Managed Services Archives

Empower Your Business: Pros and Cons of Managed Services Explored with Sandra Network

Vishva Thacker on August 11, 2023

At Sandra Network, we take pride in being a leading name in the realm of IT solutions, dedicated to empowering businesses with secure, streamlined, and highly efficient strategies. Our core mission revolves around transforming digital landscapes, safeguarding businesses against cyber threats, and driving increased growth through advanced technology. Do you know about pros and cons of managed services?

In today’s digital age, network security and tech support have become defining factors for business success. Business owners and IT managers are increasingly vigilant and concerned about these crucial aspects. Safeguarding vital data and ensuring uninterrupted system uptime are now essential priorities. With the rising prevalence of cyber-attacks, the stakes have never been higher, making network security a top priority for any business.

The purpose of this blog post is to delve deep into the world of managed services, weighing their advantages against potential drawbacks. Our objective is to equip our readers with pertinent insights that will guide them in making informed decisions about embracing managed services for their businesses.

Join us on this informative journey as we explore the pros and cons of managed services and discover how they can empower your business in the rapidly evolving landscape of information technology.

Pros of Managed Services:

1. Proactive Network Security:

Protecting your business from cyber threats is a top priority. With managed services, you gain the advantage of real-time monitoring and a deep understanding of potential risks. Managed service providers (MSPs) employ dedicated measures to identify and mitigate security vulnerabilities, safeguarding your sensitive data and digital assets in real time.

2. Expert Tech Support:

Technical issues can arise at any time, and having expert IT support can make all the difference. Managed services give you access to a team of skilled professionals who are readily available to assist you. Their expertise ensures that your IT challenges are promptly addressed, lowering downtime and maximizing productivity.

3. Cost-Effective Solutions and Predictable Budgeting:

Managing an in-house IT team can be costly, especially for small to medium-sized businesses. Managed services offer a cost-effective alternative, as you only pay for the services you need. With fixed monthly fees, you can budget with confidence, knowing there won’t be unexpected IT expenses.

4. Focus on Core Business Functions:

Freeing up your time and resources from day-to-day IT management allows you to focus on core business functions and strategic initiatives. Managed services take care of routine tasks, giving you the flexibility to innovate and drive business growth.

5. Streamlined Long-Term Partnership:

A reliable managed service provider becomes your strategic partner, invested in your long-term success. However, by understanding your unique needs and aligning their services accordingly, MSPs forge a strong and enduring partnership with your business.

6. Physical and Virtual Support:

Whether you require on-site assistance or remote support, managed services cater to your preferences. With a combination of physical presence and virtual assistance, you have access to complete IT support whenever you need it.

At Sandra Network, we strive to provide you with the best possible IT solutions, and while managed services offer numerous advantages, it’s important to be aware of potential challenges as well.

Cons Of Managed Services:

1. Less Time with Resources:

When you opt for managed services, you gain access to a team of experts; however, the amount of time they can dedicate to your business may be limited compared to an in-house IT team. This is an important trade-off to consider, especially if you require constant on-site support.

2. Massive Variation:

It’s essential to be aware while choosing a managed service provider (MSP). The market is diverse, and there can be significant variations in the quality and responsiveness of MSPs. Some may not live up to their promises, leading to potential frustrations and inabilities. We encourage you to evaluate providers thoroughly to ensure you choose a reliable partner like Sandra Network.

3. Contracts:

Unlike employees, MSPs typically operate under contracts. While we strive to provide exceptional service, it’s essential to acknowledge that committing to a contract may limit your compliance if you become unhappy with the services provided. We believe in building long-term partnerships, but we also value our clients’ peace of mind.

4. Less Direct Management of Your IT Systems:

With an in-house IT team, you have direct control and oversight of your IT systems. In contrast, managed services entail delegating certain IT functions to an external provider, which can reduce your direct involvement in the day-to-day management of your IT infrastructure. In conclusion, managed services offer invaluable advantages for your business, reflecting Sandra Network’s commitment to providing confidence, protection, and a high-touch approach.

We hope our article would have helped you in understanding the Pros and Cons Of Managed Services

Our dedicated network security, expert tech support, and cost-effective solutions are made to empower your business growth and success. To explore how we can enhance your network’s security and optimize your IT operations, take advantage of our free risk assessment.

