Commercial Networks Ltd. What is a Managed IT Service?
We are a provider of Managed IT Services based in Stoke On Trent but provide support across the whole of the UK. We help businesses manage their technology infrastructure effectively and efficiently. Our Managed IT Services offer a comprehensive suite of IT solutions, including network monitoring, maintenance, and support, data backup and recovery, cybersecurity, and cloud computing services. By partnering with us for Managed IT Services, businesses can benefit from expert technical support, proactive system monitoring, and rapid issue resolution, allowing them to focus on their core business objectives. We deliver reliable, scalable, and cost-effective IT solutions that enable businesses to maximize their technology investment and achieve their business goals. Have a read of our E-Book below.
Pros and Cons to working with a Managed IT Service Provider
Interested in the idea of partnering with a Managed Service Provider, but don’t know where to start? We’ve got you covered! Here is our list of the pros and cons of your business working with a Managed Service Provider. No misleading here: these are the honest advantages and disadvantages of working with an MSP, written by a current MSP.
Pros:
1. Expertise. Replicating the resources and expertise you gain with an MSP would be very expensive. Often having a dedicated cybersecurity specialist, multiple network administrators, professional services team, provisioning team, and help desk.
2. The suite of tools they have access to are oftentimes specialized and expensive. Due to the economies of scale of the computers and networks they support, they can manage and monitor your network at a higher level than an internal IT (usually) at a lower cost.
3. They have vast knowledge of technology at hundreds of different locations. They see what works and does not work in different settings. They are not “siloed” and can introduce you to new and better technology to improve your business operation.
4. Robust processes and documentation to ensure tickets are completely in a timely fashion. There is a mutual incentive to fix problems quickly and ensure service tickets are minimized which requires doing things right the first time!
5. Allows scaling up and down easily. Pricing is often on a per endpoint or per user. As you grow, your technology spend is easy to predict, rather than having to hire an additional IT team member that may not be working at full capacity or even close to it.
Cons:
1. You have access to the resources, but that amount of time you get is much less than if you had an internal team.
2. The suite of tools they have access to are oftentimes specialized and expensive. Due to the economies of scale of the computers and networks they support, they can manage and monitor your network at a higher level than an internal IT (usually) at a lower cost.
3. They have vast knowledge of technology at hundreds of different locations. They see what works and does not work in different settings. They are not “siloed” and can introduce you to new and better technology to improve your business operation.
4. Robust processes and documentation to ensure tickets are completely in a timely fashion. There is a mutual incentive to fix problems quickly and ensure service tickets are minimized which requires doing things right the first time!
5. Less direct management of your IT systems – Your provider will likely have a standard set of tools they implement. If you or your internal IT prefer a different set of tools, there will often be a mishmash. This is rarely an issue because most organizations hire a Managed Service Provider so they do not have to consider these things. However, in the rare cases they do want to stray away from the recommendations, it could be considered a con for both parties.
Guide To Transitioning To A New Managed Service Provider
PRE-SELECTION
- Lay out current challenges and your ideal partner.
- Identify when contract is up with current provider.
SELECTION
- Ask same questions to all providers, as well as custom questions based on responses.
- Check references from clients.
- Ensure the new IT team can communicate an exact on-boarding timeline.
- Notify current IT of transition.
TRANSITION
- Receive “Runbook” of applicable credentials and network information from current provider.
- Connect previous and new provider so you’re not “stuck in the middle.”
- New provider will lock out previous IT team from access.
- Have an overlap between previous IT and new IT to ensure cooperation.
Many business owners believe this process is difficult, but as long as you choose the right provider, there should be no downtime and seamless to the end users and yourself. Don’t stick with a subpar provider because you’re afraid of a transition. As long as you did you due diligence in the hiring stage, you’ll be in good good hands.
Managed IT Services E-Book
Click through the E-Book below.
If this E-Book was helpful then you will love our managed IT services E-Book library. The library contains what you need to know when evaluating a new IT provider, guides to audit technology bills and reasons to consider leaving your current IT provider. Submit your email by clicking the button below and we will send you a copy!
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@commercialnetworks Is you or your company having IT and technology issues? Contact us for a free 30 minute consultation. www.cnltd.co.uk #msp #itsupport #managedIT #technology #stoke #newcastleunderlyme #uk ♬ Cooking Time – Lux-Inspira
