What Does a Managed IT Department Do?
When most people think “what does IT do?” they think of simple tech support and “have you turned it off and back on again.” But, in reality, they do a lot more than make sure your computer is running, they’re responsible for nearly all the technology used daily in an organization.
A managed IT support department is what keeps the wheels moving for a business’ technology. Communication tools, collaboration tools, hardware, software, security, and much more are managed by an IT department. They’re the mechanics that maintain the car that is a business, keeping it on the road and avoiding costly trips to the garage that would require costly downtime.
Downtime can cost businesses an average of $5,600 a minute
Watch this video to learn more about the big and small picture tasks that fall under the umbrella of a managed IT department and see the value that having IT can provide to your business.
An Overview of a Managed IT Department’s Main Functions
A managed IT department’s core functions are divided up into three main categories:
- Governance: This means the handling of the implementation of operational parameters for a user’s use of IT systems. Essentially, a managed IT department helps lay down the ground rules for how people can use a company’s technology.
- Infrastructure: IT is responsible for maintaining the hardware parts of a business network. All the equipment (computers, wires, circuitry, etc.) needed to keep a business running is established and managed by this department.
- Functionality: The most common understanding of what IT does falls under this function which involves creating and managing operational applications, storing data, and assisting in the use of software throughout an organization.
Related Blog: What is Network Management?
A Managed IT Department’s Responsibilities Within a Company
As for the smaller responsibilities that fall under each larger function, IT is responsible for performing many critical tasks across an organization.
Here’s a look at some of these responsibilities and how they help:
Network Responsibilities
A managed IT department takes care of the implementation and operation of computer network systems within an organization. For large companies, this can mean entire teams dedicated to evaluating and managing the software and hardware necessary to keep the network online and functioning highly.
Internal Application Development
Team members of a managed IT department can help create and operate custom computer applications that are tailor-made to fit a business’ specific needs and to improve overall business functionality.
Whether it’s project management, order tracking, or customer service, custom applications help streamline processes and result in more specifically useful tools for employees.
Related: What are Low-Code Development Platforms?
Organization-Wide Communication
Communication is a major key business and in a modern technological world, it comes in many forms. From emails to IMs to phone calls to video meetings to file sharing, communicating is a necessary part of standard operations for businesses today.
For IT departments, duties that fall under communication can be wide-ranging, including:
- AV tasks like setups for conferences, webinars, presentations, etc.
- Maintaining safe and effective email systems, instant messaging applications, and phone call tools
- Manage collaboration tools for data sharing
Technical Support
The classic depiction of an IT department is technical support for employees organization-wide. Whenever people need help with their hardware, software, passwords, access, or anything else, IT is called upon to fix problems and get things moving once again.
Technical support goes beyond helping people make sure their computers are working. Here’s a look at the wide spectrum of support a managed IT department can provide:
- Hardware repair
- Equipment ordering
- Software patching and updating
- Employee training for new technology
- Troubleshooting of hardware and software
- Setting up new technology
- Behind-the-scenes equipment repair and management
In Conclusion
Next time you’re thinking “what does IT do?” remember that they play an integral role in keeping everything moving by removing the roadblocks that tend to arise when using lots of unique technologies in everyday business. It’s important to not only have an experienced IT team by your side but also to have one that you trust.
Working with a managed services provider (MSP) can seem intimidating, especially when partnering with such a critical department as IT. Take a peek into our process and what goes into building a strong managed IT partnership with our blog, What Happens in the First Year of a 5-Year Managed IT Contract?