From artificial intelligence to cloud computing, many business leaders look to ensure that their business remains on the cutting edge of technology. However, navigating the adoption of innovative new technology can be intimidating — particularly when it comes to an enterprise scale.
Business leaders who hope to enlist the help of expert guidance should consult a managed IT services provider that can help them solve their information technology challenges. Managed IT services providers are companies that help businesses that want to outsource their IT-related requirements.
“As technology becomes a more integral part of conducting business, the level of sophistication behind day-to-day support must rise to keep your employees working smoothly,” explains Eric Sugar, President of ProServeIT, a managed IT services provider with over two decades of experience working with businesses to help them navigate the increasingly complex technological landscape.
Managed IT services can serve customers in various industries, from small businesses to large enterprises. Any business can benefit from the planning and day-to-day support of a third-party managed IT services provider, as it will free up their in-house teams to focus on more important business-oriented tasks.
Types of Managed IT Services
Managed IT services tend to fall into two main categories: operational IT and strategic IT.
Operational IT comprises the type of “technical support” or “help desk” one might naturally think of when they consider IT companies. This includes functions like password resets, software/hardware support, remote desktop support, and essentially any other type of guidance a business and its employees may need to function at their optimal technological efficiency. Many managed IT services providers offer 24/7/365 support services, ensuring that companies can meet any challenges or obstacles that come their way.
In contrast, strategic IT ensures that the technologies and tools can enable (as opposed to hinder) the organization’s vision and turn it into reality. Strategic IT services include putting together a proactive security strategy to mitigate threats, licensing support, and guidance to help reduce costs. Through these functions, managed IT service providers like ProServeIT serve as trusted consultants, guiding their customers through their journey to adopting and deploying cutting-edge technology and maximizing efficiency.
Because managed IT services encompass such a wide swath of functions, businesses that offer these technology services tend to be flexible and customizable to a company’s business needs. “Managed IT services is a highly customized process, tailored to your specific needs,” says Sugar. “Through managed IT services, you can ensure you have the right technology, infrastructure, and the level of support for your business at the budget that works for you.”
Benefits of Managed Services Providers in IT
Some common managed IT services may include:
Cybersecurity: Managed IT services can leverage artificial intelligence and machine learning capabilities to help clients collect, detect, investigate, and respond to cyber incidents in real time. Working with a managed IT services provider for managed security services can help a business achieve a better understanding of cyber threat trends, best practices, and business continuity and ensure its reputation and trust.
Management and security of devices and endpoints: Managed services providers can help businesses integrate their endpoint protection and management tools using powerful cybersecurity tools such as Microsoft Intune, a cloud-based management tool. This allows organizations to manage and secure a wide range of devices (including mobile devices), enabling better control, increased productivity, and improved safety for valuable data, making this service a crucial part of modern IT management and security strategies.
Alignment of business applications and processes: Managed IT services can be a valuable resource for businesses looking to modernize their organization’s revenue-generating and operational applications with technologies like Microsoft Dynamics 365. By embracing this technology, which can connect different aspects of an organization — from customer service to operations, finance, and marketing — businesses can drive efficiency, reduce cost, and foster innovation.
Data and analytics services: In the modern age of artificial intelligence, many businesses seek support leveraging tools like AI and automation to optimize their data analytics for business insights. Managed services providers can help organizations develop a plan for collecting and embracing data to their advantage, using it to make better decisions based on real-time information and find growth opportunities.
Integration of AI and Microsoft Copilot: Managed IT service providers can offer licensing support and guidance for organizations on how to effectively implement AI tools that can be tailored for use by numerous roles within an organization. One of the most powerful AI tools available is Copilot for Microsoft 365, which can be seamlessly integrated with Microsoft 365 applications, allowing it to provide real-time suggestions and streamline complex tasks directly in the workflow while securing enterprise data. According to Microsoft’s research, the platform has helped 70% of users to be more productive.
How managed services providers help your business
Managed service providers offer continuous, ongoing support to their clients, reducing IT headaches, achieving cost efficiency, and enabling remote monitoring and management of potential cybersecurity concerns and threats. With managed IT support, businesses can be better prepared to navigate the landscape of advanced technology safely and confidently.
Why should you consult a managed services provider for IT management services?
Technology is the key to unlocking endless opportunities for businesses. However, adopting new technology is easier said than done. With the help of an experienced IT service provider like ProServeIT, businesses can go a long way in using the latest and greatest technologies available in the market..
