In the hustle and bustle of running a business, technology often feels like both a lifeline and a major headache. You rely on it for everything from customer management to data security, but keeping it all in check can be overwhelming. If you’re a business owner or office manager looking for a way to keep up with the latest technologies and keep your sanity, it’s time to consider managed IT services.
What are Managed IT Services?
Essentially, managed IT services are when you allow a third-party company (often called a managed service provider) to take care of all your technology needs. These providers offer a range of services, from monitoring your network to handling data security and everything in between, making sure everything runs as smoothly as possible.
Think of it as having a dedicated IT department but without the overhead costs of hiring and training an internal IT team. You pay a regular fee to the managed IT services provider, and they take care of everything from software updates to cybersecurity.
Want the managed service provider to cover only certain IT services? They can do that, too! They’ll be as involved as you want them to be and will reflect that involvement in their prices.
The 11 Most Common Types of Managed IT Services for SMBs
Are you wondering what type of IT services you might need extra coverage on? Here is a quick list of the eleven most common types of services a managed service provider like JCM Telecom can manage. Managed service providers cover a wide range of IT needs, and you can have them cover one or all of them!
Network Monitoring and Support keeps an eye on your network around the clock to catch and fix issues before they disrupt your business. It includes network support to maintain network health and maximize uptime.
Data Backup and Recovery regularly saves copies of your data and helps you recover it if something goes wrong, like a cyberattack or hardware failure.
Cybersecurity protects your business from online threats with firewalls, antivirus software, and other security measures.
Cloud Services manages and stores your data on remote servers, making it accessible from anywhere and often more secure.
Help Desk Support provides assistance for tech issues, so your employees can get help quickly without having to wait for an in-house IT person.
IT Consulting offers advice on technology decisions to ensure you’re using the best tools and strategies for your business needs.
Software Updates keep your software up to date with the latest features and security patches, so you’re always protected.
Hardware Management oversees the maintenance and replacement of your computers and other tech equipment.
Network Security implements strategies to protect your network from unauthorized access and cyber threats.
Disaster Recovery ensures that you have a plan in place to quickly recover from major disruptions, such as natural disasters or serious technical failures.
Mobile Device Management monitors and manages mobile devices, ensuring they are secure and functioning properly within your IT infrastructure.
Understanding the different managed services is one thing, but it’s the benefits they bring that truly matter.
What are Some Examples of Managed IT Services?
To give you a clearer picture of how managed services work in real life, let’s look at three distinct examples.
First, let’s talk about retail.
Imagine you run a clothing store with three different locations and a very active website. Managed services can be a game-changer here. They’ll make sure your website stays up and running smoothly, manage your point-of-sale systems at each location, and ensure your customer data is secure. So, if your online store faces a sudden spike in traffic or if a technical glitch pops up, your managed IT services team can deal with those problems immediately, letting you focus on keeping your customers happy.
Next, we’re going to touch on the legal side of things.
Running a law firm means dealing with sensitive client information, maintaining confidentiality, and keeping up with industry compliance. Managed IT services are like having a security detail for your data.
They’ll handle everything from secure data storage and backups to ensuring your email and communication systems are safe from hackers. So, when your clients reach out to you, or you need to access crucial case files, you can do so with confidence that your information is protected.
Finally, we’ll take a look at a bistro.
Let’s say you own a restaurant that is buzzing with diners. Your digital menu, online reservations, and payment system are top-of-the-line and in use a lot. Managed IT providers can take care of all this technology for you. They’ll ensure your reservation system works perfectly, manage your digital menu updates, and keep your payment systems secure.
If something goes wrong—like a glitch with your payment processing or an issue with your online ordering system—they’re quick to resolve it, so you can keep serving your guests without a hitch.
And they don’t even need to be there in-person to do it! Many managed IT providers, like JCM Telecom, often provide remote assistance instead of traditional on-site support, making management of IT infrastructure that much faster and that much easier.
And those are just three examples of how managed services – specifically IT services – can positively impact small and medium business owners.
6 Major Benefits of Managed IT Services
Managed IT services can transform the way you handle technology, offering a range of benefits that go beyond just keeping your systems up and running. Managed IT services can:
1. Boost Your Team’s Productivity
One of the best things about managed IT services is how they free up your internal team. Instead of getting bogged down with tech troubles, your employees can focus on their core jobs—like making sales and serving customers. Plus, you won’t waste time recruiting and training IT staff. The end result? Your team becomes more productive, and your business can see higher profits.
2. Keep Costs in Check
Technology can get pricey quickly, especially when you factor in the costs of servers, software, and ongoing maintenance. With managed IT services, you pay a predictable monthly or annual fee. This helps you control your IT budget and avoid those big upfront costs. You only pay for the services you need, and often, updates and upgrades are included. It’s a cost-effective way to keep your technology current without extra expenses.
3. Provide More Reliable Service
Finding and keeping skilled IT staff can be a real challenge. With managed IT services, you get a team of experts who ensure your systems are up and running. Their Service Level Agreements (SLAs) spell out exactly what you can expect from them, which should be fewer technology hiccups and more consistent performance.
4. Implement Stronger Cybersecurity Services
Now, let’s get real about security. You might think your small business isn’t on the radar of cybercriminals, but that’s not the case. In fact, small and medium-sized businesses are prime targets. Between 2020 and 2022, cyberattacks on SMBs surged by 150 percent, hitting a staggering 31,000 attacks per day globally. To keep your data safe, you need to stay updated on the latest security measures. That’s where your managed IT services provider comes in. They’ll ensure you have top-notch security in place, with firewalls, anti-virus protection, and regular updates to keep those cyber threats at bay.
5. Improve Your Technological Flexibility
As your business continues to grow, your IT needs will continue to change. Managed IT services allow you to easily scale up or down as needed. Whether you’re adding more users, integrating new technologies, or opening new locations, your provider can easily adjust the level of support you receive to match your new requirements. Easy as pie.
6. Help You with Strategic Planning
Your MSP isn’t just about fixing issues—they can also be a valuable partner in planning for the future. They offer insights on how to use technology to drive development, suggest tools like network devices or system monitoring software that fit your business goals, and ensure that your IT setup can support your long-term plans and stay up to date with industry compliance.
The bottom line? Many small businesses outsource their IT tasks to managed service providers to adapt to changing needs, allowing them to focus on their main business operations while benefiting from manageable, predictable pricing and improved operational efficiency. And it’s about time you do too!
Get Local Managed IT Services That’re Made for You with JCM Telecom
If you’re in Fort Lauderdale and looking for a trustworthy partner for your IT needs, JCM Telecom is here to help. From handling your day-to-day IT needs to offering strategic guidance, we ensure that you always receive the care and attention your business deserves.
Ready to enjoy technology that works for you, not against you? Reach out to our team today and we’ll start building a managed IT services plan that meets your needs and exceeds your expectations.
