The ever-changing landscape of technology can be tough to keep up with and even tougher to manage and implement. The task can seem insurmountable for small businesses, especially when trying to do it all in-house. This is where managed services come in.

The term “managed services” refers to a type of outsourcing that involves the contracted provision of IT or business processes on an ongoing basis. Managed services providers (MSPs) deliver a wide variety of services, including network, application, and security monitoring, and often assume responsibility for managing and resolving incidents.

Small businesses may find particular benefits in partnering with an MSP, as these organizations typically have limited internal resources dedicated to IT management. In addition, small businesses may not have the in-house expertise to manage certain IT functions or processes effectively.

Types of Managed Services

As mentioned previously, there are many different types of managed services. Some of the most common include:

Network monitoring and management

MSPs can proactively monitor a business’s network for performance issues and potential security threats. They can also provide around-the-clock support to help resolve any networking problems.

Security

MSPs can help businesses implement effective security solutions to protect their data and systems from cyberattacks. They can also provide ongoing monitoring and management to help keep businesses safe from emerging threats.

Data backup and recovery

MSPs can design and implement data backup and disaster recovery solutions to help businesses protect their critical data. In case of a system failure or data loss, MSPs can quickly restore lost data to minimize business disruptions.

Desktop and server support

MSPs can provide remote and on-site support for desktop computers and servers. They can also help businesses troubleshoot and resolve software/hardware issues, as well as manage updates and patches.

VoIP solutions

MSPs can provide VoIP (voice over IP) solutions to help businesses improve their communication capabilities. VoIP services can be used to make and receive phone calls and send and receive faxes and voicemails.

Software development

In some cases, MSPs can also provide software development services to help businesses create custom applications.

So, what are the benefits of managed services for small businesses? Let’s take a look.

1. Increased Efficiency

One of the biggest benefits of managed services is increased efficiency. When you outsource your IT support to a team of experts, you free up your in-house staff to focus on their core responsibilities and tasks that drive revenue for your business.

Additionally, managed service providers (MSPs) have the tools, resources, and knowledge to do the job quickly and efficiently. They also proactively monitor your systems so they can fix issues before they cause downtime or interruptions in your workflow.

2. Reduced Costs

Another big benefit of managed services is reduced costs. Because MSPs assume responsibility for all aspects of your IT infrastructure, they can prevent small issues from turning into big (and expensive) problems; or worse, create additional liability for your business. For additional protection, you can also form an LLC in Texas – or any other state – to get liability protection for your business.

Additionally, MSPs can usually provide their services at a fixed monthly rate, which gives you better budget predictability than if you were to pay for IT support on a per-incident basis.

3. Enhanced Security

Data security is more important than ever in today’s business world. Managed service providers can help small businesses enhance their security with proactive monitoring and detection, patch management, and incident response plans.

4. Improved Business Continuity Planning

Managed services can also help small businesses improve their business continuity planning. MSPs can develop comprehensive backup and disaster recovery plans that will keep your systems up and running in the event of an unexpected outage or disaster.

5. Access to Expertise

When you partner with an MSP, you’ll have access to a team of IT experts who can provide guidance and support when needed. This can be especially helpful for small businesses that don’t have in-house IT staff or whose IT staff doesn’t have extensive experience with the latest technology solutions.

When selecting an MSP, small businesses should consider the organization’s:

• Service offerings
• Industry experience
• Availability and responsiveness
• Pricing structure

Let’s take a closer look at each of these factors.

Service offerings

The first thing small businesses should consider when selecting an MSP is the organization’s service offerings. Does the MSP provide the services that your business requires? Not all MSPs offer the same services, so it’s important to make sure that the provider you select offers the specific services you need.

Industry experience

Another important consideration is industry experience. Does the MSP have experience serving businesses in your industry? If so, they may be more familiar with the unique challenges and opportunities that are present in your industry. This could result in improved service quality and greater value for your business.

Availability and responsiveness

Small businesses should also consider the availability and responsiveness of the MSP. When an issue arises, you’ll want to be confident that the MSP will be available to help resolve the problem quickly and effectively.

Pricing structure

Finally, small businesses should consider the pricing structure of the MSP. Managed services are typically priced using one of three models:

– Flat rate: In this model, the MSP charges a flat monthly fee for their services. This fee is typically based on the number of devices or support users.

– Pay-as-you-go: In this model, the MSP charges customers based on actual usage. This could be billed hourly, monthly or per device.

– Value-based: In this model, the MSP charges a monthly fee based on the value they deliver to the customer. This could be based on factors such as uptime, performance, and/or security.

Which pricing model is right for your business will depend on several factors, including your budget and the services you require. Be sure to discuss the pricing options with the MSP before deciding.

Conclusion

Managed services can be a valuable solution for small businesses that lack the internal resources dedicated to IT management. When selecting an MSP, small businesses should consider the organization’s service offerings, industry experience, availability and responsiveness, and pricing structure. By selecting the right MSP, your business can enjoy improved service quality and greater value.