The modern-day business environment is largely driven by technological advancements. Based on our experience, we believe that such advancements prevail in the form of tools that help businesses optimize operations and increase productivity. However, using such technologies is not always as simple as it appears.

Oftentimes, it’s possible the companies may not possess the required resources needed to develop or implement such tools in a feasible manner. A common reason behind this could be a lack of expertise. It’s important for businesses to acknowledge that ineffective use of such solutions can lead to a loss of investment.

However, all of these things can be avoided by using managed IT support services. Recent statistics have shown that the IT outsourcing market in Hong Kong is expected to reach $4.58 billion by 2028. In addition, the IT services market in Singapore is forecasted to be $14.68 billion in market volume by 2028.

Managed IT support services are a key part of these markets. In this article, we’ll discuss what it is you can do when it comes to choosing the best managed IT support provider. We’ll discuss in-house vs. managed services, different service models and factors that need to be considered by you before choosing a managed service provider.

Let’s begin!

What Are Managed IT Services?

Managed IT services are tasks that are handled by a third-party service provider. Such services generally encompass part or all of an organization’s technological infrastructure. Using such services allows companies to offload tech equipment management activities. A reduction in cost and an increase in productivity are the general outcomes.

There are many things that need to be considered by businesses prior choosing a managed service provider (MSP). Common examples of such things may include the different types of service models. In addition, enterprises should also consider the cost, expertise, and scalability they are likely to experience when working with an MSP.

After working with numerous companies worldwide, we at FunctionEight believe when such factors are considered by businesses it helps them make the best decision. Along with helping organizations realize an increase in productivity, MSPs can also help them ensure digital transformation.

Before we dive into the details of MSPs who provide IT support services, let’s look at how in-house IT services and managed IT services are different.

In-house IT vs. Managed IT

Most companies that have tech professionals may not need managed IT services while they’re in their infancy. In such a stage, in-house IT management is indeed a feasible option. It’s common for most people to believe that a company should just outsource their IT management right off the bat.

However, business continuation with such an approach may not be a very feasible option. During the initial stages of the business, outsourcing IT management can be costly. In-house management, on the other hand, has numerous benefits. For instance, instant and real-time tech support can be obtained by the business when services are in-house.

Additionally, another benefit of in-house IT management is assured compliance. Think about it: when you outsource the management of your tech infrastructure, it’s possible that the service providers may not follow all of your compliance metrics. But you can ensure all of your protocols for compliance if the services are performed in house.

Now for managed IT service. These services are a great option for firms that are looking to scale their operations. As you expand your business, using the services offered by MSPs can be a cost-efficient option. The reason for this is that such an option allows you to have access to excellent tech expertise.

Another benefit that needs to be known is that working with an MSP for IT support can help lead to your productivity being increased by you. You see, when you outsource to an MSP, you no longer have to make time for tech support. This saved time can then be allocated to core business operations.

But managed IT services, depending on who the provider is, can lead to some cons. Common examples of such cons may include services not being personalized and support only available remotely.

What Are the Different Models of Managed IT Support Services?

As someone who’s looking to work with MSPs for IT support having different models of the service be considered is highly important. Each model entails a different methodology pertaining to how the service is to be performed.

Understanding these models will allow you to set realistic outcomes for the service and will help you choose the best one. Keeping that in mind, let’s look at two of the most common service models utilized by managed IT support services.

1. Co-managed Services

These are IT support services provided by vendors where the receiving organization has a technology department. With such a service model the role of the MSP is to ensure the supplementation of the company’s existing IT department and to provide necessary support where needed.

Such services can be useful in cases where an enterprise IT professional is suitable for multiple roles and responsibilities. However, these professionals are not capable of undertaking all the responsibilities of the entire department. But this isn’t the only reason.

In some cases, it’s possible that some businesses may opt for having co-managed services simply because they want to have control over their assets. Just that is what this model allows them to do and it also helps them benefit from tech expertise. After working with numerous clients, we’ve identified the following benefits:

● More flexibility.

● Lower costs.

● Access to tech expertise.

2. Fully managed Services

These types of IT support services are when a company doesn’t have an internal IT department. Given this, all their IT-related operations are outsourced to an MSP. Such services can be a feasible option for businesses when they are looking to scale their operations.

When a company is in its expansion phase, making use of both monetary and human assets in a strategic manner is paramount. In such circumstances, oftentimes, outsourcing certain operations in which expertise is not possessed is the right option.

