Managed IT Services FAQs

In today’s rapidly evolving technological landscape, businesses are increasingly turning to managed IT services to streamline their operations, enhance security, and boost efficiency. However, navigating the realm of managed IT services can often raise numerous questions and uncertainties. Whether you’re a small startup or a large enterprise, understanding the ins and outs of managed IT services is crucial for making informed decisions about your technology infrastructure. In this blog, we’ll address common queries and provide insights to help you harness the full potential of managed IT services for your business’s success.

What are managed IT services?
Managed IT services encompass the outsourcing of IT responsibilities to a specialised third-party provider. This includes overseeing and maintaining a company’s IT infrastructure, systems, software, cyber security, and technical support.

What benefits can my business gain from using managed IT services?

Outsourcing these tasks offers your business benefits such as enhanced efficiency, technical expertise, cost-effectiveness, and scalability in managing digital operations. Additionally, it provides advantages like reduced downtime, improved security, and frees up time and resources for your team to focus on core business activities.

What types of services are included in managed IT services?
When you opt for managed IT services, you get a tailored suite of support tailored to the needs of your business. This typically encompasses a range of offerings, from managing your network and infrastructure to ensuring robust cyber security, maintaining your software and hardware, backing up your data, maintaining your Microsoft 365 licences, and even advising you on the best IT strategies for your business growth. Having a responsive helpdesk ready to assist you with any technical issues ensures that your technology works seamlessly while you focus on core business activities.

How do managed IT services differ from traditional IT support?

While traditional IT support often involves a reactive response to specific issues or requests, managed IT services take a proactive approach by providing ongoing monitoring, maintenance, and management of your business’s IT infrastructure. Managed IT services typically operate on a subscription-based model, offering a comprehensive range of services aimed at preventing problems before they occur, optimising performance, and ensuring the security and efficiency of the IT environment. In contrast, traditional IT support tends to be more ad hoc, focusing primarily on addressing immediate technical issues as they arise without necessarily providing ongoing oversight or strategic planning for IT needs.

Is my business too small/big for managed IT services?

The suitability of managed IT services depends on your specific IT needs, budget, and growth trajectory. Managed IT services can benefit businesses of all sizes, from small startups to large enterprises. For smaller businesses, managed IT services can provide cost-effective access to advanced technology, expertise, and support that they may struggle to afford to provide in-house. Larger businesses can leverage managed IT services to streamline their operations, enhance security, and scale their IT infrastructure efficiently. Ultimately, the decision should be based on your business’s unique requirements and objectives.

Are managed IT services only for specific industries?

Managed IT services are not limited to specific industries; they can be beneficial for businesses across various sectors. While certain industries may have unique regulatory compliance or security requirements that need to be addressed by managed IT services, the fundamental need for reliable, secure, and efficient IT management applies regardless of what sector you’re in. From manufacturing, construction and warehousing to finance, distribution, retail and charity/not for profit, businesses in diverse sectors can benefit from the expertise, support, and cost-effectiveness offered by managed IT services.

How does security work with managed IT services?

Security is a critical component of managed IT services, typically implemented through a combination of proactive measures and ongoing monitoring. Managed IT service providers employ practices such as network security, endpoint protection, data encryption, access controls, vulnerability assessments, and security patch management to safeguard against cyber threats. Managed IT service providers can also help to educate your employees about cyber security best practices and ensure compliance with relevant regulations and standards, such as Cyber Essentials accreditation.

Can I keep some IT functions in-house while using managed services for others?

With managed services, you have the flexibility to choose which IT functions to outsource, and which to keep in-house, if any. This approach allows you to retain control over certain critical functions while leveraging the expertise and resources of managed service providers for others. For example, you may opt to retain an existing IT manager but work with an MSP for projects, specific technical advice, or holiday cover. This strategy enables you to tailor your IT support to your business’s specific needs, budget, and internal capabilities.