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Best IT Company of 2022 by Best of Small Business Awards featured
IT ServicesMSPProtected Harbor

Best IT Company of 2022 by Best of Small Business Awards

by Imdad

Protected Harbor Named Best IT Company of 2022 by Best of Small Business Awards!

The Best of Small Business Awards recognized Protected Harbor, a family-run Managed IT Service Partner in New York, as the Best IT Company of 2022. Every year, the Best of Small Business Awards honor the accomplishments of small and medium-sized American companies. This award recognizes small businesses that go above and beyond to give their clients the finest possible service. Customer satisfaction, innovation, and feedback are the main factors that determine the winner.

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Protected Harbor CEO Richard Luna expressed his gratitude to the Best of Small Business Awards, saying, “We are honored to have been selected for this prestigious award and we are proud that our hard work and dedication have been recognized.” We are appreciative that our customers trust and permit us to eliminate their technology problems, allowing them to focus on their business and mission.”

The Best of Small Business Awards were really given out by the Small Business Expo, which is the biggest and most well-liked business-to-business networking event, trade fair, and conference in America. It so happened that this past year at the Small Business Expo in New York, Protected Harbor was one of the most well-liked exhibitors.

Previously, Protected Harbor was also recognized as a top cloud computing company in the US by Goodfirms, and as a top managed service provider by DesignRush.

The Best of Small Business Awards has honored Protected Harbor for their dedication to client satisfaction. Voters acknowledged that Protected Harbors’ customer service philosophy goes beyond resolving issues and closing tickets. In order to enable Protected Harbor to operate as an extension of their team, the company seeks to establish human connections by getting to know its clients and their businesses.

Protected Harbor takes great satisfaction in offering the greatest IT services to its customers. Their skilled team is committed to providing their clients with the best possible services and goods. The business aims to provide its customers with the most cutting-edge solutions for their IT requirements.

The company has implemented state-of-the-art technical solutions for managed services, cloud migration, networking, and collaboration for more than 14 years. The personnel at Protected Harbor is extremely skilled and informed in every facet of IT, including cloud computing and network security. To guarantee that clients obtain the most recent solutions, the organization stays abreast of emerging trends and technologies. They are aware of the rapid advancements in technology and make an effort to keep up with them.

The way that Managed Services are provided by Protected Harbor is revolutionizing company IT. Protected Harbor’s IT professionals will work with you to develop operational maturity, reduce costly downtime, and diminish unpleasant daily tech difficulties by implementing technical and digital strategies that align with your business objectives.

Among the many IT firms in the region that focus on a range of services are Protected Harbor. These include cloud migration, VoIP phones, IT infrastructure, IT support for remote workforce, and data center hosting. The business sets itself apart from other MSPs by putting the needs of its clients first. They also provide unmatched customer service, 24/7/365. Whether it’s late at night or early in the morning, you can always rely on them to take care of any issue you have.

In the upcoming years, Protected Harbor hopes to keep offering its clients the best IT services and solutions. The primary goal of the organization is to establish a rapport with their clients and gain an understanding of their business in order to function as an extension of their team. Their business is mostly driven by client recommendations, and they have a 98% customer satisfaction rate, which is indicative of this connection’s outcome. You won’t ever need to hire another IT company after Protected Harbor. Get in touch with us right now to discover what excellent customer service and productive teamwork look like.

Guide to Managed Service
IT ServicesMSPProtected HarborTech Support

Guide to Managed Service Providers

by Imdad

What is a Managed Service Provider?

Your IT systems, including virus prevention and control, routine hardware and software administration, operational efficiency, disaster recovery, and end-user support, are maintained and managed by a Managed Service Provider.

MSPs are able to offer the technologies required to propel your business forward. They help your company move to the digital era with maximum stability and control, so you may grow your company without having to pay more for IT.

Managed Service Providers (MSPs) are responsible for providing their clients a wide range of IT services and support. The specific responsibilities of an MSP can vary depending on the needs of the client, but here are some of the primary responsibilities that an MSP may undertake:

  • Handling the management of IT infrastructure
  • Adding cybersecurity measures to IT
  • Providing technical support to staff
  • Managing user account access
  • Offering risk and compliance management
  • Handling contract management
  • Providing payroll services

How do MSPs work?A Comprehensive guide to MSPs

A managed service provider is responsible for helping an organization reach its objectives. MPSs offer a range of services to meet the unique IT needs of individual businesses, as there is no one-size-fits-all solution that works for all companies. Usually, an assessment is carried out to ascertain the state of the technical environment at the moment, areas in need of development, and opportunities to support businesses.

The provision of help desk support, monitoring, security training, ongoing maintenance, and reporting are all governed by service level agreements. It sets the boundaries of what you require or desire from your managed service provider. Considerations include budgetary constraints, response times, security assurances, and performance goals.

What does a managed service provider do?

Managed service providers, or MSPs, offer a variety of IT services to companies, usually through contracts or subscriptions. MSPs handle their clients’ daily IT requirements so they can concentrate on their main business activities.

A managed service provider works in tandem with your IT staff to handle all things internet-related for your company, from setting up new devices to preserving connectivity and providing infrastructure maintenance. At the top level, MSPs:

  • Offer 24/7 remote system monitoring
  • Provide End User Computing Support (desktop PCs, laptops, mobile devices)
  • Support your IT infrastructure, including servers (physical and virtual)
  • Monitor, update and maintain IT systems security
  • Fix network or internet problems
  • Accountable for data security, backups, and data recovery
  • Office 365 setup, hosting, and management
  • Mitigate risks related to data security, and cyberattacks
  • Report a monthly summary of your issues, preventive/restorative steps taken, and advice for future planning.
  • Create a Disaster Recovery Plan as part of your Business Continuity Strategy.

