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5 Reasons Managed IT is Every Company’s Friend
September 17, 2021 1:41 am Leave a Comment
It’s not every day that you find a business solution truly capable of being your company’s friend. That’s because not all business solutions are designed around you–but managed IT services is different. Here are five reasons managed IT is the best friendship your company could ask for!

It’s not every day that you find a business solution truly capable of being your company’s friend. That’s because not all business solutions are designed around you–but managed IT services is different. Here are five reasons managed IT is the best friendship your company could ask for!

Count On Managed IT

If you had to sum up managed IT services in one word, that word would be reliable. This solution is fast, effective, and available 24/7–all because it’s designed from the ground up with your needs in mind.

Here are five reasons your company can count on managed IT services (like any good friendship).

#1: It’s secure.

Protecting networks, computers, mobile devices, and data is a necessity in the modern world–and managed IT can make it happen. By analyzing your tech environment and identifying vulnerabilities, your provider can help protect what matters.

#2: It’s cost-effective.

Not only does managed IT come with one predictable cost–it also helps you save money by consolidating fleets and simplifying your tech workflows.

#3: It’s flexible.

Need to go remote? Want to expand to a different location? Want to take your data on the go? Managed IT can help you achieve any of these things–or all of them at once.

#4: It’s creative.

Technology is as much about art as it is about science. Managed IT helps you take that creative approach in your infrastructure, allowing you to choose tech solutions that keep your company on the cutting edge of innovation.

#5: It’s always there when you need it.

With 24/7 support, managed IT is wherever you need it, whenever you need it.

Conclusion

Managed IT services is built to meet your company’s unique needs and help you overcome challenges even if no one else has ever faced them. It’s the best friend your company could ask for, and it can do wonders for your security, efficiency, and organization.

Ready to meet your new best friend? Contact us today to see what managed IT services can do for you!
Before You Switch Managed IT Providers
October 16, 2020 12:27 am Leave a Comment
If you’re looking to switch managed IT providers, then you’re probably looking for something different. Whether you want different pricing, better customer service, or more customizable tools and solutions – it’s important to find that perfect fit! So before you make the switch, here are a few big questions to ask.

Big Questions

Here’s the most important thing to remember about managed IT services: it should be about you and your company. If a provider isn’t willing to learn your business inside and out, taking all the necessary time to understand who you are and what you need, then that provider will never be a good fit. You need someone who will be a partner in tech.

When you’re looking for that perfect partner in tech, ask yourself these big questions!

#1: “How do we want to communicate?”

Regular communication is a must when it comes to managed IT services. In fact, good providers will be available 24/7 to troubleshoot or answer your questions. Before making any choices, be sure to understand what good communication looks like to you–and then refuse to settle for anything less.

#2: “What will we need in the future?”

Managed IT isn’t just about now–it’s about later, too. Even if you can’t answer this question just yet, a partner in tech should be able to help you make plans, providing scalable services and solutions that keep up no matter where the future takes you.

#3: “What are our biggest security concerns?”

Security is a concern for businesses of all shapes and sizes. Understanding what worries you the most will help you select a managed IT provider whose prioritizes match your own–and, once you’ve made your choice, you’ll already know what you want to work on first.

Looking to switch managed IT providers? Not sure what to look for? Contact us today for all the help you need!
Managed IT: Combining IT Services and Security Services
July 10, 2019 5:24 pm Leave a Comment
Should you use two different providers for IT security services and managed IT services in Des Moines? What’s best for your data, your budget, and your company overall? Today, we’ll help you answer these questions and more by taking a closer look at managed tech services like these.

The Basics

Since the two often overlap, it’s important to understand the real differences between managed IT services and managed security services. Knowing the details helps you make savvy, informed decisions that protect your business and save time, money, and stress.

