December 1, 2022
Are you having trouble retaining your IT staff? Does your IT cost more than you budgeted? Are you worried about the security of your systems? If you are looking for a better way to manage your IT, contracting with an IT Managed Services Provider (MSP) could be the answer.
If you have a one-time project or need a specialized skill set, shared skill sets are available to solve complex problems. You get the solution you need without incurring the cost of having a full-time person for part-time work.
A fixed monthly cost, so you know your IT costs won’t exceed your budget. There are no surprises. The service is based on meeting established service level agreements (SLAs) and providing a user-friendly and stable environment. In addition, an MSP can assist in mapping out a technology roadmap so you can plan for future enhancements to keep pace with technology updates and additional constituent needs.
Most local municipalities use ESRI ArcGIS, CityWorks, and BS&A Software. An MSP understands these applications to provide support. No more calling various contacts to solve the issue; a one-stop service desk tracks the issue until resolution.
In addition, the same support is provided for everyday applications such as O365 and SharePoint to ensure your staff has a dynamic set of secure tools to help them communicate, collaborate, and get more done.
Ransomware attackers continue to focus on state and local government. Sophos found “nearly a third (32%) of state and local government organizations paid to restore encrypted date in 2021, shelling out an average payment of more than $213,000.” Attackers continue to focus on phishing attacks to steal credentials to gain access for ransomware attacks and to spread misinformation – “hacktivism.” Your MSP offers increased cybersecurity through regular employee training to recognize phishing attacks, multifactor authentication, privileged access management, network security, and endpoint solutions.
In case the unthinkable happens, and you are attacked, your MSP can help you develop an Incident Response Plan (before the incident) detailing the exact steps to take if something happens and help you execute and remediate if an attack occurs. Taking a proactive approach reduces downtime and panic. Developing an IRP also enables you to identify weaknesses in your current system to make your system cyber secure.
Start by determining your IT needs and researching MSPs. Reach out to other local municipalities and search the internet for reputable providers. One of the critical items is finding a team you can work with and who wants to develop a partnership to assist you on your IT path. If you need help getting started, we have experts available to assist.