As a business owner, you should never try to take on more than you can handle when it comes to IT because it could negatively impact your business goals in the long run. The solution is to partner with specialized experts to ensure that all aspects of your company run smoothly.
Companies without in-house IT may find the task of designing and implementing IT solutions, and reacting properly and fast enough in an emergency, too time-consuming and overwhelming to handle successfully.
A solid IT foundation can help you scale faster and smoother and protect your business against possible liabilities. When hiring a company to manage your IT infrastructure, you have two primary options: managed services and professional services.
In this article, we’ll explore the differences between managed services vs. professional services, and the benefits they provide your business.
What are Managed IT Services?
Managed services are a type of agreement between a business and an IT service provider whose services include all aspects of your day-to-day tech operations: hardware and software maintenance, upgrades, troubleshooting, and support.
Managed services can include solutions such as:
Routine Maintenance
Working with an IT managed services provider can ensure that your tech isn’t left open to security problems or slow software due to outdated programs with technicians running maintenance and support. They may also take care of virus removal and disk management for slow-moving computers.
Cybersecurity
Cybersecurity and ransomware attacks are becoming an issue for many companies, including small businesses. A Verizon report indicated that ransomware attacks increased by 13%, a jump greater than the past five years combined. Every business needs strong security, and managed services can help you set up a robust security system for your network.
Data Backup and Recovery
In the unfortunate case that your company is the victim of a security breach or ransomware attack, a dedicated managed services provider will quickly and efficiently respond to the issue. They will contain the emergency, perform damage control, and get your systems up and running with their managed data backup and recovery services.
24/7 IT Support
Troubleshooting, administration, onboarding, and network monitoring are among the many services that a dedicated team of IT professionals will provide for your business. Whether you or your team need IT support, your managed services provider will be there to assist you.
You can work directly with the provider to design a package that perfectly meets your needs and challenges. Since most managed services providers (MSPs) operate on a subscription basis, you only pay for the services you need.
With this setup, the provider takes on the task of managing your systems while you focus on running your business.
What are the Advantages of Working With a Managed Services Provider?
- Having a set cost for almost all your IT and technology needs
- Access to effective infrastructure tools without the cost of ownership
- A dedicated IT team focused on higher priorities, optimization, and scalability
- Prevent issues by having a dedicated team looking over your daily maintenance
Managed services are designed to help companies handle their day-to-day technology needs without having full-time staff dedicated solely to maintaining these tasks themselves. This frees up employees’ time to focus on other projects.
If your company is looking to do more extensive tech upgrades, scale an existing project, or seek solutions to a specific problem, then professional services might suit you best.
Managed Services vs. Professional Services: What Does Your Business Need?
Overcome specific challenges when you partner with The Isidore Group.
What are Professional Services?
Professional services are dedicated project-based that can be customized depending on your needs.
They are designed to help your business overcome specific challenges. Professional services are meant for temporary projects such as expansions, hardware rollouts, new software installation, and integration.
Depending on the scope of work, you can opt to bring a professional services team in your project’s strategy and planning phase, in the execution and development phase, or, if it’s the case, in the rescue phase. Professional services also include one-time consultants.
Professional services can include solutions such as:
Advanced Troubleshooting
If you have one in-house IT specialist or a small team but require help, you can hire temporary help.
When larger-scale adjustments are needed, or your staff cannot handle a problem, you can outsource it to professional services. These services can provide on-demand tech support when your internal staff needs help.
Cloud Migration
Transferring your company’s entire system to the cloud is a massive undertaking that may be well beyond the capabilities of a small organization.
Professional services can step in and handle the cloud migration process. Cloud backups offer many benefits over on-site storage, including:
- Scalability
- Networking
- Seamless integration
- Security improvements
Deployment
When you need to upgrade hardware or software, you may not have the time to install and configure new solutions. Professional services can help by bringing in experts who can install and configure new solutions and help implement them. A smooth transition can keep your company moving efficiently and avoid unnecessary snags.
IT Consulting
Even the best-planned projects can have unexpected hurdles. IT consulting services can help you identify the issues within the project and help you navigate through them so that you can get back on track as soon as possible.
Professional service teams can also work with your team to finalize major projects and help them integrate all the components into one smooth workflow. They can also assist with the development of customized IT strategies and roadmaps that address your current and future needs.
What are the Advantages of Professional Services?
- No monthly costs or fees, just a one-time payment when the project is complete.
- Avoid a timely and costly learning curve and launch your solution or project faster
- Professional services address a specific problem with razor-sharp focus and expertise
- Access the best advice and expertise with fast-tracked investigation and resolution to any issues you may have
Credit: John Schnobrich
Managed Services vs. Professional Services: The Breakdown
Managed services mean companies outsource their IT operations to a third party responsible for providing all necessary tech solutions. This includes basic patching and maintenance to more advanced services like data backup, disaster recovery, and security monitoring.
Professional services are another form of IT outsourcing that focuses on specific projects that require specialized skill sets like app development or systems integration. These projects may involve multiple vendors working together to create an end-to-end solution.
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A key difference between professional services and managed services is that the latter tends to be more repetitive and continuous in nature while professional services provide specialized knowledge that cannot often be found within an organization’s internal resources.
Managed Services vs. Professional Services: Which One is Right for Your Business?
Choosing between managed and professional services depends on what your company wants to focus on and what it needs. Managed services are more of a package deal than professional services, which are more project-based and custom-tailored to your specific needs.
If you’re a business that likes to stay in the background and focus on the big picture, then managed services might be the right choice. On the other hand, if you have specific technology needs but don’t have the infrastructure to address them, professional services might be a better choice.
Interested in learning more about managed and professional IT services? Check out these blogs: |
Benefit From the Best of Both Worlds With The Isidore Group
While most IT companies specialize in a particular field, The Isidore Group offers both managed IT services and professional services for businesses in the greater Chicagoland area.
Our team consists of professionals with specialization and expertise in various IT disciplines. We provide the hardware, software, and services an organization needs to increase productivity while minimizing costly outages.
The Isidore Group’s Complete Technology Solution serves small-and-medium-sized businesses and organizations. It functions as a complete IT department within your organization without the high costs and HR requirements of hiring an entire IT team.
Get the managed and professional services you need today to ensure a better tomorrow for your business. If you have any further questions about managed services vs. professional services and which would be the best fit for your organization, contact us today to schedule a consultation.
