The choice between managed IT services and building an in-house IT team is a significant decision for any business. Technology drives growth, supports daily operations, and keeps your business competitive, so making the right choice is essential. This article will guide you through the considerations to help determine which approach aligns best with your business needs.

Understanding Managed IT Services and In-House IT

Before diving into specifics, it’s important to understand the core differences between these two options. Managed IT services involve partnering with an external provider, like WorkSmart, that offers a full range of IT solutions. This includes everything from security and support to regular maintenance and scalability options tailored to your growth.

In contrast, in-house IT relies on hiring, training, and managing a dedicated internal team. This team is responsible for every aspect of your technology, from handling day-to-day support to managing cybersecurity and strategic planning.

Each option has its merits, and the best choice depends on factors specific to your business, such as budget, growth goals, and security needs. Let’s examine these key considerations in more detail.

Key Considerations for Business Owners

Cost Efficiency

One of the most immediate factors that comes to mind in choosing between managed IT and in-house IT is cost. Managed IT services offer a predictable subscription-based model, covering a comprehensive range of services without the overhead of hiring full-time employees. This model not only simplifies budgeting but also minimizes surprise expenses, such as emergency repairs or security incidents.

In-house IT, however, comes with fixed costs in the form of salaries, benefits, training, and additional overhead. For smaller teams, there’s also the expense of additional resources or hiring when specialized skills are needed. Over time, managed IT services can offer cost savings by eliminating these fluctuating costs, while in-house IT may be beneficial if your team requires constant on-site support for highly specific tasks.

Scalability and Flexibility

As businesses grow, so do their technology needs. Managed IT services are designed with flexibility in mind, allowing you to quickly scale resources up or down based on demand. Whether you’re launching a new branch, expanding your workforce, or adopting new tools, managed IT services provide the agility to adapt without delay.

On the other hand, scaling an in-house IT team takes time and resources. Hiring and onboarding new talent, investing in infrastructure, and adapting workflows can slow down expansion plans. For businesses with unpredictable growth, managed IT services offer a seamless way to accommodate new challenges without the long-term commitment of building an in-house team.

Access to Specialized Expertise

The IT landscape is constantly evolving, with new security threats, software tools, and compliance requirements emerging regularly. With managed IT services, you gain access to a team of experts with specialized skills in areas such as cybersecurity, cloud management, and data compliance. Managed IT providers invest in certifications and ongoing training, ensuring your business benefits from the latest knowledge and best practices.

In-house IT teams, especially in smaller businesses, often face limitations in expertise due to the breadth of responsibilities and limited team size. Maintaining certifications, keeping up with emerging threats, and managing day-to-day tasks can spread in-house teams thin, potentially impacting performance.

Security and Compliance

Security is a top priority in today’s digital world. Managed IT providers implement rigorous security protocols and ensure compliance with industry standards, minimizing risks and providing peace of mind. They actively monitor your systems, identifying vulnerabilities and addressing threats before they affect your operations. Compliance is also critical, especially for businesses in regulated industries, and managed IT providers have the expertise to meet these requirements seamlessly.

In-house IT teams, while capable, often lack the bandwidth or specialized training needed for high-level security and compliance management. Without the resources to stay updated on regulations, in-house teams may struggle to meet the same level of protection provided by managed IT services.

Availability and Support

Downtime can be costly, both in terms of lost productivity and potential revenue. WorkSmart has an expert team on call, 24x7x365, ensuring your systems remain operational and issues are resolved quickly, regardless of the time or day. This level of support helps reduce the risk of downtime and keeps your business running smoothly.

In contrast, in-house IT support is generally limited to standard business hours unless you invest in a larger team to cover after-hours needs. As a result, businesses with an in-house team may experience slower response times during nights, weekends, or peak demand periods, which can affect productivity and customer satisfaction.

Technology Management and Maintenance

Proactive maintenance, regular software updates, and lifecycle management are all essential to running an efficient IT environment. Managed IT services handle these tasks seamlessly, allowing your team to focus on core business objectives instead of worrying about routine maintenance. Your provider keeps systems up to date, addresses potential issues before they escalate, and ensures that technology assets are optimally managed.

