5 Benefits of a Managed Services Provider (MSP)

Have you ever wondered, “do I need a Managed Services Provider?”, “what does an MSP do?”, or “what benefits could one bring to my organization?” If so, then this is a great place to start. An MSP can bring great value to your organization, keeping your IT running effectively while removing the burden from your staff, allowing them to focus on more important projects. Before we go into the benefits of an MSP, we will cover what they are, if you need one, and how to identify a good partner.

What is a Managed Services Provider?

A Managed Services Provider is a partner who takes on the responsibility of managing your IT infrastructure. You delegate your operational and support duties to them, and they keep your infrastructure up-to-date and at peak performance.

To accomplish this, an MSP uses a variety of tools that automate daily maintenance tasks. They also remotely review system logs, automated alerts for equipment failures, and the thresholds that can cause stress on your systems. Whether it is improving efficiency by saving time and money, or catching problems before they occur to avoid costly disasters and repairs, a managed services provider can bring great value to your business.

Who Needs an MSP?

“Every business is different, and so are its needs.”

We’re going to be completely honest, as beneficial as MSP’s can be, not every organization needs one. Some organizations (especially those with large IT teams) can flourish without one by using a public cloud, or by managing their environment themselves. Although for others, specifically small and mid-sized organizations, MSP’s can offer the right partnership to secure their IT infrastructure.

If you answer yes to any of the questions below, you may be the right fit for a Managed Services Provider.

• Do you not have the time and/or resources to devote to your IT needs?
• Is the industry you’re in compliance-driven?
• Is the industry you’re in heavily targeted by cybercriminals?
• Do you struggle to keep up with the latest technologies?

What To Look For in an MSP

If you are looking for an MSP, here are seven questions to ask a potential partner.

1. How will you review my systems for errors and stresses?
2. How will you ensure my business remains operational in the event of a failure or disaster?
3. What level of expertise does your team provide its clients?
4. How can I refocus my existing IT personnel while you take over management of my infrastructure?
5. What tactics do you employ to ensure the security of your environment?
6. Do you provide offsite and onsite services?
7. How will documentation of your systems be shared?

5 Benefits of an MSP

1. Time & Money

Hiring, training, and maintaining a full IT staff that would meet organizational requirements just isn’t feasible for most small and mid-sized organizations due to a lack of time and/or budget. MSP’s give you access to a full team of experts, without having to pay their salary. Another benefit of an MSP is that they allow for your IT needs to be predictable and set into a budget so there are no surprise costs. And, to save your organization valuable time, MSP’s not only take on the monotonous IT tasks, but they also plan for automated maintenance and fast implementation of new services and updates. Additionally, they help protect you from experiencing expensive downtime, helping you recover quickly, and preventing as much significant loss as possible.

2. Compliance

Organizations that are bound by compliance regulations—like government agencies abiding by CJIS, and healthcare providers tied to HIPAA and HITECH legislation—can benefit from a reputable provider that offers protection, while keeping up with ever-evolving compliance laws so that internal attention can be focused on the bigger picture.

3. Security

Data breaches, power outages, even Mother Nature. There are many data destroyers looking to bring down your business. A good MSP will help you plan for the worst by protecting your data and ensuring that you can recover from a disruptive event. They will also help protect your network from cybercriminals and the ever-present threat of ransomware. Make sure that your plan includes regular security testing and monitoring. A reliable MSP will ensure overall business continuity throughout backup and recovery plans.

4. Focus on Your Business

An MSP enables you to outsource all of your IT support needs, freeing up valuable staff resources to focus on business objectives, rather than the tedious tasks that can eat away their time.

5. Peace of Mind

If you already have an existing IT staff, MSPs act as a 24x7x365 partner. If someone falls sick or goes on vacation, you know you’re covered. If you are starting from scratch with little-to-no IT staff, an MSP can be your IT staff, making sure that your support needs are met. Instead of putting all the pressure on your limited staff, you can have peace of mind knowing that there is a dedicated team of experts at your disposal. If or when disaster strikes, you never have to worry because you aren’t alone, you have a partner to guide you through it.

Thrive as Your Partner:

The right MSP can provide all the tools and services you need to keep your infrastructure in order. Think of them as an extension of your IT department, or for smaller organizations, you can consider using them as the IT Department, providing you with the expertise and resilience that your company is looking for. At Thrive, we ensure the availability of your core business applications, comprehensive visibility into your infrastructure no matter if on-premises or in the cloud, and we intercept problems before they cause disruptions. Looking to speak with a dedicated team of experts about Managed IT Services for your business? Contact Thrive today, or learn more about our offerings here.