In the world of business, now more than ever, it is incredibly important to ensure that your IT systems are secure, and performing at their maximum capacity. This is where managed IT services thrive and show just how important they are to a modern-day business.
However, it is worth asking the question, what are managed IT services? How do they really help businesses? Why should businesses implement managed IT services into their operations?
This blog will look to answer these questions, and provide some insight into the importance of IT support for business.
What are Managed IT Services?
Managed IT services refer to the process of outsourcing a company’s IT operations to an external provider. These providers, known as Managed Service Providers (MSPs), take responsibility for the management, maintenance, and support of a company’s IT infrastructure and end-user systems. The core aim is to improve business operations and reduce expenses through expert management, strategic planning and reliable IT support.
Managed IT Service – Helpdesk and Remote Support
Providing comprehensive IT support through helpdesk services and remote support allows businesses the ability to focus on their core objectives, rather than any potential IT complications. From software glitches to hardware malfunctions, help desk services allow businesses prompt assistance so as to resolve any issues that arise during operating hours. Remote support is another positive factor of managed IT services, as it allows IT support staff the ability to remotely access devices to provide assistance, as opposed to having to wait for on-site resolutions.
Managed IT Service – Infrastructure Management
Infrastructure management is also a key factor of the importance of managed IT services. The presence of server management ensures that proper maintenance is enforced. As well as this, implementing any updates to maintain performance and security levels ensures that downtime, as well as performance issues, are at a minimum.
Managed IT Service – Security Management
The importance of cybersecurity is not overlooked when it comes to the implementation of managed IT services within a business. The application of robust cybersecurity measures, such as firewalls, data encryption, and intrusion detection systems, ensures that a business is best equipped to combat the threat of cyberattacks from hackers. As well as this, guaranteeing that your business is compliant with all industry standard regulations and standards is crucial. Failure to do so can have disastrous impacts on a business, both internally, and with customers.
Managed IT Service – Data Management
Data breaches, unfortunately, are increasing in prevalence, as well as impact for businesses of all sizes. Instilling Managed IT services into a business’ setup helps safeguard the sensitive information and data that is intended to remain private. Data storage solutions is another factor that managed IT services provide. Providing scalable storage solutions that are safe and secure, whilst tailored to a business’ needs, allows for a thriving company. Regularly backing up data is crucial, but as well as that, having a strategy in place for rapid recovery in the event of a data breach is also critical.
Why Should Businesses Implement Managed IT Services?
Now that we understand the way in which managed IT services work, it is time to explore why it is worth it for a business to engage a managed service provider. Whether it is the need for efficiency, cost savings, or simply access to specialised expertise, the positives of managed IT support are widespread.
Efficiency
Efficiency in business is of utmost importance for companies of all sizes. The introduction of managed IT services into an organisation allows for the efficiency levels to thrive. Through the use of continuous monitoring, managed service providers use advanced tools and software to monitor a business’ IT environment and infrastructures, with the ability to identify and address potential issues more proactively. Routine maintenance, such as software updates and patch management, are also carried out to ensure that the systems being monitored stay running smoothly and securely.
Cost Savings
Outsourcing your IT services allows the business to eliminate the costs associated with hiring, advertising, and maintaining an in-house IT support team. As well as this, in most cases, managed IT services typically operate with a monthly subscription, or retainer model, meaning your costs are predictable, consistent, and ultimately manageable.
Expert Knowledge
The access to expert IT knowledge is a factor that is often overlooked when it comes to implementing managed IT services into a business. There is a common misconception that bringing in a managed service provider is purely to fix computers that aren’t working or programs not functioning correctly. However, there is much more to managed IT services than that.
MSPs employ IT professionals with a wide range of experience and skillsets, ensuring that businesses have access to the top level of IT support across all areas. IT strategic planning is yet another fantastic reason for implementing managed IT services. MSP staff are constantly training and learning, to stay up to date with the latest in IT technology advancements. They then bring this expertise to clients, allowing their business to take advantage of the knowledge possessed, and advance their organisation towards their goals.
Cybersecurity
Cybersecurity is one of the most dangerous areas of IT that can affect businesses today. A clear indication of the importance of managed IT services is how the top 5 biggest data breaches in Australia have occurred over the past 5 years. This demonstrates the importance of managed IT services when it comes to protecting your business from cyberattacks.
No matter how big or small the size of the business, hackers are extremely malicious in their cyberattack efforts, with the ultimate aim being financial gain or operational disruption.
Cybersecurity awareness training being implemented from managed IT services allows for staff within a business to practically learn and develop their own skills when it comes to combatting cyberattack attempts. This IT security training ensures that staff improve their overall awareness of potential cyberattacks, leading to the increased protection of valuable data and information.
Regular cybersecurity updates, including patch management, continuous monitoring, and the implementation of advanced security solutions are all factors that are present within managed IT services. MSPs use sophisticated monitoring tools to detect and respond to any potential cybersecurity incidents in real time. This proactive approach ensures rapid responses, mitigating threats before they can cause significant damage.
Managed IT Services – Call Adept IT Solutions Today
Now that we have discussed the full range of benefits that are available to businesses choosing to implement managed IT services, the next step is to contact a reliable Managed Service Provider. It is important to bring on an MSP who is reliable, efficient, and has a positive impact on your business.
Adept IT Solutions is that provider. A leading provider of local IT support in Newcastle, The Hunter Region, Central Coast, Lake Macquarie and Sydney areas, we can support your business through all your IT service needs.
We provide all the services a modern-day business could need from its Managed IT Services provider. This includes Cybersecurity, IT Strategic Planning, and much more.
To chat further about our extensive list of services, contact us at 1300 423 378 (ADEPT) or email us at info@adept-it.com.au.
