As a business owner, it’s likely that you use some technology in your operations. Who do you turn to when you need help with your computers or phone system? There are a few options when it comes to making sure your tech is running smoothly. Traditional information technology (IT) teams often come to mind, but a managed service provider (MSP) can be a great alternative. Read on to learn how an MSP compares to traditional IT, and how it can benefit your business. 

MSP vs. IT

When you think of IT, you usually think of a department or a single person within a business who takes care of any tech problems that may arise. They handle installing and configuring any new hardware or software, solving connectivity problems, troubleshooting phone issues, and most likely, a dozen other things. They are paid members of your staff, though both their time and knowledge can sometimes be limited.

An MSP, on the other hand, is an entire team of experts who are always there to help you when you need it the most. While they work remotely, as opposed to traditional IT teams who work in house, your MSP is only a phone call away. 

What Are The Benefits of an MSP?

There are many benefits to hiring an MSP to handle all of your tech needs. For example, what happens if your IT team is on vacation and something goes wrong? An MSP is there for you when you need it the most. For the most part, your IT team is available to you in-house during working hours. MSPs are often there 24/7 as well, you just have to call them up any time you need it.

One of the greatest benefits of an MSP is the resources it can offer you. An MSP is made up of professionals who all have different skillsets and levels of expertise. This means that they have a diverse knowledge base and the ability to collaborate with one another to solve your tech issues quickly and efficiently. In general, an in-house IT team most likely has a lower level of expertise. They may also lack the collaboration that an MSP has available. 

This level of expertise means an MSP can often help you see problems before they arise. Your in-house IT team may rush around to solve problems as they happen. On the other hand, an MSP can offer preventative measures that will keep you ahead of the curve.

Also, an in-house IT team may not always have tasks to work on if everything is running smoothly in your business. If you hire IT as part of your staff, they may have downtime, but you still have to pay them. An MSP has consistent fees which may result in your business saving money in the long run. And MSPs often have a range of payment options, so even if you’re a small business, you can find something that fits within your budget. This also means that as your business grows, you can scale up their services to grow with you. 

Is an MSP The Right Choice For Your Business?

MSPs offer a wide array of benefits that make hiring one the right choice for many businesses. They offer scalability and a consistently low cost that will fit your budget. This means that their costs will always be predictable, so you can keep your budget on track. They also provide a huge amount of expertise and support when you need it.

It doesn’t matter if you’re a small startup or a business with a few years under your belt, an MSP can handle your technology needs and provide you with satisfaction at a price that works for where you are. 

When looking for an MSP to work with, do a little research. Look at the training and certifications of their team members, and read up on their expertise level and any reviews you can find online.