Category: Managed Services

Managed Services: The Strategic Investment for Your 2025 IT Budget

Allocating funds to managed services is essential for business growth and security.

As businesses plan for 2025, the demand for technology to support agility, cybersecurity, and operational efficiency continues to grow. IT plays a critical role in virtually every business function and crafting a comprehensive and adaptable IT budget has become indispensable. A cornerstone of this budget should include managed services, which provide scalable, secure, and cost-effective IT solutions that align with business goals. Here’s why managed services are a strategic investment for your 2025 IT budget.

1. Enhanced Scalability and Flexibility

The ability to scale up or down as needed is essential. Managed services provide businesses with the flexibility to adjust resources based on demand, without the delays and costs associated with hiring, training, or scaling an internal IT team. This ensures that companies can swiftly adapt to changing markets, customer needs, or unexpected disruptions.

    • Customizable Solutions: Tailor services to meet your organization’s specific requirements as they evolve over time.

    • Efficient Resource Allocation: Dynamically allocate IT resources without overspending or underutilizing assets, maximizing efficiency.

For example, many businesses saw the value of managed services during the COVID-19 pandemic when sudden shifts in remote work policies and cloud needs required immediate scaling of IT services. With managed services, organizations can also avoid costly over-provisioning by adjusting IT resources only when needed, reducing waste and redundancy.

2. Proactive Maintenance and Robust Security

When businesses rely on a break-fix approach to IT, they are often responding to problems after they occur. Managed service providers (MSPs) flip that model on its head by taking a proactive approach to IT management. They continuously monitor networks and systems, identifying and addressing potential issues before they escalate, which dramatically reduces downtime and associated costs.

    • Reduced System Outages: Continuous monitoring helps prevent costly outages that can bring operations to a standstill. According to Gartner, downtime costs businesses an average of $5,600 per minute, depending on the industry.

    • Cybersecurity: With cyber–attacks on the rise, businesses face an increasing number of threats, from ransomware to phishing attacks. MSPs utilize cutting-edge tools to safeguard businesses from these threats and ensure compliance with industry standards.

    • Compliance: Ensuring regulatory compliance can be complex, but MSPs specialize in maintaining security protocols that align with ever-evolving compliance requirements.

Additionally, MSPs keep up with emerging cybersecurity threats and continually update systems to mitigate risks, making them critical partners.

3. Cost-Efficiency and Predictable Budgeting

One of the biggest challenges businesses face when managing their IT infrastructure is balancing performance with cost. Managed services allow businesses to turn unpredictable capital expenses into predictable operating costs, making financial planning more efficient. Instead of reacting to sudden hardware failures or hiring costly in-house experts, organizations pay a set monthly fee for comprehensive IT services.

    • Predictable Costs: Managed services transform capital expenses into manageable monthly operating expenses.

    • Reduced Overhead: Cut costs related to recruiting, training, and maintaining an in-house IT team while still accessing expert knowledge.

    • Increased ROI: With predictable spending and proactive monitoring, businesses can prevent costly emergencies, resulting in higher long-term returns.

The move to managed services enables companies to avoid large, upfront technology costs.  This is also not really true. They may still need large, upfront technology costs if they are in bad shape when a managed services relationship begins. In 2025, as technology costs rise, having consistent monthly IT expenses gives businesses greater control over their budgets.

4. Focus on Core Business Objectives

Outsourcing routine and complex IT management tasks allows internal teams to focus on business-critical operations rather than being distracted by IT issues. This shift helps companies achieve their strategic goals without spreading internal resources too thin.

    • Improved Productivity: Managed services allow employees to focus on their core responsibilities rather than troubleshooting IT issues.

    • Strategic Focus: Co-Managed IT support can help internal IT staff focus on higher-value tasks, such as digital transformation projects, product innovation, and improving customer experiences.

    • Support for Innovation: By taking care of day-to-day IT needs, managed services free up resources to support new technology initiatives that will drive growth.

