Do SMBs require Managed Cloud Services Providers for AWS/Azure?
Cloud computing has, in many respects, been a great leveller, making it possible for companies of all sizes to become more efficient, competitive, and productive. This includes managed service support as well. Many people believe that Managed Services are an expensive luxury available only to large brands. However, the truth is that smaller companies can, and should, take advantage of the numerous financial advantages and enhanced operational performance that come with contracting out specific service-related duties to Managed Service Providers (MSPs).
Companies aiming to broaden their business operations require MSPs’ proficiency in managing their intricate internal processes. It is a smart business decision to outsource to MSPs since you have more responsibilities to oversee. In today’s cloud-driven world, this is even more crucial. Teleglobal has observed the difficulties SMBs encounter, particularly as they expand and change, in its capacity as an Azure and AWS MSP. Additionally, they lose a lot of time to these difficulties, which they could easily transfer to an MSP.
Managed IT Services vs IT Services
It is impossible to overstate the value of a robust IT department from a business standpoint. The IT department plays a crucial role in enabling business as usual by managing software/hardware installation and maintenance, network administration, and troubleshooting technical issues.
Large companies can afford to keep robust IT departments because they have more needs and more resources. IT Managed services can be an excellent substitute for larger internal IT teams because smaller businesses frequently lack the funding and resources necessary to maintain such a team.
The ways in which MSPs can improve your SMB unit.
- Develops creative solutions in line with technological advancements
- Provides increased adaptability to unstable macroeconomic conditions
- Guarantees a high level of technical proficiency among the personnel
- Aids in fulfilling regulatory compliance requirements
Indications That Managed IT Services Are Needed for Your Small Business
In case you’re unsure if managed IT services would be beneficial for your small to medium-sized business, there are certain indications that you should give it some thought.
1. Increased risk factors
Nowadays, digital services are so commonplace that very few businesses could function without their numerous advantages. However, there are also reasonable risks associated with using the internet, as it exposes users to a range of risks that may worsen over time and become more difficult to handle.
Because hackers have more to gain at larger companies, smaller businesses typically assume that cyberattacks target these larger companies. However, this is false. More than 40% of all cyberattacks target small businesses, according to statistics. It’s possible that weak security makes small companies more vulnerable. Therefore, it’s critical to implement a security system to safeguard the financial information of your business and the private information of your clients. Furthermore, MSPs are the best way to support your internal security framework.
2. Changing organisation of businesses
Smaller businesses expand their operations and infrastructure as their production scale and profits increase. They must improve the skills of their personnel in addition to bringing in additional equipment like computers and printers. The requirement to manage inventory effectively also increases with inventory growth, necessitating greater investments in hardware and software solutions.
SMBs can benefit from managed services in areas such as inventory control, hardware and software updates, and operational management.
3. Issues with data management on personal devices
People’s personal devices are now an essential part of their professional lives, and the WFH mode of Covid-19 has increased this prevalence. Thus, managing data across several devices—such as laptops, tablets, and cell phones—puts company data at risk. Certain smaller businesses have implemented protocols for managing data pertaining to personal devices, including forbidding their use in sensitive areas. However, this isn’t always well received. It’s also more difficult to enforce these rules when employees work remotely.
MSPs can strengthen cybersecurity in these situations by putting safe features like VPNs and two-step authentication into place. Additionally, they can strengthen password security, which is crucial if numerous workers are logging into a shared online business system.
4. Problems with time management
Data management is never easy; it requires staff, time, and effort. Both small and large businesses can benefit from this. Both frequently produce enormous amounts of data that their employees are unable to process effectively and on time. This problem gets worse as a company expands because expanding businesses typically require more employees and a greater number of roles, which means more work.
Businesses find it challenging to guarantee that their staff members are routinely backing up and saving their data, even in cases where additional security is not required. IT management services are able to handle this issue.
4.Requirement for knowledgeable IT assistance
SMB IT departments frequently struggle with a lack of personnel and expertise. Keeping up with emerging technologies, industry best practises, etc., also contributes to this. One great and affordable way to combat this is to work with an MSP. You can only hire so many IT specialists to handle IT service duties, expedite management procedures, and implement cybersecurity safeguards.
Managed Services’ Advantages for Small Businesses
1.Data backup and recovery
Data backup and security procedures can be neglected in the rush of daily tasks. Managed Services Providers take on this responsibility by setting up procedures to meticulously and securely back up all data, including financial and personal information about their clients.
The MSP will also carry out daily or monthly backups, depending on the terms of your contract.
2. Safe network
As we’ve already seen, cybersecurity affects SMBs just as much as it does large corporations. Since handling an incident costs more per capita, smaller businesses are more severely impacted. Expert security services are a benefit of working with an MSP. MSPs not only keep an eye out for possible issues and take action before they arise, but they also make sure that hardware and software updates occur on a regular basis, keep an eye out for vulnerabilities in cybersecurity protocols, and fix them as needed.
3. Print and mobile device management
Smaller business owners can easily monitor their employees’ online activity on company devices thanks to managed services. When it comes to print management, they keep an eye on things like:
- Document type that staff members print on
- Control of interoperable computer systems
- Control the use of essential resources, such as paper, toner, and ink.
4. Support from the help desk
Customer service is a must for all businesses. However, because small businesses typically employ fewer people, handling numerous inquiries can be more difficult for them. Managed services can help in this situation as well by effectively managing and resolving additional queries.
MSPs can offer a well-organized customer service desk and the assistance required to effectively handle calls and complaints from customers in a methodical manner.
5. Diverse skill set
The pool of talent that SMBs can maintain has a cap. However, small businesses can access a wide range of expertise by partnering with an MSP. MSP teams are made up of a variety of talented, devoted, and well-trained IT specialists who have years of experience and specialised training in a particular IT field or service. Their ability to provide targeted guidance to the SMB they are partnering with to handle various issues stems from their talent, skill sets, and experience.
