The Role of Managed IT Services in Small Business Networking

Most small business owners have worked time-and-a-half to become subject matter experts in areas related to their goods or services. They also have to track market trends to stay ahead of the competition, and are personally involved with customer relations, hoping to gain loyalty through continuously improved service. Thus, they don’t have the time or the inclination to become IT experts and resent any time they’re forced to spend trouble-shooting network snafus and researching fixes. Unfortunately, not every small business owner has a tech-savvy subordinate to whom they can delegate network issues. Nor do they have the budget to employ a full-time IT professional. The answer for these small companies is to contract with an IT service that can manage their network.

If you’re tired of having your workday interrupted when tech issues arise, it might be time to consider contracting with an IT professional for system management services.

Advantages of Using Managed IT Services for Small Business

Small businesses can benefit greatly from using managed IT services, or what we call Managed Service Providers (MSPs). Here are some of the advantages:

• Expertise — Instead of you or another staff member learning on the fly, you get the benefit of professional knowledge and skill. This means problems are diagnosed and repaired faster, so interruptions are fewer and shorter. You also get expert advice about steps your company can take to avoid network problems in the future.
• Cost savings — MSPs don’t come cheap but are cost-effective. You don’t have to pay a full-time salary and benefits, and through preventative maintenance, you can reduce the costs associated with network issues.
• Increased productivity — Neither you nor any member of your staff has to drop what they’re doing to diagnose a network problem, so your time is better spent on your business operations. And the MSP ensures that your network operates at peak efficiency also.
• Enhanced security — The costs, both monetary and reputational, from a breach of cybersecurity can be inordinately high. Your MSP enhances security by constantly testing and improving your controls.
• Scalability — You don’t have to commit early to more IT service than you need. Your contract addresses your current needs, and services can expand with your business.

Perhaps most importantly, you get peace of mind, knowing any time there’s a network issue, help is only a phone call away.

Types of IT services available for your small business

A managed service provider performs a wide range of tasks related to your network, such as:

• • Network management — The MSP oversees your network to ensure it runs smoothly and securely.
  • Cloud storage, data backup and recovery — Reduces your dependence on in-house hardware by allowing you to store and access data remotely. Also ensures that your business data is backed up and can be recovered quickly in the event of a disaster or system failure.
  • Cybersecurity — Maintains your defenses with continuously improving cybersecurity measures involving antivirus software and firewalls.
  • IT consulting — Professional guidance on improving your IT infrastructure to grow your network and enhance its efficiency.
  • Help desk support — Think of this as AAA roadside assistance for a stalled network. An IT pro is available to help whenever you encounter a system problem.

  At KMF Technologies, we offer network management services scaled to our clients’ needs, so you never pay for more than you use. Some services, such as management, consulting, and support, we perform ourselves. For other services, we can recommend reliable vendors whom we have carefully vetted over years of interaction. This allows us to customize a plan that offers the services you need at a price you can afford.