Wondering what is included in managed IT services? From cybersecurity to cloud management, MSPs offer essential solutions that keep businesses secure, efficient, and ahead of tech challenges. Managed IT services are becoming this day and age’s dynamic “rockstar” partner that thousands of companies hire to support many of the technical aspects of their businesses. But what exactly do these managed service providers (MSPs) offer?
There are many offerings that are popular with MSPs including cybersecurity, BDR, cloud management, help desk support, and software solutions management.
Because businesses rely strongly on information technology, MSPs come to the rescue with quick, cost-effective answers to the growing web of information needed to run successful companies. And the benefits of managed it services help ensure smooth operations, secure data, and scalable support. Outsourced IT services for small businesses provide essential tech support without the cost of an in-house team. Let’s dive into the most popular managed IT services lists offered by MSPs.
What Is Included in Managed IT Services and Types of Managed IT Services
Infrastructure and Network Management
A successful business IT infrastructure is essential for supporting business operations. Because the network is the backbone of a company’s operating systems, it is paramount to keep this IT infrastructure running smoothly. MSPs provide IT infrastructure management including network monitoring, maintenance, and infrastructure upgrades. IT infrastructure management services,
Network monitoring and management help businesses keep their systems running smoothly and address issues before they cause disruptions.
Popular Managed Infrastructure Services
- Network monitoring: MSPs offer continued monitoring which allows for quick fixes and less downtime.
- Infrastructure monitoring and maintenance: This entails regular maintenance and troubleshooting of hardware.
- System upgrades: MSPs deal with the upgrades of both software and hardware.
- Wi-fi and wired network configurations and management services: MSPs can design, install, and manage these networks.
MSPs facilitate a seamless infrastructure and easily scale with each client’s growing business needs. Continuous monitoring means that potential issues are usually resolved quickly.
Help Desk and Support Services
Technical support is needed very often in businesses. Whether dealing with cloud questions, password problems, or other day-to-day technical issues, having a dependable and skilled IT team is invaluable. IT support services for businesses ensure that technical issues are quickly resolved, allowing teams to stay focused and productive.
Help desk support is so much more efficient when businesses can open “tickets” with the MSP techs using the communication platform the business already uses, such as Slack or Microsoft Teams. Integrating the service collaboration platform Thread, for example, integrates communication to reduce resolution times and maximize uptime.
Popular Help Desk Support Services
- 24/7 remote monitoring and support: A managed IT services provider can monitor 24/7 and offer remote assistance in response to alerts. Some MSPs charge more for technical support outside of regular service hours.
- Possible onsite support: When there is a problem that requires onsite technical support, a managed IT service provider can send a tech to the location if they are in the same geographical area as the client. This option may be considered an add-on or come with an extra price tag.
- User training: Some MSPs train staff on troubleshooting basic technical issues.
These services help companies reduce downtime and support employee productivity even through IT challenges.
Security Services
In security services, what is included in managed IT services often covers constant threat monitoring, firewall management, and quick response to cyber risks, ensuring strong protection for business data. Managed security services are a popular MSP offering. Because of the high risk of being hit with a cyberattack, businesses need a professional, proactive approach to keep their companies as safe as possible. Phishing attacks, ransomware, and data breaches are all common issues managed security services can help prevent. Managed security services providers safeguard businesses from cyber threats, ensuring data and systems remain secure around the clock.
Popular IT Security Services
- Threat monitoring tools and detection: Suspicious activity can be caught earlier due to 24/7 remote monitoring.
- Firewall and antivirus managed services: MSPs can install, configure, and manage firewall and antivirus software.
- Security audits and compliance: MSPs can assess and manage the company’s compliance with regulations such as GDPR, HIPAA, and PCI-DSS.
- Incident response and recovery: MSPs can respond quickly to an attack or data breach. The MSP then begins a recovery response process to get systems back up and running to full speed.
Continuous monitoring, security patches, and real-time incident responses help ensure the cybersecurity aspect of business runs smoothly.
