Organizations rely on networks to interconnect employees and business hubs worldwide. As your business relies more on the Internet for communication and collaboration, it is critical to consider if your IT team can maintain seamless communication and keep your data and networks secure.
Organizations rely on networks to interconnect employees and business hubs worldwide. As your business relies more on the Internet for communication and collaboration, it is critical to consider if your IT team can maintain seamless communication and keep your data and networks secure.
Cybercrime is expected to cost the world $8 trillion this year, with approximately 6 in 10 attacks directed at small businesses. The repercussions can be devastating if your small or medium-sized business does not have a dedicated and capable IT security team.
A managed IT service provider simplifies IT and communications, delivering reliable and secure interconnections and 24/7 support to protect your network from sophisticated attacks. We will explore how you can choose the ideal partner for your managed IT services, highlighting the benefits of a managed service provider (MSP) and the top considerations when choosing a partner to meet your business's needs.
Why Are More Businesses Turning to Managed IT Services?
As businesses increase their exposure to the internet by accessing cloud applications, services, and communications, IT and security become more complex. Small and medium-sized companies are often not equipped to handle the growing demand for remote and hybrid work and the cybersecurity threats that come with it.
Reliable communication and access to business resources require sophisticated, managed IT services. Employees are accessing resources from various geographic locations using multiple devices, and businesses with minimal onsite IT find it challenging to keep up with the demands for secure and reliable connections. A breach in security can cost your organization time, money, and its reputation.
The following Managed IT services continue to grow in popularity as organizations become more decentralized:
- Managed Secure Access Service Edge (SASE)
- Managed SD-WAN
- Managed Connectivity
- Network Monitoring and Management
What Are the Benefits of Managed IT Services?
The benefits of a quality IT MSP are a significant reason organizations optimize their communications technology with managed IT services. Managed IT services like SASE provide a reliable and secure connection to business resources and communication. The SASE operates in the cloud, allowing employees seamless access anywhere worldwide with an internet connection. Without costly on-site infrastructure and security appliances, your organization has the following benefits:
- Reduced Labor Costs: Managed IT services provide world-class IT and security at a fraction of the cost of on-site or on-call professionals.
- Productivity: MSPs can offer support 24/7 and take control of your IT needs so you can focus on the core competencies of your business.
- Security and Reliability: MSPs use the latest technology and safeguards to ensure your network and users are safe from downtime and breaches.
- Faster Return: Choosing the right managed IT service provider can deliver a quicker return on investment (ROI) than on-site IT.
- Scalability: MSPs know how to scale technology and can facilitate a digital transformation with expertise in various technologies and solutions.
- Leading Specialists and Technology: MSPs can provide world-class security expertise and cutting-edge technology that can be out of reach for small and medium-sized businesses.
How to Choose a Managed IT Service Provider?
Small and medium-sized businesses can benefit substantially from partnering with a quality-managed IT service provider. Surveys show 4 out of 10 small businesses have no on-site IT personnel, leaving vulnerabilities in their monitoring, prevention, and response to security breaches. Choosing an ideal partner fulfills your need for 24/7 IT and security.
Does the MSP Offer Services for Your Business Need?
MSPs work with various businesses, so choosing a partner specializing in your needs is vital. If your operations rely on a service or platform like Salesforce or Microsoft Teams, your partner should have the experience to support your users. While an IT MSP is typically remote, consider if they serve your business and users' geographic location. If you conduct business internationally or have remote employees worldwide, choose an MSP that serves your international user base.
While finding a partner that can meet your business needs is critical, finding an IT MSP that understands and works with your typical office arrangements is also helpful. MSPs can have more experience in the traditional office or lean toward a hybrid or remote workforce. Choosing a partner with experience in your office dynamic will optimize your technology for your specific arrangement.
Does the MSP Have the Right Capabilities?
The capabilities of an IT MSP are a primary consideration when choosing the right partner. Your business may only need an IT MSP to manage the network and monitor threats or a service that provides comprehensive IT support, security, and cloud-based network and communication services in a unified solution.
In addition to assessing the managed service's solution, evaluate the provider's technical expertise and the service-level agreement SLA. The SLA defines expectations given by the IT MSP for uptime and reliability, response times, and resolutions. An MSP's expertise is also critical to ensuring the partner can fulfill their obligations and can include cloud services, security, end-user support, and networking. Choose an MSP that can satisfy your requirements for expertise and offers an SLA that meets your expectations.
Does the MSP Fit Your Budget?
When you have found an MSP with the right capabilities to meet your needs, consider if they have a suitable pricing model. While some MSPs charge a fixed rate, others offer a per-device or per-user rate. Choosing the pricing model that fits your organization's needs and allows for flexibility and scalability is critical. Often the most flexible pricing model is a per-user model because it enables your business to scale up and down while only paying for the resources utilized, allowing full utilization of the elasticity of the cloud.
When you find a suitable pricing model, determine if the MSP is worth the price. An IT MSP with a reputation for reliability and security is worth paying slightly more for exceptional service. Their capabilities should also fit into the pricing to ensure your business gets the value you expect from your partner.
Optimize Your Business IT With a Qualified Partner
A managed IT service provider offering 24/7 support and certified expertise in a wide range of network and security technologies can meet your IT support, communication, and security needs. Your organization relies on sophisticated technology and interconnection to grow and thrive in the modern business environment as cloud services and remote office dynamics become more prevalent.
BCM One is your partner with experience in various technologies and robust cloud-based solutions for worldwide connectivity. Contact us to learn more about our managed IT service solutions.
