Best Practices for Working with a Managed Services Provider (MSP)
Partnering with a Managed Services Provider (MSP) can transform your business’s overall IT strategy
Clearly Define Your Goals
Before engaging with an MSP, establish your business objectives. Are you seeking to improve data security, enhance system uptime, or streamline your IT operations? Clearly defined goals will guide the MSP to provide the appropriate services for your business.
Maintain Open Communication
Effective communication is vital for any partnership. Ensure you maintain regular communication with your MSP to discuss issues, provide feedback, or discuss changes in your business needs. This will allow the MSP to adapt its services to meet your evolving requirements.
Understand Their Service Level Agreements (SLA)
An SLA is a critical part of any MSP partnership. It outlines the level of service you can expect, including response times, system uptime, and performance metrics. Make sure you fully understand your MSP’s SLA to set realistic expectations.
Leverage Their Expertise
An MSP brings to your business a wealth of knowledge and experience. Leverage their expertise to stay abreast of the latest technologies and industry best practices. They can provide invaluable guidance on how to best utilize IT to achieve your business goals.
Review Performance Regularly
Schedule regular performance reviews with your MSP. These review meetings can help identify areas of improvement and ensure you’re getting value from the partnership.
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Top Advantages an MSP Brings to Your Business
Top Advantages Of Working With an MSP
Cost-Efficiency
Expertise and Knowledgeable Support Team
Proactive Maintenance and Security Monitoring
Scalability for Business Growth
Increased Productivity & Efficiency
Improved Customer Service & Satisfaction Levels
Reliable Backup and Disaster Recovery Solutions
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The Reliability of Managed Services Providers: A Data-Driven Perspective
MSP’s have emerged as a reliable solution for businesses seeking robust, flexible, and cost-effective IT support.
The increasing adoption of MSPs can be attributed to their proven reliability, but what does the data say? Let’s delve into some pertinent statistics and facts to understand why MSPs are a preferable option for businesses.
High Satisfaction Rates
According to a recent survey by Clutch, a leading B2B ratings and reviews platform, 59% of businesses use an IT service provider, and 61% of those are fully satisfied with their MSP’s services. This high satisfaction rate indicates the reliability and efficiency of MSPs in providing IT support that meets or even exceeds the expectations of businesses.
Managed Services: A Growing Market
The managed services market is anticipated to grow from USD 223 billion in 2020 to USD 329 billion by 2025, at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 8.1% during the forecast period, according to a report from MarketsandMarkets. This projected growth is a testament to the increasing trust businesses place in the reliability of MSPs.
Reduction in Downtime
A survey conducted by the IT Industry Council found that companies using MSPs experienced a 64% reduction in downtime. Downtime can be massively disruptive and costly for businesses. The fact that MSPs can significantly reduce these occurrences underlines their dependability.
Enhanced Security
Business owners know that cyber threats are increasingly prevalent and sophisticated, and security is a paramount concern for all businesses. A study by the Ponemon Institute found that businesses that partnered with an MSP improved their odds of detecting and responding to a cyber breach by 53%, underscoring the reliability of MSPs in managing data security.
In conclusion, the reliability of Managed Services Providers is well-documented and backed by data. Through high satisfaction rates, a growing market, reduced downtime, and enhanced security, MSPs prove to be a reliable and beneficial option for businesses of all sizes. Their ability to manage complex IT tasks allows businesses to focus on their core operations, fostering growth and innovation.
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How can Managed Services Providers help organizations protect their data?
A quality Managed Services Provider can save your business money and aggravation
A quality managed services provider can save your business money and aggravation by providing comprehensive IT management services.
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3 Big Benefits of a Digital Clean-Up: Partner with an MSP for IT Lifecycle Management and More
Large-scale organizations have internal IT departments maintaining their tech infrastructure day and night. But what if you’re a small to medium-sized business owner with few or no IT resources who wants to perform a digital cleanup? The answer more and more businesses are arriving at is outsourcing. Managed service providers offer a variety of expert services like IT lifecycle management, security vulnerability assessments and more that can reduce costs, boost cybersecurity and increase uptime.
1. Reduce Costs with IT Lifecycle Management
Comprehensive digital clean-ups involve more than deleting outdated files and applications. One way an MSP can help business owners cut digital clutter, and reduce costs, is through IT lifecycle management.
Effective IT lifecycle management can help business owners make smarter purchasing decisions and improve technology longevity over several years.
