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How Managed IT Services Helps You Stay Sane
May 13, 2021 8:36 pm Leave a Comment
Do you ever feel like you’re just juggling too many responsibilities in your company? Don’t let some little tech problem be the straw that breaks the camel’s back. Instead, let managed IT services help keep you sane!

Do you ever feel like you’re just juggling too many responsibilities in your company? Don’t let some little tech problem be the straw that breaks the camel’s back. Instead, let managed IT services help keep you sane!

Tech Troubles, Solved

Let’s face it: as helpful as technology can be, it’s a huge pain. Software updates, security risks, random error messages, glitches, connection issues, and more–it’s a lot for any one person, one team, or even one company to handle!

That’s why managed IT services is quickly becoming every company’s new best friend. Instead of leaving you all alone with your tech troubles, managed IT allows you to outsource your technological responsibilities to friendly, responsible, reliable professionals with experience in a variety of relevant fields. With a managed IT team at your side, you’ll never have to worry about one little tech issue breaking the camel’s back.

Here are a few ways managed IT services helps keep you sane:

No more cost concerns

Whether you’re wondering where all your IT money is going or you’re worried about overpaying for tech solutions, managed IT services has just the answer you need. By analyzing your IT environment from top to bottom, your provider helps you understand how money flows through your business–and how to keep more of it in your pocket.

Better tools

Have you been daydreaming about the latest and greatest tech, only to get a rude awakening from your budget? Managed IT can help you schedule and save for all the upgrades your heart desires–that way, you end up with the right tools at the right time.

Stress-free security

IT security is no joke. Managed IT services take this stress off your shoulders with 24/7 monitoring, regular software updates, flexible security solutions designed to address your unique needs, and more. It’s time for you to take a breather!

Interested in managed IT services? Looking for other business solutions to help you stay sane? Contact us today!
The What, Why, & How of Managed IT
March 20, 2021 6:14 pm Leave a Comment
Have big questions about managed IT services? We’re here to answer them! Here’s everything you need to know about this efficient, cost-effective solution.

Have big questions about managed IT services? We’re here to answer them! Here’s everything you need to know about this efficient, cost-effective solution.

Crash Course

There’s a lot to know about managed IT services–but don’t let that overwhelm you. Instead, sit back, relax, and brush up on the most important things to know about managed IT and what it can do for you.

The What

Managed IT Services is a solution that allows you to outsource your IT concerns, from the slightest password question to the most extensive security problem. After choosing an IT services provider, you’ll be able to personalize your IT approach without having to do any of the heavy lifting yourself. The best part is that managed IT can be scaled to fit your company’s needs–which means you only pay for what you’re going to use.

The Why

There are plenty of reasons to jump into managed IT services, including:
- less downtime,
- less wasted money,
- more efficient workflows,
- more reliable machines,
- improved security,
- better communication, and more.
The How

Managed IT works by analyzing your business from top to bottom–your strengths and weaknesses, your biggest security concerns, your employees’ needs, and more. From there, you work with your provider to identify solutions that will put your tech to work for you. On top of that, you’ll have 24/7 access to experts who can answer IT questions of all shapes and sizes, which means you’re never without support.

One step at a time, managed IT will help make your workflows smoother, stronger, and more reliable–and it all starts with the tech.

Ready to see managed IT services in action? Contact us today!
Managed IT: Security for the Modern Age
February 10, 2021 7:00 am Leave a Comment
Digital security sounds pretty high-tech, but the truth is that even something so advanced can fall behind the times. It’s important to keep up with all the latest and greatest innovations in security–and, luckily, managed IT services are here to help.

Digital security sounds pretty high-tech, but the truth is that even something so advanced can fall behind the times. It’s important to keep up with all the latest and greatest innovations in security–and, luckily, managed IT services are here to help.

Why Managed IT?

There are a lot of security solutions out there–so why managed IT services?

The truth is that managed IT isn’t just about security, which is what gives it that powerful edge. Rather than focusing on your organization’s weaknesses, managed IT treats your company as a living, complex whole–an entity that grows and changes day by day.

By looking at the whole picture rather than just one brush-stroke, managed IT can help you create a foundation of security from day one, working it into every approach, tool, and solution, rather than having it be a nervous afterthought. With IT services, you can trust that your data and tech are in good hands from day one.