Managed IT services

A managed IT provider is responsible for:
- helping create and manage backups,
- managing routers, firewalls, and other tech,
- keeping your network up and running,
- offering cloud services,
- and providing customer service and IT support in Des Moines for you and your employees.
Managed security services

A managed security provider is responsible for:
- managing your use of mobile devices
- identifying security vulnerabilities
- running assessments to ensure compliance with security regulations
- and responding to threats, breaches, and other issues.
The Best of Both Worlds

For most businesses, it’s best to combine these services–to find a provider who can offer both managed IT and advanced security. In general, it’s cheaper to combine everything than to pay for separate vendors–and on top of that, you only have to find one company you can trust and work with. Additionally, it’s easier, more consistent, and less stressful for you and your provider to cut out any “middle man” and instead communicate directly on all IT concerns.

At the end of the day, it’s important for you to decide what works best for your unique company–and, of course, to find a provider who supports your unique goals.

Want to learn more about IT managed services and managed security services? Contact us today!
Understanding Disaster Recovery
May 16, 2019 4:02 pm Leave a Comment
One of the most frightening things to any business is a disaster happening that the company must then recover from. Unfortunately, business disasters can and do happen, so knowing how to prepare and respond is the key to riding out the storm.

Preparing for Disaster

A data breach is a disaster that more and more companies are experiencing. One of the best ways to prepare is to put numerous safeguards in place for your data. Keep your files digital and password dependent. Keep your computer network up-to-date and ready to fend off any hackers. Be sure that you are compliant with all data-safety requirements and that you have enough personnel to keep your network running safely. Discuss in advance how IT would handle a breach if it did occur. Or, use managed IT services for extra security methods.

Keep a Mirror Site

A mirror site is one that reflects your company’s main site exactly. By keeping this alternative site ready to go, including keeping it updated as needed, it can be put into place quickly if anything happens to the main site. This keeps you from being out of reach for customers and risking bad publicity. A major hack may take time to deal with, but having a mirror site ready to use means you don’t have to compound your bad luck with company downtime that can cost the business dearly.

Have Multiple Choices

If you put all of your hopes into one disaster recovery method, the business would be in serious trouble if that should fail. That’s why there should be multiple plans in place so that the company can choose a plan depending on the circumstances. Then, if that one should fail, there will be more solutions to choose from. Stay updated periodically about the various plans in place. Encourage your IT support team to keep adding to those plans if necessary as technology grows and changes.

If you want to be sure that your business is ready to enact a disaster recovery plan, contact us to get started.
How to Smoothly Implement New Technology in the Workplace
April 10, 2019 2:32 pm Leave a Comment
Are you bringing in new workstations? What about a new software suite, or a better database?

Bringing in new technology has historically been a challenge that requires planning, documentation, testing, and after-action feedback. Several things could go wrong on the technical side and the personal side, but proper preparation can iron out the most devastating side effects of new technology.

Keep these concepts in mind as you install, upgrade, or revolutionize your business tech infrastructure.

Beta Testing For Smoother Transitions

Measure twice, cut once. It’s a standard saying in many lines of work, from carpentry and masonry to architectural design and engineering. Measuring what you need, creating what you need, and bringing in what you need means less waste.

For many people, bringing in technology means wasting a lot of time and money in hopes of something that makes it all worth it. Individuals struggle to set up their accounts, install and test programs, and migrate their files. Businesses displace their workers and lose productivity hours trying to figure out what to do on the spot.

Bringing in a professional can help, but do they know exactly what you need? A licensed technician can install, turn on, and operate the systems they’re trained to handle, but understanding the unique quirks of your software and files can take a lot of explaining.

Beta testing is the process of trying out an experimental, incomplete, or preliminary version of products and services. While your old systems are still in place, build a test system, and bring it into your work environment. Test how well it works with the peace of mind that your old system is on standby.

For businesses with multiple employees, give one or two employees a new system, or designate a training system for everyone to test. For software, make sure that you have a backup of your original files that can be restored if the new software damages or incorrectly alters your information.

When the new system seems to function correctly–or better than the old systems–start moving everything out and adopt the new systems at your leisure.

Restack And Major System Moves

How much new equipment are you installing? Do you need to move out old equipment? Does anyone have to stop working during the change, and how long will the change affect business as usual?

Restacking–the act of bringing in new systems and moving out old systems–is a planned and well-organized way to upgrade your systems while losing as little time as possible. Technicians will uninstall and relocate old systems, then install the new systems.

