28 May 6 Key Advantages of Using Managed Services
While new technologies present powerful opportunities for enterprises, they also introduce challenges. The pace of change in technology is unprecedented. No longer can technology departments standardize operation models or business applications. Mobile devices and cloud-based technologies have brought so much possibility, but have also introduced a variety of devices, platforms, and apps to manage and secure.
For many organizations, those challenges add up to significant expenses: the cost of hiring and training qualified workers, purchasing the infrastructure to support emerging technologies, and keeping systems up to date and secure. Rather than struggle to keep pace with technology, many organizations turn to managed services providers (MSP) for help. By trusting a third party to handle cloud deployments, data center solutions, mobile initiatives, collaboration tools, and security, organizations can focus their time and resources on their core business objectives.
MSPs take a comprehensive approach to technology services, resulting in a higher standard than many organizations can achieve in-house. Managed services can cut technology costs by as much as 40% while doubling operational efficiency.
Some advantages of using MSPs include:
- FREEING UP TECHNOLOGY STAFF
Most technology departments are stretched thin. By outsourcing back-end functions for rapidly changing technologies, organizations dedicate their in-house technology experts to projects that will further their core objectives and promote innovation.
- KEEPING PACE WITH THE DEMANDS FOR IT EXPERTISE
Organizations around the world are struggling to fill technology positions, particularly in cybersecurity and mobile app development. Outsourcing these functions to a partner with technically skilled and specialized engineers in new and emerging technologies alleviates these pressures.
- INCREASED SCALABILITY
MSPs take the time to deploy large systems. Many organizations are finding it more useful to start small, move fast, and expand as needed. An MSP’s approach to managed services makes it easy for enterprises to scale up or down, depending on demand.
- ACCESSING 24/7 SUPPORT
The nine-to-five workday is outdated. When users work around the clock, so must the network. With an MSP, help is available every day and night or on the weekends to support users.
- SHIFTING THE BURDEN OF COMPLIANCE
In addition to regular audits, many organizations are obligated to meet standards and requirements with their technology initiatives. MSPs understand the regulations that organizations are bound by and can provide the systems, processes, and reports to guarantee that organizations meet their requirements without placing that burden on in-house staff.
- PREDICTING MONTHLY COSTS
Every technology investment comes with additional costs. By outsourcing to an MSP, organizations can break down their costs into fixed monthly payments, as opposed to the large capital expenditures that come with managing systems in-house.
HOW TO TELL IF A MANAGED SERVICES PROVIDER IMPROVES OPERATIONS
Constantly putting off new projects and facing a backlog of requests are clear signs that it’s time to investigate managed services.
Before choosing a partner, organizations should clearly define their requirements and the improvements they expect to see. For instance, they might want to introduce off-hours coverage for network technology or a mobile tracking platform that competitors are using.
When meeting with potential providers, operational teams should ask how they would achieve these goals. Beware of providers who talk only about their toolsets, their processes, and the quality of their engineering resources instead of focusing on the organization’s goals.
Another factor to consider is the provider’s range of experience. It is essential to work with a partner that can meet an organization’s needs now and in the future. By giving technology staff more time to focus on innovation and reducing unexpected costs, managed services provide businesses with the support and room they need to thrive.