It allows them to eliminate inefficient operations and increase productivity. In the case of outsourcing technology support, businesses can avail themselves of multiple benefits centered around IT maintenance, updates, and management. Over the years, some of the many pros we’ve identified for using fully managed services include:

● No need for internal expertise.

● Update and secure network and infrastructure.

● Top-notch expertise readily available.

What Factors Should You Consider When Hiring Managed IT Support Services?

Using managed IT support services is advantageous to businesses as it can help them avail themselves of numerous benefits. As a result of these benefits, advanced technologies can be better leveraged by companies. This then transitions into a competitive edge, allowing firms to secure a market leader position.

Choosing an MSP, however, can be a daunting task. Based on our expertise, we’ve identified some key factors that, if considered, can help you choose the best MSP. These factors include:

1. Experience

When the choice of working with a managed support services provider for IT is being made by you, vendor experience is the first factor that needs to be considered. When analyzing the experience of a vendor, here’s what you need to do. Consider why you want to work with an MSP.

Do you need to improve your infrastructure? Do you need better network security? Think about these things and others like them. This will help you determine exactly what you need. The experience of the vendors can then be analyzed by you based on these insights.

2. Approach

When it comes to choosing an MSP, the next thing you need to consider is their approach. We’ve found that there are two types: reactive and proactive. MSPs who work based on a reactive approach will generally take maintenance or upgradation action whenever prompted by external factors.

This can be good, but we believe a proactive approach is better. With such a methodology MSPs constantly analyze your existing infrastructure against your goals and make suggestions about improvements as needed. This ensures that advanced technologies are utilized for you with ease.

3. Tools and Equipment

Next up is the big one. When you are planning to work with an MSP for IT support, you must consider if the tools they utilize are right for your business. After working with multiple clients, we’ve one of the key tools that should be considered, which is remote monitoring.

If this is used by a vendor preferred by you, it will allow you to monitor the work done by them 24/7. In addition, there are some other tools that need to be considered. This can include things like security software, update protocols, communication platforms, and more.

4. Availability

This can oftentimes be an overlooked factor; the fact that it’s paramount is something that you must know. We’re an experienced IT services provider and know the industry inside out. We know that when some providers work with too many clients, the availability offered by them suffers.

Such a lack of availability can negatively impact your business. Plus, it also leads to a waste of investment. To measure availability, consider the number of clients a provider is working with. Also, check their response time. Additionally, consider whether a dedicated manager or technician is being offered by them.

5. Pricing

It goes without saying that the price being charged by the MSP must also be considered by you. However, when considering the price, a common mistake that’s made oftentimes is the choice to move forward to the lowest one. This can be good if strictly examined from a monetary perspective.

But is that really the right thing to do? The short answer: No! When the price is being examined, consider it from a value-to-money perspective. You need to know that it can be feasible to choose a vendor that has a higher price if the service benefits your business and allows you to add value to your customers.

6. Customer Support

Believe it or not, the customer support being offered by an MSP is crucial. It’s important for you to know that when you work with an MSP, oftentimes, you’ll need to reach out to them. The reason for such communication could be troubleshooting issues or getting updates.

If the customer support services are not at par with your expectations, it can influence the business relation in a negative manner. To determine how effective the customer service operations are, check to see if they are available 24/7 and, in addition, also measure responsiveness.

7. Scalability

The last on the list is scalability. It’s imperative for you to know that as your business progresses and grows, the needs change. Oftentimes, such changes pertain to technology-related operations. If the MSP chosen by you can’t scale their services, it will hold you back.

With IT support services that can be scaled, you’re more likely to increase or even decrease the extent and frequency of services in line with your objectives. Such an option not only increases the feasibility of the vendor and the service but also enhances the cost efficiency.

Case Studies Highlighting FunctionEight’s Success

FunctionEight is a competent IT services provider that has helped small businesses and enterprise-level organizations seamlessly achieve technological excellence! Over the years, we’ve worked with numerous clients. Two case studies that highlight our success include:

1. ALS International – we worked with this client and made major improvements to their firewall and security system by using a proactive approach and suggesting improvements as necessary.

2. LIMETREE CAPITAL – we worked with this client as we analyzed their current tech setup and provided recommendations for their servers, computer systems, and enterprise software.

If you want to achieve technological excellence, explore our services and see how we can help!

Conclusion

Using managed IT support services has now become essential for businesses. It can allow you to reduce costs and optimize operations, where productivity also gets a boost. However, choosing the right vendor can be a daunting task. To make the best decision, consider factors like availability, customer support, expertise, and price.

Need managed IT support services for your business? Contact us and learn more!