Top 7 Myths about Managed IT Solutions

We really enjoy talking about the benefits of managed IT solutions. Managed IT allows you to temporarily add manpower, harness unique skill sets, and free up your technical team for more important tasks. However, there are countless misconceptions around these solutions: Some question their efficacy, worth, or definition. Let’s bust some common IT service myths and set the record straight.

Myth: IT Service is a Waste of Money

A common objection we hear to IT service is that it’s not worth the money or too expensive.

It’s true: Managed IT is not for everyone. Some companies do just fine without hiring a temp IT professional. However, this doesn’t discount the value of IT services for others.

The ability to let your sole IT professional go on vacation without worrying about the company in their absence? Priceless. The capacity to scale up operations to tackle a large project? Priceless. The list goes on.

When you invest in IT services, you’re buying flexibility. We think that value is pretty high, especially as our world becomes increasingly digital and fast-paced.

Myth: In-House IT Departments and IT Services Can’t Coexist

In fact, in-house IT teams and managed IT services coexist all the time. Outsourced IT works with your existing team to take over day-to-day tasks that bog the team down. This allows your internal team time and energy to strategically contribute to the company’s overall growth. Whether it’s understanding and implementing a new facet of the website or launching a security refresh, this is invaluable to technical teams.

Often, managed IT services take over IT help desk operations. This can easily be performed by an off-premise service provider, although you can request onsite technical support if this would better fit your needs.

Myth: You’ll Lose Control of Your IT Infrastructure

When you worked with a managed IT service provider, you retain control of your networks. The provider’s role is proactive management, meaning that while they have the administrator password, they’re not going to change or compromise the infrastructure in any way. If you decide to end your partnership with a service provider, password handoffs are included on the offboarding checklist. You’ll have little to no downtime, and your infrastructure remains secure.

Myth: All IT Service Providers are Created Equal

Some individuals believe that all IT providers offer the same level of service. In fact, there are different levels of quality. When you think about it, this is true in any business sphere.

For example, one handyman might be more adept than another at fixing a sagging porch. Contractor A might go the extra mile and pour a new concrete footing to address the root cause. Their rate is a little higher, but your porch is set for years to come. Contractor B might quote a lower rate in the contract, but only address the immediate symptoms of the issue. Your porch is better in the short term, but it sags once more a couple of years down the road.

While this is a simplified example, you get the picture: Not all IT services are equal. Paying a little more in the present may pay off in the future. Price is not a sure indicator of quality, however.

Beyond price and end result, you can also differentiate service providers by their business practices. Did you discuss and sign a Service Level Agreement (SLA) at the beginning of the project? During the process, did you receive project management support? What about consistent communication about the progress? By discussing your IT service provider’s working style upfront, you can make a more informed decision moving forward.

Myth: The Best Way to Get Help is by Searching “Business IT services near me.”

Have you ever typed this search term into Google? While sometimes searches like this strike gold, other times, you’re left with a random company that doesn’t know what they’re doing.

It’s crucial to find a managed IT provider that you can trust. Their technicians will have access to sensitive records, financial documents, customer data, and other confidential information. Don’t give this opportunity to just anyone.

Our recommendation? Do some research. Ask partners, people in your network, or other trusted business contacts who they use for IT services. Word of mouth has been and will continue to be an excellent method for choosing products and services.

Another great way to locate the best IT provider is to narrow down by vertical. Some organizations have experience with IT services for healthcare, IT services for financial institutions, or IT services for education. By including your vertical in your search query or request for recommendation from contacts, you have a better chance of finding a solution that meets your needs.

Myth: Managed IT Services Take Away Existing Jobs

Is your team getting nervous that you’re scoping out managed IT services? Well, they shouldn’t be. The goal of managed IT is always to augment, not take away.

Managed IT services are temporary or unique contract solutions that allow companies to fill a gap in their team. While some organizations do opt for a completely outsourced technical team, this method is rare.

Myth: Outsourced IT is Always Outsourced to Another Country

While traditionally “outsourced IT” referred to foreign markets, the term has grown to encompass the domestic market in recent years. The gig economy is alive and growing in the United States.

Teksetra’s outsourcing program, for example, includes thousands of experienced technicians from around the USA. You can work with our team to identify the location(s), timeline, and technical experience required to maximize your outsourced IT, whether remote or onsite.

Did we change your mind about managed IT services? What misconceptions did we miss? Learn more about IT services or reach out for more information.