You might have heard of outsourcing your business’s IT to a managed service provider (MSP), but what exactly does a managed IT services company do?
Before you decide to work with an outsourced partner, it’s important to understand the intricacies to the services an MSP performs. Their support could be crucial to the success and longevity of your company in this digital era.
Managing your business’s IT infrastructure efficiently and effectively is a big task, especially if your business does not have a dedicated internal IT team. In this post, we discuss the role and services of an IT provider so you can rest assured your business is in good hands.
What Does a Managed IT Services Company Do?
A Managed IT services company, like ours, STG Infotech, are outsourced partners for businesses that provide a wide range of proactive IT support and services. Now, these services include, but are not limited to, things like network monitoring and maintenance, cybersecurity support and protection, data backup and Disaster Recovery, cloud computing solutions, and all sorts of other IT consulting and support services.
Essentially, an IT service company handles all aspects of a company’s IT infrastructure so that the business and its employees can focus on core objectives, free from worrying about technology not doing what it has to do.
Proactive Network Monitoring and Maintenance
The primary responsibility of a managed IT services company is to make sure your business’s network runs smoothly without interruption.
Through proactive monitoring and maintenance tools and techniques, IT experts can continuously monitor your network performance, identify potential issues and vulnerabilities, and resolve these issues before they escalate into bigger problems.
With a proactive approach to IT, your business won’t have to worry about extensive downtime.
Living by a model that waits to solve problems after they happen is simply not economical anymore for any business. Being reactive versus proactive can cost you more than money.
Extensive Cybersecurity Services
Your business’s assets are valuable to cybercriminals, and they’re going to try almost anything to get in there, especially if you’re not taking any proper precautions.
One of the hottest buzzwords in the tech world is ‘cybersecurity’, and for good reason – your business data is valuable to cyber criminals and they will try almost anything to get to it.
Your business cannot afford to risk its sensitive data and digital assets. Cybersecurity services must be made a priority.
A managed IT services company’s role is to implement a robust cybersecurity plan. This plan is to safeguard against threats like malware, ransomware, phishing attacks, and data breaches.
These services include deploying firewalls, adding antivirus software and intrusion detection systems, providing security awareness training, and conducting regular security audits to identify any vulnerabilities and minimize your risks.
Data Backup and Disaster Recovery
Data loss can have a catastrophic effect on your business. You can face massive financial loss or face irreversible reputational damage.
Your managed IT services company should offer a comprehensive data backup and disaster recovery plan.
They will make sure all your critical data is securely backed up so it can be quickly restored if disaster strikes.
Usually, this step includes implementing an automated backup process that utilizes off-site storage and recovery protocols tailored to what your business needs. Remember, all businesses are different and have to adhere to their own strict procedures.
Cloud Computing Services
In our experience, businesses find themselves in one of two predicaments – or somewhere in the middle. They either transfer the business to the cloud after years without it, or, they create their business on the cloud.
The cloud has revolutionized the way businesses store, manage, and access data. So, it’s only fitting that a managed IT services company helps you leverage that power.
These teams have years of experience offering expert guidance for migration assistance and ongoing management of cloud-based infrastructures.
And yes, these cloud services ensure optimal performance, scalability, and security whether it’s a public, private, or hybrid cloud solution.
Expert IT Consulting and Strategic Planning
Beyond the day-to-day IT support, managed IT services companies offer invaluable guidance to help businesses align their IT initiatives with ongoing goals and objectives.
They will assess your current IT infrastructure and identify areas of improvement to develop a customized IT roadmap for you.
To tie it up and put a bow on it, a Managed IT Services company is a tool that businesses use to handle all aspects of an IT environment.
MSPs are a reliable team of experts available to you for all things technology without the overhead. It’s a great way to unlock new opportunities for growth and innovation.
So, What Exactly ARE Managed IT Services?
