For small to mid-sized businesses (SMBs), navigating the complexities of IT management can be daunting. This is where managed IT services come into play, offering a suite of benefits that can significantly enhance business operations. In this detailed guide, we’ll explore the numerous advantages of managed IT services for SMBs, including comprehensive IT infrastructure management, the transformative impact of cloud computing solutions, and the smooth experience of cloud migration services.

1. Understanding Managed IT Services

Managed IT services involve outsourcing the management and support of your IT infrastructure to a third-party provider known as a managed services provider (MSP). These providers offer a wide range of services designed to optimize and secure your IT environment. Key services typically include network management, data backup and recovery, cybersecurity, and cloud solutions. By partnering with an MSP, businesses can leverage specialized expertise and advanced technology without the need for a large in-house IT team.

1.1 The Role of an MSP

An MSP acts as an extension of your business, handling various IT functions and responsibilities. This includes proactive monitoring, system maintenance, and technical support. MSPs use sophisticated tools and best practices to ensure that your IT infrastructure is reliable, secure, and aligned with your business objectives. This allows your internal team to focus on core business functions while leaving the complexities of IT management to the experts.

 

2. Enhanced IT Infrastructure Management

Effective IT infrastructure management is crucial for ensuring that your systems run smoothly and efficiently. Managed IT services offer several advantages in this regard:

2.1 Streamlined Operations

One of the primary benefits of managed IT services is the streamlining of IT operations. MSPs handle the day-to-day management of your IT systems, including routine maintenance, updates, and performance monitoring. This proactive approach helps prevent issues before they become major problems, ensuring that your systems remain operational and efficient.

For instance, MSPs employ advanced monitoring tools to continuously assess the health of your IT infrastructure. They can identify potential issues, such as network bottlenecks or hardware failures, and address them promptly. This proactive maintenance minimizes downtime and improves overall system performance.

2.2 Predictable Costs

Managed IT services typically come with a predictable monthly fee, which helps businesses manage their IT budgets more effectively. Unlike the unpredictable costs associated with maintaining an in-house IT department, managed services offer a fixed cost model. This fixed fee covers a range of services, including support, maintenance, and upgrades.

This predictability allows businesses to avoid unexpected expenses related to IT issues or emergencies. It also provides clarity in budgeting, making it easier to allocate resources to other areas of your business.

2.3 Access to Expertise

Partnering with an MSP provides access to a team of experts with specialized knowledge in various areas of IT. MSPs employ professionals who are well-versed in network management, cybersecurity, cloud computing, and more. This expertise ensures that your IT systems are managed and optimized according to industry best practices.

For example, MSPs stay updated with the latest technological advancements and industry trends. They can implement cutting-edge solutions and strategies that may be beyond the scope of a traditional in-house IT team. This access to expertise helps your business stay competitive and make informed technology decisions.

3. The Transformative Impact of Cloud Computing Solutions

Cloud computing has revolutionized the way businesses manage and utilize technology. Managed IT services often include cloud computing solutions that offer several significant benefits:

3.1 Scalability and Flexibility

One of the most significant advantages of cloud computing is its scalability and flexibility. Unlike traditional IT infrastructure, which requires substantial capital investment in hardware and software, cloud services allow businesses to scale resources based on their needs. Whether you need additional storage, processing power, or software applications, cloud solutions can be easily adjusted to meet your requirements.

This scalability is particularly beneficial for SMBs with fluctuating needs. For instance, if your business experiences a sudden surge in demand or needs to support a new project, cloud services can quickly accommodate these changes. This eliminates the need for costly hardware upgrades and provides a more agile approach to managing IT resources.

3.2 Improved Collaboration

Cloud computing enhances collaboration among team members, especially in remote or hybrid work environments. Cloud-based tools and applications enable employees to access files, documents, and applications from anywhere with an internet connection. This accessibility promotes seamless collaboration, allowing team members to work together effectively, regardless of their location.

For example, cloud-based project management tools and communication platforms facilitate real-time collaboration and information sharing. This improves productivity and ensures that team members are always on the same page.

3.3 Data Backup and Recovery

Cloud computing solutions offer robust data backup and recovery options. Cloud services automatically back up your data to secure servers, reducing the risk of data loss in the event of a disaster or system failure. This automatic backup ensures that your business can recover quickly and continue operating with minimal disruption.

In addition to automatic backups, cloud services often include disaster recovery solutions. These solutions allow businesses to restore data and applications to a previous state, minimizing downtime and data loss in the event of a major incident.

