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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.

Best IT Solution Solution Providers VARs or MSPs
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What is the best IT solution: MSPs, VARs, or solution providers?

by Imdad

Acronyms like VARs, MSP, ASP, NSP, CSP, ISP, SAAS, and DAAS have definitely been introduced to you if you’re seeking for IT services for your company. To figure out which solution performs what and which solution is best for their firm, one virtually requires a CIA code-breaker. Even worse, other “wannabe” IT businesses make the same claims but fall short in practice.

IT solution providers, Value-Added Resellers (VARs), and Managed Service Providers (MSPs) offer a wide range of IT solutions, including cyber security, inventory management, and cloud services.

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What Do They Offer?

IT solution vendors market specialized fixes for specialized issues. They give you access to an antivirus program in case your machine is infected. VARs, on the other hand, will sell you the same product together with additional software. For instance, VARS would provide a spam filter, backup service, and antivirus solution.

MSPs enable customers to lease software through the cloud. MSPs will also actively handle the problem for you, whereas IT solution providers and VARs will offer you software to resolve a problem. MSPs roll up their sleeves to manage the IT systems and infrastructure of a customer. Software applications and networks may be covered by security and regular maintenance.

It seems simple. Where’s the problem?

The majority of VARs and providers of IT solutions provide their clients with generic solutions. Pre-packaged solutions are made to appeal to the largest possible audience. Providers are compelled to promote comparable solutions and charge a markup because of supply contracts. On rare occasions, they might charge more for consulting or monitoring. These pre-bundled solutions appear the same to the client, but they are not the best option.

Where customer experience matters, IT solution providers and VARs sell software rather than services. They can all immediately address a customer’s concerns and wishes. An email response, however, is not a customer experience. An organization should instead consider the objectives and needs of the client. The software that VARs and suppliers of IT solutions sell limits their ability to operate. As a result, they have finite customization to cover all of a customer’s needs. Such issues will leave customers with unresolved problems to be covered by other products for another cost. Or customers end up overpaying for functionality they don’t need because of a predetermined bundle.

This is where MSPs stand out. Thanks to the internet, MSPs can offer specific services and functionality, a-la-cart. They are not forced into particular solutions and offer actual customizations. Also, MSPs are in the service business. Their business model requires a long-standing relationship. The more problems customers have, the more problems MSPs have. Hence, it’s of utmost importance for MSPs to listen, evaluate, and tailor-make solutions to keep clients happy for as long as possible.

How It Should Be?

Providing the finest customer experience is crucial in the corporate world of today more than ever. Customers and service providers ought to connect on a personal level. And feel at ease entrusting the supplier with a crucial aspect of your business. The more comments you receive, the better your company can provide exceptional service. That’s all there is to it.

Avoid working with IT solution suppliers who won’t listen to your issues. A trustworthy managed service provider will create a unique plan that addresses all of your IT requirements. With the necessary antivirus software, you can prevent data loss and ransomware, for example. They will take care of everything from the beginning to the end and provide continuing assistance.

Consider a solution provider willing to spend time getting to know you and your business. A provider who asks questions and interviews you is more likely to design a lasting solution addressing your needs. The perfect IT solution will be tailored to suit your business, empowering you to fulfill and exceed your goals.

At Protected Harbor, we listen to our clients; we consider them our partners and are here to delight them. All of our Technology Improvement Plans (TIP) work on the 3A principle- Attend, Assess and Apply. We listen to customers’ problems, match them to our ability, and provide a solution explicitly crafted for them. This is how we have built long-term relationships with our customers.

With Protected Harbor, you can expect superior system performance and uptime. We specialize in remote desktops, data breach protection, secure servers, application outage avoidance, system monitoring, network firewalls, and cloud services. For quality IT solutions, contact Protected Harbor today.

Other MSPs approach vs Protected Harbor
MSPProtected HarborTech Support

Other MSPs approach vs. Protected Harbor Customer-centric approach

by Imdad

The introduction of the internet created new opportunities and moved the IT sector in new directions. A need for problem solvers has emerged due to the expanding internet user population and associated difficulties. Value-added resellers (VAR) and managed service providers (MSP), among other IT solution providers, were involved. They provided the sector with their products and services, including infrastructure management and cloud servers. A vendor who offers solutions to all of your IT demands is known as a solution provider. These MSPs battled not only to get business from small and mid-sized businesses but also to meet all of their clients’ needs with affordable solutions. Click here to learn more about MSPs, VARs, and other IT solution providers.