Opening the Tool Chest

Sound too good to be true? Here are a few tools managed IT uses to keep your security sleek, advanced, and up-to-date!
- Cloud security
  
  The cloud is a big part of everyday life, which means it’s also a big target. Leaving cloud security out of your overall security plan is a vulnerability–but the good news is that your managed IT provider is equipped with all kinds of tools and tricks to keep the peace in your little slice of the cloud.
- Smart firewalls
  
  Firewalls are great, but smart firewalls are even better. Managed IT can help you take your firewalls to the next level with automation and artificial intelligence that will actively seek out and protect against threats rather than idly deflecting trouble.
- Multi-factor authentication
  
  Authentication isn’t enough anymore; now, multi-factor authentication is the name of the game. Managed IT helps you make sure that your security is as tight as possible by requiring proof of identity in multiple ways before granting access to sensitive information.
Want to take your security into the modern age? Contact us today to learn more about managed IT services!
Managed IT: Is In-House IT Really Your Friend?
January 13, 2021 6:42 pm Leave a Comment
We’ve all had a “fake friend” or two, but you probably don’t expect one to be lurking right inside your business. Today, we’ll take a look at in-house IT and decide whether you can count on it when the going gets tough, or if you’d be better off with a friend like managed IT services.

The Truth

Many companies are loyal to the idea of in-house IT because it’s safe, familiar, and–at least at first glance–passably efficient. However, the truth is that in-house IT might not really be your friend. Let’s look at the facts!

#1: It’s expensive.

In-house IT means you’re paying full-time employees–plus you’re directly responsible for repairs, maintenance, supplies, and more.

#2: It’s frustrating.

As great as your in-house tech team might be, the chances are that they don’t have all the answers–and probably not the right tools, either.

#3: It’s not all that efficient.

Sure, in-house IT masquerades as an efficient solution because you’re doing it yourself, but the truth is that it wastes time, money, and energy. On top of that, you might be missing out on all kinds of great tech solutions, not to mention some pretty important advances in security.

The good news is that, if you’re sick of in-house IT being a “fake friend” to your business, you have another option: managed IT services. By outsourcing your IT needs, you’ll have a tech partner you can count on–not to mention all the answers, resources, and support you could ever hope for, without breaking the bank.

Managed IT allows you to put experts on the job, which, in turn, frees you up to take care of your own tasks and responsibilities–all with the peace of mind that comes from reliable, secure tech.

Ready to call it quits on in-house IT and switch to managed IT services? We’re here to help! Contact us today to get started!
Why Trust Managed IT?
December 16, 2020 7:00 am Leave a Comment
Companies of all shapes and sizes tend to have one thing in common: they trust themselves more than third parties. That’s a good way to look at lots of things, but it’s not necessarily the best approach when it comes to tools and solutions like IT Services. Of course, you don’t have to take anyone’s word for it; read the facts and decide for yourself whether you should trust managed IT services!

A Partner in Tech

At first glance, it might seem easier to handle your own IT issues. After all, no one knows your company better than you do–and if you have your own employees troubleshooting your tech, you’ll always be “in the loop.”

The truth, though, is that managed IT services is just like having a partner in technology. They won’t take control away from you, make decisions without you, or try to undermine your goals; instead, they’ll learn your company inside and out before they so much as recommend a tool–and then they’ll consult you every step of the way. What’s even better is that, once you know the drill, you’ll be able to trust your provider to handle the day-to-day stuff, like software updates and routine security checks.

Are Providers Reliable?

Here are a few things that make the difference between a decent provider and a trustworthy provider!
- They’ll communicate.
Reliable providers prove their worth by staying in touch. They don’t just want to breeze through your company and then never show back up; they want to understand your workflows, goals, and machines from top to bottom–that way, they can provide the best solutions and recommendations.
- They’re knowledgeable.
Managed IT services is all about letting someone else do the work for you. A reliable provider will have experts from multiple tech fields, which means you’ll have access to an ever-growing wealth of knowledge.
- They’re available 24/7.
You can’t trust a partner who’s never there! Good managed IT providers will be available 24/7 for the big stuff–and the little stuff, too.

