The Most Popular Services Helping SMBs Stay Competitive

5 Types of Managed Services SMBs Are Using

For SMBs looking to scale smarter and stay competitive, managed services offer a flexible path forward. And because there’s no one-size-fits-all solution, IT leaders may find greater success by tapping into one or more of these services.

1. IT Infrastructure Management

Over half of U.S. small businesses lack any in-house IT support or cybersecurity expertise, according to NinjaOne. As a result, many are opting for Infrastructure as a Service to get scalable, 24/7 support for network monitoring, cloud migration and system updates.

IaaS can be powered by one or multiple MSPs. Its deployments share three common SMB-friendly characteristics: service-based resources, straightforward scalability and usage-dependent costs. This means IaaS offers SMBs superior flexibility at a lower price compared with traditional data centers, making it easier to continuously modernize their infrastructure.

READ MORE: Why does your organization need an AI strategy?

2. Cybersecurity Solutions

As bad actors use artificial intelligence, their tactics grow in sophistication. This is precisely why SMBs need third-party experts to help them assess whether their security postures are solid. Studies show that “cyberattacks hit 1 in 3 SMBs in the last year” and 8 in 10 SMBs say that they lack the cybersecurity staff and support to defend against these attacks properly, according to a Microsoft SMB cybersecurity report.

SMBs can partner with tech partners such as CDW, Cisco and Fortinet to run vulnerability assessments, threat detection, endpoint protection and more. These experts can help tailor security to businesses’ unique needs and provide more peace of mind.

3. Device Configuration and Management

Services such as CDW’s Modern Workspace Management can help SMBs configure and manage devices  across their full lifecycle. That includes purchasing the devices; customization, deployment, device configuration and delivery; management of the tools and integration with other systems; and redeploying, remarketing and recycling devices sustainably.

Not only does configuration and management reduce downtime but it also bolsters a SMB’s cybersecurity posture.

“Endpoint security is a critical component of your overall cybersecurity strategy,” writes CDW expert Nick Suda in a recent blog. “It’s no longer enough to rely on firewalls or anti-virus software; protecting your endpoints requires a dedicated, modern approach.”

4. Custom Technology Support

For small businesses, investing in the right amount of tech can be as challenging as making sure it’s running properly. CDW’s Custom Technology Support (CTS) services ensure that teams maximize the operability of all technologies, from hardware and software to networking and security. CDW experts also provide Cisco, Microsoft, NetApp and Palo Alto Networks technology support plans to optimize costs and maximize ROI on any tech investments. These services can also tack on added coverage beyond the original equipment manufacturer warranty and offer continuous break-fix support services for equipment that may no longer be covered by the manufacturer or is approaching its end of service.

This expertise can also help bridge the gap in understanding between SMB employees and IT experts in the businesses so that operational pitfalls are avoided.

“A managed service provider has a broad view of technologies and issues that are in the marketplace because they’re handling a lot more,” Ron Walker, U.S. leader for managed services at KPMG, tells BizTech. “They understand architecture and the opportunities to improve architecture more broadly than an organization or an individual who may have only seen their own environment.”

LEARN MORE: What should your business know about Cisco enterprise agreements?

5. 24/7 Help Desk and Troubleshooting

Many SMBs opt for 24/7 help desk and troubleshooting support to ensure that network outages, software glitches and user access problems are addressed quickly. This option also helps relieve pressure on small internal IT teams so that they are not tied up with support tickets.

SMBs working with CDW can also access their Rubi platform, a digital account portal designed to help teams manage their technology investments more efficiently. It provides a centralized dashboard that offers visibility into IT assets, purchasing workflows and subscription management, enabling better control over tech spending.

“We have the resources and expertise to effectively tackle any issue that arises,” say CDW experts, “but individual CTS teams are small enough to offer a level of personalization and responsiveness you might expect from a local provider.”