An MSP ensures that you and your staff can handle data transfers, use the internet, interact with one another, and update one or more websites. An MSP maintains your IT current, which is crucial for marketing your goods and services, boosting sales and providing customer assistance, and handling all back-end administrative duties including data analysis, inventories, and more. Partnering with the right MSP means more security, service, productivity, and love from your user community.

Why Should you hire an MSP?

Traditionally, MSPs gained acceptance as companies tried cutting IT support and maintenance costs. Managing IT for a decent size business will need varying skill sets, in-house technical staff costs, hiring costs, tools/training costs, and other benefits for any permanent employees like insurance. An MSP, on the other hand, is cost-effective and efficient.

They also have predictable costs. A flat monthly fee is

A Comprehensive guide to MSPs

charged by top-notch Managed IT Service providers for proactive monitoring and upkeep of your workstations, servers, and IT infrastructure. Furthermore, a good IT-managed service provider seeks to avoid problems before they arise in order to reduce IT downtime.

You can also find out where you’re squandering money on “Nice-To-Haves or outdated systems” with the assistance of an IT service provider. For instance, it’s possible that your Wi-Fi router is obsolete and that boosting the bandwidth of your network won’t give you the desired outcome. Recall that collaborating with an IT service provider will allow you access to cutting-edge technology and trends. You are able to make well-informed choices, identify cost-saving measures, and increase the output of your team.

Some common signs you should hire a managed service provider.

  • IT cost is skyrocketing
  • Extra support for remote employees
  • Limited IT staff
  • Need help migrating
  • Facing excessive downtime
  • Want to grow strategically
  • Lack of system monitoring
  • Lack of compliance

Lastly, you won’t ever have to be concerned about falling behind on legal or regulatory compliance with managed services. MSPs protect you from possible fines by keeping you informed about compliance laws, regulations, and processes.

How much do managed service providers charge?

The cost of managed IT services varies from business to business and depends on a number of factors. For instance, you have to handle more devices (such as desktops, laptops, tablets, printers, etc.) and licenses the more users you have. Knowing what you want to be handled will help your MSP outline the cost model per user. The most popular cost models are listed below.

  1. Fixed Price or Flat Rate
  2. Per-User
  3. Per Device
  4. Metal Grading or Tiered
  5. Customized

It is essential to realize that the greatest service provided by an MSP will involve a high degree of business availability combined with strategic counsel and thought. Furthermore, this will come at a price that is thought to be lower than the price of consultation packages and downtime.

It would be even better if your MSP charged you a flat fee regardless of repair requests or outages. Many MSPs charge or include X hours per month; if the client goes beyond, they pay extra. Actual MSPs always charge a flat rate.

Final Thoughts

Outsourced support, upkeep, and monitoring of your vital endpoints and infrastructure are provided by a managed IT service. They complement you with the appropriate knowledge, such as preemptive device management to reduce problems down the road and reactive support when you need it most. MSP helps your employees wherever they utilize your technology, be it for minor user problems or more serious server issues. MSPs may also promote change and prosper in the post-COVID environment by valuing creativity, adaptability, and agility.

As with any partnership, you should evaluate your engagement to make sure you’re getting value for your money. Businesses today use technology to maintain their competitiveness. Thus, in order to maintain the dependability of your technology, your MSP needs to continuously improving. Additionally, companies that have been using their present supplier for years frequently tell us that are too nervous about finding an alternative partner.

Changing providers comes with a perception of a complicated process that involves days of IT downtime and business disruption. Surprisingly or not, switching your MSP can be a cakewalk when you find the right partner.

If you are unsure of your MSP, we will audit and discover your potential areas of improvement.

Every engagement begins with a research process designed to pinpoint your organization’s objectives, areas of risk, and top technology needs. We then map our strategic strategy to your business objectives and offer continuous measurement and monitoring to ensure our solution is working as intended.

The engineers, advisors, and certified technicians at Protected Harbor collaborate with you to deploy the technology that best suits your company’s needs. Working with a single, dependable partner who is aware of your particular organizational objectives is beneficial to you.

Protected Harbor handles every aspect of your IT infrastructure management. Everything from email to cloud storage, web hosting, teleconferencing, and computer repair has been addressed. We constantly monitor your technology needs, keeping the lights on and giving higher-ups strategic direction.

If you’re looking for hudson valley new york manage service provider, or in rockland county, then you are at the right place. Protected Harbor offers customized IT solutions to businesses looking to scale their technology, and we’re on a mission to give you the best customer service possible. To do that, we are constantly innovating to make sure you have the best experience with our products.

As one of our customers, you can expect excellent service, quick response times, and an eager team to help. We are not your average MSP. We are engineers, software developers, analysts, designers, and lifelong learners. We offer a tailored approach to managed services that meet each client’s unique needs. Contact us today for a free IT Audit.

Why IT Experience Matters
IT ServicesMSPProtected Harbor

Why IT Experience Matters:  

by Imdad

The competition in the modern market for small and medium-sized firms is fierce. These firms face significant difficulty in keeping up with the rapid rate of change and remaining competitive. When he outlines the significance of Why IT Experience Matters, Richard Luna, CEO of Protected Harbor, touches on this subject. His weekly video series Uptime With Richard Luna, which is uploaded online every Thursday, also covers subjects like these and many others.

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SMBs (Small & Midsized Businesses) need to work with an IT Service Provider or MSP (Managed Service Provider) to help them manage their technology while also handling all of their daily operational tasks if they want to succeed in this digital age. Benefits of an IT service provider often include cost savings, scalability, and efficiency.

You should be aware of why IT experience is crucial when choosing an MSP if you’re thinking about working with one or already do. We’ll go over the value of experience and what to look for while evaluating your options below.

