Why MSPs Are a Cost-Effective Solution for All Businesses

Framework IT is passionate about the benefits of working with a Managed Service Provider (MSP). However, smaller organizations may not see the potential benefit of working with an MSP and prefer to take a reactive approach to IT. Framework IT developed the Evolution Framework with these organizations in mind to drive proactive IT strategy to help small and mid-sized businesses scale and grow while saving time and money. 

Why should you work with an MSP?

Managed IT Service Providers (MSPs) act as the outsourced IT team for many types of clients. MSPs operate as ongoing service providers to their clients; many have adopted a monthly retainer model to mimic the function of an internal IT team. Different MSPs focus on various niches but most generally provide some form of support and strategy for using technology to improve business outcomes. The best MSPs will combine strategy, best practices, and support to create a roadmap for growth. 

As technology becomes increasingly intricate, MSPs must assist their clients in effectively navigating it. With over a decade of experience as a managed service provider, serving clients to the best of our abilities, we’ve seen the many benefits MSPs can bring to small and medium-sized businesses. However, there are still a few misconceptions about this that we would love to clarify and share with you. 

1. IT is not a priority right now

The status quo may not be getting in the way of business as usual. IT issues may not be a serious concern for your business right now, but be wary of falling into the trap of, ‘if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.’ 

As your headcount grows, so too do IT environments; internally managing them can become a challenge – especially because IT problems grow with the business. In the early stage of company growth, leadership will take on the task of setting up everything from printers to email. There may even be a technical lead, like an IT Manager, who can deploy firewalls and server infrastructure. Yet, as headcount and client interactions grow, so do IT environments. Investing in professional, proficient IT can help save you time and expenses when your IT can’t scale as your business does.

Implement best practices early on and find a managed services firm to lean on when issues arise; don’t wait for IT to become a problem to invest in support. 

2. We have an internal technical resource

It is easy to understand how leadership, without a nuanced understanding of individual online services, may expect a marketing resource to be able to figure out how to troubleshoot a wireless access point issue. After all, technology has permeated every aspect of business, from marketing and sales to administration and accounting. When a company reaches a certain size, at least one, if not a few, of its employees have some technical experience to handle some issues self-sufficiently.

On the other hand, some organizations have taken the time to build their own internal IT department, with roles and support desks that look very similar to an MSP. Internally, they have ticketing systems, asset management, and escalation procedures that support the applications and workflows of that specific business. The processes should be replicable enough to hire additional resources to support internal initiatives.  

However, issues may arise that are outside of the capability of the internal team, and it may be necessary to lean on outside vendors to help get over individual humps. Still, the core of support and strategy will remain with the internal IT department.

We see robust internal departments in companies with over 400 employees most frequently. Smaller companies typically do not have the capability to keep up with IT support, strategy, and security needs cost-effectively. An MSP can help your organization save money and maximize resources. It gives you access to a pool of lower-cost experts and simplifies technology budgeting.

3. We have a plan in place for IT issues but no vendor contract 

Some organizations decide that having a fixed monthly cost for IT services will exceed any unplanned expense that arises from having to call in a vendor on short notice and choose to be reactive to IT issues rather than proactive. In others, the actual cost of reactivity may be buried in lost productivity or data breaches. may be buried in lost productivity or data breaches. may be buried in lost productivity or data breaches. When considering the price of a break-fix vs. an MSP, it’s vital to understand the potential risk and cost along with the value of stable, consistent, and predictable IT in your organization.

The cost of technology can vary widely, especially when a problem arises that your business cannot afford to ignore. MSPs like Framework IT offer proactive monitoring and a strategic IT plan that complements your vision for your business. Proactive management minimizes downtime and improves continuity, productivity, and security with a predictable cost structure. All provide peace of mind to you and your business.

Managed Service Providers (MSPs) offer a cost-effective and efficient solution for businesses of all sizes. By providing ongoing support and strategy, MSPs help companies navigate the complex world of technology and improve business outcomes. Whether you are a growing company with internal IT support or a small business with no IT plan, MSPs provide peace of mind and stability while minimizing downtime and maximizing productivity and security. With predictable costs and expert support, MSPs are an essential investment for any business.