How much time and money does your business spend managing IT infrastructure? Between network monitoring, data backups, cybersecurity and software updates, it can be overwhelming to keep up with the latest technological advances and ensure your business is running efficiently and securely. That’s where a managed IT services provider comes in. Below, learn what a managed IT services provider does and how their services can benefit your business.

What is a Managed IT Services Provider?

A managed IT services provider is a third-party company that provides IT support and services to businesses. They offer a range of services, including network monitoring, data backup and recovery, cybersecurity, software updates, and IT consulting. The primary goal of a managed IT services provider is to ensure that IT infrastructure is running efficiently and securely while minimizing downtime and maximizing productivity.

What Does a Managed IT Services Provider Do?

Network Monitoring and Maintenance

One of the key benefits of a managed IT services provider is that they can help small businesses with network monitoring and maintenance. This involves the continuous monitoring of your IT infrastructure to identify and address issues before they become major problems. According to a report by Gartner, the average cost of IT downtime is $5,600 per minute. With a managed IT services provider, you can minimize downtime and prevent potential losses due to network issues.

By constantly monitoring your network, they can detect and resolve any issues quickly, minimizing the risk of downtime. Some specific ways that a managed IT services provider can help your small business with network monitoring and maintenance include:

• Proactive Monitoring: A managed IT services provider will monitor your network and devices 24/7. This means that they can identify and address issues before they escalate, minimizing downtime and keeping your business running smoothly.
• Faster Issue Resolution: With continuous monitoring, a managed IT services provider can identify issues faster than you might notice yourself. They can then address the problem promptly, reducing downtime and improving your productivity.
• Improved Security: A managed IT services provider can also help with cybersecurity by monitoring your network for potential threats and vulnerabilities. They can implement measures to protect your network and devices from cyberattacks, ensuring that your business data remains secure.
• Predictive Maintenance: In addition to monitoring for problems, a managed IT services provider can also perform routine maintenance tasks such as software updates and security patches. This helps to keep your network and devices running smoothly and minimizes the risk of unexpected downtime.
• Scalability: As your business grows, your IT needs will change. A managed IT services provider can help you scale your IT infrastructure to meet the demands of your business. They can provide support and guidance as you expand, ensuring that your IT systems remain efficient and effective.

Data Backup and Recovery

Data is a crucial part of any business. Losing data due to hardware failure, a cyber attack, or even human error can be disastrous. Having a reliable data backup and recovery plan is essential for any business, especially small businesses that may not have the resources to recover from data loss quickly.

A managed IT services provider offers data backup and recovery services to ensure that your data is safe and easily recoverable in case of any disasters or cyberattacks. They back up your data on a regular basis, ensuring that you always have a recent copy of your important data. 

In case of a disaster, they can quickly restore your data, minimizing the risk of data loss. According to a study by the Ponemon Institute, the average cost of a data breach is $3.86 million. A managed IT services provider can help with data backup and recovery in several ways, including:

• Regular Backups: A managed IT services provider can ensure that your data is backed up regularly, whether it’s daily, weekly, or monthly. This ensures that you have the latest version of your data, and you can quickly recover it if necessary. Regular backups also reduce the risk of data loss, as there is always a recent copy of your data available.

• Secure Offsite Storage: A managed IT services provider can store your data offsite in secure data centers. This provides an extra layer of protection against data loss, as your data is safe even if your office experiences a disaster, such as a flood or fire. Additionally, offsite storage can help with compliance requirements for certain industries, such as healthcare or finance.

• Rapid Recovery: In the event of data loss, a managed IT services provider can quickly recover your data. They can restore data from backups, minimizing downtime and ensuring that your business can continue to operate. This can be especially critical for small businesses that rely on their data for day-to-day operations.

• Business Continuity Planning: A managed IT services provider can work with you to develop a business continuity plan. This plan outlines how your business will continue to operate in the event of a disaster, such as a data breach or natural disaster. By having a plan in place, you can minimize the impact of a disaster on your business, reducing downtime and lost revenue.

By partnering with a managed IT services provider, small businesses can ensure that their data is secure and can be quickly recovered in the event of a disaster. This not only protects the business from financial loss but also helps to maintain customer trust and loyalty, which is essential for any business’s success.

Cybersecurity

With the increasing number of cyberattacks targeting businesses of all sizes, having a reliable data backup and recovery system is crucial. A managed IT services provider 

can help you develop a comprehensive data backup and recovery plan that can protect your business from potential losses and cyber threats (such as malware, ransomware, phishing attacks and more). 

