Have you heard about "managed services providers" but were never really sure what that meant? You've come to the right place! Here's everything you need to know about these partners--who they are, what they do, and why they're an important part of any managed solution.
Understanding Managed Service Options
The first thing to know about managed services providers is what business they're in--and that, naturally, is the business of managed solutions.
A managed service is a solution that allows you to outsource certain responsibilities or tasks without giving up control over your environment. These services come in all shapes and sizes, but here are a few common options:
Managed print services
With managed print services, you can say goodbye to print pains. Managed print providers help you consolidate your fleet, secure your devices, optimize your settings, reduce unnecessary printing, and more.
Managed IT services
Managed IT services is all about tech. With this managed solution, your provider will help you protect devices, connections, networks, and more, answering your questions and helping solve technology troubles in any form.
Workflow management
Although not all providers offer this one, it's an important option for your business. That's because workflow management solutions can help you automate and simplify your work life, giving you the tools, solutions, and support you need to achieve even greater things.
Managed Service Providers Defined
It's clear that providers are in the business of offering managed services--but what does that really mean? Let's take a closer look.
Providers are third-party companies that have expertise in a certain area of business management. Some offer multiple services--like managed print and managed IT--while others focus on a single area. They become a partner to your business, helping you juggle things you would otherwise have to handle on your own--and often bringing years of experience and expertise to help make it happen.
Managed Service Providers FAQs
Here are a few FAQs about managed solution providers:
- Does a provider take total control?
Providers can be as involved as you want them to be. That means you're in charge of deciding which responsibilities and tasks to outsource. You'll also work with your provider to brainstorm ideas and you'll will always have the final say on any big decisions or changes, creating a true partnership--which is what makes managed services different than many traditional outsourcing solutions.
- Does a provider do the work for you?
Although a provider can handle plenty of tasks for you, like automating software updates, they don't necessarily "do all the work." Instead, they want to cooperate with you to address problems at their source and give you the tools you need to overcome certain issues while they handle the rest.
- Does a provider offer 24/7 support?
A good provider is always there for you. That means 24/7 availability, network monitoring, and more. They should be ready to help answer questions whenever something comes up.
- Does a provider learn about your business?
The idea behind a managed solution provider is to become your partner. Ideally, that means learning about your industry, business needs, challenges, customers, employees, and more. In many cases, this begins with an audit--like a print audit--that helps you and your provider learn more about your work environment and where improvements need to be made.
Choosing a Provider for Your Managed Solution
No matter what kind of managed solution you're interested in, a few rules apply when it comes time to choose a provider. Here are a few quick tips:
#1: Prioritize communication.
You need to be able to communicate with your provider, which means they should be responsive and accessible. If they don't answer messages or are impolite in early discussions, you probably don't want to make them your company's managed solution partner.
#2: Check their offerings.
There are a lot of providers out there, and not all of them offer the same things. Make sure you find someone who's an expert in their field and can provide all the services, solutions, and support you need to make significant improvements and overcome efficiency issues.
#3: Look for a partner.
Remember, you don't just want a provider--you want a partner. That means you need to choose someone who's genuinely interested in your unique company and will answer your questions, start insightful conversations, and make a real difference in your future.
In conclusion, providers are a key part of any managed solution. Whether they're monitoring your networks, protecting your printers, or streamlining your workflows, these companies should become your partner--not just your provider.
Want to learn more about managed services? Looking for a managed solution provider who checks all these boxes and more? Contact us today!
