Why “Bob” and Managed IT Services Are the Perfect Combo for Your Business

Marketing emails flood our inboxes daily, some good, some terrible, but all centered around promotional offers to urgent alerts. However, one email making the rounds recently has caught our attention, and it’s titled “Fire Bob!” Now, before you jump to conclusions and consider letting go of your beloved IT guy, let’s hold onto that pink slip and investigate why firing Bob might not be the best course of action.

In fact, Bob is great (we LOVE Bob!)! We believe that Bob, empowered with managed IT services, could be the dynamic duo your company needs to thrive.

The Myth of the Lone IT Ranger

First, let’s talk about Bob. Bob is your diligent IT specialist who has been with the company for years. He knows the ins and outs of your systems, understands the quirks of your network, and is always the first to respond when something goes awry.

But let’s face it – technology has taken Moore’s Law to heart.  It moves quickly and hackers even faster.  No single individual can even hope to manage every aspect of IT alone.

The email suggesting you fire Bob likely paints a picture of an overwhelmed and under-resourced IT department. But instead of seeing this as a failure on Bob’s part, consider it a call to action to provide Bob with the support he needs.

What Are Managed IT Services?

Managed IT services (MITS)  refer to outsourcing your company’s IT management and support to a third-party provider, known as a Managed Service Provider (MSP), that’s us. These services cover a wide range of IT needs, from network management and cybersecurity to data backup and cloud services.

The MSP assumes responsibility for ensuring your IT infrastructure runs smoothly, allowing your in-house team (Bob) to focus on strategic tasks and core business functions, and less time consuming issues like help desk questions.

Here are some key elements of managed IT services:

1. Proactive Support and Maintenance: MSPs offer continuous monitoring of your IT systems to identify and resolve issues before they escalate into significant problems.
2. Enhanced Security: With cyber threats becoming increasingly sophisticated, MSPs provide advanced security measures to protect your sensitive data and maintain compliance with industry regulations. Honestly, you can’t do this alone anyway, no one can. The threat has become constant and successful attacks can shutter your business.
3. Scalability: Managed IT services are designed to grow with your business. As your company expands, the MSP can scale its services to meet your evolving needs. If you’re thinking about growing, you have to also consider how you’re going to manage the IT needs effectively and efficiently.
4. Cost-Effectiveness: Instead of investing in expensive infrastructure and a large IT team, MSPs offer a more cost-effective solution by providing access to a broad range of expertise and resources for a fixed monthly fee. Your MSP doesn’t need insurance coverage, and they don’t take days off.  This can only be a supportive win.

Why Bob Still Matters

So, where does Bob fit into this picture? Bob’s intimate knowledge of your company’s specific needs and his rapport with the staff are invaluable assets. Instead of viewing managed IT services as a replacement for Bob, think of them as an enhancement to his capabilities.

Here’s why keeping Bob, while leveraging the power of an MSP, is a win-win situation:

1. Expertise and Familiarity: Bob knows your company’s IT environment inside out. His expertise, combined with the external support from the MSP, ensures that both routine tasks and complex issues are handled efficiently.
   
   
2. Personal Touch: Employees are comfortable approaching Bob with their IT concerns. This personal touch fosters a supportive environment where staff feel heard and their issues are promptly addressed.
   
   
3. Strategic Focus: By offloading routine maintenance and monitoring tasks to the MSP, Bob can focus on strategic initiatives that drive innovation and growth within the company.
   
   
4. Support Network: Managed IT services provide Bob with a plethora of resources and specialized knowledge. This network can include experts in various domains, from cybersecurity to cloud computing, giving Bob the backup he needs to tackle any IT challenge.

Building the Ultimate IT Support Team

Imagine Bob as the point man for all IT concerns, backed by a team of specialists from the MSP. When an employee has an issue, they can still reach out to Bob, who then coordinates with the MSP to ensure the problem is resolved swiftly and efficiently. This approach not only enhances the quality of support that your company receives but also boosts employee confidence in the IT department.