Are you on the fence about managed IT services? Want to find a reliable, knowledgeable provider? Contact us today!
Managed IT: Ask Your Provider About Security
November 11, 2020 7:00 am Leave a Comment
Managed IT services should be all about security, but the truth is that not all providers are created equal in this regard. Here are a few questions to ask your provider to make sure that your company, your data, and your devices are as safe as possible!

What to Ask

If you have a good relationship with your managed IT services provider, it should be easy to ask about security. If not, though, you might be wondering how to decide whether or not your provider is doing enough to protect you–and the answer is simple: ask questions. It’s important to understand the choices being made for your company and the steps being taken to defend your data.

Here are a few questions to get you started!

“Are you keeping up with the latest threats?”

One of the most important steps a managed IT provider can take is to educate themselves about what they’re up against. Digital threats are constantly advancing, and if your provider wants to keep you safe, they should be able to tell you what’s new in the world of scams, malware, and online threats.

“Is our network really being monitored 24/7?”

24/7 monitoring is a great way to catch any irregularities in your network that might suggest a breach. However, if your provider isn’t offering this or promised it but isn’t being consistent, you could have a problem.

“Do we have safety nets in place?”

Managed IT services are all about giving you peace of mind, so there should always be security “safety nets” in place–for example, data backups and encryption, which would protect you in case of a breach.

Concerned about security? Looking for an IT services provider who can protect what matters? Contact us today!
Why Do You Need Managed IT Services?
August 14, 2020 5:21 pm Leave a Comment
You can do all kinds of research on managed IT services–read blogs, look at reviews, search the Internet until your eyes are ready to fall out of their sockets–but at the end of the day, only one question matters: why do you need managed IT? Here are just a few ways to answer that question!

Managed IT

Managed IT services isn’t a big, complicated, showy solution that will get you big, complicated, flashy results. Instead, you and your IT services provider will take time working together to learn your business, your needs, goals, and challenges to create the best combination of tools and solutions.

Of course, that doesn’t answer why–it just answers how.

There are plenty of reasons why your business might need managed IT services. To find out what your reason might be, read through the following questions–and if you say yes to any of them, then you know what your reasons are!

#1: Do you want to improve security?

If improving security is your goal, you couldn’t choose a better path than managed IT. By identifying your security weaknesses–like unreliable firewalls or out-of-date software, your provider will help you take the steps necessary to be confident in all your tech undertakings.

#2: Do you want to save money?

It’s easier than ever to save money with managed IT. Workflows will be streamlined, old devices and software will be replaced with more practical choices, and new tools and automation options will be put into place–which means your budget will certainly thank you.

#3: Do you want to make things easier on yourself and your staff?

Maintenance, repairs, troubleshooting, and more–it’s all part of the day-to-day IT life. If you’re tired of being tied down by these tech troubles and want to free yourself up for more important tasks, managed IT services is just the solution you’ve been looking for.

So, why do you need managed IT services? Contact us today to get started!
3 Signs It’s Time for a New Provider
March 12, 2020 6:00 pm Leave a Comment
Once you’ve researched managed IT services and chosen a provider, the hard part is over; you’re finally free to start reaping the benefits of this great decision. But what happens if something goes wrong and suddenly that provider is letting you down? Here are three big signs it might be time to make a switch.

A Word on Bad Providers

Managed IT services is a solution you can rely on. It does a little bit of everything, from network monitoring to cloud services–and, even better, it adapts to your company’s needs and grows with you every step of the way.

A lousy provider can change all of that in the blink of an eye.

The truth, unfortunately, is that managed IT solutions are only as good as your IT services provider. An inexperienced or dishonest provider will leave you with messy workflows, wasted money, and more questions than answers. You’ll start to wonder why you chose this service in the first place.

What to Look For

Here are three big signs your managed IT provider isn’t doing their job:

#1: No data backups

Data backups are a huge part of managed IT. If you’re not getting this simple but critical service, your provider isn’t interested in keeping your company safe and secure in the event of a disaster.

#2: No monitoring

24/7 monitoring helps keep your network, devices, and connections safe and efficient even when you’re not using them. Without monitoring, your business is being left vulnerable to all kinds of nasty surprises.

#3: No growth

Managed IT is all about growing your brand, your budget, and your company overall. If you’re feeling stagnant–or if the solutions are–then you know your provider is dropping the ball.

