Managed IT is a rapidly growing industry in Australia. In fact, according to Statistica, it is projected to reach a market volume of almost $750 million by 2030. But is this rising popularity actually justified? Many businesses aren’t convinced.
If you’re among those questioning the true value of outsourced IT, read on to discover the answer. What are the benefits of using managed IT services, really? Are businesses signing up because of real outcomes, or are they simply falling for clever marketing?
A Brief Description of Managed Services
For those unfamiliar, a managed service provider (MSP) is a third-party company who takes care of your IT infrastructure. They may offer anything from basic support services to complete management of daily tasks. Often, they will provide multiple services focusing on different pain points and accounting for varied budgets.
10 Benefits of Using Managed IT Services
The benefits of IT service management are numerous:
1. Faster Issue Resolution
Outages cause major operational disruptions and cost your business money, especially if you have to wait for support to arrive on-site. MSPs respond significantly faster due to their remote support model, solving the problem and allowing you to get back to work.
2. Fewer Cyber-Attacks
Cyber threats are an ever-present concern for today’s businesses. One of the biggest benefits of managed IT services is advanced security measures and near-instantaneous incident response. These solutions reduce your risk of experiencing a data breach, and help you recover faster when one does occur.
3. Stronger Compliance
MSPs help you understand and comply with increasingly strict data protection regulations, lowering your risk of audits and expensive penalties.
4. Better Decision-Making
Managed services provide the oversight you need to make more informed decisions. For example, your MSP may warn you that certain resources could be better used elsewhere. This brings your technology into closer alignment with your long-term business goals.
5. Improved Business Continuity
Your MSP will continuously monitor for potential problems, addressing them before they can cause serious harm. This proactive approach limits downtime, improving your overall business continuity.
6. Cost Savings
Rather than hiring and maintaining a full in-house IT team, you pay a single monthly subscription fee. You gain access to the same level of expertise for a significantly lower price. Your finances will also be indirectly improved by the improved efficiency, enhanced security, and reduced downtime that managed services can provide.
7. Increased Productivity
Your service provider will identify and address small inefficiencies that slow down business operations. This proactive support improves your productivity over time by allowing staff to complete tasks slightly faster.
8. Access to Expertise
Managed services provide you with instant access to a full team of IT experts, all of whom specialise in different areas. This means that no matter what kind of technical support or guidance you require, it’s only ever one step away.
9. More Scalability
When you rely on internal IT staff, growth requires substantial investments. This makes it difficult to scale smoothly. MSPs, on the other hand, offer multiple service tiers designed to match your needs at every stage of the business lifecycle.
10. A Sharper Competitive Edge
When you can work faster, harder, and more safely, you suddenly become a much more attractive option than your competitors. This makes it easier to keep up with larger businesses you normally wouldn’t stand a chance against.
Read more: What is the Essential 8 Cyber Security Framework? A Comprehensive Guide
The Risks You Take
Despite the many benefits of managed IT services, no investment is without risk. There are challenges involved with this approach that can cause significant problems if left unaddressed:
- Communication issues: Strong communication skills are non-negotiable when partnering with a third party. Both of you must be on the same page at all times, or miscommunications may lead to wasted time and effort.
- Wasted Expenditure: It’s important to ensure that you’re paying for the correct service tier. Many businesses are tempted to waste money on services they don’t actually need, damaging their ability to make other investments.
- Loss of Visibility: When third parties are involved, there’s always a possibility that you could lose important oversight of your IT environment. This could lead to uninformed decision-making that puts your business at risk.
- Security Risks: Some MSPs improve your security, but fail to consider their own. In the worst-case scenario, they themselves can become an attack vector or compliance gap.
To avoid these, it’s important that you choose the right MSP. In particular, look at their communication style, pricing model, and commitment to strong security. Asking for previous case studies or testimonials will help you decide if they’re the right fit.
Are the Benefits of Managed IT Services Worth It?
When you factor in the benefits, costs, and risks involved, it becomes clear that managed services are often worthwhile – with one caveat. You must do your part to ensure that the relationship remains healthy and the services offered continue to meet your needs. This means:
- Regular check-ins
- Performance reviews
- Budget adjustments
- Clear communication
If the proper steps are taken, then managed services can have a significant positive impact on every part of your business, providing peace of mind and higher profitability.
Support That Allows Your Business to Thrive
Your IT is the engine that keeps your entire business running. Without a solid support team to ensure it works as expected, you put yourself at risk of cyber-attacks, downtime, and frustration. Managed services provide the support and guidance you need to ensure high productivity, safety, and growth.
Still not sure if outsourcing is right for you? We’ve got you covered. Read our ultimate IT support guide to determine whether you could stand to benefit from managed services.
FAQs
What Are Some Managed IT Services Benefits for Small Businesses?
Some benefits of managed IT services for small businesses include cost savings, stronger security, increased productivity, and less downtime.
Is Managed IT Better Than an Internal Team?
Managed IT can be a better option than relying on internal staff, particularly if you work within tight budgets and are unable to hire the number of employees required. They provide a more cost-effective option.
How Much Does Managed IT Cost?
The amount managed IT costs will depend on your size, requirements, and the provider’s own internal pricing structure. If you’re unsure, it’s always best to ask for a quote.
What’s Included in Managed IT Services?
The exact services an MSP provides will vary, but generally they will offer support, security, compliance, and/or full infrastructure management.