Managed services is the practice of outsourcing a range of IT processes to improve operations and reduce expenses.
A managed service provider (MSP) is a type of IT Service Company that provides database, server, network, and specialised applications to end-users and organisations.
The service provider fulfils certain responsibilities, like maintaining existing systems for longer periods of time than an individual employee could manage on their own; anticipating future needs before they arise and by providing around-the-clock support in case anything goes wrong – all while billing only those hours worked!
Benefits
Contractual terms
Managed services enable you to set contractual terms for IT tasks that include service level agreements (SLAs). This means you don’t have to train or hire additional IT staff. You’ll only pay for the services you need and avoid the costs that come with maintaining full-time employees.
ROI
Outsourcing IT tasks will give your employees more time to focus on revenue-generating tasks.
Fewer disruptions
Managed IT service providers are not tied to the same schedule as your other employees. This means that they can perform system updates after hours, meaning fewer disruptions for staff.
Top tips to consider
While managed service providers can offer many benefits, there are also some considerations you should be aware of:
- Make sure you hold providers accountable— ensure they have clearly defined SLAs. You want to avoid frustration and losses. Make sure they provide clear reporting of services and system performance.
- Find a provider that will help you plan—managed IT providers should help you strategically plan infrastructure upgrades, configuration changes, and additions. If they don’t, you won’t be able to derive full value from managed services.
- Finding a provider with a good track record—not all providers are created equally. When considering a provider, you need to verify their track record with other organisations in your industry and scale. Ask for Case Studies and proof.