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What do they have in common?

They have increased the range of potential IT solution options after increasing cloud computing in the IT industry. Today’s solution providers provide on-demand services including desktop as a service (DaaS), software as a service (SaaS), and infrastructure as a service (IAAS). The cloud service provider either develops and maintains its own cloud services or suggests (resells) the offerings of a public cloud provider like Amazon Web Services or Microsoft Azure.

An IT solution provider, a value-added reseller, or a managed service provider all offer the same thing under the guise of a solution: they merely resell software, services, and pre-bundled packages. For instance, they will give you the antivirus of any XYZ business if your PC is infected by viruses. Upon putting it into place on your machine,  if the product key is not working or you suffer from data loss, the solution provider is not responsible. The same applies to most MSPs as they resell the cloud and infrastructure management services from a public cloud provider. If you face a technical issue, the provider plays the middle man forwarding your concerns to the original service provider while you are rendered helpless. These are not managed security services by any means as they lack the infrastructure to solve or eliminate any potential threats by themselves and rely on the end-managed services network.

These solution providers and MSPs are just selling pre-bundled package solutions designed to attract most consumers and solve their percentage problems. The point to note is that no two clients are the same. Small-scale and mid-scale enterprises have their own set of requirements and issues. They switch to managed services companies as they are the most efficient options in the market compared to setting up your own data center infrastructure management (DCIM). Conclusively, the IT managed service companies follow the product-centric approach to design a product and sell it to as many people as possible rather than the customer-centric approach to design a specific product for one particular client.

Protected Harbor’s customer-centric approach. How is it different?

While serving the clients, we use a seamless 360-degree approach, and the procedure is essential to the ethos of our brand. Protected Harbor’s competitive advantage is that it is highly customer-centric, putting the needs of each individual client first and developing a strategy to give the best experience possible.
We keep clients at the center of our business strategy and create a great experience at every stage of the customer’s journey since we are one of the top-managed security service providers.

To reduce expenses, redundancy, and security risks, Protected Harbor has its own hosted, in-house servers and networking hardware. Protected Harbor’s hardware investment is essential to giving the consumer a satisfying experience. This gives us more authority over safety and security with the flexibility to design and deliver services as per demand. We take pride and accountability for the security of the client’s data with exceptional infrastructure management. The issues are solved in-house rather than waiting for the third-party, public service provider to do so.

The technology improvement plan is another benchmark strategy followed by Protected Harbor. We listen to customers’ needs, assess what needs to be done, and design the system accordingly. It’s an ongoing development strategy that suggests the best possible steps to enhance the experience and elate the customers. Customer satisfaction is the core of our business, and we challenge ourselves to exceed expectations.

The choice is yours!

Since it’s no longer a secret as to how we do it and deliver industry-leading quality services, with a complete focus on customer satisfaction, we exceed the limits and expectations with our feature-rich cloud services, data center management, all-around IT support, and security 99.99% uptime with application outage avoidance (AOA). To move forward with a software reselling MSP or a dedicated customer-centric, IT-managed service provider. The choice is relatively simple.

IT ServicesMSPProtected Harbor

What To Look For In An MSP? Mention Some Qualities

by Imdad

What should you look for in a managed service provider partner given the recent boom in the managed service provider industry?

Between 2014 and today, the market’s worth has nearly quadrupled, going from $107 billion to $193 billion. The market is anticipated to grow to $296 billion by 2023.

Businesses increasingly rely on managed services partnerships to meet their IT demands.

The need for outsourced IT services has greatly increased as a result of this vast global expansion.

  • 75% of SMBs outsource at least a portion of their IT to a managed service provider (MSP).

Managed services are increasingly appealing to SMBs as an alternative to the more conventional internal IT departments to which they have grown accustomed.

The explanation for this is straightforward economics. In other words, it is far less expensive to hire an MSP partner than to hire an entire internal IT staff.

Here are some qualities to look for in a managed service provider.

  • Take a shared approach to managed services
  • Provide a flexible service model
  • Offer advanced services
  • Offer round-the-clock support
  • Support multiple time zones
  • Solid strategic relationship with your cloud provider
  • Leverage remote monitoring for proactive maintenance
  • Robust backup and disaster recovery plan
  • A dedicated, reliable, and single point of contact for your business
  • Work with your legal team to address compliance issues
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How do I choose a managed service provider?

