Overview
Managed services offer a proactive and strategic approach to handling IT and business operations by outsourcing the management, maintenance, and optimization of technology infrastructure and services to specialized providers. These services cover various functions such as IT support, network management, cybersecurity, and cloud management. Partnering with managed service providers enables offloading routine tasks, reducing downtime, bolstering security, and accessing skilled experts. This arrangement allows organizations to concentrate on core objectives, foster innovation, and improve efficiency and competitiveness. It ensures robust, scalable IT systems aligned with strategic goals.
Why Managed Services?
The decision to choose managed services depends on the specific needs and goals of your organization. It's essential to assess how managed services can align with your business objectives and help you overcome IT challenges more effectively and efficiently. Here are some compelling reasons organizations choose managed services:
Cost Efficiency
Managed services often provide cost savings over maintaining in-house IT staff and infrastructure.
Expertise
Managed service providers are specialists in their field, offering access to a high level of expertise and experience.
24/7 Support
Many managed service providers offer around-the-clock support, ensuring issues can be addressed at any time.
Scalability
Managed services can be scaled up or down as needed, providing flexibility to adapt to changing requirements.
Proactive Monitoring
Managed service providers typically offer proactive monitoring, which helps prevent issues before they become critical.
Focus on Core Business
Outsourcing IT and other non-core functions allows organizations to concentrate on their primary business activities.
Security
Managed service providers often have robust security measures and can help organizations stay secure and compliant.
Latest Technology
Managed service providers stay up-to-date with the latest technology trends and can help businesses take advantage of innovation.
Disaster Recovery
Managed service providers often include robust disaster recovery and backup solutions, enhancing business continuity.
Reduced Downtime
With proactive monitoring, quick issue resolution, and redundancy, managed services help reduce downtime and keep operations running smoothly.
Why Choose NorthStar for your Managed Services Needs?
There are many facets to consider when exploring Managed Services solutions and it can be very confusing to figure out who is going to be the right Managed Services partner for your company. We understand this and have helped other companies like yours navigate their way through this complex process.
Assessments
We can help you evaluate the current IT landscape, identify your requirements and gaps, and help you choose the correct Managed Services providers to fit your need.
Audit Services
We will audit your current Managed Services structure and provider(s) to determine if you are using the best and most cost-effective solution(s) for your business.
Design
We can help recommend Managed Services solutions based on current industry trends and best practices, so you can be sure that you are receiving a quality solution.
Selection
We are Managed Services supplier agnostic and work with numerous providers. We can offer the best options from multiple suppliers.
Implementation
In addition to securing the correct Managed Services solution, we can often assist you with implementing and supporting the selected solutions.
Cost Management
We want to provide you with a great Managed Services solution within your budget and will work to make sure you are investing your money well.
NorthStar has reach and depth, tenured engineers and facilitators, and a deep bench of proven experience-based knowledge. We can help you assess your current state and identify Managed Services solutions that will be the right fit for your organization.
Are Managed Services Right for Your Organization?
Your decision to use Managed Services should be based on a careful evaluation of your organization's unique needs, goals, and budget constraints. Managed services can be highly beneficial for your organization, but the specific advantages and alignment with your situation will depend on the factors listed below:
Business Goals & Objectives
Evaluate your organization's short-term and long-term goals. Managed services can be particularly beneficial if your objectives include cost savings, efficiency improvements, or focusing on core competencies while outsourcing non-core functions like IT.
IT Needs & Complexity
Consider the complexity of your IT infrastructure and the specific technology requirements of your organization. Managed services are well-suited for organizations that require support in areas like cybersecurity, cloud computing, network management, and help desk support.
Budget & Cost Analysis
Compare the costs of managing IT services in-house with the expenses associated with outsourcing to managed service providers. Evaluate the potential cost savings and whether they align with your budget.
In-House
Expertise
Assess the skill and expertise of your existing IT team. Managed services can complement your internal team by providing specialized knowledge and experience in areas where you may lack in-house expertise.
Industry & Vertical
Different industries may have unique IT requirements. Assess whether managed services are commonly used in your industry and if providers have experience working with organizations like yours.
Scalability
Determine if your organization's IT needs are subject to fluctuation or growth. Managed services are scalable, allowing you to easily adjust services as your business evolves.
Downtime Tolerance
Analyze your organization's tolerance for downtime and service interruptions. Managed services often include proactive monitoring and rapid issue resolution to minimize downtime.
Data Sensitivity
If your organization deals with sensitive data, evaluate the security measures and data protection capabilities offered by managed service providers.
Security & Compliance
If your industry has specific regulatory or compliance requirements, consider whether a managed service provider can help ensure that your organization adheres to these standards.
Service Level Agreements (SLA)
Review the SLAs offered by potential managed service providers. Ensure they align with your organization's service expectations and requirements.
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How does CCaaS differ from traditional on-premise contact center solutions?CCaaS operates in the cloud, which means that the software and infrastructure are hosted by a third-party provider. In contrast, traditional on-premise contact center solutions require companies to manage their hardware and software on-site.
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Will I be able to keep my existing PBX and just migrate my contact center to CCaaS?Yes, we would be able to implement an "overlay" architecture which would allow you to keep your PBX and the CCaaS would be on top of your PBX. This is a very popular solution.
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What features does CCaaS typically include?CCaaS platforms generally include features such as call routing, IVR (Interactive Voice Response), omnichannel support (email, chat, social media), call recording, real-time analytics, workforce management, and integration with CRM systems.
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Can CCaaS support multi-channel customer interactions?Yes, CCaaS platforms offer omnichannel support, enabling businesses to handle customer interactions across various channels, such as voice, email, chat, and social media, from a unified interface.
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Is there redundancy already built in with a CCaaS solution or will I have to provide for that?Yes, redundancy is already built in with a cloud solution. There are multiple geo data centers in place to support all types of transmissions and applications. Within the data centers there are multiple redundant servers and microservers available to support the businesses to prevent outages.
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How long will it take to implement a CCaaS solution?It will all depend on the existing environment (network, number of seats, business type, etc.) that is in place. Hwever, in most cases a 45-60 day implementation timeline (after solution selection is made) would be the average which would include the planning, implementation and support.
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Is CCaaS suitable for small businesses?Yes, CCaaS can be a viable solution for small businesses as it allows them to access advanced contact center capabilities without the need for significant upfront investments in infrastructure.
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How does CCaaS support remote work?CCaaS platforms enable agents to work remotely as long as they have an internet connection. Agents can access the contact center system and handle customer interactions from anywhere, enhancing workforce flexibility.
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Is CCaaS secure and compliant with industry regulations?Reputable CCaaS providers prioritize security and compliance with industry standards such as GDPR and HIPAA. They implement robust security measures to protect customer data and ensure data privacy.
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Do I have to purchase a full contact center seat, or will I have the option to choose only what I need at a given time?This is one of the many benefits of a CCaaS solution. You can choose only what you need at first (e.g. You can have an ACD & IVR only, without Omni-channel or WFO)