A Day in the Life of Bob with Managed IT Services

Let’s paint a picture of what a typical day for Bob might look like with the support of managed IT services:

Bob’s Day

Time of Day	Activity
Morning	Bob starts his day with a quick review of the overnight reports sent by the MSP. Any minor issues have already been resolved by the MSP’s 24/7 monitoring team, freeing Bob to focus on higher-priority tasks.
Mid-Morning	An employee reports a network connectivity issue. Bob immediately assesses the situation and collaborates with the MSP’s network specialists to diagnose and fix the problem. The issue is resolved in record time, with minimal disruption to the employee’s workflow.
Afternoon	Bob joins a strategic planning meeting with senior management to discuss upcoming IT projects and innovations. With the routine maintenance handled by the MSP, Bob can provide valuable insights and focus on aligning IT strategy with business goals.
Late Afternoon	Bob reviews the security protocols and compliance measures implemented by the MSP. Knowing that the company’s data is secure and compliant with industry standards, Bob can rest easy and concentrate on improving the overall IT infrastructure.

The Benefits of a Collaborative Approach

By combining Bob’s expertise with the comprehensive support of managed IT services, your company can enjoy a range of benefits:

1. Increased Efficiency: The MSP handles routine tasks and monitoring, allowing Bob to focus on more critical, value-added activities.
   
   
2. Improved Security: With the MSP’s advanced security measures, your company’s data is better protected against cyber threats.
   
   
3. Cost Savings: Outsourcing to an MSP can be more cost-effective than hiring additional in-house IT staff, providing access to a broader range of expertise for a predictable monthly fee.
   
   
4. Scalability: As your business grows, the MSP can scale its services to meet your expanding needs, ensuring that your IT infrastructure remains robust and efficient.
   
   
5. Enhanced Employee Satisfaction: Employees can still rely on Bob for their IT needs, benefiting from his familiarity with the company’s systems and his personalized approach to support. Not to mention, an insurmountable load has been taken off Bob’s shoulders. He actually sees his family now, and nights and weekends aren’t overshadowed by “on call” duties.

Making the Transition

Transitioning to a managed IT services model doesn’t have to be daunting. Here are a few steps to ensure a smooth integration:

1. Assessment: Start by evaluating your current IT infrastructure and identifying areas where the MSP can provide the most value. At ABT, we do this for you. We’ll help you define your gaps and make recommendations.  Most MSPs charge for this, but we believe this information should come risk-free.
2. Selection: Choose a reputable MSP with a proven track record and expertise in your industry. Look for a provider that offers flexible services tailored to your specific needs. Obviously, we’d really like to work with Bob, but ask questions and be comfortable.  Make sure Bob is getting more support and not more cats to corrale.
3. Collaboration: Foster a collaborative relationship between Bob and the MSP. Ensure that communication channels are open and that both parties understand their roles and responsibilities.
4. Training: Provide training for Bob and other staff members to familiarize them with the MSP’s tools and processes. This will help streamline workflows and improve efficiency.
5. Feedback: Regularly solicit feedback from employees and Bob to ensure that the managed IT services are meeting your company’s needs and making a positive impact.

Start with a Risk-Free Environment Assessment

We believe firing Bob is not the answer. Bob is a valuable asset to your company, and with the support of managed IT services, he can be even more effective. By combining Bob’s expertise and familiarity with the company’s systems with the comprehensive support and resources of an MSP, your business can achieve greater efficiency, security, and growth.

So, the next time you receive an email suggesting you fire Bob, remember that the solution isn’t to replace him but to empower him. Embrace the power of managed IT services and watch as Bob, supported by a team of specialists, takes your IT infrastructure to new heights. Together, Bob and the MSP can ensure that your company’s IT needs are met promptly, securely, and efficiently, leaving you free to focus on what you do best – running your business.

Don’t fire Bob. Enhance him with Automated Business Technologies Managed IT Services, and let your business thrive!

Call now to get started (303) 778-0600!