How Do You Buy IT Managed Services?

Here Are A Few Tips To Buying Managed IT Services

One way to do this is to purchase Managed Services on a monthly subscription plan. What’s in that plan will determine what types of IT Managed Services and support are provided. Since each business is unique, it makes more sense to give your company the right hardware and software so your workforce can get more done each day with less frustration. IT Managed Services are tailored to fit your specific needs.

What Should You Know Before You Purchase Managed IT Services?

Not everyone signs up for a fully Managed IT service plan. Some companies already have an in-house IT department. They’re just looking for occasional help with big projects. On the other hand, it can be beneficial to your organization to have a fully Managed IT Service contract. In this service model, your provider will take care of everything including security so companies enjoy not having to worry about any of their technology needs.

Of course, you can choose to get a very low level of Managed IT Services where the provider only comes out if you have a problem. This type of service is often referred to a “Reactive” because the Managed Service Provider is only contacted if there’s a problem with a server, computer, router, network, etc. Sometimes they fix your computer problems remotely and won’t have to visit your location and other times, they will have to come out and fix the issue.

With the Proactive service model, you can get a team of pros to manage, monitor and maintain all your IT infrastructure so that it’s always running at peak performance. This can extend the life of your equipment and it can result in your workforce being able to get more done with fewer interruptions.

What About Network Security?

The threats to network security and the sophisticated skills of today’s attackers are constantly evolving. Even software developers have admitted they can no longer provide the complete protection that most of us need.

As organizations implement more complex e-business models, depend on their mission-critical IT solutions, and employ a more mobile workforce, network security technologies have become essential. You must prevent intrusions and theft of your organization’s data assets and eradicate network security vulnerabilities.

With this in mind, businesses, organizations, and public agencies are looking to Managed Security Services Providers (MSSPs) for advanced security services and solutions. They need a comprehensive, Managed Security solution to protect their technology and critical data from hackers and cyber thieves.

A Managed Security Services Provider works with organizations to close the gaps and remove the vulnerabilities in IT processes, applications, and hardware that opens the door to intruders. MSSPs provide remote software and hardware-based network security services and host, deploy, and manage a security infrastructure to provide complete enterprise-based information security.

Can We Customize Our Service Contract?

One of the major benefits from outsourcing your IT services is that you can get exactly what you need at a price that fits your budget. Managed Service Providers are specialists in their field. They are in a position to offer customized solutions to their clients. They most often have an IT consultant on staff who will work with you in determining your specific business IT requirements.

For some, this is an easy process and for others, it is more complex due to HIPAA compliance and other government regulations. Most small business owners are not experienced enough to determine how to best handle these complex issues. But, an experienced IT professional knows. Depending on the service provider that you decide on, you may have the option of choosing from different wireless options. The advantage of this is that you can choose specific services depending on their prices. You can select scalable options that will grow with your company.

Your company can get a suite of information security services like scanning for viruses, blocking spam, integrating and managing hardware and software firewalls, and overseeing your overall IT security management.

The contracted subscription terms can vary. The provider may bill using either a flat-monthly or pay-per-use billing model – depending on the nature of the service. The subscription price typically is determined by one or more of the following variables:

• Number of users and devices
• Number and type of Managed Services
• Types of functions and features delivered

What is the ROI of Managed IT Services?

With Managed Services, businesses can shift their spending strategy, freeing up resources and potentially cutting costs. When calculating ROI consider the list below:

• Opening Up Cash Flow
  Traditionally, IT expenses get categorized as capital expenses or CapEx. With Managed Services, you can move away from a CapEx model to operational expenses or OpEx model. Your costs for these services are considered monthly operating expenses like the light bill or water bill.
• Expertise Without Hiring a Full-Time Employee
  Keeping an IT environment running smoothly does require constant attention and the availability of a highly-skilled staff. By taking advantage of Managed Services, companies can eliminate the burden of finding and retaining talent with all the necessary skills.
• Decreased Downtime
  Businesses now heavily depend on their technology. That increased reliance on mission-critical applications and 24/7 access to data, make high availability a top priority for IT. Managed Service Providers will help ensure uptime, security, power, and redundancy requirements are met.
• Cost Savings
  CIOs are not only tasked with the management of IT, but also with supporting business growth by reducing costs. Organizations are being asked to do more with fewer resources. Managed Service Providers are a vital component to ease the burden and free up IT staff to focus on in-house projects.
• Enhanced Levels of Service
  Many Managed Service Providers offer a comprehensive suite of services such as cloud infrastructure, application management, database, network, and security management solutions. When you work with IT pros, you get the benefit of their years of experience, their certifications and much more.

Looking For A Strategic Partner?

Before you think about going through the stress of trying to find a computer tech or even a computer engineer to support your business network and technology infrastructure, speak with a local Managed IT Services company. Ask some questions about services they offer, prices and their help desk support. When you find the right provider—a strategic IT partner who will work with you, it can greatly benefit your company.

Learn more on how Managed IT Services can help your business.
Discover the best IT Company suited for your business.