IT can be confusing at the best of times. You probably have colleagues that struggle with the printer, let alone the biometric access controls. And you’re certainly not alone in that. That’s why so many businesses prefer to place their technology and security in the hands of experts by outsourcing their IT needs to a service provider.

The providers of these managed IT services can be lifesavers in a number of different ways. This article will cover the many types of services that these providers offer, so you can choose the best one to take care of your IT needs.

What Managed IT Services Do

Managed IT services are a form of business outsourcing that have been around for a lot longer than you might think. Today, the sector is a $25.15 billion industry. But it really started with the rise of the internet, way back in the 90s.

Application Service Providers (as they were called then) primarily focused on software support, along with some network security. As the digital world became more complex, these services evolved into the multi-faceted services that so many businesses rely on today.

Depending on their size and offerings, managed IT services today will work with a business to craft a tailored solution that best meets some or all of its needs. Some businesses may need their entire print fleet maintained, plus their network monitored. Others might just want to ensure that their data complies with all relevant regulations.

But regardless of the specific needs, all these providers offer several great advantages, such as:

  • Expertise – Trained IT technicians can deliver a level of professionalism and technical know-how that many companies can’t match.
  • Cost-savings – Not only does a remote IT service remove the costs of an in-house team from your payroll, but callouts and maintenance are typically included as part of an IT service plan.
  • Flexibility – Managed IT services can tailor their offerings to your specific requirements. Whether you want comprehensive coverage or just one aspect handled, there’s a solution for you.

Types of Managed IT Services

Managed IT services come in all shapes and sizes and offer different types of support to their clients. We’ve listed some of the major types below, but keep in mind that these aren’t necessarily mutually exclusive. In fact, a good service provider will usually offer several.

IT Services and Support

When something goes wrong, who are you going to call? When you think “Managed IT”, you’re probably thinking of IT Services and Support. This branch of managed IT services offers technicians (remote or in-house) and support for when things go wrong or employees forget their passwords.

Remote support services will be cheaper in the long run, but an in-house technician or two can be useful for faster response times and a hands-on approach. Some services offer a mix of both. But whatever the case may be, these services look after the various IT-related components of a business, keeping things running smoothly.

Managed Security Services

Security is another core component of managed IT services. Digital assets and networks invariably need protection, which is best left to specialists. Managed Service Providers (MSPs) will analyze the setup of a business and its networks and then offer the best solution possible.

Providing a regularly updated antivirus is just a small part of what security services can offer. Security services can extend to proactive monitoring of networks to check for potential threats, ensuring proper access controls are in place, and training employees in best security practices.

Security Information and Event Management (SIEM), zero trust measures, and incident response are examples of other security services that a provider may offer.

Managed Cloud Infrastructure

In recent years, the number of employees working from both inside and outside the office has rapidly increased. As a result, making use of cloud software and infrastructure has become a necessity for many businesses.

Providers of cloud services can help companies migrate their data to the cloud, keep files organized and data compliant, and optimize cost management. Managed IT services that offer cloud services can also help maintain virtual servers and monitor access.

Managed Print Services

Print services can keep a company’s fleet of printers and copiers regularly maintained, and manage supplies of consumables like ink and paper. But beyond the material needs, they can also keep device software updated and ensure proper biometric access controls across your networks.

Print services can also help a company save money by regularly replacing older, depreciating machines with newer models. Some providers offer remote monitoring to detect problems, while others provide regular preventative maintenance to ensure the smoothest workflow possible.

Data Backup and Recovery

Data loss is a very real threat to any business. So, it’s always a good idea to have all important data robustly backed up. Managed IT services that offer data backup will properly organize, catalog, and archive files and store them in a secure (offsite) location. What’s more, this data will be kept compliant with standards like CCPA and GDPR.

In case of disaster, these services also feature contingency plans for recovery. Data recovery testing and backup monitoring are examples of this kind of service.

Managed Data Analytics

Turning a raw mass of data into meaningful and beneficial information is a skill not everyone possesses. Thankfully, some managed IT services offer data analysis as part of their bouquet of offerings.

From data collection and storage to visualization, these providers can provide insights to help your business in a variety of ways. Whether they’re used to gauge performance, efficiency, or market research, managed data analytics are always valuable.

The Right IT Partner

Ultimately, the right provider of managed IT services will be the one that can provide the best possible response to your needs within your budget. So, it’s always a good idea to contact multiple providers and examine their offerings before making your decision. However, the provider’s expertise and experience should always be an important deciding factor.

If you’re in San Francisco and need a perfect partner who can provide plenty of both, then look no further than Golden Gate Office Solutions. We’ve been proudly serving the Bay area’s printing and IT needs since 1983, and can take care of all your business’s ever-evolving technology and IT requirements. Contact us today.