Why Outsourcing Technology Maintenance and Support Helps You Focus on Your Business
It's nearly impossible to operate a growing, successful business without technology. From managing finances to communicating with clients, technology is integral in the process of keeping your business up and running. However, working toward a secure and efficient technology foundation for your workflow requires much time and effort. This is where outsourcing your technology maintenance and support can e a help, allowing you and your team to focus more on your core operations and activities.
IT support teams that offer outsourced IT maintenance, management, and security for their clients are often called Managed Service Providers or MSPs. These firms partner with your business to provide a holistic approach to securing and caring for your data and operational IT environment.
Some of the services commonly provided by MSPs are:
Response to IT incidents to help mitigate any damage
Continuous remote monitoring to detect and prevent potential security issues within your systems
Patch and version management so your systems are running on the most appropriate updates
Onsite support for more complex issues that require physical maintenance
Cloud hosting and migration services to help you better leverage cloud tools and workflow
Hosted VoIP services that can reduce your operational costs
Backup and disaster recovery solutions to help secure your critical company and client data
Outsourcing technology maintenance and support can be a great way for businesses of all sizes to free up resources, save money, and give their teams more time to focus on core functions. Here are a few pro-business advantages to partnering with a trusted IT support vendor for outsourced technology management and security.
Cost-efficiency
Hiring in-house employees to manage your technology can be expensive, especially for small and mid-sized businesses. According to Glassdoor.com, the average IT employee with four to six years of industry experience commands a salary of $80,462 (USD) per year. [1] For small to mid-size businesses, outsourcing their IT maintenance and support can be cost-efficient, reducing the added expense of hiring costs, salaries, taxes, and other benefits.
Access to expertise
The technology landscape is constantly evolving, and it's difficult for small and mid-sized businesses to find/retain skilled IT professionals. As a company grows, its technology needs expand, often requiring very specialized assistance in technologies such as:
Cloud services
Virtualization
AI and Machine Learning
Backup and disaster recovery
Software development
Network infrastructure maintenance
Management of remote devices and users
Focus on core business workflow
As a business owner, you want your focus to be on growing your business and expanding your customer base, not fixing technology-related issues. Outsourcing technology maintenance and support allows you to channel your resources toward business development and other critical areas of company excellence.
Improved Security
Cybersecurity breaches are becoming more rampant, and businesses of all sizes are vulnerable to these threats. Outsourcing technology maintenance and support provides you with access to reliable security measures that will help keep your business secure from external threats such as:
Malware, viruses, and other malicious attacks
Data breaches
Ransomware attacks
Phishing attempts
Smaller businesses often do not have the resources needed to protect their technology from cyber threats, which makes outsourcing an effective way to protect their business data and sensitive customer information.
Scalability
As businesses grow, their technology needs also grow. Scaling up an in-house IT team may be quite challenging, and it is definitely time-consuming and expensive. Outsourcing technology maintenance and support to a trusted IT support vendor enables businesses to scale up or down easily, depending on their needs. The flexibility of outsourced technical support enables businesses to adapt to changing circumstances without being limited by their existing technological resources.
Conclusion:
Letting us handle your technology maintenance and support provides a wide range of benefits for your business, regardless of your company’s size. From cost savings and access to IT specializations to improved security and scalability, outsourcing allows you to focus on your core business processes while knowing your technology is in good hands. With these advantages, it's no surprise that outsourcing technology security, maintenance, and support is becoming the preferred option for businesses like yours looking to operate efficiently and cost effectively.
Our IT services are designed to meet the specific needs of businesses, providing reliable and cost-effective solutions that enhance efficiency, productivity and overall performance. With our specialized expertise, we can help your business achieve its goals and stay ahead of the competition.
Contact us today to learn more about how we can support your business.
FAQs
1. How do I choose the right MSP for my business?
While this blog post highlights the benefits of outsourcing IT, selecting the right Managed Service Provider (MSP) is crucial for your specific needs. Here are some key factors to consider:
Experience and expertise: Look for an MSP with a proven track record of success in supporting businesses similar to yours in terms of size and industry.
Range of services offered: Ensure the MSP's service portfolio aligns with your specific needs, whether it's network security, cloud management, or ongoing maintenance.
Scalability: Choose an MSP that can adapt and grow with your business as its IT needs evolve.
Communication and transparency: Look for an MSP that prioritizes clear communication and keeps you informed about your IT environment.
Security measures: Understand the MSP's security protocols and data protection practices to ensure your sensitive information is adequately safeguarded.
By carefully evaluating these factors and conducting research, you can increase your chances of selecting a reliable and qualified MSP that aligns with your specific business requirements.
2. What are the potential downsides of outsourcing IT maintenance and support?
It's important to acknowledge that outsourcing IT, while beneficial, might have potential drawbacks:
Loss of control: By outsourcing, you relinquish some control over your IT infrastructure. This could be a concern for businesses requiring a high degree of control over their data and systems.
Security concerns: Choosing an MSP with robust security practices is crucial to mitigate the risk of data breaches or unauthorized access.
Vendor lock-in: Switching MSPs can be complex and time-consuming, so choose a provider you trust and are confident can grow with your needs.
Carefully weigh these potential drawbacks against the benefits outlined in the blog post to make an informed decision about whether outsourcing IT is the right choice for your business.
3. What service level agreements (SLAs) do you offer?
The blog mentioned various services offered by MSPs. However, service level agreements (SLAs) are crucial documents outlining specific guarantees and response times associated with the provided services. An SLA might specify:
Guaranteed uptime percentages for critical systems.
Response times for resolving technical incidents.
Reporting and communication protocols.
Understanding the specifics of the SLA will help you understand the level of service you can expect and ensure it aligns with your business needs and expectations.
Contact us today to discuss your specific business needs and learn more about the customized SLAs we offer.