5. Access to Cutting-Edge Technology and Expertise

Staying up to date with the latest technological advancements can be a significant challenge, especially for small and mid-sized businesses. However, MSPs invest in the newest tools and technologies, giving your business immediate access to advanced IT solutions.

    • Reduced Learning Curves: Access the latest technologies without having to train in-house teams or hire new employees with specialized knowledge.

    • Advanced IT Solutions: MSPs offer enterprise-level tools that may be cost-prohibitive for many businesses to purchase or maintain on their own.

    • Technology that Scales with You: As your business grows, you can leverage more sophisticated technology solutions to meet your expanding needs.

This access to the latest technology gives companies a competitive advantage, allowing them to stay ahead of market trends and competitors.

6. Improved Disaster Recovery and Business Continuity

Disaster recovery and business continuity planning are essential components of a resilient IT strategy. Managed services providers ensure that businesses have solid plans in place to minimize downtime and recover quickly in the event of a disaster, whether it be a data breach, hardware failure, or natural disaster.

    • Data Backup Solutions: MSPs provide continuous backup solutions to protect your critical business data from loss, ensuring rapid recovery.

    • Business Continuity: In the event of an unexpected disaster, managed services ensure that your operations remain intact and that data can be recovered with minimal impact on business.

    • Risk Reduction: Through rigorous testing and planning, MSPs help reduce the risks associated with unexpected events, ensuring your business can continue to function during a crisis.

In 2025, when data breaches and cyber-attacks are more prevalent than ever, a disaster recovery plan is not just a recommendation but a necessity. In many cases, disaster recovery plans are required for cybersecurity insurance coverage.

7. Better Vendor Management

Dealing with multiple vendors for different aspects of your IT infrastructure can be complicated and time-consuming. MSPs simplify this process by acting as a single point of contact, managing relationships with hardware and software providers, internet service providers, and other vendors.

    • Simplified Communications: MSPs streamline vendor relationships, reducing the complexity of dealing with multiple vendors and offering you one point of contact for all your IT needs.

    • Improved Vendor Accountability: MSPs can help you negotiate better service contracts, ensuring you get the best possible terms and hold vendors accountable for performance.

    • Comprehensive Services: With managed services, businesses can consolidate their IT solutions under one provider, making everything more manageable and cost-effective.

Conclusion

As 2025 approaches, investing in managed services is more than a way to enhance IT efficiency; it’s a strategic decision that can help your business grow, stay secure, and operate more effectively. From scalability and cybersecurity to cost-efficiency and disaster recovery, managed services offer businesses the ability to streamline operations, reduce risk, and focus on their core objectives. Including managed services in your IT budget for 2025 is a critical investment in your company’s long-term success.



Sources:

https://global.hitachi-solutions.com/blog/benefits-of-managed-services

https://naviant.com/blog/managed-services-provider-qualities

https://www.buchanan.com/why-your-business-should-be-using-managed-services-in-2021/

https://www.kiplinger.com/business/kiplinger-special-business-costs-2025

Level Up Your Business: The Power of a Strong MSP Partnership

Two people shaking hands.

Your Managed Service Provider (MSP) is more than just tech support—they’re the secret weapon that propels your business forward. Our clients know the importance of a reliable, efficient IT infrastructure. But did you know that building a rock-solid MSP partnership can take your business to the next level? Let’s dive into the simple yet powerful steps that will maximize your collaboration and empower you to unlock your full business potential.

1. Choose the Right MSP

Selecting an MSP that aligns with your business needs and culture requires thorough research and due diligence. Assess potential MSPs based on their industry experience, client testimonials, and their ability to understand and integrate with your business processes. By choosing an MSP that complements your company culture and operational style, you foster a collaborative environment where both parties can work seamlessly towards common goals. This synergy leads to more effective problem-solving and innovation, ensuring that the MSP can offer tailored solutions that drive your business forward.

2. Clearly Define Goals and Expectations

Establishing clear, measurable goals at the outset ensures that both your business and the MSP have a mutual understanding of the desired outcomes. Begin by identifying your specific pain points and desired results. Communicate these effectively to your MSP, setting out timelines and performance metrics to gauge success. This clarity not only helps your MSP tailor their services to meet your objectives but also creates a framework for accountability. When both parties understand what success looks like, it leads to more focused efforts and better results.

