Managing a network alone can be challenging for businesses, especially in today’s complex IT environment. As more processes move online and remote work becomes the norm, maintaining a stable and secure infrastructure is crucial but requires significant time and resources. It is where managed network services can help. These solutions involve outsourcing daily network maintenance and security tasks to an experienced provider. It allows businesses to:
Focus on core operations instead of IT issues. Gain access to expert knowledge at an affordable cost. Ensure network uptime and performance through automated monitoring and management. Scale infrastructure quickly according to changing needs. Adopt new technologies seamlessly with vendor support.
In this article, we will explore the key benefits of managed network services, different types of offerings, factors to consider for selection and real examples of how these solutions have helped companies optimize network operations.
What are Managed Network Services?
Managed network services involve outsourcing your network infrastructure’s daily maintenance and monitoring to an experienced provider. It frees your in-house IT staff to focus on more strategic tasks while ensuring network performance. Some key aspects of managed network services include:
● Remote Monitoring and Management: The provider uses specialized tools and 24/7 monitoring to maintain visibility into your network health. It allows them to identify and address issues before they impact your business proactively.
● Automated Maintenance: Regular maintenance tasks like software updates, configuration changes, and hardware checks are performed automatically. It keeps your systems optimized without disrupting workflows.
● On-call Support: Networking experts are just a call away to troubleshoot complex issues. Most providers offer 24/7 assistance with guaranteed response times.
● Security Management: Threat detection, firewall management, intrusion prevention and security patches are all handled to safeguard your data and systems from cyber risks.
● Optimization Services: Performance assessments help ensure your infrastructure meets evolving demands. Optimization of bandwidth usage, quality of service policies, and more are included.
● Scalability: Your network can flex up or down through the addition of new sites, users or applications effortlessly with their assistance.
● Types of Offerings: Providers have different service tiers for unique needs. For example, some focus only on monitoring, while others take over complete infrastructure management. There are also customized solutions.
The right provider will assess your environment and recommend a tailored managed services package. It could span SD-WAN, LAN/WAN maintenance, Wi-Fi management, and unified communications.
In summary, managed network services are a smart option for businesses seeking to optimize IT costs while keeping systems running smoothly. Outsourcing to an expert provider means your network is in reliable hands.
Benefits of Using an MSP
With network management handled by an MSP, businesses unlock a variety of significant advantages. Let’s explore some top benefits:
Reduced IT Costs
Outsourcing tasks to an MSP eliminates hardware purchases, software licenses, and ongoing training expenses. Instead, a simple monthly fee covers all your needs. It makes costs more predictable versus maintaining an in-house team.
Increased Network Uptime
Proactive monitoring and rapid response to issues result in higher network availability. Downtime becomes a rarity rather than an expensive disruption. One study found MSP clients experienced 97% less unplanned downtime on average.
Enhanced Security Posture
MSPs stay on top of evolving threats using integrated security systems, firewall management and regular patching. Your risk of data breaches is significantly lowered through their vigilance and expertise.
Scalability On-Demand
An MSP’s flexible infrastructure enables adding or removing users, sites and applications seamlessly. There’s no need for hardware overprovisioning or replacing end-of-life devices yourself.
Focus on Core Operations
With networking fully handled remotely, you free up time and resources. Employees can dedicate more hours to strategic tasks rather than firefighting technical problems.
Optimized Performance
Through monitoring and regular health checks, MSPs ensure your network and systems always perform at peak levels. Latency issues, bottlenecks and other inefficiencies are promptly addressed.
Peace of Mind
Knowing that credentialed professionals are managing mission-critical systems allows business leaders to focus on growth. Performance SLAs provide confidence that operations will run smoothly.
Expert Advice
MSPs stay on top of emerging technologies through extensive training. Their recommendations help you adopt innovations to maximize productivity and stay ahead of competitors.
Types of Managed Network Services
When assessing providers, it’s essential to understand the different types of services available to meet your unique requirements. Here are some of the most prevalent options:
● Monitoring & Management: At a minimum, an MSP can remotely monitor systems for issues using automated tools. More full-service providers take on hands-on administration as well.
● Security Services: Many bundle security offerings like firewall management, antivirus, content filtering and intrusion prevention. Some even provide security operations centre oversight.
● Break/Fix Support: For minor incidents, most MSPs offer on-call support during business hours. Some take it a step further with 24/7 assistance to resolve disruptions rapidly.
● Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS): A few specialized providers manage all your hardware, software, data centre space and networking gear. It allows full outsourcing of IT assets.
● SD-WAN Services: Leading MSPs can design, deploy and maintain software-defined wide-area networks for optimized connectivity in multiple locations.
● Unified Communications: VoIP, video conferencing equipment, collaboration tools and related support are gaining popularity as managed services.
● Custom Solutions: For some, pre-packaged offerings need to align better. Top providers will work with you to create tailored solutions based on specific goals.
When choosing, consider your budget and desired level of outsourcing. Some prefer monitoring alone, while others relinquish complete control. Do your research to pick a provider experienced in your industry with services matching short and long-term plans. A customized approach leads to the highest satisfaction.