They can assist you in implementing a multi-layered cybersecurity strategy that includes network security, endpoint protection, email security, and employee training. By working with a managed IT services provider, you can stay ahead of the latest cybersecurity threats and protect your business from potential financial and reputational damage.

Small businesses are increasingly becoming targets for cyber criminals due to their perceived vulnerabilities. According to a report by Cybersecurity Ventures, cybercrime is expected to cost $10.5 trillion annually worldwide by 2025. With the threat of cyberattacks on the rise, it’s essential for small businesses to take steps to protect their IT infrastructure and data.

Here are some of the benefits of a managed IT services provider helping a small business with cybersecurity:

• Protection against cyber threats: A managed IT services provider offers comprehensive cybersecurity solutions to protect your business from cyber threats such as malware, ransomware, phishing attacks, and more. They can help you assess your current cybersecurity posture and identify vulnerabilities in your IT infrastructure. They can then develop and implement a tailored cybersecurity plan to safeguard your business from cyber-attacks.
• Expertise in the latest cybersecurity technologies: A managed IT services provider has access to the latest cybersecurity technologies and tools. They can help you implement these technologies to protect your business from cyber threats. They can also provide training for your employees on how to identify and avoid common cyber threats.
• 24/7 monitoring and support: A managed IT services provider offers 24/7 monitoring and support to ensure that your IT infrastructure is secure and running smoothly. They can detect and respond to cybersecurity threats in real time, minimizing the impact of any potential cyber-attacks.
• Compliance with regulations: Many industries are subject to regulatory compliance requirements that govern data privacy and security. A managed IT services provider can help ensure that your business is compliant with these regulations, avoiding potential fines and penalties.
• Cost-effective cybersecurity solutions: Hiring an in-house cybersecurity team can be expensive for small businesses. A managed IT services provider offers cost-effective cybersecurity solutions that are tailored to your specific needs and budget. They can help you maximize the value of your IT investments while minimizing costs.
• Peace of mind: By outsourcing your cybersecurity needs to a managed IT services provider, you can have peace of mind knowing that your business is protected from cyber threats. This allows you to focus on your core business activities rather than worrying about cybersecurity risks.

A managed IT services provider can be a valuable partner for small businesses looking to protect their IT infrastructure and data from cyber threats. By offering expertise in the latest cybersecurity technologies, 24/7 monitoring and support, compliance with regulations, cost-effective solutions, and peace of mind, a managed IT services provider can help any size business thrive in today’s digital landscape.

IT Consulting

A managed IT services provider can also provide IT consulting services to help your business stay ahead of the curve. They can advise you on the latest technology trends and help you implement the best IT solutions for your business. With their expertise, they can help you identify areas where you can improve your IT infrastructure, streamline your operations, and reduce costs.

Benefits of Managed IT Services

Increased Efficiency and Productivity

By outsourcing your IT services to a managed IT services provider, you can focus on your core business activities. Having IT services handled for you by an industry professional can increase efficiency and productivity, resulting in better business outcomes. You can free up your internal resources to focus on your core competencies while leaving the IT management to the experts.

According to a study by Forrester Research, businesses that outsource their IT services to a managed IT services provider see an average increase in productivity of 25%. You can free up your internal resources to focus on what you do best – running your business — and leave the IT management to the experts.

Cost Savings

Hiring a full-time IT team can be expensive for small to medium-sized businesses. According to a study by CompTIA, 46% of businesses that outsource their IT services report significant cost savings. Outsourcing to a managed IT services provider can save you money on salaries, benefits and training costs. You only pay for the services you need, and you can scale up or down your IT services as your business needs change.

Scalability

Managed IT services providers offer scalable solutions that can grow with your business. As your business expands, your IT needs will also increase. A managed IT services provider can accommodate your changing needs and provide the necessary support to keep your IT infrastructure running efficiently. They can help you implement new technologies and systems as your business grows, ensuring that your IT infrastructure always meets your business needs.

Read more about the benefits of a Managed IT Service Provider

How Can MDL Help Your Business?

As a managed IT services provider, MDL Technology can offer your business a range of IT services and support to ensure your IT infrastructure runs efficiently and securely. By outsourcing your IT services to a managed IT services provider like MDL, you can focus on your core business activities, save costs and benefit from expert IT support. With the increasing threats of cyberattacks and the growing importance of technology in business, partnering with MDL is a smart investment for any business. Get Started