A Managed IT Provider Improves Network Function for SMBs
Summary: This article explores the benefits of managed IT services for small businesses. Learn why using managed IT providers is a very cost-effective and robust option for SMBs compared to in-house IT support.
Who has time to focus on IT when running a small business? Operating an SMB takes a lot of work, and companies rightfully get caught up in driving their core business. However, ignoring IT issues until problems arise is a recipe for disaster. But if you do not have the resources to provide your own IT, what is your alternative? Fortunately, outsourced business IT services are an affordable option for SMBs.
What Are the Advantages of Managed IT Services?
- Cost-Effective – By engaging a managed IT provider, you can get state-of-the-art IT support for far less money than having an in-house IT department. The savings are not just from payroll expenditures. A managed IT provider will be equipped with the latest tools for maintaining, servicing and protecting your computer system. Because they own the support technology, your business will not have to invest in hardware, network diagnostics and software you might need for an occasional problem. IT professionals will also be aware of the available, up-to-the-minute, new support technology.
- Less Distractions from Your Core Business – Anything that distracts a small business owner from the core operations of their business costs time and money. SMB owners cannot be expected to know everything required to support their computer network. They must keep focused on the daily business operations that drive revenue and grow sales. Freedom of time and focus is one of the most significant benefits of managed IT services.
- Improved Cyber Security – Cybercrime has skyrocketed over the past few years. It is estimated that 60 percent of small businesses are confronted with cyberattacks each year. A professional managed IT provider will be knowledgeable about current cyber security threats and how best to protect against them. Ransomware and phishing attacks are rampant in today’s cybercrime landscape. Without continuous robust protection, many SMBs will suffer an attack, and the sad fact is that many of those attacked will be forced out of business within six months of the attack. These businesses cannot recover from the data loss and ongoing liability costs that result from an attack.
Another essential benefit of managed IT services is that in the event of a cyberattack, managed IT providers can address the threat and quickly get your business operational and fully functional. Your company’s data is a precious commodity that demands the best possible protection. Managed IT providers can ensure your data, network and devices are locked down.
- Emergency Professional Service 24/7/365 – Outsourced IT for SMBs is available when needed. Whether you are working through the night on a deadline or traveling in another time zone, a managed IT provider will be available if problems arise. With a comprehensive IT support plan in place, you will never have to feel you’re on your own if faced with a computer problem. If you are working from your home or home office and your managed IT expert cannot repair an issue online, they can come on site to perform the necessary diagnostics and repair.
- Consistent Monitoring Improves Network Function – A secure network is a strong sign of a healthy, updated computer system. If your network is not maintained, its speed, security and efficiency can dwindle, impacting the functionality of your business operations. An important feature of network support is that a managed IT expert can continuously monitor your network, predict problems and cyber threats and address them as soon as possible. Your hardware and software might be excellent, but if your network fails, it won’t matter. No network, no business.
- Training Employees – As is often the case, humans are the weakest link in supporting a fully functional computer system. Untrained employees can damage hardware and software and, worst of all, expose your company to cyberthreats. Your staff cannot be expected to protect your system if they have not been fully trained in best practices from the time they are hired. One of the benefits of managed IT services is that employees can get professional training and receive ongoing updated cybersecurity and new product training as your business grows. By mandating computer network best practices, as outlined by your managed IT professional, you can dramatically reduce the chances of many dangerous user errors. To be successful, everyone in your company must support your IT maintenance and security, turning the biggest business data security threat into the best data security defense.
- Scalability – As your company grows, your IT needs will increase. A great benefit of managed IT services for small businesses is that the services provided are scalable to your needs. You needn’t add employees to an IT department when using managed IT. Your managed IT professionals can stay current with new requirements for your growing company. Also, if you downsize, your costs decrease since most managed service providers charge by the computer “seat.”
Conclusions About Managed IT Providers
A managed IT provider improves network function – interoperability, seamlessness and better tech solutions – and affords small business owners a welcome confidence in the IT components necessary to operate their businesses. Unless you own an IT company, worrying about secure network protection, speed, efficiency and computer system functionality is not in your field of expertise. A baker might know how to bake a great cake but not how to maintain and fix an oven. By outsourcing your SMB’s IT to managed IT professionals, you can keep your business operating at its full potential.