The Importance of Experience

The level of experience a provider has is a key determinant of the quality of their services.

It first aids in determining their level of expertise. Second, past experience provides insight into how an IT service provider or MSP will handle your collaboration, particularly when dealing with varied business and client types. The secret to ensuring that your PCs and other IT equipment run smoothly and are safe from cyber threats is experience.

MSPs have experience and know what works best for various firms, so they can guide you in choosing the finest technology for your needs. But it’s also important to remember that MSPs are not perfect. Nobody can assure uninterrupted service or that their clients won’t encounter any disruptions or service interruptions because they vary from one MSP to the next. In short, nothing is guaranteed. Even though your MSP can help you avoid many problems, plenty can still occur.

The First Rule of IT: PanicWhy TI Experience Matters

The initial response to an emergency is panic. Your own workers may be impacted by this, and there may not be any available IT staff at the time. Fortunately, MSPs are ready for any emergency. While some MSPs offer a quicker 15-minute response time, the majority of MSPs operate with a standard response time of 30 minutes, which is applicable to a variety of difficulties. It’s crucial to comprehend how quickly an MSP responds to issues and the methods they take to fix them when they deal with you. This could be quite important in figuring out the level of service that customers get.

What’s occurring is always the first question that comes to mind in an emergency. The most frequent responses we receive are that a cluster node (a piece of data center) or the main firewall blew up, knocking out thousands of customers.

In this situation, Richard Luna, CEO of Protected Harbor, recommends focusing on what’s working. In a crisis, this is the best thing to do; it will tell you what you can move to, what infrastructure can be used, and what was lost.

Emergencies Occur, and They Can be Resolved

Successful MSPs and IT service providers are those who have planned for everything. They are aware that emergencies can happen at any time and that they require quick action. All of these catastrophes, including power surges, interior flooding, fires, and earthquakes, can seriously harm your IT infrastructure and have an effect on your employees, clients, and business as a whole. However, all of these problems are resolvable, especially if you have a capable and reliable MSP on call.

Hiring an MSP is Not Always the Best Solution

When you need a new IT infrastructure quickly, you might be tempted to employ an MSP on an “as needed” basis, but doing so could result in you paying more for the work done and not having what you ultimately need. You have limited control over how your IT system is set up if you use services from a third party. You may not have access to all the backups and other data you require for your business continuity strategy, and you cannot upgrade your hardware or software anytime you need to. There is no assurance that you will obtain the same staff if you deal with an MSP on an “as needed” basis.

The Optimal Solution: Experienced People With A Plan

You want to look for seasoned professionals who have a strategy when working with an MSP. Additionally, the team should have a track record of accomplishments working with other clients in your sector. Simply put, you ought to seek out MSPs with a solid track record. When working with an MSP, you should have complete confidence in their staff, as well as their ability to react to any changes and fix issues as they emerge. You should be able to work with an MSP without being concerned about any potential problems with your IT infrastructure.

“The optimal solution in this situation is a blend,” Richard explains that in order to get the best, you will need to have the best of minds, experienced people who have been through crises before and understand the long view of the technology, intermixed with fresh minds or a brand new staff will give a terrific blend of a solid, communicative, collaborative team.

This is an approach that we use internally at Protected Harbor.

Summing up

How you handle your business’s IT infrastructure can make or break your organization.

The best way to ensure that you have a strong IT foundation is to partner with an experienced MSP. When you choose an MSP with experience, you can be sure that your IT systems will run smoothly and efficiently. You can expect your systems to be managed appropriately, and they can also help you to use resources in your systems more efficiently. With an MSP, you can rest assured that your IT team will be ready to respond when an emergency occurs.

While most IT service providers or MSPs offer a one-size-fits-all approach, Protected Harbor has been set apart from the competition by its focus on providing an individually tailored experience to its clients. Whether it’s an enterprise company or a mid-sized business, you can expect to be treated as an individual.

If you’re looking for managed IT services for your company, you deserve more than a cookie-cutter solution. You deserve a trusted advisor who understands your business and technology challenges and works with you to create a solution that meets your unique needs.

Protected Harbor is not your typical MSP. We have the experience and focus on solving issues for our clients, not selling service plans. We work with you to build a relationship based on trust and transparency. We have a 95% client retention rate and an average of 15 minute ticket response times. Don’t just take our word for it; check our testimonials.

Contact us today to get a free IT Audit and experience for yourself why IT experience matters.

Non Profits and Computer Support Featured
IT ServicesProtected HarborTech Support

Non-profit Computer Services

by Imdad

Passion, not money, is frequently what drives non-profit organizations. However, non-profits still require technology in order to function effectively and prosper. By automating processes, facilitating communication with partners and volunteers, and raising the organization’s visibility to potential contributors, technology may assist growth.

These suggestions will enable you to better manage the IT requirements for your non-profit, regardless of whether it is just getting started or searching for methods to increase productivity. The following video in the Uptime with Richard Luna series is available here. This blog post will discuss the benefits of investing in managed or IT services for your nonprofit organization as well as how to choose the best vendor.

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All Has to be Seamless

The tech experience for your internal staff and end users must be flawless when it comes to non-profit IT services. Your services should be simple to set up and should work nicely with your current tools. They should also offer an easy-to-use interface; users shouldn’t feel intimidated by technology when using your website or a hosted application.

Provide a Unified Interface

A unified interface for managing your environment is one of your organization’s most important offerings. You might have one or more environments for platforms or applications. Additionally, you might have one or more partner companies or support networks that offer you internal or external services like email servers, hosted apps, and data storage.

It can be necessary to integrate, monitor, and manage these various environments and partners through a single interface. This should be something that your non-profit IT services partner can assist you with. In order to have a unified picture of all your activities, you’ll want to make sure the partner can manage your environments regardless of where they are hosted using a single pane of glass.

