Frequently Asked Questions About Managed IT Services (Network Administration)
Freequently asked Questions
Managed services in IT, provided by a “Managed Services Provider” (MSP), are one of
the leading ways modern businesses keep their IT systems secure from cyber threats.
Typically, managed services in IT include around-the-clock cyber threat monitoring
and prevention, after-hours security patching and updates, and detailed reporting on
IT security over a specified timeframe (like a month). Beyond that, most MSPs
provide additional services, such as on-site support, business continuity, or
software licensing management, but all MSPs are different. It’s best to ask every
MSP what they offer.
There’s no such thing as “standardized pricing” for managed IT services because many
MSPs intentionally make it hard to understand what they offer. In many cases,
comparing MSPs in terms of price can feel like comparing apples and… orangutans. To
find the right MSP at the right price for your needs, your best bet is to find the
rare MSP that offers all-in, fixed-fee pricing with no hidden costs. When you find
that combo, give yourself a high five for your awesome research skills.
…By the way, SynoForce Inc, happens to offer exactly that combo (plus endless free high-fives), so you know where to start looking.
…By the way, SynoForce Inc, happens to offer exactly that combo (plus endless free high-fives), so you know where to start looking.
The main benefits of managed IT services are peace of mind and lower overall
technology costs. Peace of mind because you know that your data is
secure from ~99%
of cyberattacks (there’s no such thing as 100% security) and because you can call
for IT support any time you need it. The lower overall costs often surprise business
leaders who don’t realize that data breaches, non-compliance, and business downtime
are costly. When it comes to managed IT services, an ounce of prevention is more
cost-effective than a pound of cure.
Simply put: most organizations use managed IT services because modern
cybersecurity is a pain in the neck. Securing your networks and devices
takes constant attention to the most minuscule details on a daily basis.
Cybersecurity has high stakes too: even one single missed detail has the potential
to let malicious hackers into your systems. Even if you have an in-house IT team to
handle your business technology, they might not have the time to painstakingly focus
on security day in and day out. Most in-house teams are too busy putting out fires
to keep up with comprehensive cybersecurity.
We’re not going to lie: it takes time and hard work to choose a managed IT
services provider – but there are ways you can speed up the process.
Start by identifying which IT services you need (such as business continuity,
software licensing, or mobile device management), compile a short list of MSPs that
provide those services, and then start making calls and taking notes. Handy tips:
- Call the MSPs that other business leaders recommend
- Don’t call the MSPs that other business leaders hate
- Start here
When comparing managed IT services vs. break/fix, the word you want to keep
in mind is
“proactive.” Break/fix companies provide
traditional IT
services: you break your technology, they come and
fix it for you. But with the rise of cybercrime these days,
malicious hackers make their money by breaking your tech – and it’s not always
possible to fix what they destroy. Managed IT services proactively prevent ~99% of
breakage and cyberattacks by keeping your systems up to date and secure around the
clock. Of course, the best MSPs will also roll up their sleeves and get to work
fixing your systems when you need them to, which means that managed IT services
providers are often break/fix providers too.
When considering IT managed services vs. staff augmentation, keep in mind
that managed IT services provide comprehensive support for all your technology,
without you having to lift a finger. Staff augmentation provides an
outsourced IT team that your in-house IT team can call in when they need additional
help. Staff augmentation is handy when undertaking large, multifaceted IT projects,
such as moving to Office 365 or installing a new VoIP (internet phone) system. IT
managed services are best for business leaders who don’t have the resources to hire
a full-time, 24/7, in-house staff plus additional contractors.
Trying to decide between managed services vs. consulting?
Professionals in both focus areas will help you determine the best business
technology to support your company’s future, and both will implement that technology
for you. Here’s how they differ: Though a consultant typically walks away at the end
of an implementation or other engagement, a managed services provider (MSP) will
support your company’s IT for years to come, developing a long-term relationship
that keeps your technology working well, worry-free.
