The field of information technology is hurtling rapidly.
IT, as you’re aware, is a vital part of any business that wants to survive in today’s economy.
However, not all firms can afford to expand their team of professionals for various reasons.
There are operational and infrastructure costs, the shortage of specialized talent, SOPs, Training, Attrition, Office space, Security, and more that IT has to consider.
Small and medium-sized businesses find all this especially tough.
The new mantra for IT is being Agile, Scalable, Intelligent according to Gartner.
Many have moved from a Break/ Fix Model to Managed IT Services in order to stay competitive and meet their organization’s technical needs.
Listed below are the topics that will give you an in-depth understanding of what Managed IT Services.
- What are Managed IT Services?
- The 11 Different Types of Managed IT Services
- 3 Benefits of Managed IT Support
- 5 Top Qualities of Managed Service Providers
What are Managed IT Services?
Managed Service Providers [MSPs] are third-party partners who provide a specific set of IT services to companies that partner with them.
The services provided by such partners are called Managed IT Services.
A Managed IT Services provider takes care of all, or some, of the IT services of their clients.
MSPs assume complete responsibility for proactively managing and preventing IT issues.
By utilizing Managed IT Service providers, companies reduce in-house overheads and work loads, improve uptime management, and increase IT efficiency.
Different Types of Managed IT Services
There are many different types of Managed IT Services that information technology firms provide.
These include management and monitoring of infrastructure and software and hardware, configuration, and monitoring of cloud services.
MSPs ensure complete support on all ends, be it security, software testing, or communications.
Managed IT Services can be categorized into the following 11 types:
1. Managed Networks and Infrastructure
When providing Managed Networks and Infrastructure services, a managed service provider (MSP), typically assumes full accountability for all network-related responsibilities.
This covers the installation of a LAN, WAPs, and other network connections for your company. They also take charge of backup and storage arrangements.
2. Managed Security
Managed Security Services is a catch-all service.
In the case of remote security infrastructure, it covers everything from backup and disaster recovery solutions to anti-malware alternatives.
While providing IT security services, the managed services provider also ensures that they keep all the anti-malware and anti-virus software up to date in real time.
Managed IT Security Service also includes comprehensive coverage for your firewalls, frequent status reports, firmware updates for the hardware, and continuous monitoring of all your systems for security threats.
3. Managed Support Services
This is one of the most common Managed IT Services that MSPs provide.
It often includes all services connected to information technology assistance — from troubleshooting, dealing with more complex challenges, to providing an IT helpdesk.
Most Managed IT Service Providers offer bundled packages of their services, with Managed Support Services being a part of it.
It is a basic requirement of all companies looking for Managed IT Services.
4. Managed Print Services
Managed Print Services include remote assistance of all data and file infrastructure related issues.
These services are a must for organizations with complex file management requirements.
The IT services provider also takes care of printers and monitors their health intermittently. Apart from printers, MSPs provide hardware related services as well.
They ensure support for all hardware issues and preventative care of all devices.
See: The 10 Commandements of Computer Care
5. Managed Cloud Infrastructure
Today, your employees work from anywhere.
They are more productive, thanks to the cloud. The cloud is a web-based service that allows for data storage, file sharing, and secure remote access to a company’s network, on demand.
A Managed Cloud Infrastructure Service provider will frequently supply and oversee servers that host specific data.
Backup and disaster recovery initiatives are supported by these cloud servers, which also serve as a data center.
This increases IT security, and lowers the costs associated with traditional on-premise infrastructure.
You save money, in the bargain.
6. Managed Software as a Service (SaaS)
In this type of service, managed service providers (MSPs) typically provide software that you can use on a yearly or monthly subscription basis.
Microsoft 365, anti-virus software, and universal communication applications are a few examples of managed software.
7. Managed Wireless and Mobile Computing
An MSP that specializes in managed wireless and mobile computing will install wireless connections. Organizations can make use of this service to connect their own internal networks.
8. Managed Communication Service
Managed service providers that provide Managed Communication Services oversee the monitoring and management of messaging software, data, Voice over IP (VoIP), and video, as well as other communication apps. This service is beneficial to businesses that do not have the financial resources to invest in their own infrastructure.
9. Data Analytics
Businesses searching for data monitoring services for data management and utilization will be interested in data analytics services. This service includes business intelligence to identify and target specific trends, as well as the creation of roadmaps to improve corporate performance.
Businesses will benefit from this because it means that they will be able to find coverage for every area of their information technology.
Whether they require a small amount or a large amount, they can rely on an MSP to meet their requirements without having to invest in personnel or cash to do so themselves.
10. Managed IT Support
Apart from specialist services, human resources can also be used to provide support. IT assistance is a vital field, as daily issues of varying severity arise in organizations.
Your current staffing model may not be able to address all of these issues, or the existing solutions may not be able to provide long-term stability.
Managed IT support services come in handy here. Like managed services, information technology support services are provided by a third party. The difference is that this type of outsourcing is done at the level of an employee.
11. Cloud-Based Managed Services
Cloud-based services are replacing traditional data centers.
This is because more and more tech companies are adopting cloud-based models. As a result, more support is required.
Cloud managed services provide critical IT support such as remote IT troubleshooting, network development, cybersecurity, support, and data monitoring.
Companies can supplement infrastructure on demand, while being proactive.
3 Benefits of Managed IT Services
- As career specialists and IT experts, MSPs bring a wide range of experience. The MSPs diverse knowledge enables them to implement solutions and tactics that improve your overall IT performance.
- Managed IT assistance also saves money by not having to hire and keep staff to manage IT chores.
- A corporation can also function more effectively by proactively fixing IT issues that create downtime or performance concerns.
Read: Discover The Top 7 Benefits of Outsourcing Managed IT for SMEs
5 Top Qualities of Managed Service Providers
When hiring a MSP, make sure that they:
- Have the technical proficiency that you need
- Have the expertise in your industry
- Utilize cutting-edge technology and procedures
- Are flexible, agile and scalable
- Are transparent, proactive, and available when you need them
