What IT Services should an MSP offer in 2022?
Have you ever wondered what IT services MSP’s offer? MSPs, or Managed Service Providers, offer a variety of IT services to their clients that benefit both employees and owners. Depending on the provider, you may be able to get access to all sorts of technology and support services. From cloud services to help desk support and everything in between, MSPs can give your business a comprehensive suite of tools it needs to flourish. So what should you look for when choosing an MSP? And more importantly, what IT services do they offer? Keep reading to find out!
Proactive Remote Machine Management (RMM)
RMM is an essential IT Service your MSP should provide. In the current security landscape, it’s more important than ever to have a robust and proactive remote machine management (RMM) strategy in place. Policy-based RMM is an effective way to secure endpoints and ensure that they remain compliant with corporate policies. By automatically enforcing policies on all endpoint devices, policy-based RMM can help to prevent data breaches and ensure that devices are always up to date with the latest security patches. In addition, policy-based RMM can also help to improve endpoint performance by ensuring that only approved applications are installed on devices. As a result, policy-based RMM is an essential tool for any organization looking to protect its data and its devices. RMM options include but are not limited to workstations (desktops & laptops), servers, mobile devices, and media players (DOOH).
Helpdesk 5×13 or 24×7
Helpdesk support is a vital IT Service for any business. It provides a direct link between the customer and the company, and it allows businesses to quickly resolve IT issues. There are two main types of helpdesk support: 5×13 and 24×7. 5×13 support is available five days a week, 13 hours a day. It is typically less expensive than 24×7 support, but it may not be available when employees need it. 24×7 support is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It is more expensive than 5×13 support, but it provides coverage when employees need it most. When deciding which type of helpdesk support to choose, businesses should weigh the cost and the needs of their employees.
Security Solutions
As the world becomes increasingly digitized, the need for robust IT security solutions grows. Businesses of all sizes face a range of threats, from data breaches to ransomware attacks. While no single solution can provide perfect security, a combination of techniques can help to reduce the risk of an attack. Below are some common security solutions MSP’s provide!
- Ransomware Protection: Businesses are under constant attack from ransomware. This malicious software can encrypt your data and hold it hostage until you pay a ransom. Although some ransomware can be removed without paying, there is no guarantee that your data will be recovered. To protect yourself from ransomware, you should have a robust IT security system in place. This should include firewalls, anti-virus software, and intrusion detection systems. You should also keep your IT systems up to date with the latest security patches.
- Endpoint Detection & Response (EDR): Endpoint detection and response (EDR) is a security technique that helps detect and respond to malicious activity on a network. Unlike traditional antivirus software, which only looks for known threats, EDR uses artificial intelligence and machine learning to identify suspicious activity. This allows it to detect both known and unknown threats. Once a threat has been detected, EDR can provide information about the type of threat, its location, and how to respond. This information can help security teams contain and remove the threat quickly. As a result, EDR is an essential tool for protecting networks from both known and unknown threats.
- Privileged Access Management (PAM): Privileged access to sensitive data and systems is a major risk. Unauthorized access can lead to data leaks, identity theft, and a host of other problems. That’s why it’s essential to have a robust Privileged Access Management (PAM) system in place. PAM systems help to control and monitor access to privileged accounts, ensuring that only authorized individuals can gain access. In addition, PAM systems can help to track activity and identify potential security breaches. By implementing a PAM system, organizations can significantly reduce the risk of unauthorized access to their sensitive data.
- Cyber Security Posture Audit & Remediation: When it comes to protecting your business from cyber threats, it’s important to take a proactive stance. That’s why conducting a regular cyber security posture audit is essential. By assessing your systems and identifying vulnerabilities, you can take steps to remediate them before they’re exploited. However, conducting an effective audit can be a challenge. First, you need to have the right tools in place. Next, you need to develop a clear understanding of your current posture. Finally, you need to establish realistic goals for improvement. With careful planning and execution, however, you can ensure that your audit is successful and your business is better protected against threats.
- Identity management (IAM): Is a critical security practice that helps organizations control access to systems and data. By managing digital identities, IAM can help reduce the risk of unauthorized access and improve operational efficiency. IAM systems are used to create and manage user accounts, set permissions, and track activity. They can also be used to authenticate users and authorize access to resources. In order to be effective, IAM must be tailored to the needs of the organization. The right solution will depend on the size of the organization, the type of data being protected, and the level of security required. When implemented properly, IAM can help organizations keep their data safe while providing employees with the access they need to do their jobs.
- SaaS Protection: The best way to protect your SaaS investment is to have a backup plan in place. This way, if something happens to your primary system, you’ll still be able to access your data and applications. There are a few different backup options available, so be sure to talk to your IT team about which one makes the most sense for your business.
Business Continuity
MSP’s also help businesses with continuity. Business Continuity is a vital IT Service for companies in today’s ever-changing environment. The ability to weather storms, both literal and figurative, is essential for long-term success. There are a number of options available to companies when it comes to business continuity planning. One option is to purchase insurance that will cover the cost of business interruption. Another option is to create a fund that can be used in the event of an interruption. The most important thing is to have a plan in place so that you can quickly and efficiently get your business back up and running in the event of an interruption. By being prepared, you can ensure that your company remains strong and prosperous for years to come. It is recommended to have a backup for your Endpoints, Servers, and a Disaster Recovery plan.