With an in-house IT team, these responsibilities fall on your employees, which can impact their availability for strategic tasks. Regular maintenance and updates may be deprioritized during busy periods, potentially leading to performance issues or vulnerabilities.

When to Choose Managed IT Services

Managed IT services are ideal for businesses seeking a strategic advantage through scalable, cost-effective solutions. We provide access to specialized expertise, enhance security, and support growth without the administrative overhead of managing an internal team. If your business operates in a fast-changing environment, requires around-the-clock support, or faces compliance demands, managed IT services offer an efficient, flexible solution.

When to Choose In-House IT

For some businesses, an in-house IT team is the right choice. Organizations that need complete control over their IT operations or operate in highly specialized fields may benefit from having dedicated IT staff on-site. Businesses with stable, well-defined IT needs and a low tolerance for outsourced services may also prefer an in-house team to maintain close alignment with company culture and goals.

WorkSmart Co-Pilot: Co-Managed IT Combining the Best of Both Worlds

In some cases, a hybrid approach combining in-house and managed IT services offers the ideal balance of control and support. Our CoPilot co-managed IT services allow companies to maintain core IT functions internally while outsourcing specific tasks, like cybersecurity or cloud management, to a managed provider. This approach enables businesses to leverage external expertise where it’s needed most while retaining control over essential functions.

Why You Should Choose WorkSmart For Your Managed IT Services Partner

Choosing between managed IT services and in-house IT is a complex decision that requires careful consideration of costs, scalability, expertise, security, and support needs. By assessing these factors and aligning your choice with your business goals, you can determine the best fit for your organization.

If you’re ready to see how managed IT services can help streamline operations, enhance security, and support growth, schedule a free consultation with WorkSmart today. Our experts are here to help you explore the benefits of managed IT and create a solution tailored to your business.

As technology makes its way into more and more facets of business, businesses rely heavily on it to operate efficiently and stay competitive. But without regular oversight, IT systems can become vulnerable to security risks, inefficiencies, and costly licensing penalties. That’s where IT audits come in.

An IT audit is a comprehensive evaluation of a business’s technology infrastructure, applications, and processes. For businesses with limited in-house IT resources, partnering with a managed IT services provider like WorkSmart can make this process seamless. Here’s why IT audits are critical for your business and how they can deliver valuable insights into security, efficiency, and compliance.

Uncover Hidden Security Risks

Cybersecurity threats are on the rise, and they can have devastating consequences for businesses of all sizes. IT audits help businesses identify vulnerabilities in their systems, from outdated software to misconfigured networks and improper access controls.

By conducting regular audits, businesses can detect security gaps before they are exploited. For example, an audit might reveal areas where sensitive data is unprotected or where unauthorized users have access to critical systems. With these insights, businesses can take proactive measures to mitigate these risks, strengthening their defenses against cyber threats like malware, ransomware, and phishing attacks.

At WorkSmart, we emphasize security as a key part of our managed IT services, helping businesses implement robust protections based on audit findings. This ensures that your company remains secure, compliant with industry regulations, and resilient in the face of potential cyberattacks. Side note – is your organization secure? Find out with our Free Cybersecurity Checklist!

Identify Opportunities for Greater Efficiency

Beyond security, IT audits can provide valuable insights into the efficiency of your technology infrastructure. Many businesses are running outdated or misaligned systems that slow down processes, increase downtime, and frustrate employees.

An IT audit can identify inefficiencies such as redundant systems, outdated hardware, or underutilized software. This information allows businesses to streamline their operations, replacing or consolidating tools, and adopting more efficient workflows. (Read more: Cybersecurity 101: The Essential Pieces To Have In Place)

For example, an audit may show that your current on-premises servers are nearing capacity, which could lead to costly outages. Moving to cloud-based solutions could improve scalability and flexibility, enabling your business to grow without the limitations of outdated technology. With WorkSmart, we help businesses transition to more efficient systems and make the most of their technology investments.

Avoid Costly Licensing Exposures

Many businesses are unaware of their software licensing obligations, which can lead to significant penalties if left unchecked. Vendors often conduct audits of their own, and businesses found to be non-compliant can face hefty fines.

