Don’t Stress Over Your IT Needs: Why Hiring a Managed Service Provider Is Right for Small Businesses

Evan as a small business owner, a managed services provider can help to streamline your IT infrastructure and in turn boost productivity and profitability.

As a business owner, each day you have to wear a million different hats. Chances are you’re involved in personnel decisions as well as budgetary decisions and likely responsible for the overall direction of your company. While owning your own business can be extremely rewarding, it can also be extremely taxing, especially when it comes to your technology affairs.

While business owners are often well versed in running their businesses, their IT affairs can sometimes struggle. If you’re currently dealing with a myriad of IT issues and feel as if you’re running out of options, it may be time to begin working with a managed services provider.

What is a managed services provider?

A managed services provider or MSP is a company that manages a customer’s IT infrastructure, typically on a proactive basis. Small business owners, in particular, often don’t have large in-house departments that can handle their IT maintenance, so hiring an MSP can often make a lot of sense, both from an efficiency and monetary standpoint.

What are some key benefits a small business can achieve by working with a managed services provider?

Below are just a few of the key ways that a small business can greatly benefit from working with an MSP.

A customized approach to how you do business

Every business is different, which means that every company’s IT infrastructure is different as well. This is critical to keep in mind when it comes to hiring an MSP. Beware of companies that try to lump you into a templatized service agreement. You’ll want to work with an MSP that is open to molding their services based on your industry, and your needs. This engagement should complement any existing IT resources that you currently have to avoid any overlap.

Clearly defined alert procedures

When working with an MSP, you’ll want the company to define how alerts will be delivered as well as how and when issues with be escalated. This entire process should be clearly defined and documented so there’s no question as to how things will work once an agreement has been signed with an MSP.

Most escalation procedures will have a procedure that automatically notifies the next person in line after a set period. This way someone should always be available to respond to a major IT issue, even if it ends up being the owner of a company.

Industry relevant certifications and experience

Most reputable MSPs will have a wide array of industry-specific experience and certifications which can be immensely helpful when it comes to dealing with issues that may arise in your business. Be sure to quiz a potential MSP about their years of experience as well as their industry experience including relevant certifications that can help prove to you that they’re up to the task of taking care of your managed IT needs.

Managed IT can save your company money

By working with an MSP, you can save money in a variety of ways. You’ll have access to a reliable and experienced team of IT professionals that would be extremely expensive to bring in-house. In addition, because of this experience, you’ll also have access to the latest technologies, many of which can save you money in the long run by allowing your organization to communicate and collaborate more effectively. Some of these tools include Office 365, which offers a whole host of cloud-based applications that can greatly improve how communication flows throughout your organization. A managed services provider is constantly exposed to these tools and in turn, can ensure that your company is able to leverage the benefits of adopting these new technologies.

Are you still unsure of whether you need a managed services provider?

If you’re still unclear about the role of an MSP or are questioning whether you need one, why not give the professionals at MessageOps a call today to schedule a complimentary consultation. We’ll help you better understand your IT needs and look for potential security vulnerabilities that may be opening your entire organization up to trouble. Feel free to reach out to us by phone at 877-788-1617. To learn more about our managed services offerings you’re also welcome to download our MSP brochure today.