Like most companies today, your business likely relies heavily on computers, software, and other technologies to accomplish a number of tasks. So when IT problems arise, these can disrupt your operations, which may lead to reduced productivity, lost sales, and irate customers. That's why you need to ensure that your IT systems are reliable.
However, a lot of things go into keeping your IT systems up and running smoothly. While you may have internal IT staff, they may not have the time or necessary expertise to do everything themselves. That's where IT outsourcing comes in handy.
In this blog post, we'll discuss four tasks that are better outsourced to the IT experts of a managed IT services provider (MSP).
1. 24/7 IT support
Tech issues, such as forgotten passwords, slow computers, and jammed printers, can occur at any time. Internal IT staff can typically respond to these issues during office hours. So if you need tech support over the weekend, you'd have to pay them for overtime. Otherwise, you can expect them to respond the following Monday.
On the other hand, an MSP provides 24/7 IT support with guaranteed response and resolution time. They can also take care of all kinds of tech issues — even the most complex ones — since they have IT specialists who cover different aspects of technology and keep themselves on the cutting edge of their respective fields.
If you want to enjoy the same comprehensive tech support with internal staff, you'll need to hire multiple IT specialists since a single person can't be proficient in all aspects of technology. Doing this would be extremely costly since it would mean paying for all their their salaries, benefits, and training to keep them up to date on technology news and trends. But when you work with an MSP, you simply have to pay a fixed monthly fee for unlimited IT support.
2. Proactive IT management
Proactively managing your IT systems can help prevent major tech issues from happening in the first place. This includes tasks like installing software updates, patching systems, and optimizing computer performance. While your internal IT staff can do these tasks, they may not have the time to do these as often as they should since they may be preoccupied with resolving support tickets or working on bigger IT projects. Fortunately, an MSP can take on tasks related to proactive IT management in your IT team's stead.
3. Cybersecurity management
As cyberthreats grow more sophisticated over time, it's becoming increasingly difficult for businesses to protect themselves from cyberattacks. This is especially true for small- and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) since they usually don't have the budget or resources to invest in robust cybersecurity solutions.
An MSP can help fill this gap by providing comprehensive cybersecurity solutions that are tailored to your business needs. They also keep up with the latest security solutions and measures, so you don't have to worry about your IT systems being compromised.
4. Backup and disaster recovery
Backing up your data is crucial to keeping your business running in the event of a disaster. But it's not enough to just have a backup — you also need to test it regularly to ensure that it's working properly and that you can actually retrieve your data when you need it. This process can be time-consuming and requires IT expertise, so it’s best to outsource your backup and disaster recovery requirements to an MSP.
An MSP can help you develop a comprehensive backup and disaster recovery plan. They can also provide you with the tools and resources you need to execute the plan efficiently. And in the event of a disaster, they can quickly restore your IT systems to minimize business disruption.
Outsource IT tasks to a top-notch MSP like Safebit to save time and money and gain peace of mind knowing that your IT systems are always accessible and secure.
Since 1997, we’ve been helping SMBs in Houston, Texas with their technology needs. We’ll be more than happy to help you out as well. Learn more about MSPs in our FREE eBook.