How MSP Services Can Help Your SMB Recover Faster

Well, that was an interesting weekend…who had a global tech outage on their bingo card?

The reality is this, cloud computing has revolutionized how businesses operate, providing unprecedented scalability, flexibility, and efficiency. One of the leading providers in this domain is CrowdStrike, known for its robust Cybersecurity and Cyber-protection services.

However, even the most reliable cybersecurity service providers can experience glitches, causing significant disruptions. Over the weekend, many businesses, municipalities, and government agencies were affected by a substantial CrowdStrike glitch, highlighting the critical need for effective disaster recovery and business continuity strategies.

What is CrowdStrike?

CrowdStrike is a prominent cybersecurity and protection service provider offering a comprehensive suite of cybersecurity detection and remediation solutions. These services include integrated endpoint and identity protection, next generation antivirus and threat protection, management threat intelligence and remediation. CrowdStrike’s infrastructure is designed to support businesses of all sizes, enabling them to leverage advanced XDR and MDR cyber security technologies within the entire organization.

The CrowdStrike Glitch: What Happened?

The recent CrowdStrike glitch was a wake-up call for many businesses relying heavily on cybersecurity and protection services. The glitch occurred due to errant code included in a Falcon bundled update. The errant code caused servers and workstations using the Microsoft operating system to Blue-Screen when rebooting. The workaround required a fairly involved “hands-on” process designed to either restore the system to a time before the update or simply remove the Falcon program from running during the startup process… while CrowdStrike works on providing a fix.

The Impact on Businesses

For businesses dependent on CrowdStrike’s services, the glitch resulted in lost productivity, disrupted operations, and potential revenue loss. With data and applications inaccessible, companies faced challenges in maintaining their day-to-day activities. This incident underscored the importance of having robust disaster recovery plans and reliable support systems to mitigate the effects of such glitches.

How a Local MSP Can Help Your Business Recover Faster

Managed Service Providers (MSPs) play a crucial role in helping businesses navigate and recover from IT disruptions. Unlike large, impersonal cloud providers, local MSPs offer personalized, responsive support tailored to your specific needs. Here are some key reasons why a local MSP can help your business recover faster from these types of disruptions:

Personalized Support and Faster Response Times

Local MSPs, such as ABTs Managed IT Services, understand the unique challenges faced by businesses in their region. Our team is readily available to provide immediate assistance, minimizing downtime and helping you get back on track quickly. Our proximity allows us to offer on-site support when necessary, ensuring that technical issues are resolved swiftly and effectively.

Proactive Monitoring and Maintenance

MSPs continuously monitor your IT infrastructure to identify potential issues before they escalate into major problems. This proactive approach helps in preventing outages and ensuring your systems are running smoothly. In the event of a major disruption, MSPs can quickly diagnose and address the root cause, expediting the recovery process.

Comprehensive Disaster Recovery Solutions

MSPs offer comprehensive disaster recovery solutions designed to protect your data and ensure business continuity. These solutions include regular backups, failover systems, and detailed recovery plans tailored to your business requirements. In the case of the CrowdStrike glitch, having an MSP-managed disaster recovery plan can significantly reduce downtime and data loss.

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How to find Cybersecurity Expertise

With the increasing threat of cyberattacks, cybersecurity is a top priority for businesses of all sizes. MSPs provide robust cybersecurity solutions, including threat detection, vulnerability assessments, and incident response. By securing your IT infrastructure, MSPs help prevent cyber incidents that can compound the impact of these types of disruptions. MSPs are typically not locked into one specific cybersecurity provider and can often provide alternate solutions that may be more appropriate for your organization.

Help Desk Services

A well-managed help desk is essential for addressing technical issues promptly. MSPs offer 24/7 help desk services, ensuring that your employees have access to expert support whenever they encounter IT problems. This round-the-clock availability is crucial for maintaining productivity, especially during critical incidents like the CrowdStrike glitch.