How IT lifecycle management works:
Most businesses today depend on reliable technology. But technology degrades over time and leads to lagging, slowness, lost connectivity and downtime. IT lifecycle management services work by:
- Providing a detailed inventory of your IT hardware and software
- Mapping out the full lifespan of your technology
- Identifying where in the lifecycle your technology lies
- Maximizing fully operational and underutilized technology
- Retiring outdated technology safely and securely
2. Reduce Risk with Proactive Cybersecurity Services
Those large-scale organizations with internal IT departments are actually at less risk of a cyberattack than small and medium-sized businesses. Hence the importance of SMBs partnering with an MSP on security maintenance.
Cybersecurity is understandably a major focus for most business owners. Data breaches can result in a damaged reputation and, ultimately, force owners to close doors for good.
How proactive cybersecurity services work:
MSPs are well-versed in conducting assessments to gauge cybersecurity vulnerabilities. Potential weak points are evolving all the time as cybercriminals are coordinating more sophisticated attacks and attacking more frequently. Common tests include:
- Dark web monitoring: Scans the dark web for your stolen data.
- Security vulnerability assessments: Reviews your IT infrastructure for security weaknesses.
- Penetrating testing: Simulates a cyberattack on your IT infrastructure to uncover potential vulnerabilities.
3. Increase Uptime by Revisiting Backup and Recovery Strategies
Even if you have a robust data backup and recovery strategy in place, it needs regular testing and updates to ensure it will be there when you need it. As your business grows, it’s imperative that you keep your plan up to date.
Reliable backup and recovery strategies are a modern necessity when so much of today’s business relies on safe, accessible data.
How Backup and Recovery Strategy Maintenance Works:
Things change, and your backup and recovery plan should change too. Even the best of plans that worked last year may not work today. Typical backup and recovery plan maintenance includes:
- Testing of data backup and recovery systems
- Revisiting processes and procedures
- Inclusion of new or updated business assets and applications
- Recovery personnel updates
These are just a few of the benefits SMBs realize through working with an MSP. From performing digital clean-ups to increasing digitization or providing expert consultation, businesses are increasingly enjoying the rewards of working with an MSP. If you’re interested in partnering with an MSP, let us know. We have an experienced staff, innovative technologies and cost-effective services to keep your business running at its best. Contact us today.
How To Put Your Employees First When Doing a Digital Clean-Up
It’s spring, and you probably have cleaning on your mind. When you think about how often you organize your house or tidy up your desk, it might not occur to you to do the same with your technology. Did you know that when you take on a digital clean-up through your business, you can not only organize your business technology, but you can also discover what technology needs to be updated, refreshed or eliminated? In fact, this can lead to a digital transformation process, and help you improve productivity, efficiency, workflow and even profit. Yet, according to Forbes, 70 percent of digital transformation processes fail. In this blog, we will explain five reasons why businesses fall short when updating their technology.
Starting the Digital Transformation Process
Digital clean-ups are about more than deleting old files. This digital transformation process will help you evaluate your equipment to make sure it’s working efficiently. It will also help you to determine if there are updates that are needed, or if it’s time to retire old equipment and invest in something new. Updating technology isn’t always an easy task, especially when it comes to your employees who may not love the idea of change or new processes.
We can help you navigate around the common mistakes businesses encounter when the need arises to update technology.
Here are five things you should avoid when updating your technology:
1. Forcing change: When faced with new technology, employees might have a hard time adapting to change. It’s imperative that employees understand the benefits. Don’t force a change without hearing their side first. If the change is necessary, help them to understand that it’s an essential step for business growth. Implementing new and updated technology can boost productivity and keep your employees happier in the long term. Keep them involved in your process and remind them that the needed changes will benefit their work experience in the future.
2. Miscommunication: Communication is key when it comes to your employees. Make sure that when new technology is implemented that your employees understand why the change has happened. If you listened to our first step, you have included them in the process, so let them know that their role in digital transformation is valued. Working with a new system is hard, so make sure your employees are aware and ready for the change.
3. Layering new tech onto old tech: In some cases, layering old tech onto new tech makes sense, but not all the time. It can be tempting to hold onto old processes when implementing new technology. Instead of focusing on compatibility, find a solution that you can rely on for many years to come—even if that means starting from scratch.
4. Setting unrealistic expectations: Implementing new technology might not be your fix-all to your problems. Set realistic expectations, and let your employees know what to expect from new technology. After implementing new tech, you will want to continue to monitor how the changes are impacting productivity, profitability and office morale.
5. Lack of training: Don’t expect your employees to understand new technology right away. Make sure proper training is put in place to lead your team to success. Lack of training can lead to downtime and really set your business back. Keep in mind that your IT partner can always offer up additional training to ensure you enjoy a digital transformation with efficiency.
Get Help from an MSP You Can Rely On
We know that a digital transformation can be tricky, and we want you to know that taking on this task doesn’t have to be difficult. By partnering with an expert like us, we can help align your expectations with reality. Show your employees that technology improvements are something to celebrate, not dread.
