A managed IT solutions company is a third-party organization that provides clients with a range of business technology services, including digital transformation, technical support, and cybersecurity, among others.

Providers of enterprise-managed IT services have the primary objective of proactively monitoring your company’s IT infrastructure, networks, and systems. Maintaining these aspects ensures smooth operations, minimizes downtime, and enhances overall efficiency.

Managed IT providers offer many services, from simple monitoring, maintenance, and troubleshooting to more complex aspects of operating your IT infrastructure, like cloud network management and auditing compliance.

The main difference between IT support and managed IT services lies in the scope and approach. IT support typically refers to assistance provided on an “as-needed” basis. Once the problem or the project resolves, IT support ends.

On the other hand, managed IT services are an “always on” service. It offers proactive, ongoing support and management of your entire IT system or a few handpicked aspects of your infrastructure.

A fully managed IT service is a comprehensive package where a provider takes complete responsibility for managing and supporting all aspects of your IT system from beginning to end. 

The following are some essential tasks a fully-managed IT service provider can help you with: 

• IT planning
• Network monitoring
• Data backup
• Help desk support
• Security
• Software and hardware management

Enterprise IT service providers are well-versed in multiple practices and disciplines, providing your business with the following benefits:

Expertise and specialized knowledge

Your company gains access to a team of skilled IT professionals with expertise in various areas, ensuring reliable and efficient management of IT systems.

Proactive maintenance and monitoring

With managed IT services, you can regularly monitor and maintain your IT networks and systems to identify and resolve issues before they cause major disruptions.

Enhanced cybersecurity

It is easier to implement robust security measures to safeguard your company’s IT systems against cyber threats and data breaches.

Predictable costs

Managed IT services typically operate on a contractual or subscription basis, requiring standard costs that make budgeting more manageable and predictable.

Scalability and flexibility

Enterprise managed IT service providers make it easy to scale your IT infrastructure up or down, increasing company agility.

Focus on core business functions

You can outsource crucial tasks to enterprise managed IT service providers, allowing your company to concentrate on business-specific processes while leaving IT responsibilities to experts.

Access to advanced technology

A managed IT service provider stays current with the latest technology trends. They can provide access to advanced tools and solutions that may otherwise be costly for your business to acquire and maintain.

There are three crucial components to managed IT services:

• Infrastructure refers to the underlying foundation of hardware, software, networks, and facilities that enable the operation and management of your company’s IT system.
• Platform is the technological framework that delivers, manages, and integrates different IT services and solutions.
• Software includes robust digital programs that help carry out and enhance unique functions of your organization’s IT system. 

You can categorize enterprise managed IT services into three main tiers:

• Lower-level – At this level, managed services comprise entry-level solutions for your company, such as standard IT maintenance and support. 
• Mid-level – Mid-level managed services offer a broader scope than basic tiers. In addition to support and maintenance, this level provides monitoring and immediate issue identification and resolution.
• High-level – High-level managed IT services provide everything offered in lower tiers, plus additional benefits such as analytics and communication services, to name a few.

Managed IT services pricing may vary depending on several factors:

• IT infrastructure size and complexity
• Service level
• Number of users and devices that require support
• Business needs

Once you’ve defined all the details regarding these factors, the enterprise managed IT service provider can offer customized pricing.