 

4. Seamless Cloud Migration Services

Migrating to the cloud can be a complex process, but managed IT services providers offer cloud migration services to ensure a smooth transition. Here’s how these services benefit businesses:

4.1 Smooth Transition

Cloud migration involves transferring your data, applications, and systems from on-premises infrastructure to the cloud. Managed IT services providers handle the entire migration process, including planning, execution, and testing. They work to ensure that the transition is seamless and minimizes disruptions to your business operations.

MSPs use proven methodologies and tools to manage the migration process efficiently. They assess your current IT environment, identify potential challenges, and develop strategies to address them. This careful planning and execution help ensure that your cloud migration is successful and meets your business needs.

4.2 Risk Mitigation

Migrating to the cloud involves certain risks, such as data loss, system downtime, or compatibility issues. Managed IT services providers assess these risks and implement strategies to mitigate them. They perform thorough testing and validation to ensure that your data and applications are securely transferred to the cloud.

For example, MSPs conduct pre-migration assessments to identify potential issues and address them before the migration begins. They also develop contingency plans to handle any unexpected challenges that may arise during the migration process.

4.3 Ongoing Support

After the migration is complete, managed IT services providers offer ongoing support to ensure that your cloud environment remains optimized and secure. They monitor your cloud systems, provide regular updates, and address any issues that arise. This continuous support helps ensure that you continue to benefit from the advantages of cloud computing.

MSPs offer various support services, including performance monitoring, security management, and troubleshooting. They work to ensure that your cloud infrastructure remains reliable and meets your evolving business needs.

 

5. Enhanced Cybersecurity

Managed IT services provide comprehensive protection against cyber threats. Here’s how MSPs enhance cybersecurity for SMBs:

5.1 Proactive Threat Management

Managed IT services providers use advanced security tools and techniques to monitor your IT environment for potential threats. This proactive approach helps prevent security breaches before they occur. MSPs implement various security measures, such as firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and antivirus software, to protect your systems from malware, ransomware, and other cyber threats.

MSPs also conduct regular security assessments and vulnerability scans to identify and address potential weaknesses in your IT infrastructure. This proactive threat management helps safeguard your business data and systems.

5.2 Compliance and Regulation

For businesses in regulated industries, compliance with data protection and privacy regulations is essential. Managed IT services providers ensure that your IT systems comply with relevant regulations, such as GDPR, HIPAA, or PCI-DSS. They implement security measures and conduct regular audits to ensure that your business remains compliant with industry standards.

MSPs stay updated with changes in regulations and ensure that your IT infrastructure meets the required standards. This helps avoid potential legal issues and ensures that your business operates within regulatory guidelines.

 

6. Focus on Core Business Activities

By outsourcing IT management to an MSP, businesses can focus on their core activities and strategic initiatives. Here’s how managed IT services contribute to increased productivity and enhanced customer service:

6.1 Increased Productivity

When your IT operations are managed by experts, your internal team can concentrate on core business functions rather than dealing with IT issues. This increased focus on strategic tasks and operational activities can lead to higher productivity and better business outcomes.

For example, with managed IT services handling routine maintenance and support, your employees can dedicate their time to driving business growth, developing new products, or improving customer service. This shift in focus can lead to more effective use of resources and improved overall performance.

6.2 Enhanced Customer Service

Reliable IT systems and support contribute to better customer service. With managed IT services ensuring that your technology operates smoothly, your business can provide faster response times, improved system performance, and reduced downtime. This results in a positive customer experience and strengthens your brand reputation.

For instance, a well-functioning IT infrastructure allows for efficient handling of customer inquiries, faster processing of orders, and seamless communication. This enhances customer satisfaction and loyalty.

 

7. Scalability and Growth

Managed IT services offer scalability and growth support, which is crucial for businesses experiencing expansion or changes in their IT needs:

7.1 Support for Business Growth

As your business grows, your IT requirements will evolve. Managed IT services providers offer scalable solutions that can accommodate your expanding needs. Whether you need additional resources, upgraded systems, or enhanced security measures, MSPs can adapt to your changing requirements.

MSPs work with you to understand your growth objectives and develop strategies to support them. They provide flexible solutions that align with your business goals and ensure that your IT infrastructure can scale with your growth.

7.2 Future-Proofing Your IT Infrastructure

Investing in managed IT services ensures that your IT infrastructure remains up-to-date with the latest technology trends and innovations. MSPs stay current with industry developments and implement new solutions to keep your systems future-proof and competitive.

For example, MSPs can introduce emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence or advanced analytics, that can enhance your business operations. They also provide guidance on adopting new tools and solutions that align with your long-term technology strategy.

