7 Benefits of Managed IT Support Services Business Owners Need to Know Of

Why hire an IT support company when we can have our in-house IT specialist? This is probably the first thought you have after reading the title of this article. You are in good company – most of our clients thought the same at the beginning. However, after the IT-Flow consultant explained to them the benefits of managed IT support services, they changed their mind.?

We don’t want you to change your mind just because we say so. Our goal is to help you make the best choice for your business, from every point of view – from cost to assurance that your IT systems are in working condition.?

This is why we decided to discuss the benefits of working with a managed services provider for IT support, instead of relying on a single employee.?

1. IT Support Companies Offer 24/7 Monitoring of the Infrastructure?

One of the big problems of having an in-house IT support specialist is that they are monitoring the IT systems strictly during business hours. However, malfunctions and cyberattacks happen at all times – at night, during official holidays or while the IT specialist is on their annual leave or sick.?

A managed services provider (MSP) uses advanced monitoring systems that offer round the clock protection. They work 24/7, issue alerts, and the company will assign a specialist to analyse the issue and take appropriate action. This can make all the difference, as quick action is essential to:?

• Prevent data loss?

• Stop attackers before they penetrate your IT infrastructure?

• Turn off for safety a device before it suffers a catastrophic failure.?

2. Scheduled Maintenance Outside Business Hours??

Preventive maintenance is essential for your IT systems, but also disruptive. When the IT engineer or technician inspects the equipment and performs various tests, the respective devices cannot be used. If you have an in-house specialist, they will perform the maintenance during business hours. Thus, your employees must stop working until the maintenance procedure is over – which can take several hours.?

One of the benefits of managed IT support services is that maintenance is scheduled outside business hours. MSPs have large teams of certified personnel, able to work at different hours. Thus, they can perform these tests after your employees finish work for the day and there is no interruption to your everyday activities.?

3. Making Long-Term Plans for IT Infrastructure Spending?

IT support companies can help you create an implement an effective plan for:?

• Expanding your IT network?

• Upgrading equipment?

• Investing in the right software your business needs?

• Creating contingency plans for disaster recovery.??

These companies have both know-how and hands-on experience with other clients. Thus, they know how to create a coherent investment plan to suit your business needs and your available budget.?

4. Access to New Technologies and Advancements?

MSPs are always up to date with the latest IT technologies – from innovative hardware to new software solutions. They know when a new gadget is worth the investment and the moment when you need to replace obsolete computer programs.?

By becoming an early adopter of new tech, you also gain a competitive edge and are more likely to thrive in an ever-changing IT and economic landscape.?

5. Fast and Reliable Tech Support, Even for Complex Issues?

What happens when an IT problem proves too complicated for your IT technician? You have to start looking for an experienced engineer and pay their project-based fee to solve the issue. This means lost time, money, and disruption to your business activities.?

One of the key benefits of managed IT support services is the immediate availability of experienced staff for any issue – either hardware- or software-related. After you describe the problem, the MSP will assign someone with the right background and experience to fix it.??

Depending on the IT business package you selected, the intervention takes place remotely or in person within the agreed response time.?

6. Compliance with National and EU Regulations?

Companies operating in the financial sector – from banks to iGaming platform and cryptocurrency exchanges – must comply with increasingly stricter regulations. The recent adoption of Network and Information System Directive II (NIS2) will be shortly followed by the Digital Operational Resilience Act (DORA).?

These regulations impose tight rules on:?

• Data governance and protection?

• Cybersecurity assurance?

• Risk management?

• Incident reporting?

• Disaster recovery.?

Violations of these directives will be punished severely, with administrative fines in the range of millions of Euros. Working with a reliable managed IT services provider is the best way of becoming compliant and avoiding these harsh penalties.?

7. Reliable Cybersecurity Solutions?

Last, but definitely not least, one of the greatest benefits of managed IT support services is having a reliable cybersecurity plan in place. MSPs know how to protect your IT systems and have access to the most advanced software solutions.??

This is one of the most crucial aspects in a world where cybercriminals are increasingly sophisticated and work in organised groups, targeting all types of businesses, both large and small.?

Conclusion?

Choosing a managed services provider is one of the best investments you make as a business owner. You can run your business with the assurance that your IT systems are continually monitored and maintained by a team of experienced professionals.?

Are you ready to enjoy the benefits of managed IT support services? Reach out to IT-Flow today and schedule a discussion with our specialists!?