Reasons to use Managed IT Services for your Business and partner with an MSP
Are you still relying on an in-house IT team for system maintenance? It might be time to think differently…
The traditional break/fix IT model often leaves internal teams in a reactive cycle, making it challenging to stay ahead of modern technology demands. As your business grows, it’s crucial to ensure your systems keep pace, and many internal teams may struggle to support this level of innovation.
If you’ve previously ruled out outsourcing due to cost concerns or satisfaction with the current setup, consider the advantages of managed services - especially for systems like Microsoft Dynamics 365. Managed IT can offer enhanced support, scalability, and cost-efficiency that empower your business to stay competitive.
What Are Managed Services?
In business, managed services refer to outsourcing specific operational tasks such as IT, supply chain management, or customer support to specialised third-party providers. Though not exclusive to IT, managed IT services have become increasingly popular, with providers offering proactive support, infrastructure management, and cybersecurity.
Managed IT services, in particular, allow companies to stay agile in a digital landscape, providing access to expertise and advanced tools without the challenges of in-house management. This article focuses on the advantages of adopting managed IT services for businesses of all sizes.
For examples of some managed IT services, take a look at the graphic below:
The demand for managed services has surged in recent years, as businesses increasingly recognise the value of outsourcing critical functions. From 2019’s valuation of £143.37 billion, the global managed services market is projected to reach over £281.34 billion by 2025. This growth is driven largely by small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs), which benefit from the expertise and technology that managed services provide, helping them compete with larger organisations without overextending their budgets.
The surge in demand for managed services is largely driven by small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) seeking to stay competitive. These businesses need access to cutting-edge technology to fuel growth but often lack the extensive IT budget required for in-house solutions. Managed services such as ours provide SMBs with the expertise, resources, and support to compete effectively with larger enterprises, offering a cost-effective alternative to traditional IT expansion. This advantage is just one of many reasons companies are increasingly turning to the managed services model.
1. Focus on Core Objectives
As businesses expand, IT needs grow accordingly, often outpacing the capacity of in-house teams. Managed services allow your team to focus on core business objectives without being bogged down by IT tasks outside their expertise. By partnering with a managed services provider, you can access flexible, scalable IT support tailored to your needs - whether that means supplementing your existing IT staff or managing your entire IT infrastructure. This approach helps keep operations smooth and productivity high while avoiding internal resource strain.
2. Access Specialised Expertise
With each technology upgrade comes unique challenges that may be outside your in-house IT team’s expertise. Managing both cloud and on-premise systems can stretch a small IT department thin, especially if it's just a one-person team. Managed services solve this by offering specialised skills on demand, eliminating the need for costly hiring and training in a tight IT labor market. This gives your business instant access to experts who can address complex issues efficiently and keep your systems running smoothly without overextending your budget.
One of the main benefits of managed services is having a full team of IT experts at a consistent monthly rate, allowing for predictable budgeting and extensive support. Some Managed Services Providers (MSPs) offer a flexible or "shared" model, letting you scale your IT team by adding or removing specialists as needed. This team may include experts like technical, functional, and architectural consultants who ensure smooth operations and help unlock the full potential of your technology systems based on project demands.
3. Keep Costs Low
Managed services offer cost-saving benefits by reducing labour costs and eliminating the expense of hiring and training new IT staff. With managed services, you gain scalable access to a broad talent pool, often via a blend of onshore and offshore resources that further reduces costs.
By shifting from a capital expense model to a predictable operating expense model, managed services allow for better budget control. Selecting a provider with strong partnerships in your tech ecosystem can also help secure additional cost savings and value.
4. Scale Up or Down as Needed
As your technology needs change, it’s crucial to have a system that can scale accordingly. Managed Services Providers (MSPs) are equipped to respond to demand fluctuations in real time, minimising the risk of downtime. Look for an MSP with a robust team of consultants who can provide not only scalability but also advanced services like proactive monitoring and reporting. This ensures you maximise value from your partnership while keeping your systems optimised and responsive to business growth.
6. Avoid Expensive Downtime
One of the key benefits of managed services is their proactive approach to maintenance. Managed Services Providers (MSPs) utilise remote monitoring and management tools to identify and resolve potential issues before they escalate into serious problems. Considering that network downtime can cost businesses up to £4,500 per minute—over £237,000 per hour (source: Gartner) - outsourcing to an MSP can quickly pay for itself by minimising disruptions and ensuring consistent operations.
In the rare event that issues arise, Managed Services Providers (MSPs) offer expert backup and disaster recovery services to quickly restore your systems. This capability ensures that, even in challenging situations, your business can recover efficiently and maintain continuity. By having a reliable MSP on your side, you can minimise downtime and protect your critical data.
7. Gain a Reliable Point of Contact
Partnering with a Managed Services Provider (MSP) gives you access to a dedicated team that deeply understands your business and solutions. You’ll have a single customer success manager (CSM) as your primary point of contact, simplifying communication and ensuring that any issues are triaged effectively. If your CSM is unavailable, there’s an established escalation process, so you’ll always have someone to advocate for you and your needs. This continuity fosters stronger relationships and smoother operations.
8. Get Support for Security & Compliance
With platforms like Dynamics 365 handling vast amounts of data, ensuring its security and compliance with industry regulations is crucial. While MSPs cannot manage corporate compliance directly, they can collaborate with your legal team to identify relevant regulations. This partnership enables your MSP to implement necessary precautions, helping your systems align with compliance standards and protecting your valuable data effectively.
What to Look for in an MSP
When selecting a Managed Services Provider (MSP), consider the following key qualities:
A flexible service model and shared approach to managed services
Strong strategic relationships with your solutions or cloud provider
Access to a pool of consultants and advanced services
Support across multiple time zones and round-the-clock availability (where needed)
Proactive maintenance through remote monitoring and management
A robust backup and disaster recovery strategy
A dedicated point of contact and established escalation paths
Collaboration with your legal team to ensure compliance
An MSP meeting these criteria will ensure your systems are well-managed and secure.
Discover the Benefits of Managed Services with OX IT Solutions
Why choose OX IT Solutions? As an established Microsoft Managed Services partner, we leverage our relationship with Microsoft and other partners to expedite support and resolution. We offer not only IT support but also value-added services like business process consulting and data assessments.
Our flexible engagement model allows you to start small with a customer success manager and consultants, scaling up as needed. We aim to empower your team, enhancing user adoption and reducing dependency over time. Ready to transform your business? Let’s connect!