 

8. Conclusion

Managed IT services offer a range of benefits for small to mid-sized businesses, including enhanced IT infrastructure management, the power of cloud computing solutions, and seamless cloud migration services. By partnering with a managed services provider, businesses can achieve greater efficiency, cost savings, and security while focusing on their core activities and growth.

If you’re considering managed IT services for your business, TAG Solutions is here to help. Our team of experts is dedicated to providing comprehensive IT solutions tailored to your needs, ensuring that your technology works for you, not against you.

Ready to experience the benefits of managed IT services? Contact Us today to learn more about how we can support your business with our expertise and solutions.

With the summer weather arriving and beaches opening for Memorial Day weekend, many people will be tempted to pack up the family and take a weekend trip. While most of us are aware of the basic safety guidelines that need to be maintained in public, there is another aspect of your life that you need to keep safe: your computer.

Just because restrictions are relaxing in some areas doesn’t mean cybercrime is taking a vacation as well. And while you might want to bring your laptop or other devices with you on vacation, there are some key safety tips that you can follow to maintain a secure network and a worry-free vacation.

 

 

KeyCyber Safety Tips for Vacation

1. ENABLE A PASSWORD OR PIN LOCK ON EVERY DEVICE YOU HAVE BEFORE LEAVING.

This one might seem obvious because most of us have some kind of security on our cell phones, tablets, or other smart devices. But many people don’t use that same level of security on their computers, which can lead to pretty negative consequences, especially if you happen to accidentally leave your computer in a public space or unattended in a hotel room. The best way to ensure that you are keeping your computer secure is the enable a password every time you start or reboot your computer, as well as a password every time you wake your computer. You should also decrease the amount of time that your computer sleeps before requiring a password. If you have it set currently to require a password after being asleep for 15 or 30 minutes, consider lowering that to 5 minutes. It might be a little inconvenient but that’s better than leaving all of your data out there for thieves and hackers to access.

2. TURN OFF YOUR BLUETOOTH CONNECTIVITY ON ALL DEVICES.

It’s easy to forget that you have Bluetooth turned on, especially when you’re working from home and you have a headset or headphones on all day. But sitting at home is not the same as sitting in a hotel lobby or bar. Hackers can easily access your sensitive data through your Bluetooth connection without you even knowing. Depending on the strength of your Bluetooth signal, it could even be someone in the next room that is able to access it. Bluetooth offers a lot of convenience and the thought of turning it off can seem unnecessary, but it’s better to take these measures before something catastrophic happens.

3. DO NOT CONNECT TO UNSECURED WI-FI NETWORKS.

Everywhere we look, there are advertisements for free Wi-Fi and high-speed internet access in coffee houses, restaurants, and bars. But before you connect to one of these free networks, keep in mind that, without being password-protected, you are opening up your computer or smart device to everyone else who is on that network. You don’t know who else is sharing this connection with you, and you need to make sure that you take precautions and only log on to password-protected networks, like the kind offered at most hotels.

4. USE A VPN AT ALL TIME, EVEN ON A SECURED NETWORK, AND MAKE SURE YOU’RE ONLY ACCESSING SECURE SITES.

Using a VPN when on vacation or on an unfamiliar network is key to maintaining the security of your data. A VPN will make sure that whatever network you are on, your personal data is secure and encrypted, and not accessible to cyber criminals. This is especially helpful if you find yourself accessing sites that are not secured. If a URL starts with https, then you know that the page you’re on is most likely secure and legitimate. But many hackers will set up sites that can look very similar to the site you’re looking for, but the URL will start with http. These sites can look very similar to the site you’re trying to access, such as your bank or email, and they can trick you into revealing login credentials and other personal information. They can even quietly install malware on to your computer without you knowing. The best practice here is to ensure that you always have an extra level of security when you’re on vacation.

5. KEEP AN EYE ON YOUR FINANCIAL ACCOUNTS REGULARLY.

There’s nothing worse than going on a fabulous vacation, only to come home and realize that someone has hacked your bank account or credit cards and stolen money from you. It can take years to recover from identity theft, so the best way to ensure that your finances are secure is to check them regularly. You should ONLY be logging into your bank and credit card accounts through a password-protected network while logged into your VPN, but once you’re in your accounts, just take a quick look to make sure nothing looks suspicious. Most people assume that hackers will take a huge amount of money at once, but it is just as common to have smaller and less noticeable amounts taken regularly. And if you do see any suspicious activity, contact your bank or credit card company immediately to report the activity and protect your account.

6. LOCK UP YOUR DEVICES – LITERALLY.

You’ve enabled all of your passcodes and PINs, you’ve secured your internet connection, and you’ve followed all the guidelines for keeping everything on your devices safe and secure. But what about the devices themselves? If you’re going to be out of your hotel room for a prolonged period of time, utilize the safe in your room and store those devices until you get back. It offers you the added protection of knowing that your devices are secure and allows you to disconnect and really enjoy being on vacation.

