Modern businesses are faced with ever-increasing tech demands, and many companies don't have the resources to solve all of their IT needs in-house. Managed IT services arose as a solution to this problem, allowing companies to entrust their data-related operations to a dedicated service provider.

The specific services that a managed IT provider will perform for any client will be defined in a service-level contract. Here are four examples of things you may want to include in your company's managed IT services.

1. Software and Infrastructure

Cloud computing has allowed managed IT providers to serve their customers in ways that were not previously possible. While at one time providers primarily serviced on-site networks, many companies are now taking advantage of Infrastructure-as-a-Service, or IaaS. IaaS allows managed IT providers to host a company's data on their own servers and drives and provide access to the client over the internet.

Software-as-a-Service, or SaaS, is another service model that managed IT providers are making available. Managed IT providers that offer SaaS use cloud computing to bring clients access to applications, operating systems, and other essential business software that is not installed locally on their machines. Point-of-sale software is a prominent example of SaaS that many managed IT providers offer.

2. Cyber Security Monitoring

You may think that cyber attackers only target the largest companies, but this is not the case. The most valuable companies have abundant IT resources and large in-house IT departments, so attackers often find easier targets in small businesses. Despite this, 66 percent of small and mid-sized business leaders do not believe they are likely to be targeted by a cyber attack according to a 2019 survey by Keeper Security.

24-hour security monitoring is a managed IT service that virtually every company could benefit from. Providers use a comprehensive approach that includes monitoring network traffic, firewalls, access logs, and other data to inform you as quickly as possible when a security breach occurs. Your provider can then assist with restoring your system to a secure state and assessing the scope of the attack.

3. Mobile Device Management

Network security is crucial, but many companies conduct a large portion of their business on cell phones, laptops, and other mobile devices that aren't connected to the company intranet. Mobile device management ensures that employees are maintaining the same data-safe practices on all company devices, even when they are away from the office.

Mobile device management allows you to enable more or less freedom on employees' devices as required by your business. Possibilities include blacklisting applications, restricting downloads, remote configuration and updates, and even live monitoring. Your managed IT provider may even be able to assist you in locating any lost devices.

4. Customer Helpdesk

Scaling customer service and tech support with your company as it grows can be difficult, but the consequences of not doing so are even worse. Companies that aren't responsive to their customers' questions and concerns will repel long-term customers and new ones alike. Fortunately, managed IT services can help with 24/7 customer helpdesk service.

When your company's software and infrastructure is already managed, your provider can easily integrate a customer helpdesk with your Software-as-a-Service. This can include features like alerts, ticket management and escalation, user account management, and collecting feedback. Some managed IT providers will even train technicians on your product or service so they can handle the full responsibility of customer support.

Managed IT services help your company stay up-to-date and secure in the digital age with a fraction of the overhead. Consider these benefits so you can determine of managed IT services are the right choice for your business.

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