Finding the right partner

More important than price is finding the right IT partner for your charity organizations. It’s about attending to your demands, which include your capacity for teamwork, operational management, and outcome measurement. Consider your organization’s aims and objectives carefully before looking for non-profit IT services. Do you need a complete solution? Will you need to hire internal personnel for the project? What are the biggest IT problems you face for charities? All of these are crucial inquiries to take into account while choosing the best partner and customer service for your nonprofit.

Conclusion

Choose a partner who will assist you in achieving your strategic objectives when it comes to non-profit IT services. Make sure the partner can deliver the caliber of service you require and can scale as your demands increase. Additionally, make sure the partner is dedicated to making a positive social effect and can demonstrate how their products and services are benefiting other nonprofit organizations.

With the right partner like Protected Harbor and the right level of support, there is no limit to what your non-profit can accomplish. Protected Harbor is dedicated to offering scalable and affordable solutions and is aware of the unique challenges faced by non-profit organizations. We have spent years planning IT infrastructures for NGOs to ensure they receive the IT support required for both short- and long-term objectives while being productive.

To find out more about how our IT solutions may assist your non-profit organization in achieving its objectives, get in touch with Protected Harbor for a free consultation and IT Audit.

The Importance of IT Service Provider Truth to Power
IT ServicesMSPProtected Harbor

The Importance of IT Service Provider: Truth to Power

by Imdad

In today’s very competitive business environment, a company needs to develop a plan to set itself apart from its rivals. Technology is now a key differentiator for businesses across all industries.

Most likely, you are aware of the significance of the client-provider connection. After all, it’s a subject that articles, blogs, and discussion boards have been delving into for years. In contrast to practice, how much of this knowledge is theory? Would you know what measures to take if you had to implement these tactics tomorrow?

Welcome to another episode of Uptime, where Richard Luna discusses the value of open communication between customers and service providers. What discrepancy exists between the services that IT service providers and MSPs offer to deliver and those that are actually provided?

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The Importance of a Service-Provider Relationship

When people in the business sector discuss ties with service providers, they are referring to the alliances that companies form with their partners. Vendors, suppliers, distributors, IT service providers, managed service providers, and system integrators are just a few examples. The goal of a service-provider partnership is for both sides to prosper.

You enter into a partnership with a business to supply critical technology services like hosting, IT infrastructure, security, or managed services. This partnership will be advantageous to both of you in several ways. Consider running a network of car dealerships that requires an IT infrastructure to handle credit card payments and maintain employee communication. You’re getting into a contract with a managed services provider (MSP) if you hire them to assist you with these chores.

Truth in Transparency: Know What You’re Buying

The success of any company depends on its IT service providers, but not all of them are made equal. A wide range of technology-related services are offered by numerous service providers, each of whom has their own value propositions, business strategies, and strengths and weaknesses. Because of this, it’s crucial to work with an IT service provider who is a suitable fit for your business.

You can avoid common pitfalls that can disrupt your business and have a negative impact on your bottom line by working with a service provider that is a good fit for your organization. These pitfalls include paying too much for services you don’t need or are overpriced or not getting the level of support and maintenance your company needs to succeed.

Before signing up with an IT service provider, ensure you understand exactly what you’re buying to ensure the relationship is a good fit for your business. You don’t want to sign up with a service provider that is overpriced or doesn’t offer a solution that lines up with your business needs.

The Importance of a Good SLA

Any managed services agreement must include a service-level agreement (SLA). The service provider’s responsibilities are outlined in the SLA, including the degree of customer service, the duration of downtime, and the uptime of crucial systems. It also covers the responsibilities of the client.

Making sure the SLA is in your favor is crucial. The SLA is your chance to hold the service provider responsible for their commitments by outlining what you anticipate from them if you are a client working with an MSP. You can also use this as an opportunity to set a performance standard.

The SLA is your chance, as an MSP, to describe the promises you make to your clients. You can also use it to establish a performance standard. For instance, you must consistently live up to the expectation if your SLA promises that a technician will respond to an issue within four hours.

Key Takeaways

It is a technological strategic partner that provides more than just a single good or service. It is a partner who offers knowledge, direction, and assistance to assist you in expanding your company through IT services.

Protected Harbor is not your typical MSP. It’s a managed service provider with a twist. The company specializes in cloud-based software solutions, including data backup, recovery, ransomware, and other cybersecurity services. Our team of MSP experts works with you every step of the way.

We conduct a thorough assessment of your business and technology landscape. We then customize a solution that meets your exact needs. Contact one of our experts today for a free IT Audit and discover why we are different.

5 Benefits of Hiring a Managed Services Provider
IT ServicesMSPTech Support

5 Benefits of Hiring a Managed Services Provider

by Imdad

Businesses today face a wide range of difficulties. Organizations now face new vulnerabilities as a result of the development of digital technologies, the Internet of Things managed services, and other linked devices. As a result, in order to keep ahead of the competition, businesses must adapt more quickly than ever.

Users must manage a growing number of obligations without compromising security or performance. A lot of companies are switching from traditional IT support services to managed service providers who can handle all of their IT requirements from a single source.

In addition to offering fundamental managed IT support services, Managed service providers (MSPs) often offer strategic business services that are integrated with the end user’s current technological infrastructure. The five advantages of working with a managed services provider to maximize these advantages within your company are highlighted in this article.

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  • Reduce Costs

Your technology’s costs can be reduced in a number of ways by a managed services provider. First, MSPs can get better prices on hardware and software services than they can as a standalone business by taking advantage of economies of scale. If you are currently in charge of purchasing and maintaining all of your technology, this could be costly. Use MSPs to handle your IT needs to cut costs by 10% to 30% or more.

