Managed IT service is not a new term in the business world. Anyone who has an IT infrastructure, a website, or owns a server might have heard about it. It refers to service providers who can manage IT infrastructure effectively.
Claiming that the service is “the best” may sound ironic to some of us. This is because, while many companies use managed IT services, not all are receiving the best service.
Worry not; you’re not alone. Nearly 90 percent of companies may not be getting the best or even the minimum expected level of service from their managed IT service providers.
According to a survey conducted by Clutch, which spanned all of America—especially focused on SMBs—on the topic of “How likely are you to recommend your managed service provider to a peer?” the results were below the average standard rate.
You might be wondering how this all plays out in the real world. Well, there’s been a noticeable shift among small to medium-sized businesses (SMBs) leaning on managed IT service providers. For example, in the U.S., about 69% of SMBs have turned to these providers to help manage their tech needs. This trend really took off due to increasing security threats in our digital landscape, even reaching into newer areas like blockchain technology.
Each year, we see significant budgets being allocated to managed IT services, as many SMBs recognize they often don’t have the resources or expertise to keep up with cutting-edge technology on their own. They’re on the lookout for reliable support that can help elevate their services to world-class standards.
Unfortunately, not everyone finds what they’re looking for, which can lead to some disappointment.
So, is it possible to find a well-equipped managed IT service provider nearby?
Let’s find out.
Before diving into selecting a capable managed IT service provider, we need to understand what we can expect from such a provider.
Today, in the information technology market, we see many service businesses thriving. This is because there is high demand, and the IT sector desperately needs support services to streamline activities.
Regarding managed IT service providers, the primary expectation is that they can manage IT infrastructure and secure machines, data, and networks without compromise.
The reality is that even if service providers agree to all terms and conditions, most are not capable of meeting all service requirements. They may excel in a few areas but are not equipped to handle everything.
Therefore, when selecting a managed IT service provider, it is essential to ensure they are capable and adequately equipped to address all the challenges you are facing.
It’s evident that not all service providers are well-equipped. Most will upgrade themselves when necessary. This is not an issue if they are willing to adapt to client needs.
The requirements of every business are different and often parallel. No business aims to set strategies exactly like another. Each strives to succeed in different ways. Additionally, business modes and phases may change with the seasons.
Therefore, a managed IT partner should cater to all changing needs in the best and most timely manner.
For example, if we decide to move our business to the cloud, the managed IT service provider should be capable of guiding us through the process.
In short, we need a proactive service provider who can upskill according to our requirements.
Technology is an ever-evolving factor that makes life more accessible and innovative. Each day brings advancements, making yesterday’s technology obsolete and today’s innovations the new standard. Every business must keep up with technology to provide the best and fastest services to users.
Security, in particular, is a primary concern for most businesses. The threats vary depending on the type of business. Therefore, a managed IT service provider should deliver the most appropriate and secure measures to meet specific requirements.
Be sure to assess the provider’s service technologies and technical expertise in all the areas you need.
As we know, almost every business is transitioning to cloud technologies. It’s not just a trend or buzzword; cloud technologies reduce effort and help avoid many human errors in business operations.
When it’s time to upgrade to the cloud or any advanced infrastructure, it should be a seamless process.
Specifically, cloud technology offers many features and ensures a smooth workflow across business networks. Business development and employee satisfaction are closely tied to cloud technology. Therefore, a managed IT service provider should be aware of and equipped to support future technologies at any time.
In today’s era of bring-your-own-device (BYOD), the need for robust network management and uninterrupted business operations is critical.
Moreover, organizations are becoming more socially responsible and employee-friendly, promoting work-from-home arrangements and outsourcing work to remote workers.
Virtualization support is another important aspect to consider. Most businesses rely on virtualization, and many organizations use multiple virtualization hypervisors. Virtualization also supports cloud computing architecture and platforms such as AWS and Google Cloud.
Therefore, a managed IT service provider should offer comprehensive network and virtualization support, along with a proactive monitoring team that ensures 24/7 service.
Business is now global, and people work around the clock, regardless of time zones, to serve customers worldwide. Downtime or delays are something most businesses cannot afford for long.
In the tech sector, downtime is often unpredictable and can severely impact business operations. While companies use trials, errors, and hypotheses to estimate downtime, it is possible to detect issues beforehand and take corrective measures.
A well-equipped managed IT service provider can monitor systems, recommend solutions, and implement the necessary support to ensure seamless business operations.
In today’s fast-paced business environment, selecting the right managed IT service provider is crucial for success. With nearly 90% of companies struggling to meet their expectations, it’s essential to know what to look for. A competent provider should not only have the capability to deliver required services and adapt to your changing needs but also stay updated with the latest technology and support all infrastructure and cloud requirements.
As businesses increasingly rely on remote management and virtualization, having a proactive partner that offers 24/7 support can make all the difference. By choosing wisely, you can ensure your IT needs are met, allowing you to focus on what truly matters—growing your business.
