Technology has grown more complex and compact over the years. With this development expected to continue, companies are integrating information technology in more aspects of their business to gain more functionality while downsizing the information technology or IT department.
In the past, companies required massive computer rooms and dozens of in-house IT personnel and equipment to make sure that communication lines and databases are fully functional. Now, people only need cloud servers and mobile devices to do all this and more. This paved the way for IT to become a service best outsourced to a third-party provider.
Not sure which IT services you can entrust to managed service providers? This article discusses the different offerings they have and why outsourcing IT services is the better choice.
Table of Contents
Network and Infrastructure
Network and infrastructure mainly involve an establishment’s internet connectivity and the internal networking of computers and other devices (e.g., printers).
While bigger firms prefer their network and infrastructure functions kept in-house, most startup companies benefit from acquiring these services from third-party providers. This is primarily because they won’t need to spend a significant portion of their startup capital on expensive equipment and hiring skilled personnel to handle their network and other aspects of their computer system.
Mobile Device Management
As mentioned earlier, technology is becoming more compact. This is mainly due to the highly mobile digital environment we now live in.
With more and more employees opting to use their own devices at work, data security has become crucial. Unfortunately, not all businesses have a bring-your-own-device (BYOD) program to secure data and assets in these mobile devices.
This is where IT service providers come in. They can implement mobile device management (MDM) to ensure that security policies are enforced on such devices. This allows a company to keep data and application access within secure devices and remotely wipe data should the phones go missing.
Cybersecurity
Entrusting your company’s cybersecurity to a third-party provider can help you mitigate – if not prevent – the effects of attacks on your networks and computers. These so-called “cyberattacks” have a wide range of negative effects — from money extortion to business operation disruption — that can leave the company in bad shape.
Most cybercrimes occur by means of changing, stealing, or destroying sensitive information shared within a company’s network. Often, attacks are done by spreading malicious programs called “malware” that range from computer viruses and Trojan horses to spyware.
Prevent such attacks from harming your company by employing effective cybersecurity. IT service providers deploy and maintain anti-malware applications to protect data and the network. They also perform constant monitoring and keep track of every device linked to your network to ensure zero data breach.
Cloud-Based Services
Gone are the days when companies required big computer rooms and bulky network equipment. Since most data now lives in the cloud, acquiring cloud-based services has become the most natural choice for business owners.
Basically, this type of IT service entails the lease of hardware and software operated from a remote facility. Cloud services allow even companies with very little physical space to operate a highly digital business. Providers also ensure that both equipment and programs are maintained, eliminating added expenses that go with it.
Furthermore, business owners can choose specific cloud services, depending on what is necessary for the type of company they’re running. Among your options are:
Platform as a Service (PaaS)
Platform as a Service, or PaaS, lends both infrastructure and computing power to a company. It provides operating systems, storage, and even programming languages.
Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS)
The IaaS offers companies a way to outsource their infrastructure needs to a third-party provider. This type of service entails hardware or software capabilities managed off-site, such as web hosting.
Software as a Service (SaaS)
SaaS is essentially a complete set of IT enterprises, with all aspects performed off-site. Be it data storage, web hosting, or all software programs, SaaS packages can provide them all. It even includes company communication essentials like email and VoIP.
Technical Support
While considered the least complex of all IT services, technical support is still deemed as the backbone of the entire business. With that said, having an IT helpdesk is crucial for smooth business operations.
Although having an in-house technical support team is fine, outsourcing it to a third-party provider has its own perks. For example, outsourced IT support ensures that assistance can be provided even after regular office hours. This will then reduce system downtime that can be critical for your business success.
Internet-Based Communication
Communication is vital in any type of business. With the help of an IT company, you can have internet-based communications that break geographical barriers without breaking the bank.
Depending on your needs, you can choose one or more of the following internet-based communication services offered by third-party IT solutions providers:
Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP)
Often used for digital communication, VoIP is an information technology tool for making calls via the Internet. Some examples of consumer-level VoIP are WhatsApp and Skype.
Chatbots
These artificial intelligence programs serve as an automated conversation simulator. It keeps customers engaged while reducing the need for manpower by mimicking natural language and behavior. Chatbots can interact via various channels, including websites, mobile apps, and instant messaging programs.
Video Conferencing
Visual communication reduces miscommunication. This is the very reason why many businesses require video to talk to clients, partners, and staff members. With video conferencing, you are able to talk to someone over the Internet and show them what you’re talking about.
Data Analysis
Data analysis is probably the most confusing aspect of business that people not directly involved in computer information require the most. And, with the IT sector evolving constantly, it can be quite difficult to cope without the help of third-party service providers.
Managed service providers can take the burden off of your shoulders. They can handle data analysis with multiple layers of examination while allowing you to focus on building your brand and other important aspects of your business to achieve your goals.
Why Outsource IT Services?
From network and infrastructure to email hosting services, there are certain services that are best outsourced to managed IT service providers. Use this article as a guide when deciding which aspects of your IT department to keep in-house and what to assign to third-party providers.
AUTHOR BIO
Sharon Mallorca is the Sales Manager at Create IT in Dubai. Established by innovative digital agency Create Media Group, Create IT has rapidly become the Middle East’s leading IT Support and IT Solutions company, providing the highest quality IT support and services to a growing portfolio of global brands.