Why do Modern Businesses Need Managed IT Services?
More companies are looking to outsource and use managed services as they modernize their systems, and expand their networks. The popularity of these services is clear from looking at the managed service providers’ industry growth.
In 2021, the managed services industry’s value was nearly $230 billion, but vast growth is predicted in the next few years. It is expected that this particular sector will be worth around $355 billion in 2026.
But, what do managed IT services incorporate, and why are more businesses choosing to use them?
What does the term managed services refer to?
Sometimes abbreviated to MSP, managed service providers are third-party businesses that can be used when a company wishes to outsource particular tasks.
Managed services are often used for maintaining networks, updating systems, helping with expansion, and also with security. An MSP will offer a variety of business IT services which are often more cost-effective than establishing an in-house team.
What is included in managed services?
Depending on which IT support business you choose, the services can vary, but they will broadly cover similar areas.
Below are some of the areas you could expect from an MSP:
- Cyber security
- Data storage
- Network monitoring
- Installations
- Maintenance and upgrades
- Risk mitigation
- Cloud services
- Web hosting
- Disaster recovery
- Business phone systems (VoIP)
Managed IT services help reduce downtime, monitor networks for security flaws, and help businesses remain legally compliant. This latter area is vital for modern businesses as there are strict penalties for non-compliance. These even include the possibility of being sued by shareholders.
Why are more businesses turning to managed services?
One of the biggest reasons for utilizing a third-party IT service is due to the cost. It’s often more cost-effective to outsource than it is to build an IT team within a company.
Other advantages include:
- Unification
- Business continuity
- Reduced need for training
- Scalability
- Access to experienced IT experts
- Latest technology
Unification
If a business has more than one location then an MSP can provide a unified approach to IT support at each one.
Business continuity
Disaster recovery plans can be put into place by an MSP, and this will help a business to continue running effectively if there is any type of disruption such as a cyber attack.
Reduced need for training
Training employees costs money as well as time and other resources. As your company grows, your in-house team will require further training. Employees come and go, and the money spent on training goes with them. Using a third party for IT support negates the need for training costs.
Scalability
IT support businesses can adapt to your business’s growing needs.
Access to IT experts
One of the best tips to grow your business is to hire the best talent. An MSP will have experts in IT which your company will benefit from without having to search for talent.
Latest technology
Managed IT support services will have the latest technology needed to ensure your networks and data are safe and your systems working.
Who can benefit from managed services?
The smallest to the biggest companies can benefit from outsourcing some of their tasks. IBM is one of the biggest firms in the world, and they have outsourced IT teams that handle both their own needs and their clients.
A large company will almost certainly have its own in-house IT support team. But, they will often outsource to an MSP so that the internal IT department can focus on other areas.
And IT support services for businesses can benefit much smaller firms too as they can avoid employing full-time IT staff. A small business may not need an IT department, but they still need help to maintain and monitor networks and systems.
What would your business gain from using managed services?
Your business could benefit by using the knowledge and experience an MSP can bring. They understand the dangers of cybercrime and will ensure your network is safe.
Many workers in the IT field will be specialists in a particular area. Businesses have a variety of different needs when it comes to IT support. So, an MSP is far more likely to be able to deal with any problem you have than a small internal IT department could.
They also have access to business tools that they can install and implement. For example, one of the better technology tools to boost small businesses is ITAM software. Some IT support services can help you to implement IT asset management, which can see considerable cost savings and higher levels of security.
Summary
One statistic points to around 37% of small businesses outsourcing at least one of their business tasks today. With the projected growth of the MSP industry, it would appear that more companies will be joining them.
Having third-party IT support can help a business’s network and systems to expand efficiently as the compa