Think of us as your outsourced, proactive, and highly skilled IT department. Instead of you hiring, training, and managing an in-house IT team (which, let’s be honest, in LA can be incredibly expensive and competitive to staff), or just calling someone when something breaks (the old “break-fix” model – which often leads to more downtime and surprise bills), you partner with a company like ours.
We take on the responsibility for managing and maintaining your entire IT infrastructure – or specific parts of it, depending on your needs. This isn’t just about fixing problems; it’s about preventing them in the first place. We’re talking about 24/7 monitoring, cybersecurity, data backup and recovery, network management, cloud services, helpdesk support for your team, and strategic IT planning. All of this is typically bundled into a predictable, flat monthly fee.
Why Does This Matter for an LA Business?
Los Angeles is a unique beast. Here’s how managed IT services address the specific pain points we see LA businesses dealing with:
Keeping Up with the Pace
LA businesses move fast. Whether you’re in entertainment, tech, manufacturing, professional services, or any of the other vibrant industries here, you can’t afford to be slowed down by IT issues. We ensure your technology is a springboard for your growth, not a bottleneck. We’re talking about minimizing downtime because, in a 24/7 city, every minute your systems are down, you’re potentially losing business and momentum.
The High Cost of Everything (Including IT Talent)
Let’s be real, the cost of doing business in LA is significant. Recruiting, hiring, and retaining top IT talent here is a major expense and a competitive challenge. Managed IT services give you access to a whole team of experts – specialists in cybersecurity, cloud, networking, and more – for a fraction of the cost of building that team internally. This means predictable IT spending, which is a huge win for budgeting in a city with so many other financial pressures.
Cybersecurity in a High-Stakes Environment
LA businesses, from small startups to larger enterprises, are prime targets for cyberattacks. You’re dealing with valuable client data, intellectual property, and financial information. A data breach can be devastating, not just financially but also to your reputation.
We implement robust, layered security measures – think advanced threat detection, firewalls, anti-virus, employee training, and compliance assistance (like with CCPA – the California Consumer Privacy Act) – to protect your digital assets.
Scalability for Growth (and Contraction)
The LA market can be volatile. Businesses here need the flexibility to scale their IT resources up or down quickly as their needs change. Whether you’re experiencing rapid growth, seasonal peaks, or need to streamline operations, managed services can adapt with you without the need for large upfront capital investments in hardware or new hires.
The Remote & Hybrid Work Revolution
Many LA businesses have embraced remote or hybrid work models. This adds complexity to IT management, from ensuring secure remote access to supporting a distributed workforce. We have the tools and expertise to manage and secure your IT environment, no matter where your employees are working.
Focusing on Your Core Business
You’re passionate about what your business does. You shouldn’t have to be an IT expert too. By offloading your IT worries to us, you and your team can focus on your core competencies, innovation, client service, and ultimately, growing your business. We handle the tech headaches so you don’t have to.
Disaster Recovery & Business Continuity
While we all love the LA sunshine, we’re also aware of regional risks like earthquakes or other unforeseen events that can disrupt business. A solid managed IT service includes disaster recovery and business continuity planning. This means ensuring your critical data is backed up securely and can be restored quickly, so your business can get back on its feet with minimal disruption.
Access to Latest Technology and Expertise
The tech landscape is always evolving. As your IT partner, it’s our job to stay on top of the latest advancements and best practices. This means you get the benefit of enterprise-level solutions and strategic advice that might otherwise be out of reach.
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If you have any questions about what managed IT services companies do and what they can do for your company, feel free to reach out to us at stginfotech.com or schedule a call via the calendar link below to learn more about how we can help you prioritize your IT infrastructure.
STG Infotech proudly provides IT Services for Small to Medium Businesses in Greater Los Angeles. We’d love to see if we can help you too!
Let’s dive into your IT!
Schedule a free 15-minute Virtual Meeting with a Business Technology Specialist of STG Infotech and get a closer look into your IT challenges.
We will assess your current IT infrastructure and answer any questions you may have about IT Services or partnering with STG IT.