Common Misconceptions About IT Managed Services—Debunked

In today’s technology-driven world, businesses rely heavily on IT infrastructure to keep operations running smoothly. Many companies are turning to IT managed services as a cost-effective and reliable solution to maintain and improve their tech environments. However, despite the growing popularity of this approach, there are still several misconceptions surrounding managed IT services. These misunderstandings can prevent businesses from fully realizing the benefits that a managed service provider (MSP) can bring.

In this blog, we’ll address some of the most common misconceptions about IT managed services, so you can make informed decisions about your business’s IT strategy.

Misconception 1: Managed Services Are Only for Large Enterprises

Many small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) assume that IT managed services are only necessary or affordable for large enterprises. They believe that they don’t have enough IT needs to justify outsourcing.

The Truth:

• Scalability: IT managed services are designed to scale. Whether you’re a small business with limited IT needs or a large corporation with complex IT infrastructure, MSPs offer customizable solutions to fit your budget and requirements. You pay for the services you use, making it cost-effective even for smaller organizations.
• Affordable for SMBs: Managed services offer SMBs access to advanced tools, software, and expertise that would otherwise be too expensive to maintain in-house. For instance, cybersecurity services provided by an MSP ensure small businesses receive the same level of protection as larger corporations, without the high costs of a dedicated IT team.

Takeaway: IT managed services are highly adaptable, making them accessible to companies of all sizes.

Misconception 2: Managed Services Are More Expensive Than In-House IT

Many business owners believe that outsourcing IT management will cost more than hiring an internal team. This misconception arises from the upfront fees associated with managed services, as well as the notion that in-house IT offers more control over costs.

The Truth:

• Predictable Costs: Managed services often operate on a flat, monthly fee structure, allowing for predictable IT expenses. Unlike in-house IT teams, which can face unpredictable costs due to hardware failures, training, and emergency repairs, MSPs provide comprehensive services under a single fee. This approach eliminates surprise expenses.
• Lower Total Cost of Ownership: Hiring and training an in-house IT team comes with significant costs, including salaries, benefits, and ongoing education. Managed services providers handle all this for you, allowing your business to save on these expenses while receiving expert-level IT support.
• 24/7 Support Without Extra Cost: With an in-house team, after-hours support can come with overtime costs. Managed service providers, on the other hand, include 24/7 monitoring and support in their standard package, ensuring your systems remain up and running without additional fees.

Takeaway: MSPs offer a cost-effective alternative to in-house IT teams, providing high-quality service with predictable, manageable costs.

Misconception 3: My Business Is Too Small to Be a Target for Cyberattacks

Many small businesses assume they’re too insignificant to attract cybercriminals, leading them to believe they don’t need advanced IT services such as managed security.

The Truth:

• No Business Is Too Small: Cybercriminals often target small businesses because they assume SMBs lack robust security measures. According to a report by the National Cyber Security Alliance, 43% of cyberattacks target small businesses, making cybersecurity a critical concern for all companies.
• Managed Services Prioritize Security: MSPs offer advanced cybersecurity tools, such as firewall management, intrusion detection systems, and automated patching, which protect businesses of all sizes from cyber threats. Even small businesses receive enterprise-grade security under a managed services agreement.
• Compliance: Many industries have stringent data protection regulations (such as HIPAA, GDPR, and PCI DSS). Managed service providers ensure that even small businesses remain compliant with these regulations, reducing the risk of costly penalties.

Takeaway: Small businesses are just as vulnerable to cyberattacks as large corporations, and IT managed services help protect your business from these evolving threats.

Misconception 4: Managed Services Are Just for Fixing Problems

Some businesses believe that managed services only focus on fixing issues after they occur, similar to traditional break/fix IT support models.