7. RESIST THE URGE TO POST YOUR VACATION HIGHLIGHTS ON SOCIAL MEDIA UNTIL YOU RETURN.

Whenever you’re on vacation, you’ll inevitably take pictures and videos of all the fun you’re having, and then you’ll want to share that with your friends and family on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and other social media platforms. However, in doing so, you are creating a timeline and a schedule that someone can see who doesn’t care as much about your pictures as they do about the fact that you are out of town and your home is empty and vulnerable. While you may have a security system installed, or someone housesitting for you, that isn’t going to stop a criminal from breaking in and stealing your valuables. If you really want to share your pictures, you can always securely email them to family and friends or post them all when you return home safely so everyone can enjoy them then.

8. FINALLY, ENJOY YOUR VACATION!

To say that 2020 had a rough start is an understatement. Although cities and states are reopening differently, if you are able to take a vacation, even if it’s just a day trip to the local beach or an overnight trip to a favorite vacation spot, don’t let the stress of cybersecurity keep you from enjoying yourself. With summer on the way, there’s plenty of opportunity for fun in the sun, and it’s safe to say we all deserve to enjoy ourselves.

Here’s hoping you’re staying healthy, happy, and safe this summer!

When evaluating an MSP, one of the biggest considerations needs to be whether or not they are equipped to keep your data and network safe and secure. One of the many ways to do this is to see what kind of security certifications they have. SOC-2 compliance is one of the most important certifications that any IT provider can have. It was developed by the AICPA (American Institute of CPAs), and when an MSP achieves this certification, it demonstrates their commitment to ensuring the safety and integrity of your business and network.

 

Trust Service Principles

There are 5 main “trust service principles” that make up SOC-2: security, availability, processing integrity, confidentiality, and privacy. Let’s delve into each of them in more detail:

Security

The security principle controls who has access to your data and your network, and helps to maintain the integrity of those. Often this principle employs access controls, which allows your business to customize who can access different files and sensitive data based on their user role and job level. Additionally, this principle will utilize antivirus software, firewalls, and multi-factor authentication, or MFA, to ensure that there is no unauthorized access into your system.

Availability

This refers to the accessibility of your business’s systems, processes, and software, specifically as stated in your SLA (service-level agreement). Essentially, this stipulates the minimum acceptable accessibility that both your business and your MSP have agreed upon. One of the keys to this principle is that it monitors your network for any kind of security-related incidents that may affect accessibility. This includes monitoring network performance, site failover, and any security incidents that would affect your ability to access your essential business processes.

Processing integrity

This principle is essentially measuring whether your network is doing what it should be doing. It needs to be delivering the data you need at the speed you need it. It makes sure that data processing is complete, valid, accurate, timely, and authorized. It is important to note that this principle refers to the integrity of how your data is processed, not the integrity of the data itself. If the data is corrupted, this will not be part of the processing integrity principle. So maintaining quality assurance measures, as well as monitoring the data processing itself, is still a critical part of your business.

Confidentiality

This principle is relatively straightforward: confidentiality ensures that your data is secured from people who are not authorized to access it, and that it is encrypted and only available to those who need access to it and other trusted entities. This can be achieved through the use of a variety of security controls, such as firewalls for both the network and applications, MFA, and other rigorous security measures. This is the best way to make sure that your data stays out of the wrong hands and that your sensitive data and company information is not compromised in any way.

Privacy

This principle is essential for every business, especially those who store sensitive customer data and privileged information. It covers the collection retention, use, disclosure, and disposal of this data. Often this is outlined in a company’s privacy policy. This data typically includes personal identifiable information (PII) such as names, contact information, email addresses, and even more sensitive data such as social security numbers, bank account information, and credit card data. Many businesses must comply with certain security measures to ensure that this data does not fall into the wrong hands, and if it does, the consequences can be catastrophic. In addition to being subject to fines and possible litigation, your business could lose customers, revenue, and deal with irreparable damage to your reputation.

Maintaining these 5 principles can be difficult and overwhelming for a business to maintain on its own. By hiring an MSP or IT provider who is SOC-2 certified, you can rest assured that your business is in the right hands and that the IT professionals you’re working with know how to keep everything safe and secure so you can focus on the other aspects of your business. TAG Solutions is proud to be SOC-2 certified, and this allows us to provide the highest level of service to our customers. To learn more about what we can do for your business and how our SOC-2 certification sets us apart from the competition, contact us today!