Choosing a managed service provider (MSP) is a critical decision that directly impacts your business’s efficiency, security, and growth. Start by assessing your specific needs and objectives. Identify the IT services you require, such as scalability, cybersecurity, cloud management, and technical support.

Flexible, Scalable Plans:

What kind of plans does the provider of the service provide? If they are difficult to understand and contain a lot of fine print, you run the risk of being paid for services you don’t need or finding out in the middle of a crisis that some services aren’t covered by your service plan.

Look for a clear, straightforward charging agreement that explains what is and isn’t included. Before signing, get professional counsel if there is anything in the contract that you are unsure of. Avoid businesses who wish to tie you into a long-term contract but are reticent to explain their obligations. Are they leading the way in continuous improvement, remaining current with emerging technologies, and adhering to data compliance laws?

What to look for in an MSP

Robust Customer Support:

It would help if you usually had it right away when you needed customer support. You don’t have time to wait until business hours begin in a different part of the world or try and explain a complex problem to a chatbot that can only deliver answers from a preprogrammed FAQ. Ask what kind of support is promised, when and how it will be given, and what your options are in an emergency.

Service Level Agreements:

The uptime of your business is crucial. If your business is inaccessible to your clientele, you are losing money. The uptime promised by a service level agreement (SLA), which is often well over 99%, and the reaction time promised for outages within a predetermined time frame are both guaranteed. Let’s say the Managed Services provider is unable to fulfil these duties. In that situation, they will frequently be liable to a fine (often a free service time to make up for their service breach).

Technical assistance and installation on-site

When a business needs maintenance or repairs, engineers can be called upon as a backup because they are trained subject-matter experts.

On-site IT project design and installation are their responsibility, and they are also in charge of making routine check-up trips to make sure everything is running smoothly.

Remote monitoring and troubleshooting

Support teams capable of proactively observing how the company’s network operates.

If a customer has an urgent issue, a help desk should be open or an engineer should be prepared to handle the issue remotely without the customer’s involvement.

This assistance ought to be accessible every day of the week, round-the-clock.

Extensive support for cloud-based operations

2019 saw $182 billion in revenue from public cloud services; in 2020, that figure will rise to $250 billion.

As executives acquire confidence and comprehend the advantages, cloud services soon become the center of attention for many small and medium organizations.

They provide a range of alternatives for licensing software and keeping business data and are more secure than before.

Your MSP partner should be able to give evidence of significant relationships with cloud service providers.

Final Words

Having your staff manage every aspect of your IT infrastructure may seem contradictory, but doing so can prevent them from focusing on tasks that have a direct influence on your bottom line. Your staff will be able to concentrate on improving the effectiveness, productivity, and innovation of your firm if you hire an MSP to assist your IT team. Additionally, the right MSP will stick by you in the long run, enabling your business to reach new heights.

Protected Harbor is not your typical MSP. We assist you in maximizing the benefits of current and emerging IT solutions so your business thrives. If you want to learn more about how outsourcing your IT can enhance your business’s productivity, contact us today for a FREE technology assessment, or read our FREE eBook.

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!

5 Trends that Will Drive the MSP Market in 2023
IT ServicesMSP

5 Trends that Will Drive the MSP Market in 2023

by Imdad

The managed services market is rapidly expanding its influence in the IT sector. By 2023, it is predicted to reach $257 billion with a compound annual growth rate of 10.2%. Managed Service Providers (MSPs) must keep up with the most recent trends in the market as a result of this expansion. The five trends that will dominate the MSP industry in 2023 will be covered in this article.

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Introduction to MSPs and the Managed Services Market

Businesses receive IT services and support from managed service providers (MSPs). These services include everything from network security and monitoring to data backup and recovery. MSPs frequently manage day-to-day IT operations on behalf of a company’s IT department as an extension of that department.

An increasing number of companies are opting tooutsource their IT services to MSPs, which is driving the managed services market to expand quickly. This increase is fueled by a number of causes, such as the rising demand for IT services, the expanding cloud computing market, and the greater attention being paid to cybersecurity.

What Are the Top Managed Services Market Trends?

The managed services market is constantly evolving, and several trends are driving its growth. Let’s take a look at the top trends for the year 2023.

The Rise of Automation in the Managed Services Market

The rise of automation in the managed services market is one of the most significant trends. Automation allows MSPs to automate repetitive tasks, freeing their staff to focus on more complex projects. Automation also reduces costs and improves efficiency, as companies no longer need additional personnel to manage these tasks.