You can also check, how IT Support For Accountants can help their business to grow.

Should you have any questions or require guidance, our friendly team is here to assist. Partner with Sandra Network, and together, we’ll pave the way for a secure and streamlined IT future for your business.

Cyber-Safe Accounting: Strengthening Data Security with Expert IT Support for Accountants

Vishva Thacker on June 18, 2023

In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, the security of sensitive financial data has become of utmost priority for accounting professionals. The consequences of a data breach might be catastrophic for your firm. These include financial losses for your clients, damage to your reputation, or erosion of client trust in your firm. Every industry needs IT support, but IT support for accountants is mandatory in order to keep everything safe & for hassle-free operations.

Does your accounting firm have the proper security in place? If not, you need to collaborate with an expert IT support team. Having the proper security measures in place is an indispensable component for any accounting firm seeking to fortify their defences and uphold cyber-safe accounting practices for themselves and their clients.

Sandra Network, an IT Support company in Peabody and Boston, is such an IT company. We possess a deep understanding of the distinctive requirements of accounting firms. Our team offers them comprehensive solutions designed to strengthen their data security and we can offer them to your firm too.

The Importance Of Data Security In The Accounting Industry

In this digital-centric era, data breaches have become a reality posing a significant threat to accountants and accounting firms. One of the most common causes of these data breaches in this industry is the theft or loss of laptops and other electronic devices. These devices hold a treasure trove of proprietary and sensitive client and corporate information. You don’t want a data breach to potentially be a catastrophe for your firm. And if it happens, it can unfold in the blink of an eye.

Especially disheartening is that if a data breach happens to your firm, the accountability most likely will fall on the accountant or the firm making you responsible for any resulting losses and/or damages to your clients. These situations also escalate quickly into class action lawsuits with hefty fines making it challenging for a firm to recover.

The impact often goes beyond financial implications. It can affect the loss of your firm’s reputation in the industry and the loss of your client’s trust in your firm. This loss of industry reputation and client trust can inflict far greater damage. Accountants rely heavily on the trust and confidence of their clients to thrive, and even a single breach can shatter years of hard-earned credibility. The aftermath of a data breach casts a dark shadow over the reputation and integrity of accountants and firms, creating an uphill battle to restore trust and rebuild relationships.

At Sandra Network, we recognize the gravity of these challenges and the high stakes involved. Our aim is to empower accountants and accounting firms with the knowledge and resources needed to fortify their defences and protect against the constant threat of data breaches. With our expertise and unwavering commitment to data security, we equip our clients with the tools and strategies necessary to navigate this treacherous landscape with confidence.

Be pro-active. Don’t let the future of your firm’s reputation hang in the balance. Safeguard its reputation, preserve your client’s trust, and secure your valuable data in the face of the ever-present risks of the digital world.

Since 2014, reported data breaches of CPA firms have increased by over 80%, and, since 2018, the portion of breaches that include ransomware or extortion has risen to over 40%.

The Crucial Role of IT Support in Data Security

In the realm of data security, the indispensable role played by IT support cannot be overstated. When it comes to safeguarding sensitive financial information, you need to partner with a Managed IT service provider, one who possesses specialized knowledge and expertise for accounting is paramount.

At Sandra Network, we understand the unique challenges faced by accountants and the critical importance of protecting their valuable data. By collaborating with our dedicated team of IT experts, accountants gain access to industry-specific insights and solutions. Our professionals have an in-depth understanding of the accounting landscape, enabling them to assess vulnerabilities, identify potential weak points in systems, and develop tailored strategies that enhance data security.

With proactive monitoring and advanced threat detection mechanisms, we stay one step ahead of cyber threats, ensuring potential risks are mitigated before they escalate. The significance of IT support in data security is underscored by statistics revealing that over 90% of successful cyber-attacks stem from human error or system vulnerabilities. By partnering with us, accountants substantially reduce their susceptibility to such attacks, minimizing the potential for financial losses and reputational harm.

At Sandra Network, we implement robust security measures, including advanced firewall management, real-time antivirus support, and state-of-the-art encryption techniques. By continually monitoring your network and promptly responding to any potential threats, we ensure the safety of your sensitive financial data. In a rapidly evolving digital landscape, entrusting your data security to expert IT support is not just a wise decision—it is a necessary one.

