When you think of managed services, chances are you’re picturing something like Managed IT, where a team of tech experts monitors your servers, manages your networks, and handles cybersecurity to keep everything running smoothly.
But as businesses evolve and their technological needs expand, you should become familiar with another term: Managed Technology.
So, what’s the difference between these two, and why should you care?
More importantly, how can switching to a per-user subscription model for all your office technology needs—including IT services, cloud-based phone systems, CCTV & access control systems, and copiers—save your business time, money, and headaches?
Understanding Managed IT Services
Managed IT services are pretty much the backbone of any business today. These services cover everything from ensuring your network is secure to ensuring your employees can access the data they need whenever needed.
If your email goes down, your Managed IT provider is on it. If there’s a cybersecurity threat, they keep your data safe. Essentially, Managed IT is all about keeping the digital lights on.
However, while managed IT is crucial, it also has its limitations. It traditionally focuses on the digital side of your business—your computers, servers, and networks—but what about all the other technology you rely on?
What happens when your office phone system goes down, or you need new copiers but don’t want to deal with the hassle of managing those contracts? That’s where Managed Technology comes in.
What Is Managed Technology?
Managed Technology broadens the concept of Managed IT to cover all your office technology needs.
Instead of just looking after your servers and network, Managed Technology covers everything—from your IT infrastructure to your phone systems, CCTV, copiers, and printers. It’s a holistic approach to managing your business technology that ensures everything works together seamlessly.
Imagine having a single service provider who can manage your IT, office communications, security systems, and document management.
Managed Technology offers a unified solution in which one team integrates, monitors, and maintains all these systems. This integration simplifies vendor management, reduces downtime, and ensures that all your technology works harmoniously.
The Key Differences Between Managed IT and Managed Technology
At first glance, managed IT and managed technology might seem like two sides of the same coin, but there are some key differences.
Scope of Services
Managed IT primarily focuses on your IT infrastructure—keeping your computers, servers, and networks running smoothly.
Managed Technology, on the other hand, covers all office technology, including IT services, phone systems, CCTV, and copiers.
Vendor Management
Vendor management is HUGE when we talk about companies wanting to simplify their vendor partnerships while saving money.
With Managed IT, you might still need to deal with multiple vendors for different technologies—one for your phone systems, another for your copiers, and yet another for your security systems.
Managed Technology consolidates all these services under one provider, streamlining vendor management and reducing the complexity of dealing with multiple contracts and support teams.
Cost Efficiency
Managed Technology’s all-inclusive approach can lead to cost savings. And at a time like now, who wouldn’t want to optimize on saving some money?
By bundling all your technology needs into a single package, you can often negotiate better rates and avoid the inefficiencies of managing separate contracts.
The Benefits of Moving to a Per-User Subscription Model
The per-user subscription approach is one of the most compelling reasons to switch to a Managed Technology model. Instead of dealing with fluctuating costs and unexpected expenses, this model offers predictable, scalable pricing that aligns with your business needs.
Financial Predictability
With a per-user subscription model, you know exactly what you’re paying monthly, making budgeting and financial planning a breeze.
No more unexpected costs when a server goes down or when it’s time to upgrade your phone system.
Scalability
As your business grows or changes, so do your technology needs. With a per-user model, adding or removing users is as simple as adjusting your subscription.
This flexibility is especially beneficial in a remote or hybrid work environment, where the number of users and locations might frequently change.
Comprehensive Coverage
This model covers all your office technology under one predictable monthly fee, including everything from your IT systems to your copiers.
This means you can focus on running your business, not worrying about whether your technology is keeping up.
AIS’s Comprehensive Managed Technology Services
At AIS, we understand that businesses need more than just IT support—they need a complete technology partner. That’s why we offer Managed Technology services that cover all your office needs.
AIS can ensure your IT infrastructure is secure, manage your phone systems, or maintain your copiers and printers.
So you can get a better idea of what a well-qualified managed technology service provider should offer, take a look at the list below:
Managed IT Services: Comprehensive IT management, including network monitoring, cybersecurity, data backup, and help desk support.
Phone Systems (Cloud-based and on-premise): Unified communications solutions ensure your team can communicate effectively, regardless of location.
Security Cameras & Access Control Systems (CCTV): Advanced security solutions to protect your business premises and assets.
Copiers & Printers: Managed print services that ensure your document management systems are efficient and cost-effective.
By choosing a company that offers multiple technology solutions, you’re not just getting a service provider—you’re getting a partner dedicated to ensuring your technology supports your business goals.
Why Businesses Should Transition to Managed Technology Now
The pace of technological change is accelerating, and businesses that continue to use traditional Managed IT services may struggle to keep up.
Managed Technology offers a way to future-proof your business by ensuring that you’re always using the latest technology, fully integrated and supported by a team of experts.
Consider the potential risks of sticking with traditional Managed IT:
- Siloed systems
- Multiple vendors
- Unpredictable costs
As technology becomes more complex and interdependent, these risks can lead to inefficiencies, downtime, and increased costs.
In contrast, transitioning to Managed Technology allows your business to stay ahead of the curve. With all your technology needs covered under one roof, you can focus on what you do best—growing your business.
Success Stories and Case Studies
Take, for example, a mid-sized company that switched from traditional Managed IT to AIS’s Managed Technology services.
Before the switch, they were juggling multiple vendors and dealing with frequent downtime due to poor integration between their phone system and IT network.
After transitioning to AIS’s Managed Technology model, they reduced their technology costs by 15% and saw a 30% decrease in downtime. The result? Happier employees, better customer service, and a more profitable business.
Another client, a growing business with a remote workforce, needed help managing their technology needs as they expanded.
By moving to AIS’s per-user subscription model, they could scale their technology seamlessly, adding new users as needed without the hassle of renegotiating contracts or purchasing additional equipment.
Summing it Up: Managed Technology Trumps Managed IT
Understanding the difference between Managed IT and Managed Technology is crucial for businesses looking to optimize their office technology.
While Managed IT focuses on keeping your IT systems running smoothly, Managed Technology offers a comprehensive solution that covers all your technology needs under one predictable, scalable subscription.
At AIS, we’re more than just an IT provider—we’re your technology partner. Our Managed Technology services ensure that all your office technology works together seamlessly so you can focus on what matters: growing your business.
