How Managed Services Providers Can Help Your Business Run

A common question is: “how do managed services work?” I couldn’t tell you how many times I’ve tried to explain to someone what we do. I could only imagine needing IT Services and not having a solid understanding of what Managed Services Providers do for businesses. Managing IT infrastructure can be complex and time-consuming, particularly for small and medium-sized businesses. Let’s lighten up the complication; hopefully, by the end of this, you’ll have a better understanding!

What Are Managed Services Providers?

Managed Services Providers (MSPs) are third-party companies (like Winsor Consulting) that provide IT services and support to businesses. MSPs take over the responsibility of monitoring and managing the IT infrastructure of a client’s organization, and ensure that the client’s technology runs smoothly and securely.

MSPs offer various services, including hardware and software procurement, network and security management, cloud computing, disaster recovery, and help desk support. MSPs can be particularly beneficial for small and medium-sized businesses that do not have the budget or resources to maintain an in-house IT team.

 

How Do Managed Services Providers Work?

Assessments

The first step in working with an MSP is an assessment of the client’s IT environment. This allows the MSP to identify any weaknesses, gaps or issues that need to be addressed. The assessment may include a review of the client’s hardware, software, network, security, and compliance requirements.

Customization

Once the assessment is complete, the MSP will customize a suite of services to fit the client’s unique needs. The MSP will work with the client to establish a service level agreement (SLA) that outlines the scope of services, response times, and other relevant details.

Implementation

The MSP will then deploy and configure the necessary hardware and software, and integrate the client’s existing infrastructure with the MSP’s management tools. This may involve installing software agents on client devices, setting up remote monitoring, and configuring alerts and notifications.

Monitoring and Support

The MSP will monitor the client’s systems and network on an ongoing basis, and proactively identify and resolve any issues that arise. This may include patch management, antivirus and malware protection, data backups, and disaster recovery. The MSP will also provide help desk support to the client’s employees, and may offer training and education on best practices and emerging technologies.

Reporting and Communication

The MSP will provide regular reports and updates to the client on the status of their systems and network. The MSP will also communicate any potential issues or risks that need to be addressed, and may offer recommendations for improvement. This ensures that the client is always aware of their IT environment and can make informed decisions.

Benefits of Working with a Managed Services Provider

Cost Savings

One of the biggest benefits of working with an MSP is cost savings. Managed Services can help reduce IT costs by up to 40%, according to a survey by Clutch. MSPs can provide comprehensive IT support at

 a fraction of the cost of maintaining an in-house IT team. This is particularly beneficial for small and medium-sized businesses that may not have the budget or resources to invest in IT infrastructure.

Increased Efficiency and Productivity

MSPs can help businesses run more efficiently and productively by providing proactive IT support. According to a survey by CompTIA, 46% of small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) that use MSPs reported significant increases in productivity. (Source: CompTIA)

By identifying and resolving issues before they become major problems, MSPs can minimize downtime and ensure that employees can focus on their core activities. MSPs can also provide 24/7 support, which ensures that businesses can continue to operate even outside of normal business hours.

Improved Security