MSPs: A Trusted Port in a Storm

In recent days, the UK has been battered by Storm Eunice. As Storm Franklin quickly follows, many have been forced to batten down the hatches and keep the things that matter most to them secure.

Many parallels can be drawn between this and the world of IT. All too often, people take a laissez-faire approach or devote minimal time and expenses towards staying safe, with no real long-term plan in place.

But, what if there was someone out there who could help do all of this for you? Could you benefit from someone helping to keep you secure throughout any storm, with a plan for the coming obstacles ahead?

If the answer is yes, an MSP may be the port you should turn to in a storm.

Tech Support

One very underrated feature of an MSP is the technical support that is on offer. 

For businesses in the SME space, the budget may simply not be there to have complex and well maintained IT support. Or, it may only run between 9-5 on Monday-Friday. 

But, the internet still runs outside these parameters, meaning you're still open to disaster. An MSP can offer 24/7 support for your network, 365 days a year. The best part is, they don't even have to replace an internal department. 

In fact, an MSP can even work best with a dedicated internal department supporting them. What this means is that, like stabilisers on a bike, the MSP is there, supporting you where you need it most. 

What if you aren't sure how to deal with the latest cyber threats? The MSP can step in whilst you deal with day to day tasks. 

Need boardroom level opinions on the path your IT plan should take over the next five years? An MSP can act as your virtual CIO, drawing off the experience of similar-sized organisations to aid your decision.

An MSP exists to be the perfect tech support partner for you, starting with software licenses through to business-critical decisions. So, if you're looking for internet lines, virtual calling solutions or standardising your infrastructure, an MSP is there for you.

Cyber Attacks

When you think of problems from an IT perspective, cyber attacks and criminals are likely the first things to spring to mind. And, much like awful weather conditions, they can cause catastrophic damage if given half the chance.

But, they don't have to be something to worry about.

Sure, the Dark Web sounds terrifying - and it really can be - but with proper education and training, paired with the right support network, it doesn't have to keep you awake at night.

One thing is clear these days - cyber security is now too big of an issue to tackle alone. 

By turning to an MSP, you tap into the knowledge of experts who understand the ever-evolving threat landscape before outlining the steps you need to take to stay secure.

In most cases, education can play a vital part in lowering the risk of cyber attacks - leading to calls and resources for the topic to be taught in school. This is where an MSP can help you. Not only can they offer free educational sessions, but they can also plan and build a state of the art defence, meaning you're free to sleep soundly at night. 

The 'New Normal'

By now, you're probably sick and tired of seeing the phrase "the new normal" - and we'll be honest, we are too, but indulge us for a moment.

Nobody could have foreseen the last few years, ever. If you had told me a decade ago, "you'll spend 23 hours a day in your bedroom, only allowed to leave the house for an hour's exercise a day", frankly, I would've looked at you as if you had three heads.

But then, *enter stage left 2020*.

By now, most of us have realised that we should be working in conditions best suited to us, so as we settle into some form of hybrid working arrangement, businesses are left with a minor headache.

Pre-2019, the network for a high percentage of businesses didn't stretch beyond the four walls that made their office. Now? It encompasses bedrooms, box rooms and kitchens - or, in shorter terms, just about everything that isn't an office.

But how do you ensure your staff are all singing from the same hymn sheet? How do you ensure they can access the tools, documents and processes needed to do their job? And, what about security updates and patches?

For many, this has been something of a contentious point. However, an MSP can take all the stress out of this issue. Whether it's a laptop, a MacBook or a desktop computer, an MSP can source the technology, building your IT infrastructure from the ground up. 

What's more, they can then maintain and monitor every device remotely - your staff never have to set foot in your office again. But, you can rest assured they're on a secure machine capable of overcoming any obstacles the "new normal" can throw at them. 

Doubt what we're saying? They can validate their work in the form of an IT audit designed to help maximise your potential and highlight any gaps.

The Cloud

Following on nicely from adapting to the "new normal" (we promise, that's the last one) is the Cloud.

In the context of this article, you may be forgiven for thinking we mean physical clouds. 

In reality, we're finding more and more organisations are taking the leap into Cloud migrations. A common question we've been asked recently is, "how do I migrate to the Cloud?"

COVID accelerated digital transformation strategies by an estimated seven years, and if 2022 is anything to go by, this trend isn't slowing down any time soon.

Chances are, you've read how the Cloud has proven to transform industries. Perhaps you're looking for a sign you should migrate but aren't sure how best to do so?

Many MSPs have a proven track record with the Cloud, and we're no different. Offering our first-generation Cloud platform back in 2007, we have built up considerable experience and have learned lessons along the way. 

Botched migrations can be costly to fix and can quickly make your workforce unproductive. Why not hire an expert to guide you instead of trying to be the expert?

The Last Word

Whilst you may see yourself waking up to many days of sunshine and clear blue skies, storms are, unfortunately, always on the horizon. But you're not alone through this - MSPs exist to simplify the complex issues and make technology work for you.

With over twenty years of experience providing managed services to clients in a wide range of sectors, Fifosys can guide you through the darkest days and ensure blue skies day in, day out.

We're already the trusted IT partner for thousands of people across the world every day, and we'd love to explain more about how we can help you too.

If you find yourself asking, "how do I make my systems work for me?" or "do I need an MSP?" then get in touch today for a free introduction to our services.