Benefits of Cloud Managed Services

Today’s business operations function quite differently than in the past several years, and cloud managed services have become an integral part of every business strategy.

Contemporary businesses have a broader reach, an online presence, and a collection of data to protect.

From the smallest local dental clinic to the largest oil and gas conglomeration, every business has a need for cloud services.

With most businesses making the shift to the cloud, how do you manage all the data stored there?

  • Do you even know where your data is being stored?
  • How do you keep your data secure, prevent data loss, and manage access to the information?
  • How do you know your data is being stored in such a way that you are protected?
  • Is your data even staying in Canada?

Cloud managed services can help ensure that you know where your data is and how it’s being protected.

What Are Managed Cloud Services?

Cloud managed services are outsourced IT solutions that help manage your cloud hosting and storage. This helps to ensure that the best data management and security protocols are in place.

Cloud managed service providers (MSPs) take care of the heavy lifting, ranging from full cloud deployment and hosting to providing offsite backup and other cloud services.

Cloud managed services allow you to shift the cost and responsibility of the physical data storage and processing from your business.

They also help free up your time so that you can focus on taking care of your customers and your business.

Businesses are shifting to cloud services because of the remarkably efficient way in which it delivers infrastructure without requiring a costly investment in owned and maintained hardware.

What Is a Managed Cloud Service Provider?

Managing costs and having the flexibility to adapt quickly are two essentials for successful business operations in the 21st century.

Whether you have 20 employees running applications on virtual servers or 20,000, a cloud managed service provider possesses extensive knowledge to support your environment at an effective cost.

A cloud MSP specializes in IT.

This means they can ensure that your cloud deployment, hosting, and data storage operate efficiently and securely.

They can also deliver agile and scalable access to powerful computing resources while helping you choose the proper solution that aligns with your business goals.

11 Benefits of Cloud Managed Services

Moving to the cloud does not automatically make your data secure. There are many details that must be taken into consideration.

Managed cloud hosting providers know where servers are located, what kind of security your data requires to meet compliance regulations, and how to deploy the cloud hosting efficiently.

  • What are the benefits of cloud managed services?
  • Can managed cloud services improve your cloud experience?

Here are some of the biggest benefits of working with a cloud managed service provider.

  1. Improved Cybersecurity

Your business – no matter the size – is not immune to cyberattack.

The speed and sophistication with which cybercriminals are targeting even smaller businesses is alarming.

However, when you work with a managed cloud service provider, extra layers of security are built into your network to help mitigate attacks.

  1. Flat-Rate Spending

It’s challenging to plan and pivot if you have unexpected infrastructure costs throughout the year.

By partnering with a managed cloud services provider, you can scale the services you have without investing in more servers or paying the associated maintenance costs they demand.

If you have a sudden increase or decrease in business, you can adjust your cloud services accordingly and be more responsive to your customers’ needs.

  1. Avoid High Infrastructure Costs

The expense of maintaining your own servers consists of maintaining the equipment, as well as the costly utility bills to keep the servers cool and operational.

In comparison, cloud services are inexpensive.

Cloud services are a predictable fixed monthly cost with no unexpected charges for server repairs or unplanned infrastructure investments. It makes business planning much easier.

Outsourcing your cloud hosting to a local managed cloud services provider like The ITeam ensures that your data is stored in Calgary-based, state-of-the-art facilities.

You receive the best network infrastructure without having to make expensive capital investments to get them.

  1. Better Uptime

Whether you have a small IT department or none at all, the last thing you need to worry about is dedicating your resources to network monitoring.

With managed cloud services, you no longer  have to allocate your internal IT people to making sure the network stays up.

A cloud MSP is on call 24/7 to ensure optimum uptime so you can focus on your core business operations.

  1. Agile Business Operations

Businesses today must have the ability to quickly respond to changes in their industries.

When you operate your business in the cloud and work with a cloud managed services provider, your business becomes more agile.

As a business leader, you become capable of making rapid adjustments to economic, social, and logistical factors to keep your business competitive.

  1. Improve Compliance

If you’re a dental office, healthcare provider, financial institution, law firm, or any kind of business that must adhere to industry regulations, utilizing managed cloud services is one way to ensure you’re meeting those compliance requirements effectively.

The ITeam’s cloud servers are built to meet compliance requirements in Canada, with all of the proper security and technology in place to protect not only your data but that of your customers and patients.

  1. Extend the Skills of Your IT Department

Even if you have a great IT team, they may be inexperienced in areas where your business needs deep insight.

By partnering with a managed cloud services provider, you also gain access to a team of top-notch IT professionals who can help fill skill gaps and cover for shortages in staffing on your own team.

Additionally, a cloud MSP can work with your IT team to offer advice on how to best align your IT strategy and business goals.

  1. Disaster Recovery Support

What would happen to your business if an employee inadvertently clicked a link that installed ransomware on your network?

Would you be forced to pay an exorbitant ransom, or would you be able to call your managed cloud services partner and restore your data from offsite backups?

Data breaches put companies out of business every day. You don’t have to become a statistic.

By working with a managed cloud services provider in the event that you do become a victim of ransomware, we can help you quickly recover. You can shut down your network – and the cybercriminal – and we’ll help you restore your data from isolated cloud backups.

  1. Minimal Downtime

Downtime costs your company money.

Whether you have a new hire who needs swiftly onboarded or a patch that needs to be applied to every computer in your network, your cloud managed services provider can adeptly deploy the technology for you.

This will minimize downtime and streamline processes.

  1. Competing Effectively with Larger Companies

Small businesses often struggle to compete with the bigger budgets of larger organizations.

But SMEs experience an equalizing effect when they move to the cloud, because doing so gives small businesses access to the same powerful solutions large organizations use.

Managed cloud hosting providers help guide SMEs through the process of securing cloud hosting and services that make them more competitive with their larger counterparts.

  1. Peace of Mind

Data security is top of mind for every business leader. Knowing how to secure data remains one of the biggest challenges.

Cloud managed service providers provide a robust and comprehensive set of solutions that includes cybersecurity, asset lifecycle management, and 24/7 security monitoring.

Early threat detection, dependable patching, and sophisticated data protection keep your business more secure.

Cloud Services Make Cents

Companies are shifting to cloud services because it makes sense.

Cost predictability leads to better long-term planning. Better long-term planning leads to better agility.

Better agility leads to the ability to be more competitive and responsive to customer needs. And that all leads to better profitability.

When you stop having to think about managing your IT, you can focus on the part of your business that attracts and retains your customers.

Leave the Heavy Lifting to Us

Your IT Support provider should be able to offer fully managed and customized cloud services with secure storage in a Calgary-based secure facility with 24/7 monitoring.

Cloud services are not a one-size-fits-all solution.

The ITeam will work with your Calgary- or Alberta-based business to customize a cost-effective solution and help you develop a comprehensive cloud services plan that will ensure the continuity and competitive edge you need.

To learn more about how The ITeam can help you make the shift to cloud services, contact us for a free consultation.