Worried you might not have the best provider? Looking for a better partner in managed IT services? Contact us today!
Managed IT Services for Small Businesses
February 13, 2020 8:29 pm Leave a Comment
If you’re part of a small business, then you understand that some solutions, tools, or systems just weren’t designed with you in mind. They’re called “one size fits all,” but they don’t keep that promise–and at the end of the day, you really wouldn’t want them to. Instead, you want a solution that scales to fit your unique needs, and that’s just what you can expect from managed IT services.

Why Managed IT?

There are all kinds of solutions designed with small businesses in mind, so why start with managed IT?

The answer is simple: tech is at the heart of just about everything you do–which means that tech solutions should also be there, waiting to help out. Technology is notoriously frustrating; you want to be prepared for anything it can throw at you–including security breaches, complicated network connections, inefficient workflows, and more.

Luckily, that’s where IT services come in. By analyzing your tech environment and suggesting specific, targeted solutions that fit your company managed IT makes itself an invaluable tool in an uncertain but ever-technical business world.

Here are just a few reasons managed IT is a perfect fit for small businesses:
- #1: It’s secure.
Small businesses are, unfortunately, often the targets of digital crime. Hackers assume you are less prepared than other companies. Don’t prove them right; instead, let managed IT help identify and address weaknesses in your defenses and security protocols so that you’re ready for just about anything.
- #2: It’s up-to-date.
Outdated information and obsolete technology are a pretty bad match. With managed IT, you’ll have access to the latest expertise and the best tech–which means you’re only limited by what you want to do with it all.
- #3: It’s flexible.
No matter where your small business goes in the future, managed IT will be there. By offering a wide range of flexible solutions, managed IT scales consistently to your unique needs and challenges–meaning that this is one tool you’ll never outgrow.

Ready to see what managed IT services can do for you? Contact us today to find out!
The Biggest Benefits of Managed IT Services
January 16, 2020 10:16 pm Leave a Comment
Managed IT is powerful and promising–but it comes with so many benefits that you might find it challenging to know exactly what this solution can do for you. Today, we’ll cut the jargon and focus on what matters most: the most significant benefits of managed IT services.

Don’t Sweat the Details

You care about your business and the people who keep it up and running, so naturally, you want to know every little detail about the solutions you choose. That’s a good thing–but it can be a huge responsibility.

The great thing about managed IT services is that it allows you to take a break from that responsibility for a little while. Once you’ve chosen a provider who understands your needs and offers reliable, professional service, you can rest assured that everything is being taken care of. This means you’re free to focus on what matters most to you (even if that happens to be your tech). The little stuff takes place “behind the curtain,” keeping your IT safe, efficient, and dependable while you work on expanding your brand, connecting with your customers, and finding the next big thing.

Big Benefits

Of course, while managed IT services allows you to shrug off the details, there are a few big benefits you won’t want to forget. Here’s a closer look!

#1: Expertise

You don’t have to have all the answers; your managed IT provider has them for you! Instead of scouring the owner’s manual or struggling with a search engine, your provider will quickly, efficiently, and reliably help you solve IT issues big and small.

#2: Dependability

Managed IT services are up and running 24/7. That means your data, machines, and connections will be secured continuously–but it also means you’ll have help available whenever you need it.

#3: Cost-efficiency

Tech is expensive. Managed IT services help you track costs, manage budgets, schedule upgrades, and generally keep track of your spending–all while finding stress-free ways to save.

Want to learn more about IT services? We’re here to help. Contact us today!
Your Outsourcing Questions, Answered
December 13, 2019 7:45 pm Leave a Comment
In today’s day and age, outsourcing certain IT services–like print management, document management, cloud backup, and even network management–is becoming all the rage. Some companies, though, still aren’t sure. How can you find someone trustworthy enough to handle something so important? What if you still want to keep some control? Today we’ll answer all these questions, and more so you can feel confident choosing managed IT services.

A Great Team

The most important thing to remember about any managed service–but especially managed IT–is that you’re not just hiring some stranger to do your work for you. Instead, by outsourcing, you are essentially choosing a teammate–a partner who will work with you to learn your company, your needs, and your goals to offer the most reliable service. A good provider will listen, answer your questions, and always take your opinion into account, so you never have to get out of the driver’s seat (unless you want to, of course). On top of that, managed IT solutions often implement data-tracking tools and services, so you’ll always be able to make the most informed decisions about your tech.