In a rapidly evolving digital landscape, entrusting your data security to expert IT support is not just a wise decision—it is a necessary one.

By relying on professionals who comprehend the unique challenges faced by accountants, you can have peace of mind, knowing that your data is safeguarded while you concentrate on your core responsibilities. Take the proactive step to fortify your defences and partner with Sandra Network to harness the power of IT services for accounting firms in protecting your sensitive financial information.

Strengthening Defences: Key Components of IT Support for Accountants

At Sandra Network, we understand the unique needs of accountants when it comes to IT support. Our comprehensive range of services is designed to provide accountants with the necessary tools and expertise to ensure data security and operational efficiency. Here are the key components of our IT support for accountants:

Customized IT support and security solutions tailored to the unique needs of accountants.
Essential security measures, including firewall management, antivirus support, and encryption techniques, to protect sensitive financial data.
Proactive network monitoring, threat detection, and incident response plans to identify and address potential security threats.
Employee training and awareness programs to educate and empower staff about cybersecurity best practices.
Advanced security operations services, including 24×7 security monitoring and incident response, to ensure round-the-clock protection.
Proprietary process to identify vulnerabilities and provide targeted training, going beyond standard phishing awareness.
Quick and efficient resolution of IT issues, crucial for time-sensitive accounting operations.
White glove approach to IT structure and security, offering ongoing protection and support.
Expert advice and support from experienced IT professionals who understand the accounting industry.
Comprehensive suite of services, including cloud solutions, hardware sales, web hosting, and more.
Responsive support, especially during critical periods like tax season.

Customized Solutions: Meeting the Unique Needs of Accountants

At Sandra Network, we understand that accountants operate in a highly regulated industry with specific requirements and compliance standards. We recognize the importance of tailoring IT services for accounting firms to meet the unique needs of accountants, providing them with the tools and expertise necessary to navigate the intricacies of their profession.

The global average cost of a data breach between July 2018 to April 2019 was $3.92 million. For larger organizations, the average cost was $5.11 million, whereas for smaller organizations with between 500 and 1,000 employees, the average cost was $2.65 million.

One of the key aspects of our customized solutions is our deep understanding of the accounting industry’s compliance standards. We stay up to date with the latest regulations to ensure that our clients remain in full compliance with industry requirements. By addressing these specific compliance needs, we help accountants maintain the integrity of their data and safeguard their clients’ sensitive information.

To address industry-specific challenges, we offer a range of specialized software, tools, and protocols that enhance data security for accountants. For example, we can assist in the implementation of secure document management systems that protect sensitive financial information and facilitate seamless collaboration within accounting teams. Our team is well-versed in encryption techniques and can deploy advanced security measures to safeguard data both at rest and in transit.

Furthermore, we understand the importance of maintaining a robust network infrastructure for accountants. Our IT support services include network monitoring and threat detection, allowing us to identify and respond to potential security breaches promptly. We can also develop tailored incident response plans to minimize the impact of any security incidents and ensure business continuity.

Accountants rely on specialized software for their day-to-day operations, and we have the expertise to recommend and support the tools that best suit their needs. Whether it is accounting software, tax preparation applications, or financial management systems, we can ensure seamless integration, optimal performance, and data security.

By offering customized solutions that address the specific requirements and challenges faced by accountants, we empower them to focus on their core responsibilities with the confidence that their IT infrastructure is secure and efficient.

The Benefits of Partnering with Expert IT Support IT Support For Accountants

When it comes to managing data security, accountants often find themselves burdened with numerous responsibilities. Partnering with an expert IT support company, such as Sandra Network, can alleviate this burden and provide peace of mind. Our team of dedicated professionals takes on the task of managing data security, allowing accountants to focus on their core responsibilities and deliver exceptional services to their clients.

One of the key benefits of partnering with professional IT support is the potential for cost savings and efficiency gains. By leveraging our expertise and specialized tools, accountants can streamline their operations, reduce downtime, and increase productivity. With proactive monitoring, timely updates, and efficient troubleshooting, we ensure that their IT infrastructure remains optimized and reliable, minimizing the risk of disruptions or costly data breaches.

