Managed Information Technology (IT) services are beneficial for all types of businesses, big or small–but they’re especially worth it to companies with limited IT resources (budget, equipment, or manpower) or that need to deal with IT-related compliance mandates. 

With the help of IT managed services in Houston, organizations can optimize their technology and cloud-based systems, which can result in improved productivity, stronger security, and better outputs. 

What Are Managed IT Services?

Managed IT services are different IT-related tasks that companies can outsource to third-party experts (called ‘managed service providers,’ or ‘MSPs’). By doing this, organizations can offload certain tasks, allowing them to focus on more pressing business matters while staying assured that their infrastructure is working optimally and efficiently.

What is included in managed IT services? These can vary, and many MSPs provide options that clients can customize based on their budgets and needs. Generally, however, these involve remote management and monitoring (RMM), cloud computing, data back-up, and storage, security and compliance, and help desk and IT support.

Benefits of Managed IT Services

Managed IT services are a cost-effective way to strengthen your IT infrastructure, which could do wonders for your everyday operations. Here are some reasons why you should hire an MSP like Xvand:

• Increased security and reduced risk

• High standards of certification

• Access to 24/7 professional IT support

• Predictable pricing

• Detailed service agreements

• Proactive solutions

• Skilled IT management

Why Do I Need Managed IT Services?

Any company that deals with technology, the cloud, and data can benefit from managed IT services. However, some organizations might need the help more than others. Here are some signs that you need managed IT services for your business:

You Lack IT Resources

The reality is that most small and medium enterprises (SMEs) don’t have the resources, be it time, money, or staff, to maintain the IT infrastructure that they need to sustain their businesses. If you find that you’re struggling because you don’t have skilled people to handle your hardware or software or because your IT department is drowning in work, it’s time to hire managed IT services. 

MSPs can help you handle all IT-related responsibilities, which can help support your teams or allow them to refocus their priorities.

You Don’t Have a Cybersecurity Plan

With so much data involved in everyday business transactions, companies must make sure that their systems are always safe and secure. If you don’t have a cybersecurity plan in place, you’re at risk of attacks, which could spell the end of your company. 

Managed IT services can ensure that your infrastructure is well-protected and that all your data is properly stored and backed up, with recovery plans in place in case of an emergency.

You Need to Comply with IT Mandates

Multiple laws and regulations touch on businesses’ responsibility to protect the information of their customers. This can be tricky to navigate and even trickier to implement. Most managed IT services include compliance in their packages so you never have to worry about breaking any rules (and suffering the consequences that come with it).

Choosing the Right Managed Services Provider

Choosing the right MSP is important because you’re entrusting your entire IT system to them. You’ll want to be sure that they can handle the tasks, and that they’re equipped with skilled staff and enough resources to keep everything in tip-top shape. Here are some things you should look for when picking an MSP:

Resources

Find an MSP with a team of IT experts that you know can proactively solve issues and easily guide you on best IT practices. You also want to make sure that they have the resources (e.g. tools, software, finances, etc.) to be able to sustain supporting your operations.

Range of Services

The best MSPs offer a wide range of services, enough to fully cover all of your IT needs. Look at their catalog and decide if they have everything that you’re looking for.

Availability

Hiccups can occur at any time, so you want an MSP who can guarantee that they’re there to help 24/7. 

Service Quality

It’s important that your MSP can deliver consistent high-quality service, no matter the task. Look at their portfolio and check for reviews.

Multi-Vendor and Multi-Cloud Support

Most IT infrastructure uses a variety of vendors or cloud systems, so it’s best to find an MSP that can support different third-party resources to be able to keep workflows running as expected.

Contact Xvand for the Best Managed IT Services

If your business needs better IT support or is hoping to outsource its IT tasks to the pros, it’s time to consider managed IT services. Contact Xvand, one of Houston’s top MSPs, to get started today!