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5 tips for improving outcomes with managed IT services

March 07, 2025
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Digital transformation
Managed IT services Digital evolution Managed cloud and IT Outsourced solutions

Improving outcomes with managed IT services

In today’s lightning-fast business environment, small and middle market organizations want to stay ahead of emerging technologies and optimize business processes. But given the continued labor shortage for IT and cybersecurity professionals, companies of all sizes are finding it more difficult to secure the right mix of in-house talent to achieve these goals.

Managed IT services can supply the optimal balance of highly skilled professionals you need while also offering a flexible, transparent cost structure that delivers better budget certainty and efficiency. Engaging with an experienced IT managed service provider can help your organization achieve better business outcomes, including:

1. Stronger protection from cyberattacks

Everyone is a target for hackers these days. According to the RSM US Middle Market Business Index Special Report: Cybersecurity 2024, 28% of executives surveyed said their organizations experienced a data breach in the previous year, rising 8% from 2023. And 61% of respondents said their companies have two or fewer data security and privacy employees, woefully understaffed to handle ongoing threats.

Given the relentless drumbeat of threats and the current regulatory requirements around cybersecurity, working with an outsourcing provider allows you to develop quickly a strong security posture and cybersecurity framework. Your layered security program should include technical and administrative safeguards and security awareness training for your staff. A structured approach will include vulnerability scanning and management, active monitoring, data protection strategies and a sound business continuity plan. There’s too much at stake in today’s complex risk environment to not get this right.


2. The insight to capitalize on new technology

Digital transformation has ushered in a wave of innovative new technology like no other, including the game-changers of automation and artificial intelligence (AI). Automation solutions increase business efficiency, productivity and growth. AI is changing the world, providing deeper insight into key business functions, gathering information quickly to make better decisions, monitoring data and processes for opportunities or anomalies and elevating customer and employee experiences.

But AI is complex, and according to The RSM Middle Market AI Survey 2024: U.S. and Canada, 54% of executives who use generative AI said it has been harder to implement than suggested; 67% report they need outside help to get the most out of their generative AI solutions. Working with a trusted IT managed service provider with a core competency in applying new technologies will help you build a competitive advantage and meet your current and long-term business goals. 


3. Reliable IT capabilities that enable stable operations

IT is the backbone of your business, so your systems need to be stable, safe and available continuously–including 24/7/365 support–to help your business run smoothly.

But IT is becoming more complex as solutions like hybrid architectures, cloud deployments, automation and AI become mainstream. Organizations with trouble keeping up can benefit from working with a qualified advisor to help navigate the crowded technology waters. The right provider will understand your business, help you proactively address your challenges, allocate your resources and implement the solutions that drive greater success.

Managed IT services can offer a turnkey solution by providing trained personnel, refined processes and advanced technology. This integrated approach streamlines operations, lowers costs, reduces risk and frees companies to concentrate on their core mission.


4. The right mix of talent without the headache of staff management

In a tight labor market, where the shortage of IT and cybersecurity professionals is especially pronounced, it’s difficult to find and even harder to retain strong talent. The right talent is critical to achieving desired outcomes, so many companies are turning to managed services providers. Managed IT services and managed security services can deliver the exact resources you need—the right mix of staff at the right time, with the flexibility to wax and wane as projects fluctuate. Plus, you’re not burdened with the HR woes of managing said talent—finding, hiring, training, firing. Your provider handles all of that for you.


5. A predictable cost structure with built-in scalability

With fiscal responsibility and operational efficiency so critical to today’s bottom line, businesses need predictable, monthly, fixed IT spending. But organizations must also respond to change quickly and without disruption, so cost-effective agility with the ability to shrink and grow IT expenditures as needed is essential. The right managed services provider can deliver a predictable baseline program plus new or expanded services as needed.


Achieve excellence with RSM

RSM’s managed IT services supply an optimal balance of highly skilled professionals to help clients improve business processes, regulate operating costs and manage technology investments. RSM’s outsourced services model offers:

  • Flexible pricing with fixed baseline cost and the ability to scale
  • Enterprise-grade managed security services through RSM Defense
  • A multidisciplinary global workforce offering seamless service, including 24/7/365 service desk capabilities with multilanguage options
  • A proprietary ServiceNow technology platform which integrates with leading third-party solutions

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RSM Catamaran

RSM’s suite of integrated, outsourced solutions has the power to transform and strategically evolve your finance, IT, risk and HR functions for the future. Through RSM Catamaran, we add value without adding overhead costs, by giving you access to a deep knowledge base and cutting-edge technology.

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