- Endpoint Backups: With endpoint backups, you can protect the data on your laptops, workstations, smartphones, and tablets from being lost or stolen. Endpoint backup gives you the ability to remotely wipe data from a lost or stolen device, and it also allows you to restore data to a new device. In addition, endpoint backup can help you to locate a lost device and remotely lock it if it is stolen. With so many benefits, endpoint backup is a must-have for anyone who relies on mobile devices for work or personal use.
- Disaster Recovery: No business is immune to the risk of a major IT disaster, whether it be a ransomware attack, a system outage, or data loss. While the odds of such an event occurring may be relatively small, the impact can be catastrophic. That’s why it’s so important for businesses to have a solid plan in place for IT disaster recovery.
- Server Backups: Server backups help to protect businesses from data loss due to hardware failures, software glitches, or malicious attacks. There are many different approaches to server backup, but all involve creating copies of data that can be restored in the event of a disaster. The most common type of server backup is known as incremental backup. This approach involves backing up only the data that has changed since the last backup, which helps to reduce the amount of storage space required. Full backups, on the other hand, create copies of all data on the server, regardless of whether it has been changed since the last backup. Some businesses opt for a hybrid approach, which combines elements of both incremental and full backups. No matter what approach is used, server backup is essential for any business that wants to protect its digital information.
Managed Infrastructure
As businesses grow and develop having their infrastructure managed becomes an essential IT Service. When businesses first started using computers, very few gave any thought to the need for managing their IT infrastructure. After all, a single computer was relatively easy to keep running smoothly. But as businesses have increasingly relied on technology, the task of managing IT infrastructure has become more complex and important. Today, managed IT infrastructure refers to the entire network of hardware and software that a business uses to operate. This can include everything from servers and storage devices to email systems and website hosting. By working with a managed IT provider, businesses can ensure that their IT infrastructure is always up and running smoothly. In addition, a managed IT provider can help businesses to plan for future growth and ensure that their IT infrastructure is able to meet their future needs.
Managed Cloud
The cloud has become an essential part of doing business in the 21st century. More and more companies are using cloud-based services to increase efficiency and cut costs. However, managing a cloud can be a challenge, particularly for large organizations with complex IT infrastructure. That’s where managed cloud services come in. Managed cloud services can help companies to optimize their use of the cloud and get the most out of their investment. In addition, managed cloud services can provide expert support and guidance on how to best utilize the cloud to achieve business goals. As the demand for cloud-based services continues to grow, managed cloud services will become increasingly essential for businesses of all sizes.
Co-Managed IT – Larger & Enterprise Offering
Co-Managed IT is an IT Service used to describe the collaborative effort between an organization’s internal IT staff and an external Managed Service Provider (MSP). Under this arrangement, the MSP provides supplemental support to the internal IT team, with the goal of improving overall performance and efficiency. This approach can be beneficial for organizations of all sizes, as it allows them to tap into the expertise and resources of a larger company. In addition, Co-Managed IT can help to free up internal staff to focus on more strategic tasks, such as innovation and growth. For these reasons, Co-Managed IT is becoming an increasingly popular option for businesses.
Value-Added Resale (VARs)
Another important IT Service MSP offer is Value-Added Resale. An IT value-added reseller (VAR) is a type of business that provides customers with a comprehensive solution for their IT needs. A VAR typically offers a wide range of products and services, including hardware, software, networking, and security. In addition, VARs often provide support and training to ensure that customers are able to get the most out of their IT investment. While VARs have been around for many years, they have become increasingly popular in recent years as businesses seek to outsource their IT needs. For businesses that don’t have the time or resources to manage their own IT infrastructure, VARs can be an invaluable resource. By working with a VAR, businesses can gain access to the latest technology without having to invest in their own internal IT department.
Cloud Hosting
Cloud hosting is a type of internet hosting that uses a network of remote servers to store and manage data. The benefits of cloud hosting include increased scalability, reliability, and security. With cloud hosting, businesses can scale their operations up or down as needed, without incurring the extra costs of maintaining on-site hardware. Cloud hosting is also more reliable than traditional hosting because it distributes data across multiple servers, making it less likely that a single server failure will result in data loss. Finally, cloud hosting is often more secure than on-premises hosting because data is stored off-site and behind a firewall. As a result, businesses can enjoy increased flexibility, reliability, and security with cloud hosting.
Web Hosting
Web hosting is another IT Service MSP’s offer their clients. Without a web host, it would be impossible to make your site available to the world. Fortunately, there are a number of different web hosting options available, making it easy to find the perfect solution for your needs. Your MSP can also help guide you with what type of hosting you will need for your site, creating a smoother experience should you decide to make any changes.
In Conclusion
MSP’s offer a wide range of IT services that can help your business succeed. Managed Service Providers should also offer more than just break-fix solutions as a starting point. Security is paramount and a data breach may cause irreversible damage to your business. Take into consideration that our most basic package includes proactive RMM, EDR, and help desk on-demand when choosing your next partner. If you’re looking for a comprehensive solution to your IT needs, an MSP is a perfect choice. Have you considered working with an MSP? Contact us today to find out more!
Maverick Gardner is a growing leader MSP (Managed Service Provider) in IT Consulting, Infrastructure. IT Services, Support and Maintenance Services, Cloud, Deployment and Procurement, Disaster Recovery, IT Outsourcing Services, and more!
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