As a small business owner, you’re constantly juggling finances, operations, and technology.

But did you know that utilizing managed IT services could be the answer you’ve been searching for?

According to a report by MarketWatch, the managed services market size is expected to reach USD 416.62 billion by 2028.

That’s a lot of businesses benefiting from the advantages of managed IT services! From increased security, online marketing, and data management to improved efficiency, the benefits are numerous.

This blog will help you explore the benefits of availing managed IT Services for small businesses. In addition, we’ll highlight some of the most renowned managed IT service providers for small businesses, healthcare providers, community banks, and law firms.

Let’s dive in!

The Importance of Managed IT Services for Small Business

Small businesses, typically with fewer than 500 employees, face unique challenges in maintaining a robust IT infrastructure. Due to their limited resources, small businesses struggle to maintain an in-house IT department to handle their technological needs.

These businesses require reliable data management, network security, software updates, hardware maintenance, and customer relationship management (CRM) systems to succeed.

That’s where managed IT services come in. By outsourcing your IT needs to a managed IT service provider, you can focus on growing your business while leaving the technical work to the experts.

Advantages of Using Managed IT Services for Small Business

Small businesses can benefit greatly from using managed IT services. Here are some of the advantages:

• Expertise: Managed IT service providers are experts in their field and can provide various services to help small businesses manage their IT infrastructure. This includes things like network management, data backup and recovery, cybersecurity, and software updates.
• Cost savings: Outsourcing IT services can be more cost-effective, reducing salaries, benefits, and training costs.
• Increased productivity: Managed IT services can improve small businesses’ productivity by providing access to the latest technology and tools, ongoing support, and maintenance.
• Better security: Cybersecurity is a major concern for small businesses, and managed IT services can help provide better security via antivirus software, firewalls, and regular security updates.
• Scalability: Managed IT services can provide scalable solutions that can grow and adapt to the business, helping to ensure continued success.

Types of Managed IT Services Suitable for Small Businesses

Small businesses have a variety of managed IT services to choose from, including:

Network management: Involves managing and monitoring a business’s network to ensure it runs smoothly and securely.

• Data backup and recovery: Managed IT service providers ensure business data is backed up and recover lost data in case of a disaster or system failure.
• Web hosting: Reliable and secure web hosting solutions provided by managed IT services ensure a small business’s website runs smoothly.
• Cybersecurity: Managed IT services provide robust cybersecurity measures such as antivirus software, firewalls, and regular security updates.
• Cloud computing: Cloud services enable small businesses to store and access data and applications remotely, reducing the need for physical infrastructure.
• IT consulting: Managed IT services offer consultation on improving a small business’s IT infrastructure for improved efficiency and productivity.
• Help desk support: Help desk support provided by managed IT services addresses any IT-related issues, ensuring the business’s systems remain operational.

Small businesses can choose which services best fit their needs and budget and customize their plan to include only the required services.

Managed IT Services for Healthcare

The healthcare industry has experienced a significant increase in data breaches in the last three years, which is concerning since data privacy is a top priority.

According to Check Point Research (CPR), the healthcare industry recorded 1,426 attacks per week in 2022. Moreover, the Cost of a Data Breach Report reveals that the healthcare sector has the highest average data breach cost of any industry, at $10.10 million per incident.

As a healthcare provider, it is crucial to prioritize both security and quality patient care, but managing and securing IT infrastructure may not be within their expertise. Hence, partnering with Managed IT Service Providers (MSPs) has become a popular solution for many healthcare companies.

Benefits of Managed IT Services for Healthcare Providers

Here are some unique benefits that healthcare providers can gain by using Managed IT Services:

• Improved Data Security: Robust security measures and regular updates provided by managed IT services can protect healthcare providers’ data from unauthorized access or theft.
• Enhanced System Reliability: Managed IT Services ensure the reliability of their IT systems by providing regular maintenance, updates, and backups, reducing the risk of downtime or system failure for healthcare providers.
• Compliance with Regulations: Managed IT Services can help healthcare providers comply with regulations such as HIPAA, GDPR, and PCI DSS, which are critical to protecting patient data and avoiding costly penalties.

