What Is Managed IT Services and How Does it Work?
Managed IT Services are any defined set of proactive IT services that are remotely delivered on a prepaid basis. Transitioning to a managed IT services delivery model is what is referred to as offloading or outsourcing specific IT operations to a Managed Services Provider (MSP).
The managed IT service provider assumes ongoing responsibility for a predetermined set of services such as: monitoring, managing and/or problem resolution for selected IT systems and functions on your behalf.
Managed IT Services providers can offer services such as security alerts, patch management, data backup and recovery for different client devices: desktops, notebooks, servers, storage systems, networks and applications. Offloading routine infrastructure management to an experienced managed services professional allows you to concentrate on running your business, with fewer interruptions due to IT issues.
Basic services often start with a monitoring service, which notifies you of problems you can then resolve on your own. At the upper end of the spectrum, fully managed services cover everything from alerts through to problem resolution. MSP’s will perform an initial assessment of your current IT environment and management requirements to help you decide what services and service levels you need.
According to a main industry group “Managed services provides organizations with predictable, business-focused IT services that optimize operations, manage risk and deliver measurable business value.”
How Does it Work?
Managed IT services are typically delivered in a monthly, subscription-based model, and leverage Web-based remote monitoring and management tools that operate across distributed, multi-customer infrastructures. While managed service engagements generally include Software as a service (SaaS) elements for remote IT and security monitoring and management, there are many types of managed services, including:
- Remote monitoring and management (identify and remedy problems before they impact the business)
- Supplemental support (provide services to support internal IT efforts: patch management or remote storage)
- Specialized services (i.e. manage elements of the IT system such as security, application, VoIP)
- Fully managed services (outsourced IT)
- Hardware as a Service (Haas), Platform as a Service – (“managed” support packaged with a product)
A fully-managed IT services suite is designed to provide you with 24/7 peace of mind, freeing you to focus on driving your business forward. They monitor your systems, apply patches, protect against viruses, ensure backups are performing successfully, and more. They will catch and fix the little problems before they become big ones – in many cases before you’re even aware that there’s an issue.
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The article is written by Gillian Murray. She is the Marketing Manager at tTech Limited. She can be contacted at 656-8467/656-8448 or by email at gillian.murray@ttech.com.jm