When it comes to technology, small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) often find themselves in a difficult situation. They don’t have the same resources as their larger counterparts, but they still need to keep up with the latest trends and advances in order to remain competitive.
This is where managed IT services can be of tremendous help. Managed IT services providers offer a wide range of services that are designed specifically for SMBs. But what are managed IT services?
Well, one thing that’s clear from the outset is that the sector is experiencing highly rapid growth (Projected CAGR of 13.6% from 2023 to 2030).
But in this blog post, we will explain what managed IT services are, how they’re offered, typical billing structures, the types of services they offer and the advantages of choosing one for your business.
Managed IT Services Definition
Managed IT services are the day-to-day proactive management and maintenance of an organization’s information technology systems. This includes technology services such as system monitoring, remote support, cloud services, patching, data backup & disaster recovery, and other services that help keep the IT infrastructure secure and running smoothly.
This type of service involves an ongoing relationship between the managed IT service provider (MSP) and the customer. The provider offering managed IT services is responsible for maintaining and supporting the customer’s systems, while the customer pays a monthly fee for these services.
How Managed IT Services Work and the Services They Provide
Managed IT services providers typically offer a suite of services (under a defined service level agreement) designed to keep your organization’s IT systems up and running. This includes:
- Network monitoring
- Remote technical support
- Patching
- Infrastructure-as-a-service (IaaS)
- Data backup & disaster recovery
- End-point device protection (e.g. mobile devices)
- And more
The provider will work with you to determine the services that your business requires and then customize a service plan that meets your specific needs. Depending on the provider, you may be able to choose from a variety of services, as well as different levels of service and pricing plans.
Slash Recurring IT Issues by 50%
Find out how we help businesses like yours boost productivity, profitability
Learn MoreIn addition to these core services, managed IT services providers may often offer additional specialized services such as cybersecurity services or cloud services.
What Are Managed IT Services Providers’ Various Billing Structures?
Most managed IT services providers offer one of the following types of billing structures:
Flat-rate billing plans typically involve a fixed fee for the service that is paid either monthly or annually. With this type of plan, you will know exactly what your costs are going to be and can budget accordingly.
Usage-based billing is usually charged on a per-user basis. This means that you pay based on the number of users who access the system and their level of usage. This type of plan allows businesses to scale up or down depending on their needs without having to make any large upfront investments or commitments.
Hours-based billing is a less popular option (also sometimes known as break/fix or time & materials) you may only pay a small monthly ongoing fee, but then you pay out of pocket every time you need help or something breaks down. This usually results in this being the least valuable option as it includes the least amount of proactive services and can end up being very expensive for your business.
How Businesses Benefit from Managed IT Services, Meaning How They Get Clear ROI
Managed IT services offer a number of benefits for businesses. These include:
Reduced operational costs
Outsourcing IT management to a third-party provider can reduce the cost of managing in-house staff and equipment.
Increased efficiency
Managed IT services providers have the expertise and experience needed to keep your systems running smoothly, resulting in improved efficiency and productivity.
Improved security
Managed IT service providers can provide additional layers of protection that may not be available with an in-house team, helping to prevent data breaches or other security threats.
Are you aware of how damaging a targeted cybersecurity attack can be for your business? Check out these articles to learn more: |
Proactive maintenance
Managed IT service providers are able to monitor your systems 24/7, which allows them to detect problems before they become major issues. This can help to prevent downtime and other disruptions.
Increased scalability
Managed IT service providers can help you scale up or down as needed, allowing you to adjust your IT services quickly in response to changing business needs.
Overall, managed IT services provide businesses with a cost-effective way to manage their infrastructure and ensure that it is secure and up-to-date. By outsourcing these services, businesses can save time, money, and resources—allowing them to focus on other aspects of their operations (like growing their business).
What Are Managed IT Services? Let Antisyn Show You How We Do IT
Now that you have a managed IT definition, you know that managed IT services can be an important part of any business’s IT strategy. By outsourcing these services, businesses can ensure that their infrastructure is secure and up-to-date—allowing them to focus on other aspects of their operations.
We Provide Managed IT Services in |
At Antisyn, we tailor our managed IT services to fit your specific needs and budget. Our team of experienced engineers can provide you with a range of services, including system monitoring, remote support, patching, data backup & disaster recovery, network security, and more. We offer both flat-rate and usage-based billing plans so you can get the most out of your investment.
Contact us today for more information about our managed IT services.