What Are Managed IT Services

Managed IT Services

The post pandemic age of digital transformation has led to a sharp rise in the numbers of businesses opting to use managed IT services, as provided by managed service providers (MSPs).

Managed services enable companies to supplement or outsource to a 3rd party the responsibilities of the day to day maintenance and infrastructural operations typically managed by in house IT departments.

As an established and trusted service provider our approach to managed services is to provide our clients with the most flexible offerings possible. We are able to assume responsibility for the monitoring and management of network, application, system, server, security, managed printer services (MPS) and much more as part of our fully managed service.

Alternatively we offer our clients the opportunity to create a completely bespoke management package ensuring that you’ll pay only for the services you need, as and when they are needed. Call us today on 01403 290 321 to find out more about our managed IT services and how they could benefit your business.

What are managed IT services?

Managed IT services are services provided by a 3rd party company, known as a managed service provider (MSP), offered on an in house or remote basis. These services are dictated by an agreement between the client and vendor known as a service level agreement (SLA) which outlines not only the services included, but also the minimum service requirements expected from the service providers as agreed upon by both parties.

In contrast to the traditional ‘break/fix’ model which typically relies on sourcing ad hoc services from a 3rd party as and when issues arise, implementing a managed service model provides companies with the peace of mind that they have the expert IT support needed to properly monitor, maintain and improve IT systems and infrastructure – at a fixed cost.

We understand the importance of ensuring that managed services are provided on a flexible basis which is why we offer our clients the opportunity to create a completely tailored, bespoke services package that meets the individual nuances of their particular business.

Whilst clients are free to opt in and out of specific services as necessary, our core managed services focus primarily on:

Maintenance and improvement of IT performance

A managed service provider is able to minimise, or even mitigate the necessity for in house IT departments to maintain and improve IT performance. Tasks such as file protection, maintenance of software and hardware or even the upgrade / downgrade of storage capacity can be offloaded allowing IT departments to focus on forwarding the business.

Proactive monitoring of IT performance

Service providers are able to provide clients with active 24/7/365 remote monitoring of systems, and through real time updates identify and resolve potential issues as and when they arise.

Diagnosis of issues

The traditional reactive, or ‘break fix’ response to issues works on the basis of attempting to diagnose and fix failures as they occur – which can be both time consuming and costly. Through 24/7 remote monitoring, infrastructure management, network health checks and rapid response fixes from expert engineers, managed services providers are able to minimise the disruption caused by unforeseen problems.

Cloud-based storage and backup solutions

As part of the digital transformation of modern business the adoption and proper utilisation of cloud services is paramount. Cloud services providers should provide clients unlimited storage, unlimited back-ups and industry leading encryption services to ensure the ongoing security of your data.

Security

Managed IT services also extend to the security of your systems ensuring you remain safe, secure and compliant at all times.

The benefits of managed IT services

A proactive approach to monitoring and protecting your system

With 24/7 monitoring, 365 days of the year problem resolution occurs often before any disruption or downtime is incurred.

New technologies such as security systems, IT hardware and resources ensure that your system is protected around the clock.

No need for an in house IT department

With a managed IT service there’s no need for a full time in house IT department. For a fixed cost a provider will deliver expert advice, solutions and support without the cost and complications of employing full time staff.

Safe, secure and compliant

With ongoing monitoring and maintenance of email security, data backup and anti-virus software a managed service provider will ensure that your business stays safe and secure – as well as remaining compliant; this includes staying up to date with changes in legislation regarding GDPR compliance, as well as changes to regulations for software and hardware.

Increased productivity, reduced downtime

Adopting managed services ensures the avoidance of unnecessary disruptions to your day to day operations, enabling your employees to work more productively.

As well as the benefits to staff morale and productivity, downtime is also kept to a minimum. Every minute of downtime adversely affects your reputation, productivity and profitability.

Cost efficient

The ongoing support of a managed service provider helps with the future proofing of your business. By focusing on the long term solutions, such as upgrades for your hardware and systems, you avoid the often more costly ad hoc approach of replacing failed hardware or operating on dated software.

How Woodstock IT can help

With more than 10 years experience providing high quality, low cost solutions to businesses throughout London and the South East Woodstock IT have the knowledge and expertise to properly manage and maintain your IT systems allowing you to focus primarily on core business functions.

As a tried and trusted managed service provider our core offerings include:

  • Managed WiFi services (and installation)
  • Proactive monitoring of performance
  • Diagnosing issues
  • Maintain and improve IT performance
  • Setting up and maintaining cloud services
  • Cloud-based storage and backup solutions (we are an official partner of Dropbox)
  • Securely hosted email connection
  • VoIP installation and maintenance
  • On-site emergency visits
  • Remote connection solutions
  • Diagnosis of issues
  • Backup and data recovery
  • Network health check
  • Problem solving and system recovery
  • Industry-leading data encryption from ESET
  • Computer and laptop repairs
  • Ongoing support and advice
  • Rapid responses from our technicians
  • 24/7 monitoring and automated maintenance
  • Support during office moves
  • Server and network migration
  • Proactive fixes before faults occur
  • Increasing your system capacity

Get in touch

If you feel that your business could benefit from our managed IT services please get in touch by calling us on 01403 290 321. Alternatively, please feel free to drop into one of our branches to talk with one of our experts.

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