Small businesses benefit from managed IT services providers during the COVID-19 pandemic

As of March 31, 2020, the number of people in Florida infected with COVID-19 has reached 5,694, making ours the sixth state with the most number of cases in the United States. Organizations in Tampa, Sarasota, and Orlando have now turned to remote working so that businesses can continue despite social distancing and lockdowns.

Understandably, many owners of small- to mid-sized businesses (SMBs) are concerned with the current scenario. It’s a challenge to coordinate with and manage employees who are working from their homes, especially if the company IT infrastructure wasn’t set up for it.

That’s why one of the wisest investments you can make as an SMB owner is to acquire the services of a managed IT services provider (MSP).

Why should an SMB partner with an MSP?

Think of having your own IT department, with enough staff members to service all your IT needs, but outsourced. That’s what an MSP is, and it’s precisely what’s needed in this era of working remotely.

If you think outsourcing your IT to an MSP is only for big businesses with deep pockets, think again. Even your small business will benefit greatly from such a partnership not only during this pandemic but also when things go back to normal.

So what are the benefits you can expect from hiring an MSP?

#1 Financial flexibility

Many SMB owners say that finances are their number one source of stress. But partnering with an MSP will not break the bank. An MSP will work within the budget you have and recommend only the services you need, especially for a remote work setup. You pay only for what you use, and because MSPs charge you a fixed monthly fee, you can budget judiciously.

And it’s cheaper to outsource your IT department instead of hiring your own IT staff. You don’t need to shoulder salaries, training, and other overhead expenses that come with in-house employees.

#2 The right skills

Not only are highly skilled IT experts expensive, but they’re also in high demand. But with an MSP, you tap into a pool of IT experts with extensive experience in various fields. What’s more, these experts can offer you a fresh, unbiased third-party point of view to solve your IT issues or recommend technologies that complement your business strategies.

#3 Cybersecurity

Leave it to the experts to make sure your network is safe and secure even when all your staff members are working in different locations and accessing the internet using different providers.

Also, more hackers are now using COVID-19 scare as a phishing tactic. An MSP can help train your staff on how to avoid becoming a victim of such schemes.

#4 Focus on your business

Whenever you encounter IT problems, let your MSP take care of it. They will also manage your network 24/7, making sure all your software programs are updated and patched. With IT concerns off your plate, you and your staff can now focus your attention and efforts on actually running your business.

#5 Scalability

When all of this is over, your business will be in a position to take advantage of the economic surge that happens when the whole country bounces back on its feet. Should your SMB experience sudden growth, your MSP can scale up its services according to your new needs.

How to pick the right MSP for you?

Choosing the right partner is key to maximizing the benefits an MSP offers. To do this, you need to ask the following questions:

• Is your MSP flexible? — Your MSP must be capable of scaling their services up or down, according to the changing needs of your business.
• Is your MSP proactive? — Your MSP should know and anticipate your needs, providing you with the services and tools necessary to manage and monitor your network.
• What services do they offer? — They should provide products and services that improve your business’s automation, security, and innovation.
• Do they work with businesses like yours? — If they do, then your MSP has a better understanding of your industry, especially regarding compliances and regulations.
• Do they offer disaster recovery? — What happens to your business should a cyberattack or another natural disaster occur while everyone’s working remotely? Your MSP should prepare you for the worst-case scenario, and help you bounce back with a business continuity plan.

Now more than ever, your business needs a HERO by your side. HERO Managed Services will provide you with all your IT needs, from network maintenance, business intelligence, and cloud solutions to cybersecurity, compliance, data backup, and disaster recovery. If your business is in the Tampa, Sarasota, or Orlando areas, then you should partner with us. Avail of your FREE consultation from our experts today.