Different types of managed service providers (MSPs) are currently available to help you manage your business in a much better way. However, which will work best for you depends on your unique business. Even so, it is useful to know that IT services are divided into three different levels of service. For instance:
Lower-Level Service Providers
These service providers help manage basic business activities, leaving you to focus on your products and other core business activities. Generally, they are responsible for offering IT support for the computer and networking systems you have in the office. They manage tasks, such as software installation and system monitoring to manage software programs for safety purposes and improved functionality. If there is a problem, your service provider will inform you. Their duties usually stop here and you have to take precautionary measures to deal with these threats and dangers. Understand that they don’t work like IT consultants and don’t take part in any IT planning of your company.
Mid-Level Service Providers
Also known as ‘Value-Added MSPs’, these managed service providers not only provide the necessary support to run your business but also offer a variety of more complex technology services. The real difference is that these providers will keep managing and monitoring your software system and won’t wait for your decision to deal with threats. They will also be responsible for keeping your software programs updated to avoid any security issues and breaches. They may also provide some support related to scalability planning, which in turn would help you expand the service as per your needs.
High-Level Service Providers
These types of service providers will provide you with high quality outsourced IT services and offer extensive support and protection that is usually not offered by mid-level managed service providers. You will also be able to enjoy support for your communications, wireless network and data analytics. Your business may also be provided with access to a high-tech networking system that can be accessed from any location. The benefit of these providers is that they are responsible for examining analytics to help you realise the factors that could have an impact on your business operation. Moreover, you may also be eligible for Software-as-a-service (SaaS) programs – available for lease on a subscription basis.
Choosing the right level of service can be tricky if you are not tech-savvy. Generally speaking, the higher the level of service the less involvement in you have in managing and maintaining your IT system. That may suit some. The lower level service will keep your IT running smoothly, provided you know how to deal with any potential threats yourself. It’s also the best option if your IT needs are small and relatively uncomplicated. Why pay for more than you need?
If, however, your operation relies on a more elaborate IT system, you may prefer to stay completely ‘hands-off’ and leave the maintenance and monitoring to an expert. Of course, you’ll pay significantly more for higher levels of service but the additional benefit is that with a trusted MSP you have peace of mind and really won’t need to give you IT any more thought.
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