Beyond solutions: managed IT for better business outcomes

If there’s one thing all modern-day businesses small and large have in common, it’s their reliance on technology.

In today’s digital world, technology plays a central role in just about every aspect of a company’s operations. Everything we do – communicate with our colleagues, develop new products, deliver customer service – is executed digitally.

But with new solutions hitting the market almost daily, not to mention the ever-impending risk of a successful security breach, businesses simply don’t know where to start when it comes to stepping up their IT game. And, limited by a lack of expertise, many organizations end up overspending.

That’s where managed IT services come in. By outsourcing IT to a dedicated team of specialists, businesses can cut costs, improve efficiencies, and more. Beyond stock-standard solutions, managed IT services give companies and their teams the freedom to focus on core and growth-driving activities.

In this article, we’ll briefly look at what managed IT services are and how they can help you achieve better business outcomes. Let’s get started.

What are managed IT services?

Managed IT services involve the outsourcing of IT tasks and responsibilities to a proactive team to improve operations and reduce expenses. Managed IT services providers direct things like cybersecurity, cloud solutions, consultancy, and data center services.

Because providers assist a whole range of clients, the cost of cutting-edge technology and leading security solutions are shared across the board, giving SMBs access to top-tier software and hardware without the hefty price tag – or maintenance responsibilities.

How do managed IT services foster better business outcomes?

Yes, a managed IT services provider delivers practical solutions that are crucial to your business’s operations. But, beyond the solutions themselves, outsourcing your IT can have far-reaching effects on both employee and client experience.

Here are six ways managed IT services foster better business outcomes.

CONSIDERATION #1

Take a load off your in-house team

Reports suggest that 61 percent of employees feel burned out on the job. That’s more than half of your team that feels as though they have too much on their plate. In addition to drastically reducing their productivity, high levels of stress can lead to poor physical (such as fatigue and weight gain) and mental (such as anxiety and depression) health.

By outsourcing a significant portion of IT duties to a dedicated off-site provider, in-house employees enjoy greater freedom, more opportunity to innovate, and an improved job satisfaction rate.

“61 percent of employees feel burned out on the job.”

Forbes

CONSIDERATION #2

Enable leaders to focus on growth

Two-thirds of SMB leaders are personally responsible for three or more areas of their business, whether that be finance, sales, marketing, operations, HR, customer service, product development, or information technology. Opting for managed IT services enables leaders to focus on expanding the business’s scope, offerings, and customer base.

CONSIDERATION #3

Enhance security and functionality

Did you know that 55 percent of PC applications installed across the globe are out of date? It’s scary stuff. Not only do out-of-date applications lack the new features and functionalities of their newer counterparts, but they also contain worrying vulnerabilities.

Remember, software updates typically contain security patches – these essentially ‘patch up’ new or newly recognized holes in the app’s security defenses. Without the latest version installed, you are putting critical business and client data at risk.

CONSIDERATION #4

Access to more advanced technology

Your managed IT services provider should deliver all the mission-critical solutions you currently rely on – and then some. IT experts are technophiles, and keeping up with the latest and greatest in technology is their passion. They can introduce you to a whole host of advanced software and cutting-edge services and make recommendations based on your business’s needs.

Before you interject, you will have the budget to invest in these technologies. The traditional in-house role takes up as much as 70 percent of an organization’s IT budget. With that expense slashed, you’ll have more funds to allocate to services that help your business thrive – not just survive.

“Did you know that 55 percent of PC applications installed across the globe are out of date?”

CONSIDERATION #5

Keep ahead of your competitors

If it’s possible, your competitors are doing it. As technology evolves at a rapid pace, changes in consumer expectations follow suit. Disruptive companies are redefining how products and services are delivered. With this in mind, it’s no wonder nearly nine in 10 enterprise decision-makers believe they have just two years to implement digital transformation before they fall behind and suffer financially.

A managed IT services provider understands just how crucial your company’s IT strategy is to its longevity. They can point you in the right direction and give you access to the resources you need to instigate real, meaningful digital change.

CONSIDERATION #6

Safeguard against the devastating impact of successful cyberattacks

We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again – businesses must prioritize cybersecurity. Why? Because attacks are becoming more rampant, more sophisticated, and more devastating.

Unfortunately, many decision-makers don’t see cybersecurity investment as a profit driver. But, according to recent research, the average cost of a successful breach is $1.67 million. What’s more, if it’s clients’ data that is compromised, your brand’s reputation could be ruined for good.

Benefits across the board

The advantages of managed IT services are not one-dimensional. It’s about so much more than cut-and-dry solutions that keep the ball rolling. When you invest your IT budget wisely, you can experience a myriad of diverse benefits that improve employee satisfaction, security, and customer experience now – and for years to come.

With a new and improved digital strategy in play, 40 percent of executives report improved operational efficiency as the number one benefit. Thirty-six percent prioritize faster time to market, and 35 percent the improved ability to meet customer expectations.

“With a new and improved digital strategy in play, 40 percent of executives report improved operational efficiency as the number one benefit.”

Get started

Whatever your priority, a reputable managed IT services provider can help you reach your goals. If you are ready to take the next step and harness the potential of going digital, get in contact with our team today.