The access to unbelievable technology that benefits your business is unlike anything seen, regardless of the business size. For example, you can design an entirely new logo and business cards for free with the click of a button. But there’s a downside with easy access to such powerful tools: how to keep your business protected and up to speed with the latest security and protection needs. That’s where the discussion of IT support and services comes to light.
When managing your business technology, you have two main options: managed IT services or traditional IT support services. While they might sound similar, choosing the right one can dramatically impact your business operations, security, and bottom line. For most businesses nowadays, working with an IT managed services provider is the go-to choice, but let’s break down what makes each unique and help you decide which is best for your business.
Understanding Traditional IT Support Services and Remote Support
You can think of traditional IT support like calling a plumber when your pipes burst. It’s reactive—you only reach out when something goes wrong. While this approach works for some businesses, it comes with limitations:
- You pay for each service call
- Problems are fixed after they occur
- No, or rarely discussed, preventive maintenance
- Limited strategic planning
- Potentially longer downtimes
Co-managed services offer a collaborative approach between managed IT service providers and internal IT teams. This partnership allows internal IT staff to focus on complex projects by sharing the workload with the MSP. As a result, businesses experience improved reliability and performance through effective resource management and partnership.
Working with a provider is important to decide which path would be better for your business. JCM Telecom offers both traditional IT support services and managed IT services, so we’re a big proponent of working with you to review your system and determine the best option.
Related content: Benefits of Outsourcing IT Support for Small to Medium-Sized Businesses
What is a Managed Service Provider?
Definition of a Managed Service Provider
A managed service provider (MSP) is a third-party company that remotely manages a customer’s information technology (IT) infrastructure and end-user systems. MSPs offer various services, including network and infrastructure management, security, monitoring, and technical support. They provide proactive management services to identify and address potential issues before they become significant problems, minimizing downtime and optimizing system performance.
Role of a Managed Service Provider in IT Management
The role of an MSP in IT management is to provide expert technical support and guidance to organizations, helping them improve their IT efficiency, productivity, and security. MSPs work closely with their clients to understand their business needs and develop customized solutions to meet those needs. They also provide ongoing monitoring and maintenance of IT systems, ensuring they run smoothly and efficiently. MSPs also offer consulting services to help organizations optimize their IT infrastructure and improve their business processes.
Types of Managed IT Services
Infrastructure Management Services
Infrastructure management services are managed IT services that focus on managing an organization’s IT infrastructure, including servers, networks, and storage systems. These services ensure that an organization’s IT infrastructure runs seamlessly and that any issues are quickly identified and resolved. Infrastructure management services may include:
- Network monitoring and management
- Server management and maintenance
- Storage management and backup
- Cloud computing and virtualization
- IT consulting and strategy
Managed service providers typically provide infrastructure management services with the technical expertise and resources to manage complex IT infrastructures. These services are often provided on a subscription basis, with the MSP contributing ongoing monitoring and maintenance of the organization’s IT infrastructure for a fixed monthly fee.
By outsourcing infrastructure management to an MSP, organizations can free up internal resources to focus on core business activities while improving the efficiency and reliability of their IT systems. Additionally, MSPs can provide expert technical support and guidance to help organizations optimize their IT infrastructure and improve their overall business processes.
The Managed IT Services Advantage
Managed IT services work more like having a dedicated maintenance team monitoring your building 24/7. There’s a baseline for all products and services that need to be monitored for any deviation. Depending on your business, the unknown cost expenditures that could come with traditional IT support will shine a positive light on managed IT services. As your IT managed services provider, we take a proactive approach that includes:
- Continuous system monitoring
- Regular maintenance and updates
- Cybersecurity protection
- Strategic IT planning
- Predictable monthly costs
- Remote support and monitoring
Related content: Managed IT Services: Why Your Business Needs Them
Key Differences That Matter for Your Business
The distinction between these two approaches becomes clear when we look at their impact side-by-side on your business. Although not exclusive to these features, having them listed in such a way makes their impact more apparent:
| Feature | IT Support | Managed IT Services |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Management | Unpredictable costs, higher emergency rates | Fixed monthly fee, predictable budgeting |
| Response Time | Variable response times based on availability | Immediate response with 24/7 monitoring |
| Security Approach | Reactive security patches after incidents | Proactive threat prevention and monitoring |
| Business Planning | Limited strategic input | Ongoing strategic IT planning and consulting |
| Patch Management | Reactive patching after issues arise | Proactive patch management to ensure system reliability and security |
Why Businesses Are Choosing Managed IT Services
The shift toward managed IT services isn’t just about technology—it’s about business success. Here’s why more companies are making the switch:
- Predictable Costs: Instead of unexpected repair bills, you get a fixed monthly rate that covers everything from routine maintenance to emergency support.
- Enhanced Security: With cyber threats occurring daily, continuous security monitoring and updates are no longer optional—they’re a must for survival.
- Improved Efficiency: Problems are often prevented before they impact your business, meaning less downtime and higher productivity.
- Strategic Growth: Your IT managed services provider becomes a partner in your business growth, helping align technology with your business goals.
- Enhanced Network Security: Continuous network security monitoring and advanced protection measures, including encryption technologies and firewalls, safeguard against the rising number of cyberattacks and data breaches. Regular checkups and managed access control protect sensitive information from external and internal threats.
Making the Right Choice for Your Business
Before jumping into any long-lasting decision, sitting down and determining your business goals and needs is crucial to making your decision a success. With that in mind, consider these questions when deciding between IT support services and managed IT services:
- How much downtime can your business afford?
- What would a security breach cost your company?
- Do you need strategic IT planning for growth?
- How vital is predictable IT budgeting?
Did you know that even government agencies hire MSPs to manage their IT infrastructure and end-user systems? This allows these agencies to focus on their core services while ensuring specialized providers handle day-to-day IT management tasks.
Why Partner with JCM Telecom as Your Managed Service Provider
At JCM Telecom, we understand that every business has unique needs. That’s why we offer so much more than one service, from VoIP phones to CCTV, internet service, and more! As an IT managed services provider, we offer comprehensive managed IT services with certified professionals, unlimited end-user support, and proactive management. We take a complete view of your business technology infrastructure into account, but specifically, our managed IT services provide:
- Comprehensive cybersecurity protection
- 24/7 system monitoring and support
- Strategic IT consulting and planning
- Scalable solutions that grow with your business
- Local, expert support when you need it
Taking the Next Step
The choice between managed IT services and traditional IT support can significantly impact your business’s future. While break-fix IT support might work for very small operations, most growing businesses benefit from the proactive, comprehensive approach of managed IT services. Services providers manage various organizations’ IT systems, offering services tailored to different needs. These providers are flexible in delivering services either onsite or offsite.
Ready to explore how managed IT services can transform your business technology? Contact JCM Telecom today for a consultation and discover the difference a proactive IT strategy can make.
