For businesses to succeed in today’s competitive market, it’s crucial for them to maintain streamlined operations. Unfortunately, the increasing complexity and soaring costs of managing I.T. cause many businesses to focus on fixing issues rather than focusing on what they do best.
This is where Managed Service Providers come in! You’ve likely come across terms like managed service providers, MSPs, or I.T. service providers. But have you ever wondered what they mean and how they could be the key to streamlining your operations?
Read on, as we discover what is a managed service provider and other details connected to it.
What Is A Managed Service Provider?
A managed service provider, or an MSP is an organization that takes charge of maintaining your business’s IT infrastructures. MSPs are focused on providing services like:
- Security Monitoring and Management
- Desktop Support
- Specialized Expertise
- Proactive monitoring
- Improved Scalability
- Predictable Costs
Many organizations consider outsourcing to MSPs because they allow managing I.T. infrastructure effectively while keeping the costs predictable.
It’s a common belief for people to think that MSPs function similarly to your in-house IT teams. However, MSPs are a profound alternative to traditional I.T. Management. Not only does outsourcing to a managed service provider cost less, but it also frees you up to focus on other areas of your business.
Types of MSP Pricing Models
Monitoring-only pricing model
This pricing model, usually preferred by midsize and enterprises, provides network monitoring and alerting services. It allows you to choose different service levels, enabling you to choose services that align with your business’s needs.
Per-Device Pricing Model
As the name suggests, the per-device pricing model is fairly simple. The idea behind such MSPs is to develop a flat fee for each type of device in your organization’s premises. The biggest benefit of the per-device pricing model is that it’s straightforward to quote and break down costs for the prospects.
Tiered Pricing Model
Followed by most MSPs in the market, the tiered pricing model works by offering several bundled packages of services. As the pricing of the bundle goes up, it becomes inclusive of more services.
For instance, a “silver” tier may include services like basic phone and remote support. On the other hand, a “gold” package may include security, remote support, infrastructure management, and much more. It’s worth noticing that the “gold” package will also cost more than the “silver” package.
Flat-Fee Pricing Model
Being one of the most affordable plans, the flat-fee pricing model is the go-to option for many organizations. It allows you access to all services offered by an MSP during the decided days/hours. However, any additional hours or days that they may work will be billed as additional charges.
Managed Service Providers operating on a flat-fee pricing model operate intending to provide their customers with the best IT services while keeping their budgets lower.
Benefits of Partnering With A Managed Service Provider
Reduced I.T. Overhead
Hiring, onboarding, and monitoring an internal I.T. team is often overwhelming and a resource-draining process. Not only is it heavy on your resources, it also disturbs your operations and increases downtime since you’d have to spend a considerable time looking for the right person.
When you outsource to a managed service provider, they’re responsible for hiring and allocating resources to maintain seamless operations. They find and hire people who understand your business’s needs, enabling them to deliver optimal results.
Streamlined Operations
While having an in-house I.T. team gives you more control over your operations, it comes with some unpleasant surprises. As your business grows, so do its needs, requiring you to grow your I.T. team. Until you don’t find a resource, your I.T. team will feel overwhelmed, and your operations will be disrupted.
When you partner with an MSP, they bring all the necessary stuff needed to handle your I.T. Functions. Be it additional staff or resources, they alleviate the additional pressure on your employees.
Get The Expertise You Need
Managing your I.T. infrastructure isn’t only about having the latest technology. It’s also about having someone knowledgeable and experienced to maintain the technology.
Partnering with a Managed Service Provider gives you a way to upgrade your I.T. infrastructure, in addition to proactive monitoring. The expert support ensures that your operations remain efficient and downtimes are mitigated.
I.T. For Less – Your Ultimate Managed Service Provider
While partnering with a managed service provider can be beneficial for your business, it’s often difficult to find the right one. For an MSP to be a good fit, they must understand your business’s technicalities, offer exceptional services, and help you cut costs.
Unfortunately, such Managed Service Providers are often a rare find, making the idea of outsourcing useless. Most MSPs will not operate in your budget and the ones willing to work at a lower cost might offer subpar outputs.
This is where I.T. For Less steps in. With over two decades of experience in the I.T. industry, they have the expertise and resources to help you grow at scale. At I.T. For Less, we focus on becoming your partners, not just an organization you’re outsourcing to.
We help you reduce costs, time, and energy so you can focus on what matters the most: Growing your business.
So, are you ready to save, scale, and succeed? Let’s help you by getting I.T. For Less!
Final Words
In today’s competitive market, having a reliable I.T. infrastructure can give you a significant edge. However, the search for a reliable I.T. infrastructure may come at additional overhead costs, making financial management a challenge.
By outsourcing your I.T. needs to a managed service provider, you can reduce costs and increase operational efficiency.