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Budget is a concern for every business and we all want to make our dollars go a little farther. To cut down on costs and provide peace of mind, a number businesses are turning to IT managed service providers to handle their information technology needs. Managed IT services plans give you access to a full IT support staff at a fraction of the cost so you can outsource technology tasks that would otherwise require an in-house IT manager. Here are 7 ways IT managed service providers can save you money.

Consistent monthly rate
When you know what you’re paying up front, there are no surprises and it makes budgeting easier. IT managed services plans are scalable so you only pay for what you need. The right IT service provider can take care of your servers, hardware, software, IT applications, networks, databases, printers, phone systems, and other business technology applications; as well as maintain your storage needs, virtualization, cloud, collaboration, and mobility. There are even options to manage your security, system backups and disaster recovery plans. Plus, most managed IT services plans give you full access to a team of IT engineers and help desk staff, all for one low rate.

Stay compliant
If you’re in an industry that needs to remain compliant, like finance, banking, or healthcare, a managed IT services plan will make sure your network and infrastructure are set up correctly; and always on par with the latest guidelines.

Reduce malware, virus, and hacks
If  you get hacked you lose company time, money, and data. It’s more important now than ever to make sure you’re protected from viruses, hackers, spyware, and even human error that can lead to risk. A managed service provider will keep a constant eye on your network, catching these cyber issues before they catch you.

Proactive IT service
The best way to deal with a potential IT issue is to catch it before it becomes a problem. An IT managed service provider will draft an agreement that often includes regular updates, security patches, and performance checks. Having these measures in place will improve the efficiency and reliability of your IT infrastructure, leading to reduced costs, less downtime, and better performance. As they get older some IT equipment can suffer from speed, performance, and reliability issues. Your managed service agreement will make sure your network, hardware, software, servers, and all critical IT applications receive the maintenance they need for maximum speed, performance, and reliability.

One-stop account manager
If you’re thinking about upgrading your server or purchasing a new business phone system, IT managed service providers can make your job easier. Because they’ve got extensive experience with all things IT, they know what works best and what doesn’t. They’ll do the appropriate research and compile a list of options, saving you more time and money than if you had tried to do this all yourself.  If you do have an in-house IT manager you should still talk to your account manager before making any big decisions. They’ll let you know if certain things are, or are not, compatible with your current system, which could save you loads of unnecessary expenses in the future.

Save money
A managed services provider can monitor and maintain your information technology systems, allowing them to see and prevent network problems before they turn into downtime, equaling expensive repairs and data recovery costs. In addition, because most managed services plans include remote monitoring and support, most issues can be accessed and repaired right from the office. That means you don’t pay for travel time and your issue is resolved quicker, meaning less downtime.

Scale up or down
A managed IT support plan can easily scale as your business changes. If you need more or less users, it’s simple to add them. You can also easily add or remove certain applications so you only pay for what you need. Managed services plans are flexible – they work when you need them.

No matter the size of your business, you can see the benefits of having reliable IT managed service providers on your side. Consistent and affordable monthly costs, access to a full staff of IT experts, and the scalability to move with your business are all great reasons to look into getting an IT service provider with a solid information technology company. Call us today at 616.837.6930 if you have any questions about the best managed IT services plans for your business.

From Grand Rapids to Traverse City, and everywhere in between – we’re helping clients run more efficiently with less down time, reduced costs, and greater protection against cyber security threats. IT managed service plans are ideal for networks, servers, hardware, and cloud applications!