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Structured TechnologiesKeeping I.T. Simple

Structured Technologies managed IT provides complete service protection and proactive monitoring of all key functions on the network, security, servers and workstations.

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Organizations all over Michigan are pressuring their IT Departments to do more, with tighter budgets, and still maintain the overall operational strategy. Often times, they fall short of these goals simply because they are maintaining day-to-day operations and ongoing issues. Completing projects and adopting new technology get pushed to the back burner as more pressing issues need their attention. That is where Structured Technologies can help.

Structured Technologies managed IT provides complete service protection and proactive monitoring of all key functions on the network, security, servers and workstations. Our services provide your organization with the peace of mind that your systems will be up and running each day, at a fixed-cost solution, predictable investment, which results in optimal productivity.

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Understanding Managed IT Service

Computers and Devices

Ask any IT professional and any business executive for a definition of a Managed Service Provider, and it’s likely that you’ll get twenty different answers. Managed services encompass such a broad range of capabilities and technologies that it’s easy to get confused. So, to clear up the confusion, let’s take a look at Wikipedia’s definition of what managed services are – and are not.

According to Wikipedia, Managed services are the practice of outsourcing day-to-day management responsibilities and functions as a strategic method for improving operations and cutting expenses. This can include outsourcing HR-activities, production support and life cycle build/maintenance activities. The person or organization that owns or has direct oversight of the organization or system being managed is referred to as the offeror, client, or customer. The person or organization that accepts and provides the managed service is regarded as the service provider or MSP.

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In layman’s terms, that means that the managed service provider is responsible for managing specific functions or components of an overall IT system, while the customer retains overall control, and responsibility, for the system as a whole. Managed services are not necessarily a complete IT outsourcing. However, unless specifically spelled out in the contractual agreement with a managed service provider, many managed services do not necessarily include:

  • End User Support: This remains an internal, corporate function. The customer’s IT staff provides the interface with the managed service provider.
  • Assumption of, or reductions in, existing staff: Managed services are usually utilized as a way to allow existing personnel to concentrate their efforts on strategic, revenue producing projects.

It is important to choose the right managed service provider. In most cases, managed service providers are reactive in nature. But what good is that if you already have an IT staff that can to the same without the additional cost?

The evolution of managed service providers is changing rapidly. MSP’s are taking a more proactive approach to their support contracts by getting in front of the issue before a problem arises; as well as making recommendations for enhancements when needed and before a major outage occurs.

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