An IT audit will review all software licenses, ensuring that your business is compliant with vendor agreements. This includes identifying any under-licensed or over-licensed software, as well as uncovering any expired licenses.

By keeping your software licensing in check, you not only avoid potential penalties but can also optimize your IT budget. Paying for unused software can quickly add up, so an audit can help you eliminate unnecessary expenses while ensuring compliance.

At WorkSmart, we partner with businesses to manage their software licensing, helping them avoid surprise vendor audits and potential penalties. With our ongoing support, you’ll always know that your licensing is up to date and compliant.

Get Started With Your IT Audit Today

IT audits provide businesses with a clear picture of their technology infrastructure, helping them improve security, boost efficiency, and ensure compliance with licensing requirements. By proactively conducting IT audits, businesses can identify and address vulnerabilities before they become costly problems.

At WorkSmart, we specialize in providing comprehensive IT audits as part of our managed IT services. Whether you’re looking to secure your business, streamline operations, or ensure compliance, our team is here to help you achieve your technology goals with confidence.

Contact us today to learn more about how we can assist your business through IT audits and managed IT services.

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As technology becomes more prevalent in every piece of business environments, businesses face growing cybersecurity threats. If you own a small to medium sized business, you may not think you’re a prime target, but the reality is that cybercriminals often see smaller businesses as easier entry points. This is why having a robust cybersecurity strategy is essential to safeguard your company’s data, reputation, and continuity.

Here are some of the critical cybersecurity measures every business should have in place to ensure security and continuity for their business:

1. Firewall and Network Security

A firewall is the first line of defense between your internal network and external threats. It monitors incoming and outgoing traffic, blocking suspicious activity before it becomes a problem. A robust firewall, complemented by network monitoring, ensures that your systems are protected from unauthorized access.

At WorkSmart, we offer ManagedShield Firewalls to ensure your firewall is always configured properly, monitored and up to date to protect your network resources. Learn more about our cybersecurity services and how we can help secure your network.

2. Data Encryption

Encryption is key to protecting sensitive business data, both when it’s at rest and in transit. When sensitive information—like customer records or financial data—gets encrypted, it becomes unreadable to unauthorized parties. For small businesses, investing in encrypted solutions for emails, communications, and file sharing is critical to protect sensitive data from breaches. 

Whether you’re looking to improve your security posture or have compliance standards you need to meet, the team at WorkSmart is able to help you reach your goals.

3. Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

Passwords alone are no longer sufficient. Multi-factor authentication (MFA) with conditional access adds an extra layer of security by requiring users to verify their identity through an additional method, such as a text message or an authentication app. This drastically reduces the chances of unauthorized access to your systems, even if passwords are compromised.

Implementing MFA across your organization will make it significantly harder for cybercriminals to gain access to your sensitive systems. WorkSmart is a leader in Microsoft 365 security strategies, and can help you meet your organizational goals.

4. Regular Software Updates and Patch Management

Outdated software is one of the most common entry points for cyberattacks. Hackers exploit vulnerabilities in outdated systems to gain access to networks. Regularly updating your software and applying security patches as soon as they’re released helps close these gaps.

Our ManagedShield programs can help by having our team manage this process, ensuring your systems are always up-to-date without disrupting daily operations.

5. Employee Cybersecurity Training

Your employees are often your weakest link when it comes to cybersecurity. Phishing scams, malware, and social engineering attacks are specifically designed to trick employees into unknowingly handing over sensitive information. Regular training ensures that your staff is aware of the latest threats and knows how to identify suspicious activities.

At WorkSmart, we offer comprehensive Security Awareness Training training as part of our broader cybersecurity services to help protect your business from human error.

6. Data Backup and Disaster Recovery Plan

Even with the best defenses in place, data breaches or other disasters can still happen. A secure, offsite data backup and a comprehensive disaster recovery plan are critical to ensuring business continuity in the event of an attack. This plan should include detailed steps on how to restore operations quickly to minimize downtime and data loss.

WorkSmart’s DataVault services ensure that your business can bounce back quickly after any unexpected disruptions whether your data is in the cloud, or local in your office.

