Managed IT vs Traditional IT: What’s The Difference?

Delivering information technology in support of organizational goals and objectives is not a new challenge. However, today’s digital workplace has evolved providing vastly more robust capabilities through cloud computing, software as a service, and similar constructs. Given this, new challenges are realized in enabling organizations to exploit these advances while also protecting against new and advanced cyber threats.

There are two approaches to IT: Managed IT and Traditional IT. While both aim to support a company’s technological needs, they differ in their structure, strategy, and impact on a business.

Read on for more information about the distinctions between Managed IT vs Traditional IT so you can make informed decisions about your business.

What Is Traditional IT?

Traditional IT has historically been the predominant model for organizational Information technology needs. This model typically involves employees whose function is to provide IT support and governance, while also establishing strategic IT roadmaps.

Traditional IT tends to be more reactive when it comes to fixing problems as they arise rather than anticipating and preventing them.

• Reactive Support: Traditional IT teams will respond to problems after they’ve impacted the system. While they review what went wrong, your business could experience downtime and productivity issues.
• In-House Expertise: While organizational IT teams have knowledge and expertise, it is difficult if not impossible to hire, cultivate, and sustain the talent. They won’t be as diverse as a Managed IT team because they simply cannot hire the staff to cover each facet of the IT industry. Companies also mistakenly believe that because their IT team is internal, that they work with the same values as the company. This is not always true. Relationships and business ethics are based on trust and accountability–not just being hired as an employee.
• Costly: Because Managed IT is a monthly fee, it is a budgetable operational expense. Traditional IT requires hiring employees which comes with other expenses and challenges not related to IT. This is especially important for organizations in growth phases where today’s IT needs may be different in a short period of time throughout various growth cycles.
• Limited Scalability: It’s difficult to constantly change Traditional IT and scale it up or down. That would require the constant replacement or training of employees and/or constant sale/purchase of the newest hardware needed for business. It’s difficult to grow a company that is constantly fluctuating.

What Is Managed IT?

Managed IT services are a proactive approach to IT management where an outside company, like Wolff Logics, oversees and takes responsibility for your business’ IT infrastructure.

This approach continuously monitors and maintains systems to prevent issues before they arise.

What’s Included in Managed IT Services?

Managed IT services encompass a comprehensive range of technology solutions designed to support and optimize your business’s IT infrastructure.

When you partner with a Managed IT provider like Wolff Logics, you gain access to a team of experts who oversee every aspect of your technology stack, ensuring seamless operation and minimizing downtime.

Here’s what’s typically included in managed IT services:

1. IT Support Helpdesk Services
One of the primary offerings of Managed IT services is IT support, available both remotely and on-site. Whether it’s resolving system-wide issues or helping an employee regain access to their email, Managed IT provides immediate assistance to keep your business running smoothly. The helpdesk operates 24/7, ensuring that problems are addressed quickly, minimizing any potential disruption to your operations.

2. Cloud Services Management
Managed IT includes comprehensive cloud services management, ensuring that your cloud infrastructure—such as Office 365 and Azure resources—is monitored and maintained around the clock. This service provides businesses with the flexibility to leverage cloud computing without the headaches of managing it themselves, optimizing both performance and security.

3. Server Management
Effective server management is critical to maintaining the backbone of your IT infrastructure. Managed IT services offer 24/7 server support, monitoring, and maintenance. This ensures that your servers are always running at peak performance, with proactive measures in place to prevent downtime or failures.

4. Remote Monitoring and Maintenance
A key feature of Managed IT services is remote monitoring and maintenance, which provides continuous oversight of your entire network. This proactive approach helps detect and resolve issues before they escalate, reducing the risk of security breaches, system crashes, or other IT disasters. It’s a cost-effective solution that enhances your overall network security and reliability.

5. Network Security
With the increasing threat of cyberattacks, Managed IT services place a strong emphasis on network security. This includes 24-hour monitoring, web filtering, and enterprise-level security measures to protect your business’s data and ensure secure transactions, including compliance with industry standards like PCI DSS for payment processing and HIPAA for healthcare data.

6. Data Backup and Disaster Recovery
Managed IT services ensure that your critical business data is regularly backed up and protected against loss. In the event of a disaster—whether natural or cyber—your data can be quickly recovered, minimizing downtime and ensuring business continuity.

7. Employee Monitoring Services
Protecting sensitive data is essential, and Managed IT services include employee monitoring tools that provide real-time information on who is accessing what data and how it is being used. This service is crucial for maintaining data integrity and security, particularly in industries where confidentiality is paramount.

8. IT Consulting and Strategic Planning
Beyond daily management, Managed IT providers like Wolff Logics offer IT consulting and strategic planning services. They work closely with your business to understand your unique needs and develop tailored solutions that align with your goals. Whether you’re planning a major IT overhaul or need advice on optimizing your current systems, Managed IT offers the expertise and guidance to help you make informed decisions.

Managed IT vs Traditional IT: Making the Right Choice

When you’re deciding between Managed IT and Traditional IT, you should consider your specific business needs, goals, and resources. Managed IT is best for organizations that are seeking a proactive approach and think that a monthly fee is worth the headache of unexpected expenses should an issue arise.

Managed IT is also ideal for businesses that don’t have the revenue to maintain an in-house IT team.

Traditional IT might be preferable for companies with specialized needs that require direct, on-site control over their infrastructure. Larger businesses with a lot of resources and revenue may find this option more suitable to their business needs.

Wolff Logics Is Here For Your Business Needs

The choice between Managed IT and Traditional IT is a strategic business decision that can impact your efficiency, scalability, and ultimately, your bottom line. Understanding the difference between these two options helps companies make informed decisions about their IT needs and helps them adapt to the latest technology.

Some businesses may start out with a reactive approach and realize that they need a proactive approach. Other companies may opt for a Managed IT company that also has other comprehensive services like Cyber Security and HIPAA Compliance (for those in the healthcare industry).

Technology is an invaluable tool that makes businesses easier to manage but you can’t just install the latest features and throw caution to the wind. Updated technology comes with many cyber risks. That’s why you need trusted advisors like Wolff Logics to manage your IT.

Whatever your business IT needs are, we will tailor our services to you. Give us a call today so that your online assets are protected.