanced Cybersecurity
Hacking and malware have become increasingly prevalent as the internet has become a ubiquitous part of our lives, and more recently, cyber attacks have grown by a staggering 37% in a single month. Cyber threats are constantly evolving, and so your protection against them must also stay up-to-date.
An MSP will create an advanced cybersecurity plan to keep hackers out of your system, using their specialist knowledge to keep your security at the top of its game. MSPs are able to ensure you are guarded against the latest threats, giving you peace of mind and keeping your business safe.
Consulting Your Investments
If you attempt to manage your own IT security, you risk wasting money on unnecessary technology or software that will soon become uselessly out-of-date, which also sacrifices the integrity of your security. MSPs will use their expertise to consult on your investments, ensuring you are making the most informed decisions on where to invest your security resources.
Conclusion
In a digital business world, managed IT services are the best way to ensure your systems work smoothly and efficiently, integrating all your needs while keeping your network secure from viruses or data breaches. Outsourcing your IT could be the way to save your business, giving you the resources to flourish in the future.