How Managed IT Services Benefit Small Businesses
These days, small businesses can have a tough time managing their IT infrastructure. From keeping data secure to making sure systems are up and running, and the never-ending improvements required to keep up with new threats, the demands on IT can be pretty overwhelming. That’s where Managed IT Services (MSPs) like Revolution come in, offering a range of benefits to help small businesses thrive. In this post, we’ll dive into how managed IT services can help small businesses, with some real-life examples to show their impact.
Cost Efficiency
One of the best things about managed IT services is cost efficiency. Small businesses usually run on tight budgets, and having an in-house IT team can be expensive and look like an unjustifiable overhead. Even worse, if a non-IT person is making IT decisions, these can result in costs to the business that could have been avoided. MSPs offer a cheaper alternative by giving access to a team of experts and the latest tech – reducing both short term and long term costs.
Example: A small Auckland based accounting firm of fifteen people was struggling with the high costs of their IT subscriptions to Microsoft 365 and their IT provider. By partnering with Revolution, they were able to reduce their monthly IT subscriptions by 30%. We now provide the firm comprehensive IT support, including Microsoft 365, cybersecurity, and helpdesk support for a fraction of their old costs.
Enhanced Security
Cybersecurity is a big concern for small businesses since they’re often seen as easy targets by cybercriminals. That’s where MSPs come in—we provide the security to keep your data and IT systems safe, with services like proactive monitoring and threat detection – meaning we can take quick action when things go wrong.
Example: A boutique law firm in Auckland Central was hit by a ransomware attack in 2022 that compromised their client data. They engaged Revolution to assist with the cleanup, then we set them up with our cybersecurity plan ‘Total Care Cyber’. This includes regular audits, employee training, and real-time threat monitoring. Since then, there’s been no further breaches (although we have caught several attempts – the cybercriminals like to come back for more), and the client feels a lot more confident.
Focus on Core Business
Handling IT in-house can eat up a lot of time and distract from a company’s main activities. By outsourcing IT management to an MSP, small businesses can concentrate on what they do best, whether it’s serving customers, creating new products, or expanding their market reach.
Example:
A small e-commerce business in Greenlane had an office manager who was spending a significant amount of time troubleshooting IT issues, which meant she was unable to focus on her customer service role. The business was getting some poor feedback online as a result. After engaging Revolution, the business saw a massive jump in their online feedback ratings and the staff member was much happier – as she no longer has to deal with the IT issues that she was struggling with.
Access to Expertise
Revolution has a ton of know-how and experience, so our clients can take advantage of the latest tech and best IT practices. This is incredibly helpful for small businesses that might not be able to afford specialised IT staff.
Example: A healthcare device startup company in East Tamaki needed a way to host a special application in the cloud so that their scientists could work on the research and development of their revolutionary product. Without any real in-house expertise, they turned to Revolution to advise on and deploy a suitable (and cost-effective) cloud solution. We spun up a simple Azure infrastructure which was scalable as the start-up grew. With all their key stakeholders having easy access to the online application server they can now focus 100% on their R&D and they can expand without any IT worries.
Scalability and Flexibility
As small businesses grow or shrink, their IT needs change. We offer scalable solutions that adapt to these evolving requirements, whether a company is growing or downsizing. This flexibility ensures that our clients always have the right level of IT support.
Example: A small marketing agency in Hamilton saw their client base double within a year, which was fantastic for the owners, but their IT setup just couldn’t handle the heat. Their shoe-string IT was causing no end of downtime and performance problems. Once they approached Revolution, we implemented some basic IT support, procedures, and file server capabilities which allowed them to scale immediately. This kept everything running smoothly, making them appear to their clients like they were a much larger agency than in reality – allowing them to secure even more business. Their new IT infrastructure lets them keep growing without a hitch.
Improved Compliance
Following industry rules and standards is crucial for many small businesses, especially in fields like healthcare, finance, and legal services, or any company that stores the personal data of customers. MSPs like Revolution make sure businesses stay compliant by setting up and keeping the right controls in place.
Example: A dental clinic in Newmarket needed to comply with data protection regulations outlined by the NZ Dental Council. They partnered with Revolution under our Total Care Cyber plan which provides comprehensive IT support, regular audits, policy development, and staff training. As a result, the clinic now fully complies with the industry body guidelines and their confidential patient data is well-secured.
Proactive Maintenance and Support
MSPs offer proactive maintenance and support, spotting and fixing potential issues before they become major problems. This approach minimises downtime and keeps IT systems running smoothly.
Example: A small manufacturing business in Hamilton was suffering from constant IT outages that disrupted their production schedule. Once Revolution joined the team, we were able to change things around almost overnight. With some minor equipment upgrades, giving the staff access to our helpdesk, along with our proactive maintenance and monitoring, we cut their downtime to almost zero.
Access to Advanced Technology
Keeping up with the latest tech and the latest threats can be tough for small businesses. MSPs give you access to enterprise grade IT tools and solutions that might otherwise be too expensive or too complex to implement. This allows small businesses to benefit from the same advantages that larger companies enjoy and stay competitive while remaining secure in the process.
Example: An engineering startup in East Auckland was developing a new product for the construction sector and needed to protect their intellectual property during the development phase – as this product could completely upend the industry. Revolution recommended and implemented a cloud-based server along with a comprehensive cybersecurity solution for all the users. This gave access for the people that needed it, while completely locking down the IT infrastructure. This setup provided the flexibility they required for maximum productivity, while ensuring that the startup’s valuable IP was protected from cyber threats, allowing them to focus their time on product development.
To Wrap Up…
Managed IT services offer a huge range of benefits for small businesses, from saving costs and boosting security to providing expertise and advanced tech. By partnering with Revolution, small businesses can focus on their core activities, improve IT infrastructure, and set themselves up for long-term success.
The examples of our clients in this post show how we can make a real difference, helping small businesses thrive in a tough commercial environment. If you want to discuss how Revolution can help your small business (or even if you are a larger size) get in touch.