Furthermore, our team at Sandra Network stays at the forefront of emerging technologies and industry trends. We continuously evaluate the evolving threat landscape and implement proactive measures to stay one step ahead of cybercriminals. Our commitment to ongoing training and knowledge ensures that our clients benefit from the latest advancements in data security.

By partnering with an expert Managed IT services company servicing accountants, your firm can enjoy the benefits of streamlined operations, enhanced data security, and a trusted partner that understands your unique needs. At Sandra Network, we are dedicated to empowering accountants with the tools and support they need to thrive in today’s digital landscape.

Conclusion:

In this blog post, we have explored the crucial role of IT support in ensuring data security for accountants. We began by highlighting the evolving cybersecurity threats faced by the accounting industry and the potential risks and consequences of data breaches. We emphasized the importance of partnering with expert IT support to fortify defences and establish cyber-safe accounting practices.

Understanding the unique needs and compliance standards of the accounting industry is paramount when it comes to safeguarding sensitive financial information. IT support plays a vital role in tailoring solutions to address industry-specific challenges, offering specialized software, tools, and protocols that enhance data security for accountants. By partnering with a trusted provider like Sandra Network, accountants can benefit from customized solutions that align with their specific requirements.

The benefits of partnering with Managed IT services for accounting are significant. Not only does it alleviate the burden of managing data security, but it also leads to potential cost savings and efficiency gains. By entrusting data security to professionals, accountants can focus on delivering exceptional services to their clients while ensuring the reliability and integrity of their IT infrastructure. Real-world examples and case studies have showcased the positive impact of expert IT support on accountants’ cybersecurity posture, emphasizing the value of such partnerships.

In conclusion, prioritizing data security is of utmost importance in the accounting industry. Accountants must recognize the risks involved and take proactive measures to protect their clients’ sensitive information. Seeking professional IT support, such as Sandra Network, can provide the necessary expertise, resources, and ongoing support to establish robust data security measures. By partnering with us as your trusted IT support provider, accountants can safeguard their reputation, maintain client trust, and navigate the digital landscape with confidence.

Remember, at Sandra Network, with our IT Services for Accounting Firms, we are committed to empowering accountants with comprehensive IT support and tailored solutions. Your clients’ sensitive information deserves the highest level of protection, and we are here to ensure that you can focus on what you do best while we manage your data security needs.

Why Your Business Needs a Password Vault

Vishva Thacker on February 2, 2023

Introduction to IT Security

To understand and peel back the layers of the IT security onion, we must start with education. The more you know, the more you can protect your network and business.

Understanding the Password Vault

Let’s look inside the “Password Vault.” Like the vault we envision in a bank, the password vault protects the goods. The difference is that you can’t physically walk into a password vault on foot, but you can digitally access it. While there aren’t loads of cash and gold bars like in the movies, the data stored in a password vault is worth a lot.

The Cost of a Data Breach

A data breach can cost your business a pretty penny. The U.S. has the highest data breach cost for the 12th year. It’s not something to brag about, especially with numbers like 5.09 million more than the global average, according to the report, “Cost of a data breach 2022:A million-dollar race to detect and respond,” commissioned by IBM. That is terrifying.

Why Use a Password Vault

Do we have your attention? The software program of your choice that creates your password vault will store and protect all the passwords your employees use while encrypting the data. There is one single master password to then access multiple passwords, which means no one else knows that password, not even the company hosting you.

The Danger of Weak Passwords

We’ve all been taught not to use the same passwords across various websites or create something too simple like 12345, but people continue to do so. The reasoning may be the ease of remembering one password across multiple platforms, but that’s what’s helpful about password vaults. Weak passwords, or those not well thought out, allow hackers to enter your system.

The Benefits of Using a Password Vault

Password vaults, (which some call password managers), are the best method of protecting your passwords. There is no method that is 100% foolproof. That’s different from what you want to hear, but using a password vault paired with added security steps significantly decreases your risk of a data breach.

Look out for our next article, naming some added security steps, coming your way soon.

Have questions about protecting your IT services? Learn more at SandraNetwork.com or Contact Us.

Top 3 reasons to use Managed Network Services

Vishva Thacker on May 27, 2022

The evolution of technology has changed the face of business management. Establishing a business and the process of making it into a revenue-generating machine is no brewing tea. Thankfully technology today has morphed the major chunk of business operations for optimal and smooth high-end performance. A minor lag in your network’s functionality can put your organizations security, connectivity, and employee’s ability to work at risk.