Types of Managed IT Services Suitable for Healthcare

Managed IT services can be a valuable asset to healthcare organizations, helping to improve patient care, streamline operations, and ensure compliance with regulations. Some of the types of managed IT services that are particularly suitable for healthcare include:

• Security and Compliance Services: Healthcare organizations must comply with various regulations, such as HIPAA, to ensure the privacy and security of patient data. Managed IT service providers can help ensure compliance by implementing security measures, conducting risk assessments, and providing ongoing monitoring and maintenance.
• Cloud Services: Cloud computing can provide healthcare organizations with access to advanced technology and resources without the need for significant infrastructure investments. Managed IT service providers can help healthcare organizations move their data and applications to the cloud and manage them effectively.
• Disaster Recovery and Business Continuity Services: Healthcare organizations rely on their technology systems to provide critical patient care and manage operations. Managed IT services providers can help ensure that systems remain available in the event of a disaster, providing backup and recovery solutions that minimize downtime and data loss.
• Network and Infrastructure Services: Managed IT service providers can help healthcare organizations manage and maintain their network and infrastructure, ensuring that systems remain operational and secure. This includes services such as network monitoring, device management, and network security.

Top Managed IT Service Providers for the Healthcare Industry

1. AMN Healthcare

Source: AMN Healthcare

AMN Healthcare, based in Coppell, Texas, USA, has been providing quality care since 1985. They offer a well-planned Managed Services Program, which manages an organization’s recruitment, acquisition, and development cycle. They help optimize your core business processes and workforce, increasing efficiency and significantly reducing operational costs.

The company’s services include talent advisory, revenue cycle consultation, workforce technology, vendor management systems, credentialing, and staff planning. These services meet the specific needs of healthcare organizations, allowing them to focus on delivering exceptional patient care while AMN Healthcare handles their workforce management’s details.

2. Hanu

Source: Hanu

Hanu has been a Microsoft Partner supporting healthcare organizations for over 15 years. The company offers services such as managed transformation, application modernization, and enterprise IT innovation to help its clients improve the quality of patient care.

Hanu’s expertise in these areas has been recognized by Microsoft Partner Azure Expert MSP, Microsoft Gold Partner, Inc. 500, Platform Modernization Alliance, and more.

3. Healthcare IT Company

Source: Healthcare IT Company

Based in Paramus, New Jersey, the Healthcare IT Company has been helping healthcare organizations run smoothly since 1997. Their comprehensive MSP services include healthcare managed services, IT helpdesk, IT consulting, healthcare cloud services, healthcare cybersecurity services, EMR services, and regulatory compliance.

The company has become a trusted partner to healthcare providers in the region, focusing on providing unlimited access to check-ups, consultations, and preventive medicines.

They are partners with Fortinet, HP, Dell, Barracuda, Microsoft, and more. The company boasts a vast network of U.S.-based locations and service centers equipped to offer services precisely where and when they are required throughout the United States.

Financial institutions often face business-critical downtime and growth limitations due to legacy infrastructure and compliance standards that cannot handle today’s data volume. In-house IT teams may face bandwidth and capability limitations in managing complex migrations and system maintenance.

As a result, 87% of IT financial sector IT decision-makers seek expertise from IT vendors. Managed service providers (MSPs) with certified engineers and diverse technical backgrounds can help financial institutions overcome these challenges and access the IT experts they need.

