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Managed Service Provider

 

 

A managed service provider (msp) is a third-party company that manages a client's IT infrastructure remotely. This includes services such as application, infrastructure, networking, and security through regular and timely support. This outsourcing of responsibility for maintaining and anticipating IT needs can improve operations while also cutting expenses in the long run. 

 

These services are usually contractual through an annual service-level agreement. The business pays a monthly subscription fee based on the service plan. A managed service provider can provide support through a number of hours per week up to a 24/7 on-call model.

 

Businesses are moving more and more toward the managed service provider model because they understand the benefit it provides. 

 

 

 

Why Have a Managed Service Provider?

 

A managed service provider is an alternative to the break/fix model. The break/fix model refers to the fee-for-service method of providing information technology services only when something goes wrong. The customer is billed only for the services provided to correct the issue. This could include repairs, upgrades, or a number of other IT related functions. The problem with this model is that the business is only in an optimal state for so long and worst of all, the entire online presence of a company could be down while the repairs are being made, skyrocketing opportunity costs.

 

While some may see the break/fix model as a way to lower maintenance costs, it is completely reactive instead of proactive and could lead to higher costs depending on the situation. An MSP is a proactive engagement of IT service needs on a regular basis with the timely reporting of services completed by the MSP, usually on a monthly basis.

 

 

 

How Managed Service Providers Help Businesses

 

 

 

The advantages of an MSP for businesses are numerous.  Over 64% of businesses are turning to managed services. 

 

 

Set Costs

 

MSPs provide a predictable low cost for the term of the service. With managed services, costs can be neatly packaged into a set amount paid on an annual or monthly basis. Network costs can be highly unpredictable, but the business client wouldn’t have to worry about that while under the managed service provider agreement. An issue that could cost thousands of dollars under the break/fix model would be absorbed by the MSP. An MSP shields your budget from extreme fluctuation, thus improving business stability.

 

 

Minimize Downtime

 

Due to the proactive nature of managed service providers, businesses that employ them incur limited downtime. Think of all the problems that could arise with infrastructure. Downed servers, data acquisition problems, and weak data storage architectures are only the beginning. Plus, we all know that hackers are on the prowl everywhere online, eager for an opportunity to hack and destroy. Almost 66% of online attacks are aimed at small businesses.

 

Simply put, a managed service provider can cut down costs associated with downtime through the prevention of downtime in the first place. 

 

 

Proactive Prevention

 

Imagine waking up one day without an MSP and realizing that you’ve been hacked or your website is down. Not a good feeling. At BFA, we ensure these types of disaster scenarios don’t happen through our proactive approach to keeping your IT needs front and center. While you take care of expanding your business, we ensure that your online presence is able to perform at optimal levels as you grow. As a managed service, security and functionality are at the top of our list. An unbelievable number of websites are hacked everyday. In 2018, over 2.5 billion accounts were hacked. Our managed security services relieve your business of this potential through constantly guarding and maintaining security protocols. 

 

 

Experts in the Field

 

Let's say you decide to have an inhouse IT team versus an IT managed service. Truth be told, the resources of an in-house IT team is unknown until tested. Even if the team you have in place currently is able to work comfortably with your current setup, what will happen when upgrades occur? Will they still be able to maneuver effectively through new systems? An MSP can provide your company with specialized services to fill in any gaps in your team’s expertise. The team at BFA Technologies has a combined 100+ years of IT experience and proactively researches and learns new technologies. This is one of the main reasons our IT managed service is so attractive to businesses.

 

 

Data Compliance

 

A business’s data is subject to a plethora of regulatory requirements designed around the basic premise of ensuring it’s secure. This causes an in-house team to wade through the deep waters of current standards to decipher which laws apply. An MSP handles the minute details of compliance and auditing, so your company doesn’t have to expend extra dollars to ensure you don’t violate data security regulations. Being able to take one more item off your plate helps relieve the burden placed on your business. 

 

 

24/7 Support

 

MSPs can ensure through remote monitoring that your systems are secure 24/7. MSPs provide real-time alerts and make corrective changes instantaneously. Our support team is ready and able to handle any support issue. Our experience in the industry keeps us in the know of system vulnerabilities and proactive resolution. However, doing business with an MSP includes not only 24/7 support, but the gold standard every IT infrastructure dreams of: constant access to up-to-date technology. No more outdated, antiquated systems. Plus, these updates are included in your MSP fee.

 

 

 

 

Does Your Business Need an MSP?

 

 

If you’re not sure if your business is ready for a managed service provider, ask yourself the following questions. 

 

  1. As a growing business, do you see your IT needs eclipsing your current IT solution?
  2. Are you interested in moving data to a cloud or cloud-based software?

  3. Do you need more time to focus on operational growth versus IT-related issues?

  4. Is your business large enough to fully support an in-house IT team that can handle all IT disciplines?

  5. Do you have telecommuters? Will you in the near future?

  6. Does your company work with sensitive data?

  7. Do you like the idea of a fixed cost for IT solutions versus the unknown costs associated with the break/fix model?

  8. Are you interested in streamlining industry regulations and compliance standards?

 

If you answered yes to any of the above questions, then it would be in your best interest to explore a managed service solution. At BFA, our team handles all of the above-mentioned items, plus much more. Our expanding services into Huntington Beach California makes us the perfect solution for your IT needs. Check out our managed services and let us get to work for you.