Take the next step and get the services your business deserves. Put your trust in us and we will help you get a fresh “spring” outlook on your tech. Give us a call today.
Make Technology Work For You: 5 Advantages of outsourced IT Management
As a business owner, important it is important to stay competitive and keep up with the latest technology trends. With limited resources, it can be difficult to find the time or expertise to successfully manage your IT infrastructure. This is where outsourced IT management comes in – by working with an experienced outsourced IT provider, you can take advantage of the most up-to-date technologies and solutions at an affordable price. In this article, we’ll explore the top 5 benefits of outsourced IT management for small to mid-sized businesses and discuss why it’s important to invest in outsourced IT services.
From gaining access to specialized expertise to improved security and compliance, outsourced IT management can provide your business with the tools, resources, and support to succeed.
5 top benefits of outsourcing your IT Management
1. Access to Expertise
Outsourced IT providers provide access to highly skilled technical experts who understand the unique needs of your business. These experts are knowledgeable about the most up-to-date technology solutions and strategies that can meet the specific goals of each business. With outsourced IT, you don’t have to worry about hiring or training in-house staff, giving you access to specialized expertise and expertise on demand.
In addition, outsourced IT providers offer economies of scale that can offer more competitive pricing than if you were to hire a team of IT professionals yourself. This cost savings combined with access to expert knowledge makes outsourced IT management an attractive option for small to mid-sized businesses.
2. Cost Savings
With outsourced IT management, small to mid-sized businesses can take advantage of economies of scale and significantly reduce costs associated with IT infrastructure. You don’t need to hire or train in-house staff, eliminating costly overhead expenses like salaries, benefits, and training. Additionally, outsourced IT providers can offer better pricing due to their ability to purchase hardware and software in bulk, saving you money.
Outsourced IT also eliminates the need for costly investments in IT infrastructure. You don’t have to worry about purchasing, setting up, and maintaining your own servers or other hardware. This can save you time and money, allowing you to focus on tasks that are more important for your business.
3. Increased Efficiency
With outsourced IT management services, small business owners can streamline and optimize their operations without having to worry about the day-to-day management of their IT systems. Outsourced IT providers offer more sophisticated technologies and solutions that would be out of reach for most small businesses on their own. This allows you to take advantage of the latest technology without having to invest in expensive new hardware or software.
In addition, outsourced IT can help you manage multiple complex systems and applications from one central hub. This eliminates the need for multiple IT staff, allowing you to make better use of your limited resources and personnel.
4. Security and Compliance
Because outsourced IT companies specialize in managing IT systems, they can provide the expertise needed to ensure that businesses meet security and compliance requirements. IT Managed Service providers are experienced in implementing best practices to protect data and minimize risks. They can also help you manage network access, enforce security policies, and track activity for compliance purposes.
These IT professionals understand the need for secure networks that are up-to-date with the latest security patches as well as data encryption processes to protect confidential information. With outsourced IT, small businesses can rest assured that their data is secure and compliant.
5. Flexibility
Outsourced Managed IT solutions provide flexibility for small to mid-sized businesses as they grow and change over time. As your business needs evolve, experienced IT service providers are able to quickly and easily scale up or down their services to match your changing needs. This allows you to focus on your growth without additional capital investments in IT infrastructure.
Outsourced IT solutions also provide flexibility when it comes to choosing the software and hardware that best meets the needs of your business. This means you can access the latest technologies and applications without a large upfront investment or having to worry about compatibility.
Overall, outsourcing your IT management offers small to mid-sized businesses a cost-effective way to manage complex IT systems and take advantage of the latest technology. This allows businesses or all sizes to get access to expert knowledge and best practices, cost savings, improved efficiency, enhanced security and compliance, and greater flexibility. All of these benefits can help your business stay competitive and thrive in today’s digital world.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, outsourced IT management is a great solution for small to mid-sized businesses looking to increase efficiency, reduce costs, and access expert knowledge. With professional Managed Services IT providers, businesses can take advantage of the latest technologies and applications without a large upfront investment or having to worry about compatibility. Additionally, outsourcing your IT provides enhanced security and compliance, improved efficiency, cost savings, and greater flexibility. All of these benefits can help any business stay competitive and know they are protected and up to date with their technology.
If you’re looking for an experienced outsourced IT provider, contact us today to learn more about how outsourced IT management can help your business succeed.
We are a Managed IT service provider specializing in cloud-based solutions, productivity tools and other innovative technologies that make a hybrid work model successful.
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Studies Show Hybrid Workforce Models Make Good Business
Let’s dive into some key industry findings:
1.
