Top 5 Signs to Consider Before Hiring a Managed IT Support in Canada

Businesses across Canada now increasingly rely on technology to drive operations. They also use it to connect with customers. It has become a way of gaining a competitive edge, too. No wonder why the ICT sector in Canada generated CAD$ 242 billion in revenue three years ago. (1)

Managed IT support has emerged as a lifeline for companies seeking to harness technology’s power. But what exactly is it?

What’s managed IT support?

Simply put, managed IT support in Canada is a strategic partnership where a specialized external provider takes charge of your company’s IT needs. It can encompass a wide array of services, which may include routine maintenance and troubleshooting. A managed IT services provider may also perform proactive monitoring, ensure cybersecurity, and help with strategic planning.

The benefits of managed IT support are clear. Still, recognizing when your business needs it is equally important. Let’s talk about the telltale signs that indicate it’s time to consider these expert solutions. Ready? Let’s jump right to it.

Signs you need managed IT support

Here are the indicators that it’s time for you to hire managed IT service providers:

Frequent IT issues disrupting your business

Are your employees constantly grappling with frozen screens? Do their heads ache because of malfunctioning software? Or maybe sluggish internet connections constantly haunt them.

Those issues aren’t just an inconvenience—they’re a drain on your company’s vitality! How so? They cause a ripple effect that disrupts productivity and hampers efficiency. Eventually, they erode employee morale.

Downtimes are also very costly, with an average cost of around USD$ 9,000 per minute. (2)

How managed IT support providers help

Managed IT support steps in as a guardian against these disruptions. They don’t wait for issues to arise. They proactively monitor everything to identify potential problems before they escalate.

Managed IT companies ensure smooth operation and minimal downtime through regular maintenance and updates, as well as robust security measures.

Overwhelmed or understaffed IT department

Keeping an internal IT department fully staffed and equipped with diverse expertise is a daunting challenge. It’s not easy for Canadian businesses, or any business for that matter.

The demand for skilled IT professionals often outstrips supply. That leads to fierce competition and high salaries. Moreover, the rapid pace of technological change necessitates continuous training and upskilling for a dedicated team. It further strains IT budgeting and resources.

Imagine a small business with a single IT person who juggles network management maintenance, cybersecurity, software updates, and even user support. That individual becomes a bottleneck. It’ll happen no matter how talented they are. It’ll result in delayed crucial projects and unaddressed vulnerabilities.

How managed IT support providers help

Managed IT support offers a lifeline. That’s by providing instant access to a team of specialists across various domains. You’ll have someone with expertise in cloud computing, cybersecurity, IT infrastructure, or data management. And that’s without the burden of recruiting, training, and retaining in-house staff.

The financial advantages are equally compelling. Managed IT support typically operates on a predictable monthly fee. It offers greater budget control and scalability.

Cybersecurity concerns and data breaches

Data is already the lifeblood of Canadian businesses nowadays. It means the threat of cyberattacks and data breaches also looms large. Did you know that 31% of businesses in the UK alone are attacked at least once a week in 2022? And the consequences of attacks like ransomware can be devastating. (3)

How managed IT support providers help

Protecting your business requires more than just antivirus software and firewalls. It demands a multi-layered approach.

That’s where managed IT support providers excel. They bring a wealth of cybersecurity expertise to the table. They can implement real-time threat monitoring, vulnerability scanning, and intrusion detection systems. They can also create comprehensive data backup and disaster recovery strategies to ensure you’re in good hands.

Partnering with a managed IT provider is akin to having a dedicated cybersecurity team on call 24/7. It not only minimizes the risk of a costly breach but also instills confidence in your customers and stakeholders against cyber threats through data backup.

Difficulty keeping up with technology trends

The tech world moves at breakneck speed. Groundbreaking innovations emerge seemingly every day. Such a rapid evolution presents exciting opportunities. However, staying abreast of the latest trends can also be a daunting task. Also, how do you integrate them into existing systems?

Imagine a company clinging to outdated software while competitors streamline operations with cutting-edge cloud services. Or a retailer relying on manual inventory management while rivals gain real-time insights through data analytics. Falling behind in the tech race can have dire consequences. It leads to inefficiencies, missed opportunities, and, ultimately, a loss of market share.

How managed IT support providers help

A managed IT services company serves as your guide through this ever-changing landscape. They’ll monitor emerging technologies, assess their potential impact, and recommend solutions that align with your business goals.

Regulatory compliance challenges

Navigating the maze of Canadian data protection and privacy regulations is a formidable task for any business. The requirements are stringent and ever-evolving. Failure to comply can result in hefty fines and legal battles. Not to mention it can cause reputational damage and loss of customer trust.

How managed IT support providers help

Managed IT support providers are well-versed in the complexities of these regulations. What they can do is conduct thorough audits of your existing systems. By doing so, they can identify vulnerabilities and implement robust measures to ensure compliance.

Final thoughts

Ultimately, managed IT services step in as a liberating force. They allow you to refocus on what truly matters – your core business operations. It means that you can concentrate on the activities that drive innovation, growth, and profitability in your business.

So, if any of the signs above resonate with you, it’s time to take the next step. Assess your specific needs and then contact a managed IT solutions provider to see how they can help you.

References:

1. “Canadian ICT industry – Statistics & Facts”, Source: https://www.statista.com/topics/4125/ict-industry-in-canada/#topicOverview

2. “The True Cost Of Downtime (And How To Avoid It)”, Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbestechcouncil/2024/04/10/the-true-cost-of-downtime-and-how-to-avoid-it/

3. “15 cybercrime statistics you ought to know”, Source: https://www.independent.co.uk/advisor/vpn/cybercrime-statistics