As managed IT Service providers, we frequently hear that an organization is not ready for managed IT services. And for a team of one or two that might not have much sensitive data, that might be true. But as a business grows, it is important to know when to outsource IT and the crucial role it cybersecurity plays in your business’s success.

Managing IT systems, from simple email and user management to more complex networking and custom applications, can be a complex and time-consuming task. Most business owners reach a point where they must decide whether to continue handling IT in-house or outsource to a Managed Service Provider (MSP). Here are several signs that it might be time to make the shift to an MSP for IT management.

1. Growing Complexity of IT Needs
As your business expands, so does your technological footprint. Take a moment to consider the number of devices that connect to your business (don’t forget all your tablets and smartphones). If you find your current IT infrastructure struggling to support the scale of your operations or the complexity of new technologies, it's a strong indicator that professional management is needed. An MSP can provide the expertise to scale your IT systems effectively and ensure they align with your business goals. Additionally, we at Stratus are able to provide enterprise level tools typically not available for small teams/orgs.

2. Increased Frequency of IT Issues
If IT problems are becoming more frequent and taking longer to resolve, this can disrupt business operations and lead to significant losses. An MSP can offer 24/7 monitoring and quick response times, significantly reducing downtime and the impact of IT issues. Plus, Stratus provides Helpdesk support as a part of our monthly managed services, so you don’t have to worry about racking up support call fees.

3. Need for Enhanced Cybersecurity
With cyber threats becoming more sophisticated, ensuring robust security measures is critical. Reports show an 81% uptick in ransomware attacks in the last year. If your business lacks the in-house expertise to adequately protect against these threats, an MSP can bring advanced security solutions and proactive threat monitoring to safeguard your data and IT systems.

4. Cost Efficiency
Managing IT in-house can be expensive, especially when you consider the cost of hiring and training IT staff, purchasing and maintaining hardware, and updating software. An MSP can often provide more predictable and scalable costs while giving you access to a team of experts and the latest technology. With Stratus’ approach you will pay a one time setup fee for installation and devices. From there, your monthly bill is your monthly bill. No surprises. (Additional cost may be incurred when adding an new employee/seat or upgrading equipment.)

5. Regulatory Compliance and Data Management
For businesses in sectors like healthcare, finance, or retail, regulatory compliance is critical. MSPs are knowledgeable about these regulations and can ensure that your IT systems comply with relevant laws and industry standards, reducing the risk of costly penalties. Stratus Services is Alaska’s is Alaska’s local Registered Provider Organization (RPO) ready to support you on your journey to become CMMC Certified, but we are also equipped to work with you to achieve compliance for other frameworks.

Recognizing when to hire an MSP can significantly impact your business's efficiency, security, and growth. By monitoring these indicators, business owners can make informed decisions about when to seek professional IT management services. Engaging an MSP not only supports operational stability but also positions a business for future technological advancements.