Did you know that about 60% of companies make use of managed services? Managed services are management responsibilities that companies outsource in order to cut overhead and improve flow. Many types of services are included in this category, including network management, security, software, internet, and supply chain management. Here is a lost of three of the most common outsourced managed services, how they operate, and how they benefit the companies that use them.
1. Website Hosting Services
About 70% of smaller businesses outsource some or all of their web hosting needs. For the most part, large corporations are the only ones who can afford to invest in in house website management, which includes software, set up, ongoing equipment, ongoing monitoring, IT staff and more. Not surprisingly, this adds up in cost quite quickly. Outsourcing to website hosting providers means that companies only have to pay for a fraction of each of these services, in addition to having their website run by a professional who knows what they are doing, and can generally provide better security and email hosting options.
2. VoIP Services Providers
Did you know that small to medium sized businesses see a 38% drop in operating costs after outsourcing IT? This includes VoIP. VoIP stands for Voice over Internet Protocol, and it is basically multiple technologies that allow for voice communication and multimedia exchange over the internet. For most companies, outsourcing makes sense because it is important that you be able to communicate quickly and clearly with others in your business. Because there are so many types of technology involved, it can also be difficult for small businesses to employ multiple people familiar with, and able to manage, the system.
3. Software
A large part of operating and maintaining technology involves making updates and edits to existing software. It might make sense for tech specific companies to build their own software and technology, but for everyone else, it will probably make more sense to outsource. Insisting on producing your own software can be a daunting task that might derail you from focusing on other important issues in your business. Managed services benefits for software include getting new technology implemented right away, and also reducing the risk of messing up because you lack the specific industry knowledge about, for example, software security and compliance.
What managed services benefits have you received from outsourcing? Let us know in the comments!