Why are managed services important? More importantly, what can go wrong if you don’t have managed services for your organization? Managed IT services offer your organization the ability to control chaos more effectively.
Why Calgary Organizations Avoid Managed Services
There are many reasons Calgary businesses may hesitate to invest in managed services, but the ROI of investing in managed IT far outweighs the risk of not partnering with a managed service provider (MSP).
Cost of Managed IT
Many organizations that choose not to invest in managed IT services do so mainly because of cost. In the short term, the cost savings may seem attractive – until the first data breach or ransomware attack. At that point, especially if your organization has limited expertise in-house, the cost of not having an MSP will become apparent.
Control Over IT
Some companies avoid outsourcing IT because they worry about losing control of their data or they hesitate to trust a third party with access to their networks. There may indeed be the sense that you’re maintaining control over the decision-making process, but the right MSP partner will work with you to align your IT strategy to your business strategy and growth plan, listening to your needs and customizing your services.
Reliance on External Solutions
Some organizations worry that if they invest in managed IT, they’ll be affiliated with one company or locked into one contract for too long. The relationship that an organization has with a trusted MSP can be beneficial and cost-effective.
The Challenges of Managing IT Operations In-House
Managing IT operations in-house can be a daunting task. From dealing with hardware failures and software updates to ensuring data security and managing user support, the responsibilities can quickly become overwhelming.
One of the biggest challenges is the constant need for maintenance and troubleshooting. When an issue arises, it often requires immediate attention and the need to divert resources, causing disruptions in other areas of the business. This reactive approach not only hampers productivity but also increases the risk of critical failures.
Additionally, the rapidly evolving technology landscape makes it difficult for businesses to keep up with the latest trends and advancements. Without the necessary expertise and resources, staying up to date with software updates, security patches, and emerging technologies can be a significant challenge.
Why Managed Services Are Important: What Could Go Wrong without Managed IT?
When an organization chooses to manage their IT infrastructure needs in-house, they must invest in the necessary equipment and they must staff accordingly, ensuring that their IT professionals have vital knowledge and industry awareness. These efforts can divert focus away from critical business operations. Without managed services in place, many organizations end up struggling in the following ways:
Limited Expertise
Most businesses lack the specialized expertise required to effectively manage complex IT infrastructure, security, and other critical systems. This deficit can lead to inefficient operations, security vulnerabilities, and higher costs in the long run.
Increased Downtime
Without proactive monitoring and maintenance, businesses may experience more frequent and prolonged downtime due to technical issues or system failures.
Cybersecurity Risks
Managing cybersecurity in-house can be challenging, and businesses may be more vulnerable to cyberattacks, data breaches, and other cyber threats.
Resource Drain
Trying to manage IT and other critical functions internally can divert valuable resources, including time, money, and manpower, away from core business activities.
Scalability Issues
Organizations without managed services in place may struggle to scale their operations efficiently without the flexibility that managed IT can offer.
Compliance Challenges
Industries with strict regulatory requirements, such as healthcare or finance, may find it difficult to maintain compliance without the specialized expertise and resources provided by managed services.
Lack of Focus on Core Competencies
Managing non-core functions can distract businesses from their primary missions and hinder their ability to innovate and compete effectively.
Missed Opportunities
Without the latest technologies and strategies that managed service providers often bring, businesses might miss out on opportunities for growth and cost savings.
Overcoming Operational Challenges with Managed Services
By leveraging managed services, Calgary businesses can overcome these challenges and realize a multitude of benefits. You gain access to a team of experts with specialized knowledge and experience in managing IT operations who are dedicated to ensuring the smooth functioning of your technology infrastructure. They can monitor your systems round the clock, proactively identifying and resolving issues before they escalate into major problems. This proactive approach minimizes downtime and ensures that your business operations run smoothly.
Managed Services Reduce Cybersecurity Risks
Managed service providers are well-versed in the latest cybersecurity threats and best practices. They can implement robust security measures, such as firewalls, antivirus software, encryption, and threat detection, to protect your sensitive data from unauthorized access and potential breaches.
From Chaos to Control: How Managed Services Can Streamline Your Operations
Managed services have revolutionized the way businesses operate, by providing comprehensive and proactive support for their IT and operational needs. By leveraging managed services, you can gain a competitive edge in the market.
Benefits of Using Managed Services
Managed services offer a range of features designed to optimize your operations and improve efficiency. Here are some key features you can expect from a reputable managed service provider.
Focus on Core Operations
Managed IT services allow businesses to focus on core operations without being distracted by IT concerns. This enables them to allocate more time and resources to strategic growth and revenue-generating activities.
Cost Effectiveness
Managed IT services often provide cost savings when compared to the expense of hiring and maintaining an in-house IT team. Organizations can benefit from economies of scale and access to specialized expertise without the overhead costs of a full-time staff.
Proactive Maintenance
Managed IT providers offer proactive maintenance and monitoring of IT systems. They can identify and address potential issues before they become major problems, minimizing downtime and productivity losses.
Cybersecurity
Cybersecurity threats are a constant concern for businesses. Managed IT services can implement robust security measures, including firewalls, antivirus software, and regular security updates, to protect against data breaches and other cyberattacks.
Scalability
Calgary businesses can easily scale their IT infrastructure up or down as needed without the hassle of hiring or laying off IT staff. This flexibility is especially valuable in times of growth or economic downturns.
Compliance and Regulations
Many industries and organizations in Calgary are subject to specific regulations and compliance requirements, such as data protection laws. Managed IT services can help ensure that IT systems meet these requirements and avoid costly legal issues.
Disaster Recovery
Calgary’s unpredictable weather, including the risk of flooding and other natural disasters, as well as the continued rise of cybercrime, makes disaster recovery planning critical. Managed IT services can help organizations develop and implement robust backup and recovery strategies to safeguard their data.
24/7 Monitoring and Support
A reliable MSP will monitor your systems 24/7, ensuring that any issues are detected and resolved promptly. This ensures that your systems are always up and running, minimizing any potential disruptions that could have an impact on your productivity and customer satisfaction.
Help Desk Support
Your managed service provider should offer help desk support to address any user issues or technical challenges. This ensures that your employees have access to prompt assistance whenever they encounter IT-related problems, minimizing downtime and frustration.
In a world where businesses face increasing complexities and challenges, managed services provide a solution for streamlining operations and gaining control over IT and operational needs. By partnering with a reliable MSP, you can benefit from round-the-clock monitoring and support, enhanced security, and scalability.
Enlisting a managed service provider for your Calgary business can be a strategic decision you decide to make in order to streamline operations, reduce costs, and improve efficiency and security. The ITeam is Calgary’s leading source for outsourced IT support and cloud services. We have been recognized among the world’s 501 most strategic and innovative managed service providers by Channel Futures, as well as one of the best managed service providers in the 2020 SMB Hot 101. Additionally, The ITeam was named one of Canada’s Top 100 Solution Providers by Channel Daily News (CDN). When it comes to your Calgary business, you could not be in better hands.
Contact us now for a complimentary assessment from one of our IT support professionals. Call (403) 750-2540 or email sales@theiteam.ca today.