Managed services are IT and process functions that an organization outsources to a provider specialized in managing these services for them. Managed Services Providers are also known as MSPs. There has been an evolution from break-fix IT support-on-demand to MSPs who provide solutions to improve IT operations and manage costs. MSPs allow companies to stay up to date with a rapid technology curve, take advantage of a deep bench of expertise, fight cyber crime and protect their overall data network. In this blog, we will discuss some of the most important managed services offerings for 2021 and beyond.
Managed Help Desk Services:
An outsourced service desk addresses everything that occurs within an IT environment. Service desks handle moves, upgrades and changes to the network infrastructure – ensuring that your operations run smoothly. It is essentially a liaison between the technology and the users of that technology. An outsourced help desk will help your organization to align business goals and objectives with growing technology needs and network issues.
Managed Security Services: Security services monitor your network for hacking, attacks and cyber intrusions. However, security is more than just defending from these things. These days, security solutions also offer powerful back-up and restore capabilities, as well as redundancy. Because an MSP has a team of cyber experts, they can offer a level of watchfulness, knowledge and preparedness otherwise unavailable to many companies.
Managed Network Services: Managed Network Services include remote management and 24 x 7 monitoring of network infrastructure including servers, routers and switches and cloud infrastructure. MSPs guarantee that equipment is optimally configured and updated with stable firmware. The MSP will also assume responsibility for vendor issues, saving the client hours of frustration and coordination.
Service Level Agreements (SLAs): The SLA is the meat of the service contract between you and your MSP. The SLA outlines exactly the percent of uptime your MSP is obligated to maintain for your network. If your MSP falls below the SLA, there are agreements for reimbursement, typically through billing credits.
Managed Software as a Service (SaaS): Companies must maintain software licenses for Windows or another OS license, anti-virus/malware software; Office 365 and more. You must know how many employees and contractors are employed, when all the licenses expire, the number of licenses available to you at any given time, and when to upgrade. An MSP is a strategic partner that can take over and manage all of these licenses, keep you compliant and making sure everyone has what they need.
Cloud Services: MSP’s make it possible and easy to scale resources either up or down as needed, through their cloud services. The flexibility and agility are specialized to your needs.
Regulatory Compliance: If your company handles credit card transactions or other financial data for your clients, you must maintain PCI compliance. MSPs offer the systems and processes to handle and protect your financial data, as well as any other confidential data (such as medical records.) Regulatory compliance is a mandatory component of IT managed services offerings.
Overall, an MSP helps you to plan for the future while managing today’s reality. They strategize with you regarding your technology roadmap, and assist in the implementation of new technology. With an MSP, your firm is relieved of the operational challenges of day to day IT issues, and has the help it needs to grow and expand professionally and within budget.
Alliance IT is a managed services firm based in Sarasota. Call today for a consultation and let’s discuss how we can help your organization to grow and thrive.