Automation is also becoming increasingly popular in the managed services market because it provides more accurate results. By automating processes, MSPs can guarantee more consistent and reliable results. This increases customer satisfaction, as MSPs can provide services more quickly and efficiently.

Finally, many MSPs are turning to automation to provide better customer service. By automating specific tasks, MSPs can reduce the time it takes to provide customer support. This allows them to focus more on providing personalized customer service, which leads to increased customer satisfaction.

The Impact of Connected and Intelligent Technologies on the MSP Industry

Connected and intelligent technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT) are transforming the managed services market. MSPs use these technologies to increase efficiency, reduce costs, and provide better customer service.

MSPs are using AI to automate processes, allowing them to provide more accurate results in less time. AI can also analyze data, allowing MSPs to identify trends and optimize their services.

MSPs are also using the IoT to monitor their clients’ networks and identify potential issues before they become a problem. This allows MSPs to provide proactive support and reduce downtime, leading to increased customer satisfaction.

5 Trends that Will Drive the MSP Market in 2023Cloud-based Solutions are Becoming Increasingly Popular in the Managed Services Market

These solutions allow MSPs to store data securely and cost-effectively and provide access to services from any device at any time.

Cloud-based solutions also offer MSPs scalability, allowing them to expand their services as their clients’ needs change quickly. This is especially important for MSPs that serve small and medium-sized businesses, as it will enable them to adjust their services as their clients’ enterprises multiply.

Finally, cloud-based solutions allow MSPs to provide more efficient services. Using cloud-based solutions, MSPs can access their client’s data from any device at any time.

Data Recovery Will be in Demand

Data recovery services will be in high demand in 2023 as businesses collect large amounts of data. Data recovery services allow businesses to recover data that has been lost or corrupted. This is especially important in a cyber-attack, as it can help enterprises quickly recover their data and minimize downtime.

MSPs specializing in data recovery services will be in high demand as businesses increasingly rely on their data in the coming years.

Increasing Focus on Cybersecurity in the Managed Services Market

The managed services market is becoming increasingly focused on cybersecurity. As businesses become more reliant on technology, the need for secure networks and systems becomes more pressing. MSPs that specialize in cybersecurity services will be in high demand in 2023.

Cybersecurity services allow businesses to protect their data and systems from malicious attacks. These services include network security, application security, and data security. As businesses become increasingly reliant on technology, secure networks and systems will become more critical, and MSPs specializing in cybersecurity services will be in high demand.

Conclusion

For almost all industries, the upcoming year appears to be complicated. The MSP market’s successful players will recognize trends and modify their models to capitalize on them. They are the ones who will prosper in 2023 and beyond.

At Protected Harbor, we are committed to staying up to date with the latest trends in the managed services market. We are one of the top US MSPs, specializing in data recovery, cybersecurity, and cloud-based solutions. Goodfirms and Small Business Awards also awarded us for the leading IT and cloud services. If you’re looking for an MSP to help you stay ahead of the curve, contact us today to schedule a free IT Audit.

Red Flags: It’s time to switch your IT Managed Service Provider
IT Services

Red Flags: It’s time to switch your IT Managed Service Provider

by Imdad

Technical hiccups happen regardless of your business’s size, niche, or geography. And outsourcing your IT infrastructure services to an MSP provides you with a dedicated team that can handle all such issues. This team is always on alert to address any problems, getting you back up and running as soon as possible. You hire MSPs to fix your problems and reduce your downtime.

But fixing issues and keeping it running are slightly different things, though. If you find your MSP fixing the same issue numerous times, you’re probably with the wrong MSP. Actual MSPs must be less product-focused and more focused on solving client problems. In addition to billable hours, your MSP should track the uptime of your systems.

Sometimes with specialized services, like those an MSP provides, it can be hard to assess how well they perform their job. But the bottom line is that outsourcing your IT to a managed service provider (MSP) is supposed to make your life easier. If it doesn’t, something has gone wrong. There are subtle signs that your MSP is no longer the right fit for you. A few questions to introspect are:

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How often has your MSP not even known there are issues until you tell them? Do you consider your MSP as an on-demand IT service provider?

The answer to this question is about strategic fitment. Do you consider your MSP a transactional partner or partner to work with you? It’s not enough that your MSP is fixing IT issues that arise. They should proactively assess hardware and software needs and security practices bi-annually or quarterly. And this can even be outside their written contract (scope of work). Proactive maintenance makes all the difference when it comes to IT management.

