Managed information technology (IT) services help countless companies improve their use of IT and increase efficiency. If you’re considering this service model, take a moment to learn more about managed IT and how to determine if this model would be advantageous for your organization.
What is managed IT?
Managed IT services allow your company to hand off a portion or the entirety of your IT needs to an outside expert who can fully manage those needs remotely and provide in-person assistance when needed.
Nearly every business has technology needs. The question is how you meet these needs. You can hire IT personnel to attend to those needs in-house, which can be costly and limit the range of expertise you have access to, or you can turn to an external provider.
Companies can enlist the help of a professional service provider for a variety of functions, but one of the most common is technology. In fact, one-third of global professional services organizations' sales are IT-related.
The term “outsourcing” likely comes to mind when you consider trusting a third-party organization with your IT needs, but outsourced IT is not quite the same as managed IT services. Outsourcing tends to refer to contracting an outside organization to provide narrowly defined services. Partnering with a managed service provider (MSP) is a more holistic solution, and it’s growing in popularity. The global managed services market was valued at over $152 billion in 2020 and is expected to reach $274 billion by 2026.
What features and services are included in managed IT?
Managed IT can include a wide range of services to address all aspects of your business’s technology needs. For example, an MSP can manage needs surrounding:
- Hardware and infrastructure
- Software
- Cloud services
- Security
- Communications, including phone systems
- Help desk support
One of the advantages of managed IT services is that your MSP can help you identify and understand your IT needs in addition to meeting those needs in practical ways.
Managed IT services should ensure that your organization is leveraging technology effectively to meet your goals. That will look different for every organization, but a knowledgeable IT partner can assist you in defining what it entails for your organization.
When does it make sense to partner with a managed IT service provider?
For many companies, partnering with an MSP for IT needs can be a significant step forward from either handling needs in-house or parsing out services to various third-party providers. You should adopt a managed IT solution if it will help your organization in any of the following ways.
1. Saving Money
You may worry that managed IT services won’t fit in your budget, but many companies find they can actually save money through managed IT. For one, partnering with a managed IT company will reduce or eliminate your need for in-house IT personnel.
Managed IT can also help you save money through more efficient use of technology. For example, an MSP may find you’re currently overpaying for software that comes with features you don’t need or use, or they could determine that your phone system needs to be updated to a more cost-efficient cloud-based PBX solution.
2. Reducing Distractions
When you can hand over the reins on your IT requirements, it frees you up to focus on your organization’s core competencies and mission. With managed IT, you enjoy a more streamlined experience with fewer headaches and distractions.
3. Optimizing IT
One of the main reasons to consider partnering with an MSP for IT is so you can benefit from their expertise. They’ll assess the way you’re currently using technology and where your pain points are so they can show you how to take advantage of better IT solutions that are well suited to your organization and your goals.
In some cases, this could mean a total overhaul of outmoded systems that are hampering your success. Or it could mean making subtle improvements in a variety of areas that add up to smoother and more effective use of IT for your organization.
4. Boosting Productivity
Fewer distractions and optimized use of IT translates to higher levels of productivity across your company. Employees can focus on their core business practices rather than getting bogged down by technical difficulties. They can do their jobs better with the right tech tools at their disposal.
What should I look for in an IT service provider?
Deciding to partner with an MSP is only the first step. Next, you need to find the right service provider.
For the most beneficial experience with managed IT services, look for a provider that offers:
- Timely, responsive communication
- Local reach for on-site support when needed
- A commitment to working with your budget
- Familiarity with your industry and organization size
- A positive reputation for excellent service
- A wide range of services to meet all your IT needs
Trust CPI for managed IT services.
CPI can take on IT responsibilities for your organization so you can focus on growing your business. We offer a wide range of managed services, including managed IT solutions. Our team assists with both remote managed services and on-site support when you need it.
Contact us to learn more about how CPI can streamline your IT operations.
