IT infrastructures are growing more complex each year, and acquiring all of the tools you need to stay competitive is not always financially feasible. Still, businesses in the IT industry are eager to modernize their operations, which typically requires the use of state-of-the-art hardware.
So, how do companies get their hands on the tools they need without going over budget? Many companies are partnering with MSPs to benefit from not only their expertise but also their expansive tech toolbox.
Partnering with a managed service provider (MSP) is instrumental to companies looking for a leg-up in the IT industry. With a team of skilled IT experts, MSP will supplement a company’s internal IT department, alleviating them of routine, repetitive tasks and allowing them to focus on more pressing projects. In addition to this, MSPs are already equipped with all the tools and experience that a modern company could need.
Rather than investing a significant portion of their budget into hardware that may only be used a few times, companies can utilize every tool imaginable with expert guidance. As a result, companies can optimize their processes and grow their business in an efficient and cost-effective manner. For companies looking to get ahead with an MSP, ensure that they have these six essential tools.
1. Data Security
Today, cybersecurity is at the forefront of business challenges, no matter the industry. As companies become increasingly dependent on technology for their business operations, the risk of cyberattacks and data misconfigurations grows more prevalent. Consequently, the MSP you partner with must have high-quality security technology.
Security technology is not a fool-proof defense against cybersecurity hacks, but it significantly mitigates the risk of a breach or attack. Your MSP should have tools in virus protection, intrusion detection systems, VPNs, and firewalls to protect your IT infrastructure and minimize data security risks.
In addition to having these instrumental security tools under their belt, it is also beneficial to find an MSP with experts specifically in data security. Such an individual may be certified in information security, in addition to having years of experience in the field. With the right tools and the help of data security experts, your company will significantly benefit from an enhanced level of cybersecurity.
2. Data Backup and Recovery
While companies can strive to mitigate cybersecurity risks as much as possible, there is no guarantee that breaches or attacks will not occur. For this reason, your MSP must be equipped with tools for data backup and recovery. While many assume that all data loss is caused by an attack, it is often from a cloud misconfiguration, human error, or even hardware breakdown.
None of these issues can be anticipated, which is why companies must run regular data backups and have a plan for data recovery. Many MSPs automate their backup practices for regularity and consistency, ensuring that all data is up-to-date and can quickly be recovered if anything compromises a company's infrastructure. Such an assurance plan can not only save companies significant stress but also time and money.
3. Remote Monitoring and Management
Another instrumental tool to look for in an MSP is remote access, or more specifically, remote monitoring and management. Remote access allows MSPs secure access to their clients’ desktops, mobile devices, and servers to troubleshoot any technical issues. This capability is essential to quickly resolve issues, ensuring seamless business continuity.
Taking it one step further, with remote monitoring and management (RMM), MSPs can monitor and manage all company devices from any location. RMM enables MSPs to provide service to their clients 24/7/365, ensuring that risks can be resolved quickly, if not avoided altogether. MSPs can easily control everything in a company’s infrastructure, allowing them to provide solutions reliably and efficiently.
4. Patch Updates and Maintenance
In addition to monitoring and management, another critical component of managing your IT infrastructure is managing maintenance and updates. It is crucial that IT systems are regularly updated with patch updates to ensure their integrity and continued functionality.
The challenge with patches is that when rolled out manually, it can be an expensive and time-consuming process. Fortunately, MSPs mitigate much of this cost with centralized patch deployment and management, in addition to automating the process where possible. As a result, companies can ensure the integrity of their system cheaper and faster than before.
5. Integrating Tools
Integration is a key component of adopting any new technology into your organization's current IT infrastructure. While adopting every technology under the sun may seem like a good idea in hindsight, all of the technology in the world won’t help unless they are integrated with one another. If not, you may experience more problems than solutions as a result of duplicated data, contradicting forecasts, and data misconfigurations. Essentially, without integrating tools, your data will be confusing and likely unusable.
That being said, MSPs have the tools necessary to integrate all relevant hardware and software. In doing so, two systems that may be helpful on their own, become exceptional once combined. By integrating multiple systems, companies can save time and money while simplifying vast amounts of data into clear and concise business insights.
6. Cloud Migration
Cloud computing has taken the world by storm in recent years, and it doesn’t seem to be going anywhere. Partnering with an MSP is highly recommended for companies who have yet to make the transition to the cloud or those looking to optimize their cloud infrastructure.
While cloud computing is by no means considered “new” anymore, cloud experts are still few and far between. As a result, many companies are working blindly within the cloud, severely limiting them from maximizing their value in the cloud. Fortunately, MSPs have the experience and skills in the cloud that companies are in need of. MSPs can guide companies through cloud services such as migration, monitoring, security, and more, ensuring that your cloud environment is optimized.
Stock Up Your Toolbox with an MSP
It can be challenging for companies to keep up with modern technology. It seems as though new technology is released each day, and all of it is a "must-have" to stay competitive. While understandable that companies want to acquire all of this state-of-the-art technology, it is not feasible financially.
Fortunately, in partnering with an MSP, businesses can access all of the advanced tools they need to stay competitive. As MSPs have all of the necessary technology and expertise to run a modern IT business, with their help, companies can acquire the tools they need without breaking the bank.
