18
Apr
2024

Understanding the Advantages and Disadvantages of Partnering with an IT Managed Service Provider

IT has become paramount for the success of any organization. Whether you run a small business or manage a multinational enterprise, you can’t achieve your operational goals without robust IT support. Companies either build in-house IT teams or outsource their IT needs to companies that offer managed IT services for businesses. Such companies provide a wide range of IT services like IT consulting, cybersecurity, business continuity planning, IT training, IT support, cloud computing, and software development. A managed services provider can either handle all of your IT needs or work as an extension to your IT team to offer specialized IT solutions. 

As compared to outsourced IT services, IT managed services provide proactive IT support to a company. Your IT managed service provider will regularly monitor your IT network and system to ensure they are safe from potential cybersecurity threats like ransomware, phishing, and other malware attacks. Managed IT services providers also offer advice on cloud mitigation, IT up-gradation, or business continuity planning so the company can save their time and money and improve their services. With a managed service provider by its side, a company can take advantage of the latest technologies without costly investments. Many managed IT service providers are specialized in handling the IT needs of certain industries. Partnering with an MSP in your own field can mean patterning with someone who is familiar with your business needs and compliance requirements. 

IT managed services are designed to suit the needs of a company. The services offered in a package are flexible and scalable and can be tweaked as per the budget. Most IT solutions and managed services providers offer IT system assessment as a complimentary service. Such services help a company enhance its IT infrastructure and fulfill current and future business needs. MSPs work as an extension to an organization. Instead of hiring IT staff on payroll, you can outsource your IT needs to MSPs at a much lower price. MSPs provide on-premises and virtual assistance to their clients and also offer around-the-clock IT support. 

However, there are some downsides to hiring managed services provider. Let’s discuss them here.

Some IT managed service providers offer inferior IT services or are unable to scale with the growing demand. Partnering with such MSPs can create challenges when switching from one MSP to another. Thus, way selecting an MSP, one must do due diligence and analyze the prospective MSP thoroughly. Ensure that whoever you decide to partner with is compatible with your team and understands your business and its requirements. 

There are times when an MSP is not capable of providing specialized IT assistance. Sometimes it’s more beneficial to hire an in-house IT team of IT specialists for a particular task. However, the best part about managed services providers for CMMC compliance requirements is that they are flexible with their services. 

Before investing in an MSP, first, analyze your business needs and IT department. If your aim is to keep the IT infrastructure of your business up and running, partnering with an IT managed services provider will benefit you.