Are you still relying solely on your in-house IT team to keep your systems running smoothly? It’s worth pondering if it’s time for a game-changing shift.

In an era where technology continually leaps forward, the traditional break/fix IT approach falls short. Most internal IT teams struggle to keep pace with the relentless march of innovation. This often leaves companies in a reactive stance, grappling to match the evolving needs of a business in a digital-centric world.

Have you ever questioned the idea of outsourcing IT support to a third-party provider? You’ve believed that your current IT structure is sufficient or had cost-related concerns. Well, now is an opportune moment for reflection. Managed services bring a slew of benefits, especially when integrated with systems like Microsoft Dynamics 365. The possibilities may surprise you.

What are Managed Services?

To gain a comprehensive understanding of the merits associated with the managed services model, let us first establish a fundamental framework.

Managed services encompass the practice of delegating business administration and management duties to an external partner. It is worth noting that this definition transcends the realm of information technology (IT) alone. Managed services can encompass a broad spectrum, spanning from optimizing supply chain logistics to refining marketing strategies and enhancing the efficiency of call center operations. Nevertheless, this article will primarily spotlight managed IT services, which happens to be the most frequently cited category within the realm of managed services.

Following are the examples of managed IT services, in the illustration below

The surge in demand for managed services has been nothing short of phenomenal in recent years. In 2022, the global arena of managed services commanded an impressive market worth of $279 billion. Projections paint an even more promising picture, with expectations of reaching a substantial $400 billion by 2026.

This remarkable uptick in interest can be largely attributed to the enthusiastic embrace of managed services by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). These dynamic businesses, in their quest to maintain a competitive edge and drive sustainable growth, often grapple with the constraints of modest IT budgets. Fortunately, managed services come to the rescue, providing SMEs with the means to stand toe-to-toe with mid-sized and enterprise-level counterparts, all without stretching their resources too thin. The managed services model offers many advantages, making it a game-changer for businesses of all sizes.

Benefits of Managed IT Services

Prioritize Your Core Business Goals

As your business expands, its IT demands naturally grow in tandem. Your IT team may grapple with the increasing workload, potentially becoming overwhelmed and unable to align with your business’s evolving needs. This may compel you to assign additional responsibilities to non-IT employees, diverting their focus from your primary business objectives.

Managed services offer a valuable solution in this scenario. Beyond granting your employees the freedom to concentrate on their designated roles, it also offers the flexibility to bridge any operational gaps. A capable managed services partner provides a service model that adapts to your precise requirements. Whether it involves maintaining the status quo or entirely outsourcing your company’s IT department, the choice is yours to make.

Hire the Experts

In this era of evolving technology, new challenges emerge – challenges that your current IT team may not have the expertise to tackle. On top of this, there is the issue of resource management. Whether your systems reside in the cloud or on-premises, it demands a substantial resource allocation to support your business solutions. This can be particularly problematic if your IT department operates as a one-person show.

Both hurdles can be addressed by bringing in new team members. However, the cost of recruiting and training new employees can be exorbitant, averaging over $1,886 per employee for training alone. Furthermore, there is an ongoing scarcity of IT talent to grapple with. The managed services model offers a compelling solution, allowing you to assemble a complete team of IT professionals at a fixed monthly rate. Some Managed Services Providers (MSPs) even offer a collaborative approach to managed services, enabling you to seamlessly add or remove specialists from your managed services team as per the specific needs of each project. These specialists encompass technical, functional, architectural, and training consultants who can ensure the continuous operation of your systems while unlocking their full potential.

Maintain low costs

When it comes to the financial aspect, managed services bring a substantial advantage by reducing operational costs and eliminating the need to recruit and train new IT personnel. The ability to access a versatile skill set as needed is truly compelling, and most Managed Service Providers (MSPs) offer a mix of local and offshore resources, which not only lowers the overall cost but also broadens the pool of expertise. The best part is, when you enter into a customized service-level agreement tailored to your organization’s unique requirements, you can bid farewell to unexpected service expenses. This transition enables your organization to shift from a capital expenditure model to an operational expenditure model. It is worth seeking an MSP with a robust strategic partnership with your solutions or cloud provider for added savings. They can actively support and advocate for your interests, allowing you to reinvest the funds you save back into your business.

Scalability

When considering the growth and transformation of your technology requirements over time, it is essential to have the flexibility to adjust your system’s scale accordingly. Fortunately, platforms like Dynamics 365 are inherently designed to be highly adaptable. However, there might still be instances where you require additional support. Managed Service Providers (MSPs) are your reliable partners in seamlessly responding to fluctuating demands in real-time, ensuring uninterrupted system performance.

It is crucial to seek out an MSP that not only boasts a vast pool of consultants, ready to be deployed when needed, but also offers an array of advanced services. These encompass proactive system monitoring, streamlined service upgrades, comprehensive reporting, and more. These services not only enhance the overall value of your partnership but also provide the scalability your evolving technology landscape demands.

Access Assistance at Your Convenience

When partnering with a Managed Service Provider (MSP), you can bid farewell to concerns about service availability. Most MSPs offer 24/7 flexibility and provide options for on-call support, even on weekends. It is important to note that some of these services may come with associated costs. In your quest for the ideal MSP, consider selecting a global provider that caters to multiple time zones and delivers round-the-clock support. This way, you can have peace of mind, knowing that help is just a call away whenever you require it.

Preventing Costly Downtime

Managed services offer a proactive approach to maintenance, sparing you from the costly waiting game. By employing remote monitoring and management, MSPs can swiftly pinpoint, diagnose, and resolve potential issues before they snowball into serious problems. When you consider that network downtime can set a business back as much as $5,600 per minute – that is a staggering $300k per hour – it is crystal clear that enlisting the services of an MSP is a sound investment.

