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What is Managed IT infrastructure?
Recently, it has become popular to use the Managed Services model for IT infrastructure management. This option is an optimal solution for interaction between companies that are interested in high-quality support of their own IT systems and companies that act as contractors – providers of such services. Contractors, or providers, take care of configuration of IT systems, their support and monitoring. According to Cisco’s approach, IT infrastructure management involves the outsourcing of a number of IT department functions, which need 24/7 support.
Moreover, under the control of providers of managed services may be transferred various responsibilities, such as security system monitoring, maintenance of local and virtual private networks and telephony, data processing and other important functions. In this case, the entire range of services provided by the outsourcing company is carried out in the framework of an SLA. This agreement regulates all important aspects, the responsibilities of the parties, and the quality of services in servicing the business.
Managed Services allows a company to partially or fully abandon the maintenance of its own IT department. For example, Managed WorkPlaces solutions allow combining all communications services, including mobile communications and Internet, necessary for a client into a single system. Moreover, concluding an SLA agreement, a business gets WAN and LAN equipment, special software, and complex support. Most often, the role of an outsourcing company is played by a telecom operator.
The need for Managed Services arose due to the increase in the number of automated systems and computers in use. This model involves transferring the management of an off-the-shelf IT infrastructure to providers who act in accordance with a service level agreement. Cooperation with companies providing Managed Services has many advantages. First of all, it is a comprehensive approach to the setup and maintenance of IT functions. Outsourcing takes care of software updates, security, prevention and correction of failures, such as the company website.
With the development of cloud services, the Managed Services approach has begun to include more features. Most importantly, regional limitations have been leveled in its application. Solutions such as SaaS, IaaS and PaaS made it possible to scale the management model. Managed Services specialists now support IT infrastructures remotely, which increases the speed of response to problems and the efficiency of work.
The demand for Managed Services is regularly growing, this model is considered the industry standard for small and medium-sized businesses, while the share of clients among large companies is growing.
The main advantages of this approach are the affordability of services provided and the optimal price-quality ratio. A large outsourcing company is well positioned to implement even complex tasks, at the same time using state-of-the-art solutions. Such providers regularly introduce new approaches, improve the skills of their employees and apply knowledge based on their experience in servicing a large number of clients. In addition, their services are available 24/7, unlike the standard IT department in a company.