If you own a small- or mid-sized business (SMB), you know that IT is essential to your organization's success. For one, you need technology to be able to manage your operations with ease. You also need various applications to connect with your customers, vendors, and employees.
Leveraging technology for success is where a managed IT services provider (MSP) can be of help. An MSP can improve your IT infrastructure and provide support to increase overall efficiency, reduce costs, and increase profits. Specifically, an MSP can help your small business grow and succeed in the following ways.
1. Sharing expertise
An MSP can provide you with valuable technology insights. They can help you identify the best platforms and solutions that meet your current needs, as well as those that may be worthwhile investments in the future.
They can also advise you on how to properly utilize digital tools to optimize processes throughout your organization. And because they have experience working with businesses in different industries, they know what kind of tech works and what doesn't, helping you avoid costly IT investment mistakes.
Related reading: What are the key benefits of partnering with an MSP for hybrid work arrangements?
2. Providing unparalleled support so you can keep doing what you do best
An MSP can provide you with comprehensive IT support, from monitoring and maintaining your systems to troubleshooting any issues. This means that instead of constantly worrying about IT problems, you and your employees can focus on core business activities.
Additionally, MSPs often offer 24/7 support so that you can get help whenever you need it. After all, no matter what size your business is, you need to have reliable IT services and solutions to compete in the digital world.
3. Fortifying your cybersecurity posture
An MSP can assess your current infrastructure for risks and weaknesses and provide a comprehensive security solution that addresses all of these. For instance, if your business belongs to an industry that’s highly targeted by phishing, an MSP can implement firewalls, spam filters, and antivirus and anti-malware programs to prevent phishing emails from reaching your inboxes. MSPs can also train users on how to recognize and report phishing emails.
On top of this, an MSP can proactively monitor for threats and take corrective action even before any damage is done, significantly reducing the chances of cybercrime succeeding and affecting your business operations.
4. Guaranteeing business continuity (BC)
MSPs can implement robust backup and disaster recovery solutions that prevent data loss. They can set up automated failovers that will automatically shift workloads from one server or data center to another in case the main one fails or crashes unexpectedly. This helps ensure systems are always running at peak performance even during outages, minimizing downtime and allowing your business to get back online quickly after any disruption or catastrophe.
In addition, MSPs can tailor BC solutions to your requirements. For instance, if your office is likely to be devastated by floods, MSPs can set up employee remote access to vital applications so that business activities can continue even when physical access to workstations isn't possible. This enables you to maintain high, uninterrupted customer service levels throughout any crisis.
5. Reducing costs in more ways than one
MSPs can provide access to enterprise-level IT solutions without requiring SMB owners like you to make hefty upfront investments in hardware and software. This means you’ll get to enjoy the same powerful technology as large corporations without breaking the bank.
MSPs also typically offer round-the-clock support services at significantly lower rates than if you hired internal staff members specializing in IT. When you partner with an MSP, you won't have to worry about finding and onboarding new employees or training them for tech-related tasks. This drastically reduces overhead costs associated with having more personnel on the payroll.
Online Computers is a seasoned MSP specializing in helping SMBs in New Jersey and New York leverage technology to grow their business. With over 10 years of industry experience, we understand the unique IT challenges smaller businesses face and are committed to providing solutions tailored to your specific needs. Talk to an Online Computers specialist today.
