Cybersecurity is important for all modern businesses. The risks posed by spam, malware, and data breaches grow as criminals find new ways to exploit companies and their employees. However, small businesses can rarely protect themselves from attackers on their own. This is where a managed services provider truly shines. They allow companies of all scales to rest assured that their technology is always up to date and secure. But how do you choose the right managed services provider for your unique needs?
Related Blog: Benefits of Fully Managed IT Services
What Is a Managed Services Provider?
Cybercrime is on the rise around the world. According to IBM, data breaches cost companies an average of $4.24 million in 2021 alone, a 10% increase from the preview year. Global cybercrime is expected to reach over $10 trillion annually by 2025, making it more profitable than the entire illegal drug trade.
There is a clear need for companies to take a proactive approach to cybersecurity and information technology (IT). Those that fail to do so put themselves at significant risk of downtime, data breaches, and intellectual property theft. Unfortunately, IT is a complex field, and it takes years of training and experience to learn the ropes. Most startups, entrepreneurs, and small businesses simply don’t have the resources needed to effectively combat cyberthreats and troubleshoot their own IT issues.
A managed services provider (MSP) steps up to bridge this gap. It can effectively take the weight of IT management and cybersecurity off a company’s shoulders, allowing them to focus on their core business model. The right MSP is affordable and effective at any scale, and they’re always available to help with both major and minor IT issues at a moment’s notice.
What to Look for in a Managed Services Provider
Modern companies have diverse technology needs, and managed service providers gladly take the guesswork out of IT support. The right MSP will offer a wide range of services, from procurement and installation to network management and disaster recovery.
1. Comprehensive IT Solutions
When it comes to IT, a managed services provider should be able to handle just about anything you throw at them. Whether you’re just getting started, moving to a new location, or looking to expand your team’s capabilities, the right MSP will have the tools and training needed to meet your unique goals.
Look for one that provides network monitoring, hardware and software installation, unified communications, helpdesk assistance, cybersecurity training, and mobile device management for BYOD. Make sure they also offer hardware procurement, security assessments, spam filtering, firewall updates, cloud computing, and advanced incident response systems.
2. 24/7 Availability
IT issues can arise anytime without warning. For instance, a laptop may crash before a scheduled meeting, or phone systems may disconnect during important calls. When disaster strikes, you don’t want to be left scrambling for solutions on your own.
A managed services provider is available whenever you need them. Ideally, they’ll allow you to send a support request through any of several communication channels. The right MSP offers 24/7 comprehensive IT solutions for their clients during peak times, after-hours, and even on holidays. That way, your team is never without professional IT support when they need it most.
3. Affordability
Small businesses tend to run a tight ship. They’re acutely aware of expenses, revenue, and how to stay within their margins. This means any added costs will be highly scrutinized, even if they address a critical need like cybersecurity.
Managed services are quite affordable considering all that they entail. The best MSPs offer comprehensive IT support and various cybersecurity solutions at a flat, monthly rate. Find one that doesn’t charge extra for service calls, installation, routine backups, and after-hours maintenance. Over time, they’ll effectively pay for themselves by reducing costs associated with downtime, troubleshooting, and outdated systems upkeep.
Our Managed Services
There’s no need to settle when it comes to IT support. We provide versatile managed services for companies of any scale and technical complexity. If you’re looking for the right managed services provider, then we welcome you to reach out for more information. Our team has decades of experience optimizing the technologies of companies just like yours.
