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What is Managed IT Environments?

UrbanMatter Staff

A managed IT environment is a tightly integrated system of hardware and software as well as data and services that can be configured, protected and managed by an outside party, which is usually called a Managed IT Provider or a Managed Service Provider. MSPs create such environments to ensure that every component of the IT system is fully functional, secure, and efficient. MSPs have centralized control of the environment. This includes user access, policy management, authentication protocols and policy management.

An IT environment managed can be either on-premises or fully in the cloud. Or it can be a hybrid system that combines elements from both.

A managed IT environment should be managed by industry-certified professionals who can help customers to identify and acquire the IT resources that they require, optimize the use of those resources and scale those resources when market risks or opportunities arise. A managed IT environment is managed by skilled specialists from multiple domains. It promises superior end-user experience and security because it is governed under a service level agreement.

A managed IT environment also ensures compliance with industry standards and regulatory frameworks like the General Data Protection Regulation, Information Technology Infrastructure Library (ITIL) and Control Objectives for Information and Related Technologies. Finally, managed services offer strategic access on-demand to trusted insights and recommendations that can help you deliver better results for your business.

The Advantages of IT managed environments

Companies that operate in a managed IT environment enjoy operational, security and financial benefits. These benefits include:

The Disadvantages of managed IT environments

Unmanaged IT environments can be hampered by a variety of factors. Unclarified business goals can lead to inaccuracies in needs assessments. Customers might have unrealistic expectations of the MSP’s services if they are not provided with a clear SLA or lack thereof. Operational hiccups can also be caused by multiple MSPs offering solutions that are not interoperable. Ransomware has also led to supply-chain risk due to vulnerabilities in third-party solutions.

This list lists known and established risks, as well as “perceived”, risks as seen from the client’s point of view.

Perceived risks

  1. Information that is confidential. MSPs should be experts in cyber security. However, partnering with one could mean sharing trade secrets and sensitive data with the MSP. This may sound alarming, but data protection is a priority for MSPs. Most will help you manage your data in a way that reduces the chance of an internal or external breach. Partner only with industry-recognized MSPs to further reduce your exposure.
  2. An incorrect, inadequate or excessive MSP solution. Potential clients may be concerned about whether the MSP’s solutions will meet their needs. A MSP may not have enough knowledge of your business to offer a customized solution. Instead, they might just recommend a generic solution that is subject to trial and error. This scenario is unlikely. Instead, communicate your goals and expectations, as well as all data points necessary for the MSP to create a cost-effective, unique solution for you company.
  3. Service that is not sufficient. MSP partnerships can be misunderstood by organisations as a panacea for all of their technology problems. Many companies may feel overwhelmed once all the details have been discussed. Unless a company is willing to outsource its entire IT infrastructure to an MSP it will still have to deal with a variety of technical issues not covered in the service agreement.
  4. Only virtual support. You can only assume that MSPs manage client systems remotely. If so, you should look at the local directory. Global MSPs have regional offices which allow local branches to send human technology teams and on site consultants to customers who request them. You can also check out the increasing number of MSPs who are local-focused. These are the best MSPs to partner with if your company needs local support.
  5. Expensive. As a first impression, this could be true. However, compared to the actual cost of setting up your IT infrastructure and hiring IT professionals to manage it, almost any MSP contract seems like a bargain. The cost of an MSP contract will increase with the amount of responsibility that you outsource to them. You need to reduce expenses by conducting an audit of your tech resources in relation to your business goals.

Recognized Risks

  1. Long-term contracts are obligatory. Customers might feel constrained to take immediate action if their relationship has gone wrong with an MSP because managed services usually have terms of at most one year. It’s true that switching MSPs can prove difficult, especially if there are no clear provisions or penalties for those who terminate the contract before it expires. It is a good idea to screen potential MSP partners before you sign anything.

Exposure to the supply chain. Cyber criminals can attack vendor-customer networks and exploit software weaknesses to cause a supply chain breach, as demonstrated in the Kaseya ransomware attacks. Malware gangs can even insert malicious code into updates and patches to applications that are commonly used by large IT networks, such as managed service providers and enterprises. However, this does not mean that you should cut ties with vendors or MSPs and instead run your business in a closed-off location. Cyber-attacks can target any vendor software or third-party software. This means that malicious hackers can target your company without or with an MSP. MSPs can be trusted partners in cyber security. However, working with one is still a net positive.

How do you choose a provider to serve your needs?

It’s better to start a relationship with a good MSP partner right away. This will help avoid poor MSP relationships. Here are some tips to help you do this:

What should you look out for in a MSP?

Select MSPs who have the following credentials on their resume/company profile

  1. Excellent track record (industry Awards, impressive portfolio with recognisable customers, etc.)
  2. Third-party accreditations and industry certifications
  3. Customer feedback is very positive
  4. High Net Promoter Score (NPS).
  5. Reputation for as many of these attributes as possible

Conclusion

The number of companies that choose to operate their businesses in a managed IT environment is on the rise. These companies aren’t following any fad, as the data shows. These companies are not following a trend. They are responding to their survival instincts and pursuing their goal of winning. Shifting economic realities, the normalisation of remote work and cyber security threats, as well as fierce competition, force smart businesses to rethink and eliminate risk from their business models.

Your team can get the resources and conditions they need to excel in their job with a managed IT environment. A managed IT environment provides companies with reliable tools, efficient processes and protected networks that allow them to cut costs and reduce risk.

 

 

 

 

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