3. Document Internal Processes

Providing comprehensive documentation of your current workflows is crucial for enabling your MSP to understand your operations fully. This detailed information allows the MSP to identify inefficiencies and propose precise improvements. Share process maps, standard operating procedures, and any relevant data with your MSP. The benefits of this practice include streamlined operations, reduced downtime, and enhanced productivity as the MSP can implement solutions that are perfectly aligned with your business processes.

4. Establish Boundaries and Roles

Clearly delineating the responsibilities between your internal IT team and the MSP is essential for preventing overlap and ensuring efficient collaboration. Define which tasks will remain in-house and which will be managed by the MSP. This division of labor ensures that each party can focus on their core competencies, leading to more efficient operations and better use of resources. Establishing these boundaries helps prevent confusion and ensures that all IT needs are met without redundancy or conflict.

5. Build MSP Partnership into Your Culture

Facilitating a seamless integration of the MSP into your corporate culture enhances communication and collaboration. Share your company’s values, mission, and internal communication practices with the MSP. By aligning the MSP with your corporate culture, you create a more cohesive working relationship where the MSP feels like an extension of your team rather than an external entity, and truly fosters an MSP Partnership dynamic. This integration fosters mutual respect and understanding, leading to more effective and harmonious collaboration.

6. Be Receptive to Change

Embracing the changes recommended by your MSP is crucial for leveraging their expertise to enhance your IT processes. Trust their experience and be open to adopting new technologies and methodologies they suggest. The willingness to adapt can lead to significant improvements in efficiency, security, and overall performance. By being receptive to change, you enable your business to stay ahead of technological advancements and industry trends, ensuring long-term success.

7. Monitor Performance with SLAs and KPIs

Implementing Service Level Agreements (SLAs) and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) is vital for tracking the performance and service quality of your MSP. Regularly review these metrics to ensure that your MSP is meeting the agreed-upon standards. This continuous monitoring allows for timely adjustments and improvements, ensuring that the MSP’s performance aligns with your business goals. Effective performance tracking leads to sustained high-quality service, preventing issues before they escalate and ensuring that your business operations run smoothly.

Conclusion

At Back To Business I.T., we believe that our success is intertwined with yours. By following these steps and working hand-in-hand with us, your trusted MSP, you’re not just investing in your IT infrastructure, you’re investing in the future of your business. This is about more than just meeting your IT needs—it’s about empowering you to thrive in an ever-evolving digital landscape. Together, we’ll ensure that your technology works seamlessly, allowing you to focus on what you do best: growing your business. Let’s build a partnership that drives innovation, efficiency, and ultimately, your success.

Sources:
How To Forge A Successful Relationship With Your Managed Service Provider

5 Ways To Build A Strong Relationship With Your MSP

Building A Successful MSP Relationship

How To Effectively Collaborate With Your MSP

Choosing the right IT support model for your business: in-house, outsourced, or co-managed

Image of a keyboard with a key labeled "Support"

In today’s technology-driven business landscape, having reliable and efficient IT support is crucial for smooth operations and growth. Choosing the optimal IT support model is critical for businesses facing increasingly diverse technology challenges. This blog explores the benefits of three primary IT support models – in-house, outsourced, and co-managed – to help businesses understand which option suits their unique needs.

In-House IT Support

In-house IT support involves hiring and managing a dedicated team of IT professionals within your organization. This model works best for large enterprises or businesses with complex IT needs and substantial resources. With in-house IT support, businesses have direct control over their IT operations and can align strategies with specific business objectives. It offers real-time support, immediate response to issues, and deeper knowledge of the company’s IT environment.

