How Managed Services Work: The Complete Breakdown
Luis Aponte Every business today grapples with the rising complexity of information technology. A startling 64% of businesses experienced a significant downtime event in the last year due to IT disruptions, according to the Ponemon Institute.
Yet, many companies are ill-equipped to manage these challenges on their own. “The future of any business is intrinsically tied to how well it can navigate IT challenges,” explains Luis Aponte, CEO of OneTech360. “One of the most effective ways to approach these challenges is by leveraging managed IT services.”
But what are managed IT services, and what benefits do they offer for your business? In this article, we’ll provide you with the answer to that question in addition to exploring how managed services work.
What are Managed IT Services?
Getting to the heart of the matter, what are managed IT services? At its essence, the managed IT services meaning refers to third-party oversight of a company’s IT needs, in contrast to traditional in-house IT management.
By opting for this service model, businesses contract specialists who remotely monitor and manage their IT infrastructure, ensuring smooth operations.
Even if you’re particularly tech-savvy yourself, choosing to self-manage your information technology can take you away from managing your day-to-day operations.
By entrusting your IT management tasks to a managed service provider (MSP), not only does it free you up to run your business, but it can also save you money in the long run.
A CompTIA study showed that 50% of organizations who partnered with an MSP saved between 1 and 24% in annual IT costs, while 33% saved between 25 and 49%. A further 13% saw savings of more than 50% thanks to relying on managed IT services.
With their ability to generate cost savings like these, it’s no surprise that the MSP market is primed for long-term growth.
Valued at $255.86 billion in 2022, the market grew to $283.9 billion in 2023. It is expected to continue growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 13.1% and be worth $671.14 billion by 2030.
Source: Fortune Business Insights
Core Components of Managed IT Services
In order to better understand the managed IT services meaning, here is a closer look at the suite of services offered by MSPs.
1. Network Management
This service dives deep into the health of your company’s computer network. It monitors, maintains, and ensures that your connectivity remains seamless.
2. Data Backup and Recovery
Safeguarding your data is crucial. These services ensure your data is backed up and recovery measures are in place.
3. Cybersecurity
In an era of constant cyber threats, where even the smallest data breach can cost your business as much as $4.45 million, it’s vital to bolster your defenses with the best in industry protocols.
4. Cloud Services
Transition to cloud computing and cloud-based storage with ease. Managed services provide assistance with migration, management, and support for cloud services.
5. Helpdesk Support
Whenever you encounter an IT issue or bottleneck, trustworthy technical support is always just a phone call away, ensuring minimal disruption and impact on your workday.
6. Software and Hardware Updates
Stay ahead of the curve with the latest technology services. Your MSP will ensure your business systems are always up-to-date.
7. IT Consulting Services
Benefit from expert insight from experienced professionals with decades of IT industry knowledge and make educated decisions about technology solutions for your business.
What Managed Services Offer in Terms of Tangible Benefits
1. Cost Savings
With a predictable monthly fee, sidestep the costs of maintaining a full-fledged in-house IT team. This model especially benefits small and medium-sized businesses.
2. Access to Expertise
Enjoy the benefits of working with a team of IT experts, something that is often out of reach for many businesses due to cost constraints.
3. Proactive IT Maintenance
Problems are tackled before they snowball and cause confusion and delay. This proactive approach keeps your day-to-day operations smooth so you can run your business with confidence.
4. Scalability
As your business grows, so do your IT needs. Managed services offer flexibility to scale your resources up or down as necessary.
5. Enhanced Security
Implement the latest security protocols and tools and develop a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy, ensuring your data remains uncompromised.
6. Focus on Core Business
Managed IT services give you the power to offload your IT concerns to a trustworthy team so you can redirect your energy towards what truly matters: your primary business goals.
When is it Time to Consider Using Managed IT Services?
There are instances where you should give heavy consideration to working with a managed service provider. These include:
1. Rapid Business Growth
As your business expands, managing IT in-house can become overwhelming.
2. Frequent IT Issues
Are tech snags becoming a common occurrence? It’s a sign to consider outside expertise.
3. Need for Compliance
Industries with stringent regulations, such as healthcare and finance, require specialized IT expertise. While 71% of companies rate their compliance as excellent or very good, it’s important to remain compliant to avoid sanctions, legal issues, and reputational damage.
How to Select a Managed IT Services Provider
Once you determine that managed services are the best way forward for your business, it’s time to select a provider whose offerings best suit your needs. Here are some criteria to consider for your search.
1. Expertise First
Ensure the provider is proficient, especially in your industry.
2. References and Reviews
Past performance speaks volumes. Look for feedback from other businesses.
3. SLA Standards
Take time to understand the MSP’s Service Level Agreement (SLA). What uptime can you expect? How swiftly do they respond to issues? If these areas are not immediately clear, be sure to ask about them.
4. Top-Tier Security Protocols
Always ensure the provider employs the best security practices to protect your data.
A Closer Look at Managed IT Services vs. Traditional IT Services
| Feature | Managed IT Services | Traditional IT Services |
| Cost | Predictable monthly fee | Varies, often higher |
| Expertise | Access to industry experts | Depends on in-house team |
| Maintenance | Proactive | Reactive (Break-fix model) |
| Scalability | High | Limited |
| Security | Updated protocols | Might be outdated |
| Focus | Allows focus on core business | Potential diversion of focus |
| Interested in learning more about managed IT services? Check out these blogs: |
Learn How Managed Services Work for Your Business With a Proven Partner
Managed IT services are the lifeline for modern businesses to navigate the intricate maze of information technology. By understanding the managed IT services definition, businesses like yours can make informed decisions to bolster their operations.
As a leading managed service provider, OneTech360 offers top-tier IT services tailored to meet your needs. Whether you need advanced cybersecurity protection or fact-acting helpdesk services, we’ve got you covered.
Ready to streamline your IT processes? Contact us today for more information and to schedule your free consultation.
| Get Reliable Managed IT Services in Your Location Today | ||
Luis Aponte