Additionally, MSPs provide better service compared to many internal IT teams. Additionally, managed services providers can cut costs by an average of 14% in the first year, according to a recent research. Depending on the size of your firm, this can equal a substantial sum of money.

  • Unified Platform to Manage All Services

An MSP can provide all of your company’s IT management needs via a single platform. A single vendor that oversees your technology integrates all services. When all of your systems and devices are connected to one system, this can be extremely useful.

Through a single system, unified platforms can connect many applications and gadgets. Employees at your company can now access their work applications from anywhere with ease. As a result, productivity may increase and decisions might be made more quickly.

  • Built-In Security Features5-Benefits-of-Hiring-a-Managed-Services-Provider

Identity and access management, intrusion detection and prevention, data encryption, and other features are just a few of the built-in security capabilities that MSPs may provide. It is not simple to construct a secure network. You won’t be able to handle today’s security concerns if your company lacks the competence required to set up and maintain a secure network.

Many built-in security protections are available from managed service providers to assist shield your data from attackers. Additionally, they offer security services that let you adhere to legal compliance standards and safeguard your data from online threats.

  • Accelerated Problem Resolution

The fact that managed services providers are in charge of every area of your technology allows them to respond to problems more quickly and consistently. Because each technology solution is handled by specialized teams of professionals, they can overcome obstacles more quickly.

Employing an MSP can shorten the time that staff members are without critical services and speed up problem solutions. When an issue arises, managed service providers typically fix it in six hours or less, whereas firms that handle their own IT typically take three days.

  • Better Service Continuity and Disaster Recovery

Managed services providers offer better service continuity and disaster recovery services in comparison to IT service providers or general service providers. Let’s say your company is already in charge of providing its own continuity and disaster recovery services. In that situation, you might seek assistance to fulfill legal obligations or maintain operations in the event of a catastrophe.

With managed services, you can be sure that even if a natural disaster or other event renders your technology unavailable, your company will continue to operate normally. MSPs can provide more thorough continuity and disaster recovery plans than many individual firms, and they can also meet regulatory compliance requirements.

Managed service providers can assist you in adhering to legal standards for privacy and cybersecurity compliance. They also can provide 24/7/365 monitoring to detect potential outages and offer more advanced and redundant systems to ensure business continuity and continuity of operations in the event of a disaster.

Maximizing Business Resilience

To remain competitive in the fast-paced business environment of today, businesses must create novel business models. This frequently entails utilizing the most recent information technology to streamline processes, enhance client experiences, and accomplish company objectives. But as organizations of all sizes rely more on technology, there is a greater chance of data loss, which can have detrimental effects. For help, many businesses turn to security service providers or MSPs.

MSSPs are independent companies that focus on offering various security services to companies. They provide a range of services to assist businesses in staying safe against cyber threats, such as data loss prevention, incident response, and security monitoring. Additionally, they provide service level agreements, or SLAs, which outline the caliber of support a company may anticipate from the MSSP.

One of the key benefits of working with an MSSP is that they can help businesses develop a comprehensive incident response plan. This involves identifying potential threats, establishing protocols for responding to incidents, and regularly testing the plan to ensure it is effective. This approach can help businesses minimize cyber-attack impact and quickly return to normal operations.

Conclusion

The managed services model provides significant benefits over standard IT support services. It enables businesses to reduce costs, access better technology, and improve productivity. When organizations hire managed services providers, they can focus on their core business activities by outsourcing their technology needs.

When you think of an MSP, you might imagine a provider focusing on a limited set of products and services, with a technician who comes to your business on a set schedule to perform maintenance work. While many MSPs fit this description, Protected Harbor is different. Thanks to our customer-centric approach and experts, we can deliver peace of mind and a near-seamless customer experience.

It’s not an MSP at all. It’s more of a managed security service, providing monitoring and protection for your business’s critical IT infrastructure. What sets Protected Harbor apart from other MSPs is its tailored approach to each client’s unique needs. And with a team of seasoned engineers, analysts, and consultants, you can expect the utmost professionalism.

Contact our expert today to learn how we’re built differently. We are also giving away a free IT Audit; get one now!

Unlock Your Business Potential with Managed IT Services featured
IT ServicesMSPProtected HarborTechnology

Unlock Your Business Potential with Managed IT Services

by Imdad

For companies of all sizes, managed IT services may completely change the game. These can give you the resources, tools, and information technology knowledge you need to thrive, whether they are little businesses or huge corporations.

They weren’t common for the majority of firms a few years ago. This is due to the fact that only large corporations offer these services. Now, thanks to a wide range of cloud-based solutions, managed services are accessible to everyone.

The expected value of the global IT Managed Services market is US$ 244670 million in 2022, and it is anticipated to reach US$ 399170 million by 2028, with a CAGR of 8.5% throughout the analysis period.

These cloud computing platforms provide strong capabilities that help even the tiniest companies get an advantage over their rivals. Due to this, practically all CEOs and business owners now allocate money for managed IT services.

As a company owner, you may manage your IT issues. This may be the case for certain firms, but the majority of large, complicated businesses will benefit from outsourcing their IT service model to a managed service provider (MSP).

The importance of managed services for enterprises is discussed in this article.

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What is Managed IT Service?

The top-of-the-line company IT assistance is managed IT services. Managed service providers take care of security, disaster recovery, and network architecture, removing the hassle of keeping your organization operational.

Outsourcing, managed services, security services, data management, and cloud computing comprise the larger market for IT services. End-user spending on cloud computing is expected to reach nearly 500 billion dollars in the United States in 2022.

