5 Reasons Your Small Business Should Invest in Managed IT Services
Navigating the world of IT and security can be very overwhelming. With so many facets like software, cybersecurity, and network infrastructure, it’s challenging for small and medium-sized businesses to pinpoint exactly what they need.
While it may be evident that your business requires robust technology, you may be wondering if investing in a Managed IT Services program that involves outsourcing your IT needs to a specialized provider, as so known as a Managed Service Provider (MSP), is worth your while. Here are the top five reasons business owners might hesitate—and why now is the time to reconsider.
1. “I wasn’t aware this was available.”
A common reason businesses don't choose to outsource their Managed IT Services is simply a lack of awareness. Many don't know it exists as a viable solution. In fact, research from JumpCloud notes that nearly 76 percent of small businesses successfully utilize an MSP to take care of some IT needs.
MSPs offer a variety of services, such as:
- Cybersecurity
- IT support
- Strategic IT planning
- Network administration
- Data backup and recovery
- Collaboration tools
2. “Out of sight, out of mind.”
IT services happen behind the curtain. While the benefits of new computers are seen and heard by all, other services like cybersecurity, network management, and data backup may not be as visible in daily operations, making it easy to underestimate their importance.
And that’s what you want - effective IT should be seamless and unobtrusive. You only realize its value when something goes wrong, such as during a cyberattack or data loss incident. That’s when the lack of investment becomes painfully clear.
3. “We’re small, we don’t need it.”
Nearly half of all cyber breaches affect businesses with fewer than 1,000 employees – we just never hear about those in the news.
Some small businesses believe they’re too insignificant to be targets of cybercrime or that their IT needs are too minimal for managed services. However, the opposite is true. Small businesses are frequently targeted by cybercriminals because they often lack robust defenses.
Protecting customer data isn’t just good practice—it’s often a legal requirement. Even if you have an IT specialist, MSPs can enhance your internal team’s capabilities, allowing them to focus on strategic growth rather than routine maintenance.
4. “It’s Too Costly.”
Many assume Managed IT Services are beyond their budget. However, you’re likely already spending funds on IT through various vendors or dedicating significant time to tech issues.
MSPs leverage their industry partnerships to secure better pricing on technology solutions, passing these savings to you. They also handle the ongoing management, ensuring critical issues are promptly addressed. Given the high cost of data breaches—averaging $3.31 million for smaller businesses—the expense of proactive protection is a smart investment.
5. “It Doesn’t Feel Right for Us.”
Sometimes, businesses hesitate because it just doesn’t feel like the right fit. However, not all MSPs are created equal. If you’re considering hiring an MSP, watch for these warning signs:
- Reactive rather than proactive: The entire reason to have an IT partner. An effective MSP will prevent issues before they arise, not just fix problems as they occur.
- Generic solutions: Your business is unique, and your IT needs should be too. Avoid providers that don’t tailor their services to your specific requirements.
- Unplanned expenses: Reliable MSPs help you forecast IT costs, avoiding unexpected financial strains.
- Limited on-site support: Remote support is useful, but many IT issues require hands-on assistance. Ensure your MSP offers comprehensive on-site services and won’t charge you an arm and a leg to use them.
- Weak industry ties: Providers with strong industry connections can offer better support and pricing, thanks to their access to the latest technology and priority services.
Discover the Full Benefits of Managed IT Services
Sharp’s tailored Managed IT Services are designed to streamline your operations, reduce costs, and keep you ahead of technological advances. You can check out our 15 Ways to Protect Your Business from a Cyberattack checklist to see just how ready you are for a threat against your organization. Don’t let uncertainty prevent you from securing your business’s future.