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Emma Davies

Posted on 20th March 2025

Many SMEs find themselves juggling outdated systems, unexpected downtime, and escalating IT costs. Managed IT services offer a smarter way to handle technology – outsourcing your IT support, security, and infrastructure to experts who ensure everything runs smoothly.

At EBS, we’ve observed the real-life benefits of managed IT services throughout our years as an MSP. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from what managed IT services are to how they can transform your business. If you’re frustrated with IT that holds you back, you’re in the right place.

 

Table of Contents

What Are Managed IT Services?

What Is a Managed Service Provider (MSP)?

What Do Managed IT Services Cover?

Benefits of Managed IT Services

Who Can Benefit From Managed IT Services?

How to Choose the Right Managed IT Service Provider

Stay Ahead With Expert Managed IT Support

Frequently Asked Questions

 

What Are Managed IT Services?

Managed IT services refer to the outsourcing of IT support, security, and infrastructure management to a third-party provider. Instead of relying on in-house teams to troubleshoot issues as they arise, businesses partner with an MSP to proactively monitor, maintain, and optimise their IT systems – reducing downtime, improving security, and ensuring everything runs efficiently.

If you’re dealing with slow IT support, unexpected system failures, or security risks, managed IT services can provide a more reliable and cost-effective solution.

 

What Is a Managed Service Provider (MSP)?

A Managed Service Provider (MSP) is an external company that manages and maintains a business’s IT infrastructure, security, and support.

An MSP can function in two key ways: as a fully outsourced IT department or as additional support for an existing in-house team.

For businesses without an internal IT team, an MSP acts as a complete IT department, providing end-to-end management, troubleshooting, and strategic IT planning.

For companies with internal IT staff, an MSP can work alongside them, providing expert insights or freeing up in-house teams to focus on other projects.

In both cases, this is usually done remotely – with the MSP providing on-site assistance if needed.

What Do Managed IT Services Cover?

While specific services vary between providers, these are the key areas MSPs typically cover:

Resolving Technical Issues

Nothing disrupts your day like a slow computer or a printer that won’t work when you need it. MSPs provide remote and on-site troubleshooting, fixing issues quickly so your team can focus on their work. They also handle hardware maintenance and upgrades, ensuring devices are repaired or replaced before they slow you down.

IT Strategy and Consulting

Technology should support business growth, not hold it back. MSPs often offer IT strategy and consultancy services, helping businesses align their technology with long-term goals. This includes:

  • Assessing existing IT infrastructure and identifying areas for improvement.

  • Developing an IT roadmap that supports business expansion.

  • Recommending new technologies to improve efficiency and reduce costs.

Infrastructure & Network Management

A poor network can bring everything to a halt – emails won’t send, systems crash, and work slows down. MSPs proactively monitor and maintain your network and IT infrastructure, identifying and resolving potential issues before they cause disruptions. They prevent outages, security risks, and performance bottlenecks, ensuring your systems remain secure, up to date, and running smoothly.

Managed Security Services

Cyber threats like hacking and phishing can cause serious damage, but MSPs protect businesses with cyber security measures like firewalls, antivirus software, and remote monitoring. They can also assist businesses in achieving Cyber Essentials certification, a Government-backed cyber security scheme. Gaining this certification not only strengthens security but also reassures clients and partners that your business follows best practices for cyber security.

Data Backup and Disaster Recovery

Losing important files due to a cyber attack, human error, or system failure can be devastating. MSPs regularly back up data, ensuring a secure copy is always available. They also create disaster recovery plans so you can restore data quickly, keeping downtime to a minimum.

Managed Cloud Services

The cloud offers cost savings, security, and flexibility, but setting it up can be complex. MSPs make it easy, handling everything from moving data to the cloud to keeping storage secure and running smoothly. With expert cloud management, businesses can access their data from anywhere, improve collaboration, and reduce the need for expensive on-site servers.

Regulatory Compliance and Risk Management

Industries like finance, healthcare, and legal services must follow strict data protection regulations. MSPs help businesses stay compliant with The Data Protection Act and other regulations, securing sensitive data, managing access, and preparing for audits – so you don’t risk fines or reputational damage.

