Why Are Managed Network Services So Critical?
The demand for managed network services is skyrocketing. As the world grows more sophisticated technologically, businesses are being forced to keep up.
A managed network service, also known as managed IT services, is the use of a third-party provider to take care of a company’s IT and network infrastructure. This includes servers, cloud solutions, networks, telephone lines, and more. Each of these systems needs to be kept up-to-date, running, and secure. However, such a task can overwhelm even the most committed of IT departments.
4 Reasons Businesses Need Managed IT Services
Managed network services, or managed IT services, step in to provide much-needed support. Here are four reasons managed IT services are critical to any business.
1. There Are More Web-Connected Devices Everywhere
Internet-connected devices, also known as IoT, are everywhere – including in the workplace. This includes both personal devices and company devices such as:
- Camera systems
- Handheld devices
- Laptops
- Printers
- Smartphones
- Smart devices and wearables, like watches or activity trackers
- Tablets
- Smart speakers
- TVs
While your IT department will be aware of company-provided devices, keeping track of the personal devices connected to the network represents a much harder task. However, this is critical to keeping your network secure.
More devices mean more opportunities for a breach to occur because there are more ways for malware or malicious actors to enter a network. It is like having more doors in a house. While each door may be locked, the chances increase that one of those locks will wear out unnoticed, or a door will accidentally remain unlocked, or a key will end up in the wrong hands.
2. Compliance and Security Are More Important Than Ever
As the amount of data swells, there is more focus on keeping it all secure. More legislation is being introduced and passed which governs how companies may or may not use personal data. In 2019, the US federal government has introduced a bill to increase the protection of user data on the internet.
Businesses, no matter how large or small, are expected to stay up-to-date with these shifting compliance requirements. They are also expected to conform to the latest security best practices in order to keep consumer and company data safe. However, just keeping up with the latest trends in cybersecurity is a challenge – hackers are continually targeting small businesses with creative tactics.
Keeping up with all of this is a full-time job. Fortunately, small business managed network service providers are dedicated to doing just that.
3. Managed Services Deliver Lower Cost Expertise
Though startups and small businesses may struggle with network functions or security challenges, there are few things seasoned IT professionals have never seen. Managed IT services mean access to experts and professionals who can help guide a company to better processes, stronger networks, and more effective uses of IT resources.
Managed IT services can help businesses sidestep the acquisition cost of the robust IT infrastructure and professional staffing that they need. Recruiting, hiring, training, and running an internal IT department can quickly increase a budget. For small businesses, the cost might prevent hiring more than just one lone professional. However, a managed network service provider makes sure that a company has the IT support it needs without the risk of burnout or overwork.
4. Internal IT Staff Are Needed Elsewhere
Managing a network involves a lot of rote tasks. Software needs updating. Servers need patching. Antiviruses need to be run. Occasionally, hardware needs to be replaced. These tasks are low-impact, laborious and boring. However, not doing them quickly leads to outdated infrastructure which will cause much bigger problems down the road. Businesses need up-to-date IT infrastructure in order to remain competitive and responsive to market changes.
A managed network service provider takes care of all of the daily tasks which go into keeping a network monitored and maintained. This helps keep internal IT staff focused on higher-level initiatives and bigger projects which help the business grow.
Let RJ Young Provide Managed IT Services for Your Business
Managed IT services, or managed network services, are critical to modern businesses. The high degree of digitization which is sweeping through the business world means that companies are dealing with more sophisticated technology and infrastructure. As digital processes which handle tremendous amounts of data become the status quo, security and compliance are taking an ever more central position of importance in businesses.
A managed network service provider helps companies overcome the challenges presented by these features. A company can get started on the right foot the first time around with the tools and infrastructure it needs to succeed.
RJ Young is thrilled to provide managed IT services to businesses in the Birmingham, AL, Huntsville, AL, Chattanooga, TN, and Nashville, TN areas. Start a conversation with a specialist today.