Managed IT services provide a variety of benefits to businesses, including cost savings, increased efficiency and productivity, improved customer service, increased security and compliance, and faster problem resolution. Managed IT services allow businesses to outsource their IT functions to an experienced provider that can handle all aspects of their network, from monitoring and maintenance to support and upgrades. This eliminates the need for in-house staff or consultants who may not be as knowledgeable or up-to-date with the latest technology. Additionally, managed IT services can help businesses save on operational costs by providing access to the latest technologies at a fraction of the price of purchasing them outright.
My business has a member of my staff managing the IT services. How would a business benefit from the above beyond my current staff member?
A managed IT services provider can provide a more comprehensive approach to managing your business’s IT needs than a single staff member. Managed IT services providers are experienced and knowledgeable in all aspects of network management, including monitoring and maintenance, security and compliance, support and upgrades, and more. Additionally, these providers have access to the latest technologies at a fraction of the cost of purchasing them outright, which can help businesses save on operational costs. Finally, managed IT services providers are typically available 24/7 to respond to any technical issues that may arise, ensuring that your business is always running smoothly.
Are Managed IT Services a deductible cost to the business?
Yes, in most cases managed IT services are a deductible business expense. However, it is important to check with your tax advisor or accountant to determine if the specific services you use qualify for a deduction. Generally speaking, expenses related to the upkeep of computer systems and networks such as monitoring, maintenance, and upgrades may be eligible for deductions.
What is the average cost of Managed IT Services for businesses? Averages based on business sizes
Small Business (1-50 Employees): $1,000-$3,500/month
Medium Business (51-200 Employees): $3,500-$8,000/month
Large Business (200+ Employees): $8,000-$20,000/month
What are generally included in those Managed IT Services plans listed above in detail?
Managed IT services typically include a variety of services, such as:
- Network monitoring and maintenance
- Data backup and recovery
- Security and compliance measures
- IT support and troubleshooting
- Software installation and upgrades
- Cloud hosting solutions
- Hardware procurement and installation
- Virtualization solutions
Do Managed IT Services typically include planned obsolescence?
No, managed IT services typically do not include planned obsolescence. Planned obsolescence is the practice of designing products with a limited lifespan in order to encourage consumers to purchase new items more frequently. Managed IT services focus on providing businesses with ongoing maintenance and support for their existing technology infrastructure.
When selecting a managed IT services provider, what are the top 10 selection criteria’s?
- Cost-effectiveness: The cost of the services provided should be reasonable and affordable for your business. Look for managed IT services providers that offer a variety of options, so you can select the package that best meets your needs and budget.
- Experience and expertise: Make sure to select a provider with experience in the specific technologies your business requires, as well as knowledge of current trends in the industry. Ask questions about their qualifications and certifications to ensure they are up-to-date on all aspects of network management.
- Security and compliance measures: Cybersecurity is increasingly important for businesses, so look for a provider that offers comprehensive security solutions to protect your data from potential threats. Additionally, make sure they are compliant with any applicable government regulations or industry standards pertaining to data security.
- Proactive maintenance services: Managed IT services should provide proactive maintenance services such as system monitoring, patching, upgrades, and more to ensure optimal performance of your technology infrastructure at all times.
- Disaster recovery plans: A good managed IT service provider will have a detailed disaster recovery plan in place in case of an unexpected event or system failure that could affect your operations or data integrity. Ask about their backup strategies to make sure you’re protected against any potential risks or disasters.
- Comprehensive support services: Look for a provider that offers round-the-clock customer support and technical assistance so you can get help quickly when issues arise with your network or systems.
- Technical certifications and qualifications: Confirm that the provider has the necessary certifications and qualifications required bylaw or industry regulations pertaining to IT infrastructure management, such as ISO/IEC 27001 certification for information security management systems (ISMS).
- Up-to-date technology solutions: Ensure that the managed IT services provider you choose offers access to the latest technologies available on the market today—this will enable you to stay competitive in an ever-changing digital world while also helping reduce operational costs associated with purchasing new hardware outright every few years or so.
- Customizable service packages: Select a managed IT service provider who can tailor their offerings based on your individual needs—this way, you won’t end up paying for features you don’t need or use regularly but still benefit from those which are most important for your business operations.
- Responsive customer service: Make sure the company provides prompt customer service whenever needed—they should be available 24/7via phone, email, live chat, etc., so there’s always someone ready to assist when an issue arises with your network or systems.
What is the average contract duration for managed IT services based on business sizes?
- Small Business (1-50 Employees): 1-3 year contract
- Medium Business (51-200 Employees): 3-5 year contract
- Large Business (200+ Employees): 5+ year contract
Are there other services to add to managed IT services that are generally not included?
Yes, there are a variety of services that may not be included in managed IT services packages but can still be beneficial to businesses. These include:
- Data analytics and reporting
- Network security monitoring
- Cloud migration services
- Web hosting and design
- Project management
- Business continuity planning
