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What Are Managed IT Services?

A managed IT service is one that’s contracted out to a third party. Outsourcing doesn’t replace your IT team but complements it. With access to the latest IT technologies, such as cybersecurity, outsourcing reinforces your IT infrastructure against threats while tailoring it to suit your specific needs. A managed service provider (MSP) offers the best of both worlds. You keep your finger on the pulse with your existing IT operations, while the managed IT service provider fills in the gaps.

Key Components of Managed IT Services

The three key aspects of managed IT services include:

  • Managing IT infrastructure. This embraces the entire physical and virtual network, including hardware, IT facilities, and servers.
  • Defining and developing your platform. Rather than running software directly on the server, a platform offers a level of abstraction from underlying hardware. The benefits are that your software is no longer hardware-dependent and can be moved onto new hardware or into the cloud.
  • Managing and enhancing software. An MSP takes over the role of updating software, implementing security patches, and managing cybersecurity.

Benefits of Managed IT Services for Small Businesses

As a small business, you’re constrained by what your IT team can manage. However, by entering a managed IT services contract, these limitations are removed. Specific benefits of managed IT services include:

  • Less downtime. Using proactive security information and event management (SIEM) solutions, managed IT services providers detect issues before they bring the system down, reduce unwanted outages, and improve platform stability.
  • Predictable monthly pricing. You know exactly how much you’ll pay every month. Typically, IT management services companies offer one or more service tiers, allowing you to choose the most appropriate tier. You can change tiers at any time should your needs change.
  • Better cybersecurity services. An MSP has access to the latest cybersecurity solutions; you’re better protected against malicious attacks and ransomware thanks to secure backup and disaster recovery services.
  • High-level IT support. When a problem arises, a managed IT service provider has access to a large team of specialists to help resolve issues quickly and efficiently.
  • Scalability. The flexible service offered means it’s easier to scale your operations as needed.
  • Security awareness training. This training is essential to bring your team up to date on the risks of phishing and the importance of keeping passwords secure and not sharing them.
  • Compliance. Through better documentation and processes, a managed IT service can audit requirements and institute processes and procedures to make sure you remain in compliance with local, state, and national regulations. 

How to Choose the Right Managed IT Service Provider

Before searching for a managed service provider, it’s crucial to assess your business needs to find the best fit. Review the MSP’s portfolio of services to ensure the company possesses the necessary skills, capabilities, and breadth to meet your current and future requirements. 

Other points to consider when choosing an MSP:

  • Length of business operation
  • Relevant experience in your industry
  • Available references and information on their client base
Robert Unger
President - Berman Bedding

"I called CMIT when I was no longer good enough to be the IT guy for the company. What I value most about the support and service from them is how instantaneous it seems to be...I always recommend CMIT because whenever we've had any issue, a quick phone call to them and they are either taking care of it remotely or on the spot.”

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Jud Matthey
Owner - Matthey Automotive

"Technology is very important to our business. We wouldn't be able to operate at the level we do without it...CMIT managed all of our computers at all of our locations, and if there's an issue with any of the computers, CMIT takes care of it. They handle it right away."

Josh Sommers
CEO - Focus Media

"I'm pretty good with technology, but once I met...CMIT it was a different experience. Where we really learned the things we needed to ensure that not only is our data safe, but that we can have a working environment to ensure that our clients have the things that they need and never worry about downtime or losing data.”

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Why Choose CMIT Solutions

At CMIT Services, we’re not just another IT company. We go out of our way to identify exactly what your business needs to be successful. After that, we develop a plan tailored to your needs. Once you’ve engaged us, we keep you regularly updated. With access to a large team of IT professionals, CMIT in Washington, DC, combines the best in technology with personalized services. We’ve been in business for over 25 years and are widely recognized as a leader in managed IT services provision.