Managed IT services refer to the practice where businesses outsource their IT operations to a third-party provider. Service offerings may include IT support, network monitoring, cybersecurity, or managing infrastructure and software. Managed IT services’ meaning also encompasses a proactive approach to IT that prevents issues instead of waiting for them to happen.
| “Managed IT services are increasing in popularity, but many businesses still count on the break-fix model without realizing what they’re missing.” – Andrew Wolff, ComSys |
This proactive approach is one of the biggest appeals of managed IT to small-and-medium-sized businesses. On average, 6.9% of a small business’ budget goes toward IT management. One of the benefits of managed services is that proactively preventing issues can help get that cost under control.
The following article will take a closer look at the managed IT services definition. We’ll explore how it works, who provides this service, and how this model differs from the traditional break-fix approach.
What is a Managed Services Provider?
A managed services provider (MSP) is a company that remotely manages their clients’ IT systems. This approach is designed to minimize IT-related issues and to provide clients with more reliable and effective technology.
MSPs are usually capable of adapting their services to the evolving needs of a business. This flexibility allows businesses to scale their IT resources up or down without any significant additional investments.
Some MSPs will also offer industry-specific expertise. Having this will help them both manage the unique IT needs of their clients and offer strategic insights. However, most MSPs will take the time to get to know their clients’ unique business processes regardless of industry experience to ensure they can offer the same benefit.
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How Do Managed Services Work?
No matter the services included in your MSP’s service level agreement (SLA), there are several practices that most providers will follow. Here is what you can expect.
Initial Assessment & Consultation
MSPs start by conducting a thorough assessment of your current IT infrastructure. This involves evaluating your technology needs, identifying potential vulnerabilities, and understanding your business goals. From there, they can use the information they gathered to tailor their day-to-day operations to your needs.
Proactive Monitoring & Maintenance
After the initial setup, MSPs continuously monitor your IT systems to prevent issues before they escalate. This includes regular maintenance and updates to ensure optimal performance. Some will also manage your cloud computing resources and connected mobile devices.
Security & Compliance Management
MSPs also focus on ensuring that your information technology systems are secure and compliant with any relevant regulations. They may implement various security measures such as firewalls or antivirus software to protect your network from data breaches and cyber threats Most will also perform regular audits to ensure your system remains secure as technology evolves.
Managed services include compliance consulting in most cases. Most MSPs hire compliance specialists on their team to help ensure your security protocols follow specific standards such as HIPAA, FFIEC, or SOX.
Strategic IT Planning
Managed services involve strategic planning for future IT needs. MSPs help you plan and implement IT solutions that support long-term business growth. There is evidence that this process works. High-performing businesses are 4.2 times more likely to use MSPs for strategic planning purposes.
Regular Reporting & Communication
A good MSP will maintain regular communication with your business. They may regularly provide detailed reports on IT performance, including metrics on system uptime, security incidents, and response times. These reports offer insights into how effectively their services support your business operations.
This transparent and proactive communication allows for continuous improvement in IT services, ensuring they remain effective, efficient, and aligned with your long-term business objectives.
What is The Break-Fix Model?
The break-fix model is a traditional approach to IT support where services are provided on an as-needed basis. In this model, businesses seek assistance from IT professionals only when an issue arises or a system breaks down.
The problem with this approach is that waiting for technical support and system fixes costs time and money. This can lead to more downtime and potentially higher costs in the long run. As such, most businesses are transitioning to the proactive managed service model instead.
What Managed Services Can Do That The Break-Fix Model Cannot
Managed services offer several advantages over the traditional break-fix model, particularly in proactive management and strategic planning. Below is a table highlighting key capabilities of managed services and why they are not available with the break-fix model.
| Feature | Managed IT | Break-Fix |
| Continuous Improvement | Regularly updates and improves IT infrastructure to match evolving business needs. | Only addresses and updates IT systems when a problem occurs. |
| Vendor Management | Manages all third-party vendor relationships and issues, providing a single point of contact. | Requires the business to handle vendor issues and coordination separately. |
| Employee Training | Provides ongoing training and support for employees on new technologies and systems. | No structured training and support is typically limited to resolving specific issues. |
| Risk Management | Identifies and mitigates potential IT risks before they impact the business. | Focuses on fixing issues after they have already caused damage or disruption. |
| Long-term Partnerships | Builds a relationship that focuses on the long-term success of the business’s IT strategy. | Relationships are transactional, based only on immediate repair needs. |
| Predictable Costs | Provides services for a fixed monthly fee, which allows for simpler budget planning. | Costs are unpredictable as they are largely dependent on the nature and frequency of IT issues. |
Ready to Start Looking For a Managed IT Service Provider?
Now that you understand the managed IT definition and its importance, you may now be considering the right provider for your business. Be mindful that MSPs vary in quality, so it’s important to do your research before signing any contracts.
If you need a solid MSP that can also offer telecommunications and video surveillance services, ComSys is for you. Our comprehensive set of services includes a US-based helpdesk, 24×7 monitoring, and remote monitoring and management (RMM).
Reach out to us today to find out more about how we can tailor our services to your specific needs.