Managed Communication Services

Effective communication powers every successful business. With the right tools, teams collaborate effortlessly, meetings run smoothly, and customer interactions feel consistent. MSPs set up and optimise VoIP (internet-based phone systems), unified communications, and collaboration tools like Microsoft Teams and Zoom, ensuring your business stays connected and productive.

Benefits of Managed IT Services

Managed IT Services aren’t just about keeping your systems running, they’re about giving your business the technology, expertise, and support it needs to thrive.

Here’s why businesses are choosing managed IT services over standard IT support:

Cost Savings and Predictable Budgeting

IT problems can be expensive. A network failure, cyber security breach, or outdated software can quickly turn into an unexpected and costly disruption. Instead of dealing with surprise IT bills from a reactive IT support provider, managed IT services provide a fixed monthly cost, giving you full control over your IT budget.

Outsourcing IT also removes the need to hire and train an in-house IT team, which can save thousands per year.

Access to Cutting-Edge Technology and Expertise

Technology moves fast, and falling behind can hold your business back. MSPs give you access to the latest IT solutions, from cloud computing to advanced cyber security, without the hassle of managing it yourself.

More importantly, you get a team of certified IT professionals who stay ahead of industry trends, cyber threats, and best practices. With an MSP, you’re not just maintaining IT – you’re improving it to support your long-term growth.

Case Study: 40% Increase in Sales

As a growing tractor parts supplier, Agriline Products wanted the flexibility to work in different ways and explored moving their telephony systems online.

With so many options available, they needed an expert IT partner to find the best solution. EBS assessed their needs and recommended a phone system from Zen Internet, a multi-award-winning provider.

No one could have predicted the impact of the pandemic, but because Agriline had already switched to internet-based telephony, they operated smoothly through lockdown. Not only did the right IT solution keep the business running, but it also contributed to a 40% increase in sales.

Proactive IT Support and Maintenance

The standard IT support approach is waiting until something breaks and then fixing it – by which point, your business might have already experienced downtime.

MSPs provide 24/7 monitoring, meaning potential system failures, security threats, and performance issues are detected and fixed in real time. If something does go wrong, you should have immediate access to expert support, whether it’s a critical security breach or just a login issue stopping someone from working.

Improved Operational Efficiency

A strong IT strategy goes beyond fixing issues, it ensures your technology actively supports business growth, efficiency, and security. Rather than just maintaining existing systems, MSPs help businesses plan for the future, implement scalable solutions, and optimise technology investments to drive long-term success.

Case Study: Saving Second Chance Ltd Valuable Time

Second Chance Ltd has been working with EBS since 2012. This ongoing partnership meant we were well-placed to support them when manual warehouse processes started to slow operations and impact efficiency.

As we aren’t just an MSP but also specialists in ERP and BMS software development, we were able to tailor our barcoding and warehouse management system (developed in partnership with Sicon) to meet their specific needs.

The results:

  • Real-time stock visibility, preventing overselling and improving accuracy.

  • Automated stock replenishment, making inventory control easier.

  • Faster, more efficient warehouse operations, replacing paper-based processes with handheld digital devices.

Second Chance now benefits from better data control and visibility – driving warehouse productivity and enabling smarter planning for future growth.

Related Article: 12 Benefits of Managed IT Services

Who Can Benefit From Managed IT Services?

Almost all businesses will benefit from managed IT services. If managing IT is taking up too much of your time, slowing down your business, or keeping you up at night with security concerns, managed IT services is likely to be the solution.

Examples of Industries Utilising Managed IT Services

Let’s go through some examples of the industries that use managed IT services the most:

  • Finance – Accountants, banks, and financial firms handle complex data processing and compliance reporting. MSPs help automate reporting, integrate accounting software, and improve compliance workflows, making financial teams more efficient.

  • Legal – Law firms manage high volumes of contracts, case files, and confidential data. MSPs provide document digitisation, secure cloud storage, and reliable case management software, ensuring instant access to critical files from anywhere.

