A big question for every business is, “how much should we be spending on IT?” The question often becomes whether in-house IT, Managed IT Services, or a combination, will be the best solution for managing their technology infrastructure.
The right solution should address the concerns facing your business, in the most cost-effective way possible. In this post, we’re going to look at four signs that it might be time to engage a Managed IT Services provider.
1. Cybersecurity Concerns
Today, building, implementing, and managing a cybersecurity plan should be a priority for every business. This is not a DIY project. Just like you have legal counsel, or use a payroll service, cybersecurity management is a specialized service that requires expertise, tools, and attention to ensure risk mitigation.
2. Hiring and Retaining IT Staff Can be Challenging
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that IT employment will grow at a 12-percent rate through 2028, particularly in the area of cybersecurity. Delegating security to a third party who can manage a layered cybersecurity approach is an effective way to mitigate risk.
The problem is that cybersecurity professionals are in such demand that they face a zero percent unemployment rate. Today, more than 3.5 million cybersecurity jobs remain unfilled. The good news is that a Managed Services provider is your IT team!
3. Systems and Applications Are Out of Date
Keeping your software updated is critical to maintaining optimum functionality. The average company needs to:
- Update OS for all devices
- Update endpoint protection including anti-virus and security updates
- Update browsers
- Keep server, PC, and hardware up to date
Oversight can take time but it must be done regularly. A Managed IT Services provider will remove this task from your list of things to do.
4. Your IT Budget Keeps Blowing Up!
Is your data locked due to a ransomware attack? Do you lose backups due to a software issue? Are you increasingly paying for minor repairs to your systems, or network? These are red flags that your IT approach isn’t working. When considering your IT budget look beyond actual cost and consider lost time, and the effects of downtime on your business and team.
Managed IT Services can reduce downtime, keep your network safe, and free your in-house IT team to focus on mission-critical tasks. If you’d like to learn more, give us a call today!
