What Are Managed IT Services?

Managed IT services play a critical role in supporting businesses of all sizes to manage and maintain their IT systems, infrastructure, and security. 

All managed IT services relate to outsourcing your company’s IT operations and responsibilities to a third-party provider. While large multinational businesses and conglomerates will often be able to manage all their IT operations and security in-house, many businesses rely on third-party providers to do this for them. 

Managed IT service providers are often used by SME’s.

Understanding the Different Types of Managed IT Services

There are various types of managed IT services. Some of the common offerings include:

• Network and infrastructure management – includes monitoring/maintaining IT networks; ensuring security and network uptime; and managing routers, firewalls, switches, etc.
• Security management – includes cybersecurity measures, security audits, endpoint security (threat protection, antimalware programs), compliance, security education, etc.
• Onsite and remote support – can include 24/7 technical support and troubleshooting, managing software updates, verifying remote devices, onsite assistance for securing local servers, etc.
• Cloud-based service management – managing cloud storage, data backups, and disaster recovery; virtual desktop setup and remote work solutions, etc.
• IT consulting – providing IT consultation and strategies, optimising cost and infrastructure scaling, advice on necessary hardware and software for business operations, etc.
• Backups – providing data backup solutions for both on-premises and cloud-based approaches, developing disaster recovery plans, business continuity strategies (including how to leverage backups in the event of data breaches), etc.

These are just a few of the types of services that can fall under the managed IT bracket. 

Managed IT Services vs Break-Fix IT Support

There’s a clear-cut separation between managed IT services and Break-Fix IT support.

Managed IT services are usually ongoing, paid on a month-to-month basis or as per a contractual agreement, and most of the services focus on a proactive approach to IT support. The IT service provider monitors your infrastructure on a more regular basis and is ready to assist as different issues arise.

Break-fix IT support is reactive. When your business encounters an IT issue or something you need assistance with, you contact the IT support provider, and they address that specific issue or need. You pay a one-off fee for that instance of support and then receive no further support beyond that.

While break-fix IT support can be appropriate if you have the means to manage most of your IT in-house, its drawback is its reactive nature. Ongoing managed IT services are a better option when you want to be proactive with your IT efforts, particularly when it comes to maintaining proper security and operations.

The Importance of 24/7 Monitoring in Managed IT Services

One of the ways in which managed IT is effectively proactive is through its 24/7 monitoring of your IT systems. 24-hour IT support and monitoring ensures that your business will never be caught off-guard in the event of a network outage or potential cybersecurity risk.

IT support professionals who offer 24/7 support (such as the Setup4 team) keep their finger on the pulse of your IT systems. So, the instant they notice anything amiss, they can jump in immediately to mitigate or resolve that issue before it spirals out of control. 

This stands as a key example of why ongoing managed IT services can serve as a better solution than break-fix IT support. 24/7 monitoring is simply more proactive and leads to more efficient support and readiness in the event any issues arise.

How Managed IT Services Support Business Growth

Running a business is already a time-consuming affair without having to account for all the intricacies of having your IT infrastructure running smoothly.

By seeking out managed IT service providers, you’ll have professionals on hand who can advise and execute on the ideal IT infrastructure setup that appropriately scales as your business grows. They’ll strengthen your cybersecurity posture, educate your staff, and monitor your systems and respond to issues in a timely manner.

This provides you with the room to maintain focus on business operations, scaling, and evolving its capabilities. Managed IT service providers will also give you advice on the right programs, hardware and software to use to help your business grow in the online environment.

If managed IT services sound like something your business would benefit from, the Setup4 team is here to help. We offer a range of services as part of our managed IT offerings in Melbourne. Whether you need consultancy, cloud solutions, IT and cybersecurity services, or general onsite and remote IT support, we can make it happen.

To see what we can do for you, get in touch with us today.