Technology is constantly changing, and companies need to keep up with these advances to stay competitive. However, information technology (IT) solutions can be challenging to manage if you do not have the time or right expertise.
With IT spending predicted “to reach US$4.6 trillion (A$7.32 trillion)” globally in 2023, IT support services have never been more essential to ensure the productivity and relevancy of small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) and larger organisations. There are various options to choose from, and informing yourself of what they are can help you determine the type of support your company’s IT infrastructure needs.
What is IT support?
IT support is a service that offers companies certified IT professionals who can maintain, repair, and manage technology within a business setting. This can include software sourcing and troubleshooting, network installation and management, and more.
In many cases, businesses will outsource their IT support services to third-party vendors – managed IT service providers (MSPs). MSPs are highly specialised units whose expertise in technology and business can keep your IT networks functioning in accordance with your values and requirements.
What types of IT support can businesses acquire?
Technology support is a broad space with services that may sound similar but are intrinsically different. Understanding your business’s needs will help you choose the service that is best for you and your team.
Generally speaking, there are three main categories of IT support:
With break/fix services, an IT provider will respond when there’s an issue with your computer systems or network. They will send a technician onsite to assess your issue, devise solutions to solve it, administer them, and leave.
Break/fix providers do not offer long-term contracts, maintenance, or management solutions, and they will bill you by the hour. This can make it a less effective choice if your computers experience issues frequently or if your budget cannot withstand unpredictable expenses. With that being said, break/fix solutions are best suited for organisations that experience small technical issues or do not want to lock themselves into regular contracts.
Co-managed IT support is a hybrid approach to technology support where a company’s internal IT team will work alongside an MSP to manage the overall IT network within the business. Co-managed IT support caters for businesses that already have IT staff and need extra support managing their infrastructure. With your existing IT team working on more complex projects and an MSP handling day-to-day tasks, the collaboration between the two teams ensures that any potential issues are addressed and resolved quickly and efficiently.
Managed IT support (or managed services) is the most comprehensive level of technology support. With managed IT support, an IT provider takes responsibility for all of your IT needs, allowing your team members to perform their core duties. Managed services are offered based on a service-level agreement (SLA) – a business document that explains what the MSP will do for your business, the responsibilities that people share, the payment model your arrangement will follow, and more.
An MSP specialises in a range of services, including:
- Network monitoring and management
- Cyber security
- Unified communications
- Backup and disaster recovery
- IT support services, including onsite and remote IT support
- Technology consulting
- Cloud computing services
Managed IT service providers understand that businesses are unique, which is why they customise their managed IT support services to make them relevant to the client. This helps to ensure that your IT infrastructure is always aligned with your objectives and is delivering the resources you need to streamline your operations.
Why managed IT support is the best option for businesses
Of all the types of technology support you can invest in, managed services is the best option. It covers all bases, providing you with cost-effective access to a team of skilled IT professionals with experience in business enhancement. A managed services company that offers managed IT support can offer you flexible, robust solutions to your specific business technology needs.
With managed services, you can rest easy knowing that your organisation will benefit from the following:
- Improved efficiency – take advantage of the latest technology and tools to streamline your processes, reduce manual tasks, and increase your overall operational efficiency.
- Cost savings – pay a predictable fee for all-in-one support that helps you to avoid costly downtime, take care of upgrades, etc.
- Increased security – utilise a wide range of security measures (firewalls, intrusion detection, data encryption, and more) to help protect your business from cyber threats.
- Proactive maintenance – feel reassured knowing your systems are consistently monitored for potential issues before they cause significant problems.
- Expertise – with managed IT support, your MSP partner will keep you up-to-date on the latest technology that can help you scale up.
- Bolstered agility – with IT specialists maintaining your network, your systems will always be optimised to meet changes in the market and your company.
- Guaranteed service – know exactly what level of service and performance you will receive. MSPs prioritise your needs and are eager to assist you and your IT in achieving greatness.
Managed IT support from a leading MSP
Choosing the right IT support for your business is essential to its success. You want the IT support that best meets your needs and that offers the most value for money. Managed services offer your organisation everything and more, from custom service models to 24/7 support that will keep your systems reliable.
The managed services at Muscatech offer an integrated, comprehensive approach to technology management that includes the latest solutions and services. Contact the team at Muscatech today to upgrade your network and boost the operational speed and profitability of your business.