Outsourcing Questions

Now that you know what managed IT is all about, it’s time to answer your questions about actually making this big choice.

#1: “Is it worth it?”

The simple answer is yes. Outsourcing your IT is cost-effective, secure, and efficient, and it helps take the load off you and your employees, so you never have to worry about having access to reliable tech.

#2: “Is it reliable?”

One of the great things about managed IT services is that you’ll be in contact with experts who can answer questions and solve problems 24/7, every day of the year. You’ll never be left on your own.

#3: “How does it work?”

Your managed IT provider will come in to learn about your business and your needs, and then begin offering suggestions and solutions based on your habits, challenges, and goals. From there, it’s up to you what direction you want to take the service and benefits.

Ready to see what managed IT services can do for you? Contact us today!
Managed IT Services for Public Relations Firms
June 19, 2019 3:12 pm Leave a Comment
IT managed services in Des Moines is a great tool for companies of all shapes and sizes–and in all different industries. This is because managed IT is unique in the way it approaches each business’s individual needs. Even public relations firms, with their specialized goals and security requirements, can benefit from this solution–and here’s how!

A Different Approach

Managed IT services Des Moines businesses use never looks the same twice. Instead, it adapts to each business and essentially becomes part of the environment–all without interrupting efficiency. For example, a managed IT provider can help streamline fleets while protecting crucial functionality, perhaps by replacing single-function devices with multifunction printers. The possibilities are endless, and the benefits are incredible.

Managed IT and PR

How does managed IT fit the unique needs of PR firms? Let’s find out!
- #1: Priorities
PR firms do a lot of different things under one roof, from speech-writing to marketing to planning events. Managed IT doesn’t just keep up with all of these differing needs and goals–it helps make sure everyone is on the same page by making devices, files, data, and online tools interconnected and efficient.
- #2: Costs
IT can be expensive. With managed IT, PR firms don’t have to worry about expensive repairs, maintenance, or upgrades–instead, the provider will create proactive solutions as well as step-by-step financial plans to make upgrades possible.
- #3: Backups
Every industry worries about data loss and online disasters, and PR firms are no exception. Luckily, managed IT services Des Moines industry leaders use from MMIT makes it easy to create and organize cloud-based backups–that way, no natural disaster, man-made accident, or cyber-criminal can get in the way of efficiency and success.

Managed IT is a perfect solution for PR firms. Contact us today to learn more!
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.
How Managed IT Can Protect your Business
January 15, 2019 11:14 pm Leave a Comment
According to an oft-quoted statistic, 40 percent of businesses that experience a serious IT failure within the first year go out of business. While this might seem like a scare tactic or small businesses urban legend, IT security is essential to the success of your business, regardless of size or industry. And, the best way to safeguard your venture is through managed IT services.

Navigating Ever-Changing Technology

When it comes to technology, most business leaders have a basic understanding of things. What they don’t possess is an in-depth knowledge of all things IT related. Nor do they have the time or resources to devote to it. Tech waters run deep, and it can be challenging to keep your business secure in today’s ever-changing techno landscape.

Outsourcing with Confidence

With IT services you don’t have to worry about that. Managed IT can cover everything from network design and setup, remote monitoring, cloud-based services, print management solutions, and more. Outsourcing your IT to a managed service provider means you have a dedicated team of IT support experts designated to keeping your business secure and running efficiently. Rather than worrying about how your business can survive without a functioning network, you can focus on actually running your business while we focus on your tech systems.

Partnering with Experts

Perhaps you have an excellent in-house IT staff. Great! No need to put them out of a job. With managed IT services you can outsource some of all of your IT operations. We can partner with your in-house professionals as needed. This is an excellent option for small-to-mid-sized businesses who lack access to a full team of experts. By outsourcing some of your technology and security protocols, you get the best of both worlds — an on-site pro who can liaise with a team of high-level gurus.

Tailoring Your Solution

While managed IT services are customizable to your company, be sure to lay out your specific needs and expectations. Having open communication with your service provider is essential to ensuring that your goals are met. Whether you need the full suite of IT services or only to fill some security gaps, you can expect ongoing monitoring and problem resolution, help desk services, network management and support, and more.

