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5 Reason to use Fully Managed IT services

Adam Harling Nov 9, 2020 12:00:00 AM
Business People Design Architecture Ideas Concept

Today, almost all businesses are IT-reliant, and the proliferation of systems and software means keeping on top of the updates can be a full-time task. Ensuring that components (actual and virtual) interact reliably makes the quality of your IT infrastructure management a critical risk factor for many businesses.

Types of IT Services

You can generally split the IT support services into three categories: Ad-hoc, Pre-purchased support hours and Managed Services. So, which suits your business the best? Let’s break them down.

Ad-hoc IT Services

Ad-Hoc support is usually ideal for smaller businesses, chargeable by the hour, so they don’t have to sign contracts. This may work for you if your downtime is relatively short due to fast, responsive action by your IT support company.

That said, the problems with downtime in a micro business, SME or corporation are essentially the same. When you can’t work, you can’t earn, and your business is vulnerable if you are not available through your computers. For example, a study by the British Chambers of Commerce discovered that 93% of the companies that had a data loss for over ten days went bankrupt within a year, and half filed immediately.

Read our blog on “Why do you need a Backup & Disaster Recovery plan? “

What’s more, as your business grows, it will need more and more reliance on IT and ICT to function – that’s how it is. The larger your computer infrastructure and network, the more devices you have – the more serious the consequences if it all fails. This is where you’ll benefit from managed IT support.

Pre-purchased support hours

As it says on the tin, you pay for a block of support hours. You could use your hours to migrate to the cloud, desktop support or whatever you need.

Today, due to its enormity and pervasiveness in every business and home, the internet delivers more than just emails and websites; it’s constantly fueled with viruses, ransomware and Trojans attempting to extort and steal from businesses like yours. So, while block hours could save you money, if you run into a significant issue such as a data breach, just like Ad-hoc – it could cause irreparable damage to your business.

Managed IT Services

A threat level this intense means your business IT and computers require constant monitoring to remain protected and to avoid the dangers of your data being exploited. This threat environment firmly tips the favour towards the 24/7 remote threat monitoring and the access to experts that you have with Managed Services Providers.

The proactive nature of Managed Services means problems are often prevented before you even notice them.

When you sign up for a Managed IT service, you adopt an outsourced IT department to take full responsibility for the organisation’s IT function. You’ll typically pay a fixed monthly fee for the continual management of IT systems, which is even better than having your own dedicated IT department on-site because it’s more value for money, with fewer overheads and includes enterprise-level protection and services.

The type of relationship you have with your Managed IT partner is often seen as reactive. However, strategic planning with an MSP will keep a business competitive and mitigate risks associated with changing technologies, ever-evolving security threats and disaster situations. Plus, all the daily firefighting and wrestling with IT issues are tackled by your IT partner, leaving you to focus on what matters.

Take an in-depth look behind why BR Hodgson chose our Fully Managed IT Support,  read our case study.

What does a Fully Managed IT service offer?

Keep your data safe and secure

Losing IT capability due to technical, human or natural disasters for any length of time means downtime for your staff, which may devastate your business. If you suffer data loss – including client data – you are losing one of your most important business assets. The critical nature of business data can be overlooked, and often its importance is only realised when it’s too late. By embracing the latest cloud-based solutions, managed clients’ business data is safe and secure, no matter what disruptive event may occur.

Enhance your cyber security

An estimated 70% of cyber-attacks are specifically targeted towards small businesses, with almost half of small companies have already experienced a cyber-attack. Therefore, cybersecurity is a prime reason for IT systems to be managed and monitored. In addition, many industries, defence and aerospace amongst them, now have specific cybersecurity compliance as part of the entry price. Understanding and implementing those requirements is a key role for an IT service provider.

Read our blog on “Why does your business need Cyber Essentials? “

Ensure you keep up with the latest technology

With IT moving inexorably to the cloud and data storage and processing requirements outstripping traditional hardware, a managed IT solution eliminates the need for costly capital outlay on servers and licenses. The system can grow with your business, meaning you can make plans knowing that the IT will grow with you at a predictable cost.

Predictable and reliable IT operations

Keeping the updates up to date is key to the successful operation of any IT system. Having a planned maintenance and optimisation schedule means that your key team members can rely on the system working without waiting hours for a new update to install. In addition, the out-of-hours service provided by an IT management service will ensure that your system is guarded against any problems that may arise around the clock.

Simplify and optimise systems

Many larger IT systems have evolved, meaning they have become over-complicated and time-consuming to manage. Involving external support to audit the system to troubleshoot it and implement a plan to simplify and improve it.

Check out our blog: "What are the main benefits of Managed IT Services for your business? “

Very few businesses operate without a department watching over the business's finances, which are often supplemented with external accountants and auditors. In the same way, a fully managed IT service will work with your existing IT resources to provide a proactive approach to your IT infrastructure management and growth. Get in touch if you want to learn more about what Netitude can offer your business.

Have a query? Contact the team today!