Managed IT services can provide significant benefits for community banks, including:

• Expertise: Specialized expertise in security solutions to help community banks identify and mitigate security risks.
• Continuous monitoring: Managed IT service providers continuously monitor community banks’ IT systems, networks, and data for real-time threat identification.
• Proactive approach: Managed IT service providers take a proactive approach to security, identifying vulnerabilities before they can be exploited and taking steps to mitigate them.
• Rapid response: In the event of a security breach, managed IT service providers can offer rapid response and remediation services, minimizing the breach’s impact on community banks.
• Compliance management: Managed IT service providers can assist community banks in managing compliance requirements related to security regulations.
• Training and education: Managed IT service providers can provide training and education for community banks’ employees on best security practices to reduce the risk of human error leading to security breaches.

Overall, using managed IT services effectively improves community banks’ security posture, reduces the risk of any breaches, and ensures compliance with regulatory requirements. It also provides peace of mind knowing that experts continuously monitor and protect their IT systems and data.

Community banks can benefit from a range of managed IT services, including:

• Network and infrastructure management: Community banks can get efficient network and infrastructure management to ensure secure operations.
• Data backup and recovery: Robust data backup and recovery solutions to protect community banks’ critical data in the event of a disaster or data breach.
• Cybersecurity services: Community banks can get comprehensive security from managed IT service providers to protect against various cyber threats.
• Cloud services: Managed IT service providers offer access to scalable and cost-effective cloud-based services for storage, software, and infrastructure.
• Helpdesk support: Reliable helpdesk support assists employees with IT issues and maintains smooth IT operations.
• Compliance management: Assistance with compliance management, including regulatory requirements such as the Bank Secrecy Act and the Dodd-Frank Act.

1. Expert Computer Solutions

Source: Expert Computer Solutions

Expert Computer Solutions (ECS) is a Houston-based IT consulting firm that delivers modern technology solutions for small and medium-sized businesses.

Since 2005, ECS has provided nationwide business modernization and problem-solving services, introducing innovative technologies and offering ongoing management and support to improve efficiency and productivity.

ECS offers IT solutions, managed IT services for banks, and IT audit and support for accounting firms. Their services for finance companies and offices include managed IT support and outsourcing solutions to facilitate growth and success. With robust managed IT solutions, ECS can position your financial business for sustained growth and prosperity.

2. Buchanan Technologies

Source: Buchanan Technologies

Buchanan Technologies is recognized as a leader in IT services, offering personalized services to organizations and enterprise businesses across the US, Canada, and internationally. Their technical expertise, hands-on workforce, and exceptional customer service have earned them a reputation for delivering unparalleled results.

With 15 years of extensive experience, they offer flexible terms to their clients, allowing them to pay only for the services they require. Buchanan Technologies strongly emphasizes building lasting relationships with its clients, demonstrating genuine care that earns their trust and loyalty.

3. CompatibL

Source: CompatibL

CompatibL is a leading IT and financial consulting service provider to banks and financial firms worldwide. With over 18 years of experience, they have delivered top-notch services and solutions to clients in 85 countries, helping them stay ahead of digital trends and achieve their business goals.

Security and compliance are top priorities for CompatibL, and their teams ensure secure, compliant, stable, and reliable cloud application management services across major jurisdictions globally. They use proven methodologies to provide software development solutions, system integration, software QA testing processes, and quantitative finance consulting services.

CompatibL’s multidisciplinary teams deliver cutting-edge technology solutions supplemented with rock-solid security to drive businesses toward their goals and enable digital transformation.

Managed IT Services for Law Firms

Solo practitioners and small law firms often struggle with time management, making it challenging to handle all operations while maintaining a high-quality client experience.

Many are turning to managed services for law firms to address these challenges. This approach involves outsourcing specific tasks to external providers, resulting in several benefits, such as improved efficiency, enhanced security, and more.

