Managed IT services involve outsourcing your company’s IT operations to a third-party provider. These services can include network management, cybersecurity, data backup, cloud support, and more. By partnering with a managed IT service provider, businesses can focus on their core operations while ensuring their IT infrastructure is secure, efficient, and future-ready.
Assessing Your Business Needs
Before selecting a provider, evaluate your company’s specific IT requirements. Consider factors such as:
- The size of your organization
- The complexity of your IT infrastructure
- Compliance requirements
- Budget constraints
- In-house IT capabilities (if any)
Understanding your needs will help you identify a provider that offers the right supplemental IT services and long-term support.
Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a Provider
Experience and Expertise
Look for a provider with a proven track record in your industry. IntermixIT serves a range of organizations, including municipalities, law firms, accounting firms, non-profits, and architecture and engineering firms.
Their experience with similar clients ensures they understand your challenges and offer industry-specific solutions.
Range of Services
Ensure the provider offers a full suite of services, such as:
- Cybersecurity solutions
- Cloud services and Microsoft 365 support
- IT help desk
- Penetration testing
- IT consulting
A one-stop shop gives you flexibility and consistency in your IT strategy.
Security Measures
Cybersecurity is a must. Look for a provider that offers layered cybersecurity services, including:
- Security audits
- Employee training
- Endpoint protection
- Compliance support
- Real-time threat detection
These features protect your business against data breaches and ransomware attacks.
Service Level Agreements (SLAs)
An SLA defines the support you’ll receive. Review these closely and ask:
- What are the response times?
- Are there guaranteed uptimes?
- What happens if the SLA isn’t met?
Your IT support should be proactive and measurable.
Scalability
Choose a provider that grows with you. Whether you have 11 employees or 500, you need IT services that can scale. IntermixIT supports businesses of all sizes and helps plan for growth.
Questions to Ask Potential Providers
- What industries do you specialize in?
- Do you provide support outside regular business hours?
- Can you support my existing infrastructure or cloud environment?
- What’s included in your cybersecurity stack?
- How do you handle compliance issues, like those for the FTC Safeguards Rule?
These will help you narrow down providers that understand your business and its needs.
Making the Final Decision
Compare your shortlist based on services, response times, costs, and client testimonials. You may also consider starting with a small engagement or a free cyber risk assessment to see how they perform.
The right IT partner doesn’t just fix problems—they prevent them and help you grow.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are managed IT services?
Managed IT services involve outsourcing your technology needs—like help desk support, cybersecurity, and cloud management—to a third-party provider.
2. Why do small businesses need managed IT services?
Small businesses benefit from IT services by gaining access to expertise and tools they couldn’t afford in-house, while staying secure and efficient.
3. How do I choose the right managed IT service provider?
Focus on experience, service range, cybersecurity measures, SLAs, and scalability. Ask about client references and industry experience.
4. What should be included in an IT service level agreement (SLA)?
A SLA should include guaranteed response times, uptime percentages, support hours, and penalties for unmet expectations.
5. Can I keep my internal IT team and still hire a provider?
Yes, with supplemental IT support, your internal team can handle strategic projects while the provider manages day-to-day operations.
6. Are managed IT services worth the cost?
Yes—most businesses save money through reduced downtime, improved efficiency, and better cybersecurity.
7. What cybersecurity services should an MSP offer?
Essential cybersecurity services include firewalls, antivirus, data encryption, phishing protection, and penetration testing.
8. How quickly should my IT provider respond to issues?
Top providers offer rapid response times, often with 24/7 monitoring and dedicated help desk support.
9. What’s the difference between IT consulting and managed IT services?
IT consulting focuses on strategy and long-term planning, while managed IT services focus on daily tech operations.
10. Do I need managed IT services if I already use Microsoft 365?
Yes—Microsoft 365 support includes security, setup, optimization, and ongoing management that your in-house team may not have time to handle.
