When it comes to managing your IT infrastructure, there is a lot that you need to maintain. Devices, applications, cyber security – the list goes on. When you need every facet of your IT infrastructure working cohesively, you need the right professionals working on it day and night.
Managing your IT infrastructure in-house is no easy undertaking. You need to focus on sourcing and then paying for the right talent, which has become ever more difficult in the IT talent shortage we find ourselves in.
Fortunately, insourcing is not the only option available for managing IT. If you do not have the in-house expertise, your internal IT team is spread thin, or you need to give your IT a refresh, we recommend considering a managed IT provider.
What managed IT providers deliver
Managed IT providers deliver a wide range of services to help your business run smoothly and securely. Services can include infrastructure management and security, to help desk and cloud services.
IT infrastructure management
Managed IT providers proactively manage your IT infrastructure to ensure optimum performance. They monitor for potential issues and provide the necessary maintenance, such as patching software and updating firmware.
If anyone in your team needs support with an individual IT issue, your managed IT provider can troubleshoot and work with them to solve the problem.
Cyber security
Managed IT providers deliver robust threat intelligence, vulnerability assessments and penetration testing, among other security services. Additionally, they should offer 24/7 monitoring and response capabilities in the event of a security breach to minimise the damage caused by an attack.
If you handle a lot of sensitive data, a managed IT provider may be the best option to ensure your data is adequately protected. By outsourcing these services to a managed IT provider, you can rest assured that experienced professionals safeguard your confidential data.
Service Level Agreements (SLAs) and monthly pricing
Managed IT services deliver SLAs for a set monthly price. Each month, your managed IT provider will deliver what you need for a set price, which you can incorporate in your budget. You have access to a team of IT experts for a price much lower than you would pay to source these skills internally.
If you encounter an issue with your IT, it is the service provider’s responsibility to fix it, and they include such tasks in the SLA and monthly pricing.
Why leverage managed IT services?
There are a few benefits with considering when comparing managed IT vs in-house.
Scale as your business grows
As your company grows, it needs an IT infrastructure capable of scaling. A managed IT services company can help you build your business and maintain an IT infrastructure that grows with your company. They also have a full team of experts available, so you have access to more people if you need more support or have bigger projects to complete. This is much easier than finding and hiring more IT experts as you need them.
Focus on your business
You and your staff should not have to manage IT issues if it is not part of your job description. Your focus should be on leading the business. Your staff need to focus on adding value to their areas of expertise. An IT managed service provider delivers expert help in managing your IT without worrying about the day-to-day details, freeing you up to focus on other aspects of your business.
Improve efficiencies for staff
A significant factor contributing to business efficiency is the smooth running of your IT systems. If your systems become bogged down by maintaining small problems, it becomes difficult for your staff to work efficiently. Managed IT also improves your overall business efficiency by providing access to the latest and most suitable technology for your business.
Tackle potential problems before they become big issues
Managed IT services are a great option for companies who want their IT infrastructure constantly monitored and maintained. Managed IT providers have the expertise and resources to monitor the IT infrastructure for any potential issues proactively. This way, they can resolve any problems before they become big issues.
What is the difference between managed IT and other services?
Managed IT providers vs staff augmentation
Staff augmentation is hiring contractors or temporary workers to supplement IT staff in your business. You might leverage this option to fulfil a short term need, cover for absences of internal staff or bring in specialised skills that your in-house team do not possess.
Staff augmentation can be a cost-effective way to meet staffing needs since it allows you to temporarily bring in the skills needed without incurring the costs of full-time hiring. It can also be flexible since you can scale staff augmentation up or down as required.
There are a few different factors to consider when deciding between staff augmentation or managed IT services. While both have pros and cons, the right decision for your company will depend on your specific needs and budget. Staff augmentation is a good option if you want more control over your IT budget and need a higher level of customisation for your IT services. On the other hand, managed IT services can provide more predictable costs and often include ongoing, proactive maintenance and support.
Managed IT providers vs outsourcing
Outsourcing and managed IT services are other terms that are easy to conflate. Outsourcing is when you hire an external person or party to manage a specific element of your IT infrastructure. For example, you might outsource web hosting, but your other IT needs, such as device maintenance, are managed in-house.
When outsourcing, some companies might outsource different IT functions to a few providers. When these companies invoice you each month, you could be paying too much for each individual service.
Managed IT services are an ongoing and holistic approach to IT management. Rather than outsource one function, you work alongside a partner who oversees your IT infrastructure. Furthermore, they offer set monthly pricing, which is more cost-effective long term.
Soma as your Managed IT Providers
With technology specialists becoming harder to find and more expensive to hire, we recommend engaging with a managed IT services provider to deploy and maintain your infrastructure and ensure staff get the best experience at work.
Our fully-managed IT solutions deliver 24/7 support that scales as your business grows. We provide unlimited and all-inclusive support, maintenance and management to Australian businesses at a fixed monthly cost. As your managed solutions provider, soma offers a single point of contact, convenience and flexibility for your IT needs.
Visit our Managed Services page for more information.