7. Endpoint Security and Mobile Device Management (MDM)

With the rise of remote work, employees increasingly access company data from various devices, including laptops, tablets, and smartphones. Each device presents a potential entry point for cybercriminals. Implementing endpoint security and mobile device management (MDM) allows your business to monitor and control access across all devices, ensuring that only authorized users have access to critical data.

WorkSmart can help manage and secure these endpoints to safeguard your business.

Improve Your Business’ Security Posture Today

By having these essential cybersecurity measures in place, your small business can reduce the risk of falling victim to cyberattacks and ensure you remain compliant with industry standards. At WorkSmart, we are committed to helping small businesses like yours implement comprehensive, scalable cybersecurity strategies. Visit our cybersecurity services page to learn more about how we can keep your business secure.

As your business grows, so do the complexities of your IT needs. Scaling operations from a handful of employees to a thriving enterprise requires more than just adding extra devices or upgrading software. The demands on your network infrastructure, cybersecurity, and support systems increase exponentially, making it essential to have flexible and scalable IT services in place.

Why Flexibility In Your IT Matters

Every business evolves differently, and no two growth paths are the same. Whether you’re expanding into new markets, adopting hybrid work environments, or incorporating new technologies, flexibility in your IT services allows you to adapt quickly. A flexible IT environment supports your business’s unique trajectory, enabling seamless integration of new tools and solutions without disrupting daily operations.

 

With managed IT services, you gain the advantage of customization. The right technology partner can adjust your services based on your current and future needs—whether that means scaling up when you’re hiring new employees or scaling down during seasonal slow periods. You get exactly what you need when you need it, with no wasted resources.

The Power of Scalability

As your business grows, so will your data, applications, and user base. Scalability ensures that your IT infrastructure can handle this growth without compromising performance or security. A scalable IT environment makes it easy to add more storage, increase bandwidth, or implement new cybersecurity measures as your needs evolve.

 

One of the key benefits of outsourcing IT management is the ability to grow without over-investing in hardware or personnel. Instead of worrying about whether your existing infrastructure can support your growth, a managed IT provider ensures you always have the resources necessary to handle increased demands. This allows you to focus on what you do best—growing your business.

How Can Managed IT Services Supplement an In-House IT Team?

For many growing businesses, you may already have an in-house IT team or IT Manager who understands the company’s internal processes and culture. However, as technology evolves and demands increase, even the most capable in-house teams can find themselves stretched thin. That’s where managed IT services come in, offering vital support that can help in-house IT teams operate more efficiently and strategically. WorkSmart’s Co-Managed IT Services can help your in-house team provide a great IT experience. How can we do that?

Providing Specialized Expertise

While your in-house IT team might excel at daily operations and troubleshooting, they may not have the specialized knowledge required for complex tasks such as advanced cybersecurity measures, cloud architecture, or data compliance regulations. MSPs like WorkSmart offer access to a team of experts with diverse skill sets, ensuring your business can tackle any IT challenge. This allows your internal team to focus on what they do best while outsourcing specialized tasks to seasoned professionals who stay up to date with industry trends and best practices.

Handling Routine Tasks and Maintenance

Day-to-day IT tasks such as system updates, software patching, and monitoring can consume significant time and resources. By outsourcing these routine tasks to a managed IT provider, your in-house team can concentrate on more strategic initiatives. MSPs handle ongoing maintenance and monitoring, ensuring that your systems remain secure and optimized without overwhelming your staff with mundane responsibilities.

Providing 24/7 Support

In-house IT teams are typically limited to standard business hours, which can be a challenge for companies that operate across time zones or have critical systems that need constant monitoring. Managed IT services can offer 24/7 support, including real-time monitoring and rapid incident response. This around-the-clock coverage ensures that issues are resolved quickly, minimizing downtime and preventing minor problems from becoming major disruptions.

Enhancing Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity threats are evolving rapidly, and businesses of all sizes are increasingly at risk. While your internal IT team may manage some aspects of security, WorkSmart has a dedicated cybersecurity team that specializes in monitoring, threat detection, and mitigation. Managed IT services can supplement your team by implementing more advanced security measures, conducting regular vulnerability assessments, and ensuring compliance with industry regulations. This additional layer of protection helps to fortify your company’s defenses against potential breaches.