Contact us for more information on how to protect your business with managed IT services.
5 Crucial Questions to Ask Your Potential Managed IT Provider
December 14, 2018 5:42 pm Leave a Comment
In our technology-driven world, incorporating a useful IT foundation is crucial. Modern networks and devices contain all of your most significant and sensitive information, and having systems that process that data effectively and securely is critical to your company’s success. But that information is probably nothing you haven’t heard before. Let’s be real here, the toughest part of IT management is implementing it.

This is where a Managed IT provider is helpful.

With Managed IT, what once was an overwhelming mess of data and processes to protect and keep running becomes a capable system that appears to run itself. Outsourcing your IT management provides fantastic results at a great price. When considering a Managed IT provider, there are some crucial questions that you should ask before hiring them:

What services does your company provide?

Depending on your industry and the size of your organization, the IT infrastructure necessary for your business could get large and complex. You’ll want to work with a Managed IT provider who is experienced with companies of all sizes and industries, so you get the best IT services for your company.

Is your Managed IT team certified?

When considering a provider, make sure they are certified to work in the field. Common certifications include Network+, CompTIA A+, and MSCA and MSCE.

What customer service do you offer?

Savings are significant, but they don’t mean as much if the service is awful. The right provider will offer after-hours and weekend access for service needs, giving you quick results when needed. A reputable provider will also proactively monitor your network for ongoing IT support.

What is your issue reporting protocol?

Along with solving issues that come up with your network, reporting these problems should be a quick, intuitive process. Some providers may have a digital form to fill, and some may allow you to call them directly; either way, it is essential to know for when an issue arises.

Do you have previous client endorsements?

Recommendations are important anytime you choose to do significant business with a solutions company. Be sure that the company you select has given you personal testimonies from other customers without hassle.

MMIT Business Solutions Group is a full-service Managed IT provider with a reputation for quality, security, and simplicity. To learn more about Managed IT, contact us today!
The Real Costs of Being Hacked
November 14, 2018 6:49 pm Leave a Comment
The Real Costs of Being Hacked

When a breach occurs in your office, you know that you will have to pay to get your network and equipment restored, and probably take a slight loss from downtime. Most business owners that we talk with view getting hacked as an inconvenience rather than a bottom-line cost.

For anyone who has gone through it, however, they have a different tale to tell. They can tell you all about the expenses that crippled their business when they were hacked, and that effective IT services could have prevented the breach completely. The costs of an information breach can be so harsh, that most small businesses are forced to close because of the financial hit they take.

Here are the harsh realities of a hack:

Wiping the Budget Clean

From the moment your business is hacked, expenses begin to pile up; and the longer the attack, the most it costs. Many hacks take up to six months to identify, and it can take another two full months to control the damage. When an attack of this severity occurs, you will need to hire experts to clean your entire system.

They will need to go through every computer, server, printer, mobile device, and more to ensure that your system has removed the breach completely. On top of that, these experts will recommend different hardware and software solutions to ensure that it doesn’t happen again.

Fines and Legal Fees

Depending on the data lost and how your company handled the situation, there could be fees and legal costs that approach millions of dollars. Depending on the industry you work in, the information that got out could cause significant costs for your business; not to mention, having to hire an expert to help you gather the information that was lost to prove it.

Customer Loss

One of the most challenging aspects of a breach is the impact it has on your company’s reputation. Both current customers and prospective customers can be lost due to a hack, which helps your business’ ability to recover.

The costs of a data breach can be brutal, but Managed IT Services from MMIT Business Solutions Group can help protect your business from the treats of a cyber attack. To learn more, contact MMIT Business Solutions Group today!
Making the Right Managed IT Decision
September 12, 2018 8:51 pm Leave a Comment
Managed IT is one of the fastest-growing services in the business tech world. The modern business relies on technology like smartphones, multifunction printers, mobile printing, and cloud services. Ensuring that these critical tools are adequately maintained, and functioning is a top priority for all companies.

To keep these devices and services running smoothly, more time and energy needs to be put into business technology.

Managed IT Services assist businesses like yours in managing devices, services, and security features effectively. IT services keep your business safe and secure, so choosing the right provider is essential.

