Managed IT is the practice of outsourcing IT management functions and responsibilities on a proactive basis. This is usually a strategic way to improve operations and reduce expenses.

In managed IT, the managed services provider controls the functions of the IT services and equipment while the client pays for the services. Managed IT is like an alternative for on-demand outsourcing, where the service provider offers on-demand services, and then the provider bills the client for the services they have offered.

Managed IT services come with a service level agreement or SLA. This is basically the contract between the service provider and the client. This contract states the services which the provider is expected to offer, and how the provider’s performance will be measured.

Common managed IT services

Common managed IT services usually revolve around security, disaster recovery, network monitoring, connectivity and bandwidth, and virtualization. Apart from infrastructure management and traditional application, managed IT services may also include communication, storage, desktop, technical support, mobility and help desk.

Managed IT prevents the following issues

Slowness

Lack of proper PC management can reduce the performance of computer systems. If maintenance is not done in good time, the computer systems become slow, thus reducing productivity.

Extended downtime

Extended downtimes which are caused by technology failure are some of the worst things which can happen to your business. These events can cripple productivity and prevent your business from earning profits.

Security breaches

Even if your system is functioning properly, but not protected, your business can be harmed very easily by security breaches. These breaches usually put your company’s sensitive data at risk. Managed IT services will always ensure that your business is protected from such breaches, hence protect your critical data.

Endless technical glitches

A computer system which is operating normally ensures maximum productivity for your staff. However, if your staff encounters technical glitches every now and then, your business won’t reach its full potential. For any business looking to prosper, it should prioritize solving technical glitches; something done very easily through managed IT.