When managed well, an IT infrastructure can be the backbone of a successful business. It will improve cybersecurity posture, minimize operational downtime, and keep the company ahead of the competition. On the other hand, when something goes wrong, an IT infrastructure can quickly become a significant source of frustration and stress.
IT systems are complex and ever-changing. Many small to mid-sized business owners (SMBs) in Philadelphia, PA, do not have the time or the expertise to manage their IT infrastructure independently. However, in a state where SMBs employemploys nearly 50% of the population, Philadelphia business owners need effective technology solutions that give them a competitive advantage.
That's where Philadelphia managed services come into play.
Managed IT services, provided through a third-party IT company, removes the stress of keeping technology secure, stable, and up-to-date. A managed services provider will handle all the IT needs that a business owner does not have the time or resources to manage in-house. This allows businesses to focus on their goals- while being supported along the way.
Do you need help managing your Philadelphia-based company’s IT systems? Here is everything you need to know when looking for a local managed services provider.
What is a Managed Services Provider?
Before signing a partnership, you need to have a clear understanding of what a managed services provider does and why it matters.
A managed services provider will give your business access to a team of remote IT technicians who serve all of your requested technology needs. These technicians are fully dedicated to supporting your IT infrastructure and all your users.
A Philadelphia managed services provider will support your business by:
- Developing a service plan that fits your needs & budget
- Improving your IT inefficiencies
- Implementing advanced cybersecurity solutions
- Responding quickly to your IT concerns
- Minimizing downtime
In short, a worthwhile Philadelphia managed services provider will equip your business with the tools and solutions it needs to succeed and grow.
What Features Should Businesses Look for in a Philadelphia Managed Services Provider?
Now, let’s discuss some, but certainly not all, of the services to look for when searching for a provider in Philadelphia.
Network Security Solutions
Did you know that roughly 43% of all small to mid-sized businesses in the United States do not have a cybersecurity plan in place?
The problem is that many businesses misunderstand the actual risks of cyber threats. Hackers are not just going after high-value targets with large data sets. They target SMBs because they see them as easy targets who have many overlooked vulnerabilities.
If your cybersecurity isn't managed correctly, it could result in a breach or even the theft of sensitive customer and employee data. That’s why you need a managed services provider that can craft a solution with your company's security needs in mind.
A worthwhile Philadelphia managed services provider will minimize the risk of cybercrime disrupting your business by implementing advanced multi-level network security. These defenses effectively protect your business network from cybercriminal attacks and schemes.
Your managed services provider should monitor your network around the clock and run frequent security updates to stay ahead of risks. This ensures that your network security is keeping up with the latest online threats to Philadelphia businesses.
Help Desk Services
An IT disaster or system failure can occur at any hour of the day, often without warning. If left unaddressed for long periods of time, an IT issue can become costly and damaging to your bottom line.
As a result, it’s essential to look for a Philadelphia managed services provider that offers a 24/7 remote help desk service. With this service, your company will be able to reach out to an IT professional who can remotely access your systems and troubleshoot issues as they arise - even on weekends and holidays.
IT Consulting
Another feature to look for in a Philadelphia managed services provider is IT consulting.
With this service, your company will meet regularly with a single IT consultant - or a team of consultants. These consultants will access your company’s current IT strategy, systems, and compliance standards. Then, after assessing your infrastructure, the consultants will provide recommendations for improvement based on industry best practices.
Your IT consulting team may even train your employees to use technology more efficiently. This will improve overall productivity and output, while minimizing downtime caused by human errors.
VoIP Services
If your business uses an unreliable phone system or is overpaying for its current service, you may want to consider voice over IP (VoIP) services.
With VoIP services, your managed services provider will route calls through an Internet connection, instead of a traditional telephone line. This can save you money on equipment and maintenance costs – as well as improve call quality through an always-on connection. VoIP services will also allow you to access all your business phone features from any computer or mobile device.
Top Qualities in a Philadelphia Managed Services Provider
Not all managed services providers are created equally in terms of service quality. Therefore, it’s important to do careful research before partnering with a provider.
Here are a few attributes to look for in a Philadelphia managed services provider:
Proactive Approach to IT
A managed services provider should proactively monitor and maintain your business infrastructure to identify any risks, rather than reactively fix problems when they occur.
With a proactive managed services provider, your systems will be monitored around the clock. If an issue is found, your provider will take the necessary steps to eliminate it and prevent it from occurring in the future. This minimizes downtime and keeps your systems running smoothly.
Relevant Industry Experience
A managed services provider shouldn’t serve all businesses in the same way. Technology needs vary by industry, and your IT provider must understand your specific needs to deliver high-quality services.
A good Philadelphia managed services provider will have many years of experience designing and delivering technology solutions for Philly businesses in your industry. The managed services provider should also be well-versed in the latest industry trends, regulations, compliance, and security standards. This ensures that you are receiving technology solutions and services that will serve you for years to come.
A Proven Track Record
Finally, a managed services provider should have a proven track record of success.
That's why it is crucial to look into the provider's previous work. Past client reviews and testimonials, for example, will give you a better understanding of how they operate and what you can expect from their services.
In addition, a highly credible Philadelphia managed services provider will be more than happy to provide you with references from previous clients or case studies of success stories.
In Conclusion
As you can see, the right Philadelphia managed services provider will benefit your business in many ways.
A managed services provider will offer your business the solutions it needs to operate efficiently and avoid IT problems that could potentially threaten your business. Most importantly, they will help foster growth opportunities and success by ensuring your IT systems are running at their fullest potential.
How can a Philadelphia managed services provider benefit your business? Let's find out together.