MFA vs. 2FA: Doubling Down on Security
Managed IT Services Chicago
Providing managed services and infrastructure support for Chicago businesses since 2001 using our unique Complete IT solution.
What does a managed IT service provider do?
A managed service provider (MSP) is a company that provides outsourced managed IT services and support services to other businesses or organizations. Essentially, an MSP takes care of all the technology-related tasks and responsibilities that a company would normally have to manage on its own. This can include things like monitoring and maintaining computer systems, providing cybersecurity solutions, managing software and hardware updates, and troubleshooting technical issues as they arise.
How Managed Services Can Help
Is your Chicago business dealing with these issues?
Your business is potentially facing several IT challenges that can impact your ability to grow and succeed. Some of the most significant IT challenges that companies face include:
Limited resources
Businesses often have limited resources, including budget, staff, and time. This can make it difficult to invest in the latest technologies and cybersecurity services, hire IT talent, or devote the necessary time and attention to IT management.
Cybersecurity threats
Cybersecurity threats are a growing concern for businesses of all sizes, but businesses may be particularly vulnerable due to limited resources and lack of experience. Cyber attacks can be costly and damaging, leading to lost revenue, lost data, and damage to the business’s reputation.
Scalability
Businesses need technology solutions that can scale as they grow. However, it can be challenging to predict future technology needs and ensure that technology solutions are flexible and adaptable enough to meet evolving needs.
Data management
Young businesses may struggle with data management, including data storage, backup, and retrieval. Without proper data management practices in place, small businesses can risk losing important data or failing to comply with regulations.
Integration
Young businesses may need to integrate different technologies or software platforms to support their operations. This can be a complex and challenging process, especially if the business lacks the necessary IT expertise.
Compliance
Depending on your industry, your business may need to adhere to compliance standards such as HIPAA, PCI DSS, or GDPR. Meeting these requirements can be difficult to do without the right expertise.
Ready to make a move? Let’s talk!
You’re a busy person, and your time is valuable. That’s why we believe so strongly in our managed IT services—we know how to help you get the most out of every minute.
If you’d like to meet with us, you can use the tool below to get something scheduled on your calendar today.
The Complete IT Experience
Our IT Services Focus Areas
What Is Included?
Our Chicago IT services
We often get asked what services are included as a part of our Complete IT plan, so we’re going to outline the major ones for you right here.
Help Desk Support
A well-trained, certified help desk support team helps you with your technical issues quickly and efficiently and is reachable via our IT support app, email, or a phone call.
Proactive Monitoring
We manage your network and infrastructure, including servers, switches, routers, firewalls, and other hardware. This ensures that your systems are up-to-date, secure, and operating at optimal efficiency, minimizing the risk of downtime and cybersecurity threats.
Cloud Services
Looking to move from on site servers to cloud servers? We can help you move your applications and data to the cloud, enabling you to access them from anywhere and eliminating the need for on-premises servers.
Data Backup & Disaster Recovery
Protect your critical data by having automated cloud backups in place. We create and implement a backup strategy that ensures your data is protected, even in the event of a disaster or cybersecurity breach.
Unified Communications as a Service (UCaaS)
UCaaS typically includes features such as voice and video calling, instant messaging, presence indicators, file sharing, and screen sharing. These tools are integrated into a single platform that can be accessed from anywhere, on any device, making it easy for teams to communicate and work together in real-time.
Cybersecurity
Partnering with us gives you access to our full cybersecurity stack. This includes tools like endpoint detection and response (EDR), breach detection, multi-factor authentication (MFA), email scanning and filtering, security awareness training, and vulnerability scans.
IT Consulting & Strategy
IT consulting services help you develop and implement an IT strategy that aligns with your business goals. Our technology alignment manager provides recommendations on hardware and software, identifies opportunities for cost savings, and helps you stay up-to-date with the latest technology trends.
What to look for when choosing your Chicago IT services partner
Certifications and Training
Look for MSPs whose staff hold certifications in the technologies they support. These could include certifications from vendors like Microsoft, Cisco, and CompTIA. This demonstrates a commitment to maintaining their skills and knowledge.
Scalability
Choose an MSP that can grow with your business. They should be able to adapt their services as your needs change, whether that means adding more users, supporting new technologies, or expanding to new locations.
Range of Support Services
Make sure the MSP offers a full range of computer support services that cover your business's needs. This might include help desk support, network monitoring, cybersecurity, cloud services, backup and recovery, and IT consulting.
Customer Service
Good customer service is crucial. Your MSP should respond quickly to your inquiries, explain things in terms you understand, and take the time to understand your business and its specific needs.
References and Reviews
Ask for references from the MSP's current clients who are similar in size to your business or in the same industry. You can also check online reviews and ratings to get an idea of what other clients think of the MSP.
Security and Compliance
Your MSP should demonstrate strong security measures to protect your data and IT systems. If your business is subject to any regulations (such as HIPAA for healthcare or PCI DSS for credit card processing), make sure the MSP is familiar with these and can help you maintain compliance.
Service Level Agreement (SLA)
Review the MSP's SLA carefully. It should clearly define the services they will provide, the standard they will meet regarding service requests, and how they will respond if they fail to meet this standard.
Pricing
Understand how the MSP's pricing works. It should be transparent, with no hidden costs, and offer good value for the services provided.
Chicago managed IT services FAQ
What are the main benefits of using a managed services provider?
The main benefit is that your company gets unlimited access to the IT services you need without having to hire it yourselves. By offloading your IT burdens to a services provider, you’ll immediately have a team of certified engineers that are ready to tackle your tech issues.
What IT services are included?
Here are some examples: 24/7 Chicago-based help desk, onboarding/offboarding employees, network management, server management, asset management, data backup, disaster recovery, hardware procurement & upgrades, cybersecurity solutions, VoIP phone/UCaaS systems, and more!
What is the difference between break/fix and managed IT services?
The key difference between these two approaches is that break/fix services are reactive and transactional, while managed IT services are proactive and ongoing. Break/fix services are suitable for businesses with infrequent IT needs, while managed IT services are more appropriate for businesses with complex and critical technology infrastructures that require ongoing management services and support.
How does pricing work?
Our pricing works like a subscription. You pay monthly per the number of users in your organization and you get unlimited access to everything we offer. If you hire a new employee, we add a user to your plan, and your price increases accordingly. If someone leaves your company, you now have fewer users, and your cost goes down.
Is my company too small/large?
We typically work with small businesses and medium sized businesses that have between 20-200 employees, but we also have clients that are smaller and larger than that.
How long have you been doing this?
Shartega IT has been a trusted managed IT services provider in the Chicago area since 2001!
Contact Shartega IT
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