It is no longer a question of feasibility for organizations to keep their IT infrastructure up to date technologically, it is imperative if you expect your company to stay ahead of your competitors. Otherwise, your company may find your business lags far behind your competition.

Network Management services share the bulk of your load by extending 24*7 support for secure, high-speed, and efficient networking.

You no longer require a huge in-house staff to keep your IT operating at peak performance. This is what Managed IT services can do or your business. Managed IT services can provide the necessary assistance you need to keep your key IT technologies – development, networks, servers, security, and quality assurance working at peak performance. Best of all, it saves you the cost and trouble of having a dedicated IT employee in-house.

When not tended to professionally, network issues can clock-block not just the client base but also hamper the pace of integral internal business operations.

Managed Network services provide you with the assistance you need for your critical IT technologies – development, networks, servers, security, quality assurance, and so on — without the cost and trouble of doing so in-house.

#1. Eliminate the High Cost of Maintaining an in-house Network Management team

Managed IT services are inarguably more cost-effective than having your own IT department. Simply add up the total expenses of employing an IT specialist, which include recruiting, salary, taxes, employee benefits, office space, equipment, insurance, overtime compensation, training, and retention.

Isn’t that an unnecessary substantial expense for your business when you can get the expertise from us?

Managed It service providers like us, known in the industry as MSPs, will provide you with rapid access to a pool of skilled experts with relevant experience allowing your employees to focus on your customers and give them the expertise they require for and their projects.

You get more than simply expertise; you get a cohesive team that is employed by the MSP. So, you get two benefits in one, increased productivity for your team and streamlined operations.

Yay! You Win-Your Clients Win-Your MSPs win!

Everyone Wins!

#2. Quick to Adapt to Innovations

The most expensive investments in the IT business are innovative technology and developments.

In-house teams must continually keep up with new technological breakthroughs, diverting significant resources away from growing your company.

In-house teams must continually keep up with new technological breakthroughs. This can divert important resources away from other areas that can help you grow your company.

If you cannot adapt to recent technology, you will find your rivals getting ahead while your business lags behind theirs. In-house IT staff may find it difficult to adapt but that is exactly what an MSP does; provide businesses access to cutting-edge technology right from the start.

Recent technology breakthroughs may be deployed into your environment very quickly due to lightning-fast adaptation combined with access to greater resources, a solid working strategy, and expertise learned from previous projects.

#3. Scalable Resources at Your Service

Maintaining the company’s growth requires scalability.

Maintaining a company’s growth requires scalability. In today’s fast-paced business world, your organization must be able to scale up or down resources as needed. While it might be difficult to respond rapidly to scalability demands in-house, managed IT services can offer the necessary assistance to manage rapid expansion. Whether you require an in-house team expansion or a (fully remote) committed staff to achieve your objectives, Sandra Network can help.

Furthermore, bringing on an IT service partner to supplement your normal team is a terrific way to leverage or reallocate personnel. Your team can now engage in strategic goals, such as establishing desired objectives as your company develops and evolves.

Sandra Networks has been providing Managed Network Services to their valued clientele. Their innovative IT services monitor your business network so they can act fast and fix it before you begin worrying.

The “Underworld” of the Internet – The Dark Web

Vishva Thacker on March 25, 2022

Sandra Network Delivers Peace of Mind with Dark Web Monitoring

What is Dark Web?

The Dark Web is the part of the internet that is not visible to search engines. It requires users to use a special browser called Tor. This browser allows users to browse anonymously creating an environment where it’s easy for the unsavoury to lurk but also unsafe for those who aren’t aware of its dangers.

A lot of information found on the Dark Web is hidden and although some of it is safe, much of it is not. If you don’t understand the Dark Web or how it works you may not be aware of how harmful it can be to you and your business. Precautions must be taken to protect your confidential information from being found on the Dark Web.

How is Dark Web different from the Web?

The Web is a vast network of interconnected computers all around the world. Through the Web, people can share information and communicate with other people across the globe using the internet. Information on the web is indexed by search engines making it easily accessible to anyone with an internet connection irrespective of geography. On the other hand, Information on the Dark Web is not indexed and stays hidden requiring special privileges to see and access. This part of the web, the Dark Web is the unchartered part of the web that’s existed since March of 2000.