Businesses with hundreds or thousands of people per location choose to restack entire departments or buildings by designating a specific time to move everything. Some moves will happen after hours, while businesses that operate at all hours–or areas where night operations aren’t practical–will give their employees half days off as the move takes place.

If you move just a department at a time, your entire business won’t grind to a halt. Especially for large companies, allowing some key, quick, and flexible workers to take care of their tasks until it’s time for their row or department to move can be an even more efficient way to upgrade. Successful restack businesses know better; don’t count on this unless your business specifically trains flexible technicians who know how to juggle their files between machines if something goes wrong.

A managed IT services team can help you set up the restack and create a better way to handle the transition. If your businesses use a virtual machine (VM) server or cloud computing services, you can use any generic laptop or tablet to connect to your virtual computers and perform tasks with as little interruption as possible.

Even if your business can’t switch to virtualization right now, using managed IT services for emergency backups can help you save your data in case the migration doesn’t go well, or if you change plans and need to work on temporary systems while designing a new system.

Contact us to discuss how we can help you prepare for your new technology.
Assessing Your Managed IT Services for 2019
March 15, 2019 5:13 pm Leave a Comment
Now that we are well into the new year, it is a great time to take a look at your 2019 IT program. Here are some pointers for assessing how well your managed IT services are performing so far in 2019.
1. Is Your Tech Doing What It Should? Slow networks and repeated errors are a good indication that your tech is not performing as it should be. Not only do persistent setbacks inhibit productivity, but they also lead to stress and frustration. If you are dealing with these issues, either is it time to upgrade or overhaul your current IT services.
2. Are You Managing Your IT? If you do not have a managed IT services provider — and are handling it in-house — finding an affordable provider is critical. Dealing with IT emergencies ad-hock is an inconvenient, expensive, and outdated approach. Managing your tech is a much better approach to streamlining processes and saving money.
3. Do You Have a Backup Plan? When people think of disaster recovery, they often imaging putting their business back together after a natural disaster like a hurricane or fire. While those are certainly disasters that require a backup plan, so too do hardware failures or network breaches. Essentially any threat to your data security requires an emergency backup plan to get you back on your feet after the fact.
4. Are Things Running Smoothly? The whole point of modern technology is to make your life easier. So, if your current systems are not working, look for opportunities for improvement. Chances are that there is a solution, application, device, or product available that will help streamline your business systems. Do you need help wrangling in your print costs? If, so managed print services will help curtail waste and cut costs.
Answering these questions is a great way to assess how well your current systems align with your overall business goals. If you need help with managed IT services, backup services, managed print, or more, contact us today to get started.
Support Your Business with Managed IT Services
February 15, 2019 12:51 am Leave a Comment
More and more companies are turning to outsourcing to help support their business operations. And, one of the most popular outsourcing options is managed IT services, which can include network design and support, network monitoring, cloud services, IT support and oversight, managed print services, and more.

When it comes to keeping your business running, the last thing you want to worry about is your IT networks. Outsourcing managed IT services can reduce workplace stress and reduce expenses. Here are just some of the reasons your business should consider managed IT services

Focus on Business Growth, Not IT Troubles

Like many businesses, you may not have the time, staffing, or on-site tools to monitor and manage your IT network effectively. When you contract out your IT needs, you can focus on high-level initiatives and business growth knowing that your infrastructure is in good hands. With managed IT services, you don’t have to worry about network functionality; we take care of that for you so that you can concentrate on success.

24 Hour Protection and Access

Business is not just 9 to 5, and neither are security threats. With 24-hour access and monitoring, you are protected no matter what time of day or night it is. In addition to oversight, we provide alerts and response to keep your data safe in case of an attack. You will always be kept up-to-date on any changes or issues with your network and provided troubleshooting services as needed.

