IT Managed Services: Advantages and Key Requirements
March 9th 2017
Good IT management is a key ingredient for the success of any organisation. Here, we examine the benefits to a company of having external specialists to support it in this aim, as well as some important points to be aware of when looking for a managed IT services provider.
Improving efficiency through professional management
In the modern marketplace, a variety of businesses including accountancy, law and other professionals rely on IT managed services providers (MSPs) to look after their data, system monitoring, firewall and anti-virus protection.
Using an IT managed services company can make sound business sense. A contract sets out the detailed agreement and the hiring company is largely freed from time-consuming tasks such as having to search for specialist employees or to support IT. Instead, IT managed services suppliers’ remits cover part or all of the computing function - from workstation basics through to project management. Gone are the long hours trying to absorb complicated specifications, software licenses and security policies, or poring through detailed offerings of cloud data packages.
More time to focus on business priorities
An IT managed services remit can take care of change management programmes, IT staffing, innovation and planning for growth. Testing, networks and technical support can also be included. With these areas optimised for peak performance and by preventing any unexpected interruption to daily operations, IT systems function optimally and deliver positive results with business continuity.
As the IT managed services provider comes on board and implements cost-effective and timesaving solutions, organisational efficiency and staff productivity also improve. The company itself has more time to focus on core business functions. In short, the successful use of IT managed services makes good financial and strategic sense.
Key points to check
A good IT managed services company will ask questions about a business and its objectives. A responsive and cost-effective 24-hour remote and on-site support service should be on offer, all year round. Ideally, the provider will have a solid record of accomplishment and a full understanding of the industry concerned. It is also useful if the IT managed services package includes vendor management with a single point of contact; this helps to manage the business relationship efficiently and prevents finger-pointing in the event of problems. Another important consideration is a visible support job system, either with queue viewing (via web access) or support ticketing.
Using an experienced and reliable solution supplier means that businesses can benefit from specialist knowledge. Consultants will be able to analyse, specify and deliver the latest hardware and software technology as part of the best custom-built solution for the individual business. So that business clients can be assured of best practices, service provider companies follow agreed quality standards for the selection, purchase and correct maintenance of I.T. systems. These ISO/IEC standards were set in 2005 (and modified in 2012) and govern how IT service management and maintenance should fulfil requirements, add value and follow an integrated approach.
Exceeding expectations - IT Force
As a specialist IT managed services provider, IT Force offers businesses an integrated approach which includes the design, planning, control and supervision of their information technology resources. IT Force provides managed services, outsourcing, and cloud computing from its modern base in the city of Dublin, Ireland and is also keen to provide support and consultancy for companies within the capital. The aim is to achieve and exceed the business objectives set by the company's management or its mission statement and to excel wherever possible. Strategic and operational priorities will be agreed - including mobile computing, device management, security and disaster recovery policies - in order to achieve business objectives in the most cost-effective and efficient way possible.
IT Force delivers on promises, aims to excel and will be delighted to discuss managed IT services requirements for your business.