What does outsourcing IT services look like?
Finding the right reasons to outsource your IT services can be complex. While outsourcing can have a positive or negative reputation depending on who you ask, outsourced IT services (or Managed IT services) help to mitigate risk and manage costs where your business’s technology is concerned – and they don’t have to put anyone out of a job.
What do Managed IT services include?
Managing your company’s IT responsibilities can be complicated, time-consuming, and cost a lot of money that you could be using elsewhere. Of course, NOT having IT services simply isn’t an option in today’s business climate. This is why many companies are turning to third-party IT providers to strengthen their own IT forces. Managed IT services can cover a broad array of efforts, including database, infrastructure, and cloud applications needs for your business, as well as supplying and managing all of your computer hardware. If you’re trying to figure out what’s best for your business, we highly recommend reading our In-House vs Managed IT Services blog post.
Why should you consider investing in Managed IT services?
Smartly leveraging a Managed IT service provider can allow you to focus your internal IT efforts on core business needs, reduce your costs, and help you access technology that would be difficult to implement on your own. All without being burdened by the growing labor shortage in skilled IT fields.
Let’s look at some of the reasons to outsource your IT services:
HARDWARE
Management and support of all hardware – sourcing and replacing laptops, desktops, mobile (tablets), infrastructure (domain controls, switches, firewalls — access control), application and data servers… So you don’t have to worry about having compatible, up-to-date technology.
INSTALLATION
Setup for all workstations and configuring group policies, email server/exchange, password protection, and network permissions.
MAINTENANCE AND SECURITY
Regular Windows updates, patch management, and basic security (firewall, port management, workstation level, anti-virus)
MONITORING AND DESKTOP SUPPORT
System monitoring is one of the pinnacles of an outsourced IT provider. Providers generally watch out for network uptime, viruses, storage capacity, and other system communications, and have helpdesk staff on standby to respond to support requests – sometimes with 24/7 availability (we do!).
IT PLANNING
Technology is changing constantly but can be smartly and effectively leveraged to support your business. Your managed IT service provider can help you build a technology roadmap that is practical and ready to grow with your business.
Not all outsourced IT services are the same, of course, and not every business needs the same level of support. A high-quality provider will be transparent and will help you navigate the technology tsunami to identify the services that are right for your business and your budget.