Here are several tips to help you choose the right provider:

They’ll Ask the Right Questions

The right Managed IT provider will not only want your business, but they’ll also want to know all about your business. The right provider will seek to learn as much as they can about your business to offer products and services that will improve your business’ functions.

They’ll Offer Immediate Availability and Remote Monitoring

System and device downtime can cost your business serious money. A good IT services provider will be available 24/7 to provide immediate service and monitoring for networks and devices. The right provider for your business can monitor servers, networks, switches, routers, and more.

They’ll be Aware of Your Industry

Your business operates to fulfill a specific purpose in a particular industry. When choosing a Managed IT provider, work with a company that knows about the industry you work in. Your company works too hard to have a business that doesn’t know how to equip your business to be productive and competitive in your industry. They should be aware of specific laws and practices that you are required to follow.

To learn more, contact MMIT Business Solutions Group to see how we can provide Managed IT solutions for your business!

IT Services Des Moines
Why Smart Business Leaders Rely on Managed IT Services
July 12, 2018 4:56 pm Leave a Comment
Most business leaders have trouble staying on top of their daily responsibilities without trying to juggle IT issues at the same time. Managing your company’s IT demands requires constant diligence, and it’s all too easy to overlook something critical.

Why Managed IT Services

It’s not hard to see why business owners and managers opt for outsourcing to a Managed IT Services provider rather than attempting to oversee everything in-house. The benefits are substantial.
1. Remote management services —If you’re accustomed to waiting for service personnel to arrive at your location, you’ll appreciate remote monitoring. With many problems corrected by remoting into your equipment, you’ll need far fewer on-site visits and experience less downtime. Break-fix approaches that insist upon on-site maintenance can typically charge more for their services—a practice that benefits their company more than yours. With a proactive, remote management approach, technicians respond in the way that serves your needs the best, whether it’s a remote or an on-site resolution.
2. On-time patches and updates —The reason many of us put off essential updates is lack of time. When updates and patches take hours to complete, they interrupt workflows and keep employees from accomplishing critical tasks. With remote patching, managed IT services technicians perform updates as soon as they’re available. You won’t experience an interruption to your workday, and with updates and patches completed on schedule, you’ll have fewer security vulnerabilities to worry about.
3. Robust protection from threats —Keeping up with the latest threats is essential, but you’ll need to be an expert to do so. Thankfully, you can continue honing your area of expertise without adding IT training to your list. With IT services experts by your side, you’ll have a solution to problems with ransomware, viruses, and spyware.
Is your business fully protected? Contact MMIT to learn more about Managed IT Services today!

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Incident Management through Managed IT Services
June 15, 2018 7:37 pm Leave a Comment
What happens when a disruptive IT incident occurs in your company? Does your IT department correct the issue and move on from there to wait for the next occurrence? If your IT resources are already tapped out, a reactive break/fix approach may be all your team can handle.

The Incident Management Approach

A proactive approach to managing your IT infrastructure eliminates many of the surprise interruptions and service reductions caused by ongoing system failures. With more than 50% of companies experiencing as many as 1,000 IT incidents in the average month, it’s clear that many are not managing the problem effectively.

The Managed IT Services Comprehensive Approach

As a part of a Managed IT Services strategy, an incident management approach tracks incidents in real-time, prioritizing emergencies, gathering data, and working on a resolution until the crisis is averted. Managed IT Services providers use information collected during an incident to customize IT services for the unique requirements of the individual businesses they serve. As the IT Services engagement matures, this valuable data can be used to mitigate risk, reduce downtime, and provide superior technical support.

Here’s how your organization will benefit from incident management.
- Smoother operations by eliminating redundancies and inefficiencies
- A better return on investment as you identify problem areas and recommend IT updates going forward
- Implement automation to help your organization save money and improve service to end-users as well as internal IT staff
- Self-healing solutions to address issues in real-time
- Identify recurring incidents that Managed IT Services professionals can resolve and then eliminate going forward
Don’t allow IT incidents to keep your business from succeeding. Managed IT Services from MMIT provides a comprehensive, end-to-end management and service approach to your IT infrastructure. Get in touch with a team member to start the conversation today!

IT Services Des Moines
How Managed Print Saves the Day for IT Teams
September 27, 2017 5:24 pm Leave a Comment
If you’re responsible for your company’s IT department, you know how quickly print-related issues can eat into staff productivity. You’ve already got a full plate with security updates, backups, troubleshooting, and installing new equipment, and printer issues are just one more thing.

