Managed IT Helpful Resources
- What is IT Asset Management and Does My Company Need It?
- What is a Business Continuity Solution?
- The Difference Between Reactive vs. Proactive IT Support
- How to Increase Operational Efficiency With Managed IT Services
- Frequently Asked Questions About Managed IT
- How to Evaluate a Managed IT Service Provider
What is
Managed IT?
Many businesses can’t afford to hire a full-time IT professional or Chief Information Officer (CIO), yet they face many of the same challenges as large, global enterprises — sometimes more! A Managed IT service allows even small organizations to have the IT department they always dreamed of through an outsourced solution.
A Managed IT provider brings world-class technology capabilities, data protection, and expertise to your business, typically at a fraction of the cost of hiring an IT position.
- Analyze your current IT environment and provide a needs assessment
- Develop an IT strategy to reach your business goals and achieve results
- Determine software and hardware needs and ensure timely updates and licensing
- Design a solution to address cybersecurity, disaster recovery, and compliance, and implement best practices for enterprise-level protection
- Assess processes related to technology to improve efficiencies
- Provide recommendations for computers, software, and other technology to stay current
- Solve problems with the skills and experience needed and by collaborating with an experienced team of technical experts that is available 24/7
- Develop an IT roadmap, which is reviewed quarterly, to look at the big picture and strategize to see how technology can positively impact your bottom line
Benefits of Managed IT
Perhaps you’ve weighed the pros and cons of outsourcing some or all of your IT rather than managing everything internally, but aren’t sure which way to go. The following articles can outline the benefits of Managed IT and help you make the best decision that aligns with your overall IT strategy.
- How to Improve Your IT Department Morale
- Reasons to Outsource Your IT
- How Law Firms Can Reduce IT Headaches
- How to Create Electronic Versions of Existing Paper Forms and Documents
- How Nonprofits Can Maximize Office Productivity with Managed IT
- How to Avoid Small Business Risks With a Proactive IT Approach
- The Most Common Reasons People Outsource IT
- Managed IT Can Help Small Business Owners Avoid Burnout
Virtual Chief Information Officer
The average salary of a CIO in the U.S. runs in the six figures these days. That’s simply not in the cards (or the budget) for most small and mid-size businesses (SMBs). A virtual chief information officer (vCIO), offered as part of a Managed IT solution, can serve the same purpose without the same paycheck. Learn the differences between a CIO on your payroll versus a vCIO in the following articles:
- Pros and Cons of a Virtual Chief Information Officer (vCIO)
- What is a vCIO, And Is One Right for Your Business?
- How a Virtual Chief Information Officer (vCIO) Can Help SMBs
- Ways a Virtual Chief Information Officer (vCIO) Helps Your Bottom Line
- Technology Challenges of Schools and How a Virtual CIO Can Help
- Questions to Ask Before Hiring a vCIO and Managed IT Partner
Cloud Computing
The Cloud is quickly becoming the dominant method of storing digital data. If your business hasn’t yet made the move to the Cloud, chances are it will have to in the future. Be proactive by staying informed and working with a Managed IT partner to identify the best Cloud solution. This will help ensure the transition goes smoothly and that your data is properly protected.
Cybersecurity
Nothing strikes fear in the heart of a business owner quite like hearing the words, “We’ve been hacked.” Malware, data breaches and other cyber threats are increasing, as is the sophistication of cyber criminals and the scale of their attacks. Educating yourself and your employees about what signs to look for and how to mitigate the risks of a security breach are critical in today’s business climate. These articles can help.
How Managed IT Can Save Money
For many businesses, it all comes down to the bottom line. Some believe that outsourcing a company’s technology won’t work within their budgets, but when all associated factors are taken into consideration, Managed IT typically saves money over time. Check out the following articles to help you assess the overall costs of Managed IT (and how much it may cost to keep doing business as usual).
- How Small Businesses Can Save Money on IT Support
- Real Costs of Operational Downtime
- Pricing Options for Managed IT
- Frequently Asked Questions About Managed IT
- Cybersecurity Stats and Associated Costs You Need to Be Aware Of
- Affordable IT Strategies Every Small Business Needs
- Reduce Labor Costs with Business Process Optimization
Implementing
Managed IT
What does working with a Managed IT provider look like? How much will they do and what responsibilities will remain with you? It all depends on your unique situation and the level of service and systems you need. A Managed IT provider will customize a plan based on your needs and walk you through each phase, including:
- Personalized needs analysis and cost proposal
- Help with current IT asset inventory
- Strategic recommendations
- Implementation and installation
- Staff training as needed
- 24/7 Help Desk and remote monitoring
- Routine evaluations
- Ongoing support
