Is your IT overwhelming you? Managed IT services could be the solution
Managing and monitoring their IT is a challenge for many companies. There is a lack of resources to set up an in-house support team that is up to the task. Managed IT services offer a solution, with external specialists taking over individual areas of IT through to complete IT operations. Find out here what Managed IT Services actually are, what advantages they offer and whether the model is also worthwhile for you.
What are Managed IT Services?
Managed IT services refer to the outsourcing of certain IT tasks or responsibilities to external service providers, known as managed service providers (MSPs). Companies opt for managed services to manage their IT infrastructure more efficiently, control costs and focus on their core business while benefiting from the expertise of external specialists. Among other things, it saves decision-makers the effort and responsibility of recruiting IT specialists for the company and implementing an internal IT department.
Both large corporations and SMEs are making use of managed IT services. One of the main reasons for the increasing demand in recent years is the growing requirements in IT – particularly due to the increasing digitalization of the working world – while at the same time it is becoming increasingly difficult to find suitable specialist staff. Outsourcing to an expert is an attractive alternative here.
9 signs that your company can benefit from managed IT services
We have summarized for you the 9 typical signs that indicate that you and your company could benefit from Managed IT Services. Do you recognize yourself in some (or even all) of these points?
1) You suffer from frequent IT failures
2) IT tasks and projects are delayed
3) Your IT infrastructure becomes too complex for internal expertise
4) Your IT team is drowning in support requests from the specialist departments
5) Your IT team has just enough time to take care of operational tasks
6) You have difficulties expanding your IT team due to a shortage of skilled workers
7) Your IT infrastructure has long been in need of modernization
8) You would like to use new technologies (e.g. scalable cloud services), but you lack the necessary expertise
9) You have already had one or even several cases of data loss
Advantages of Managed IT Services
Managed IT services offer many advantages for companies that want to manage their IT infrastructure more efficiently and effectively. We have summarized the most important ones for you.
Proactive monitoring and maintenance
Managed service providers continuously monitor the IT infrastructure to identify and resolve potential problems at an early stage. This enables proactive maintenance that minimizes downtime and improves overall performance.
Cost efficiency
Managed services enable better cost control, also because they are often based on a subscription model – keyword “Software as a Service” (SaaS). You can therefore plan your IT expenditure better, as you have fixed monthly costs and are not confronted with unexpected expenses for rectifying problems.
Focus on core competencies
By outsourcing IT management to an MSP, you can focus on your core business areas without having to worry about the technological aspects. This enables improved efficiency and productivity in primary business activities.
Security and compliance
MSPs should have specialized knowledge in IT security and compliance. They can implement advanced security measures and ensure that your company complies with applicable regulations and standards.
Scalability
Managed services are usually scalable, which means that you can easily add or reduce additional resources or services as requirements change. This allows flexibility to adapt to the growth or decline of your business.
Access to expertise
MSPs have a wide range of IT expertise and can draw on a team of experts. You therefore benefit from this know-how without having to carry out extensive training yourself or hire your own staff.
Reduction of downtimes
Managed IT services can minimize downtime by proactively monitoring and responding quickly to potential problems. This leads to higher availability of IT systems and services.
Improved resource utilization
MSPs can use resources more efficiently by optimizing the utilization of hardware, software and networks. For the IT infrastructure, this means improved performance and efficiency.
Overall, Managed IT Services provide a strategic approach to IT management that helps organizations better manage their technology environment, reduce costs and focus on their strategic goals.
Are managed IT services also worthwhile for SMEs?
Yes, definitely. Managed IT services can be particularly useful for small and medium-sized companies, as they often do not have the resources to maintain an in-house IT department with extensive expertise. A managed service provider can offer a cost-effective solution that still provides access to highly qualified IT experts. The flexible pricing and service models of managed service providers also contribute to this.
Traditional IT service provider vs. managed service provider: what’s the difference?
There are clear differences between a managed service provider and a traditional IT service provider. However, it should be noted that the terms are not strictly delineated and there may be overlaps in the services offered.
1. scope of services
A managed service provider usually offers comprehensive, proactive services to manage a company’s entire IT infrastructure. In particular, this includes monitoring, maintenance, security and support. These are therefore usually recurring services, such as user management, regular backup tasks and/or long-term archiving.
IT service providers, on the other hand, are usually consulted in the event of a one-off problem. This could be a server failure or a case of data loss, for example.
2. proactive vs. reactive action
An MSP usually acts proactively and implements preventative measures to avoid problems in advance. This can include, for example, the regular monitoring of systems and the implementation of security patches. This preventative mindset is advantageous for both the company and the managed service provider itself, as they look after the IT systems themselves: After all, they look after the IT systems themselves and therefore have an interest in avoiding problems and the associated additional costs.
An IT service provider can of course also adopt this mentality, but does not necessarily do so. Instead, their actions are reactive: they are commissioned when a problem already exists. It is not their job to avoid problems, but to solve them.
3. on-site vs. remote service
While traditional IT service providers usually work on your premises, managed service providers mainly provide their services remotely. Most MSPs use cloud technologies for this. This means that if you commission a managed service provider, you do not have to accommodate additional staff on your premises and provide work resources, for example.
Managed IT Services by dataglobal Group
The dataglobal Group’s Managed IT Services provide you with individual solutions for your IT systems. Our colleagues will take care of all your IT operations relating to data centers, operating systems, data control, user management and your dg Group applications.
We have been active as an MSP for over 25 years and successfully take over the IT operations of our customers in the DACH region. Across all industries and regardless of company size.
Conclusion
Managed IT services are worthwhile for many companies, whether SMEs or large corporations. The advantages are obvious:
- Cost savings
- Access to IT expertise
- Good scalability
- Reduction of IT downtimes
- Improved resource utilization
- No need to set up your own IT department
But above all: finally more time for the core business.
Have you found yourself and your company in this blog post? If so, now is the time to find the right managed service provider for your individual requirements. Arrange a non-binding consultation with our experts now – we will be happy to advise you in detail on all questions relating to Managed IT Services and Managed Services for ECM.