Managed Services, the Way of the Future!

Managed services is a term used to describe the relatively new and burgeoning IT business model that involves a third party solutions provider - or managed services provider (MSP) - taking responsibility for proactively managing, both remotely and on-site, the voice and data infrastructure of its customers by charging a monthly service fee, usually on a per seat (per employee) and/or per server basis.

Of course, pricing varies between providers and fluctuates based on the individual services and level of responsibility given to the MSP.

In simple terms, the managed services model is the exact opposite of the traditional reactive "break-fix" model (you know, that stuffy old process of calling your "phone guy" when your PBX isn't working properly and scheduling a visit from him a week later at $100 per hour!) that has become second nature for nearly every business.

Often times, the MSP's solution package involves replacing the small business customer's hardware and software systems with its own.

Yep, that's the case - if you want it to be. And, if you, the small business owner, takes a moment to about it, why would you want to own your IP PBX phone system and data network hardware?

After all, you have to hire expensive employees to manage and maintain them, they're known to require constant hands-on upkeep, and they're certainly not appreciating assets!

Proactive is Better than Reactive

Think about it...

...under this type of relationship, the MSP has a very deeply vested interest in proactively ensuring your IP PBX is humming along the way it should be, your software applications are debugged and fully optimized, and your network hardware is up to date.

If not, then the MSP would end up incurring higher costs, in time, labor, and materials, repairing and fixing your network and phone system than what is collected from you in monthly service revenue!

So, next time you talk to your IT solutions provider make sure to inquire about a managed service arrangement!