As IT and cybersecurity get more and more complex, many organizations find they don’t have the internal resources to handle their needs. Whether they have limited IT staff or no staff, they need outside help.
Typically, that means managed IT services.
But what goes into this type of solution? And what sets the top solutions apart?
We’ll cover all that and more. Let’s dive in!
What is a managed IT solution?
A managed IT solution is a service package from a third-party provider who handles all aspects of an organization’s IT infrastructure. This may be a fully managed arrangement, if the organization has no IT staff—or a co-managed relationship in which the service provider works alongside internal IT staff.
Managed IT solutions may or may not include cybersecurity, digital transformation, EDI, or data integration. It all depends on the provider’s expertise. (Hint: We cover all that and more here at Corsica—but we’ll get to that.)
So what does it take to succeed with managed IT?
Here’s what sets the best solutions apart.
1. 100% predictable pricing
Unfortunately, some managed IT solutions can be hard on the budget. The service provider may claim to offer “all-inclusive” pricing, but when you read the fine print, there’s a lot that isn’t covered. This leads to surprise bills as your needs change unexpectedly.
If an IT solution is truly managed, it should come with better consistency. And that applies to pricing as well as service experience and reliability.
Here at Corsica, we’re solving this problem. Our managed IT solutions come with 100% predictable pricing and true all-inclusive service coverage. You won’t incur cost overruns as our team responds to your changing needs.
2. Great people and responsiveness
IT solution providers aren’t known for creating a great customer experience. Midmarket companies may find that they’re not a priority—that the provider is focused on their biggest customers.
You may also find that your provider doesn’t respond fast enough. Or maybe their technicians lack the expertise to deal with complex issues.
These problems aren’t acceptable in a managed IT solution. Every service provider should do better.
That’s why we’re very selective in the people we hire. We insist on next-level humans who have the soft skills as well as the hard skills to managed complex IT solutions. Our team truly cares, and that translates directly into better responsiveness and outcomes for clients.
3. Managed EDI and data integration solutions included
Most managed IT solutions cover the standard services in cybersecurity and IT—things like:
All these things are important—but most organizations have technology needs that go beyond traditional IT and cybersecurity.
And this is where so many IT solutions fall short.
If your organization uses EDI and B2B data integration, you’re going to need experts to maintain those systems. Most managed IT providers can’t help you with this complex undertaking. You’ll end up having to work with multiple service providers—while triaging issues between them.
Here at Corsica, we’re solving this problem with a true integrated service experience. From IT to cybersecurity, EDI to B2B integration, our diverse team of experts does it all. This means you get a cybersecurity-focused approach to EDI, which is essential in today’s threat world.
Not only that, but your EDI and integration services are included in your predictable monthly price. It’s a simpler way to manage your IT environment—and it allows you to focus on your core responsibilities.
4. Cybersecurity service guarantee
These days, most managed IT providers include cybersecurity as part of your solution.
But here’s the catch: They don’t offer one predictable monthly price. Which means they’re going to bill extra if you have a cybersecurity incident.
How much extra?
Consider the fact that IBM reports the average cost of a data breach is $4.88M, up 10% from 2023. While not all of that cost comes from remediation services, those services are usually a significant component of the cost.
If you can get those services for free, that’s a huge win.
That’s why we offer the only Cybersecurity Service Guarantee in the industry. Your monthly price includes our guarantee, which covers the cost of our services to remediate an incident, with limitations.
5. Strategic consulting and guidance
An IT solution isn’t truly managed if your provider only offers break/fix services. Everyone needs a help desk, and critical issues need to be addressed, but a smart technology strategy requires a larger view. You need a proactive, strategic approach.
The best IT solutions include experienced management from a C-level expert. This consultant, called a vCIO (virtual CIO), works alongside your IT leader if you have one—or serves in that role if you don’t have an IT leader on staff.
If your managed IT provider offers cybersecurity solutions too, as we do, your vCIO should also double as a vCISO (virtual CISO). This way, you get an integrated approach to IT and cybersecurity.
A good vCIO/vCISO helps you manage your IT and cybersecurity solutions both strategically and tactically. Here’s what our vCIOs provide here at Corsica Technologies:
- Essential cybersecurity consulting
- A 3-year technology roadmap so you can plan for essential technology projects
- Digital transformation consulting services
- AI strategy consulting services
- Consulting on your unique operational challenges
- And much more
The takeaway: Find the managed IT solution that’s right for you
Not all managed IT solutions are created equal. If you need predictable pricing, great people, and a comprehensive approach to technology, you’ll want to get selective. Here at Corsica Technologies, we bring together seasoned professionals in IT, cybersecurity, EDI, data integration, digital transformation, and technology consulting—offering a one-stop shop for all your technology needs. If you’re ready to take the next step on your journey, reach out and schedule a consultation today.
Ready to find the right managed IT solution?
Reach out to schedule a consultation with our IT solutions team.