  • Retail – Shops and e-commerce businesses need fast point-of-sale (POS) systems, real-time stock tracking, and smooth transactions. System failures can cause long queues, stock errors, and lost sales. MSPs keep POS systems running, automate stock updates, and support digital payment solutions to improve the customer experience.

  • Manufacturing – Production lines and warehouses depend on IT for inventory tracking, supply chain management, and automated workflows. MSPs provide real-time monitoring, inventory management, and system integrations, ensuring smooth operations and on-time deliveries.

How to Choose the Right Managed IT Service Provider

Choosing the right Managed IT Service Provider (MSP) is an important decision to ensure high-quality service delivery. The right partner will keep your business secure, efficient, and scalable, while the wrong choice could lead to poor service, security risks, and wasted costs. Here’s what to consider when selecting an MSP.

  • Certifications and industry experience – A strong MSP will have certifications (such as Cyber Essentials Plus) and experience working with businesses like yours.

  • Case studies and client testimonials – A reputable MSP will be able to show real success stories from businesses they’ve helped. Look for testimonials that demonstrate improved efficiency, security, or cost savings.

  • Customisation options – Every business is different. Your IT provider should be able to tailor solutions to fit your specific needs, whether that’s full IT management or support for your internal team.

  • Future-proofing IT infrastructure – Look for an MSP that helps you scale efficiently, whether by supporting cloud migrations, upgrading systems, or integrating new technologies. You don’t want to outgrow your provider in a few years.

  • A strong approach to cybersecurity – The MSP should offer strong cyber security, including threat detection, firewall protection, and data encryption to protect your business from cyber threats. Be sure to ask for specific details on how they keep your business safe.

Stay Ahead With Expert Managed IT Support Services

Slow systems, recurring issues, and security concerns shouldn’t be part of your daily routine. IT should work as you need it do, when you need it to – keeping your business running efficiently, securely, and without disruption.

That’s exactly what we deliver at EBS.

What’s Included In Our Managed IT Services?

  • Reliable, always-on support – From proactive system monitoring to fast issue resolution, we keep your business running smoothly with minimal disruption.

  • Dedicated account management – You’ll have a named IT expert who understands your business, providing regular strategy reviews to keep your IT aligned with your goals.

  • Predictable, cost-effective solutions – Our fixed-cost support packages make budgeting easy, giving you access to enterprise-level IT solutions without the hefty price tag.

  • Scalable IT that grows with you – Whether you’re expanding or adopting new technologies, our IT solutions adapt to meet your needs.

  • Security and compliance built-in – From firewalls and antivirus to data protection and compliance monitoring, we help you stay secure and audit-ready.

At EBS, our managed IT support is designed to take the stress out of IT, so you can focus on running and growing your business.

Get started with managed IT support today.

Frequently Asked Questions

We’ve covered some of the most common questions about managed IT services below. If you need more information, our team at EBS is always here to help – just get in touch!

Contact Us

Managed IT services are for businesses of all sizes.

For small businesses, IT challenges often come down to time, expertise, and budget. An MSP gives you access to expert IT support without the expense of a full-time team, handling everything from security to system updates so you can focus on growing your business.

For larger businesses, the challenge isn’t just keeping IT running – it’s managing multiple systems, locations, and compliance requirements. An MSP helps you to improve operations, improve cybersecurity, and ensure everything runs smoothly, so your internal IT team can focus on strategic projects rather than firefighting daily issues.

The managed services model in IT services is a proactive, subscription-based approach where a third-party provider, known as a managed service provider (MSP), takes responsibility for managing and maintaining a business’s IT infrastructure. Instead of waiting for problems to occur, an MSP provides ongoing monitoring, support, and security to keep systems running smoothly and securely.

The key difference between managed IT services and traditional IT services is the approach to support and problem-solving:

  • Managed IT services: A proactive, ongoing service where an MSP continuously monitors, maintains, and secures a business’s IT environment. This model prevents problems before they happen, ensuring stable, reliable IT operations.

  • Traditional IT services (break-fix IT): A reactive approach where businesses only seek IT help when something goes wrong.

Related Article: IT Support Vs. Managed Services