Whether you are just getting a startup off the ground, your existing small business is growing, or your nonprofit is ready to upgrade, your network needs to support your company. Your IT infrastructure serves as the framework for everything you do – collaboration, inventory management, communication, marketing, and everything in between.
Managed IT services continue to grow in popularity among American small business owners. According to Expert Insights, a trusted business IT comparison website, about two-thirds of organizations in the United States leveraged managed service providers for at least one IT-related function as of 2022. That number is expected to grow as the services offered by MSPs become more specialized and the fight against cybercrime grows more complex.
Tech Alliance is a managed IT services provider committed to helping you improve your staff’s efficiency, save money on your operational costs, and enjoy the peace of mind that comes from knowing that your IT infrastructure is always in safe hands.
What are Managed IT Services?
Problems with your IT network can hold your small business back. Slow or unreliable connections, inefficient software, and hardware malfunctions can bring your operations to a screeching halt. You could hire a team of IT professionals to keep things running smoothly, but many small- to medium-sized businesses (SMBs) simply lack the time to recruit and interview, and most do not have the budget to hire full-time IT staff.
This is where managed service providers (MSPs) come into play. Unlike managed security service providers, which offer a variety of network security-related services, a managed service provider (MSP) offers a full suite of IT services – including security services.
The term managed IT services refers to a set of information technology-related tasks outsourced to a third-party company. The exact services provided vary, but they may include everything from designing and installing complete systems to upgrading, updating, monitoring, and repairing existing networks. Rather than spending the time and money to hire in-house IT professionals, you gain immediate access to a dedicated team of experts for a fraction of the cost.
7 Benefits of Managed IT Services for SMBs
No two small businesses are the same, and each one has different IT needs, but every SMB can reap the benefits of managed IT services. If you are still on the fence about hiring an MSP to handle your IT needs, consider the following seven benefits.
1. Lower Overhead Costs
Installing and maintaining an IT framework is expensive and time-consuming. You will need to purchase computers, servers, and the associated equipment, and you have to pay for access to important applications, software, and cybersecurity tools. Add your IT professionals’ salaries to the list, and the costs soar.
Managed IT services can make budgeting a breeze and put more money back into your (and your company’s) pocket. You gain access to a dedicated team of professionals who monitor and maintain your systems around the clock to ensure you have the equipment and services you need to run your business efficiently. Furthermore, according to a CompTIA study, 46% of businesses using managed IT services saved 25% or more on their annual IT costs.
2. Access to Experts
Although New York City is home to some of the best IT talent in the world, the average salary for IT specialists in NYC is about $83,400, according to Indeed. This puts in-house professionals well out of reach for many SMBs. When you choose managed IT services, you gain access to a dedicated team of professionals and specialists who monitor your systems around the clock. There is no need to post job listings, conduct interviews and background checks, or negotiate salaries.
3. Enhanced Cybersecurity
In 2021, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) reported more than 847,000 individual complaints about cyberattacks and fraud. The losses totalled more than $7 billion, and small businesses made up the majority of the victims. Cybersecurity is a must in today’s high-tech world, and managed IT services companies make it a priority. Managed IT services companies provide SMBs with real-time protection against cyberthreats, firewalls, intrusion prevention, and virtual private networks (VPNs) to reduce risk and prevent losses.
4. Fast Response Times
When your business experiences an IT issue, quick responses and lightning-fast resolutions keep your business running. Though prevention is vital, some issues are impossible to predict. Managed IT services providers are dedicated to keeping their clients’ businesses up and running, which means they respond immediately to threats, failures, and other technical issues that could hold your business back.
5. Minimal Downtime
According to Gartner Business Insights, one minute of downtime costs businesses an average of $5,600. Days of downtime can easily cost millions, and for SMBs in competitive industries, excessive downtime can result in business failure. Managed IT services companies do much more than respond quickly when issues arise; they proactively address risk factors through the services they offer. Business continuity planning, cloud-based computing, and network monitoring keep small businesses safe.