A proactive solution called a managed service offering gives you round-the-clock hardware and software maintenance for your computer network. As a result, you won’t ever have to worry about being in the dark when something goes wrong because a team of qualified experts will handle everything.

These services typically include a variety of services, including:

  • Help desk support and remote monitoring and management.
  • Security monitoring and threat protection.
  • Software and hardware installation, configuration, and deployment.
  • Telecom expense management services.

Companies offering managed service provider (msp) services provide their clients round-the-clock monitoring, help in seeing and resolving issues before they become problems, backup and recovery plans, and a focus on enhancing other services meant to keep your business running smoothly.

Different Types of Managed IT Services

There are many types of managed IT services available, but here are some of the most common:

Managed Networks and Infrastructure – This service includes monitoring and managing remote servers, desktops, and laptops. These services also include application management support and help desk support.

Managed Security –Managed Security refers to outsourcing security operations and management to a third-party service provider. MSSPs offer a range of security services, including threat detection and response, vulnerability assessments, security monitoring, and incident management. They use specialized security software and tools to monitor and manage the client’s security environment, identify potential security threats and vulnerabilities, and respond to security incidents in real-time.

Managed Support Services – Managed support services provide all the technical expertise needed to keep your systems running smoothly without downtime due to technical issues or problems with software applications such as Microsoft Office 365 Exchange Online and Microsoft Azure Active Directory Cloud Services.

Managed Wireless and Mobile Computing – This type of IT service involves the management of wireless networks, mobile devices, and applications. With these services, companies can have more control over the performance of their employees’ mobile devices by ensuring they are secure and up-to-date with the latest operating systems.

Managed Communication Services – Managed communication services are designed to help companies improve productivity by ensuring that all employees can communicate effectively with one another through email and instant messaging. These services also include other forms of communication, such as video conferencing, web conferencing, and more.

Software as a Service (SaaS) –  Software as a service provides clients with access to applications hosted on the cloud, typically through the internet. This means that users do not have to install or maintain any software on their systems.

What are the Benefits of Using Managed IT Services?

The security, functionality, and dependability of your IT infrastructure may all be maintained with managed services. This is especially true if your organization is tiny or just getting started and you don’t have the resources to hire full-time IT professionals.

Of the 451 large businesses surveyed by 451 Research, 45% planned to collaborate with a MSP, and 42% prepared to deploy additional security software. The industry is changing as a result. Managing service contracts have replaced the old break-fix model in 59% of IT services.

In contrast to doing things yourself, managed IT providers offer the following advantages in their service level agreements:

Contractual Terms: A managed service provider often has a contract in place with their clients that outlines the responsibilities of both parties. This helps ensure that everyone is on the same page regarding what they’re expected to do, when they’re expected to do it and how much they’ll be paid for it.

Reliability: An MSP will work hard to avoid any potential issues — from hardware failure to cybersecurity threats — so that you don’t have to worry about them taking down your entire system or causing data loss.

Cost Savings: It can help you save money by reducing spending on technology. Your service provider can take care of all your IT needs, from network management to infrastructure upgrades, so you only pay for what you use. This can save you more of your total cost of ownership.

Reduce IT Spending: These providers offer fixed monthly rates that allow you to budget for your entire year’s expenses upfront and avoid unexpected costs that could hurt your bottom line.

Dependable Service: Instead of wasting time troubleshooting problems yourself or waiting on hold with technical support, let us handle it! Our team will monitor your network 24/7, so you have peace of mind knowing there’s always someone available to help when something goes wrong.

Managed IT Services Provider Inclusion

To qualify for inclusion in the Managed IT support services category, a service provider must offer their clients a range of IT services and support:

  • Provide Constant Monitoring of IT-Related Functions: This includes monitoring of the server, applications, and network, as well as security systems.
  • Provide On-Demand Support: A MSP should have a team of technical experts that can be deployed whenever an issue arises. This could include a help desk, online chat, or phone support.
  • Provide IT Consulting: A good MSP offers advice and guidance on improving your business’s technology infrastructure and processes.

Final Words

It is obvious that managed services have advantages. Businesses can increase security, compliance, cost savings, and customer service while freeing up internal IT workers to work on more critical projects by outsourcing their IT administration and maintenance needs. Finding the ideal managed IT services provider for your company is crucial, though. Make sure to seek out a service provider who has expertise working with businesses in your size and sector, is dependable, has a positive reputation, and offers affordable rates.

Protected Harbor can assist you if you’re looking for a managed services provider in Rockland County NY or Hudson Valley,, New York. One of the top Managed IT Services providers in the US, Protected Harbor offers a variety of services to suit your company’s needs.

With digital and technological techniques that support your company’s objectives, IT specialists at Protected Harbor will assist in transforming your enterprise. Reduce stressful day-to-day IT operations, minimize costly downtime, and improve operational maturity. Gain access to a whole team of IT professionals to help you manage the newest technology and a wealth of knowledge that will accelerate your growth, boost your profitability, and improve your business.

Get a free IT Audit today and unlock your business potential with Protected Harbor.

How do leading MSPs differentiate themselves from the rest featured
IT ServicesMSPProtected Harbor

How do leading MSPs differentiate themselves from the rest?

by Imdad

From reactive to proactive support, MSP’s operating approach represents a fundamental shift. Therefore, preventing IT failure while assuring peak performance must be one of an MSP’s key performance indicators.

A growth-oriented business model is the foundation of everything. The most prosperous Managed services provider concentrates on providing real value to their clients, expanding their operations, and always enhancing their services. MSPs can concentrate on growing the quantity of business they conduct with current clients, bringing in new clients, or raising the average value of each client in order to expand their operations. Therefore, exceptional IT service providers go beyond simply keeping your IT running; they also deliver good commercial value. Here are a few things that make contemporary MSPs unique.

