Did you know that the estimated global IT spending this 2022 could reach $4.45 trillion? Nearly 29% of that projected amount, or about $1.28 trillion, would be for the IT service sector alone. This includes managed cloud services, such as cloud migration, storage, and computing services.

But why exactly are people and businesses spending so much on cloud solutions? Is it a good idea to consider joining this crowd of cloud users? If so, why would you even want to invest in these services in the first place?

Below, we’ve listed the many benefits you can expect from managed cloud solutions. Read on to learn what they are and why you should consider migrating to the cloud as early as now.

Fewer Digital Storage-Related Expenses

Cloud storage is one of the primary cloud solutions available today. It allows you to store, access, and manage digital data online.

Cloud storage involves saving data in powerful computers called database servers. The cost of a database server, in turn, can range from $5,000 to $20,000. The greater its capacity, the more expensive you can expect it to be.

However, that’s only the initial cost of a database server. If you decide to own one, you must also factor in its operating and maintenance costs. The latter two can add thousands of dollars to your expenses over the life of the server.

Don’t forget that operating and maintaining IT equipment requires an IT specialist. If you hire one in-house, prepare to shell out an average of $58,000 for their annual wage.

Even with proper maintenance, you can only get about five years of service life from a server. After that, you must replace it before it breaks down completely. If it fails before you do, you risk losing all your stored data.

You can avoid those expenses and risks by working with a managed service provider (MSP). For starters, an MSP is a business that owns and operates database servers. Thus, it’s also responsible for the cost of maintaining these computers.

More Affordable Initial and Ongoing Expenses

Managed cloud services begin with a one-time deployment or “migration” of existing data. In this case, the managed cloud service provider moves your data to their servers. This transition can cost about $1,000 for small-scale projects.

After migration, you only have to pay for your chosen IT cloud services. They often follow a “pay-as-you-use” or “pay-as-you-go” pricing model. That means you only pay for the solutions you need and use and avoid wasting money on those you don’t.

Depending on the cloud provider, the monthly fee may be anywhere from $5 to $25 per user. Thus, if you only have ten users, you’d only pay $50 at the very least, or about $250 if you need a more comprehensive package. So, a year’s cost would only be about $600 to $3,000.

You also have to worry less about energy bills, as you’d have fewer IT devices to operate in-house.

Option to Bundle Essential IT Services

Managed cloud service providers offer solutions you can bundle with cloud storage plans.

A perfect example is 24/7 remote monitoring. This allows MSPs to track your network’s performance, reliability, and security. They can then notify you of any suspicious activity immediately after detecting it.

Another service to consider including in your package is antivirus/intrusion protection. It’s an active security tool that runs all day long, scanning your network and systems for threats. It’s a must-have, especially as there were already 22 billion records exposed this 2022.

You can also bundle your managed cloud service with help desk assistance. This enables your team members to speak directly to computer engineers for help. For example, they can ask for support when dealing with software and hardware issues.

Other IT services to consider are data backup and disaster recovery planning. These are especially vital nowadays, as natural disasters are becoming more common. From fires to hurricanes, they can all cause severe damage to your IT infrastructure.

For reference, as many as 4 in 10 U.S. businesses hit by a single disaster never reopen. And in those that do, 25% still fail within a year.

As long as you choose a top-notch IT provider, you can expect them to specialize in all these solutions.

Minimize IT Downtime

IT downtime happens whenever a component of your IT infrastructure fails. Such failure can lead to temporary software unavailability. It can also render hardware unable to operate or perform as it should.

IT downtime can affect a single program, device, or server. However, it can also make your entire network or infrastructure crash.

That’s how IT downtimes cause significant productivity and profit losses. For example, some estimates place the average cost of a single incident at a whopping $1,410 per minute.

It’s vital to note that some IT downtimes fall under “planned” outages. These occur during equipment maintenance, so they’re necessary.

However, most other IT incidents fall under the “unplanned” category. These include downtimes caused by human errors and equipment failure.

Businesses without dedicated IT teams have higher risks of experiencing unplanned downtimes. If your firm is one of them, it’s time to consider moving to the cloud.

After all, once your data is in the cloud, you can worry less about its storage and equipment maintenance. Your service provider, in turn, will be the one to keep your data safe and accessible at all times.

Mitigate Risks of Outdated Technology

Outdated technology often refers to hardware or software that’s 5 to 10 years old. However, it can also be a newer program that isn’t updated promptly. Either way, such technologies are at a higher risk of failure and security threats.

Let’s use the WannaCry incident that occurred in May 2017 as an example.

WannaCry, a type of ransomware, infected an estimated 250,000 computers worldwide. It locked its victims’ computers, rendering their devices unusable and inaccessible. The only option the victims had to retrieve their possessions was to pay Bitcoin, amounting to $300 to $600.

The thing is, the victims could’ve prevented the attack. They could have if they had only updated their devices before it happened. And the update was available weeks before WannaCry invaded their computers.

Still, applying computer updates is easier said than done. This is especially true for businesses with numerous devices. Even more challenging is if there’s no dedicated IT team to implement the updates.

A managed cloud service provider can help through remote network and infrastructure management. With this, the pros can roll out and install updates virtually as soon as they become available. As a result, you and your team can worry less about using risky, outdated technology.

Keep Your Team Happy and Productive

Over 4 million Americans voluntarily left their jobs in September 2021. Reasons vary, but for many, a common factor was technology. In particular, those who quit said they felt frustrated with their old workplace tech.

It makes complete sense, as outdated technology is more prone to breakdowns. Hardware and software failures, in turn, impair productivity, heightening stress levels. It can also cause anxiety, especially with work deadlines looming so near.

Managed cloud services can help prevent such issues as they can keep your tech up-to-date. That then keeps IT downtimes at a minimum, helping your team stay productive.

From there, your employees may feel happier and less frustrated by staying productive. Thus, having a managed cloud service provider can also help retain your talents.

Avoid Losing Existing and Potential Clients

Suppose you keep all your IT assets in-house, and your database server fails. In this case, you most likely won’t be able to access essential data and apps. As a result, you can’t work on the tasks your clients are paying you for.

You’ll likely miss work deadlines if it takes a long time to fix your server. If that happens, you can expect extreme customer dissatisfaction to follow. It’s even worse if they decide to file a legal complaint using a breach of contract as their grounds.

Even if your clients don’t sue you, they’ll likely part ways with you. They may also leave negative reviews about your company. In this case, you not only lose them, but you can also lose future clients.

That’s why, as early as now, consider moving your data to the cloud. That way, you can access your data anytime, anywhere. As a result, you’re more likely to complete projects and deliver them to customers on time.

Enjoy the Benefits of Managed Cloud Services

As you can see, managed cloud services can save you on costs and help your team stay happy. They can even let you innovate your firm by allowing employees to work remotely! That’s an added perk, especially as more talents now want their employers to offer remote work.

So, why not consider migrating to the cloud as early as now? The sooner you do, the sooner you can reap all its valuable benefits.

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