6. Better Scalability
Managed IT services allow for far more scalability than traditional in-house IT teams and systems. As your company grows, you may outgrow your available resources. You could hire more staff, buy more computers and servers, and license more copies of your software, but this is often too costly for small companies. MSPs offer custom-built, dynamic support that evolves with your company’s needs and help you avoid the “growing pains” that often come with scaling your business.
7. More Time for What Matters
Running a business is hard work. The monetary investment is one thing, but the time you invest is something else entirely. Many SMB owners find that managing every aspect of their companies leaves them little time for the important things like their families and hobbies. Hiring a managed IT services company gives you back the things money can never buy – your happiness and peace of mind.
How to Choose a Managed IT Services Company
Choosing the right managed service provider is crucial for your company’s success, so there are several factors to consider before taking the plunge. Trusting a third party with your SMB’s IT infrastructure may seem like a huge step, but when you choose the right company, you can rest comfortably in the knowledge that your network is in good hands.
Before choosing a managed IT services provider, consider each of the following:
- Company Needs: Think about the specific services and assistance you need. Do you need professionals to design and install your network? Do you need to upgrade your existing network? What kind of software and applications do you need? Answering these questions can make choosing an MSP much simpler.
- Budget: The lowest price is not always the best option, and higher prices do not always mean better quality. Consider what you can reasonably spend on your IT support, then choose a reputable company that offers the support you need at a price you can afford.
- Location: Many IT tasks can be completed remotely, but if you need onsite IT support, location is vital. For example, if you are considering an office relocation in NYC and you need expert help, you should choose an MSP that serves businesses in New York City.
- Customizations: No two MSPs are exactly the same. Some offer a few different cookie-cutter packages you can choose from. Though these packages sound great, you may find yourself paying for services you will not use. Others customize and tailor their offerings to your company’s specific needs, which means you only pay for what you use.
- Expertise and Experience: Choose a managed IT services provider with experience managing small businesses in your (or similar) industry. Different niches and industries come with different IT requirements, so avoid MSPs who take a one-size-fits-all approach.
- Service Offerings: Make sure that the MSP you choose offers the services required to meet your needs. If your goal involves growth, make sure the MSP can grow alongside your company and help you adapt your technology in the future.
- Support and Response Times: Finally, read the service level agreement (SLA) offered by each managed IT services company to better understand their response times to different situations and emergencies. Ideally, you should choose a company that offers support during your business hours, and preferably after business hours, too.
Why Small Business Owners in NYC Choose Tech Alliance for Their Managed IT Services
Small business owners in NYC have their choice of managed IT services providers, yet they consistently choose Tech Alliance for all of their IT needs. The Pierre Hotel, Rockefeller and Company, Technicolor Labs, and many other NYC-based businesses have trusted us with their IT management needs. We go above and beyond for all our valued clients, whether they have 10 employees or 1,000, and we do it with honesty, integrity, and transparency every step of the way.
We know that the decision to outsource your IT support and management can be a difficult one. Technology has improved lives and revolutionized business, but it often makes business relationships feel impersonal. This is why we come to your place of business – in person – so we can get to know you and your business. A long-lasting partnership allows us to make better recommendations and design better services that suit your specific needs.
Tech Alliance strives to provide small business owners with all-in-one, customized solutions for their information technology needs. Reach out to us today to schedule an appointment or learn more about how we can help your small business save money, improve productivity, and increase profitability through a secure and reliable IT infrastructure. And for you? Well, you can get back to running your business.
*2 CompTIA, Trends in Managed Services *3 Indeed, Information Technology Specialist Salary in New York, NY *4 CNBC, “The FBI Is Worried About a Wave of Cyber Crime Against America’s Small Businesses” *5 Gartner, Business Insights and Trends
Todd Stevens is a recognized Network Architect and founder of Tech Alliance. Todd holds degrees in Computer and Information Sciences, as well as many recognized technology industry certifications. Over the course of his career Todd has led numerous high-profile technology teams in the NYC area. Including: Rudin Management, Taj Hotels, Grove Press, NBC Universal, The Art Students League of NY, The Osborne Association and The Rockefeller organization.