877.303.0480
Businesses are facing unprecedented challenges, especially when it comes to information technology (IT).
Introducing managed services providers (MSP) to your business can be like gaining an IT department without the hassles of training and paying a team. From saving costs to boosting security, there is a range of services you can outsource, freeing up time and energy that you can put towards your business instead.
Handing off tasks to an MSP makes operations easier for you and your team. Learn more about why you need managed IT services and the benefits of working with this type of provider.
What Is a Managed Service?
A managed service is any task outsourced to a third party, usually related to information technology. Managed service providers handle a predetermined set of services for a business on an ongoing basis. They have the task of updating and managing day-to-day tasks and undertakings.
Some of the greatest benefits of managed IT services include:
- Saving costs: Outsourcing your IT needs is more cost-effective than hiring a dedicated department.
- Boosted productivity: With around-the-clock support and security, your team can combat downtime and be more productive.
- Expertise: Working with a provider gives your business access to expert IT administrators and teams whenever they’re needed.
Top Business Challenges in 2022
The business landscape is constantly developing and changing. The following are some of the biggest challenges for businesses in 2022 and how managed services can help.
Attracting New Talent
In 2021, more than 47 million Americans quit their jobs, leading to what is now called the Great Resignation. Attracting and retaining employees became a major struggle for many companies. Labor shortages left businesses struggling to fulfill their daily needs.
To combat the challenges of attracting new talent, many organizations turned to managed service providers that could fill the gaps in their workforce. This, compounded with the current IT skills gap, has businesses turning to alternative options other than hiring their own IT department.
Plus, there is no need to spend time hiring and training IT professionals when you work with an MSP. Outsourcing can save businesses both time and money when it comes to attracting new talent.
Cybersecurity
In recent years, cyberattacks have become more elaborate and increasingly harmful. Threat actors are savvier than ever before, and cybersecurity has never been more important for businesses. About 43% of cyberattacks target small businesses, while only 14% feel prepared to protect their sensitive information.
The introduction of hybrid and remote workforces deepened the need for serious security measures. MSPs can oversee security and risk mitigation for your business. They can handle and monitor your data centers to proactively defend your business against cybercriminals and security threats.
Supply Chain Issues
Many factors, including labor shortages and bottlenecks, have complicated the supply chain over the last few years. Delays and disruptions can be costly for businesses. The complexity of working with multiple suppliers can be confusing and burdensome for companies already working to stay afloat during unprecedented times.
Working with an MSP can help companies streamline their management of multiple suppliers. You can hand over the administrative burdens associated with the supply chain and focus your attention on your business operations instead. Managed services are able to boost supply chain efficiency and give business owners peace of mind.
Managing Hybrid Workforces
The pandemic has altered workplace culture, leading more people than ever before to work remotely. In addition to finding workflows that help teams effectively do their jobs from home, businesses also face the need for new cybersecurity measures for employees working outside of the office.
People have different expectations when it comes to workplace culture than they did five years ago. They want the flexibility to work from home and in person at their discretion. They also want to feel engaged in their work. Introducing an MSP to your operations can help your business to outsource managerial responsibilities so you can better handle your hybrid workforce.
Ever-Evolving Technology
It’s no secret that technology is developing rapidly, and keeping up with all the changes can be very expensive.
The constant introduction of new technologies leads companies to reevaluate their processes and find the areas that they can make more efficient through automation and machine learning. Between cloud-based applications and heightened security risks, businesses often feel overwhelmed and underprepared.
Managed service providers offer businesses access to newer technology. This is paired with expert support so your team never has to spend time introducing this new tech to your team or training them on how to use it.
Hypercompetition
Business trends are changing. Hypercompetition is becoming more prevalent in many industries, heightened by increasing digitalization and consumer demand. Companies must find new tactics for setting themselves apart from their competitors in order to win over customers and talent. By ignoring the rapid changes in your industry, you risk being left behind.
MSPs can help take on some of your business’s day-to-day responsibilities so you can improve efficiencies and make your team more agile when changes occur. Additionally, managed services can make your company more scalable so you can pivot and find solutions to your business problems quickly.
Frequently Asked Questions
The following are a few common questions that business owners have regarding managed IT services:
What Industries Need Managed IT Services?
Today, many different kinds of businesses use various technologies to keep operations running smoothly. This creates a need for outsourced support and security. Managed IT service providers can benefit a wide range of industries, such as:
- Healthcare
- Education
- Government
- Retail
- Finances
- Manufacturing
- Property management
Why Invest in Managed IT Services?
There are many financial benefits to investing in managed IT services. Firstly, MSPs help keep downtime to a minimum, reducing costs and allowing your team to be more productive.
Working with an MSP allows companies immediate IT support and predictable expenses. Businesses can save costs by not having to house their own data centers or staff their own IT department. Plus, there is no need to spend on additional training and consulting. All in all, there are a lot of financial and operational advantages to investing in managed IT services.
Contact Focus Technology to Learn More
Why choose managed IT services from Focus Technology? We offer a complete suite of individualized management services that cater to your business’s unique needs. Our mission is to deliver comprehensive IT coverage to your business while supporting your operations with our expertise so your team can focus on the important things.
We have three comprehensive managed IT service offerings so you can find the right solution for your company, whether you need a turnkey IT department or are looking for data security.
Is your business interested in learning more about managed IT services? Contact us today!