More and more companies are turning to a Managed Service Provider (MSP) to oversee their IT infrastructure. It’s a common theme among business topics – and here’s 6 ways that joining them could benefit your business.
Keeps you competitive
Most SMBs can’t afford the expensive up to date software packages that larger businesses have as a matter of course. Outsourcing your IT can help your business to keep up with bigger companies and provide access to the same level of expertise that larger firms have on hand, giving you a competitive edge.
Security and compliance
As a part of your service, your business will have top-of-the-line protection against cyber threats that could see your downtime stretch into weeks, leaving profit loss and a damaged reputation. Many MSPs also offer a comprehensive BDR service that adds that extra layer of safety. An MSP will also ensure that any compliance regulations you need to be aware of are monitored and your company is operating legally and safely – especially with the due diligence required to operate electronic payments and sensitive data.
Cost effective
Using an MSP means that you can control your expenditure by paying a monthly set fee that covers all eventualities. This makes it easier to invest money in growth and scalability, knowing that your costs aren’t going to change much and you won’t be suddenly crippled by expensive repair or upgrade bills. It is also possible to rent offsite servers, which lowers your IT investment even more – especially when hardware has an expiration date where performance begins to be affected. Renting saves you large replacement costs.
Constant monitoring
Not many companies can afford round the clock monitoring for their IT infrastructure and even if you did have enough staff, the cost in overtime alone may be too big to manage. An MSP can do this for you as a part of the service, fixing potential problems before they happen and ensuring any downtime is kept to a minimum. MSP’s also take on the maintenance, making sure software is updated and inventory is audited and controlled.
Scalability
MSP’s will have in-depth knowledge of the growth needs and future IT plans for SMBs and you can have access to their expertise and advice. A provider can advise you on which software is best for your company development plans, working with you to create the best possible solutions. Technology changes rapidly as new breakthroughs emerge. It can be difficult for a business to decide which software is best for them. An MSP provides less uncertainty about the future of your company.
Time
By taking over the management of your IT infrastructure, an MSP gives you the time you need to focus on your business, carrying out activities that benefit your company more than spending your time sorting out your IT problems. No matter what area your business specializes in, there’s never enough time to do everything that needs doing before promoting your company and reaching out to new customers. An MSP allows you to do this with confidence, knowing you have a safety net.
