In the realm of business and IT, we hear more and more about managed services, but what are they exactly? How do they help business? And perhaps more importantly, why should you care? We’ve got the answers to these questions and more below!

What Are IT Managed Services?

Managed services are described as the practice of outsourcing the responsibility for maintaining, and anticipating need for, a range of processes and functions in order to improve operations and cut expenses. In short, managed services involve hiring a company or organization to manage a particular aspect of your business. Typically, this involves IT or technical support and web and database hosting. We’ll be taking a better look into some of the most common managed IT services to better illustrate their importance.

Areas Of IT Managed Services

Tech Support

Various types of technical and IT support are available as managed services. From workstation and desktop installation and updates to cyber security and user management, managed service providers (MSPs) can cover IT infrastructure needs.

Web & Application Development

Many MSPs specialize in developing websites and mobile applications for clients who do not have software expertise themselves. MSPs can also enhance or update existing applications when the need arises.

Hosting

Businesses often don’t have the expertise or funds to implement and manage their own web, data, or cloud hosting operations. MSPs can host websites as well as cloud and traditional databases which allows clients to focus on what they do best. 

Digital Marketing

Everyone is marketing in the digital space, but that doesn’t mean everyone is an expert at marketing in the digital space. Marketing specialists are typically hired to manage social media pages, ensure site SEO is up to date, and create search advertisements to generate leads and improve ROI. 

Benefits Of IT Managed Services

Immediate Support

One of the more obvious benefits of managed services is quick access to support. As a client, a qualified and quality IT service provider will be able to start troubleshooting issues or begin new projects almost immediately. From workstation support to hosting, not having to wait for much-needed maintenance or upgrades can prove to be cost-effective down the line. Which brings us to our next point…

Lowered Cost

Here’s something all business owners want to hear: implementing managed services lowers the cost of operation. Without having to purchase hosting hardware and recruit and hire additional IT professionals, managed IT services tend to save companies quickly. According to a poll conducted by Computing Technology Industry Association (CTIA), 96% of respondents said that switching to managed services has saved them between 1-50% of their previous IT costs. With that statistic in mind, outsourcing your IT services may be worth it on savings alone. 

Increased Security

In the 21st century, digital security has risen to become one of the greatest threats to organizations and individuals. Insurance carrier Hiscox reports that as of the end of 2019, cyberattacks now cost companies of all sizes an average of $200,000. Yikes! Equipped with up-to-date training and certifications, quality MSPs can help prevent cyberattacks and other security breaches through the use of antivirus and intrusion detection software, the constant monitoring of IT infrastructure, and data recovery and backup systems.

Flexible and Predictable Pricing

With managed services, pricing options tend to be more flexible, often being customized or tailored for the individual client. Some of the most common payment methods include flat-rate, per-user, or per-month packages. These fixed, stable packages enable you to better forecast expenses and develop a budget for your business. 

Increased Time

Downtime costs money – a lot of money. A study by Gartner found that the average cost of downtime was $5,600 per minute. While smaller businesses may not lose as much money per minute, downtime can detract from other initiatives and lower customer or client experiences. With services being managed around the clock by professionals, the likelihood of downtown is diminished. Additionally, IT service providers can ensure when downtime does occur, it won’t last long.

Where To Begin

Are you looking for someone to assist your company or organization with tech support, digital marketing, or data or web hosting? At ePATHUSA, our IT experts have been helping manage IT services for 15 years, and they can help you too! Contact us today!