Reduce Costs and Free Up Staff

Even if you have in-house IT staff, their skills are required for a wide range of tasks, not just network monitoring and security. Plus, hiring a full roster of network professionals can be a financial drain on your bottom line. IT services can help take financial and employment burdens off our shoulders. Saving money while ensuring the security of your infrastructure an all-around win for small businesses.
Managed IT Services: An Investment in Your Company’s Success
April 10, 2018 8:04 pm Leave a Comment
How does your company address its daily IT challenges? Do you have an in-house person who serves double duty as an IT support technician? Or perhaps there’s someone outside of your company you can call when a problem arises. In either case, your IT infrastructure probably isn’t getting the attention it needs.

Benefits of Outsourcing

Outsourcing to a Managed IT Services provider is how many organizations address their growing IT requirements. The benefits are hard to dispute.

1. Help desk support

Managed IT Services provides your company with experienced IT support whenever you need it. With help desk support, your staff won’t be forced to handle issues on their own. With IT experts ready to resolve problems and 24/7 remote monitoring, your team can concentrate on their core responsibilities without interruption.

2. Remote monitoring

A break-fix approach to your IT infrastructure is problematic on several fronts. Patching issues as a temporary measure just delays the inevitable and could put your entire network at risk. Managed IT Services providers monitor your network, correcting potential problems and addressing threats before they have a chance to interrupt your workflows.

3. Data backup and disaster recovery

Disasters come in many forms, and there’s rarely enough time to prepare for their arrival. With a data backup and disaster recovery plan, you’ll be protected even if the worst happens. With both local and cloud backup, you’ll still have access to your important files following a catastrophe.

4. Network design

A well-designed network can make the difference between your company’s success or failure. Managed IT Services can provide the expertise you need for a network that meets your IT needs today and as your business grows.

Ready to get some expert help with your IT infrastructure? Contact us at MMIT for an assessment today.

IT Support Des Moines
Three Reasons to Choose Managed Network Services
May 4, 2017 7:05 pm Leave a Comment
It’s not enough these days to have the best product and the best service—you have to have the best technology, as well, to keep up with the day-to-day operations of your business. Customers expect to be able to connect with you at any time through your network and expect you to have information ready for them at a moment’s notice. Today’s business world runs at a break-neck pace, and if you don’t have the tools to keep up, you’ll quickly be behind your competition.

That’s why many companies invest in IT managed services. Managed IT can help you control your technology infrastructure while leaving you free to focus on business-critical tasks. Here are the top three reasons that businesses choose managed IT services.

1. Control Costs

Operating costs for your network may seem to spiral out of control as your company grows, and you may find yourself paying for downtime. Managed IT services allow you to invest in uptime instead, reducing your annual IT budget by at least 25% according to recent statistics. You’ll have more control and visibility into your IT budget, providing you with the opportunity to make conscious, smart decisions for your company’s future.

2. Proactive Maintenance

More IT departments are forced to be reactive instead of proactive when it comes to network support, simply because they’re also managing new technology rollouts, employee training, and strategic initiatives. Maintaining and monitoring a system is an intense job that requires a significant time commitment, so outsourcing this portion of your IT management will free up your staff for more important work.

3. Better Security

There’s a cyber attack waiting around every corner these days it seems. It’s worthwhile to know that your network is secured by experts in the field and that you don’t have to worry about your company’s data being stolen. Managed IT offers a level of security that is hard to reach without the continuous monitoring, updating, and backups that your service provider can give.

For more information about managed IT services, contact us today.

IT Services Des Moines Network Design Des Moines
What Kind of IT Department Do You Need?
February 6, 2017 9:52 pm Leave a Comment
We’ve all experienced that sinking feeling when we hit “install” on a new piece of software, and the company laptop screen goes blank. Or when you think you’re dealing with a simple printer jam and end up removing a piece of the machine that you don’t know how to replace. Or you think your desktop computer has a virus. Or—hundreds of other scenarios. Who are you going to call?

Your IT helpdesk, of course. Your technology gurus. Your printer people. They know what it’s essential to have these kinds of individuals on board with your company to help you manage, control, and plan your technology. But how do you start building a qualified IT staff if you’re a new business? How do you revamp a small or understaffed IT department? Here are some pointers.