You’re Not Alone

If you’re ready to start freeing up your time for mission-critical tasks, it’s time to pitch Managed Print to the company decision-makers. Here’s why.
1. An unmanaged printer fleet is costing them money. Hidden costs can drive up expenses, and many organizations are shocked to discover figures as high as 3% of annual company revenues. A managed print assessment can reveal where costs are highest and provide solutions to bring them back in line.
2. They’ve got too much toner. Or too little. Whether the problem is a bulging supply closet or an empty one, mismanaged toner inventories are a sure sign that your company’s print environment is out of control. Managed print monitors toner supplies and makes on-time deliveries to eliminate both waste and emergency shortages.
3. They’ve got maintenance issues. Your job description may include printer maintenance, but there are more critical items on your to-do list. Managed print technicians are industry-trained to work on imaging equipment, and it’s part of the package when you partner with an MPS provider.
4. Their print volumes are probably too high. Most organizations have no clear idea of print volumes. Managed print can track volumes and put solutions in place to keep them within established limits.
5. They may not need new devices. When staff members are faced with printer issues, they often resort to replacements, driving costs even higher. Preventative maintenance can reduce the need for emergency device replacements.
If more time for IT-related tasks sounds like just what you’ve been seeking, contact MMIT to begin a managed print conversation today!
How to Make Disaster Recovery a Part of Your Plan
April 3, 2017 7:12 pm Leave a Comment
We’re now well into the first few months of 2017, and with this new year, many companies are setting their IT budgets. As you make your strategic plans for the year, it’s vital that you consider a disaster recovery plan. A disaster recovery plan can seem like a daunting task, but it could be the difference between your company weathering a disaster or shutting its doors. Here’s how managed network services fit into a disaster recovery plan.

Disaster Recovery: Back-Ups and Security

These days, it’s not uncommon to hear about even industry giants being victims of a cyber attack. It’s easy to see how a disaster can happen when even large companies like Target and Sony are in the news for stolen data. Of course, it doesn’t take this kind of issue for your business to be in a tight spot: a flood, fire, or theft of physical assets can leave you equally unable to operate.

If the worst happens in your business, it’s crucial that you can continue with day-to-day operations. For that, you’ll need your most valuable asset: your company information. Managed network services can help you keep this information secure with back-ups and cloud services.
- Managed network services provide offsite backups that can be accessed no matter where you are, allowing you to continue operating even if you can’t access your office.
- Disaster recovery isn’t expensive. It’s a common misconception that disaster recovery will cost you too much, but with low subscription pricing models, you’ll be able to experience the many benefits of managed network services.
- Downtime is expensive. Your company shouldn’t be investing in downtime. Managed IT services can help you with network monitoring to keep your business up and running.
For more information about how managed network services can help your company, contact us today.

IT Services 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
Disaster Just Hit, Were You Ready?
July 14, 2016 6:13 pm Leave a Comment
Disasters come in many shapes and sizes. For a business, a disaster could be a fire, flood, hurricane or other extreme weather, or being hacked by malware. Malware can either destroy and alter information, steal information or freeze your system. All of these situations are stressful to think about, but you have to consider them as a business owner. When you hear about a disaster striking your business, will your heart sink, or will you know that your business will recover?

Too many businesses that undergo a catastrophic loss of information have to close their doors, and you have to be intentional to avoid being one of those businesses. Do you have a plan in place to protect the important information your business is built upon, or will you be blindsided? A disaster recovery plan can help you sleep at night, and could save your business in the case of a catastrophe.

Disaster Recovery Plan Advantages

Having a disaster recovery plan means a few things:
- you’re actively working to prevent disaster – there are safety precautions you can take to protect your physical files, and also, having an IT management company helping your network stay secure can prevent you from being hacked.
- you’re ready if and when disaster hits – you hope to never get the call that your building burned down or that your entire network was destroyed, but in the event of such a disaster, you can be prepared and survive. By backing up your information and planning for disaster, you won’t be blindsided and can begin immediately picking up the pieces.
If your business would be left with nothing if a catastrophe hit it, it’s time to act. Talk with us about a disaster recovery plan, it’s worth it!