Your Guide to How Managed Services Work

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Managing IT challenges is becoming increasingly daunting for modern businesses. A Ponemon Institute study revealed that 64% of organizations experienced major operational disruptions last year due to persistent IT issues.

Many companies find themselves underprepared to tackle these challenges alone. However, the good news is that reliable assistance is close at hand.

In today’s fast-paced digital landscape, small IT teams often find themselves overwhelmed by the complex and ever-changing demands of modern technology. This can lead to inefficiencies, security vulnerabilities, and disruptions to business operations. By partnering with WPG, a leading managed service provider, businesses can access a team of experienced IT professionals who specialize in various areas such as network administration, cybersecurity, cloud computing, and data management. WPG’s comprehensive suite of services can help organizations streamline their IT operations, improve efficiency, and mitigate risks. With WPG’s support, businesses can focus on their core competencies, knowing that their IT infrastructure is in capable hands. explains Hitesh Patel, CEO of WPG Consulting. “Collaborating together with our team at WPG enables you to broaden and deepen IT expertise across multiple domains and 

What Collaborating with our team at WPG means for organizations:

“Working together with WPG means client organization really partners with a vendor that is truly passionate and singularly driven by leveraging technology to drive client success. Whether client measures success using cost savings as the KPI, or discovering how much time they’d save in new technology introduction projects that also provide migration out of old/inadequate  solutions – – our folks give a damn. When we started our company, we used the banner “above and beyond’ because it summed up our personalities.. Our team is smart, diverse, and have certified experience working with many clients across many industry verticals. Smart is great  but that alone is not enough. Having consulted for larger VARs/MSPs before starting WPG over 10 years ago, the best engineers are the ones have rich and deep technical talent but also genuine empathy and are more customer service oriented in terms of mindset where the client’s primary objectives is our objective,. Period.

Before integrating managed IT services into your daily operations, it’s crucial to address a fundamental question: what are managed IT services, and how can they enhance your business? This article will answer that question and a comprehensive overview of how managed services work.

The Managed IT Services Definition

So, what are managed IT services? At its core, the managed IT definition involves outsourcing the management of your organization’s IT operations, moving away from traditional onsite IT management.

This IT services model involves working directly with a team of professionals who remotely monitor and manage your IT infrastructure, ensuring seamless operations and consistent levels of service.d

Even for those with extensive IT knowledge, handling IT internally can be a distraction from focusing on core business objectives.

By entrusting IT responsibilities to a managed service provider (MSP), your organization can focus on primary business functions while realizing significant cost savings over time.

According to a CompTIA study, 50% of businesses partnering with an MSP saw annual IT cost savings between 1% and 24%, while 33% reported savings between 25% and 49%. Furthermore, 13% of these businesses reduced their IT costs by over 50% through managed IT services.

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The Key Elements of Managed IT Services

To fully appreciate the benefits of managed services, let’s dive into the typical services offered by managed service providers (MSPs) and their functions.

  1. Advanced Cybersecurity Services

With cybercrime costs projected to exceed $20 trillion by 2026 and the average cost of a data breach being $4.88 million, implementing top-tier cybersecurity practices is essential to guard against cyber threats.

  1. Professional IT Consulting Services

A Deloitte study showed that 70% of IT projects fail. Expert guidance from IT consultants and Virtual Chief Information Officers (vCIOs) can prevent this risk. These specialists provide support in planning and budgeting, infrastructure management, IT strategy development, execution, and more.

  1. Data Backup and Recovery

Protecting your data through secure storage and efficient recovery strategies.

  1. Complete Network Management

Maintaining the stability and connectivity of your business’s IT network.

  1. Seamless Cloud Computing Integration and Management

Enabling seamless transitions to and effective management of cloud environments.

  1. Responsive IT Helpdesk Services

Delivering reliable technical support to reduce disruptions and downtime.

  1. Critical Software and Hardware Updates

Ensuring your systems and software are up-to-date helps your business stay competitive.

Understanding the Benefits of Managed IT Services

A managed service provider (MSP) functions as an extension of your internal IT team, either complementing an in-house team or taking over IT functions entirely.

1. Predictable Cost Management

Avoid the financial strain of maintaining a large in-house IT team by opting for a fixed monthly fee, which is especially advantageous for small and medium-sized businesses.

2. Trustworthy Expertise

Gain access to seasoned IT professionals, often beyond reach for many businesses due to budget constraints.

3. Preventative IT Support

Embrace a proactive approach to addressing IT issues before they escalate, minimizing workflow disruptions.

4. Advanced Cybersecurity

Implement comprehensive managed security services to safeguard against data breaches, unauthorized access, and other incidents.

5. Better Flexibility for Long-Term Growth

Managed services provide you with the agility to scale your IT resources up or down in alignment with your business goals.

6. Focus on Your Core Business Functions

Free up time and resources to focus on your core business objectives.

When Should You Consider Adopting Managed IT Services?

Recognizing the right time to engage a managed service provider (MSP) is crucial for operational efficiency and growth. Consider these scenarios as key indicators:

1. Rapid Business Growth

Expanding IT demands may reach beyond your in-house team’s capabilities.

2. Constant Technical Issues

Recurring technical problems spotlight the need for dependable external assistance.

3. Adhering to Regulatory Compliance Requirements

Industries like healthcare and finance, which are heavily regulated, require specialized IT expertise to ensure compliance, thus avoiding fines and reputational damage.

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How to Choose the Ideal Managed Services Provider

Once you’ve determined that managed IT services align with your business strategy, selecting the right MSP is essential. Consider these factors:

1. Specialized Expertise

Ensure that the MSP has expertise in areas relevant to your industry.

2. Evaluations and Testimonials

Seek feedback from similar businesses that have utilized the MSP’s services.

3. Service Level Agreements (SLAs)

Understand the service level agreement (SLA) offered by the MSP, including guaranteed uptime and response times. Request further clarification on these aspects if necessary.

4. Robust Cybersecurity Protocols

Ensure that the MSP follows strict security standards to safeguard your business’s sensitive data.

A Closer Look at In-House vs. Managed IT Services

AspectIn-House IT ServicesManaged IT Services
CostHigh, due to salaries, benefits, and infrastructure costs.Predictable, with a fixed monthly fee.
ExpertiseLimited to the in-house team’s knowledge and skills.Access to a wide range of IT professionals with specialized expertise.
ScalabilityChallenging and slow, requiring new hires and training.Easily scalable, with resources adjusted based on business needs.
FlexibilityLimited by the in-house team’s capacity and workload.Highly flexible, with customizable services tailored to specific business needs.
FocusInternal teams may be distracted by IT issues, diverting attention from core business functions.Allows businesses to focus on core activities, with IT management handled externally.
ProactivityTypically reactive, addressing issues as they arise.Proactive monitoring and maintenance to prevent issues before they occur.
SecuritySecurity standards depend on in-house expertise and resources.Access to advanced security protocols and regular updates to protect against emerging threats.
managed it definition

Unlock the Benefits of Managed IT Services with WPG Consulting

Understanding the services that MSPs offer equips businesses like yours to make informed decisions that enhance your IT infrastructure.

As a leading managed service provider, WPG Consulting delivers customized managed IT services tailored to your specific needs to go above and beyond the rest. 

Whether you require comprehensive digital protection or dependable technical support, we provide the expertise and support you need.

Ready to maximize the power of your information technology? Contact us today to learn more and to schedule a free managed services audit.

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Hitesh Patel
Hitesh Patel is an engineer turned business owner of WPG Consulting. He is a techie enthusiast who believes in finding creative IT solutions to solve consumer problems.

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