Benefits:

  • Direct Control and Alignment: With an in-house IT team, businesses have direct control over IT operations. The team can align IT strategies with specific business objectives, ensuring technology solutions are tailored to meet the organization’s unique needs.
  • Immediate Response: In-house IT support allows for real-time support and immediate response to IT issues. IT staff are on-site and readily available to address technical problems, minimizing downtime and disruption to business operations.
  • Deeper Knowledge of Company Environment: The in-house team gains extensive knowledge of the organization’s IT infrastructure, applications, and processes. This deep understanding enables more personalized support and tailored solutions.
  • Security and Confidentiality: In-house IT support with cybersecurity expertise allows businesses to maintain strict control over sensitive data and proprietary information, mitigating the risk of data breaches or leaks associated with external providers.
  • Customized IT Strategies: In-house teams can develop long-term IT strategies based on the company’s vision and goals, leading to better technology planning and implementation.

Cybersecurity:

  • Direct control over IT operations allows for better implementation of cybersecurity measures tailored to the organization’s specific needs. The in-house team can create and enforce strict security policies, ensuring the protection of sensitive data and proprietary information. However, limited expertise may hinder the ability to stay updated on the latest cybersecurity threats and best practices.

Ultimately, the decision to opt for in-house IT support depends on the specific needs, budget, and objectives of the organization. While it provides direct control, immediate response, and deep knowledge of the company environment, businesses must carefully consider the associated costs, scalability concerns, and potential limitations in expertise. For many small to medium-sized businesses, a combination of in-house IT support and outsourced or co-managed IT services may offer the most balanced and cost-effective solution to meet IT requirements.

Outsourced IT Support:

Outsourced IT support entails partnering with a third-party Managed Service Provider (MSP) like Back To Business I.T. This model is a popular choice for small to medium-sized businesses seeking cost-effective and expert IT solutions without the overhead of maintaining an internal IT team. Outsourced IT support provides access to a pool of specialized IT experts, 24/7 monitoring, proactive maintenance, and the latest technologies. It allows businesses to focus on core competencies while leaving IT responsibilities in the hands of experienced professionals.

Benefits:

  • Expertise and Specialization: Outsourced IT support provides access to a team of specialized IT professionals with diverse skill sets and expertise. MSPs stay up-to-date with the latest technologies and industry best practices, ensuring businesses receive top-notch support.
  • Cost-Effectiveness: Outsourcing IT support can be more cost-effective for small to medium-sized businesses compared to maintaining an in-house IT team. Businesses save on expenses related to recruitment, salaries, benefits, and ongoing training.
  • 24/7 Monitoring and Support: MSPs typically offer round-the-clock monitoring and support, providing continuous surveillance of IT systems and rapid response to any issues, even during non-business hours.
  • Proactive Maintenance: MSPs take a proactive approach to IT management, identifying potential problems before they become major issues. This helps prevent downtime and keeps the business running smoothly.
  • Scalability and Flexibility: Outsourced IT support can easily scale up or down to match business needs. It offers the flexibility to add or remove services as required, making it an adaptable solution for evolving businesses.
  • Focus on Core Competencies: By outsourcing, businesses can focus on their core competencies and strategic initiatives, freeing up time and resources to drive innovation and growth.
  • Access to Advanced Technologies: MSPs have access to cutting-edge technologies and tools, enabling businesses to leverage the latest solutions without investing in expensive infrastructure.

Cybersecurity:

  • External MSPs, like Back To Business I.T., specialize in cybersecurity and stay informed about emerging threats. They implement robust security protocols, conduct regular monitoring, and offer proactive maintenance to protect businesses from cyber threats. However, businesses must carefully vet MSPs to ensure they have robust security practices in place.

Businesses looking to outsource IT support should carefully select a reliable MSP, consider data security, and establish effective communication to ensure a seamless and productive partnership.

Co-Managed IT Support:

Co-Managed IT support, like the services provided by Back To Business I.T., is an ideal option for businesses that already have an in-house IT team but require additional expertise and support. With this model, the internal IT team collaborates with an external MSP, benefiting from their industry knowledge, advanced tools, and resources. Co-Managed IT support offers enhanced IT capabilities, faster issue resolution, and the flexibility to scale IT resources based on business demands.

