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Managed service provider is a growing concern that every business needs to understand. Here’s what you should know.
Managed Service Provider: What You Need to Know
Businesses face extreme pressure from regulatory, macroeconomic and other critical market forces, requiring increased focus on operational efficiency and effectiveness. But this can make the business feel the burn on their revenue, capital and cost, so they are increasingly outsourcing their IT requirements to address these obstacles, allowing them to focus their time on activities more valuable to their business.
What are Managed Services?
A Managed Service Provider (MSP) bears the responsibility for the functionality of an organisation’s IT services and infrastructure, so the business can focus on its core competencies. Thus the MSP partner takes on, runs and transforms an organisation’s business operations and processes with the aim of increasing its productivity and operational efficiency.
The demand for managed services is driven by various factors, such as:
• Volatile, unpredictable macroeconomic environment
In uncertain times, employing an IT department and complying with employment laws such as pension rights, sick pay and holiday benefits can be a big commitment for a small business. For an all-inclusive fee the MSP can replace the function of an IT employee, thus reducing risk and overheads.
• Pressure to innovate while keeping pace with technological advancements
By outsourcing to an MSP, businesses can free up time and resources. Partnering with a managed service provider that understands the organisational needs and the direction of the business means that businesses can focus on their core competencies.
• Need to meet demands of regulatory compliance
Increased administrative tasks caused by regulatory changes can cause difficulties for a business that isn’t IT-savvy. The MSP will have the knowledge and expertise to advise on any IT changes that are required, such as data backup and storage, as well as managing implementations and dealing with subsequent issues, allowing the business to remain compliant and effect cost-savings.
• Lack of internal / in-depth technical expertise in IT Security
End clients of an MSP generally expect that the latter will take care of the security of their information and data. There is an ever-increasing occurrence in the number of cyberattacks. This has forced companies to adopt a ‘security-first’ thinking, putting cybersecurity at the top of their agenda.
MSPs therefore put in more effort to secure the service infrastructure of their end clients. It’s not only about having security solutions in place, but also being able to defend and recover against any attack. The MSP can provide expertise in the area, as well as being best placed to identify trends in technological advancements.
A managed service provider can also offer proactive monitoring and maintenance, which helps to prevent IT issues before they occur, reducing downtime and increasing productivity. This approach allows businesses to focus on growth and development, whilst the MSP handles the day-to-day IT operations.
By working with a managed service provider, businesses can benefit from the latest technology and expertise, without the need for significant upfront investment. This can be particularly beneficial for small to medium-sized businesses, which may not have the resources or budget to employ a full-time IT department.
Additionally, a managed service provider can help businesses to scale their IT operations more efficiently, allowing them to adapt quickly to changing market conditions. This flexibility is essential in today’s fast-paced business environment, where organisations need to be able to respond rapidly to new opportunities and challenges. By outsourcing their IT requirements to an MSP, businesses can tap into a wealth of expertise and resources, whilst maintaining control over their core operations.
Here at 1st IT we have the knowledge and experience that allows us to lead the field in Managed Services. Contact us for a no-obligation conversation, to discuss the ways we can help your business. Our team of experts will work closely with you to understand your organisation’s unique needs and develop a tailored solution that meets your specific requirements.
For official guidance on this topic, see the National Cyber Security Centre.
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As the demand for managed services continues to grow, it’s essential for businesses to find a trusted and reliable MSP partner. By doing so, they can ensure that their IT operations are in good hands, and that they can focus on driving growth and success in their organisation, whilst maintaining a secure and efficient IT infrastructure.