Does your managed IT service provider offer these 5 services?

For small and medium-sized businesses, outsourcing your IT management can be a great way to save money and improve operations. However, navigating the world of managed service providers (MSPs) can seem daunting. The good news is, it doesn’t have to be.

Not all MSPs operate the same way and there are key services you should look for to ensure you’re working with the right partner. Without these five fundamental services, an MSP cannot deliver the comprehensive service your business needs to remain secure, connected, and running smoothly in today’s marketplace.

1. Always-available IT support

Business is done around the clock. Tech issues, downtime, and cyberattacks can happen anytime, and these demand more than part-time attention. With dedicated, always-available IT support, your team can keep working with confidence, knowing they have on-demand, expert assistance to handle the security questions, equipment failures and technology disconnects that derail your business productivity.

2. Cybersecurity expertise

Cyberattacks cost the US economy up to $109 billion annually. Investing in industry-leading, proactive cybersecurity is an absolute must to ensure you are meeting customer expectations, compliance requirements, and corporate goals. So it’s essential that the MSP you choose will deliver comprehensive and proactive cybersecurity attention that keep your systems updated and your data protected.

3. Cloud computing options

Migrating your data, storage and applications to the cloud has a whole host of time- and cost-saving benefits: easier scaling of resources, enhanced collaboration, and expanded data security, to name a few. But you shouldn’t be forced into someone else’s platform. The best MSPs can connect you with best-of-breed cloud computing options that address your specific business needs and challenges.

4. Regulatory compliance

Are you aware of how your daily processes and activities can affect your various business obligations for data handling, collection and storage? Remaining compliant with the latest standards and regulations is vital to ensure your customers’ trust and your company’s longevity. The better MSPs can help you do just that.

5. Education and training

Even the latest and greatest technology won’t be beneficial without the knowledge of how to use it. That’s why friendly, focused, easy-to-understand education and training is a key factor when deciding on an MSP.

What’s more, employees are now the weakest link in protecting a business against malicious cyberattacks through social engineering, phishing attempts, and weak password practices. Updated procedures and tailored training can improve staff behavior and minimize the risk of a successful attack.

Benefits of finding the right IT partner

In addition to the key services mentioned above, there are a lot of other ways that finding the right IT partner can benefit your business.  These include:

• Streamlined budgeting: Managing resources is a top concern for all businesses, and smart spending is essential to balancing the equation. The good news is that managed IT services is a recurring operating expense, which allows you to better predict your IT costs over time,  budget according to your goals, and avoid unplanned spikes.
• Enhanced mobility: Workplaces are increasingly influenced by remote working requirements. Both employees and business owners are maximizing the advantages that come with this newfound freedom and flexibility. The right technology partner can keep everyone easily connected to your workplace and facilitate team collaboration – without compromising on security.
• Business continuity: When was the last time you reviewed and tested your business continuity plan? Your IT partner should prepare you for surviving the worst emergency and getting you back online and back to work as fast as possible.

Whatever your business technology priorities are today, KJ Technology has the experience, expertise and commitment to demonstrate how full-service managed IT can contribute to your success. Contact us today and let’s talk about how we can help you.