The Dark Web is a hotbed of dark things!

As you can imagine, many cybercriminals love to prowl this space, looking for easy prey.

How can this parallel space exist? It exists because online content can be encrypted and hidden online. Because the information is hidden, it never gets indexed and therefore does not appear on search engine result pages like Google or Bing. And cyber criminals love the Dark Web because they can be anonymous while using it!

You do not want your business or employees associated with this unsafe environment. If they are, there is the potential for your company’s (or client’s) information to find its way into any of the many “darknets.” Once it is found on the Dark Web, there is no telling how much damage you, your employees, or your clients may experience. Fortunately, we can find if your information is on the dark web, and work with you to remediate it.

On the dark web, anything and everything can be found. This includes illegal drugs, bank account and Social Security numbers, passwords and all sorts of your PII: sensitive and confidential information. Hackers are out there trolling for any vulnerabilities they can find and are constantly collecting this data off unsecured websites and using the information for their own financial and illegal gains.

Cybercriminals go there because they know breached data eventually finds its way to the Dark Web. It comes from compromised credentials, third party leaks or ransomware dump listings. Once this breached data is discovered, it becomes an invaluable source of revenue. All kinds of illegal activity and discussions happen here including threat intelligence to pre-plan attacks and look for other vulnerabilities and ways to exploit information.

Sandra Network will work with you and your organization to give you unparalleled visibility into dark web risks within your organization. We will help you become aware of threats to your organization and enable your team to take actions on these threats before they become incidents.

What are the risks?

Those who dive into the Dark Web will find a veritable eCommerce market for things that are not available via regular methods. For instance, you can’t buy a database filled with usable credit card or debit card numbers on Amazon; you can’t head to Etsy and purchase thousands or even millions of user’s credentials for bank accounts; you can’t point your browser to Walmart.com and click to add a list of valid social security numbers into your shopping cart. Unfortunately, you can buy these things on the Dark Web. And because you can buy this type of information on the Dark Web, including your sensitive information, precautions must be taken. We can help train your employees on how to securely navigate websites to mitigate the following types of threats found on the Dark Web such as:

Malicious software
Cyberattacks

Ransomware
Phishing malware
Trolling

You need to ensure your employees’ credentials are not on the dark web, exposing your company data.

End-user protection against exploitation in the dark web

Regardless of being a business, parent, or any other user of the web, you will want to take precautions to keep your information and private life off the dark web.

Identity theft monitoring is critical if you want to keep your confidential information from being misused. All types of personal data can be distributed online for a profit. Passwords, physical addresses, bank account numbers, and social security numbers circulate on the dark web all the time.

The dark web is home not only to hackers looking to steal our info but also to criminals who sell-off this illegally obtained data that includes sensitive personal records. Ensure your employees do not fall victim to phishing schemes where passwords, credit card numbers, social security numbers, etc. are acquired and sold. Malicious actors will use this type of information to engage in financial theft, breach your online accounts and even to harm your credit. Plus, leaks of personal data may damage your business’s reputation once discovered or be used for “social” fraud.

Antimalware and antivirus protections are equally crucial to prevent malicious actors from exploiting you. The dark web is filled with information theft from malware-infected users. Attackers can use tools like keyloggers to gather your data, and they can infiltrate your system on any part of the web.

Secure your business with Sandra Network. We uncover your compromised credentials in Dark Web markets, data dumps, and other sources. We can quickly alert you to trouble, allowing you to mitigate the problem and giving you the advantage to act before cybercriminals have a chance to act.

Click here to request your free scan!

7 Reasons Why You Need a Managed Service Provider

Vishva Thacker on August 10, 2021

Why use a managed service provider? In today’s rapidly evolving technology landscape, it’s imperative for businesses of all sizes to have reliable and efficient IT support. That’s where Managed Service Providers (MSPs) come in.

A Managed Service Provider is a valuable partner for your business, offering a wide range of IT services that keep your systems running smoothly and help you stay ahead of the competition. But why exactly should you use a Managed Service Provider?

In this blog, we’ll explore 7 compelling reasons why having a Managed Service Provider is a must-have for your business success.

