Application Control also sometimes referred to as application whitelisting. In essence, it flips the traditional antivirus approach on its head. With allowlisting, by default, no applications are allowed to run except for those that are explicitly permitted on a whitelist. This means that malware, ransomware, and any other unauthorised programs are blocked from ever even starting up.
Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR), is a cybersecurity service that acts like a guard dog for each device on your network. It continuously monitors computers, laptops, and tablets for suspicious activity that might signal a cyberattack, and if something fishy is found, it can take action to stop the attack and keep your data safe.
Managed detection and response (MDR) is a cybersecurity solution that specifically safeguards your Microsoft 365 environment, like email and cloud storage. It goes beyond basic antivirus by using advanced techniques to detect sneaky attacks like phishing attempts or unauthorized access to your data. Essentially, it acts like a vigilant security guard for your M365 applications, keeping your company information safe.
DNS filtering is the process of using the Domain Name System to block malicious websites and filter out harmful or inappropriate content. This ensures that company data remains secure and allows companies to have control over what their employees can access on company-managed networks
Think of your IT support plan like the regular upkeep for your office—similar to how you’d maintain your home. We handle the everyday stuff to keep things running smoothly, like making sure your computers are updated, fixing small issues, and keeping everything secure. It’s like watering the plants or fixing a leaky faucet to keep your house in good shape.
Now, let’s say you want to make a change to your office setup—like adding a new printer, moving a desk to another spot, or upgrading something. We call those Adds/Moves/Changes, or AMC for short. It’s like deciding to renovate your kitchen or move your couch to a new room at home. Those kinds of one-time changes take extra work, so they’re billed separately from your regular IT support.
Once that new printer is set up or the desk is moved, it becomes part of your office, and we’ll take care of it under your regular IT plan—like how, after a renovation, your kitchen just becomes part of your home again for routine care.
So, your IT support keeps everything running day-to-day, while AMC covers those bigger, one-time changes to your setup.
Managed services are basically outsourcing the responsibility of maintaining and keeping your IT infrastructure running smoothly to a qualified service provider. Imagine it like this: instead of having your own dedicated IT staff on hand, you hire a team of experts to handle these tasks for you.
Here’s a breakdown of what managed services typically cover:
By using managed services, you can benefit from:
There are several key benefits to using managed services for your business IT needs:
Cost-Effectiveness: Managed services can be a more budget-friendly option compared to hiring and maintaining a full-time IT staff. You pay a predictable monthly or annual fee for a set of services, eliminating the need for salaries, benefits, and training costs associated with in-house IT personnel.
Improved Efficiency: Managed service providers (MSPs) have a team of experienced IT professionals with expertise in various areas. They can handle a wide range of tasks efficiently, freeing up your internal staff to focus on core business activities.
Enhanced Security: MSPs stay up-to-date on the latest cyber threats and have the tools and resources to implement robust security measures. They can proactively monitor your systems for vulnerabilities, manage firewalls and antivirus software, and help you develop a comprehensive security strategy.
Peace of Mind: By outsourcing your IT management to a reliable service provider, you gain peace of mind knowing your systems are in good hands. This allows you to focus on running your business without the constant worry of IT issues disrupting your operations.
Scalability: Managed services plans can be easily scaled up or down as your business needs evolve. This allows you to access the level of IT support you need without having to invest in additional hardware or software upfront.
Access to Expertise: Many businesses might not have the resources to hire IT professionals with specialised skills in areas like network security, cloud computing, or disaster recovery. Managed service providers offer access to a team of experts with a broad range of knowledge, ensuring your IT infrastructure is well-maintained and secure.
Proactive Maintenance: MSPs focus on preventative measures, not just reacting to problems. They will regularly monitor your systems, identify potential issues before they escalate, and apply updates and security patches to keep everything running smoothly.
Overall, managed services offer a comprehensive and cost-effective way to manage your IT infrastructure, improve security, and free up your internal resources to focus on growing your business.
Here’s a breakdown of how your three managed services plans differ from each other:
Good: Basic IT Support
Better: Unlimited Remote Support
Best: Unlimited Remote and Onsite Support
The best plan for you depends on your specific needs and budget. Consider the complexity of your IT infrastructure, the number of users you have, and how critical it is to have immediate on-site support when making your decision.
The onboarding process for managed services typically involves several key steps to ensure a smooth transition and establish a strong foundation for your IT support. Here’s a general outline of what you can expect:
1. Initial Meeting and Needs Assessment:
2. Network and System Assessment:
3. Documentation and Baseline Setting:
4. Service Level Agreement (SLA):
5. Security Implementation and Configuration:
6. System Migration and Data Backup (if applicable):
7. Training and Knowledge Transfer:
8. Go-Live and Ongoing Support:
Communication is Key:
Throughout the onboarding process, clear and consistent communication between you and the MSP is essential. Don’t hesitate to ask questions and provide any necessary information to ensure a successful transition to your new managed services plan.
Yes, there are some things beyond the monthly or annual fee of your managed service plan that you should consider when budgeting for your IT needs. Here’s a breakdown of common potential additional expenses:
Billable Support for Adds/Moves/Changes (AMC): Managed services focus on keeping your existing IT infrastructure running smoothly. Adding new equipment (like printers), relocating desks (moving hardware), or making significant configuration adjustments fall under Adds/Moves/Changes (AMC). These one-time projects require extra work outside your regular plan and are usually billed separately.
Emergency After-Hours Support: Managed service plans typically have defined support hours during business days. If you experience a critical issue after-hours and require immediate assistance, a premium might be applied for emergency support.
Specialisd Services: Certain specialised IT services, like recovering data from a major hardware failure or conducting in-depth security audits, might not be included in your base plan. These can be billed hourly or as separate projects.
Hardware and Software Costs: While the managed service provider maintains your existing hardware and software, replacing outdated equipment or purchasing new licenses for additional software programs may not be covered in your plan.
Here are some tips to manage these potential additional costs:
By understanding these potential extras and planning ahead, you can ensure your IT budget stays on track while maximising the value of your managed services plan.
Yes, you can cancel your managed service if a written request submitted before the end of a calendar month.
