When it comes to running your own business, you want to make sure that your IT infrastructure and networks are properly maintained so that they don’t run into any issues. You may need to dedicate a few hours out of your day to double check your networks functionality. In order to save yourself some time and money, we highly recommend collaborating with a managed service provider (MSP) to assist with your IT needs.
What is a Managed Service Provider (MSP)?
A managed service provider (MSP) is a company that provides IT services to organizations in exchange for regular, flat fees. These fees are based on: what technology you have, what kind of support you need, and how much support you require. For example, if your computer has suffered damage, a MSP can send an expert out within 24 hours to repair it. A MSP will also provide remote assistance via phone or email so you can get up and running as quickly as possible.
How Do MSPs Work?
Managed service providers provide IT support for organizations that don’t have in-house tech staff to manage their tech systems. When you hire a MSP, you pay them to handle all your business’ technology needs. However, these vendors can offer much more than just tech support; they can also design and deploy new solutions for your company. The cost of using a MSP is often lower than the cost of hiring on-site employees, as the vendor takes care of both labor and equipment costs. Additionally, if there are any security issues or problems with your system, it will be the responsibility of the vendor to fix them – not yours!
Is a MSP Right For You?
Regardless of your specific industry, if you are thinking about outsourcing some or all of your IT services, one way to evaluate potential providers is by using a MSP matrix. This easy-to-understand tool allows you to compare on-site support and maintenance from several different service providers against your current setup. Doing so will help you determine which provider is best for your company’s needs and budget. Remember that just because one MSP works for another business doesn’t mean it will work for yours.
What are the Benefits of Hiring an MSP?
Helpdesk services are generally provided to you in one of two ways: An internal staff handles your IT needs, or an outside help desk does. But working directly with a MSP offers several benefits over both alternatives:
1) You will save money because a MSP’s prices are often lower than that of hiring a full-time employee.
2) Your firm will also save time when using a MSP because the company will handle any emergency situations that arise.
3) There is less risk for data loss if the need arises for recovery from backup files stored on another server, due to the built-in redundancy offered by the best managed service providers.
We hope that you learned a thing or two about a managed service provider and that we answered any questions you may had about it. Remember that MSP’s aren’t for everyone, so be sure to do your research to see if it’s a right fit for your company.