In response to the Covid-19 pandemic, a significant number of companies swiftly transitioned to remote work arrangements to safeguard their employees. This rapid shift necessitated the acceptance and implementation of remote workforce models. Managed Service Providers (MSPs) have played a crucial role in providing IT support to businesses globally, assisting with network and IT infrastructure security, monitoring, and maintenance.
Over the past year, there has been an explosive demand for MSP partnerships due to the substantial increase in remote working, a trend that is expected to persist well beyond the pandemic. In fact, over 75% of the workforce intends to continue working from home even after the pandemic subsides. The surge in interest can be attributed to the significant benefits that managed services offer. Let us now explore these advantages in detail.
Enhanced Network Performance
Ensuring optimal network performance is essential for maintaining operational efficiency, particularly as employees work in diverse environments. A network’s performance is deemed satisfactory when it facilitates smooth data transmission, exchange, and reception. Network administrators play a critical role in measuring, assessing, and improving network services to enable seamless employee access, whether they are working in the office or remotely.
By entrusting network administration responsibilities to a Managed Service Provider, organizations can more effectively address the challenges associated with remote work. MSPs have cutting-edge technological expertise, which enables them to step in for an internal IT team and improve overall proficiency. They have access to superior resources and experience, enabling real-time identification and resolution of network issues. With continuous monitoring by MSPs, the occurrence of errors and server space-related problems is minimized, resulting in reduced downtime.
Access to Cutting-Edge Technology
The shift toward remote work has prompted many companies to accelerate the adoption of evolving technologies. As technological advancements take place, infrastructural changes inevitably follow suit. By engaging a reliable MSP, growing businesses can leverage new technology enhancements. These advancements include hosted telephone systems, virtual desktops, VPNs, and various applications that enhance remote work capabilities and productivity. However, it is important to approach the migration to web-based cloud infrastructure with caution, as a lack of experience can introduce risks.
24/7 MSP Support Availability
Traditional in-house IT teams typically provide support during regular working hours. However, many MSPs provide round-the-clock assistance for technical problems, including those that remote workers encounter.
Some business owners may be skeptical about the value of 24/7 support. However, the benefits are often overlooked, as the saying goes, “out of sight, out of mind.” Let us highlight two major advantages of round-the-clock support:
Firstly, continuous cybersecurity support. Hackers operate around the clock, and businesses should be prepared to combat threats at any time. MSPs monitor cybersecurity threats overnight as part of their comprehensive coverage, providing an additional layer of protection that is absent when relying solely on a 9-to-5 IT team.
Secondly, network projects can be completed during idle periods when workstations are not in use. This may involve software updates, file backups, or large-scale data migration to the cloud. Such tasks can be carried out overnight, eliminating any productivity downtime for employees. Furthermore, running these tasks during off-peak hours can result in lower electricity costs, particularly during the summer months.
Mitigating Risks of Remote Work
Remote work introduces cybersecurity risks, particularly when companies are forced to implement it hastily and without sufficient preparation.
What are the risks associated with remote work, and how can MSPs help address them?
Common concerns include ransomware, credential theft, risky clicks, and phishing campaigns. Exposed or compromised credentials pose a significant threat to businesses. Weak or reused passwords provide cybercriminals and hackers with easy access to sensitive information.
Emphasizing password hygiene and providing regular employee training are crucial steps in protecting companies from cyberattacks. MSPs play a vital role in this regard by installing antivirus software on all workstations, both in-office and remote. This protects employees from immediate dangers, such as malicious emails and ransomware attacks. MSPs also conduct regular network monitoring to identify potential threats and ensure data backups are performed consistently. In the event of a breach or system crash, MSPs can assist in data recovery.
Leveraging the expertise of an MSP to navigate the challenges of remote work is an excellent way to enhance performance and safeguard critical data. Tasks like transitioning on-premises infrastructure to the cloud necessitate careful consideration and proper execution.
As your trusted MSP, we are dedicated to addressing all your technology needs. From PCs to servers, phone systems to cloud services, our team is ready to assist you. Do not hesitate to contact us whenever you need our support.