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Advanced security offerings

Especially for small to medium-sized organizations, Cyber-attacks are commonplace. Threats have increased in frequency, specificity, and complexity. A report from Accenture titled “Cost of Cybercrime Study” states that only 14% of small businesses are equipped to fend off 43% of cyberattacks. As opposed to waiting for the worst to happen, a good Managed services provider should make sure you are protected from online dangers. A skilled MSP may identify vulnerabilities in advance and fix them before they become an issue, rather than dealing with cyber-attackers or ransom demands as they occur. Yes, some attackers are able to get past even the most advanced systems. But effective threat prevention will reduce the risk of an unforeseen event. Your It services provider must provide a thorough strategy that can stop even

Cloud services and automation

Modern Managed services providers are utilizing automation tools and cloud-native solutions to upgrade the caliber of their services. Scalability and on-demand disaster recovery are features that cloud solutions offer to their customers. Automation increases productivity while lowering reliance on people, which minimizes human mistakes or discrepancies.

Innovation

The best IT service providers concentrate on innovation because it can help their clients. These businesses understand the value of keeping up with current market trends. You can use digital technologies with their assistance to outperform rivals. The best MSPs alter their products based on trends, region, and industry, rather than being committed to their strategy and technology. For instance, every year, new types of cybercrime emerge. A business that prioritizes innovation will know how to protect you from additional attacks.

Value creation

Leading MSPs consult and offer advice on the top tools or technology. They work with you to develop a special program based on your strategic aims and business objectives, oversee the program’s implementation, and manage the day-to-day management of those vital operations. To continue providing value to their clients, IT services providers must stay abreast of new advances and provide new services.
how do leading msps differentiate themselves middle

Customer Experience (CX)

CX has already been the buzzword for the last half a decade. The concept was initially driven by big consulting firms and is now necessary for IT customers. As modern users prefer being at the center of things, they expect self-service via knowledge forums, chatbots, and service catalogs, i.e., omnichannel communication. A helpdesk-managed service provider supports these areas to improve your NPS and CSAT. Your in-house team can focus on the strategic aspects of improving tech adoption.

Adaptability and Resilience

The disruption caused by the pandemic demonstrated that adaptability and resilience — from both managed services providers and their customers — are essential to survive. As companies adopt a hybrid working culture, MSPs must shift their operating model to suit the situation. E.g., managed services providers need to equip their employees and clients with the right tools to support remote working remotely.

 Conclusion

Top MSPs are adept at staying ahead of the curve, retaining consumer interest, and providing value-added services that improve the quality of life for their clients. Managed services provider must stay on top of the most recent developments as technology develops and alters how business is conducted. it services providers must keep up with the most recent technical developments and client expectations in order to stay ahead of the curve and provide top-notch service to their clients.

The team of IT professionals at Protected Harbor’s is committed to offering its customers solid IT solutions that are tailored to their particular company requirements. Our system gives clients access to their IT team anytime they need it, no matter where they are, thanks to its remote monitoring and administration features. We specialize in small- to medium-sized enterprises and provide scalable and flexible services to meet client demands as a hudson valley new york manage service provider. We also provide data recovery, SLAs, and 24/7 on-site or remote monitoring. We provide a free consultation to assist you in choosing the ideal approach for your company. Call us right away!

the pitfalls for a modern MSP
IT ServicesMSP

The Pitfalls of a Modern MSP

by Imdad

The usual vendor of IT solutions is not a modern managed services provider (MSP). These businesses are tech-savvy, approachable, and nimble. Although their offerings are designed to suit business requirements in the current technological era, there is more to them than meets the eye. But since they’re so far ahead of other IT solution providers, they frequently run into problems that ordinary MSPs don’t. For instance, it can be challenging to avoid the flaws of a contemporary MSP. Any organisation experiences ups and downs, but if these typical mistakes aren’t fixed, they might impede an organization’s progress. See the most recent episode of Uptime with Richard Luna to learn about the hazards of a contemporary MSP and how to avoid them.

Yes, there are risks associated with using a modern MSP, and it is crucial to be aware of these risks before selecting an MSP for your business. The drawbacks of contemporary managed service providers (MSPs) include dangers to data security, vendor lock-in, hidden expenses, and over-reliance on technology. In the video, we’ll go into further detail about this.

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Reselling Services

IT service providers of all kinds often choose to resell third-party services. However, reselling services can lead to issues in the future. These services can be challenging to forecast, and the risks can outweigh the benefits. For example, if you buy cloud services, you may not know the SLA of each provider, the availability of each type of service, or the performance of each provider. Because of this, you may not be able to guarantee a high level of service to your clients if they experience issues with their hosted applications or cloud storage.

Limited Experience

Most modern MSPs are generalists that provide a wide variety of services. They often offer a range of services, but they typically lack experience. Generals are like infantry. They are good at what they do, but they would do better as specialists who do one thing well. Generalists find it challenging to compete for new business in an industry where specialization leads to higher-quality services and more satisfied clients. By focusing on a specific set of products or services, MSPs can differentiate themselves from other generalists and offer clients more value, leading to increased customer satisfaction and a more competitive edge.The Pitfalls for a Modern MSP small

Lack of a Proactive Culture

Many modern MSPs are built around providing reactive support. They wait for clients to call with an issue before they start working on a solution. This is fine to an extent, but it creates an environment where problems are prioritized above proactive efforts to prevent issues from ever occurring. Similarly, some MSPs may ignore clients who don’t have a point. This leads to a lack of communication and a lack of relationship building. A proactive culture enables MSPs to build stronger relationships with clients and engage with them in ways that don’t solely focus on problems. Communication creates a more personable relationship between the MSP and its clients and allows the organization to provide better value to its customers by offering more than just reactive support.