1. Get the Expertise You Need

New technology means new challenges — challenges you may currently have or ones you may soon run into. Managing your systems can be an issue regardless of whether they are in the cloud or on-premise. Either way, they require a significant number of resources to support them. This poses a problem when you don’t have the right expertise even if your business has an in-house IT department.

You could solve some of your issues by recruiting new team members, but you will need to decide if it’s worth the time and expense to hire and train them. It costs over $1,886 per employee for training alone. Plus, it can be difficult to get qualified candidates due to an ongoing IT talent shortage.

Or you could hire an MSP. An MSP’s core business is keeping its customers’ technology running as smoothly and efficiently as possible. MSP’s will be able to solve your problems more quickly having hired the best IT professionals to do just that. Most MSP’s offer flat monthly fees allowing you to fit this expense into your budget. Plus, due to economies of scale, an MSP can offer you the most competitive pricing on both hardware and software.

Average Amount - why use a managed service provider

One of the key advantages of the managed services model is that it enables you to hire an entire team of IT professionals at a flat monthly rate. Certain Managed Service Providers (MSPs) even take a shared approach to managed services, meaning you can add or remove specialists from your managed services team as needed depending on the demands of each project. These specialists include technical, functional, architectural, and training consultants who can help you keep your systems up and running, as well as unlock their full potential.

Get a Free Risk Assessment — Stay Ahead of the Disruption. Get A Free Risk Assessment

2. Reduce Operational Costs

Maintaining infrastructure and networks in-house can result in huge cost overheads, especially if you are running a small or medium-sized business with limited resources. Essentially, you are spending money acquiring tools. You may not even need some of these tools to manage your cloud infrastructure.

Working with an MSP you will only pay for what you use. They will already have the tools necessary to set up your infrastructure in the cloud and the workforce to maintain it. Why not lower your IT expenses, reduce operational costs, and conserve your capital budget?

Managing information technology via an outsourced provider can reduce operating expenses by 80% through improved network and productivity, predictable budgeting, and local support.

According to the CompTIA study:

3. Business Continuity

As a business owner, do you ponder how you would go about restoring all your systems and data in the event of a disaster? If not, you should. Do you know what you will need to get your business back up and running if a disaster becomes a reality?

Does your enterprise have your IT infrastructure on-premises? If it is, a disaster or a critical server failure will likely adversely affect your day-to-day business operations. You also run the risk of losing data that is vital to your business processes and overall growth.

If, however, your data is stored in the cloud, even the most catastrophic situation can be just another day at the office. You will experience minimal to zero downtime! This is a huge advantage considering that an hour of downtime costs a small business about $8000 and a large business approximately $700,000.

Even in the event of a host failure, you have stand-by cloud servers to fall back on, and because everything is up on a virtual platform, hardware failure risks are almost eliminated. This is one of the biggest reasons our clients have switched to managed services in the cloud. An MSP is invaluable in helping you create an efficient disaster recovery plan. Let Sandra Network help you plan one and we guarantee you’ll sleep better at night knowing that your business has planned for and will survive a disaster should one strike.

7 Reasons-why use a managed service provider — 7 Reasons Why You Need a Managed Service Provider

4. You need the Best Security

We won’t mince words: cyber-attacks are a guarantee and are now a very plausible scenario. This is one scenario you never want your business to experience. Cybersecurity issues are becoming a day-to-day struggle for many businesses. According to Accenture, 68% of business leaders feel the risks of a cybersecurity attack has increased significantly. Cyber-attacks now target 43% of small businesses, according to Symantec.

An MSP provides up-to-date security methods. These include network monitoring, software, and backup plans for cybersecurity scenarios. Your risk of being attacked by cyber criminals, or with malware and phishing attempts will be greatly reduced when you place your systems in the hands of an MSP. Firewall deployment, VPN Tunnelling and Monitoring are all services that are easily managed and kept up to date by a managed services provider.

5. Focus on Core Objectives

Your company’s IT needs are sure to increase as your business grows. An in-house IT team may be able to handle this increased workload but there is also a good chance your team will find themselves overwhelmed and unable to scale according to your business needs.

If you don’t have an MSP, you’ll be forced to assign additional responsibilities to employees from other teams who may not have the technical knowledge necessary to do the job while at the same time, distracting them from their work.

