Grow Faster With TekStream Managed Services

A managed services provider is a third-party company that manages or delivers IT services on an ongoing basis. Services can be delivered on-premises, hosted on the managed services provider’s data center or on a third-party data center. Companies usually outsource their technology support to managed services providers because they lack the resources or expertise in-house to maintain and scale their systems.

Managed services and support are two types of IT services that are often confused. The difference between the two is based on approach, scope and duration. Managed services are ongoing, strategic and proactive. Managed services providers often provide strategic IT planning and consulting to align the technology environment with business goals. They are also more comprehensive, encompassing a wide range of IT services.

In contrast, support is reactive, incident-based and limited in scope. Unlike managed services, support is not available 24/7, and service is usually focused on troubleshooting and resolving specific problems without long-term planning.

The price of managed services varies by provider. In general, there are five ways managed services providers charge:

• Per-Device Pricing: Charges are based on the number of devices being managed, such as a number of servers, desktops, laptops, etc.
• Per-User Pricing: Charges are based on the number of users who require IT services and support.
• Tiered Pricing: Charges are based on different levels of support with higher pricing including more comprehensive services.
• Flat-Rate Pricing: Charges are based on a fixed monthly fee for all managed services.
• À La Carte Pricing: Charges are based on what specific services clients want.

The practice of outsourcing the responsibility for maintaining and anticipating the needs of a series of processes, functions and technologies for the purpose of improving operations and reducing costs is referred to as managed services. Within IT, these services can be IT infrastructure management, network monitoring, application development, cybersecurity, data backup and recovery, cloud services and more.

Businesses use managed services providers to ensure continuous performance, security and reliability of their IT environment. Other benefits include:

• Cost Savings: Managed services providers can offer solutions that are more affordable than investing in an in-house IT team.
• Expertise: Managed services providers have deep expertise and specialized knowledge that can be used in managing complex IT environments.
• Focus on Core Business: Managed services providers free up companies’ time to focus on core operations and strategic initiatives.
• Improved Efficiency: Proactive monitoring and maintenance prevent downtime, ensure systems run smoothly and can unlock opportunities for innovation and growth.
• Scalability: Managed services providers can scale services up or down based on business needs, providing companies flexibility and agility.

Selecting a managed services provider is vital for an organization that requires 24/7 support for its IT infrastructure. Factors to consider when selecting a managed services provider include:

• Experience and Expertise: It’s important for organizations to look for a provider with a proven track record and expertise in their industry and IT environment.
• Service Offering: Organizations need to make sure that the provider offers the specific services they are looking for and can support their technology stack.
• Approach: An emphasis on proactive monitoring and maintenance is key when looking for a provider that will support an organization’s growth and objectives.
• Security Measures: Companies should select a provider with strong security protocols to protect their data and systems.
• Scalability: The hallmark of a great provider is one that can grow with the business and adapt to evolving needs.
• Reputation and References: A great provider will have a track record of excellence, as evidenced by reviews, testimonials and client references that highlight its reliability and customer satisfaction.
• Cost and Pricing Model: Organizations must ensure that the provider’s pricing model aligns with their budget and requirements.
• Service Level Agreements (SLAs): A great provider gives clients an SLA to make sure they meet the clients’ performance and support expectations.