42% of remote workers say if their current company discontinues remote work options, they will look for another job that does.
-Prudential’s Pulse of American Worker survey
Employees today expect flexibility and appreciate the ability to get work done when it’s convenient for them. While juggling the plethora of life’s obligations is challenging, the hybrid workforce model makes work/life balance possible. Modern pressures and responsibilities have evolved, and today’s employees expect their work schedule to follow suit.
2.
Remote workers report less stress, more focus and a better work-life balance in comparison to fully onsite workers.
-Owl Labs
Employees today prioritize physical and mental health like never before. Hybrid work models give employees the control and flexibility to get work done and find time for a midday workout.
3.
Businesses looking to stay competitive are embracing a more human-centric leadership approach. One study shows that providing employees with more control over their work and their work environment makes them more productive.
-Accenture
Outdated, command-and-control management models don’t inspire employees. Businesses can benefit from a more progressive leadership approach that allows employees the autonomy to work at their best, whenever or wherever that is.
4.
Employers can save over $11,000 per year, per employee, as a result of less office space, increased productivity, reduced absenteeism and less turnover. Employees can save between $2,500 and $4,000 per year thanks to reduced food and fuel costs, lower car insurance premiums and less car wear and tear.
-A Global Workplace Analytics
We’re convinced. Hybrid work models save money.
5.
30% of respondents surveyed reported they were more productive and more engaged when working from home.
– University of Chicago
Despite what some may think, most employees working from home aren’t eating chocolates while lying on the couch watching Netflix.
6.
83% of workers around the globe prefer a hybrid workforce model.
-Accenture
It’s a fact.
7.
Productive employees with flexible work schedules tend to stay with their employer longer than those without flexible work schedules.
-Accenture
Hybrid work schedules can help you hold on to your best and brightest.
8.
Employee turnover cost can be 1.5 to 2 times the amount of the employee’s salary.
-Workhuman
We all know the costs of employee turnover. The time and money spent recruiting and training new hires is just the beginning. The ripple effects are drops in employee morale and a tarnished industry reputation.
We make hybrid workforce technology easy
We are a local managed service provider specializing in cloud-based solutions, productivity tools and other innovative technologies that make a hybrid work model successful.
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Top Technology Solutions that Can Enhance Your Hybrid Work Environment
What makes a hybrid work environment work? A strong team and the right mindset are a start, but for this model to be successful, businesses need to utilize the right technology and solutions to remain relevant in this new trend. The right technologies can help support your employees’ work experience, aid in recruiting, while also helping to maintain a competitive edge in today’s digital world. As companies are moving away from remote work and more towards a hybrid model, issues are arising when it comes to reliable technology. Do you understand the need to invest in solutions that not only will make your employee’s jobs easier, but also help to mainstream your business?
Let’s discuss how you can utilize technology solutions to enhance your hybrid work environment.
Collaboration Tools
Team collaboration tools are utilized by organizations to track progress on projects, regardless of location. These tools can include things like cloud storage, document synchronization, file-sharing, instant messaging and online whiteboards for collective comments. Some common tools that we recommend checking out are Clickup, Monday.com or Trello.
Communication Platforms
When you have employees in different locations, you’ll want to secure a platform that aids in communication. These platforms are imperative in sharing information or supporting groups when working on projects. Communication and collaboration should be just as smooth at home as in the office. Fortunately, there are many tools on the market that can allow for communication to be seamless and accessible. Keeping your team connected is imperative to avoid disruptions. Some common platforms to investigate are Slack or Microsoft Teams.
Security Software
Flexible work environments require a different approach to security like a VPN or virtual private network. A VPN will encrypt and protect data to ensure that employees are the ones that are able to access information on the go.
Video Conferencing Software
These types of collaboration tools can offer flexibility and connection when not everyone is located within the same area. Video conferencing allows employees to connect with one another to collaborate on projects, touch base and even perform reviews. Microsoft Teams, Google Hangout and Zoom are some common players in the video software industry.
Document Management
When supporting your hybrid workers at home, you’ll need a tool that allows your employees to share and store documents electronically, in one-centralized location. File-sharing tools can enable your team to access documents without backing up your inbox. With this in place, you can also control who has access to important documents. SharePoint is a common document management system that you can put in place.
Let Us Help You
Selecting solutions to help your business to succeed can be daunting if you don’t know where to start. Here at Delval Technology Solutions, we can do just that. If you’re ready to transition to a hybrid workplace model, you’ve come to the right place. With experts like us, you’ll be up and running in no time. Your employees will thank you—give us a call.
If you’d like to learn tips on how to better prepare your business for going hybrid, check out additional blogs in our resources section.