The Truth:

• Proactive Maintenance: One of the most significant benefits of IT managed services is their proactive approach. MSPs monitor your IT environment 24/7, using real-time monitoring tools to detect potential issues before they impact your business. This proactive approach reduces downtime and ensures your systems run smoothly.
• Continuous Improvement: Managed services go beyond reactive problem-solving. MSPs assess your IT infrastructure regularly and recommend upgrades and improvements. This includes system optimization, software updates, and network performance enhancements that can help your business operate more efficiently.
• Disaster Recovery and Backups: Managed services also provide essential services like data backup, disaster recovery, and business continuity planning. This ensures that your business can recover quickly from unexpected disruptions like hardware failures, natural disasters, or cyberattacks.

Takeaway: IT managed services focus on preventing problems and improving overall system performance, not just fixing issues as they arise.

Misconception 5: Managed Services Limit My Control Over IT

Many business owners worry that outsourcing their IT management will reduce their control over their technology and limit their ability to make decisions.

The Truth:

• Collaborative Partnership: Managed service providers work as partners, not replacements, to your in-house IT team (if you have one). You maintain full control over your IT environment, while the MSP handles the day-to-day tasks and offers expert recommendations for improvements.
• Customizable Services: Managed services are fully customizable to meet your specific needs. You can decide which services to outsource, whether it’s network monitoring, data security, or cloud management. MSPs work with you to develop a plan that fits your goals and ensures you remain in control of your IT operations.
• Increased Focus on Core Business: By outsourcing routine IT tasks to an MSP, you free up time and resources to focus on your core business activities. This allows you to make better strategic decisions without being bogged down by daily IT concerns.

Takeaway: MSPs empower businesses by providing support, not taking over control. You maintain oversight, while they handle technical management.

Misconception 6: IT Managed Services Are Not Necessary With Cloud Services

As businesses adopt cloud services like Microsoft Azure, AWS, or Google Cloud, some believe that managed services are redundant. They assume that the cloud provider handles all their IT needs.

The Truth:

• Cloud Management: While cloud providers offer infrastructure, they don’t manage your entire IT ecosystem. Managed services include cloud management—helping with setup, configuration, optimization, and security in cloud environments. MSPs ensure that your cloud infrastructure is correctly managed, optimized for performance, and fully secure.
• Hybrid Infrastructure: Most businesses operate in hybrid environments, using both on-premises infrastructure and cloud-based services. MSPs help businesses manage this hybrid setup, ensuring seamless integration, monitoring, and optimization.
• Data Security and Backup: Even in the cloud, you need secure access and data backup strategies. MSPs provide comprehensive cybersecurity measures to protect your cloud environments from potential breaches, as well as backup services to ensure data redundancy and availability.

Takeaway: Managed services are essential in ensuring that your cloud infrastructure runs efficiently and securely while integrating seamlessly with other aspects of your business.

Misconception 7: I Don’t Need Managed Services Since I Have an In-House IT Team

Some businesses believe that if they already have an internal IT team, managed services are unnecessary.

The Truth:

• Enhanced Capabilities: Managed services don’t replace your in-house IT team; they complement and extend its capabilities. MSPs handle routine tasks like network monitoring, security patching, and data backups, allowing your in-house team to focus on strategic projects that drive business growth.
• 24/7 Support: In-house teams can’t always provide 24/7 coverage without working overtime or hiring additional staff. MSPs offer round-the-clock monitoring and support, ensuring that your systems remain secure and operational even outside of normal business hours.
• Access to Expertise: MSPs bring specialized knowledge and tools that in-house teams may not have. Whether it’s cybersecurity, disaster recovery, or cloud management, MSPs have the experience and resources to manage complex IT environments effectively.

Takeaway: MSPs work alongside your in-house team to provide additional support, expertise, and around-the-clock service.

The Value of IT Managed Services

There are many misconceptions about IT managed services, but the truth is that they offer a cost-effective, proactive solution that benefits businesses of all sizes. By partnering with an MSP, you gain access to advanced technology, 24/7 support, and the ability to focus on growing your business without worrying about IT issues.

To learn more about how trueITpros can help your company with common misconceptions about IT managed services, contact us.