WorkSmart Managed IT Services: The Right Fit for Growing Businesses

Outsourcing your IT to a managed services provider like WorkSmart ensures that your IT systems grow with your business. We handle everything from day-to-day support to long-term planning, so you don’t have to worry about IT challenges holding you back. Our solutions are designed to be flexible and scalable, allowing you to focus on your business while we handle the technology.

 

Ready to learn how managed IT services can benefit your growing business? Schedule a free consultation with WorkSmart today and see how we can help you save on IT while ensuring your infrastructure supports your continued success.

 

As the ways we get work done continue to evolve post-pandemic, remote and hybrid work models have become the new norm for many businesses. This shift has brought about numerous advantages, such as increased flexibility and access to a broader talent pool. 

However, it has also introduced new challenges, particularly in the realm of IT management. With teams dispersed across various locations, the need for a robust and secure IT infrastructure is more critical than ever.

Managed IT services have emerged as a key solution to these challenges, ensuring that distributed workforces can operate securely, efficiently, and reliably.

The Challenges of a Distributed Workforce

Security Risks

One of the most significant concerns for businesses with a distributed workforce is security. With employees accessing company resources from various locations, often using different networks and devices, the potential for security breaches increases dramatically. This scenario requires a comprehensive approach to security, where every point of access is protected, and sensitive data is safeguarded.

At WorkSmart, we understand the importance of securing your business’s digital assets. Our cybersecurity services are designed to mitigate these risks, offering solutions such as VPNs, multi-factor authentication, and encryption to ensure that your data remains safe, no matter where your team is located.

Collaboration and Communication

Effective communication and collaboration are vital for the success of any team, but they can be particularly challenging for remote workers. Ensuring that all team members have reliable access to collaboration tools, file-sharing systems, and communication platforms is essential.

WorkSmart provides cloud solutions that enable your team to collaborate in real-time, regardless of their location. By leveraging cloud-based tools, your employees can stay connected and productive, contributing to your business’s success even when working remotely.

IT Support and Management

Managing IT issues in a traditional office setting is one thing, but doing so for a distributed workforce is an entirely different challenge. Remote teams require IT support that is not only available around the clock but also capable of resolving issues quickly and effectively to minimize downtime.

Our managed IT services at WorkSmart include 24/7 remote support, ensuring that your employees receive the help they need whenever issues arise. We also take a proactive approach to IT management, regularly maintaining and monitoring your systems to prevent problems before they occur.

How Managed IT Services Address These Challenges

Enhanced Security Measures

Managed IT services provide businesses with advanced security measures tailored to the needs of a distributed workforce. At WorkSmart, we implement a range of security protocols, including VPNs, multi-factor authentication, and encryption, to protect your business from cyber threats. Additionally, our regular security audits and monitoring services help identify and address potential vulnerabilities before they can be exploited.

By partnering with WorkSmart, you can rest assured that your remote workforce is protected by a comprehensive security strategy that evolves alongside emerging threats.

Reliable IT Support

When your team is spread across multiple locations, having access to reliable IT support is crucial. WorkSmart’s managed IT services ensure that your employees can get the help they need at any time, from anywhere. Our remote support team is available 24/7 to troubleshoot and resolve issues, minimizing disruption to your business operations.

We proactively manage your IT infrastructure, performing regular maintenance and updates to keep your systems running smoothly. This proactive approach helps prevent potential problems, allowing your team to focus on their work without worrying about IT-related issues.

Cloud Solutions for Collaboration

Cloud computing has revolutionized the way businesses operate, particularly for those with a distributed workforce. By moving your operations to the cloud, you can ensure that your team has access to the tools and resources they need, no matter where they are. WorkSmart offers a range of cloud services designed to enhance collaboration and productivity for remote teams.

From secure file sharing to real-time collaboration tools, our cloud solutions empower your employees to work together effectively, even when they are miles apart. With WorkSmart managing your cloud infrastructure, you can be confident that your data is both accessible and secure.