Choosing the Right Provider
With many MSPs competing for your business, evaluating options is essential. Consider these key factors:
● Experience Level: Ideally, look for a provider with a proven track record of at least five years. They should have deep expertise in your industry and technology stack.
● Security Certifications: MSPs should maintain certifications like ISO 27001 to ensure rigorous security standards and compliance protocols are followed.
● Infrastructure Tools: Do they use industry-leading RMM, PSA, remote access and security tools? Familiar technology minimizes transition challenges.
● Response SLAs: Find out regular response times for various issues and any related service credits. It ensures adequate support levels.
● Pricing Models: Compare fixed fee, usage-based and popular models to identify the best fit. Ask for references to validate actual costs.
● Support Hours: Consider if 24/7 coverage is essential for your uptime needs, especially on weekends or holidays.
● References: Check reviews and call past clients of top contenders to verify satisfaction and value delivered.
● Onboarding Process: An effective plan ensures a smooth, risk-free handover. Look for customized documentation and training.
● Contract Flexibility: Long-term contracts may lock in rates but require flexibility to scale services up or down.
● Relationship Focus: Select a partner, not just a vendor. Look for personal attention, not just automated systems.
Evaluating providers against your unique requirements helps identify an ideal strategic partner for your managed network services needs. Doing thorough due diligence leads to highly satisfying long-term relationships.
Customer Success Stories
How managed services have helped other companies optimize network operations and support growth.
Construction Firm – Increased Uptime
A mid-sized contractor lost thousands of dollars monthly to network outages and slowing projects. An MSP implemented 24/7 monitoring, reducing downtime by over 95%. Remote support cut on-site visits in half, saving travel costs. Automated patching prevents security issues. The client can now focus on new bids instead of troubleshooting.
Healthcare Non-Profit – Scaled Easily
A charity medical centre expanded into rural regions but needed help maintaining connectivity across locations. An MSP designed and deployed an SD-WAN connecting ten clinics seamlessly. They onboarded new sites quarterly with zero disruption. Centralized management of devices through the MSP’s portal empowered clinicians to focus on patient care instead of IT headaches. Costs per user dropped by 35% within a year of outsourcing.
These examples highlight expected benefits realized – minimized downtime, streamlined growth, lower expenses and freed resources. MSPs empower companies of all sizes to optimize network operations as a reliable, affordable, managed service instead of an internal burden.
As networks grow more complex, the value of expert, proactive management increases. Speaking with your peers and potentially impacted departments will help you understand if your organization could similarly benefit. Most MSPs offer free assessments to demonstrate their capabilities.
Optimized Infrastructure, Maximum Uptime – Rely on Our Expertise
If you’re ready to eliminate network management headaches and optimize your infrastructure for growth, contact the experts at ZZ Servers today. As a leading managed IT and security provider for over 17 years, we have the expertise to assess your unique environment, design a tailored solution, and ensure seamless implementation. Our proven track record of successfully supporting organizations with 10-200 employees on their digital transformation journey means you can have confidence in our ability to deliver documented results. Save time struggling with technical issues – call 800-796-3574 and let our team of professionals take over your network management and security so you can focus on your core business.
Conclusion
Managed services allow focusing on core work while experts handle infrastructure remotely. Costs become predictable through monthly or annual contracts versus fluctuating in-house expenses. Downtime is significantly reduced, and security posture is enhanced through 24/7 monitoring and proactive support.
Network performance is ensured through regular optimization, even as requirements evolve. Providers offer customized solutions to match your needs, budget and timelines perfectly. If your organization wishes to eliminate network headaches and achieve higher productivity, reliability and savings, connecting with a top-rated MSP is worth exploring.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a managed network service typically cost?
Managed network services pricing varies by provider and your unique needs. On average, expect costs similar to 1-3 in-house IT employees. Most offer predictable monthly or annual contracts from $500-$5000 to cover monitoring, management, support and optimization and scale effortlessly with your infrastructure. Free consultations help provide accurate quotes.
What kinds of businesses benefit most from these services?
All organizations can benefit, especially small-to-medium firms with 10-200 staff lacking dedicated networking teams. Industries like healthcare, retail, construction and non-profits also find great value in reliable, affordable, managed services. Remote and multiple-location businesses appreciate scalable, optimized connectivity.
Can managed services improve my network security?
Absolutely. Cybersecurity is a top priority for MSPs using cutting-edge tools to safeguard infrastructure and detect threats proactively. Automated patching, firewall management, intrusion prevention and 24/7 monitoring form a strong security posture most businesses cannot match. Outsourcing to experts is an intelligent investment for enhanced protection.
How quickly will I see results from a managed network solution?
You should typically see improvements within the first 30-90 days as issues are addressed and performance optimized. Ongoing results include near-100% uptime, lower costs through consolidated services, and freed resources to focus internally instead of on technical problems. Measurable enhancements continue as technologies evolve and your needs change with the provider’s guidance and support.
What should I look for in a potential managed service provider?
Key factors include at least five years of experience, a strong industry reputation, certifications like ISO 27001, and positive client testimonials. Ensure they use leading RMM, PSA and security tools and provide clear response SLAs. Evaluate pricing models and support coverage, too. Most importantly, find a partner focused on long-term success through personalized service, not just automation. Comprehensive due diligence leads to highly trusted relationships.
