So many companies have setbacks due to IT issues. Time is money. Downtime can weaken your business and damage your hard-earned reputation. Outsourcing your IT requirements to a managed service provider (MSP), allows a company to excel at what they do best. Check out these key reasons and benefits to look into hiring a MSP.

1. Save Money! – The #1 reason for using a Managed Service Provider

Resource One Inc. recently compared the cost of companies who switched from an hourly rate contractor to Managed IT Services. Check out the savings with those who switched to Managed IT Services: 

• 13% cut annual IT costs by an incredible 50 percent or more
• 46% reduced annual IT costs by 25 percent or more
• 50% cut annual IT costs up to 24 percent 

Almost half of all companies who switch to Managed IT Services saved over a quarter of their IT costs each year!

With a MSP, you know what you are paying each month and a professional team is there to monitor 24/7, solving any issues that arise while providing the best plan for your future needs. Businesses pay for the services and support they need. They also work with other vendors to ensure that you get the best deals on hardware, software and technology services bringing you additional savings.

2.  Dedicated IT service 24/7 rather than a multi tasking employee

We spoke to a company whose Vice President was doubling up as the company IT guy, and had lost 2 days of productivity in the process.  Small companies are notorious for this. These habits can easily creep into medium-sized businesses when they experience rapid growth. This reliance of computer-savvy staff members may solve some short-term issues, but the lack of specialized expertise can mean a loss in effective future planning and improved efficiency.

A dedicated IT expert has the time and resources to anticipate hardware and software upgrades, as well as to protect a company from the latest security threats.  A staff member that is computer-savvy, can only bring their own limited knowledge to the table. You also need to provide them the time and educational means to stay current.  MSP’s deal with recurring issues from multiple clients, and are up-to-date on the latest IT developments. They have a greater breadth and depth of IT knowledge that is provided as part of the services they offer.  They are pro-active.

What happens to your employee’s other work, when they are sidelined by IT responsibilities? What happens when they are away and unreachable or quit?  We strongly encourage you to consider these costs in your business plan. To help, check out our blog: How to calculate the cost of your IT downtime.

3. Software updates, license renewals, IT issues, security upgrades, oh my!

Dealing with IT maintenance can be a huge distraction from your core business service, negatively impacting productivity and heightening frustration levels. Software and security updates, upgrades and licensing are areas where a MSP offers relief. Failure to keep up with security and software upgrades and licenses, can cause vulnerabilities, fines and expose confidential data. MSP’s are pro-active in keeping your software, licenses and equipment needs functioning at optimum levels. 

By implementing industry best practices and proactive solutions, CopperTree Solutions can ensure that your organization has a strong IT infrastructure.

CopperTree Solutions provides a proactive approach that encompasses the full life cycle of your systems, application, security, plus assist with policy’s and protective measures for your business to evolve as your company grows. Happily serving clients both large and small, in Kitchener, Waterloo, Cambridge, Guelph, Stratford and surrounding areas.

Call 519-804-2461 or email us at Colin.Shantz@ctsol.ca