IT problems can cause your business a huge headache and worse. Think of how it feels when your computer or another device breaks down. Then think of the problems that can arise. Now, think of your IT system and all the problems this would cause, which are much more complex than just your computer failing. A failed IT system means the business can’t operate, meaning lost revenue and clients.

While many companies rely on an in-house IT department to keep their systems up and running, managed IT services are often a better option.

What are Managed IT Services?

The short answer is that Managed IT services are provided by a third-party company, which may either replace or augment an existing in-house IT department or team. Managed services can include management of a company’s complete network including a data center, telephony and IT maintenance that usually includes fixing, patching, etc. the core network.

The IT services are provided by an MSP (Managed Service Provider), which remotely and/or on-site manages a company’s technology. The IT management services are usually provided through a subscription to the client.

What Do Managed IT Services Include? 

An MSP generally offers remote monitoring, management and proactive maintenance in their managed IT packages. The best MSPs utilize cutting edge remote management and monitoring tools to monitor their clients’ networks and hardware.

Examples of Managed IT Services

Here’s an example of how managed IT services might work. Let’s say a piece of hardware in your network is not working correctly. The certified techs from the MSP constantly monitor your system and will be able to troubleshoot and resolve issues before the hardware completely breaks down, causing your network to fail, which may have the effect of completely causing a breakdown of business processes.

All of this is done remotely, 24/7. In this type of scenario, the managed service provider becomes a safety net for your company. Your business can continue working without suffering a major breakdown. An MSP makes use of AI and automations that work to make infrastructure self-healing, which means it will detect threats, software problems and other issues, fixing them before they become major problems.

Another example is a failing hard drive in a monitored computer or laptop. With IT management services, the MSP can detect the symptoms of the failing drive weeks before the drive dies. The MSP’s engineers review log files and alert the proper people in the company that it’s time to buy a new hard drive. The problem is solved even before it happens.

The Benefits of Managed IT Services

One of the main benefits is saving your company money by utilizing proactive IT management. As we just saw, preventing problems before they happen prevents down time, loss of productivity, damage to the company’s reputation, etc. These types of problems cause major blocks to conducting business, which causes the business to lose clients and revenue. Managed IT services can keep this from happening.

Not only that, but hardware will tend to last longer, while also performing better when it’s managed. The cost of replacing technology will be lower, and the added benefits of keeping your staff productive and paying them for working, rather than sitting around when the system breaks.

In addition, your business will run more smoothly and save money at the same time by using managed IT services.

What About the Break/Fix Model? Does it Still Work? 

The Break/Fix model is the practice of bringing in an IT services professional when there’s a problem. Many believe this is a cost-effective solution; however, think about it this way. When you need to call in an IT services professional, you’ll be charged by the hour, charged fees for the consultation and any repairs that are made. This can be quite expensive.

In fact, it’s difficult to budget for problems before they happen. You don’t know what’s going to happen until it does under the Break/Fix model. Another difficult is that no preventative measure are used to avoid future issues, leaving the possibility of surprise breakdowns and costs always hanging over your head.

On the other hand, managed IT services are constantly monitoring your infrastructure. With this type of service, you’ll pay a monthly subscription and you’ll know ahead of time when something is going to break. And if something does break, you’ll be back up and running sooner using an MSP. Overall, you save money by using managed IT services.

What Other Types of Services to MSPs Provide? 

Here’s an overview of the type of services you can expect from most management IT service providers:

Application and installation of patches & updates: this is a service that will keep your business software patched and up to date. This especially needed in this day and age when hackers and data breeches are becoming increasingly a danger to every type of business.

Providing support: the MSP will remotely monitor and maintain your company hardware. You’ll know about hardware issues long before they happen, allowing the company to find a solution before hardware breaks down.

IT Helpdesk: rather than waiting to call in an IT company only when something breaks, if you or one of your staff has an issue, all you have to do is call the MSP’s helpdesk. Someone will be ready to help you right away, with no downtime waiting for the IT service provider to arrive. Many tickets can be solved in less time, which saves the company both time and money.

Onsite Support Services: an MSP is available onsite if your network or a piece of hardware happens to have a problem. If MSPs techs are not able to remotely fix the issue, they’ll send someone to your company to check and fix the issue onsite.

Data management: the IT management service provider will manage your company’s data—all of it. Data management can include management of cloud services, backup and disaster recovery, data warehousing (storage of your company’s data), and much more.

Managed IT services are an affordable way to manage and monitor your company’s IT. These services are available for companies of all sizes and usually you’ll find there are services priced to fit your budget.

Not only will you save money with an MSP, but you can rest assured that your network and all the parts and pieces will be monitored at all times. Your company won’t have to suffer a catastrophic data breach or hardware failure. Your company will be safe and able to recover quickly by working with a managed IT service provider.