Running a small- or medium-sized business (SMB) can be daunting, as it requires being responsible for a variety of daily tasks. For most business owners, their time is best spent on revenue-generating activities, so managing business IT often takes the back seat. If this sounds like you, then you might want to consider outsourcing your IT.
A managed IT services provider (MSP) can take on the burden of managing your IT infrastructure, freeing up your time and resources so you can focus on running your business.
However, you might still be hesitant to outsource your IT, thinking that it's too expensive or that you'll lose control over your data. If you're on the fence about outsourcing your IT, the following benefits might compel you to see why more and more SMBs are partnering with trusted MSPs.
1. Save money
There are several ways outsourcing your IT helps you cut costs. For one, having an MSP means you no longer need to pay for expensive equipment or full-time staff. Without an MSP partner, you need to purchase and maintain hardware and software, which can be costly. You may also need to set up an IT department, and you will have to budget for employee salaries, benefits, and training.
MSPs also allow you to take advantage of economies of scale. They typically have established relationships with technology vendors, so they can often get discounts on software and hardware bulk purchases and pass these savings on to their clients. Your MSP can also take over IT maintenance and monitoring tasks, you no longer need to worry about the money needed for the upkeep of your in-house IT infrastructure.
But that’s not all. With MSPs, you pay only for the services you need for a flat monthly fee, making budgeting a breeze.
With MSPs, you pay only for the services you need for a flat monthly fee, making budgeting a breeze.
2. Get expert support
Because MSP teams comprise IT specialists, usually with a wide range of areas of expertise, they can provide professional support in various areas. This means you get access to a team of experts who can resolve a range of issues quickly and efficiently. This is largely beneficial if you don’t have dedicated IT personnel, as trying to fix technical problems yourself can be time-consuming and frustrating.
MSPs also offer proactive support, which means they can identify and fix potential issues before these cause major problems. This helps reduce downtime and keeps your business running smoothly.
3. Keep technology current and efficient
Technology is constantly changing, and it can be difficult to keep up with new trends and best practices. When you outsource your IT, your MSP will make sure your systems are always updated. You can also count on them to provide you with the latest innovative technologies and resources. This frees your employees from the obligation of constantly researching and trying to implement the most up-to-date IT solutions, enabling them to focus on tasks that drive business growth.
4. Strengthen cybersecurity
Most cyberattacks target SMBs rather than big corporations, so it’s crucial that your business has strong security measures in place to protect your data and prevent costly downtime. An MSP can help develop and roll out a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy that includes:
- Implementing strong passwords and password policies
- Managing and controlling data and systems access
- Setting up a firewall
- Deploying antivirus and anti-malware software
- Regularly updating programs and systems
- Monitoring for intrusion
- Encrypting data at rest and in transit
- Raising employee awareness
MSPs can also help you create a robust disaster recovery plan so you can quickly get your systems up and running in the event of a major outage or cyberattack.
Related reading: What to do if your backup plan fails: An SMB’s guide to disaster recovery
5. Gain peace of mind
Peace of mind is especially valuable for business owners and managers who already have a lot on their plates. With an MSP managing your IT infrastructure, you can rest easy knowing that your systems are being monitored and maintained around the clock. Also, you no longer need to worry about backing up data, updating systems, or troubleshooting technical issues. With fewer IT-related tasks to deal with, you can have more time to focus on growing your company.
Outsourcing IT can be a big decision for any SMB owner. However, when you weigh its costs and benefits, you'll see that the advantages far surpass the disadvantages. If you're ready to partner with an MSP to reap a suite of benefits, get in touch with a business technology expert at XBASE today.