How managed services can benefit your business

For a business to function at a basic level, it is likely it will have to outsource some areas. This can include anything from HR and administrative services to warehousing and legal services. In many businesses, catering services and refuse disposal are outsourced. Why do businesses outsource instead of taking it upon themselves? Quite simply, it's much easier and cheaper to get a specialist so you have more time to focus on your business.

This applies to businesses of any size, outsourcing is no longer just for the large companies as more and more small and medium-sized businesses in Ireland are now seeing the benefit of bringing someone else in.

Managed services are a form of outsourcing that involves delegating particular IT-related functions and responsibilities to a third-party provider. Managed services are distinguished by their focus on ongoing, proactive management and support.

Know how to grow

One of the main benefits of managed services is being able to free up resources. Investing in a support service such as Microsoft 365 with Vodafone Managed Services frees up valuable internal resources and staff, allowing them to concentrate on what matters the most to the business. This means that critical IT infrastructure is managed efficiently and securely, reducing downtime and enhancing productivity.

Moreover, managed services providers offer access to the latest technologies and expert knowledge, ensuring the business remains competitive without having to invest heavily in in-house expertise. As a result, businesses can allocate more time and resources to innovation, product development, and market expansion, ultimately fostering a more agile and growth-oriented environment. This strategic focus on core priorities is vital for sustainable growth and long-term success.

Stay secure from cyber threats

There are a growing number of discussions on cybersecurity and why it is crucial for businesses today. It can be hard to stay on top of security measures when you run your own business, and no matter the size of the business, it is always worth seeking an expert when it comes to security.

Managed services can provide expert oversight and advanced security measures that can be a great deal less expensive than if you were to have the same in-house. Managed services providers offer continuous monitoring and proactive threat detection, identifying and mitigating potential security risks before they can cause harm. They implement robust security protocols, including firewalls, encryption, and regular security audits, ensuring comprehensive protection against cyber threats.

There is peace of mind with managed services, such as Vodafone's offering with Microsoft, as your business can stay updated with the latest cybersecurity trends and regulatory requirements, helping businesses remain compliant and reducing the risk of penalties. Additionally, they provide rapid response and remediation in case of a security breach, minimising the downtime and data loss. By outsourcing cybersecurity to a managed services provider, businesses can leverage specialised knowledge and resources, enhancing their overall security posture while allowing internal teams to focus on core business functions and strategic initiatives.

Spend to save

From a cost perspective, managed services help businesses make significant savings and better financial predictability. Initially, you will face some additional costs as you adjust to the new way of working. This can be daunting, especially for smaller businesses, but if your businesses needs help in specialised areas then it will be worth the cost over time.

By outsourcing with managed services, businesses avoid substantial capital expenditure associated with purchasing and maintaining IT infrastructure. Instead, they benefit from a predictable, subscription-based pricing model, which simplifies budgeting and financial planning. Managed services providers offer economies of scale, providing access to advanced technologies and expertise at a fraction of the cost to develop these capabilities in-house. Additionally, proactive monitoring and maintenance by managed services providers reduce the risk of costly downtime and unexpected repair expenses.