Backup and Disaster Recovery
In backup and disaster recovery, what is included in managed IT services typically involves automated data backups, disaster recovery planning, and rapid data restoration to minimize downtime and protect critical information. When a business experiences a data loss, there can be major repercussions. A backup and disaster recovery (BDR) service provider facilitates the tools needed to protect system data as well as put disaster recovery procedures in place for when an accident or disaster strikes. Data backup and disaster recovery solutions protect vital business information and help companies recover quickly from unexpected data loss.
Popular Managed Backup and Recovery Services
- Automated data backups: Critical data is backed up frequently and automatically.
- Disaster recovery planning: MSPs can create disaster recovery plans that further prepare for an unexpected event in which data may be lost.
- Redundant systems: Some MSPs use redundant systems that are used in the event of an attack or disaster.
- Regular backup testing: MSPs are careful to test backup plans before they are needed.
Having the backup and recovery tools in place to prevent and restore lost data is an invaluable service offered by MSPs.
Managed Cloud Services
In managed cloud services, what is included in managed IT services often includes cloud infrastructure monitoring, secure data management, and backup solutions to ensure seamless and safe cloud operations. With the migration of many businesses to the cloud, cloud services have escalated into an extremely popular aspect of managed IT services. As of 2018, 77% of enterprises had at least part of their business computing infrastructure in the cloud. It’s essential to ensure the efficiency and security of this approach as cloud infrastructure is adopted by more and more companies.
Popular Cloud Services
- Cloud infrastructure monitoring: Cloud servers, storage, and networks are optimized and monitored for high-level optimization.
- Security cloud management: A managed cloud service provider protects cloud data through encryption, firewall settings, and access controls.
- Backup and recovery cloud services: MSPs can offer backup and recovery programs to be ready in case of a cloud data breach.
- Cloud migrations: A managed service provider can migrate a business’s data to the cloud with minimal disruption to regular business operations.
MSPs manage cloud resources making sure they are properly configured and secure. Because cloud services allow for scalability without the high cost of physical hardware, cloud computing is a win-win for most businesses.
Managed Software and Application Services
Businesses often use several software applications. To help these applications operate correctly, MSPs provide managed services to keep them up to date and running smoothly and securely.
Popular Managed Software and Application Services
- Software installation and configuration: MSPs save businesses time and effort by configuring and installing new software.
- Patch and update management: MSPs double-check for new security patches that are needed.
- License management: A managed services provider will keep track of licensing including usage terms and renewal dates.
These services typically focus on keeping software updated and correctly configured.
Managed Compliance Services
Healthcare, finance, and other types of businesses must follow strict guidelines in relation to client security and data privacy. MSPs work to keep these businesses compliant.
Popular Managed Compliance Services
- Compliance audits: MSPs will audit the business to make sure it is compliant with current regulations.
- Policy development: Managed IT services help create IT policies and procedures.
- Document management: This may include keeping up-to-date reports.
Compliance helps businesses avoid legal fees and builds trust with current and potential clients.
Managed Communication Services
Another popular service a managed service provider may offer is communication services. Effective communications are pivotal to every business’s productivity and success. MSPs can monitor mobile devices, email, video conferencing software, and more.
Popular Managed Communication Services
- Voice over IP (VoIP) systems: A managed IT service can facilitate VoIP for high-quality internet-based phone calls.
- Email managed service: This service may include spam filtering, email encryption, and troubleshooting email challenges.
- Unified communication platforms: A managed IT service may be able to integrate the many communication tools the business uses to streamline business communication.
MSPs work to make businesses’ communication tools work flawlessly together, which improves collaboration and speed.
There are Many Services Managed by MSPs
MSPs offer an extensive list of IT services to aid businesses in their technology infrastructure. From security services to help desk support, cloud services, strategic planning, remote management, and other managed services, MSPs truly take the stage as a one-stop solution for businesses’ technical needs.
Managed IT services can take the brunt of the IT complexities with high service quality so that companies can focus on their core business and goals. Partnering with an MSP facilitates scalable, efficient, and secure systems to help your business succeed.
Knowing what is included in managed IT services helps businesses make smart choices that improve their technology and support success.
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