Managed IT services have become a very sought-after service. The Covid-19 pandemic caused hundreds of thousands of businesses to work remotely, and technical support became more complex.
So, what is Managed IT Services and what can it do for your business? See our list below of the major aspects of Managed IT Services.
Hardware and Software Solutions including Desktops, Laptops & Printers
Managed Services aren’t just services. A quality Managed Services provider will also provide quality hardware solutions for your business. These include desktops, laptops, servers and printers. All of these are sourced and delivered directly to your business and installed by a technician, without you needing to visit a store.
VOIP Setup and Services
VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) setups allow the user to make a call directly from a computer. A VoIP phone or an adapter connected to a traditional phone also utilise internet connection to make these calls. The benefits include lower costs, increased accessibility, and portability.
Networking and Internet Services
A Managed IT service provider may provide internet and phone services. The benefits of using a provider presented to you by your MSP include onshore services and support, and an holistic network infrastructure for the entire network. This can then monitored, serviced and supported, by your MSP. This then eliminates the need to contact multiple agencies if/when an issue is identified.
Physical and Virtual servers, data hosting, and online backup
In addition to providing and deploying a physical server on-site, Managed IT Services can also provide Virtual servers, data hosting and online backup.
By utilising a virtual server, environmental factors are eliminated and with the ability to scale the requirements for your business, you can reduce overall expenditure by only using what you need.
In some cases, a physical server is required, these may be due to a software component your business runs, that isn’t accessible via a virtual server at this time.
Data hosting and online backup is essential. These services provide a secure location for all your business data and again, remove the human or environmental factors of backing up data locally (on-site).
360-degree network security, including malware and antivirus
A quality network security platform is paramount when running a business. Your Managed IT service provider will advise you of the top-tier platforms to use, of which have a yearly or monthly subscription.
Technology has become so advanced in anti-virus solutions in that they are able to not only identify an attack, but they can also block the attack as it is happening, not once an infection has taken place. This is especially crucial when malware such as ransomware has been deployed. Businesses can fork out thousands of dollars to retrieve their data after an attack like this. If they aren’t able to, an attack like this can cripple their business.
24/7 PC Monitoring
In addition to the physical aspects a Managed IT service provider can offer, there are many services they provide. These are subscription-based infrastructures, designed to monitor all of your network and devices. This monitoring will then identify an issue and will alert the MSP, who will take action and resolve the issue within hours.
Windows Update and patch automation, preventative maintenance, and cleaning
An MSP will also configure all devices onsite to ensure that all Windows updates and patches are managed. Any issues that are found will be resolved remotely.
Preventative maintenance of the devices on-site is also a service provided by an MSP. This then ensures you are notified of when a hard drive may be failing and can act prior to a crash, or other maintenance issues. Cleaning of devices is also generally included, which again helps maintain the productivity of the hardware on-site and its longevity.
Direct Support
Your MSP is your go-to. If you have an issue or query, or if you need to set up a new computer and email user, you only need to contact one place. You can contact your MSP via email or phone at any time. An SLA (Service Level Agreement) should be included in the plan, and you can have the requirement followed up within hours.
Monthly Reporting
An MSP can also provide you with monthly reporting. This will include items such as tickets that have been completed throughout the month, and actions that have been taken.
A list of the items that have been resolved and outstanding items will also be provided, along with items that still need attention or may need to be attended to in the future as a preventative measure.
Still unsure if Managed IT Services are for you? Contact us and we can provide a FREE on-site assessment of your business’s technology.
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