Running a business without an IT specialist is like driving without a seatbelt on. You’re aware of the risks that can halt your activities, but you’re not doing much to mitigate those threats. Should you opt to fly solo and not partner with a managed IT services provider (MSP), beware that you’re putting your business at risk of the following:
1. System vulnerabilities to cyberattacks
Managed IT services providers handle your entire IT infrastructure. Not only do they proactively monitor your systems for potential cybersecurity threats, but they also provide immediate IT support when technology fails. Without a partner MSP, you will have to handle every aspect of your cybersecurity, fix tech breakdowns, and perform routine data backups, among other things.
If you have an internal team of seasoned IT professionals, doing those tasks shouldn’t be a problem. But if your organization is like most small- and medium-sized businesses with limited resources, you might end up assigning a tech-inclined employee to perform IT tasks that they are not qualified to do. Having an ad hoc IT department simply isn’t enough to fend off hackers and sophisticated malware attacks. It’s best to leave your systems in the hands of a capable MSP that has the technology and the expertise to keep data breaches and other attacks at bay.
2. Inability to respond to threats immediately
Tech issues don’t follow a schedule. Service interruptions or security threats can arise anytime, so you must be prepared to handle them whenever they arise. Even if you have an in-house IT personnel, they won’t be able to address all IT concerns simultaneously. Your ‘IT guys’ might be busy with another urgent task, or they might be off-duty. What’s more, they might not be skilled enough to solve complex IT problems.
Fortunately, when you partner with an MSP, you’ll get access to a team of IT professionals with a wide range of skills. They can take turns in watching over your IT infrastructure, giving you peace of mind that your data and systems are safe 24/7/365.
3. High operating costs
Not having a solid IT strategy can lead to overspending. For instance, you might opt for off-the-shelf software because they’re more affordable than customized ones. However, should your needs change, you might outgrow them quickly and not get your investment’s worth.
An MSP can help lower your operating costs by giving you expert advice on making only technology purchases that address your needs and deeply impact your business. On top of this, your MSP partner can implement IT solutions that eliminate redundancies in the supply chain, automate mundane tasks, and streamline general workflows.
4. Clipped agility
The COVID-19 pandemic has made it clear that agility must be a business priority. Those who were able to quickly shift into a digitalized paradigm outperformed those who depended on more traditional business models.
Nowadays, a huge chunk of business continuity hinges on how well you can utilize IT to your advantage. IT should be at the core of any contingency plan, and an MSP can help make that possible. Whether it’s keeping your remote work infrastructure secure or making sure your backup and recovery plan is up to date, an MSP can lend a helping hand.
5. Less time for managing business
MSPs reliably safeguard your technology so you don’t have to. They can also offer expert advice on how you can optimize your current IT infrastructure, or how you can design an IT roadmap that can help achieve your business goals.
If you choose to operate your business without partnering with an MSP, you’ll have to deal with IT-related downtimes and create an IT roadmap on your own. Addressing these things will significantly eat up your time and divert your focus from what you should be doing: managing your business.
Keeping your business running isn’t an easy feat, and you need every help you can get. Partner with Midwest Data Iowa to enjoy a trove of benefits, including increased IT security, improved agility, and better budgeting insights. Midwest Data Iowa is the MSP your Iowa business can depend on.