Scalable Infrastructure

As your business grows or evolves, so too will your IT needs. A key advantage of managed IT services is the ability to scale your IT infrastructure in line with your business’s changing requirements. Whether you’re expanding your team, adopting new technologies, or simply needing additional resources, WorkSmart’s managed IT services are designed to grow with you.

We provide flexible solutions that can be customized to meet your specific needs, ensuring that your IT infrastructure remains aligned with your business objectives.

Why Partner With WorkSmart?

Customized Solutions For Your Business

At WorkSmart, we recognize that no two businesses are the same, which is why we offer tailored IT solutions that align with your unique needs. Whether you’re looking to enhance your security, improve collaboration, or scale your IT infrastructure, we work closely with you to develop a strategy that supports both your immediate and long-term goals.

Over Two Decades Of Expertise And Experience

With decades of experience in managing IT for businesses across various industries, WorkSmart brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the table. Our team is well-versed in the latest technologies and best practices, ensuring that your distributed workforce is supported by an IT infrastructure that is both reliable and secure.

Peace of Mind

By outsourcing your IT management to WorkSmart, you can enjoy peace of mind knowing that your IT systems are in capable hands. Our proactive approach to IT management means that potential issues are addressed before they can impact your business, allowing you to focus on what you do best.

Empower Your Remote Workforce With WorkSmart

As remote and hybrid work models continue to gain traction, it’s essential for businesses to have a reliable and secure IT infrastructure in place. Managed IT services from WorkSmart offer the support and expertise needed to ensure that your distributed workforce can operate effectively, no matter where they are located.

Ready to optimize your IT infrastructure for remote work? Schedule a no-obligation consultation with WorkSmart today to discover how our managed IT services can help your business do business securely and reliably in a remote or hybrid environment.

 

In today’s constantly evolving technology environment, small companies face unique challenges in managing their IT infrastructure. As your business grows, the demands on your IT systems increase, and the complexity of managing them can become overwhelming.

This is where managed IT services come into play, offering a comprehensive solution to streamline your business operations.

What Are Managed IT Services?

Managed IT services refer to the outsourcing of your company’s IT management and support to a specialized third-party provider, like WorkSmart. Instead of dealing with the complexities of IT in-house, your business can rely on a team of experts who ensure that your technology runs smoothly and efficiently.

Benefits of Managed IT Services for Small to Mid-Sized Businesses

• Proactive Maintenance and Monitoring

1. 1. • Managed IT service providers monitor your systems 24/7, identifying and resolving issues before they become major problems. This proactive approach minimizes downtime and keeps your business running smoothly.

• Scalability

1. 1. • As your business grows, your IT needs will evolve. Managed IT services are designed to scale with your business, ensuring that you always have the right level of support without the need for costly infrastructure investments.

• Cost-Effective Solutions

1. 1. • Instead of managing a full-time in-house IT team, which can be expensive, managed IT services offer a cost-effective alternative. You pay a predictable monthly fee for the services you need, helping you manage your budget more effectively.

• Enhanced Security

1. 1. • Cybersecurity is a top concern for businesses of all sizes. Managed IT services include robust security measures to protect your data and systems from threats, ensuring that your business remains compliant with industry regulations.

• Access to Expertise

1. • With managed IT services, you gain access to a team of IT professionals with a broad range of expertise. This means that no matter what challenges your business faces, there is always someone with the right skills to address the issue.

Frequently Asked Questions About Managed IT Services

What types of businesses benefit the most from managed IT services?

Managed IT services are particularly beneficial for businesses who want to outsource their IT infrastructure to a partner with a diverse set of IT skills. These companies often lack the resources to maintain a full-time, in-house IT department, yet they require reliable and efficient IT systems to operate effectively. For companies who do have in-house IT staff, our co-managed IT services can help them focus on moving the business forward while we help with the day-to-day.

How do managed IT services improve operational efficiency?

By taking a proactive approach to IT management, managed services reduce the occurrence of IT issues that can disrupt your operations. This ensures that your systems are always up and running, allowing your employees to focus on their core tasks without interruptions.

What is included in a managed IT services plan?

A typical managed IT services plan includes network monitoring, cybersecurity, data backup and recovery, helpdesk support, and IT strategy planning. WorkSmart offers customizable plans tailored to meet the specific needs of your business.

