For small businesses that aim to scale, managing technologies required for expansion can be challenging. Tight budgets make it difficult to have a well-equipped internal IT team capable of handling IT operations that adapt to an organization's growth needs.
With managed IT services, however, organizations can affordably support their staff in running a scalable IT infrastructure. They can also outsource all their IT processes to focus on growth without worrying about technical IT tasks.
But these are just a few ways managed IT for small businesses promotes scalability. Here's a deep dive into how it enhances smooth growth in small and mid-size businesses (SMBs).
Managed IT services for small businesses make a firm's IT operations more efficient in two ways:
IT tasks like updating software and monitoring network security are repetitive. As a result, they are time-consuming when an organization accomplishes them manually. Third parties that offer IT services leverage automation to streamline these processes.
For instance, instead of manually installing software updates across multiple devices in a business, a managed IT service provider uses an automated patch management solution. The technology can download and install the latest security updates as soon as they are available.
The longer software programs remain outdated, the more vulnerable an organization is to data breaches. Updating software automatically and as early as possible prevents security weaknesses from becoming significant problems that disrupt business operations. This promotes business growth by minimizing downtime.
Outsourcing IT processes to a service provider lets you centralize the management of all IT operations, such as cybersecurity and hardware management. Instead of relying on different vendors for each IT need, an organization depends on a single service provider to oversee its entire IT environment. This reduces administrative burdens so small businesses can focus more on expansion.
A managed IT service provider enables organizations to scale their technologies based on current needs. For example, most providers offer scalable cloud solutions. These services allow SMBs to upgrade or downgrade their IT resources depending on their growth demands.
In other words, managed IT service providers can adjust their solutions to fit a business's unique needs. As a result, SMBs enjoy flexibility an in-house IT team and on-premise IT infrastructure may not have.
The initial cost of setting up a physical IT infrastructure on an organization's premises can be expensive. Companies have to invest in:
Using a managed IT service provider like Standley Systems, SMBs don't have to build a physical IT infrastructure or spend money on an in-house IT department, eliminating the related overhead expenses.
According to Forbes, using the cloud can be 10 times cheaper than developing an on-premise IT infrastructure. These savings can then go to other business activities that fuel growth.
Apart from reducing IT costs, managed IT services streamline budgeting through flat-rate pricing. With this model, a business pays a fixed monthly fee. IT expenses become predictable, which makes budgeting easy when building a growth strategy.
When a natural disaster like a tornado impacts a business, it can destroy data storage systems and result in information loss. Similarly, hackers can use a ransomware attack to lock access to an organization's computers or erase the information inside.
A reliable business continuity plan lets you recover from these emergencies quickly. However, creating one requires advanced IT expertise that may not be available in growing companies.
Managed IT service providers help small businesses implement proactive cybersecurity measures. This may include:
With these measures, businesses can continue to operate from where they left off before a cyberattack or natural calamity instead of starting from scratch.
Below are the most important aspects to remember when organizations look to outsource their IT operations:
Every business needs IT experts with experience in their specific field. That way, the managed IT service can help a growing organization take advantage of relevant technology while complying with industry-specific cybersecurity laws, such as HIPAA for health-related fields. Check if the provider has worked with similar organizations to evaluate niche expertise.
How fast does a provider respond to inquiries? A quick response shows that the IT service company addresses the client's issues swiftly.
Check a provider's website to see whether they offer advanced technological solutions like cloud computing. Additionally, ask about the specific cybersecurity tools they use for encryption, disaster recovery, and data backup. The goal is to work with a managed IT service provider who is well-equipped to handle a company's IT operations securely and reliably.
Small organizations usually view managed IT as an opportunity to outsource technical operations they can't handle in-house. However, partnering with IT service providers is a strategic move that can enhance business growth. The key is to work with an experienced managed IT service provider who understands your industry.
Since 1934, Standley Systems has helped companies grow through dependable IT solutions. Whether your company is in healthcare, education, agriculture, or any other sector, Standley Systems offers managed IT services that promote scalability.
Contact us today to see how we help organizations all across Oklahoma and North Texas upgrade their technologies, become more efficient, and reach their scalability goals faster.