Everyone is a target for hackers these days. According to the RSM US Middle Market Business Index Special Report: Cybersecurity 2024, 28 per cent of executives surveyed said their organizations experienced a data breach in the previous year, rising 8 per cent from 2023. And 61 per cent 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.

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 per cent of executives who use generative AI said it has been harder to implement than suggested; 67 per cent 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.

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.

In a tight labour 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.

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.