Welcome to the First Column IT Tech Blog

HomeBlog
Choose a Managed Services Provider Over a Typical Computer Repair Company

Choose a Managed Services Provider Over a Typical Computer Repair Company

December 18, 2023

If your business needs to revisit its technology management model, look no further than a managed service provider. Let’s discuss some of the notable benefits of working with a managed service provider—benefits that are demonstrable and impactful enough to shift the trajectory of your business moving forward.

But first, a quick look at what a managed service provider actually does and the value they provide.

Why Are Managed Services All the Rage?

Managed services consist of a business model in which your organization outsources IT management to a third-party provider. This provider has expert technicians on hand who can work to proactively address issues and prevent them from escalating into major problems. Managed services also help your business optimize for efficiency and productivity by preventing issues from interfering with workflow and assisting employees as needed.

Managed services were considered a niche category of business, but these days, there are providers who build their entire business model around supporting other businesses—and it works, providing win-win solutions for both parties involved.

How to Identify an MSP

If you’re looking in the AREASERVED community, well, look no further; we’re the go-to managed services provider around. If you’re not convinced, consider looking for the following traits:

  • MSPs tend to operate remotely for the most part, only scheduling an on-site visit for work that requires such hands-on attention. This keeps distractions to a minimum so your team can focus on their work.
  • MSPs can offer subscription-based models to give companies more options for their services. This keeps IT maintenance costs lower than they typically would be, and the lower cost makes for a better budget management tool.
  • MSPs can customize their solutions to fit specific needs and price points. This means that companies will not overinvest their resources into solutions they don’t want or need.
  • MSPs offer support 24/7/365, meaning that there is always an option to get in touch with your provider thanks to remote capabilities.

Furthermore, MSPs can help you radically improve your existing IT infrastructure to address challenges present for legacy systems and inefficiencies. MSPs have staff dedicated to helping teams strategize in this way.

In some cases, your existing IT employees might be able to handle maintenance of existing systems, but they don’t have the time to address some of the more future-minded planning that is necessary in today’s highly competitive business environment. MSPs can help to pick up the slack in whichever part of operations your business needs.

And, finally, MSPs have existing relationships with vendors that businesses can leverage to their advantage. From procurement to support, MSPs can assist with any vendor relationship management.

Are You Convinced of the Value of Managed Services?

Are you ready to commit to an MSP’s services? First Column IT is here to assist you. To learn more, reach out to us at (571) 470-5594.

Previous Post
February 2, 2026
Make Your Life Easier with These 3 No-Brainer Managed Services
One of the inevitabilities of starting and operating a successful business is that your IT infrastructure will eventually outgrow itself. While you might have been able to start operations with just a couple of people, the same network that used to work just fine is likely bowing under the stress of additional employees and workstations. If you want to build a sustainable and reliable infrastructure, it’s best that you rely on experts who can help your company stay as competitive as possible, regardless of how much you grow.
January 30, 2026
How to Stop Manual Data Entry from Killing Your Productivity
We’re sure that even your most talented employees have tasks on their plate that make them feel like expensive data-entry clerks. This is known as the “tedium tax,” and it can have a very real impact on small businesses (especially when employees wear multiple hats). When you have multiple tools that don’t speak well with each other, and you’re forced to resort to manual data entry, your team starts to act like a “human bridge,” connecting these isolated apps themselves—and wasting a lot of time in the process.
January 28, 2026
There’s a Significant Difference Between AI Tools You Need to Pay Attention To
Not all artificially intelligent tools are built the same. One disparity that can make all the difference is whether a particular tool you and your team use is public or private.

Have a project in mind?

Start with our free consultation for VA, DC and MD companies. We will provide a detailed proposal and firm quote based on your specific IT support needs. All at a predictable monthly cost per seat.
Free Consultation - Sign Up Here