How Managed Services Can Provide Peace of Mind

a man sitting at a computer with headphones on

Technology has become an integral part of business in the modern era. Tracking shipments, inventory, sales, personnel hours, and countless other aspects of the business are now synonymous with a wide variety of systems and software. Managing these resources can be difficult, however. Many companies and businesses don’t have the means or resources to set up and manage their own infrastructure. So what are managed services and how do they fill this role?

The Technology Services Industry Association breaks down managed services into five distinct categories that customers may need.

Monitoring

Often, companies will purchase solutions marketed to their needs but can have a wide variety of difficulties operating them once installed. From performance issues to unexpected behaviors and crashes, without a dedicated IT team, even the smallest of issues can be difficult to isolate and resolve. The monitoring part of managed services is just what it sounds like. Watch the system to make sure everything is running smoothly. If there are issues, they will contact you and let you know what’s happening, however, this basic service may not extend to troubleshooting and resolving the issue.

Operate

Here’s where the hands get dirty. When businesses opt to have a managed service provider operate their system, they not only monitor it but take charge and fix the issue when things go wrong. A managed service provider becomes your safety net. Making sure everything is running smoothly and saving the day when disaster strikes is the most important part of this essential function.

Optimize

Technology is now a rapidly evolving machine and optimization is a service that makes sure the business stays on top. By assessing current needs and the best solutions available, many managed service providers are now advising their customers on the solutions that are right for them. You probably won’t need the latest and greatest out there, but actively having a consultant keep you informed makes sure you don’t miss out on vital opportunities to improve your technological solutions.

Transform

This is an extension of optimization and can fill a vital function in any business. Your managed service provider actively monitors the latest and greatest trends and technological solutions that can benefit your business. They help apprise you of changes and trends and then implement them seamlessly into your business. This helps you focus on what you do best while maintaining the most up-to-date and powerful hardware and software that suits your needs.

Managed XaaS/Cloud

While not right for every business, there are a lot of cloud-based solutions and an almost infinite number of software and hardware options for almost any need. More and more businesses are turning to Anything as a Service(XaaS) and cloud service solutions to help them expand, grow, and collaborate in new and effective ways. Managed service providers are happily filling this role, combining it with the rest of the services offered to provide an endless stream of solutions to best suit you and your business needs.

Think you could benefit from a Managed Service Provider?

Please contact us so we can help you see what solutions we can offer to help you and your business reach your potential!

Why Good Technical Support Specialists are in High Demand

a sign that says we make it easy next to a cup of coffee
Why Good Technical Support Specialists are in High Demand

Every company needs to have a good technical support specialist. Many companies want to hire a person to work in-house.

While this seems to make common sense, when it comes to technology, there are things to consider.

The technology landscape changes every year. This is especially true as we enter 2017 and companies are introducing more connected products to the IoT marketplace. Cyber security threats are evolving with the technology. Therefore, the cost to keep in-house tech talent on staff with the skills to handle each new year’s cyber threats and tech management needs is extraordinary.

Most businesses have found that relying on in-house staff is impractical.
Outsourcing IT services is the right solution for most organizations.

When you outsource your tech needs to a qualified Managed Services Provider, (MSP), with talents in every area of IT, you can relax knowing one of the tech support specialists on the team can address whatever maintenance and security needs your organization has and will have.

Your MSP Will:

  • Provide on-call support for all your technology, software, and hardware in the manner most convenient for you and appropriate for the issue (via email, phone or on-site);
  • Make regular on-site visits for specific maintenance issues like hardware and software modifications, cleaning, and repairs;
  • Speed up your system performance, eliminate connection problems, and make data more readily accessible;
  • Evaluate any situation needing repair with an on-site visit;
  • Help you test new hardware and software and communicate with the vendor to make sure it meets your organizational needs;
  • Coordinate employee training sessions for new system introductions or major revamps; and
  • Report to department managers to provide tech updates and reports along with training if necessary;

Many business owners and managers want to hire an in-house tech professional because they worry an outsider won’t understand their company’s specific needs or be able to explain technical issues in a way that management will understand. However, part of a tech support specialist’s job description is to have personality qualities like patience, the ability to simplify complex concepts, and the ability to discern a complete needs picture by asking questions and learning about an organization.

Every tech professional that works with Bluewater has the interpersonal skills you’re seeking. In fact, many got their feet wet with troubleshooting and helpdesk work, which combines tech support with customer service. We all care about the businesses we serve and their goals. As well as understand that technology is an intrinsic part of goals for modern businesses. We will never take your needs, company culture or business processes for granted.

Contact us today to get started.