If organizations try to manage IT infrastructure on their own, it could be a cumbersome task as many tasks require handling. Businesses usually outsource their IT services to Managed Service Providers (MSPs). Managed Services can handle IT infrastructure management, cybersecurity, network monitoring, cloud computing, data backup, and recovery.
While managed services offer several benefits, your MSP must deliver the key features and services necessary for your business. We will be discussing essential features and services that your MSP should be providing and how you can manage your IT infrastructure better.
What are Managed Services
Managed services are IT services that are outsourced to a third-party Managed Service Provider to manage and support a client’s IT infrastructure, applications, and end-users. Managed services include monitoring, maintenance, and support of IT systems.
Managed service providers then ensure the smooth and efficient running of any business or enterprise’s IT infrastructure so that they don’t hire an in-house IT team.
What to look for in managed services
Over the years, managed services have grown rapidly as they provide custom-built solutions so that businesses can focus on their operations without worrying about data storage and applications and services running. If you are looking for managed services in America, Colohouse has the best data storage centers in Colorado Springs, Orangeburg New York, and other locations which ensure the breeze-free running of your operations. Here are the following factors that you should look up when consulting and hiring for managed services providers.
Network Monitoring and Management
Any IT infrastructure without a network is like reaching a rooftop without stairs unless you can fly. Practically this is not possible, so just like that network is the backbone of any IT infrastructure, and any downtime or performance issues can have negative consequences.
Managed services provide network monitoring by network monitoring software, and intrusion detection and prevention systems. Managed services also include management which involves the configuration of routers, and other network devices, and installing security protocols.
Cybersecurity
No, IT infrastructure is safe without ensuring protection against cyber threats. Therefore, managed services also include services that can protect clients’ networks. For that, they provide Endpoint Protection which includes the installation of antivirus software on clients’ laptops and desktops. Intrusion detection and prevention ensures monitoring of network traffic just in case there’s any cyber threat.
Vulnerability assessments are performed on networks, and applications to identify if there are any discrepancies in operations.
Migration Services
There are many migration tools such as cloud migration, data center migration, and application migration that managed services include. In cloud migration, managed services assist in on-site IT infrastructure to the cloud-based structure. It is helpful for businesses as it reduces costs and eliminates the on-site IT team personnel as managed services also handle everything after migration. Sometimes, when there is high traffic incoming and businesses feel that their traffic is too much for the current server, they can ask managed service providers for the up gradation. Up gradation included migration to a cloud server from a physical server, or simply from one cloud server to another cloud server. Data center migration involves migration from an on-site data server to a cloud server or colocation facility.
Backup and Recovery
Security is a key aspect of any IT infrastructure. Regular data backups and data recovery in case of a potential breach are key security ingredients that any managed services provider should provide. Cloud backups are stored either on the physical or cloud server, depending on the client’s preference. In case of potential data loss, managed services help in data restoration from backups, or recovering from hard drives, and other storage devices. Managed services from time to time to test data backups and recovery tools to ensure they work properly.
Server management
Many management services are responsible for data delivery and applications. Managed services offer server monitoring by checking on server applications such as web servers and data servers. It also includes regular software updates, checking on server performance, and configurations as the traffic increases.
Virtualization of the server infrastructure is another aspect of server management that involves running several virtual servers on a single physical server. This can assist enterprises and businesses in lowering hardware expenses, increasing server utilization, and increasing flexibility and scalability.
Remote Hands
The word, remote indicates something of the location. Many managed services provide remote hands services which they only perform when called upon. It includes hardware installation and maintenance. Managed service providers are also able to manage network connectivity and resolve networking issues.
Managed services also provide remote monitoring of the IT infrastructure which includes servers, storage devices, and network equipment. The support also includes troubleshooting issues and resolving technical problems.
Scalability with flexibility
The biggest advantage of outsourcing your business’s IT infrastructure is that they provide flexibility and scalability whenever there’s a requirement. The biggest perk is that they can help in moving IT infrastructure from physical servers to cloud servers.
Cloud servers are rapidly growing as they are cost-effective, and they give your business flexible options of scaling up or scaling down as per network demand. Colohouse can also help you in deploying new applications or can also assist in scaling existing applications and services to meet your business needs.
Conclusion
Managed services can play an integral role for your company or organization that requires dependable and effective IT infrastructure management. As a business, you can outsource to managed services so you can concentrate on operations and growth without having to worry about difficult IT duties.
Various things should be considered by enterprises when selecting a Managed Service Provider, including network monitoring and management, cybersecurity, migration services, backup and recovery, server management, and remote hands.
Managed services that provide flexibility and scalability, particularly in cloud-based solutions, can help your business respond to changing market demands and save expenses. Colohouse provides all the core services discussed above to help you grow in a competitive market. Simply contact us for the services you are looking for!
