Over the past few years, awareness about IT services has significantly increased. Businesses of varying sizes recognize the need for and importance of utilizing IT services to protect sensitive data, keep day-to-day operations running smoothly, increase productivity throughout various departments and stay up-to-date with the most recent technology trends. Without IT services, companies put themselves and their clients at risk. So, if you’re looking to add these kinds of services to your business – or are in need of an update – you may wonder what your options are.
IT Services Providers Available For My Business
When it comes to adding IT services to your business, there are essentially three main options. Sure, you could try incorporating new practices yourself, but this will take you away from other projects, so it’s best to turn to the professionals for what you need. One option that’s becoming rare is hiring an in-house IT team. This allows you to have an IT professional or team working at your business on a daily basis. They can handle most minor tech issues in a timely manner and will always be available to answer questions. You’ll also maintain control over the different practices, programs and protections that are in place.
Another option is to hire a managed services provider. MSPs come with a host of benefits and take much of the stress out of your IT needs. MSPs can help your systems operate more efficiently, reduce costs related to managing IT software, improve your cyber security efforts and answer any questions you may have. MSPs are third-party companies that must adhere to certain industry standards, but they don’t work directly out of your business. This means if you utilize MSP services, you will relinquish many of your IT decisions and responsibilities to the experts.
The final option is the best of both worlds, and it’s called co-managed IT services. This option allows you to outsource some of your more critical IT functions while still maintaining an in-house team. You can have the outsourced IT service manage your network infrastructure, which ensures your routers, firewalls and other network devices continue to work correctly. With co-managed IT services, an MSP can manage and monitor your data backup and recovery solutions, cyber security practices and defenses, cloud management and optimization and even IT project management. They can be available at all hours of the day to offer support and guidance for any needs you may have. And you’ll get to experience all these benefits while still maintaining an in-house IT department. Your in-house team can handle all quick problems and offer immediate assistance while the MSP handles everything else.
The Benefits Of Co-Managed IT
Now that you’re more familiar with co-managed IT services, you might wonder what the benefits are so you can determine if it’s the right fit for your business. One of the first benefits is that co-managed IT can save businesses quite a bit of money. Maintaining a full in-house IT department or depending on an MSP for every IT need can get expensive. But by outsourcing specific functions, you can lessen the number of people on your in-house IT team, and many MSPs provide differently priced packages depending on your company’s needs. This will help you find the right balance that also fits your IT budget. You’ll have more control and flexibility over your IT infrastructure as well, so you can choose who handles each responsibility and what functions the third-party team manages.
Another great benefit you’ll gain from a co-managed IT service is a double layer of expertise and security. Not only will you have a team on the ground able to provide quick fixes to common problems, but you’ll also have an MSP holding down your back line and ensuring everything else runs smoothly. Both your in-house and outsource team will have experience and knowledge to guide you through any dilemma that may arise.
No matter what the IT needs are for your business, there’s an IT option that’s bound to help your business find more success. We can help if you’re still unsure which option is best for you and your business. Once your IT needs are met, you can focus your attention on the daily operations of your business and find new ways to become more profitable and efficient.