How do I know if my business needs managed IT services?

If your business is experiencing frequent IT issues, struggling to keep up with technology demands, or concerned about cybersecurity, it might be time to consider managed IT services. A consultation with a provider like WorkSmart can help you determine the best course of action.

How do managed IT services handle data security?

Managed IT service providers implement advanced security protocols to protect your business from cyber threats. This includes regular security audits, firewall management, and employee training on best practices for data protection.

Why Choose WorkSmart for Your Managed IT Services?

At WorkSmart, we understand the unique challenges faced by small to mid-sized businesses. Our managed IT services are designed to help you focus on what you do best—running your business—while we take care of your IT needs. With a proven track record and a commitment to delivering exceptional service, we are the partner you can trust.

Explore our managed IT services programs here and take the first step toward streamlining your business operations.

 

Nearly every modern business runs on IT. Whether you sell goods online, manage customer databases, or require connected work computers, robust IT infrastructure is critical. However, not every business has the need or the resources for an in-house IT team.

Partnering with a managed IT service provider like WorkSmart offers the ideal solution. Professional consulting firms can handle your IT needs from start to finish, including designing your network, proactively monitoring your system, and offering 24/7 help desk support.

But with so many IT companies, how do you choose? This guide offers tips for evaluating, interviewing, and selecting the right managed IT service provider for your business needs.

Criteria To Consider When Choosing a Managed IT Service Provider

When evaluating potential IT partners, consider the following factors:

Experience

The longer the company has been in business, the more IT challenges they have likely seen and the more problems they have likely solved. Look into their years of experience, the background of their staff members, and the industries they have worked with.

WorkSmart has been serving clients for over 20 years, and has the experience and expertise to make sure your business technology stays running smoothly.

Services

An important part of any IT plan is an assessment of your IT needs. Talk to your potential partner about your pain points, growth plans, and regulatory needs to see whether their portfolio of services fits the bill. Managed IT service providers often offer the following services:

• IT strategy and planning
• Network monitoring and management
• Cloud services or other off-site storage
• Data backup and disaster recovery
• Protection from cybersecurity threats
• IT troubleshooting and customer support

Scalability

If your business does well, you want to be able to level up your IT game easily. If you experience a slowdown, you want to be able to cut costs quickly. In other words, you want a scalable IT solution.

Scalability isn’t just about the number of software licenses or the size of your storage. In addition to managing infrastructure, technological integration often requires changing company processes and helping employees adapt. Make sure your partner has the skills to handle it all.

Flexibility

The leading managed IT service providers go beyond scalable service plans to meet your company where it’s at. For example, at WorkSmart, we offer both managed and co-managed IT services. With co-managed IT services, you can free up your internal IT team to focus on their most important initiatives, while knowing a large, experienced IT partner has their back for things like end-user support and overflow.

Security

Last but perhaps most important, you want a managed IT service provider with cutting-edge security practices. As businesses increasingly move operations online, data security becomes paramount. Ask about the company’s security framework, vulnerability assessments, and proactive monitoring of cyber threats.

Questions To Ask Potential IT Consulting Partners

You may also want to ask a few pertinent questions when interviewing a potential IT consulting partner:

Do You Have Experience in My Industry?

You want a managed IT service provider that aligns with your needs. While years of general IT experience is useful, experience in your specific industry is even more beneficial.

Furthermore, some businesses demand more of their consulting partners. For example, if your organization has strict regulatory compliance requirements, look for an IT team that understands these regulations and helps you adhere to them.

What Are Your Response Times?

No business wants to wait days or even hours for an IT emergency to be resolved. Ask your potential IT team about their response times and resolution time. If you are in a different time zone than your provider or need 24/7 support, make sure they can meet your needs. You also want to know what communication channels they offer, such as phone, live chat, or a ticketing system.

What Level of Transparency Can I Expect?

A true partnership is open and honest. Ask your managed IT service provider what level of transparency you can expect from them. You want someone who is honest about your needs and their ability to address them. Also, carefully review the contract and service-level agreements before signing to know exactly what you’re getting.

Do You Have References?