A good MSP should regularly monitor your IT infrastructure and identify issues before they become bigger problems, and they should have the expertise to provide proactive support and guidance. If you feel like you’re having to tell your MSP about issues and they’re not taking a proactive approach, you may want to consider finding a different provider that can better meet your needs.

Do your MSP over-promise and under-deliver?

It is important to carefully evaluate the capabilities and reputation of any MSP before entering into a partnership. This can include checking references, researching customer reviews, and reviewing their offerings and guarantees.

Some MSPs may over-promise and under-deliver, while others may provide high-quality services and support. It is important to thoroughly research and choose an MSP that aligns with your organization’s needs and priorities and to establish clear expectations and performance metrics to ensure that the MSP delivers on its promises.

MSP industry has cut-throat competition. And to survive, many MSPs rely on the effectiveness of their salespeople. However, the challenge with this method is that sales calls or pitches often commit big promises upfront to secure your business.

In reality, the service provider might not have the capacity or competency to deliver such services. Reviewing your IT service agreement lets you pick areas where your MSP hasn’t delivered up to its promises.

Spot MSP Red Flags How to Avoid Hiring a Scammer

Does your MSP have the vision to plan and execute for the future? How good is your MSP in project management skills?

The sole purpose of your MSP is to provide reliable IT services. And that can’t be achieved with a myopic view of day-to-day operational issues. Your MSP must champion taking cues from regular issues, devise long-term plans that put you in the driving seat and execute with a transparent governance model.

If you are experiencing difficulties with your current IT-managed service provider, it may be time to consider switching to a new provider. One red flag to look out for is if your current provider struggles with cloud migration or the free flow of information.

Another red flag is if your provider cannot accurately write a scope of work document or create a service level agreement. If your provider is not delivering on project objectives or not meeting the agreed-upon project plan, this may also be a sign that it is time to switch.

Additionally, if your provider is not knowledgeable about cloud infrastructure or data center management, this could be a red flag.

Do they track response time? How well do they handle complaints? Does your MSP manage stakeholder communications effectively?

One of the best indicators to answer this question is MTTR (Mean Time To Repair/Resolve/Recovery/Response), MTTF (Mean Time To Failure), MTTA (Mean Time To Acknowledge), and MTBF (Mean Time Before Failure).[1] These can be good baseline or benchmark that starts more challenging conversations regarding the process, RCA methodologies, response protocols, and more.

Another issue to watch out for is if your provider is unfamiliar with the project goals and deliverables or cannot create a project plan that aligns with these goals. If the provider’s team members are not working collaboratively or the provider’s business model does not align with your organization’s needs, these can also be red flags.

Ultimately, it may be time to switch if your provider is not delivering the expected service level. When making the switch, be sure to carefully review the terms and conditions of the new provider’s service agreement and work closely with them to ensure that the project is delivered successfully.

How well does your MSP align with your organization’s culture? Do they own your issues? Do they consider your users as their ‘own’ users? Do they track CSAT?

Can you ring your MSP at 2 AM and be assured that someone will be working on the ground to resolve a critical business issue. Does your MSP empathize with you in a significant outage and work tirelessly to bring back the system? Does your MSP think about the solution first or bring the contractual scope of work in every discussion? How well does your MSP resonate with your user community, values, and vision?

If answers to the above questions are No, is your service provider an MSP then? Yes, an MSP is responsible for a specific and agreed set of technologies for an agreed-upon subscription cost. But, if your MSP only does time and materials on a break-fix basis, they aren’t an MSP.

It would help if you didn’t forget that an MSP is a Managed Service Provider. The effectiveness of managed services lies in their simplicity. They augment your competency rather than you shifting your operational complexities. Actual MSPs think beyond their scope, which benefits your entire landscape.

Final Words

If you’re not receiving the level of service you expected or if you feel your provider is not actively working to solve your issues during a contract period. This can happen, and you have the right to switch when it does.

When it comes to choosing a manage service provider in rockland county NY to handle your company’s tech needs, trust is key. Partner with Protected Harbor, when our members think of us, they don’t just think of us as an MSP. We are more than that.

We will walk you through the process of selecting the best solution for your company’s specific needs. Once you’ve signed up, you’ll have access to our years of experience and you can manage all of your company’s IT tasks, request support, and configure your team’s profile settings.

If you need help managing your business, Protected Harbor is the go-to MSP in Hudson Valley New York. Together we will identify areas of improvement, outline a road map for change, and put a process in place to track your progress. Contact us for a free IT Audit.

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