Managed IT support is one of the handiest tools that a business can utilize for the proper use of IT resources. In many cases, it can serve as a multi-purpose tool that solves many problems at once. However, you may not be familiar with the concept of managed IT support, as many people are not. Understanding managed services won’t be particularly difficult, so let’s go over the basics. This will allow you to understand things a little better and come to an informed decision.
What Is Managed IT Support?
Managed IT support is a type of network service, much like your internet service provider. However, a managed provider offers a lot more bang for your buck. While a standard ISP doesn’t offer much besides internet access, a managed provider also offers a range of services.
Often called an MSP for short, a managed service provider takes responsibility for at least some of your routine IT maintenance. But, you might ask, what services are offered? The answer to that question will depend on the service contract between you and your MSP. You can choose which services you want and which ones you don’t want. Any provider that attempts to make you choose a pre-set “bundle” of services is probably not the best option. Of course, most MSPs will offer bundled services, but you should never be forced to choose one of these.
Types Of Managed Services
So, we have now established that an MSP is a specialized type of internet provider. Specifically, it is a company that takes responsibility for managing your network and its content. As we said, many different services are available, so let’s talk about the specific details of those services. This list is by no means exhaustive, but here are some of the most common managed services that might be offered to you.
Virtual Desktop Hosting
Although nearly all computer operating systems will include a desktop, a virtual desktop offers several key advantages. Virtualization works by hosting the desktop on a cloud server. Thus, anyone with access to that cloud network will be able to utilize that desktop at will. For remote workers, this is a great way to standardize the layout of their work area.
Backup Services
Backing up your crucial data should not be seen as an optional thing. Data disasters happen quite frequently, and it pays to be prepared for them. Whether that data loss is accidental (like data loss resulting from a corrupted hard drive) or deliberate (like a malware-related data breach), you must have a way to recover what was lost.
The consequences of not doing regular backups can be enormous, both in terms of lost revenue and compliance-related costs. By using a managed backup service, you can remove one obligation and one worry from your daily activities. There are also some security advantages that come with the use of an offsite backup: Specifically, the fact that a hacker won’t be able to easily target and erase those backups.
Analytics-Related Services
There are a lot of variations on this general theme. Basically, analytics-related services involve gathering and analyzing network data. This might include network usage rates, location data, and any other network usage or configuration data. By analyzing the patterns of your internet use, a managed service provider can help you to streamline your operations and mitigate a lot of problems. This is kind of like the digital equivalent of intelligence gathering. Like intelligence gathering, it is best left to those who are qualified and experienced enough to interpret the data accurately.
Software As A Service
A managed service might also take the form of specialized software. Of course, this software will only be available to customers of that MSP, which is part of the point. These software programs might be prefabricated or they might be custom-made for your purposes. Often abbreviated as “SaaS”, software as a service is normally delivered and distributed through the cloud.
What Kinds Of Support Will My MSP Offer?
Again, these services vary a lot from company to company. However, all of them should offer IT support services that can give on-demand advice from a qualified expert. This might take the form of a 24-hour help desk, an on-call technician, or something of that sort. The exact nature and extent of that service will be determined through an agreement with your managed service company.
Outsourcing your help desk support is a great idea because it gives you access to a wider range of skills and knowledge. You may or may not have on-staff experts that can handle every problem. On the other hand, an MSP will probably have a lot more IT education between them. That equals a better chance of finding the solutions you need in a timely fashion.
Conclusion
When it comes to managed IT support Tampa has not been left in the dark. PCH Technologies offers high-quality MSP plans that can be custom-tailored to the needs of any organization. Bear in mind that this is only a brief introduction to the subject, as there are many topics that we did not have space to cover. Still, you should now be able to understand why so many of the world’s most successful companies and organizations use MSP companies. If you would like to know more, you can call PCH Technologies at (856) 754-7500.
Our Florida Office
As of 2022, PCH Technologies has opened up a new location in Fort Lauderdale, FL in order to serve the South Florida Market. This expansion into the South Florida market aligns strategically with our plans to continue to grow a national presence as a managed service provider (MSP).
The growing South Florida region includes Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and West Palm, creating an opportunity for PCH to fulfill the expanding needs of the market.
Florida Office
101 NE 3rd Ave Suite 1500, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 954-777-8830