A reliable IT infrastructure gives organizations the type of technical flexibility needed to scale and grow to meet market demand. Security and compliance are some of the biggest concerns for small and large businesses alike. We use phones, laptops, and other mobile devices to access company systems and send vital data across the internet.

All that technology requires skill and knowledge to manage effectively. Managing a network can be a daunting task for an overworked or understaffed IT staff. It also does not help if you have inexperienced employees who lack knowledge around essential processes. That lack of technical knowledge often leads to unreliable service and a culture of inefficiency. It can also leave company systems exposed to outside security threats.

The rapid growth in internet-based transactions and data exchanges allows hackers to steal data from companies. Security breaches cost businesses an average of $3.92 million in 2019, according to IBM. When it comes to the costs of security breaches, the United States suffers the most with healthcare coming in as the most expensive industry at $6.45 million.

How does your company ensure its IT systems are protected? There is a cost-effective solution to your IT needs, and it is Managed IT services.

What is Managed IT?

Managed IT services cover the responsibilities that businesses outsource to a third-party when it comes to their technology infrastructure. The managed service provider (MSP) typically provides remote monitoring and management of office equipment to make sure it functions properly. They may also offer on-site services if a client needs more in-depth assistance or to help educate and train staff.

MSPs cover various tasks essential to the day-to-day functions of a company, like laying out an IT strategy and upgrading equipment to support business expansion. Some providers also offer Managed IT services related to cloud computing like infrastructure as a service (IAAS) to manage a company’s public or private cloud. Other types of IT managed services include taking care of storage, backing up and recovering data, network monitoring, cybersecurity, and email hosting.

An MSP may offer a la carte services or discount bundles to organizations. Companies typically pay these charges using a subscription model, though an MSP may be willing to work out alternate payment arrangements with a business for IT managed services.

What are Some of the Benefits of Managed IT Services?

The most significant benefit a company can gain from using Managed IT services through an MSP is time. Too many companies lose countless hours trying to keep everything running. That does not account for the distraction of a potential PR fallout that typically results from a substantial data breach.

Allowing an experienced MSP company to handle your IT infrastructure frees managers and other company leaders up to focus on core business functions and competencies. That leads to better productivity and efficiency throughout the organization.

Here are a few additional benefits of Managed IT services to consider:

Lower Infrastructure Expenses

There is often little need for a company to continue maintaining large data centers on-site. They can instead rely on those owned by the MSP. That reduces hardware costs and frees that space up for other business purposes. Since the costs of licenses, training, and consulting get covered in the subscription price of Managed IT services, companies will realize more savings since they no longer need to pay for those individual expenses.

Help for Smaller Companies

The challenges become more significant for small and mid-sized businesses (SMBs) looking to compete against larger companies. They do not have extensive technical resources often found in larger enterprises. That usually leaves them without employees who have the skills needed to keep the company functioning securely at a high technical level.

MSPs help SMBs level the playing field by freeing up their time and energy instead of getting bogged down in technical issues. They no longer must worry about navigating complex systems with no assistance. Instead, they get the help they need to keep the company moving forward while reducing costs associated with maintaining internal IT support.

Lower Upfront Technology Costs

Organizations often find themselves spending thousands of dollars to invest in new technology. By paying a subscription cost through an MSP, businesses end up paying out a lower investment each month. Using IT managed services also means you do not end up paying more money down the line to upgrade your technology.

What to Look for in a Managed IT Company

You want a local company that takes a holistic approach to Managed IT services. They should look at your company culture and work with you to find the best technology fit for your business. It is also good to ask about the ongoing maintenance provided by the MSP when it comes to the technology infrastructure. Service guarantees and end-user support should also be available options.

Here are a few additional things to consider when searching for a Managed IT services provider in the Minneapolis area:

Compliance Needs

Find out how much of the burden a potential MSP is willing to take on when it comes to making sure systems meet compliance obligations. For healthcare companies, that means making sure that each system transaction falls in line with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). For businesses accepting card transactions, that means staying compliant with the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI-DSS).

No Cost Fluctuations

There should be predictability when it comes to your monthly costs. There should be no surprise charges on your bill. Price changes outside of what you agreed to should only come after an extensive discussion and agreement on a change in Managed IT services from the MSP.

Ability to Adapt

You want your MSP to have the flexibility needed to scale your company systems as needed. They should have the ability to adapt to ebbs and flows in the number of employees and equipment needed to manage core business functions.

Contact DTS today if you are interested in learning more about the Managed IT services we offer for businesses in the Minneapolis area. We would be happy to set up a consultation and go over potential solutions for your company.