As more businesses adapt to the digital age, more are facing IT security, scalability, and operational efficiency. Managed infrastructure services have emerged as a strategic solution to address these complexities effectively. Let’s explore what managed infrastructure entails, its benefits, and why businesses should consider adopting this approach.
What is Managed Infrastructure?
Managed infrastructure is about outsourcing a portion of, or the entirety of IT infrastructure management to specialized service providers. These providers assume responsibility for monitoring, managing, and maintaining a company’s IT infrastructure; which most commonly include a combination of servers, networking, and storage systems. The objective is to ensure optimal performance, reliability, and security of IT operations while allowing internal teams to focus on strategic core business initiatives.
Let’s get into some of the benefits of a complementary IT team that will help you with managing your IT environment.
Benefits of Managed Infrastructure
- Enhanced Security and Compliance: In 2022, IBM reported the average data breach cost was $4.35 million, emphasizing the vital role of robust cybersecurity. Managed infrastructure providers enforce strict security measures like patching, firewall management, data backup, and intrusion detection systems, essential for mitigating threats and meeting regulatory standards.
- Cost Efficiency: According to Computer Economics, outsourcing IT functions can save companies an average of 25% in IT costs, with some achieving savings up to 40%. This approach minimizes upfront investments in hardware, software, and skilled personnel. Managed services, often provided through subscriptions, enable businesses to forecast and manage IT expenses efficiently, mitigating risks like infrastructure downtime or security breaches. Save on costs such as:
- Hiring and providing benefits for additional IT staff
- Constant training and certifications needed to stay up to date on current technology
- Time saved from knowledge transfers from your IT management company
- Scalability and Flexibility: Based on a survey by Spiceworks, 42% of organizations prioritize scalability when choosing managed IT services. Managed infrastructure solutions offer flexible scalability, enabling businesses to adjust resources seamlessly in response to changing demands, whether scaling up for growth or managing seasonal fluctuations.
- Proactive Monitoring and Maintenance: Managed infrastructure services perform essential functions like continuous monitoring and proactive maintenance. As per an ITIC study, 40% of enterprise organizations report that just one hour of downtime can cost them between $1 million and $5 million, excluding legal fees and penalties. To prevent these repercussions from happening, service providers monitor performance, detect issues early, and apply preventive measures to reduce disruptions and maximize uptime.
- Access to Expertise and Innovation: Managed infrastructure providers bring specialized skills and expertise to the table, including knowledge of the latest technologies and best practices. This enables businesses to leverage cutting-edge solutions, such as cloud computing, virtualization, and AI-driven analytics, without needing to build and maintain internal expertise. Also, rather than having one or two experts for any given area, you can leverage a team of pooled resources that add breadth and depth to your IT management.
- Focus on Core Business Objectives: By offloading routine infrastructure management tasks to external experts, internal IT teams can allocate more time and resources to strategic initiatives that drive business growth and innovation. This alignment enhances overall organizational efficiency and competitiveness in the marketplace.
Embracing Managed Infrastructure for Business Success
In conclusion, managed infrastructure offers numerous benefits that empower businesses to optimize IT operations, enhance security posture, and achieve operational agility. By partnering with a trusted managed services provider, organizations can unlock new opportunities for growth while mitigating the evolving challenges posed by cyber threats and technological advancements.
Stay tuned for more insights on how managed infrastructure can transform your business strategy and propel success in the digital age.