Online reviews are a great help to anyone evaluating a business. You can delve even deeper by asking the managed IT service provider for references from their clients. You want to ask the client about their overall experience, the provider’s responsiveness, and whether there were any major issues while working together.

Ready To Get Started Today? Contact WorkSmart IT Services

Now that you know what to look for in a managed IT provider, are you ready to get started? At WorkSmart, we have over 20 years of experience simplifying IT for businesses and organizations across the United States. Contact us for a free consultation to discuss what our team can do for you.

Cloud computing enables modern businesses to communicate, store data, and access software remotely. This transformative technology not only saves resources but has also fundamentally altered the way companies do business. Keep reading for more information on how cloud services can revolutionize your business operations. 

Saving Time and Money

Gone are the days when every company needed to invest in expensive in-house computing infrastructure and data-storage solutions to keep up with the times. Signing up for cloud services as needed is more cost-effective than making major upfront investments in hardware and software. 

Cloud services also alleviate IT staffing burdens on your company. Your third-party cloud provider will handle the equipment, software, and support to keep things running smoothly. Your business may be able to operate with a smaller IT team or without one at all.

Improving Agility and Scalability

Since most cloud providers offer pay-as-you-go systems, you never pay for services you don’t need. The cloud’s flexibility allows you to quickly level up in good times and cut costs in lean times. This helps your business nimbly adapt to market shifts and variable demand.

Did your sales just double? With cloud-based services, you can upgrade your computing power or add more storage space nearly instantly. Did you experience an unexpected drop in business? No problem. Call your service provider to scale down your data storage or tailor a new tech solution.

This scalability also makes it easier for companies just starting. You won’t have to worry about estimating your future performance and growth timeline to invest in the right hardware and software. Instead, you can get a customized cloud service plan that changes with your business.

Promoting Collaboration

Agility involves more than just scaling financial resources. Cloud services also allow your team to work at any time from anywhere with an internet connection. Text chatting, video conferences, and online editing tools unite staff members nationwide — or even globally. Whether you want contemporaneous collaboration or asynchronous work shifts, cloud services can help make it happen.

Central databases also offer distinct advantages for both decentralized and centralized companies. Real-time data access improves productivity for your staff and service for your customers. Cloud technology ensures the most up-to-date software, automates many manual processes, reduces version-control errors, and frees up your team for more important activities.

Boosting Data Security

As the business world moves online, digital security has become paramount. While your company must take cybersecurity seriously, it doesn’t have to do it alone. The leading cloud service providers pay special attention to cyber threats and work around the clock to defend your data.

Technologies that cloud services use include encryption, firewalls, authentication protocols, and intrusion detection systems. Because of this investment in cutting-edge security, the cloud often makes a safer place to store your data than your own premises.

If you do experience a cyber-attack, equipment failure, criminal act, or natural disaster, the cloud can help there, too. Cloud services store your data on off-site systems. That means data lost in your location can quickly be recovered with minimal downtime and disruption.

Equalizing Businesses

Cloud services also help level the playing field between businesses. 

Small and medium-sized organizations can now compete with companies that have bigger in-house IT budgets. The best cloud services offer tailored tech packages to meet your needs, from hosted email and VoIP (internet voice calling) to reliable data backup and recovery systems. 

In addition, cloud computing allows you to hire employees in other states and countries without investing in infrastructure for multiple locations. This access from anywhere gives your company a competitive edge over businesses that can only hire staff members where they have physical locations.

Synergizing With AI

Most of the world now knows about the transformational power of artificial intelligence (AI). The modern version of AI is only possible because of cloud computing. Thus, an important part of understanding how cloud services can revolutionize your business operations is understanding how the cloud has revolutionized AI.

AI predicts behavior, generates speech, summarizes data, and automates activities. How? By processing and analyzing the massive amounts of information available on the cloud. Your organization can take advantage of the cloud’s capabilities to develop actionable insights and make smarter business decisions.

Harness the Power of the Cloud With WorkSmart IT Services

Now that you know how cloud services can revolutionize your business operations, why not get started today? Whether you need public cloud storage, private cloud solutions, or a remote productivity system, WorkSmart IT Services can make it happen. Contact us today to see how we can make the cloud work for you.