Common Types of Managed Services
The technology industry has been speaking about Managed Services for well over 5 years. CompTIA just published a new study that states about 2/3 of IT Consultant/VARs now offer some type of Managed Services to their end user. Yes, you read that correct: some type of Managed Services. This statement is accurate, there is many types of Managed Services offerings out there. If your organization has not made the leap to use Managed Services within your organization, you are definitely missing the boat. Below is a look at some of the different types of Managed Service offerings your business could be benefiting from.
- Managed Networks & Infrastructure. This eliminates the cost of owning and operating a data center. Instead, you would use an MSP and contract a service level agreement with them. This type of service could include managed hosting, managed storage backup, WANs, and LANs.
- Managed Security. This allows for remote security within your organization, including but not limited to, anti-virus, malware, ransomware, etc. Allowing these applications to be done remote allows upgrades to happen seamless and on-time.
- Managed Communication Services. This managed service merges data, voice, and video services on the same IP network. This service could also mean using a managed call center.
- Managed Wireless & Mobile Computing. Gives your organization wireless capabilities without having to endure the cost and implementation within your business.
- Managed Print Services. Managed print enables remote monitoring, updating and management of your organization’s document management infrastructure.
- Managed Support Services. The most common type of managed services. This includes traditional help desk responsibilities, including support tickets for help with IT problems among employees and network equipment.
- Data Analytics. The next wave in business intelligence is capturing and analyzing data that reveal trends and patterns for clients so they can take appropriate steps to further their business goals
- Managed Cloud Infrastructure. This is where the MSP manages your organization’s computing, storage, network and operating systems. It also may include managing the tools and application stacks (e.g. databases, e-commerce platforms and DevOps tools) that run on top of that infrastructure. Typically your organization has control over which functions are outsourced and which are kept in-house.
- Managed Software-as-a-Service. The provider hosts and delivers the application to the customer and makes sure that it is constantly updated and improved. In some cases the MSP is the SaaS provider and in others it resells the services and assists with integration to other on-premises and cloud applications.
There are many reasons why an organization may decide to turn over some or all of its IT functions to an MSP. Typically the main reason is to reduce costs and secure predictable pricing for routine IT expenses. If your organization can receive top-notch service and security, maintain network uptime, and gain peace of mind knowing there is an expert looking out for you at all times, why wouldn’t you be utilizing managed services? If you are interested in Managed Services, talk with an MSP to further understand all the types of applications you could be using with this model and what might make the most sense for you. You don’t have to dive in and start using each item on the list at once, but can gradually introduce them into your workplace at the pace you are comfortable with. 2W Tech is an IT Consultant/MSP and would be happy to discuss which of these options may benefit your business. Give us a call today to learn more.
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