Automated Business Technologies: Ensuring Business Continuity

At ABT, we take pride in our proactive approach to IT management and support. None of our customers were not affected by the recent CrowdStrike outage, thanks to our comprehensive disaster recovery plans and continuous monitoring of their IT environments. Our commitment to excellence and personalized service ensures that your business remains resilient in the face of IT challenges.

Why Choose ABT?

• Local Expertise: We understand the unique needs of Colorado businesses and provide tailored solutions that align with your goals.
• Proactive Management: Our proactive approach ensures potential issues are addressed before they impact your operations.
• Rapid Response: Our team is readily available to provide immediate support, minimizing downtime and ensuring quick recovery.
• Comprehensive Services: From cybersecurity to help desk support, we offer a full spectrum of IT services designed to keep your business running smoothly.

What is The Value of MSPs for Small and Mid-Sized Businesses?

For small and mid-sized businesses, partnering with an MSP offers numerous benefits that extend beyond disaster recovery. Here are some key advantages of using a managed provider:

Cost-Effective IT Management

Outsourcing IT management to an MSP can be more cost-effective than maintaining an in-house IT team. MSPs offer predictable monthly fees, allowing you to budget effectively without worrying about unexpected expenses. This cost efficiency enables small businesses to access enterprise-level IT support without a substantial financial burden.

Access to Expertise

MSPs employ skilled IT professionals with expertise across various domains, including networking, cybersecurity, and cloud computing. This expertise ensures that your IT infrastructure is managed by knowledgeable professionals who can address complex technical challenges effectively.

Scalability

As your business grows, your IT needs will evolve. MSPs provide scalable solutions that can adapt to your changing requirements. Whether you need additional storage, enhanced security measures, or new software implementations, MSPs can seamlessly scale their services to support your growth.

Focus on Core Business Activities

By entrusting your IT management to an MSP, you can focus on your core business activities without being distracted by technical issues. This focus on your primary business functions enhances productivity and allows you to concentrate on what you do best.

Enhanced Security

Cybersecurity threats are constantly evolving, and small businesses are often targeted due to their perceived vulnerabilities. MSPs offer advanced security measures, including firewall management, intrusion detection, and regular security audits. These measures help protect your business from cyber threats and ensure compliance with industry regulations.

How MSPs Work: A Closer Look

MSPs provide a wide range of IT services designed to optimize your business operations and enhance productivity. Here’s how they typically work:

Initial Assessment

The process begins with a thorough assessment of your existing IT infrastructure. MSPs, like ABT, evaluate your hardware, software, network configuration, and security measures to identify areas for improvement.

Customized IT Strategy

Based on the assessment, MSPs develop a customized IT strategy aligned with your business goals. This strategy outlines the services and solutions needed to enhance your IT environment and support your objectives.

Implementation and Integration

MSPs implement the recommended solutions, ensuring seamless integration with your existing systems. This phase may involve upgrading hardware, deploying new software, and configuring security measures.

Continuous Monitoring and Management

Once the solutions are in place, MSPs continuously monitor your IT infrastructure to ensure optimal performance. This proactive monitoring helps in identifying potential issues before they impact your operations.

Ongoing Support and Maintenance

MSPs provide ongoing support and maintenance, addressing any technical issues that arise. This includes regular updates, security patches, and performance optimizations to keep your systems running smoothly.

Reporting and Insights

MSPs offer detailed reporting and insights into your IT performance. These reports help you understand the effectiveness of your IT strategy and make informed decisions about future investments.

Get a Risk-Free Security Assessment

The recent CrowdStrike glitch highlighted the critical importance of having a reliable IT support system in place. For businesses in Colorado, partnering with a local MSP like ABT offers numerous advantages, including personalized support, rapid response times, and comprehensive disaster recovery solutions. By leveraging the expertise and services of an MSP, small and mid-sized businesses can enhance their resilience, improve productivity, and ensure business continuity in the face of IT challenges.

At ABT, we are committed to providing top-notch IT services that meet the unique needs of our clients. Our proactive approach and dedication to excellence ensure that your business remains secure and operational, even during unforeseen disruptions. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help your business thrive in a fast-paced digital landscape.