Benefits of Using Managed IT Services for Law Firms

Managed IT services can offer significant advantages for law firms, including:

• Improved profitability: Managed services optimize IT costs and boost efficiency, resulting in improved profitability for law firms.
• Streamlined processes: Law firms can streamline their IT infrastructure, reduce manual work, minimize errors, and enhance productivity by leveraging managed services.
• Heightened security: Managed services provide robust cybersecurity solutions, safeguarding sensitive client data and protecting law firms against cyber threats.
• Compliance management: Legal compliance and regulatory adherence provided by managed IT services reduce the risk of penalties and legal disputes for law firms.
• Enhanced accessibility and collaboration: Managed services provide law firms with cloud-based solutions enabling employees to access data and collaborate with colleagues from anywhere, anytime.
• Meeting changing client needs: Managed services provide agile and scalable IT solutions, helping law firms adapt to changing client demands and expectations.
• Increased flexibility: Managed services allow law firms to scale their IT infrastructure up or down as required without incurring additional costs or resource constraints.
• Competitive advantage: Law firms can gain a competitive edge by leveraging managed services to adopt the latest technology trends and stay ahead of the curve, improving their services and client experience.

Types of Managed IT Services Suitable for Law Firms

Managed IT services can provide valuable support to law firms, helping them to improve productivity, streamline operations, and enhance client service. Some of the types of managed IT services that are particularly suitable for law firms include:

• Cybersecurity Services: Law firms deal with sensitive client data and must ensure that this data is protected from cyber threats. Managed IT services providers can help law firms implement robust security measures, conduct security assessments, and provide ongoing monitoring and maintenance.
• Cloud Services: Cloud computing can provide law firms with access to advanced technology and resources without the need for significant infrastructure investments. Managed IT services providers can help law firms move their data and applications to the cloud and manage them effectively.
• Backup and Disaster Recovery Services: Law firms rely on their technology systems to provide critical client services and manage operations. Managed IT services providers can help ensure that systems remain available in the event of a disaster, providing backup and recovery solutions that minimize downtime and data loss.
• Managed Print Services: Law firms often deal with large volumes of paper documents, and printing can be a significant expense. Managed IT services providers can help law firms manage their printing needs, reducing costs and improving efficiency.
• Helpdesk and Support Services: Law firms need access to timely and effective IT support to ensure that systems remain operational and productive. Managed IT services providers can provide helpdesk and support services, addressing issues promptly and minimizing downtime.

List of Managed IT Service Providers for Law Firms

1. AKAVEIL Technologies, Inc.

Source: AKAVEIL Technologies, Inc.

AKAVEIL is a leading IT managed service provider catering to law firms. The company’s “5 Pillar Success Formula” prioritizes strategic alignment with the client’s business goals, tactical project management, and comprehensive day-to-day maintenance and support. AKAVEIL also offers budget-friendly fixed pricing for its services, encompassing seamless integration across multiple vendors and technologies.

With extensive experience in IT leadership and modern cloud technologies, AKAVEIL’s team of innovative thinkers is committed to delivering exceptional service. They keep themselves updated with the latest technological advancements and offer a virtual CIO (vCIO) strategic approach to ensure clients receive tailored solutions.

The company also has in-house attorney consultancy on its team, enabling it to offer its clients specialized services. AKAVEIL is known for its excellent customer service and attentive listening skills.

2. REKALL Technologies

Source: REKALL Technologies

REKALL Technologies is an IT managed service provider catering to law firms, accounting, finance, construction, trade, medical, and other industries. Their services include infrastructure, cloud-based solutions, security, and support.

They offer four service-focused and scalable pricing plans and understanding each plan’s inclusions and exclusions helps avoid additional unforeseen costs.

REKALL Technologies uses its own cloud-based platform, the REKALL private cloud-based solution. While this may be attractive, it could lead to vendor lock-in. Opting for public cloud platforms like Microsoft, Google, or AWS can enable any capable IT service provider to manage them without requiring an expensive migration.

3. Uptime Legal Systems

Source: Uptime Legal Systems

Uptime Legal Systems specializes in providing cloud-based solutions to law firms. Their flagship product, “Uptime Practice,” allows legal professionals to work from anywhere, anytime.

Also, their “Uptime JurisPage,” solution helps law firms improve their marketing strategies, and “Uptime LexWorkPlace” helps you manage emails.