Finding the IT Staffing Solution That’s Right for You

Many small businesses rely on the expertise of their employees for IT needs—whether they’re IT employees or not. This can work for a while, but eventually, most companies realize that they’re out of their depth when making decisions about networks, office equipment, and technology. If you’re at this point, it’s time to start considering the many IT options available to you. Here’s what you can do.
- Hire an IT director and staff: The traditional route for medium-sized businesses is to delegate IT to a department.
- Hire consultants: IT consultants are available for small businesses but are sometimes too expensive for consistent use.
- Choose managed IT services: IT managed services can be the solution you need for many of your IT needs. With managed IT, you can outsource the tasks you’re unable to handle in-house while saving money. This is an attractive option even for companies with robust IT departments.
For more information about IT support, contact us today.

IT Services Des Moines
Using a Managed Services Provider to Get you to the Cloud
October 20, 2016 6:54 pm Leave a Comment
No matter how out of touch with technology you are you’ve undoubtedly heard a term referencing the cloud, you might have even wondered what the cloud is. Simply put, the cloud is a way to outsource data storage and the actual processes of your computing to a server offsite that you access through the internet. It can provide many different benefits, efficiencies and cost savings, but only if implemented correctly. This is where your IT support provider comes in.

Expertise you Need at a Price you can Afford

A Managed Services provider will give you the benefits of a fully-staffed corporate IT department without any capital expenditure. Instead of investing thousands of dollars into hiring staff with various competencies and making sure they complement each other and satisfy your needs you can hire one company for a fixed monthly fee that has all of the experience and expertise you need. These companies will often have several cloud computing experts on hand to help you deploy your business and start realizing the savings.

Guard Against Disasters

One of the biggest improvements over your current IT workflow, when you switch to the cloud, will be the ability to protect yourself against disasters and data loss. Cloud computing exists on servers that operate offsite, and a component of all cloud-based systems is a backup process that will ensure your data is secure regardless of the disaster.

Email Hosting and Remote Monitoring

Deploying your on-site email server to the cloud can yield faster pull times and more features than your current server offers. Additionally, the ability to keep a continuous backup will always keep this important communication method up for your business. Remote monitoring will allow your managed service provider to maintain an eye on your network and put safeguards in place to protect your business from digital disasters.

Cloud computing and cloud services can be a huge benefit to your business even if you may not be sure how to use them. Take a look into IT managed services and get ahold of a reputable provider to help you realize these savings.

IT Support Des Moines
3 Ways Managed Network Services Can Protect Your Business
October 6, 2016 6:37 pm Leave a Comment
In this modern, connected world it is more critical than ever to ensure your company is secure from hacks and digital intrusion. Many business owners understand the risks associated with an insecure IT infrastructure, but few have the knowledge or experience to carry out a fully optimized and secure network design. Managed Network Services providers give you the expertise you need to protect your business. Here are three common security issues that you might be exposing yourself to and how Managed Network Services can help.

Out of Date Software and Operating Systems
- If you are anything like the majority of Americans, you delay updates as a primary use of the computer. Bad OS updates or updates that led to software issues and frustration have made us all a little careful about how and when we update our devices. This is a mistake that a Managed Services provider can mitigate. These professionals will ensure your system only receives the updates it needs and when it needs them. You can rest easy knowing that your machines are as protected as possible.
No Backup Plan
- Another common mistake made in the business community is a lack of a data and system backup plan or an insufficiently designed one. A Managed Network Services provider can deploy a team to size up your current situations and make necessary changes to guarantee you won’t be caught in a crisis if disaster should strike. Your files and system will be protected.
Limit User Error
- How many times have you heard of someone having software or hardware issues only to come to find out that they made the mistake in the first place? With all of these smartphones, smart TVs, and other devices it is easy to forget that computers are inherently dumb. They will only do what they are told to do and exactly as they were told to do it. Managed Network Services gives you a layer of expertise to establish protocols for user access, user accounts, and permissions to perform certain actions. This will limit your exposure to potential security breaches.
Make a call and talk to an expert about your business and how Managed Network IT Services might benefit and protect your business.

IT Support Des Moines Network Design Des Moines