Monitoring IT networks, systems and devices is the top spending priority of IT managers for 2014, according to a new report.
If your small business has an in-house IT staff, they probably have a lot of responsibilities. A few experts tasked with managing your entire IT infrastructure can quickly find their resources spread thin. Handling software updates and maintenance checks are routine tasks, but they may be eating up the majority of your IT staff’s time and wasting their skills or maintenance will simply not be performed at all.
Free your staff up to work on more important projects by outsourcing basic IT tasks to an managed IT services provider. That way, your in-house staff can focus on using technology to help your business grow, profit and run efficiently rather than spending their days working on basic user problems or installing Windows and antivirus updates.
For companies that don’t have or need in-house IT, using a managed service provider is a great way for you and your staff to receive the professional IT support you need at a predictable monthly recurring cost. With today’s tools an MSP can provide a high level of service for everyday IT occurrences, as well as monitor and manage your back-end systems 24/7.
An MSP will have a variety of programs that can cover just about every aspect of your business IT needs. From end user and server remote support offerings, managed antivirus and backup and disaster recovery programs to cloud based programs, a good MSP will work with you to tailor a package that meets your needs.
Changing the technology your small business uses can be a stressful process. First, you have to research all your options and hope that you choose the right one. Then you have to implement the new system or program. You may even have to train all your employees on how to use the new technology so that your business operations are not interrupted. For companies who are not in the business of IT, this can be an overwhelming but unavoidable scenario.
In a situation like this, it pays to rely on a managed IT services provider. Their experts research new technologies and can help you choose the hardware and software that are right for your business. They can implement the new program and provide training if needed. This will alleviate the burden of trying to implement a new system yourself and actually save you time and money.
One of the most costly disasters that can happened at a small business is a breach in your data security. If your computers are infected with a virus, or sensitive information is stolen off of them, it could collapse your business overnight. Smart small business profit by avoiding unnecessary expenses, and recovering from an IT attack is one of the most expensive.
Your managed IT services provider can supply you with the kind of data security expertise that all business need to rely on. The scope and complexity of security threats is always growing, which is why you need a dedicated professional on your side if you want to be truly protected. Some managed service providers bundle security solutions, such as a firewall with universal threat management along with their support offering - that provides security inside and outside of the company.
The kinds of IT that small business rely on have advanced in exciting ways in recent years. Unfortunately, taking advantage of tools like remote monitoring and electronic ticketing systems is expensive and complicated should you go it alone. Even worse, you may end up paying for more technology than you need.
If you work with an IT company, they can provide you with access to this technology and the training to use it effectively and spare you from having to make a full investment. You get the best technology that the present has to offer without having to make an expensive investment in new IT.
Managed IT services providers are in the business of providing great service with modern IT tools and offer a mix of programs to cover just about any small business IT need. It doesn’t cost you anything to contact an MSP and listen to their experience and solutions that can help your small business operate at a high efficiency.
