Here at iCT we are grounded in the term that defines our business. In this Managed Services Provider industry (MSP), we feel it is important to be clear on our definition of the term. Managed Services provides organizations with predictable, business-focused IT services that optimize operations, manage risk and deliver measurable value from technology. Listed below our 9 key elements that we feel define Managed Services for the SMB:
- The service is delivered remotely.
- We leverage our technology.
- We leverage our personnel.
- The service is proactive in nature.
- The service is specifically defined with a SLA (Service Level Agreement).
- The service is fixed billing.
- The service shifts the risk to ICT.
- The service has specific contract terms.
- The service has regular billing cycles.
If your managed services provider is not deliver services to you on this level, you may not be getting the level of service you deserve.
Network managed services makes sense for many SMB consumers who:
- Require IT operations to be running all hours of the business day
- See the value in keeping the systems stable, secure, and up-to-date
- Have the desire to receive the maximum benefit from the IT investment
- Need immediate access to expert resolution technicians at a moments notice
- Value availability, help desk ticketing, escalation, documentation, and reporting
- Desire to have a technology partner whose goals are well aligned with the businesses.
So, how do I know if I need network managed services?
According to the MSP Alliance, the following questions can serve as a self-assessment or evaluation of your organization’s internal IT needs.
Do I have and/or use IT?
Most organizations today, regardless of their technical sophistication, rely on IT in some manner. Even the most non-technical organizations use email, web sites, and other IT to conduct daily business tasks. If this describes your organization then you may need the assistance of a MSP.
Do you have an IT department?
One of the biggest fallacies is the idea that an organization with an internal IT department does not need a MSP. Similarly, some IT departments may think that a MSP is out to take their job. Nothing could be further from the truth! Most managed services clients (especially those with in house IT staff) will tell you that they have an incredibly high level of communication and trust with their MSP. The truth is that most managed services relationships actually allow the IT department to do the things that they should be doing while the MSP handles the things that are important but take up too much time.
Are you in a regulated industry?
As regulatory pressures1 increase entities that have or use IT will be forced to take greater care of their IT assets. Most organizations are not qualified to handle this task. Most organization are not qualified to handle this task. Most organizations would not be able to afford to bring all the technical and human resources in house in order to accomplish this task. A relationship with the right MSP can not only help solve your IT regulatory needs but do so at an affordable price.
Have you ever suffered an IT security breach? Would an IT security breach have negative repercussions to your business?
Companies who have suffered a security breach involving their IT assets can attest that it is not a pleasant experience. Similarly, there are probably many more organizations that have suffered an IT security breach but never knew about it. Having a MSP that is constantly vigilant about monitoring your network status can not only know if a breach is taking place but in many cases prevent such a breach from ever happening.
Is IT important to your business?
Many IT users think that life without IT would be nice because their IT never works. Many consumers of managed services have said similar things prior to engaging a qualified MSP. The simple fact is that most of us rely on IT. Another simple fact is that many companies today do not have IT that functions properly. If this is you, contact a qualified MSP today.
1 IT focused regulation is occurring all over the world and impacts a wide range of organizations that use IT.
2 IT article property of the MSP Alliance, Copyright 2006