Most businesses, small and large, rely on computers to help accomplish their organizational goals. Often, those computers which are supposed to make you more productive can lead to even more frustrations than you can imagine. Your computer is moving slower than ever. Your computer freezes more than it runs. You keep getting these viruses etc. This leads you to the conclusion that you need help! What do you do?
Should you hire a person to be your in-house IT help or should you hire a provider to handle your managed services? Check out the benefits of using a managed services provider.
What is Managed Services?
Managed services is a service that an information technology (IT) service provider that manages and assumes responsibility for providing IT services to its clients. Managed services providers (MSP) are responsible for monitoring, managing and problem resolution for your computer systems and functions.
Some responsibilities of a managed services provider are server installation and more, data backup and recovery, data security, malware/anti-virus protection and much more. MSPs act as your own IT department, taking care of routine and non-routine computer monitoring and management.
Why do you need Managed Services?
Many companies wrestle with the idea of outsourcing their IT systems to an MSP or to hire their own internal IT person. At first glance, having an internal IT person would seem to be an easy choice. However, it can end up costing much more than hiring an MSP to handle your managed services.
Let's take a look at some costs for hiring and managing your own IT staff. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), in 2014 a Computer Systems Analyst in South Carolina on average makes $70,000 a year. A Network & Computer Systems Administrator in SC makes on average $68,500 a year. A Computer Network Supporter in SC makes on average $57,000 a year. In total, according to the BLS, the average wage for a Computer or IT professional in the state of South Carolina is $66,500 a year. Even if your company does not need multiple IT staff, the yearly costs are high for just one employee. Then you add to that equation payroll taxes and benefits. Even more, you will be faced with the challenges of scheduling around vacations, training, illness and other leave's and absences. Then you need to take into consideration the cost of equipment, training, and other supplies and expenses that can add up.
With a managed services provider you take all of that out of the equation. You don't have to worry about salary, payroll taxes, health and paid time off benefits, training and other hidden expenses. Those concerns and worries are gone.
Let's also consider that you may be a small operation without a need for even one full-time IT person and you also have a little bit of computer knowledge. Are you really maximizing your time if you are having to worry about computer maintenance and care? Are you really taking serious the potential risks of not monitoring your computer systems? Having a managed services provider for a small business provides you with more confidence in your computer systems and frees up your time to focus more on running your business.
What to look for in a Managed Services Provider?
So, you've decided to use an MSP. What now? What do you need to consider when choosing an MSP? Finding the right fit with an IT firm is crucial to your business. You don't want to choose one and have even more headaches because they weren't the right fit for your business. Here is a helpful list to consider when looking for an MSP:
- Do they follow industry standard practices? Are their technicians certified in the services they provide?
- Do they have experience serving other clients in your industry or same business size?
- Do they have enough resources to serve you effectively and timely?
- What are their normal business hours? Are they available outside of business hours? Can you contact them 24/7 in an emergency?
- Do they properly document their work?
- Do you trust them?
- Can you understand them?
Why Seras is the best choice.
Not only does Seras check off all of the boxes on that list, but we go far above and beyond that list. With all of our staff, you will find a commitment to customer satisfaction far above anyone else. We put a priority on our customer relationships. When we first meet with a prospective customer we don't try and sell you on our service. We actually will ask you questions about what your business goals are. We ask about what your needs are as it relates to your computer systems. We look at the customer first. We aren't going to sell you on a service that you won't need. We look to you and we look to how we can meet your needs and help you to reach your goals. Your business' success is our priority! We also offer flexible pricing options which fit your budget and speak in plain English! We don't talk over your head. We want you to understand what we can offer to help you succeed.
If you are interested in how you can benefit strategically, financially, and technologically by working with an MSP to handle your managed services, click here or contact Seras today at 803.233.9216!
