The Internet Platform
The Internet has revolutionized business communication and technology. Networking infrastructure and digital information are delivered more than acquired, lending the work environment unprecedented mobility and access to information.
If you run a small and medium size business (SMBs), dealing with changes in technology can also become a time consuming effort that requires expertise away from the core operations of the business. But when marketing, communication, data protection, sales, and other business process require updated, secure networking technology and Internet access, an effective technology strategy must be in place.
IT Managed Services is a technology services model that has developed in conjunction with the increasing power of the Internet to convey information. It is based on the reality that most network infrastructure and services can be delivered via the Internet, including server environments, VoIP communications software, 24x7 help desk support, security, and data protection.
For SMBs, this goes beyond just outsourcing some IT support and service. It means technology becomes a tool to be accessed and used with precision in terms of time and cost.
Mangaged services allow you delegate IT management out in a way similar to phone and electricity service. Networking technology can now be accessed in a manner similar to a utility, where the infrastructure is managed and costs are based on use.
Remote IT
IT managed services can be defined as the remote management of computing resources and business software applications. The goal is to provide maximum uptime, availability, and security while streamlining and automating as many processes as possible.
Because business information technology is literally “always on”, managed services follows suit with 24x7x365 monitoring, maintenance, and support. Corrective measures are far more proactive than with traditional support methods because remote access software is constantly updating data on systems.
Similarly, the traditional 8 to 5 workday in a single location is becoming less of the norm. The mobile workforce requires network access from anywhere, and they want the flexibility to work anytime. Complete IT managed service offerings include 24x7 live help desk support so technical issues can be resolved quickly and conductivity is never an issue.
Changing Cost Structure
Because of changes in delivery, it is time to take a hard look at IT budgets when considering how to outsource technology support. IT managed services has a considerable impact on capital expenditures and salary costs.
First, managed services leans strongly towards operational expenses rather than capital costs. For a flat monthly rate, you can access all the infrastructure and support your business requires. Purchasing hardware out of a capital budget is no longer required, placing IT next to the electrical bill as a well defined operational expense.
There is also a reduced cost when compared to paying full time staff to work on-site. Managed services are designed to be a complete IT support service based on remote maintenance and remediation. In house staff can be reduced and many basic procedures automated. For the typical SMB, the flat rate for managed service support will be anywhere from 15 to 50 percent less than the cost of the in house staff salary.
For an SMB that requires network technology to operate, IT managed services leverage the Internet to bring affordable, remote based infrastructure. Management saves time, the business saves money, and IT becomes a tool that provides consistent return on investment.