With the new year quickly approaching, it’s a good time to consider fresh starts. What better place to begin than with the foundation of your business systems—your IT operations. A robust and agile IT strategy is necessary for organizations to maintain operations and reduce cybersecurity risks. However, managing complex IT systems can be overwhelming, especially for growing businesses.
If this rings true at your organization, then managed services for your IT operations and cybersecurity may be beneficial. Managed services can provide support options to help streamline operations, proactively monitor for cybersecurity threats, and unlock system capabilities within your technology stack.
What Are Managed Services?
Managed services is the outsourcing of the management and maintenance of various processes and operations—such as network monitoring, security checks, software updates, and technical support through a dedicated help desk—to a third party.
Why Choose IT Managed Services?
Managed services can help organizations efficiently allocate their IT resources and focus on primary business activities. IT managed services provide a range of solutions, such as help desk support, cybersecurity, backup and recovery, and more. Unlike the traditional reactive break-fix approach, IT managed service providers adopt a proactive strategy, anticipating and addressing issues like security threats, hardware malfunctions, and software compatibility issues before major incidents might arise.
There are numerous reasons why managed services should be at the top of the list of your New Year’s resolutions, including:
- Reduced costs: Managing an IT team can be expensive with the need for salaries, benefits, and ongoing training. Managed services is a cost-effective alternative with predictable monthly fees and access to a pool of skilled professionals.
- Enhanced security: Cyberthreats are continuously evolving, and keeping your data safe requires 24/7 monitoring. Managed services providers have the knowledge and resources to implement robust security measures to help protect your business from cyberattacks.
- Improved efficiency: IT issues can disrupt operations and cost you in both time and lost income. Managed services providers proactively track your systems to resolve issues quickly, helping your business run smoothly.
- Scalability and flexibility: Your IT needs can change rapidly. Managed services can provide the flexibility to scale your IT infrastructure up or down as needed without necessitating expensive hardware investments.
- Access to specialized knowledge: Managed services providers have a team of experienced IT professionals at their disposal. This means you have access to a broad range of skill sets you may not have in-house.
Staying Ahead With Managed Services
Keeping your IT systems up and running isn’t enough in today’s digital landscape. An experienced technology advisor can help you leverage technology to stay ahead of the curve and help drive innovation and growth. Managed services providers offer various services that go beyond the basics of IT operations, including:
- Cloud migration and management: Migrating your software systems from the ground to the cloud can help unlock many benefits, but the process can be complex. Managed services providers can help you navigate the journey and improve software systems and workflows.
- Business intelligence and analytics: Managed services providers can help provide insights from your data to revitalize decision making.
- Disaster recovery and business continuity: No organization is immune to unforeseen events. Managed services providers can assist with the development of a disaster recovery plan to help your business respond to and recover from a disruption.
- Cybersecurity consulting and training: Protecting your data is an ongoing process. Managed services providers can help you develop an in-depth cybersecurity strategy and train employees on best practices.
Selecting a Vendor
With so many managed services providers to choose from, finding a vendor that can meet your business needs and develop trust with your team is critical. Here are a few tips to help.
- Identify your needs: Define your specific IT challenges and goals—then prioritize the items accordingly.
- Do your research: Compare different providers based on their services, costs, and network. Don’t be afraid to ask for references.
- Understand the pricing model: Understand what’s included in the service and what additional costs you might incur.
- Build trust: Choose a provider you feel comfortable working with and who understands your business.
Remember, managed services is an ongoing relationship. Communicate openly with your provider to take advantage of the skills and insights they can provide.
Start the New Year With Confidence
Managed services can be an investment in your organization’s health. By outsourcing select IT and cybersecurity functions, you can free up valuable resources to help drive growth at your organization.
It’s never too late to enhance your IT operations. Remember that a new IT strategy with managed services could be the key to unlocking your team’s full potential and achieving business goals this year and into the next.
How Forvis Mazars Can Help
Managed Services at Forvis Mazars can help support your organization’s technology, security, and privacy with advisory, compliance, and governance capabilities integrated into every service. Our professionals understand that organizations seek risk mitigation and operational resilience. Our approach is straightforward.
- Strong collaboration: We strive to forge long-standing trust, where our IT professionals converge with your team and company procedures. Together, we can tackle IT incidents, performance, and changes effectively.
- Scalability: Our efficient operations enable cost-effective IT services without compromising quality, helping your organization to lead in IT innovation.
As your organization expands its technology footprint, effective IT governance, risk management, and compliance programs are essential. Our Managed Services professionals can help enhance organizational agility, assist in overcoming IT challenges, and provide peace of mind to your team with their specialized knowledge and experience. Connect with us today to learn more.