Managed service providers are becoming more and more popular. Replacing or supplementing traditional IT teams with an MSP can improve the quality of a company’s IT infrastructure. Companies all over the world are taking advantage of all the benefits that come with working with an MSP.
Still, the concept of a managed service provider may be confusing to interested parties and could keep them from utilizing an MSP. Understanding the basics of what an MSP is will help businesses stay ahead of the curve.
What Is An MSP?
In order to better understand managed service providers, a bit of history of how they evolved could be useful. Managed service providers have a history dating back to the 1990s. During the early 90s, many IT companies only provided repair services to various technology pieces. That began to change as the 90s evolved and the industry rapidly evolved.
Internet speed was rapidly improving throughout the 90s until it reached a point where software applications could be deployed from a central location. This enabled the development of software that could manage and control a computer from a remote location. Innovative software solutions could be developed and deployed to a number of customers all at once.
The early 2000s marked the beginning of the managed service provider industry. IT consultancies began to create companies filled with computer engineers that could create comprehensive IT frameworks for other companies. By the 2010s this process had become much more robust to the point where an MSP could manage nearly all of another company’s IT software, strategy, and infrastructure. The rise of the cloud has only accelerated this trend.
MSPs have recently exploded in popularity with the rise of cloud services. The cloud allows services and software to run through the internet, instead of on your local computer network. This enables your business to access software, applications, and data anywhere in the world. The cloud has opened the door to various improvements in company productivity, but there are some potential drawbacks.
Managing this complex cloud environment can be extremely challenging. This is one of the key reasons why companies have turned to managed service providers. MSPs can manage the entire IT infrastructure of a company, including the cloud infrastructure. Many companies use an MSP to help take their company into the cloud environment. Managed service providers can also keep software applications up to date, database maintenance and setup, data analytics, cybersecurity, and more. Even with all of these services, some businesses are still hesitant to utilize a managed service provider.
If you could bring all of your IT infrastructure in house, why would you want to pay someone else to do it? Trusting and relying on another company to manage your IT infrastructure and data can be a scary proposition. Many companies want to do everything themselves, but the benefits of MSPs vastly outweigh the risks.
Why Do You Need An MSP?
Managed service providers create a ton of value for companies that they work with. If you have not switched to an MSP then you are likely falling behind your competitors. Here are a few reasons why you need a managed service provider.
Take Stress Out Of Your Life
Your expertise is likely not in the area of IT. A managed service provider will make your life much easier. Your business can call your MSP anytime to repair any issue that is affecting your business’s IT infrastructure. Your website and IT infrastructure will have significantly less downtime, so your employees will not have to wait around while repairs are made. Instead of worrying about managing an IT department, you can focus on the bigger picture. Your team will have extra time to focus on projects and keep your customers happy.
Cost Savings & Scalability
Many businesses believe that hiring an MSP may be out of their budget, but that is not the case. Managed service providers reduce the costs that businesses are responsible for. Companies will no longer have to worry about paying expensive IT employees or investing in IT infrastructure. MSPs will handle all of those costly endeavors. Additionally, as your business grows you will need to add additional IT infrastructure. A managed service provider can help you scale your business easily. Your business can easily increase server space and install additional applications to improve productivity.
Use Their Experts
Managed service providers are full of IT experts that can improve your IT infrastructure. Your team can use an MSP expert to work on a project that will improve your processes and productivity. Instead of having to hire an expensive consultant, you can work with your MSP to finish the project. This is extremely beneficial from an HR perspective as well. Your HR team does not have to manage additional employees and worry about key team members leaving the company. Your team can simply rely on your MSP experts to help out on any projects.
How BACS Can Help
Whether your company has 10 employees or 1,000 employees, BACS can create a customized solution that will meet your unique needs. Your business can take advantage of all the benefits that working with us comes with. From cost savings to less stress, your business will be able to focus on the core competencies that drive revenue.
BACS can answer any questions you may have about managed service providers and how we can benefit your organization. Reach out to BACS today to learn more about our services and offerings. Our team can develop a comprehensive, customized plan that will make your life easier and help your business grow.