One benefit of managed services is that it frees up your employees to focus on their jobs while also enabling you to fill in gaps only when necessary. A truly qualified managed service partner will offer a flexible service model allowing you to determine which level of service you require, from requesting support only when needed up to having a monthly contract.

6. Enhance User Productivity

Are you tired of having IT problems constantly interrupting your employee’s workflow? Are your customers getting frustrated due to IT issues they are experiencing when dealing with your business?

Anytime your employees are unable to work, you lose money. As a business owner, you want your employees to be productive.

It’s a problem if your technology isn’t optimized well for your business needs. The right technology will improve your employee’s productivity and enhance the way your company does business.

7. Peace of Mind

With a reliable MSP like Sandra Network, you can rest easy knowing that your IT needs are in the hands of skilled IT professionals.

Nearly every business needs IT, but not every company has the resources to invest in recruiting and training an entire IT department. MSPs are designed to provide skilled IT professionals to act as your external IT department.

If you’re considering outsourcing all or some of your IT needs for your small or mid-sized business, let Sandra Network provide Peace of Mind for your business. Call (978) 535-0202 or schedule a call. We have some of the most talented IT professionals in the business ready to take care of your IT needs.

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Why Your Company Needs Managed Services?

Vishva Thacker on May 6, 2021

Where would we be today without technology? While the pandemic has kept us apart, cloud computing, the Internet of Things (IoT) and other types of tech have made it possible for us to stay connected with colleagues and customers, facilitated medical treatment from a distance and so much more.

Information TECHNOLOGY drives innovation and innovation is the path to business success. Innovation in business has the same impact that steam had on the industrial revolution. Subsequently, it’s no surprise that many organizations plan to invest more in IT this year despite the economic downturn caused by COVID-19. According to a press release by Gartner,

IT spending worldwide in 2021 is expected to reach $3.9 trillion. This is a 6.2% increase compared to 2020.

This increase is likely due to the continuing need to accommodate remote workers, enable virtual learning and the advancement of additional digital transformation initiatives. In a recent technology survey of 1000 companies in North America & Europe,

44% of businesses planned to increase their IT spending budget in 2020. In North America, the most common factors for this increase as reported by respondents was their need to upgrade outdated infrastructure (71%) and increased security concerns (50%) – Spiceworks

Many small and medium size businesses operate on a strict budget and do not have the luxury or resources necessary to meet all these operational IT demands. Servers and the staff to maintain them is expensive. A managed service provider maintains and manages all needs of your IT infrastructure for only a fraction of the cost of servicing and maintaining it. If you do choose an in-house IT employee they may not have the resources necessary and the outcome is often a compromise to the quality of support or a disaster resulting in downtime, security issues, limited support, and reduced productivity. Outsourcing these activities to a reputable Managed Service Provider (MSP) helps business owners avoid these and other IT related issues, some they may never even have considered.

With IT spending among small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) predicted to enjoy a significant increase, the role of managed service providers (MSPs) is becoming increasingly important as these businesses seek to adopt managed services. The answer to the question Why your business needs Managed Service Provider?, can come in the form of an explanation of work that is done by a MSP.

A managed service provider is simply your network administrator, security consultant and disaster recovery expert, all rolled into one. They are there to manage your IT infrastructure and user interface within your systems.  Your savings can then be used on better revenue producing activities. Your business also benefits as you can now focus on your core competencies and business goals while your MSP manages your IT infrastructure.

Services offered by Managed Service Provider

Most MSPs offer a wide variety of IT services in multiple configurations. They work with your company to plan, implement and manage various IT functionalities such as User and Workstation Management, Web Servers, Email, Server Monitoring and more.

If you choose to work with Sandra Network, we will review every corner of your company’s current IT infrastructure. Once reviewed, we will put together a working plan of action to ensure you are always up to date, secure, and supported. Our goal is to make sure your technology infrastructure is running smoothly and efficiently in order to support your business goals. Our proposal will include the specific IT components we recommend and the steps necessary to set them up. Once our proposal is accepted, we will on-board your company, implement the steps and begin managing your IT services giving you the full support of an IT Helpdesk without the costs of a full-time IT department.

Ready to transform your business? Let’s get started.