IT management: The management function determines the strategy that will bring the company closer to achieving its strategic goals.
IT administration: The administrative function is responsible for determining the specific steps that need to be taken to achieve that strategic direction.
IT managed services provider (MSP): The implementation team.
Those in charge of IT management within a company look at the overall management of the organization to ensure that it lines up with its vision, objectives, and mission. They ensure that the IT strategic direction is in line with the overall business strategy. Through their IT administration, they work with and coordinate with an MSP, such as CMIT Solutions of Cincinnati & NKY, to take the burden of implementation off their shoulders.
Different tasks, different roles
Management is about leadership. The administration is about action, and an IT MSP is about implementation. It is critically important that those roles are properly defined and work together to ensure that each carries out its respective tasks in its specific roles and stays within its ranks.
Let’s use an example. Management decides that the organization needs to have all services in the cloud.
Management asks the administration to investigate options and to decide which services can be removed and which should remain in-house. The administration consults with the MSP and then presents the options in writing for a final decision. Management approves the decision, and the administration oversees the project after turning it over to the MSP. Upon completion, the MSP provides the results and the administration informs management. This should be a seamless process with the heavy lifting being performed by the MSP.
Confidence
A critical factor for success in the management of IT is responsibility. When those in management and administration do not trust their MSP, there is a disconnect and a glaring problem. In order to meet strategic objectives, they need to rely on their MSP to understand the goals and implement them in a timely and systematic manner.
Framework
Management must manage and provide leadership and strategies, focusing on the big picture. The administration must set up a framework to make sure it gets done. How do both management and administration achieve success? By partnering with a responsive and talented MSP that will take the goal or objective and make it a reality with little to no involvement from either.
Is your current MSP taking the burden off of your management and administration teams? Do they proactively make recommendations on future IT infrastructure and methods to reduce risk and liability? Do their implement your goals in a timely and efficient manner?
CMIT Solutions of Cincinnati & NKY provides a free assessment which will show vulnerabilities within your network, including a Dark Web report. We offer enterprise-class solutions for small businesses—all at a price you can afford and with a level of support unmatched by other firms. We introduce methods to reduce your overall IT costs and best of all, our local Greater Cincinnati office has the power of a national franchise at is disposal, enhancing our team’s knowledge and ability to tackle all issues associated with your IT goals and objectives.
Never worry about IT again, contact us today!