Benefits:

  • Augmented Expertise: Co-Managed IT support offers businesses the advantage of combining the knowledge and skills of their internal IT team with the specialized expertise and resources of an external MSP. This partnership ensures a more robust and comprehensive strategy.
  • Flexibility and Scalability: The co-managed model allows businesses to scale based on their fluctuating needs. During peak periods or specific projects, the MSP can provide additional resources and support, enabling the internal IT team to focus on core tasks.
  • Enhanced Efficiency: By sharing responsibilities with an external MSP, the internal IT team can offload routine tasks and focus on strategic initiatives and innovation. This leads to improved efficiency and productivity within the IT department.
  • Proactive Problem-Solving: Co-managed IT support brings together the collective insights of both internal and external teams, leading to a more proactive approach to IT problem-solving and risk management.
  • Cost-Effectiveness: Businesses can gain access to specialized IT resources without bearing the full cost of maintaining a larger in-house team. Co-managed support allows businesses to optimize their IT budget effectively.
  • Increased Coverage: With the MSP’s 24/7 monitoring and support capabilities, businesses can ensure continuous coverage and quick response times to IT issues, even outside regular working hours.
  • Industry Best Practices: The collaboration with an external MSP introduces the organization to industry best practices, emerging technologies, and innovative solutions that can drive business growth.

Cybersecurity:

Co-managed IT support combines the expertise of the internal IT team and the external MSP, leading to a comprehensive cybersecurity approach. The MSP’s industry best practices and insights enhance the organization’s security posture, while the internal team maintains an in-depth understanding of the company’s specific security requirements.

Co-Managed IT support offers businesses the best of both worlds, leveraging the expertise of their internal IT team alongside the specialized knowledge and resources of an external MSP. While communication and coordination are crucial to the success of this model, the benefits of flexibility, scalability, and cost-effectiveness make co-managed IT support an attractive option for businesses.

Which IT Support Model is Right for Your Business?

In-House:

  • Best suited for large enterprises with extensive IT needs and resources.
  • Provides direct control over IT operations.
  • Offers on site response and deeper knowledge of the company’s IT environment.

Outsourced:

  • Ideal for small to medium-sized businesses seeking cost-effective expert IT solutions.
  • Provides access to specialized IT experts, 24/7 monitoring, and the latest technologies.
  • Allows businesses to focus on core competencies while leveraging external IT expertise.

Co-Managed:

  • Perfect for any size business with an in-house IT team in need of additional expertise and support.
  • Enables collaboration with an external MSP for enhanced capabilities and issue resolution.
  • Offers flexibility to scale IT resources based on business demands.

Choosing the right IT support model is a crucial decision that directly impacts your business’s efficiency, security, and overall success. Back To Business I.T. provides tailored solutions to keep your business thriving in the digital age. Our goal is simple: to help you get back to business. Contact Back To Business I.T. at 937.490.5600 or schedule an IT Assessment today to explore how we can empower your business with the right IT support model.

Why Accounting Firms and Financial Advisors Are Turning to Managed Services

managed services for accounting firms and financial advisors

Accounting firms and financial advisors need the right technology and expertise to run their businesses successfully. But maintaining networks and servers, upgrading hardware, updating software, meeting compliance requirements, and protecting sensitive information — all while supporting client needs — is a limitation many face. It can be downright impossible for small and medium-sized firms to keep up with.

In a time when technology plays a huge role in the financial industry — from communication to customer service to charting the past and planning for the future — it’s critical to maintain a robust I.T. infrastructure.

Leveraging Managed Services

Many small and medium-sized accounting firms and financial advisors use managed services to accommodate their technical needs and stay competitive. This is a highly successful support model in which a firm outsources their I.T. to trusted technology professionals who provide proactive 24/7 monitoring and maintenance of their computer systems.

This I.T. support model stands in stark contrast to the traditional “break/fix” model dependent upon I.T. systems having issues before a technician is dispatched. In a managed services support scenario, technicians are constantly working behind the scenes to secure, stabilize, and streamline I.T. operations.

