Managed IT services offer businesses specialized expertise, increased efficiency, and access to the latest technology. By outsourcing IT tasks, companies can focus on core activities while benefiting from enhanced security and system reliability – but what are managed IT services exactly?
Managed IT services involve outsourcing the management and maintenance of a company’s IT infrastructure and end-user systems to a third-party provider, ensuring continuous support, proactive monitoring, and improved operational efficiency.
“Cost-effectiveness is usually cited as one of the main reasons why businesses outsource IT. While an MSP contract does add an additional cost to your budget, the long-term results are well-worth the investment!” – Adam Radulovic, CEO of XL.net.
Clearly, using managed IT is an increasingly popular trend in business. 73% of companies outsource at least some of their IT functions to a managed service provider. This number is expected to grow. By 2025, the global managed services market is projected to reach $410.92 billion.
To help explain this growing trend, this article will explore managed IT services’ meaning and why more and more business leaders are choosing managed services instead of other forms of IT outsourcing.
Managed IT Definition
Managed IT services involve delegating IT tasks and responsibilities to external organizations, often referred to as managed services providers (MSPs). This partnership allows businesses to offload day-to-day IT management so they can focus on their core competencies without being bogged down by IT issues.
Want to Reduce Your Recurring In-House Costs by 40%?
Choose managed IT services instead of break-fix IT support!
What is an IT Managed Services Provider?
An IT managed services provider (MSP) is a third-party company that delivers a wide range of IT services and solutions. These providers manage a business’s IT infrastructure and end-user systems on a proactive basis.
MSPs offer services like network management, data backup and recovery, cybersecurity solutions, and helpdesk support. By partnering with an MSP, businesses can access expertise and technology that might be too costly or complex to maintain in-house.
How Managed Services Work
Managed services operate on a subscription model. Businesses pay a regular fee for the services provided by the MSP. This relationship typically includes the following elements.
| Assessment | The MSP conducts a thorough assessment of the business’s current IT infrastructure to identify needs and vulnerabilities. |
| Implementation | The MSP integrates its tools and processes into the business’s existing IT framework to optimize performance and security. |
| Ongoing Management | The MSP continuously monitors, manages, and supports the IT infrastructure while providing regular updates and addressing any issues as they arise. |
| Reporting | The MSP provides regular reports on system performance, security incidents, and other relevant metrics to keep the business informed. |
What Managed Services Can Offer That Other Forms of IT Outsourcing Cannot
1. Proactive Monitoring & Support
MSPs offer proactive monitoring and support, which distinguishes them from traditional IT outsourcing models. This means that they provide continuous monitoring of IT systems to identify and resolve issues before they impact business operations. This proactive approach reduces downtime and enhances productivity.
2. Precise Solutions
MSPs deliver highly technical solutions that help you meet your unique business goals. By working closely with clients to understand their IT requirements and challenges, MSPs align their work with your business objectives. This level of precision ensures businesses get the results they need to succeed.
3. Predictable Costs
MSPs provide a stable and transparent subscription-based pricing model. The consistent pricing structure of MSPs offers financial stability and enables strategic allocation of resources. As a result, businesses can budget their IT expenses more effectively and avoid additional costs for emergency repairs or upgrades.
| Learn More About Managed IT Services From XL.net |
4. Rapid Scalability
MSPs allow businesses to quickly adjust their IT resources in response to changing needs. Whether scaling up during periods of growth or reducing services when demand decreases, MSPs can efficiently deploy additional resources or technology without the need for a significant investment in new infrastructure.
5. Access to Cutting-Edge Technology
MSPs invest in the latest technology. As a result, businesses have access to cutting-edge solutions that may not be feasible to maintain in-house. This access helps businesses stay competitive and efficient for a comparatively lower cost than purchasing these solutions off-the-shelf.
6. Comprehensive Reporting & Insights
MSPs provide detailed reporting and insights into IT performance and operations. Regular reports offer businesses a clear view of system performance, security status, and potential areas for improvement or cost savings. These insights enable informed decision-making and strategic planning.
7. Vendor Management Assistance
MSPs often act as a single point of contact for all technology-related vendors. This simplifies the management of multiple technology relationships and ensures that businesses receive the best possible services and pricing from their vendors.
| Find Your Ideal MSP in Illinois! |
Why Choose XL.net For Your Managed IT Services
Opting for the managed services model is generally a more effective choice than many other forms of IT outsourcing. However, you still need to do your due diligence to ensure that you choose a partner who can truly help support your needs. As CloudSecureTech points out, there are over 40,000 MSPs on the market and that number is always growing.
XL.net offers high-end IT services that should help. Clients who choose XL.net enjoy an average 79.8% reduction in both IT issues and cybersecurity risks. That’s because our managed services include enterprise-grade data protection and our IT support team can solve 99% of issues with just one call!
Contact us today to see for yourself!