Summing up

Modern MSPs like Protected Harbor are driven by data, which allows them to identify trends and take advantage of them. With the right tools, our team can gather meaningful information from client interactions and make data-driven decisions that will benefit your company. Continue to watch our video for knowledge and insights on MSPs and how to choose the right one for your business.

Protected Harbor is the top managed service provider in hudson valley new york. Get a free IT Audit today, consult one of our experts and discover why we aren’t just your typical MSP.

Should I Hire an IT Guy Should I Hire an MSP featured
IT ServicesMSPProtected Harbor

Should I Hire an IT Guy? Should I Hire an MSP?

by Imdad

These days, MSPs and IT professionals are everywhere. There is no shortage of venues where you can discover a friendly tech or an experienced service provider (or both! ), from your neighborhood hardware store to the big box retailers. However, that does not imply that they are all equally trustworthy.

The specific needs and resources of your organization will determine whether you should hire an IT specialist or an MSP (Managed Service Provider). Your organization’s needs and resources should be carefully considered before selecting an IT specialist and an MSP. It may also be worthwhile to combine the two, using an MSP for overall IT management and support and an IT person for on-site help. Following are some benefits and drawbacks of hiring IT guys and MSPs regarding your company’s IT needs.

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 Why Hire a Managed IT Service Provider?

Many companies don’t know what they’re doing when it comes to managing their IT needs. They often don’t have a dedicated team working on their technology and flounder in an overwhelmed and unproductive environment.

A managed IT service provider can help you get a handle on your technology and avoid these pitfalls. They may be able to provide solutions that are tailored to your specific needs. With an MSP, you can be sure you’re getting a full-service approach that includes expert advice, total control over all aspects of your technology, and a consistent level of service.

The managed IT service provider can handle more complicated IT tasks like backup and disaster recovery methods, network administration, cybersecurity procedures, data management services, and server management, to mention a few. In other words, think of your internal IT department as your daily IT support provider.

Pros and Cons When Hiring an IT Guy or MSP

Like any other business decision, there are pros and cons to hiring an IT guy or an MSP.

Hiring an IT Guy

Pros:

•  An IT guy can assist you with hardware configuration and setup.

•  An IT guy will be available to your business during peak business hours.

•  A good IT person should be able to assist your business and staff members with desktop repair, virus removal, and software issues.

Cons:

•  Hiring a single IT specialist with a salary, health insurance, and other perks may be expensive depending on experience and specialty.

•  It can be too much work for one individual to be the network manager, infrastructure planner, and IT support person for your IT department.

•  The talents of your in-house IT specialist might only be dependent on the work they perform daily; they might not be as quick to adopt new technology.

Should I Hire an IT Guy Should I Hire an MSP middle

Hiring an MSP

Pros:

•  Managed service providers have access to cutting-edge equipment. Your MSP should be able to support you with workstations, networks, servers, software, and hardware, regardless of the industry you’re in.

•  The most crucial aspect of any organization, continuity, should be protected by your managed IT service provider. MSPs should be able to guarantee that your system is up and operating as much as possible by reducing the risk of downtime.

•  You have access to a group of committed IT experts who work on what they do for at least eight to nine hours daily.

•   Some remote IT support services are accessible around-the-clock.

•  Managed services are available with various services and expertise to pick from, whether in NYC or any other major city.

•  You should receive an SLA (Service Level Agreement) from your managed service provider that outlines the results you anticipate from your collaboration.

•  Managed service consultants bill firms with set monthly fees to help them better control their spending.

Cons:

•  Location is a crucial factor to consider when picking an MSP. We advise businesses to employ MSPs in the region or, at the very least, in the same city. When anything goes wrong on-site and companies have to wait for the MSP to send an IT specialist to assist fix it, the waiting game is a major drawback of joining a managed IT services provider.

•  Service level agreements (SLAs) allow MSPs to function based on the signed contracts. Expect to pay extra fees if your contract doesn’t cover something.

Why do you Need a Dedicated IT Team?

Having a dedicated IT team is essential for any organization that relies on technology to operate efficiently and effectively. A dedicated IT team can provide essential support and expertise to ensure your organization’s technology infrastructure operates smoothly, securely, and cost-effectively. Investing in a dedicated IT team can improve productivity, prevent downtime and security incidents, and support your organization’s growth and success.

You’ll likely need to bring on a dedicated IT team if hiring an IT guy or an MSP. This is because most managed IT service providers will only hire entry-level IT staff. You may consider bringing a CIO or a senior IT executive who can manage other employees.

As an IT department takes shape, you may consider hiring experienced IT executives to oversee specific aspects of your technology. For instance, if your company has a significant revenue stream that relies on technology, you may want to hire someone to manage the revenue stream.

Conclusion

Managed IT services are here to stay. But remember that while they are cost-effective and can help your business, they are not a silver bullet. In other words, they’re a great choice to supplement your in-house IT team if you have one.

The best course of action is to understand your business thoroughly. How invested you are in your money’s capabilities, demands, and functions will determine how much you can get out of it. Whether it’s a single IT professional or a team of managed service providers, what counts is that your needs are appropriately handled.

While most MSPs focus on outsourcing technical tasks, Protected Harbor is different. It provides managed security services (MSS) to businesses, offering proactive monitoring of physical and cyber assets. Protected Harbor is the right choice if you are looking for a managed service provider that can grow with your company as it scales.

We are the top-rated manage service providers in Rockland county, NY. We work with businesses at all stages, from startups to enterprises. If you need ongoing assistance with managing your IT infrastructure or if you want to outsource a specific task like software development, we can help. We pride ourselves on being a one-stop shop for all your technology needs.

Contact us today for a more hands-off approach to your IT and security needs. Get a free IT Audit here.

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