Even in the unlikely event of things taking a wrong turn, an MSP stands ready to deliver expert backup and disaster recovery solutions to swiftly bring your systems back online.

Secure a Trustworthy Point of Connection

When you decide to team up with a Managed Service Provider (MSP), instead of dealing with an ever-changing lineup, you will have a dedicated squad well-versed in your company and your business solutions. This squad will be led by a single Customer Success Manager (CSM). Your CSM becomes your dependable, single point of contact who can bridge the gap between you and your suppliers and handle any issues on your behalf. If your CSM happens to be unavailable for any reason (we all need a break now and then), there is a well-defined path for escalation, and a backup contact is always prepared to step in, ensuring you have constantly got someone in your corner.

Accessing Security and Compliance Support

When it comes to software automation platforms like Dynamics 365, they work tirelessly to gather and process an enormous volume of data every day, all in the pursuit of enhancing your business. But handling this data requires utmost security and strict adherence to industry regulations. Here is the thing – your Managed Service Provider (MSP) cannot do the regulatory compliance dance for you (wouldn’t that be something?), but they can team up with your legal experts. Together, they will identify the specific regulations that apply to your business and put the necessary safeguards in place to make sure your systems are fully compliant.

Traits of an ideal Managed Service Provider

When it comes to selecting the right managed services provider, it is crucial to consider a range of qualities. Let us take a moment to explore what makes an ideal MSP:

Embrace Flexibility: Look for an MSP that offers a service model tailored to your unique needs.
Collaborative Approach: Seek an MSP that believes in a shared approach to managed services, working closely with your team.
Strategic Alliances: It is beneficial if your chosen MSP has established strong strategic relationships with key solution or cloud providers.
Extensive Expertise: A solid MSP should boast a team of hundreds of experienced consultants who understand your business’s requirements.
Advanced Services: Ensure your MSP can provide advanced services that align with your long-term goals.
Global Reach: Look for an MSP capable of supporting multiple time zones, ensuring round-the-clock assistance.
24/7 Support: Round-the-clock support is essential for addressing issues promptly.
Proactive Maintenance: Effective MSPs use remote monitoring and management to maintain your systems proactively.
Data Security: A reliable MSP should have a robust backup and disaster recovery strategy in place.
Dedicated Point of Contact: You should have a single, dependable point of contact dedicated to your business.
Escalation Path: Ensure your MSP offers a clear escalation path and provides a secondary contact for added reliability.
Compliance Collaboration: A good MSP is willing to collaborate with your legal team to address compliance issues effectively.

If your chosen MSP ticks all these boxes, you can have confidence that your IT systems are in capable hands.

Managed Services – SquareOne Technologies

In the ever-evolving landscape of business operations, where innovation and efficiency reign supreme, the pursuit of excellence in managed services has never been more critical. Throughout this topic of managed services, we have delved into the key features and advantages that can elevate your business to new heights. However, the true hallmark of a distinguished managed services provider is the ability to seamlessly weave these benefits into a comprehensive, client-centric offering. This is where SquareOne Technologies comes into focus.

Our Managed Intelligent Automation Services embody the essence of what a top-tier managed services provider should be. With a compelling blend of innovation, technical prowess, and a deep understanding of business needs, we are more than a service provider—we are your expert partner for excellence in managed services.

Here is what sets us apart from other managed service providers –

End-to-End Process Automation Lifecycle Management: SquareOne takes the guesswork out of automation, orchestrating a strategic and cohesive journey from concept to value realization. No fragmented approaches, just a clear path to success.

Continuous Optimization: With SquareOne, your systems are continually fine-tuned to operate at peak efficiency, all without the hassle of constant manual intervention. This means smoother processes and reduced downtime, allowing you to focus on what truly matters—your core competencies.

Real-Time Value Management: Say goodbye to guesswork and hello to tangible ROI (Return on Investment) transparency. SquareOne’s real-time value tracking ensures that your automation initiatives are delivering results you can see and measure.

Automated Alert Monitoring and Incident Management: The vigilant system provided by SquareOne nips potential issues in the bud, allowing you to focus on growth, not firefighting. Our proactive approach to incident management keeps your operations running smoothly.

Dynamic Scheduling: Your processes adapt to triggers and SLAs (Service Level Agreements) in real-time, ensuring alignment with your business objectives, all while tracking 100% bot utilization with ease.

Customized Business Dashboards: SquareOne empowers you with real-time live dashboards that provide insights for informed decisions. With this level of visibility, strategic choices become second nature.

Process Idea Box: By democratizing idea generation and capturing innovation from its infancy, SquareOne ensures that the next big breakthrough is never missed. Your business is always on the cusp of something great.

In a business landscape where excellence in managed services is the key to staying competitive, SquareOne shines as the beacon of innovation, efficiency, and expertise. Our Managed Intelligent Automation Services are designed to surge your operational efficiency, reduce downtime, and guarantee a clear, undeniable ROI on your automation investments. With our insightful dashboards, you gain the power to make strategic decisions with confidence.

We are not just a service provider; we are your strategic partner for a smarter, more efficient tomorrow. If you are ready to take your business to new heights and embrace a future of streamlined excellence, the time to engage with SquareOne is now. Our expert solutions in managed services will propel your business toward unprecedented success.

Contact SquareOne today to explore how Managed Intelligent Automation Services can transform your business, and together, let us pave the way for a brighter, more efficient future.