Reducing operational risks: Why more companies are choosing managed IT services every year

The business environment is increasingly uncertain, with operational risks growing as companies expand their operations and adopt new technologies. Business leaders are looking for solutions that allow them to focus on growth without compromising the stability of their technological infrastructure.

This is where a managed services provider becomes a strategic ally, offering solutions that mitigate risks, optimize costs, and ensure operational continuity.

According to IBM, “every company faces many types of operational risks, ranging from those largely within the organization's control, such as the risk of non-compliance with regulations, to factors completely beyond the company's ability to predict, such as an unexpected pandemic outbreak.”

 

“As operations become more complex—for example, involving many types of operations across many systems and countries—an organization's exposure to risk increases, making it more likely that some type of operational failure will occur that could impact the organization's reputation or bottom line,” they added.

This scenario has led more and more companies each year to turn to a managed services company to reduce their exposure to these risks and keep their operations running smoothly.

1. The operational risks that most affect companies

The operational risks that companies face today are varied and can have serious consequences if not managed in a timely manner. These include:

• IT system disruptions, which paralyze critical operations.
• Cyberattacks that put sensitive data and business continuity at risk.
• Failures of critical suppliers, affecting the supply chain.
• Regulatory compliance issues, which can lead to penalties and loss of trust.

Service disruptions that can:

• Stop production.
• Reduce or halt sales.
• Damage the company's reputation with customers and partners.

To face these challenges, a managed services provider becomes a strategic ally by offering:

• Constant infrastructure monitoring, detecting failures before they affect operations.
• Preventive maintenance, to reduce the risk of incidents.
• Rapid response to critical events, minimizing downtime.

In addition, a well-defined managed services agreement ensures:

• Measurable service levels (SLAs) that ensure objectives are met.
• Transparency and control, giving managers the peace of mind that their technological operations are in the hands of experts.

2. Why the adoption of managed services is growing every year

The adoption of managed services is not just a trend, but a response to the constant pressure organizations face to stay competitive.

Cisco notes that “most organizations still struggle with two major IT-related challenges: maintaining their infrastructure at optimal performance levels while simultaneously controlling the costs associated with that goal. Added to this, the speed with which new technologies emerge and are adopted creates a perfect storm of complications for IT.”

In this context, hiring a managed services company becomes a strategic solution because it allows:

• Reducing internal costs by 30% to 40%.
• Increasing efficiency by 50% to 60%.
• Faster access to new technologies without jeopardizing operations.

A managed services agreement ensures that these performance metrics are met, aligning technological objectives with those of the business.

3. Examples of managed services that reduce risk

The most common examples of managed services that companies hire today to reduce risk include:

• 24/7 proactive monitoring: to detect failures before they affect operations.
• Cybersecurity Management: Protection against malware, ransomware, and phishing attacks.
• Backup and Disaster Recovery: Ensures business continuity against disruptions.
• Network and Server Management: Infrastructure optimization to prevent outages.
• Dedicated Technical Support: Rapid incident resolution to minimize downtime.

Each of these managed services examples is supported by a managed services agreement that details response times, performance metrics, and availability levels, ensuring the company receives consistent service.

4. How a managed service provider helps business leaders

Business leaders know they can't afford disruptions to their operations, especially in critical industries like manufacturing, logistics, healthcare, and financial services.

A managed service provider not only reduces the risk of incidents but also frees up internal teams to focus on strategic projects.

A managed services company becomes a trusted partner that provides:

• Visibility and control: thanks to real-time dashboards that allow you to monitor the status of your infrastructure.
• Scalability: The ability to increase or decrease services based on demand.
• Regulatory Compliance: Ensuring that systems are aligned with regulations such as GDPR, HIPAA, or SOX.
• Innovation: Access to new technologies that would otherwise be costly or complex to implement.

This connects directly to the business pain points of executives: the pressure to maintain uninterrupted operations, avoid regulatory sanctions, and reduce IT costs.

5. Choosing the right managed services agreement

Not all solutions are created equal. Before choosing a managed services company, it's important for businesses to evaluate:

• Scope of Service: Ensure the managed services agreement covers everything from basic maintenance to disaster recovery.
• Response Time: Ensure SLAs (Service Level Agreements) are clear and meet expectations.
• Provider Experience: Review examples of managed services they have implemented for other companies in the same sector.
• Scalability: Confirm that the service can grow with the business.

Selecting a reliable managed services provider is an investment that reduces risks, improves business continuity, and ensures that technology is an enabler, not a hindrance.

Risk reduction is possible with the right partner

Reducing operational risks is no longer an option, but a necessity for companies seeking to remain competitive in an uncertain world.

A managed services provider offers the expertise, tools, and processes to secure IT infrastructure, ensuring operations remain stable and efficient.

From managed services examples like cybersecurity to disaster recovery plans, a managed services agreement allows leaders to focus on what really matters: growing their business, innovating, and delivering better service to their customers.