There are several ways an IT department can reduce costs. These include improving system management and administration, changing procurement software, migrating procurement strategy to the cloud, and the easiest, engaging a managed service provider (MSP). Do you need to upgrade and reduce costs in your IT department? Here’s how simple the process truly is with these easy-to-follow steps.
Selecting an MSP
Using a service provider is nothing new. We have used Internet Service Providers (ISPs) and telephony service providers for many years. Many company’s core business is not IT. It makes sense to use a service provider, like bestructured.com, whose focus is on information technology at all levels. That includes infrastructure and networks, security and compliance, operating systems and applications, backup and disaster recovery, data management, and backup, to name a few. It is quite likely that more than one MSP could be engaged to provide the full spectrum of required IT services. In today’s world, cybersecurity has become a significant concern. Simply put, cybersecurity is all about building defenses around IT systems, networks, and data from all sorts of malicious attacks. Using the right MSP for your business will help you manage this better. Your choice of MSP, or MSP’s, could be influenced by:
Legislation, you may not be allowed to work with an MSP outside the borders of your country Levels of required compliance, for example, GDPR or HIPPA your company may have specialized software that requires specialist expert support Your global footprint Time zones in which your company operates Languages you need to be supported in
Spend some time working through these influencers.
Steps to Taking on Managed Services
There are few important steps when you decide to move over to an MSP. Let’s look at these:
1. Legal Issues
There may be some legal issues which you should look at. Consult your lawyers or legal team to confirm whether you can go offshore or not.
2. Inventory Audit
Do a full audit of your IT environment. You need to know what services you need the MSP to assume responsibility for. Spend a good amount of time documenting what operating systems are in use, such as Windows, MACOS, and Linux. Not all MSPs have support capabilities in all operating systems. Similarly, document all the applications and programs you use in your company. From back office software like Office or O365, CRM, and ERP software and accounting software. Map these audit outcomes to a level of support you would require. Not all require 24x7x365 support. Some may be okay with business hours support with no support on holidays.
3. Track Record
Make sure the MSP you talk to has a track record and good references. Contact one or two of those references to validate the MSP.
Upgrade and Reduce Costs Simultaneously
The best way to upgrade your IT department is to employ a managed IT Services provider. The benefits of this are that you are kept up to date with technology one cost as opposed to hiring many IT employees. A managed service provider offers IT services on your premises, in a data center, or in the cloud. There are numerous services offered by MSPs. Check out more lifestyle, business, and travel articles on our page!
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