Business Owner’s Guide to Managed IT Services
In today’s world, every business, whether big or small, needs reliable IT support. While some larger companies can afford an in-house IT team, small to medium-sized enterprises often struggle to justify the cost. If you’re running a business, you might think hiring a keen IT graduate is a cost-effective solution, but when faced with complex tech issues, this option can quickly show its limitations.
Taking on the IT responsibilities yourself is another route, but this comes at the expense of your time, which should be spent growing your business. Thankfully, there’s a practical solution that’s tailored to help businesses like yours: Managed IT services.
Feeling unsure about outsourcing your IT? You’re not alone. This guide is designed to unpack the value of managed IT services and how they can fit into your business strategy. We’ll also delve into the financial aspects to show you how these services can benefit businesses like yours.
What are Managed IT Services?
Before we get stuck in, let’s first clarify what Managed IT Services actually are. Often, terms like IT Support, IT Services, and Managed IT Services get thrown around interchangeably, but they aren’t the same thing.
Managed IT Services involves outsourcing your IT needs to a third-party provider, who takes care of everything from network monitoring to cybersecurity, based on a contract that outlines which services they will manage. These providers can offer full management or partial assistance, depending on your needs. With Service Level Agreements (SLAs) in place, you’ll know exactly what level of service to expect.
If you opt for a fully managed service, the provider handles all your IT requirements, from day-to-day troubleshooting to long-term tech strategy. A partially managed service lets your internal IT team focus on the bigger picture, while the provider takes care of essential tasks like helpdesk support and security.
How can you use Managed IT Services?
You can tailor managed IT services to suit the unique needs of your business. Here are three common approaches to consider:
1. Using Managed IT Services as your entire IT Department
Outsourcing all IT management to a Managed Services Provider (MSP) can be a cost-effective solution. The provider manages your entire IT environment, from servers to security.
Why this might work for you:
- It’s often cheaper than hiring an internal IT team.
- You gain access to a broad range of skills and expertise.
- Your business can focus on its core operations, leaving IT management to the experts.
Things to keep in mind:
- Make sure the provider is well-versed in the technology you use.
- SLAs should be clearly defined to align with your business needs.
- The provider should fit with your company culture to ensure smooth communication and collaboration.
2. Using Managed IT Services alongside your In-House Team
This hybrid model lets your in-house IT team work on key business tasks while the MSP handles support functions like helpdesk services or cybersecurity. This approach, known as co-managed IT services, is common in businesses of all sizes.
Benefits of this model:
- It offers flexibility to scale your IT resources up or down as needed.
- You get specialised expertise in areas where your internal team might lack skills.
- Your in-house team can focus on strategic IT initiatives rather than routine maintenance.
Considerations:
- Define responsibilities clearly to avoid any overlap or confusion.
- Ensure both teams can work together harmoniously.
3. Using Managed IT Services to Support Growth
When businesses experience growth, IT demands can multiply rapidly. During these times, an MSP can help by providing scalable solutions, enabling you to focus on growth while they handle the complexity.
Key advantages:
- MSPs can adapt quickly to meet increasing demands.
- They manage daily IT operations, freeing you to focus on expanding your business.
- It’s a cost-effective way to scale without sacrificing quality or security.
Keep in mind:
- Choose an MSP that can evolve with your business as it grows.
- Regularly review your IT needs to ensure services align with your growth plans.
What can Managed IT Services do for your Business?
Here’s a rundown of key services managed IT providers can offer:
- Helpdesk Support: Fast and reliable help for resolving IT issues.
- Monitoring Services: Proactively monitors network performance to catch issues before they escalate.
- Security & Compliance: Provides cybersecurity expertise and ensures regulatory compliance.
- Asset Management: Keeps track of IT equipment to optimise usage and cost.
- Disaster Recovery: Ensures your business can recover quickly from disasters, whether natural or cyber-related.
- Cloud Services: Manages your cloud infrastructure for seamless scaling and security.
Managed IT Services Pricing Models
Now, let’s talk numbers. How much should you expect to pay for these services? Pricing can vary based on the size of your business, the complexity of your IT setup, and the specific services you require. Here are some common pricing models:
- All-You-Can-Eat: Unlimited services for a fixed fee.
- Break/Fix: Pay as you go for repairs and support. It’s reactive rather than proactive, which may not be ideal for businesses reliant on seamless IT operations.
- A La Carte: Pick and choose the services you need.
- Tiered Pricing: Choose from pre-packaged service levels.
- HBT Model: We work closely with you up front to understand your business, its goals and challenges. As such our model uses a combination of the above approaches with two levels of managed service offering for a fixed monthly fee but with the option to add components to the package based on your specific needs and objectives.
Is It Worth It?
The big question is, “Is hiring an MSP worth the cost?”. In many cases, outsourcing your IT services to an MSP makes financial sense. It reduces downtime, boosts productivity, and allows you to focus on what matters most – growing your business.
Conclusion
For many businesses, managed IT services are a smart investment. Whether you’re looking to completely outsource your IT needs or complement an internal team, finding the right MSP can help your business thrive by improving productivity and reducing costs. Take the time to evaluate your options carefully, and you’ll soon see the benefits.
Ready to take the next step?
Contact HB Technologies to explore how we can support your business with expert managed IT services.
📞 0800 423 834 | 📧 info@hbtech.co.nz