Benefits of Managed Services

I.T. Expertise On-Demand — All your technology issues are cared for by a team of certified and trusted I.T. experts.

Round-the-clock Support — Real-time answers to your I.T. questions or troubleshooting requests through a 24-hour help desk.

Better Security — Skilled professionals and industry-leading best practices protect you from online threats.

Data Backup and Recovery — Confidence that your data is encrypted and backed up and can be restored when needed.

Compliance — Help with industry compliance standards and documented evidence for auditors.

Less Downtime — Near-zero I.T. downtime to maximize workflow and efficiency.

No Long-Term Contracts — Easily budgeted, comprehensive monthly payments with no minimum requirements.

Complete Peace of Mind — System monitoring, maintenance, and management 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

At Back To Business I.T., we understand the unique challenges you face as an accountant or financial advisor.

That’s why we offer affordable I.T. solutions and expertise that make it easier for you to concentrate on your work without worrying about network downtime or technology issues.

You can expect:

  • 24/7 System Monitoring, Maintenance, and Management
  • Improved Disk Health and Space Utilization
  • Optimized and Up-To-Date Servers and Hardware
  • Real-Time Alerts When Issues are Detected
  • Unlimited Access to Our Remote Help Desk and Ticketing Portal
  • Around-the-Clock Support and Training
  • Increased Data and Resource Security
  • Continuous System Backups and Data Restoration, As-Needed
  • Assistance with I.T. Budgeting and Hardware/Software Procurement

Want to learn more? Ask one of our I.T. experts about managed services today!

Battling the Myths of How Businesses Control Their IT Infrastructure

IT Infrastructure

In order for businesses to stay ahead of the competition, they need to be innovative. One word that is often associated with being innovative is technology. A business’s technology stems directly from their IT infrastructure. This includes their server(s), hardware, technology, managed services, software, network, etc. In order to allow innovation, businesses need to have a stable, secure and up-to-date IT infrastructure. By having this, it will allow technology to help the business operate smoothly.

Back to Business I.T. helps businesses to create, monitor and maintain their IT infrastructures. After helping many clients, we have experienced a lot of different IT environments. Through these environments, we have noticed there are some common myths that businesses believe regarding how to control an I.T. infrastructure. Below we discuss three myths and explain the realities to these situations.

1) Myth: A business can hire one person to run their entire IT infrastructure.

Reality: This may be true in some very rare cases but for most businesses, they find success in having a team of experts to control their IT infrastructure. IT managed services firms have a team of experts who work together to monitor and maintain these infrastructures. This is what allows technology to continue running for a business. So, outsourcing a business’s IT department to an managed service provider is needed.

2) Myth: An employee considered to be “tech savvy” can take on a business’s technology issues.

Reality: Taking an employee, who already has responsibilities in their current position, and throwing them into an IT environment can be dangerous. Monitoring and maintaining an IT infrastructure is a full-time job. It should not be given to someone who does not have the time to put in the work that is required. Also, being considered “tech savvy” does not mean they have the expert knowledge to provide the stable, secure and up-to-date IT infrastructure that every business needs.

3) Myth: Outsourcing a business’s IT department to a third-party managed service provider is expensive and not worth the high costs.

Reality: Outsourcing a business’s IT to a managed services firm can take up a major portion of their IT budget. However, when looking at the big picture, it can save the business money. For example, if a business’s IT network is invaded by a major threat that their one-man IT department or “tech savvy” employee cannot handle, the business is going to acquire substantial losses. Not only will they have to find and pay an IT expert or firm to resolve the issue, they will also lose a lot of important data in the process. Yet, if the business had outsourced their IT infrastructure to a managed services firm before this happened, they could have contained the threat in a much more cost and time saving manner.

In order for businesses to keep up with the competition and become innovative enough to stand out against them, they need to start investing in their technology. By doing this, they will be gaining access to opportunities that will help their business to grow.

If you are interested in learning more about what an IT managed service provider can do for your business, let’s start a conversation.

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