Their pricing depends upon the number of users, selected products, and onboarding costs. Depending on these factors, clients may also receive inclusions such as Microsoft Office, cloud storage, IT support, and security.

Uptime Legal Systems develops, maintains, and supports its proprietary products in-house and offers additional services, including the cloud infrastructure on which its solutions run.

Case Studies/Examples of Small Businesses Benefiting From Managed IT Services

RA Fischer Co. – Healthcare Company

Source: RA Fischer Co.

My name is Dan, and I’m the VP of Sales and Marketing for RA Fischer Co., a family-owned healthcare company with over 50 years of DME/HME industry experience. We use 1Path (www.1path.com) to manage our IT.

What services did we avail?

We utilize their IT Asset Management (ITAM) program. It’s a service where we’ve completely outsourced our device management responsibilities. What I love is that 1Path procures, stocks, prepares, and ships equipment to new employees.

They also take care of securing and wiping devices from former employees. Basically, we’ve gotten to move away from having everything stashed away in our closets.

The personal service we get with ITAM is stellar, too. Hank from 1Path has been really supportive in helping pair us with the right hardware for the role and our budget. Very responsive whenever I’ve emailed. In fact, we had a new laptop for one of our employees the next day when they had a spill incident and ruined their old one. We didn’t lose a single day! All thanks to Hanka and ITAM.

How has it improved our business?

For us, it has turned out to be more cost-effective than trying to hire a full-time IT Manager in-house – $36k/year approximately compared to $100k/year plus benefits, etc. Honestly, I’ve been happier with 1Path’s service, too.

ITAM was more expensive compared to the software alternative and managing it ourselves. However, I’m a firm believer that we’ll make up that cost difference by eliminating inventory and storage overhead, reducing team member turnover with better experiences, and improving overall productivity – because slow computers mean we get less done.

Bhero – Crypto Launchpad

Source: Bhero

My name is Marius Grigoras, and I’m the CEO of Bhero. Bhero is a crypto launchpad designed for startups who want to take their cryptocurrency project or NFTs onto the Elrond blockchain, following all legal regulations and requirements. The managed IT service provider we use is ConnectWise.

What services did we avail?

At Bhero, we’ve availed managed IT services to help us improve our IT infrastructure. We’re able to reduce downtime, and IT issues through proactive monitoring and management of our IT systems. Our provider uses advanced threat detection and prevention technologies to ensure that our cybersecurity is top-notch.

By leveraging ConnectWise’s centralized dashboard and automation tools, we’ve been able to simplify our IT management, allowing us to focus on growing our business while our provider takes care of our IT needs.

How has it improved our business?

The monthly cost for the managed information technology services provided by Connect Wise was $7,000. We estimated that we saved around $12,000 every month in IT expenses, including pay for in-house IT staff, the costs of gear and software, and maintenance fees.

Conclusive Thoughts!

Managed IT services can be a game-changer for small businesses and niche industries. By partnering with the right managed IT service provider, businesses can focus on their core competencies while leveraging cutting-edge technology and IT solutions.

This blog post outlined the top benefits of availing managed IT Services for small businesses. We also covered some of the well-known managed IT service providers for healthcare, community banks, and law firms, along with case studies.

Each of these industries has unique IT requirements and challenges, making it crucial to have a reliable and experienced managed IT service provider.

Please let us know if you have any suggestions for additional providers or if you provide managed IT services. We are always eager to expand our list and connect with industry experts.

Thank you for reading, and we wish you the best of luck in finding the right managed IT service provider for your business.

Abdul Rehman

Abdul is a tech-savvy, coffee-fueled, and creatively driven marketer who loves keeping up with the latest software updates and tech gadgets. He’s also a skilled technical writer who can explain complex concepts simply for a broad audience. Abdul enjoys sharing his knowledge of the Cloud industry through user manuals, documentation, and blog posts.