Why Brisbane Businesses Need Managed IT Services
October 31, 2023
In the age of remote work, data breaches and AI, IT (Information Technology) is no longer just a support function – it’s the very backbone of modern businesses. From basic functions like sending emails, video conferencing and updating software to securely managing sensitive business information and guarding against cybercrime, a lack of IT expertise is something your business simply can’t afford.
Some numbers to chew on:
· The cost of cybercrime for companies is growing by 15% year on year (costing an estimated $10.5 trillion by 2025).
· Operational inefficiencies cost businesses up to 30% in revenue every year.
· Spending on IT in Australia is projected to exceed $133 billion in 2024.
With these kinds of figures in mind, the importance of having a secure, efficient, and cost-effective IT infrastructure has never been more important. However, unless you’re already an IT maestro, how are you supposed to stay on top of everything while focusing on the rest of your business?
Well, you’ve got two options:
1. Add a dedicated IT specialist to your business.
2. Outsource to a provider of managed IT services in Brisbane.
So, which do you choose? Let’s break down the key differences between in-house and outsourced IT services and the key benefits that support brings to your business.
In-House IT Support VS. Managed IT Services in Brisbane – What’s Better?
If your business has significant IT demands, then hiring a dedicated IT specialist to join your team makes sense – but is it the most cost-effective choice? In Brisbane, the average salary for an IT support specialist can range from $65,000 to over $120,000 AUD.
Depending on the complexity of your IT support needs, you may need multiple employees of varying seniority to form a team, becoming a big expense on your corporate balance sheet.
In contrast, managed IT support typically only costs between $70 to $150 per user per month. This works out much cheaper than paying the salary of an in-house employee, especially if you have a business where you don’t need constant IT support.
That’s the great thing about having managed IT services: you get the support and expertise you need when you need it without having to pay the salary of a full-time IT specialist. At Levit8, we gain a deep understanding of your business and its IT systems and their needs. This ensures that we provide the same type of personalised support you would get from an in-house employee.
The Key Benefits of Managed IT Services
Let’s take a closer look at the three main benefits that managed IT support services provide businesses.
Cost Savings
Apart from avoiding paying the salaries of an in-house team, managed IT services help you save money in a variety of other ways, such as:
· Reduced Downtime – Time is money, and a faulty or inoperative IT system translates to lost revenue.
· Cost-Efficient Scaling – As your business grows, so do your IT requirements. A managed IT provider has the resources and expertise to scale your systems, often at a fraction of the cost of doing it in-house.
· Latest Technology – A managed IT provider needs to stay at the forefront of technology to service their clients, so you’ll always benefit from the latest software solutions from their team without paying extra from your own pocket.
· Discounted Software Licensing – The best managed IT companies will have bulk or enterprise agreements with software vendors, helping you secure software licenses at a reduced cost.
· Efficient Resource Allocation – When you outsource your IT support to a partner you can rely on, you’re able to refocus your funding to other areas of your business, optimising your core competencies and creating the foundation for growing revenue.
Learn more about cost savings with managed IT services.
Improved Business Efficiency
With modern businesses relying on so many interconnected systems and workflows, any slowdown or glitch can ripple through your operations, impacting client satisfaction and profitability. Managed IT services optimise the technological backbone of your business, driving numerous efficiency benefits:
· Proactive Maintenance: By constantly monitoring your IT systems, managed IT service providers can detect and address issues before they escalate.
· Enhanced Collaboration: Features such as real-time document editing, video conferencing, and secure instant messaging streamline communication and foster teamwork.
· Streamlined Workflows: Managed IT providers help businesses implement and maintain systems that optimise work processes. Whether it’s integrating CRM software for better customer relationship management or deploying task management tools, the right IT solutions can significantly boost productivity.
· Backup and Disaster Recovery: In the event of data loss due to unforeseen circumstances, managed IT services ensure that businesses have robust backup and recovery solutions in place. This means minimal downtime and quick restoration of critical business data.
· Cloud Solutions: By transitioning to cloud-based solutions, businesses can access their data and applications from anywhere. This mobility increases responsiveness, enabling businesses to serve their customers efficiently, irrespective of location.
Take a deeper look at the efficiency benefits of managed IT services.
Enhanced Security
When a business increases its level of dependence on IT systems, it also increases its vulnerabilities. When you make something more convenient and accessible for your team, you’re also making it easier for a malicious actor to break in and compromise your business. With the number of high-profile data breaches continually growing, the importance of securing your IT infrastructure cannot be understated.
Luckily, managed IT services can provide all-encompassing security support with interventions such as:
· Advanced Threat Detection and Response: Managed IT providers use sophisticated tools and software to monitor network activity, allowing them to detect suspicious behaviour early on and respond immediately.
· Regular Patch Management: Managed IT services ensure that all software and applications are updated, closing potential gateways for unauthorised access.
· End-to-End Encryption: To protect sensitive data during transmission, managed IT providers use end-to-end encryption methods, ensuring that data remains unintelligible even if intercepted.
· Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): By adding an extra layer of security, MFA ensures that even if passwords are compromised, unauthorised users can’t easily gain access to critical systems.
· Regular Security Audits: Periodic security assessments and audits give businesses insights into potential vulnerabilities and provide recommendations for bolstering security measures.
· Employee Training: Even when you have all the above in place, human error is still one of the biggest culprits behind security breaches. Managed IT providers can educate your team on best practices in cybersecurity, teaching them how to recognise potential phishing or malware threats.
Dive deeper into the security advantages of outsourcing IT services.
Save Money, Improve Efficiency, and Keep Your IT Secure with Levit8
Running a modern business in Brisbane means you’ll be facing a myriad of IT challenges that, if not handled correctly, can really hamstring your profitability and growth. Working with a managed IT provider like Levit8 will ensure that technology remains a boon for your business rather than a liability and source of stress.
As one of Australia’s most reputable and experienced managed IT service providers, Levit8 is here to shoulder the burden of managing your IT systems. We offer holistic support and consultancy across all areas of IT with customisable plans and packages to suit your business’s unique requirements.
Learn more about our Managed IT Services in Brisbane. If you’re ready to get started, give us a call on 1800 538 488 to chat about your IT requirements or reach out via our contact centre.
Sources:
2: https://www.buildarray.com/blog/intelligence/how-much-is-inefficiency-costing-your-business.
4: https://www.glassdoor.com.au/Salaries/brisbane-it-specialist-salary-SRCH_IL.0,8_IM968_KO9,22.htm