For many small and medium-sized businesses, managing complex IT systems independently can be a real challenge. This is where Managed IT Services could come into your picture, providing a strategic solution for your business to thrive in the digital age.
What are Managed IT Services?
Using Managed IT Services is the practice of outsourcing IT functions to specialised providers, who typically provide a variety of services. Arranging multiple services through a single provider (an MSP – a ‘Multi-Service Provider’), is a sensible and cost-effective approach for many businesses who don’t have the resources to manage the many areas of IT internally.
Engaging an MSP provides a ‘one stop shop’, aligning technology with business objectives and helping IT become an asset instead of a liability. Research from the Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA) delves into the integral role of technology for SMEs, revealing that 64% prioritise technology as a primary factor in achieving business objectives.
Why SMEs benefit from managed IT
Small and medium-sized businesses often face resource constraints, both in terms of budget and IT expertise. Managed IT Services offer a lifeline to these businesses, providing access to a broad spectrum of expertise that might otherwise be financially unattainable. The inherent proactive nature of managed services helps prevent IT issues, allowing SMEs to focus on core business functions rather than firefighting technical problems. Some of the specific benefits include:
Budget-friendly solutions – Cherry picking specific services from an MSP offers the potential for professional solutions at cost-effective prices.
Predictable costs – Financial planning is crucial to any business in the initial stages of growth. Fixed price ongoing support can absorb any unexpected and expensive IT issues.
On-demand expertise – Easy access to a diverse pool of IT experts. Partnering with a single MSP offers the opportunity to work with experts in many different areas of IT.
Reduced downtime – a proactive provider will address issues before they escalate, reducing potential associated costs with disaster recovery. Disaster recovery can be implemented quickly and efficiently if set up in advance through an MSP.
Strategic IT planning – Align the IT services you need with your business goals. Flexibility with this approach can be facilitated with ongoing reviews of your business needs.
Cyber security measures – Fortify your business for your peace of mind. Partnering with an MSP will always guarantee the most recent cyber threat strategies and technologies are being utilised. Preparedness for data loss and business interruptions becomes a competitive advantage for any size business.
Data back-ups and management – Robust data archiving and real time back-ups, documentation, network and server monitoring are essential for running any business at optimum effectiveness.
These are just a few of the reasons partnering with the right MSP can offer rock-solid foundations from which your business can grow and thrive.
The smaller your business, the more an owner/manager tends to take on these roles personally. Time is money, and the less time you need to google and guess an IT answer to an unexpected problem, the more time that can be invested on maintaining and growing your business.
How to evaluate your need for managed IT
This involves asking crucial questions about the current state of your IT operations:
Is IT a Concern?
Consider whether IT poses challenges or concerns in your business.
Value for Money?
Evaluate if your current IT setup provides value for the money invested.
Constant Issues?
Determine if your business faces recurrent IT problems.
Calculating IT Costs?
Assess if you can accurately calculate the actual cost of your IT.
It’s also important to consider worst-case scenarios when choosing an IT provider. Try to identify potential IT problems that could cause catastrophic harm to your business, such as data breaches or communication stream failures. Ensure that your provider has the necessary expertise to handle these situations appropriately. If the answers point towards operational inefficiencies or challenges, it may be time to explore the benefits of Managed IT Services.
In conclusion, Managed IT Services are the gateway to unlocking the true potential of your businesses, and with Nybble as a trusted partner, you can navigate the digital landscape with confidence and efficiency.
For businesses considering the advantages of Managed IT Services, the next steps involve:
1 IT Review
Initiate an IT review or audit to identify existing issues and pave the way for proactive management. Nybble offer a FREE audit and consultation.
2 IT Plan
Develop a comprehensive IT plan that aligns with business goals, emphasising regular planning for efficiency.
3 IT Security
Implement robust cybersecurity measures, training teams, and staying informed about evolving threats.
4 IT Management
Understand compliance requirements, regularly review IT strategies, and embrace robust asset management practices.
Partner with Nybble: Contact us at enquiries@nybble.co.uk or call 0330 0020886 to explore how Managed IT Services can transform your business.