Types of Managed IT Services Every Business Should Know About

For small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs), keeping up with the demands of technology can be overwhelming. As SMBs grow, managing IT infrastructure, data security, and network reliability become more complex and costly.

According to reports, 76% of SMBs rely on managed services to handle at least one aspect of their IT infrastructure, showing just how essential these services have become in today’s business environment. As technology complexity grows, managed IT services are the cost-effective answer SMBs have been waiting for.

Here’s a breakdown of the types of managed IT services every SMB should know about and how each service addresses specific pain points, offering actionable steps to help you decide which services best meet your business needs.

 

“Effective managed IT services don’t just fix problems; they empower businesses to thrive through technology.” ~ James Bishop, Partner at Propel Technology

 

What Are Managed IT Services?

Managed IT services allow businesses to outsource their IT needs to specialized providers, or Managed Service Providers (MSPs). Instead of handling every aspect of technology in-house, companies can partner with MSPs to manage everything from network security to cloud migration. This approach allows SMBs to focus on their core business while ensuring their technology operates smoothly, efficiently, and securely.

 

Empower Your Business with Proactive IT Solutions Boost productivity and safeguard your data through Propel’s tailored managed services! Learn More

 

Types of Managed IT Services Every Business Should Consider

Here are the types of managed IT services every business should consider to streamline operations, secure data, and enhance growth.

1. Network and Infrastructure Management

Network and infrastructure management covers essential services like network monitoring, uptime management, and hardware and software support. MSPs proactively monitor network health, diagnose issues, and manage system performance to prevent disruptions.

Benefits: By outsourcing network management, you’ll experience reduced downtime, improved network reliability, and access to enterprise-grade tools that are often out of reach for smaller businesses.

2. Security Management

Security remains one of the biggest challenges in today’s digital landscape. Managed security services include comprehensive solutions like firewall setup, 24/7 threat monitoring, intrusion detection, and employee security awareness training.

Benefits: With MSPs handling your security, your business benefits from proactive, around-the-clock protection against cyber threats, minimizing the risk of costly security breaches and ensuring regulatory compliance.

3. Cloud Consulting and Support

Many businesses are migrating their operations to the cloud for better flexibility and reduced costs. Cloud consulting services include cloud migration, server management, and cloud infrastructure support. MSPs work with major providers like AWS, GCP, and Microsoft Azure to provide custom cloud solutions tailored to your business.

Benefits: The cloud enables easy scalability, improved collaboration, and reduced reliance on physical hardware, helping your business grow without significant IT overhead.

4. Data Backup and Disaster Recovery

Data backup and disaster recovery solutions ensure your business can quickly recover from unexpected incidents though, alarmingly, 21% of SMBs don’t maintain data backups. Managed IT providers offer secure data storage, regular backups, and comprehensive disaster recovery plans to safeguard your business data.

Benefits: In case of data loss, cybersecurity incidents, or natural disasters, having a reliable backup and recovery plan in place ensures minimal downtime and business continuity. MSPs can restore your data quickly, keeping your operations running smoothly even during crises.

5. Help Desk and Technical Support

Help desk services are a core offering in managed IT services, providing 24/7 support to resolve technical issues quickly. That’s especially important given 82% business leaders expert problems to be solved over one interaction, says CloudSecureTech. With MSPs offering help desk support, employees have access to a dedicated team for resolving software issues, troubleshooting network problems, and handling day-to-day IT needs.

Benefits: A reliable help desk ensures that your employees get back to work faster after IT disruptions, improving productivity and morale. It’s also a cost-effective alternative to hiring in-house support staff, with guaranteed response times through service-level agreements (SLAs).

6. VoIP Services

Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services, like those offered through Propel Technology’s partnership with RingCentral, bring your communication to the cloud. VoIP allows your employees to make calls over the internet, enabling seamless communication from any location.

Benefits: VoIP services enhance flexibility by supporting remote work, cut costs by eliminating traditional phone lines, and improve collaboration through features like video conferencing, instant messaging, and mobile app integration.

 

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7. Virtual CIO (vCIO) Services

A virtual Chief Information Officer (vCIO) provides strategic IT leadership and planning without the cost of a full-time executive. With vCIO services, an MSP works closely with your business to align technology with long-term goals, ensuring your IT investments drive growth.

Benefits: A vCIO offers expertise in IT planning, helping to future-proof your business with technology solutions that support your objectives. You gain the advantage of executive-level insight at a fraction of the cost of an in-house CIO.

8. Supplemental IT Support

Supplemental IT support provides additional resources to in-house IT teams, filling skills gaps or covering for absent team members. This co-managed service can be highly valuable during peak times, large projects, or times of increased demand.

Benefits: Supplemental IT support allows you to scale IT resources as needed, offering specialized knowledge without the need to hire full-time staff. It’s an ideal solution for companies with small IT teams or those in need of temporary support.

9. Customizable Service Packages

Every business has unique IT needs, so many MSPs offer customizable service packages to match. These packages can include combinations of services like security, network monitoring, and cloud support, allowing businesses to pay only for the services they need.

Benefits: With customizable packages, you can create an IT solution tailored to your business requirements, ensuring you’re not overpaying for unnecessary services. This flexibility is ideal for growing businesses or companies with fluctuating IT needs.

How to Choose the Right Type of Managed IT Services for Your Business

Selecting the right managed IT services for your business starts with assessing your pain points, budget, and long-term goals. For example:

• If cybersecurity is a primary concern, prioritize managed security and data backup services.
• If remote work is key, look for cloud and VoIP solutions.
• For companies seeking strategic IT growth, consider vCIO and supplemental support.

By aligning managed services with your business needs, you can optimize operations and maximize the return on your IT investments.

Quick Comparison of Types of Managed IT Services

Managed IT Service Type	Key Features	Primary Benefit
Network and Infrastructure	Monitoring, uptime management	Improved reliability
Security Management	Threat monitoring, firewalls	Protection from cyber threats
Cloud Consulting	Cloud migration, integration	Scalable solutions
Data Backup and Recovery	Backups, disaster recovery	Business continuity
Help Desk and Technical Support	24/7 issue resolution	Fast support for employees
VoIP Services	Remote, integrated communication	Enhanced communication
Virtual CIO	IT strategy, planning	Long-term IT alignment
Supplemental IT Support	Co-managed IT, skill support	Filling in-house gaps
Customizable Packages	Flexible services	Tailored, cost-effective solutions

 

Transform Your IT with Propel Technology

Choosing the right types of managed IT services can transform your business’s operations, bringing cost savings, security, and scalability to your technology. With options ranging from network and infrastructure management to strategic services like vCIO and customizable packages, managed IT services offer something for every SMB.

Propel Technology is a leader in managed IT services, helping businesses align technology with their unique goals. Contact Propel today to learn more and schedule a consultation to find the managed IT solutions that best fit your business needs.