How a Managed Service Provider Can Help Your Business

Businesses run on their computers and other devices. That is how they stay in touch with customers, keep operations moving and stay competitive. The technology behind all of it has grown complicated, and the time and cost of maintaining it is more than many businesses can carry on their own. That is where Managed Service Providers (MSPs) come in.

What Is a Managed Service Provider?

An MSP runs all or part of an organization’s IT services, usually remotely. That covers monitoring and managing servers, networking, security, backup and disaster recovery. You do not have to buy or manage your own equipment, and you do not have to hire full-time IT staff. The work ranges from routine network maintenance and data protection to full business continuity planning. When an unexpected event threatens your organization’s critical functions, a plan for keeping the business running is already in place. There are no large capital expenses upfront and no expensive staffing costs building up over time. Fees are typically charged per device or per user, which can help you keep costs down as you grow.

What Are the Benefits of an MSP?

Small businesses that would rather not carry the cost and complexity of their own IT infrastructure get several advantages:

• No capital expense. The MSP buys and maintains the equipment. Your business can start operating right away with nothing to pay upfront. Most MSPs even offer financing options, so you can purchase services on credit.
• Lower operating expenses. An MSP usually delivers better service for less than it costs to manage the same infrastructure yourself. An IT company may charge $250 per hour for basic computer support services, while an MSP charges $180 per month for a similar level of coverage. And when something goes wrong with your technology, it is one less thing for your staff to worry about.
• Business continuity planning. Many MSPs offer Business Continuity Planning (BCP) services to limit the disruption to your business if a disaster occurs. They establish and maintain backups of your data, develop standard operating procedures and make sure everyone in the company knows how to reach critical information in an emergency.
• Security. If you keep sensitive financial or customer information on your computers or servers, regular security assessments belong in your protection plan. Many MSPs handle that work, including risk assessment, penetration testing and policy creation. Threats keep changing, and this is a way to stay current on them without your own people spending their days on maintenance.
• Better service for remote employees. Plenty of companies have workers who are out of the office most or all of the time. An MSP can set up those remote employees with secure access to your network, plus on-site support, so they can get their work done no matter where they are.

How Do You Choose an MSP?

A few things are worth doing while you look:

• Ask other business owners who they use. Word-of-mouth referrals are one of the best ways to find a good MSP. Local small-business organizations, Chamber of Commerce chapters and industry associations are all good places to start.
• Compare three or more providers before you commit. Once you find one that seems like a good fit, ask for pricing on services such as security, disaster recovery planning and data protection. Make sure they can explain in plain terms what each service covers before you sign a contract.
• Trust your instincts. If something does not feel right about a provider, keep looking until you find someone whose style is a better match for your company’s needs.

Key Takeaways

An MSP takes the IT infrastructure off your plate so your team can spend its time on the work you are actually in business to do. Our team at TTS Cyber offers the benefits of a managed service provider at an affordable price. Contact us today and we can talk about what your environment needs.