More and more of the world is taking place in the digital realm in the 2020s. Whether you’re detailing cars or selling goods online, you need a strong infrastructure of digital technology to operate smoothly in the context of 21st-century business. However, in many cases businesses don’t have the talent or acquisition availability in house to support a strong IT operation. That’s where managed or outsourced IT services and support come to play.
Going for managed, external IT support and services in the Bay Area is a surefire way to transition into being more digitally virtuous as a business, without necessarily having to build the foundation from the ground up. This piece will explore how and why managed IT services can support less tech-forward businesses.
The basic benefits of choosing managed business IT services
Before looking at the more specific gains of managed services, it’s important to understand the basics in terms of well-formed service provision.
Managed accounts. This is the general practice of keeping a close eye on the business being managed, ensuring well-maintained, consistent performance.
Service desk support. IT support services need to be provided comprehensively, ensuring companies are assisted whenever they hit a roadblock.
Onboarding guidance. The process of consultation and planning should include the provider deeply understanding client systems, to ensure a seamless integration.
Ongoing monitoring & management. A good IT services provider will proactively track your performance after implementation, offering patches and resource management.
All of these elements should be delivered by a qualified, experienced and skilled within the realms of engineering and consulting – principles that ensure the outsourcing is beneficial.
The creation of a clear roadmap
The right IT services provider will be able to start the process by creating a detailed IT roadmap. This will essentially illuminate what your business is lacking and the tools/processes required to rectify the blind spots on a comprehensive level. Important points will include:
- Cross-device operations
- Understanding the functions and purposes of all device features
- Potential areas for tech consolidation
- The age of your overarching IT infrastructure
- Options for hardware and software updates
- Risks threatening business continuity and growth potential
A confident team will make it easier to understand which of these criteria are most ripe for activation in your business.
Saving money on in-house IT operatives
IT services and support don’t come for free, however, they can significantly more affordable for smaller businesses. The average salary of an IT manager in the UK is around the £50,000 a year, with in-house teams generally requiring a few people to work beneath them. Tailored managed services often come with specific pricing, ensuring the services suit the budget of the business, potentially saving thousands over the years.
The outsourced services can take the form of virtual CTO provision and more.
Comprehensive & varied services
One of the best things about choosing a managed service is that you’ll be investing in a team that covers various areas of expertise. The right provision should include options for:
- General technical and operational support
- Cloud setup and maintenance, including backups, anti-spamming, hosting and more
- Business continuity support to combat the impacts of emergencies etc.
- Setting up the proper physical and digital infrastructure
- Digital transformation guidance for new technology adoption
- Virtual CTO services to keep things moving smoothly
Finding the right IT service provider
When seeking out IT services and support, you need to seek out a provider with wide-spanning offerings and plenty of positive reviews. The right service provider will understand exactly what your business needs, whether you’re looking for administrative strength or making a more full-scale digital transition.
Founder Dinis Guarda
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