As companies increasingly rely on technology services for basic organizational functioning, they have a few choices to manage their information technology needs. While companies can manage IT services in-house, they can also contract a third party to handle their IT services, known as “managed IT services.” A company that handles IT services on behalf of another company or organization is a Managed Service Provider (MSP).

Managed service providers like NTM offer fully managed and co-managed IT services, with offerings covering cybersecurity, application management, and cloud computing.

Most managed IT service packages include a comprehensive Service Level Agreement (SLA), including a complete list of all IT services the third-party contractor will provide for the company.

When working with a third party for managed IT services, a company should look over SLA options for a rundown of what it can expect from the MSP. Many fully-managed IT service arrangements will involve complete control of a company’s IT services by a third-party MSP.

In contrast, co-managed IT service agreements provide the MSP partial control, sharing it with the company and its in-house IT staff.

Companies considering outsourcing their IT systems should also look into different pricing models MSPs offer to find the best value for what they need from a managed IT service.

Fully Managed IT Services

Fully managed IT services from a managed service provider will cover virtually all of a company’s IT needs. An MSP will handle all IT services remotely with fully managed services, freeing up time and resources for the company.

These arrangements benefit the customer by providing clearly-defined upfront costs for IT services, professional and experienced IT management from the MSP, and a more effective relegation of resources between IT needs and other organizational functions.

In many cases, fully managed IT services include remote management of a company’s IT infrastructure, including:

  • IP-based communication network enablement
  • Software application licensing
  • Infrastructure hardware
  • Networking hardware and software
  • Network services
  • Data storage and management

With a comprehensive, fully-managed IT service plan such as NTM’s SafeSecure, companies can also get complete cybersecurity embedded into every aspect of IT included in the SLA. Fully managed security services often include threat intelligence reports, network testing, and risk assessments.

Finally, fully managed IT services should also offer complete technical support packages if technical issues arise in a company’s IT system. Fully managed support services include remote and on-site technical support and issue ticketing and resolution services.

Co-Managed IT Services

Co-managed IT services may be a more suitable option should a company prefer to retain partial control over its IT needs while still benefitting from an MSP’s services. In this instance, the MSP’s role is to supplement the company’s internal IT department and staff.

Co-managed IT service providers can often act as consultants to identify potential IT issues well in advance and work with the company’s IT staff to fix these issues proactively. Additionally, co-managed service providers can help audit and fix gaps in a company’s IT infrastructure, freeing its in-house IT staff to work on core tasks.

Each co-managed SLA will include different service offerings managed by the outside contractor. Therefore, companies looking into co-managed IT services should review which options are included in a co-managed service package before contracting an MSP.

Application Services

Since the rise of smartphones within the past decade, mobile applications (apps) are now an industry standard online presence tool alongside standard websites. Consequently, an MSP’s offerings often include application services as part of their larger Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) packages.

Fully managed application services often include app design, management, and fully integrated digital security options.

Managed IT services provider

Cloud Computing Services

Today, more MSPs offer cloud-based digital infrastructure as part of their broader IT service packages. Managed cloud services typically include comprehensive cloud computing, cloud transformation processes, and advanced data storage on a cloud network.

Another significant benefit of outsourced cloud services is disaster recovery. In case of a system crash, damaged hardware, or accidentally-deleted files, a managed cloud system service will provide essential backed-up files or system recovery services.

These backup and recovery services provide an added layer of protection for a company’s IT systems, ensuring a quicker return to regular business operations after a disaster, such as a data breach, a natural disaster, or another major event resulting in significant data loss.

Cybersecurity Services

Cybersecurity is one of the primary IT services provided by managed service providers, both in fully managed and co-managed arrangements. As IT systems become more complex and expansive, the best cybersecurity practices become more intricate.

A managed IT cybersecurity provider will focus on all areas of cybersecurity, from antivirus and malware protection and intrusion management to protocol adherence management.

With NTM’s fully managed IT service package, companies can also receive comprehensive monitoring of employee activity to ensure that all staff follow essential best practices for cybersecurity. NTM can also provide additional cybersecurity training services, such as simulated email phishing exercises, to prevent future data breaches.

Break/Fix Services

Managed IT services may provide complete break/fix services for hardware and mobile devices. Although this service type is ad-hoc reactive only (the MSP only provides a fix service when the customer reports a break), break/fix services are critical now that smartphones and tablets are integral to a company’s IT equipment.

Break/fix services typically include hardware upgrades and replacement, installation and configuration of peripherals and accessories, and repairs to the company’s network infrastructure as needed. They can also include the installation of software solutions, such as anti-malware programs and privacy tools.

Comprehensive break/fix services should also provide technical support to computer hardware and other digital devices to ensure that physical damage does not interfere with the functioning of a company’s IT system.

Managed IT Services with NTM

As more companies seek third-party contractors to handle their IT services, finding the right partner for your company’s needs is crucial. NTM provides fully managed and co-managed IT services that cover cybersecurity, cloud computing services, IT infrastructure management, and many more essential areas of IT.

NTM also provides 24/7 technical support for all partners, ensuring no stone is left unturned regarding your company’s essential tech infrastructure. How we approach our company partners sets NTM apart from other managed service providers.

We treat all partners like family. Within this framework, we see the IT services we provide as an essential duty.

Outsourcing your company’s IT needs has numerous benefits, but you might be hesitant to hand over such an essential part of your company to a third party. But with a partner you can trust, you can get the peace of mind that comes with a well-guarded and well-maintained IT system, and free up your resources and focus away from complicated IT problems and back to your core business.

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