There are many benefits of managed IT services for small businesses. I know it’s outside the budget this year. And last year. And won’t be in the budget next year either. And while I make a living from managed IT services, I understand that we have to take care of all the tools we use to make our businesses run like clockwork.
As a business owner, you’re wearing many hats and overloaded, and knowing which ones to hand over to a pro and which to keep is challenging. Let’s see how managed services help increase your business efficiency.
Often companies are looking for ways to reduce costs wherever they can, but this can lead to them doing some things themselves, such as managing their technology, that could actually be done for less by an expert through a managed IT services plan.
Technology isn’t just a tool companies use to run your business. It has become the very lifeblood behind most of your business processes. When your business technology is running inefficiently, your company is also inefficient.
On the flip side, if a company takes full advantage of a healthy technology infrastructure, it shows in its revenue, growth, and productivity.
Digitally advanced small businesses earn 2x as much revenue per employee as those that lag behind.
Your technology is not something you want to handle reactively. Unmanaged IT can lead to multiple costs, coming from things like:
- Security breaches
- Unpatched computers
- Shorter equipment lifespan
- Unexpected downtime
- Loss of productivity
- Falling behind your competition
- Emergency repairs
Signing up for managed services can mean several cost-savings benefits for your small business that come from having a pro handle all your technology needs.
What are Managed IT Services?
Managed IT services are tasks outsourced to a third-party, often an expert in business technology, to help reduce costs, improve service quality, or free up internal teams for business-specific work. They’re typically contracted or subscribed to and can be used to lighten the workload of your in-house teams or even replace them completely. These services could include migrating, implementing, maintaining, and upgrading IT infrastructure like backup and security. The company providing these services is a managed service provider (MSP), and they usually operate remotely or from an offshore location.
What are the Benefits of managed IT Services for small businesses
Did you know that each unmanaged computer costs an average of $5,000 per year? That’s just one of the hidden costs of “do-it-yourself” IT management.
From unexpected downtime to pulling your employees away from their work several times a week, trying to handle your tech support can be costing you more than you know.
Here are some managed IT services benefits for small businesses.
1. Reduce Downtime
When your internet is out, or you can’t access your customer files due to a server crash, your business is “down” and you’re losing money every minute.
There are multiple causes of downtime, such as:
- Hardware crash
- Software malfunction
- Malware/Ransomware
- Human error (liquid spill, etc.)
- Data loss incident
- Cloud service outage
A managed IT provider keeps a constant eye on your technology infrastructure so they can be alerted of the first sign of any potential trouble and address issues before they result in downtime. Working with an IT pro can also minimize downtime due to malware attacks by helping you get your systems back up and running quickly.
2. Improve Productivity
IT issues, both small and large, can be a constant interruption to employee productivity if you don’t have your IT is managed effectively. The average time that employees spend dealing with IT issues on their own is 22 minutes a day.
That means if you have 20 employees that average $18/hour, that would be over 36 hours a week, or approximately $2,640 per month, in lost productivity costs.
Fully managed IT means that your team is freed from dealing with IT problems and can focus on their work. Having a professional on their side keeping their tech running smoothly boosts efficiency and means they always have someone to field any question and provide technical support.
3. Reduce Risks of a Data Breach
Managed IT services include things like anti-malware, threat monitoring, and patch and update management. These protections help ensure that your network is secure and is continuously monitored for any vulnerabilities.
Cybersecurity has become vital in today’s online environment of data breaches and ransomware attacks and is an important part of any company’s business continuity planning.
4. Improve Equipment Lifespan
Technology hardware is a significant investment for any small business and the longer you can use your computers and other hardware, the higher your return on that investment. Properly maintained hardware lasts longer and can avoid problems that cause slow-downs and unexpected crashes.
Managed services mean proactive maintenance for your hardware to keep it in top condition and help it last as long as possible.
5. Avoid Surprise Costs
If you’re not having your IT properly managed, you can be hit with unexpected costs of thousands of dollars due to problems you never saw coming.
A managed IT services plan means a predictable monthly cost for all your technology needs and no surprises that negatively impact your bottom line.
6. Take Advantage of Technology Optimizations
Working with an IT partner means you get the advantage of their years of experience and expertise helping businesses succeed through the use of technology optimization.
An IT pro that’s managing your technology can often spot ways you can reduce costs, improve workflows, and take advantage of new advances that can give you a competitive edge.
7. Avoid Unexpected Data Loss
The average failure rate for backing up all business data is 75%. Unfortunately, you can’t just start a backup and hope that it does the rest. Backups need to be monitored regularly, otherwise, they can hit glitches that cause data not to be backed up as expected.
Through a managed backup plan, you can have your backups monitored, verified, and recovery checked to ensure all your business data is safely backed up and easy to restore when you need it.
Reduce Costs with a Small Business Managed IT Services Plan from ZZ Servers
Managed IT services are crucial for small businesses. They lower downtime, boost productivity, and protect your business from data breaches. This isn’t just about using technology as a tool but recognizing it as the heart of your business operations.
As a small business owner, you don’t need to tackle these challenges alone. Our team of IT professionals is ready to assist you. We’re experienced in managing various IT services, such as monitoring threats, managing patches and updates, and backing up data. We’re always working to ensure your tech infrastructure runs smoothly, and your business is safe from potential risks.
We know the hidden costs of DIY IT management and offer a cost-effective solution. Our managed IT services plan offers a predictable monthly cost with no surprises. Plus, our skills in optimizing technology can help lower costs, streamline workflows, and give you a competitive advantage.
Don’t let IT issues hold back your business. It’s time to take charge of your tech needs and focus on what’s really important – growing your business. Contact us today to learn how our managed IT services can enhance your business efficiency and help you relax.
Contact us today to learn more. Call 800-796-3574 or reach out online.
