Managed IT services involve outsourcing critical IT functions to a third-party provider like QualityIP. Examples of managed IT services include:
- Managing your business’s help desk
- Monitoring network health and security
- Overseeing software updates and installations
- Implementing business continuity and disaster recovery (BCDR) strategies
Small- and medium-sized businesses can access these services through affordable subscription models, allowing them to compete at the same level as larger organizations without the high costs of in-house IT teams. These subscription-based models allow for a fixed monthly cost to make budgeting easy.
By partnering with an experienced IT service provider like QualityIP, businesses can ensure their networks, endpoints, and data remain secure and efficient – all without the expense and complexity of managing everything internally.
The Managed IT Services Model
Managed service providers like QualityIP offer ongoing IT support that includes everything from setup and installation to configuration and monitoring of a company’s networks and devices. Unlike traditional break/fix models, managed service providers take a proactive approach by continuously monitoring your network for vulnerabilities and processes that could be improved.
MSPs like QualityIP typically offer tiered service packages with a flat, recurring rate. As service levels increase, businesses receive more automation and enhanced management. Clients can adjust their service package as their businesses grow and their needs evolve. Sometimes a service package can be combined with a la carte offerings for one-time upgrades and other needs.
Managed IT Services vs. In-House IT Teams
A managed IT service doesn’t replace an in-house IT team, it complements them. The managed IT service provider handles routine IT work, leaving the in-house team to focus on more complex projects without being overwhelmed by daily tasks. In some cases, co-managed services allow both teams to collaborate to resolve issues faster and enhance service delivery.
History of Managed IT Services
In the early days of computing, IT management followed a break/fix model, where technicians would only address issues once systems broke down. As technology became more complex and necessary in everyday functions, this reactive approach became costly and inefficient. Eventually, the break/fix model became unsustainable, leading to the rise of managed IT services in the early 2000s. Managed IT services introduced proactive maintenance, monitoring and regular updates, helping to prevent problems before they could disrupt business operations.
This more efficient approach to IT led to greater client satisfaction, improved performance and the ability to take on more clientele. This all led to managed IT becoming the industry standard for managing computer systems.
Managed IT Services Categories
Managed services providers like QualityIP typically offer a wide range of services. These services can be mixed and matched to meet your business’s unique needs. Some examples of managed IT services include:
- Cybersecurity: Protecting against cyber threats with services like patch management, antivirus platforms, multi-factor authentication and regular risk assessments.
- Cloud Services: Helping businesses transition to and manage cloud-based infrastructure, apps and security solutions.
- Remote Monitoring and Management (RMM): Proactively monitoring networks and devices to ensure optimal performance and minimize downtime.
- Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery (BCDR): Implementing strategies to quickly recover from disasters, ensuring minimal downtime and data loss.
Benefits and Purpose of Managed IT Services
Managed IT services enable small- to medium-sized businesses to compete with larger organizations by providing expert IT support at a fraction of the cost of building an internal team. That means small- to medium-sized businesses can operate on a level playing field, sharing in the market and delivering the same level of responsiveness to customers as larger organizations. Key benefits include:
- Cost Savings: Managed services allow SMBs to pay for only the services they need while avoiding the high upfront costs of hiring full-time IT staff.
- Access to Expertise: MSPs bring specialized knowledge in areas like cybersecurity, compliance, and IT strategy, helping businesses stay secure and efficient.
- Talent Gap Solutions: With the ongoing shortage of skilled IT professionals, partnering with an MSP helps fill the talent gap without the difficulty of recruiting and retaining in-house staff.
- Improved Efficiency: By handling routine tasks like software updates, network monitoring, and security, MSPs enable businesses to focus on core functions and growth.
Dependable Service
By partnering with a managed services provider, businesses can benefit from having access to industry experts with the unique skills needed to streamline operations and improve efficiency. IT operations are resource-intensive and finding the right skilled talent to build an internal IT team can be tough, but partnering with a managed services provider will ensure dependable service at the highest level possible.
Bringing a third-party managed services provider on board to handle routine IT tasks can also boost productivity because internal staff will no longer need to bog themselves down on routine tasks and can instead focus on higher-priority items that are a better use of time. When things like software patch updates, equipment monitoring, maintenance and cybersecurity are taken off the table, in-house IT teams can focus on more important tasks.
Pricing for Managed IT Services
Managed service providers typically use one of the following pricing models:
- Tiered: Clients select a service package based on their needs, with higher tiers offering more comprehensive services.
- Per User: Clients pay a fixed fee per user per month for all devices.
- Per Device: Businesses pay a set fee for each device (e.g., computers, servers, mobile devices) under management.
Pricing will vary depending on the size of your business, which services you wish to utilize and what your goals are. QualityIP can help create a custom plan to address your needs while adhering to your budget.
Ready to find out how QualityIP can help your business thrive? Contact us to get started with a free IT roadmap and chat about our managed IT services. Whether you need help with IT planning and procurement or are looking for a long-term managed services partnership, QualityIP can help. We offer the tools, variety and value needed to help meet your technology goals.
Things to Know
Examples
What are some examples of managed services?
Examples of managed services include managed IT services, managed security services, managed cloud services, managed backup and disaster recovery, managed network services and managed help desk support.
Purpose
What do managed IT services do?
Managed IT services are third-party providers that handle a company’s IT needs like network monitoring, cybersecurity, software updates and technical support. Providers can proactively manage and maintain IT systems to ensure smooth operation or handle security issues to minimize downtime and allow businesses to focus on core activities.
Companies
MSP Companies
There are many managed service providers out there, but QualityIP stands out as a leader, offering reliable and proactive managed IT services that are tailored to your business needs. QualityIP helps small and medium-sized businesses streamline IT operations, reduce downtime and stay secure while providing personalized, cost-effective solutions.
Components
Managed Services Components
Managed services components include network management, cybersecurity, data backup and disaster recovery, cloud services, IT support and monitoring. These components work together to ensure a business’s IT infrastructure is secure, efficient and continuously maintained by a third-party provider.