How a Local Government IT strategy can benefit from Managed Services?

In today's fast-paced digital age, local government IT strategies are constantly evolving to keep up with the demands of citizens and businesses. However, managing IT infrastructure and services can be daunting, especially for resource-strapped local governments. It is where managed services come in.

Local governments can free up their internal resources, reduce costs, and improve efficiency by outsourcing IT management and support to a third-party provider. A recent report predicts that the global managed services market will reach $393 billion by 2028, with the government and public sector being one of the key drivers of growth.

The primary goal of a local government IT strategy is to ensure that technology infrastructure and services are aligned with the needs of the government and its constituents, enabling the government to provide efficient and effective services to the public. By outsourcing IT management and support to a managed service provider (MSP), local governments can leverage the expertise and resources of the provider.

Benefits of Managed Services

There are several benefits for a local government to use the services of an MSP for its IT strategy. The key advantages of managed services for local government IT strategy are as follows:

Increased Efficiency

One of the primary benefits of managed services for local government IT strategy is increased efficiency. Managed services providers have the expertise and resources to streamline IT operations, optimize network performance, and resolve issues quickly.

According to a report, businesses that use managed services experience can cut down their IT cost by 25-45% and can increase their operational efficiency by 45-65%. This translates to faster response times for IT requests, reduced downtime, and improved productivity.

Cost Savings

Managed services can also deliver significant cost savings for local governments. By outsourcing IT management and support, local governments can avoid the high costs of maintaining an in-house IT department, including salaries, benefits, and training.

According to a report by Cisco, companies that use managed services can save up to 40% on IT costs compared to those that rely solely on in-house IT teams.

Expertise and Knowledge

Managed services providers bring their expertise and knowledge to local government IT strategy. MSPs employ highly skilled IT professionals who specialize in various areas of technology, including cybersecurity, network management, and cloud services.

By leveraging the expertise and knowledge of an MSP, local governments can stay up-to-date on the latest technology trends and best practices and ensure that their IT infrastructure and services are optimized for maximum efficiency and effectiveness.

Scalability and Flexibility

Managed services offer local governments scalability and flexibility. MSPs can quickly and easily scale IT infrastructure and services up or down to meet the changing needs of the government and its constituents.

For example, during the COVID-19 pandemic, many local governments had to quickly scale up their remote work capabilities to accommodate a sudden shift to remote work. Managed service providers were able to help local governments implement cloud-based solutions that enabled employees to work from home securely and efficiently.

Enhanced Security 

Managed services can enhance the security of local government IT infrastructure and services. MSPs employ sophisticated cybersecurity tools and techniques to protect against cyber threats such as phishing attacks, malware, and ransomware. 

According to a report by IDC, global spending on cybersecurity is expected to reach $219 billion in 2023 and $300 billion by 2026, with managed security services being a key driver of growth. By partnering with an MSP for managed security services, local governments can ensure that their IT infrastructure and services are protected against cyber threats and data breaches.

Types of Managed Services

There are several types of managed services, a mix of all that is opted for to build a robust IT strategy by a local government. Here are the key types of managed services:

Network Management

Local governments rely on IT networks to deliver essential services to their communities. Managed services providers offer network management services that help local governments monitor, maintain, and optimize their IT networks. These services include performance monitoring, issue resolution, and ensuring network security protocols are up-to-date and effective. The global network management market is expected to grow to $13.3 billion by 2026, driven by the increasing complexity of IT networks and the need for effective network management solutions.

Data Backup and Recovery

Data backup and recovery is a critical component of local government IT strategy. Managed services providers offer data backup and recovery services that help local governments protect their data against loss or damage due to hardware failure, cyberattacks, or natural disasters. The global data backup and recovery market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 13.7% by 2027 to reach $23.64 billion, driven by the increasing volume of data generated by organizations and the need for effective data protection solutions.

Cybersecurity Services 

Local governments are prime targets for cybercriminals seeking to steal sensitive data or disrupt government operations. Managed services providers offer cybersecurity services that help local governments protect against cyber threats such as phishing attacks, malware, and ransomware.

Cloud Services

Cloud services are becoming increasingly popular among local governments seeking to reduce costs, improve efficiency, and enhance service delivery. Managed services providers offer cloud services that help local governments migrate their IT infrastructure and services to the cloud, enabling them to access data and applications from anywhere at any time. The global cloud services market is expected to grow to $1.2 billion by 2027, driven by the increasing adoption of cloud-based solutions by organizations of all sizes and across all industries.

Help Desk Support

Help desk support is crucial for local government IT strategy to ensure that employees and constituents have access to technical support and assistance when needed. Managed services providers offer help desk support services that help local governments provide timely and effective support to their employees and constituents. The global help desk software market is expected to grow to $11.1 billion by 2032, driven by the increasing demand for effective help desk solutions that can improve customer support and satisfaction.

How to Select Managed Services Provider

It is important to have the right managed services provider for a local government to have a stable IT strategy. Here are the key things one should consider:

Experience and Expertise

When choosing a managed services provider, it is important to consider their experience and expertise in delivering services to local governments. Look for a provider who has a proven track record of providing IT solutions and services to other local governments.

Reputation and Customer Service

A provider's reputation and level of customer service are also important considerations. Look for a provider with a strong reputation for delivering high-quality services and excellent customer support. A provider with good customer service can provide peace of mind and ensure that any issues are resolved quickly and effectively. A survey conducted by Zendesk found that 87% of customers believe that their buying behavior is influenced by good customer service, while 97% of customers said bad services also influence their buying behavior.

Availability and Responsiveness

Availability and responsiveness are also critical factors when choosing a managed services provider. Look for a provider who offers 24/7 support and who can respond quickly to any issues or emergencies. According to a survey by Forrester, 71% of respondents cited that they prefer those companies that value their time.

Cost and Contract Terms

Cost is an important consideration when choosing a managed services provider. Look for a provider who offers transparent pricing and contract terms. Make sure you understand what is included in the contract and what is not. Additionally, consider whether the provider offers flexible contract terms that can be adjusted as your organization's needs change.

Service Level Agreements (SLAs)

Service level agreements (SLAs) are formal agreements between the provider and the customer that outline the level of service the customer can expect. When choosing a managed services provider, it is important to consider the provider's SLAs and ensure they align with your organization's needs and expectations. Look for a provider who offers SLAs that include measurable performance metrics and penalties for not meeting service levels.

Conclusion

For local government IT strategy managers, evaluating the benefits of managed services and considering partnering with a reputable provider is important. By doing so, they can reduce IT-related costs, improve IT performance and reliability, and enhance the security of their data.

Suppose someone is a local government IT strategy manager looking to partner with a managed services provider. In that case, it is important to carefully evaluate potential providers based on their experience, reputation, customer service, availability, responsiveness, cost, contract terms, and SLAs. Look for a provider with experience working with local governments and who can provide customized solutions tailored to the organization's needs.

Managed services can provide numerous benefits to local government IT strategies. Local government IT strategy managers need to explore this option as they work to modernize their IT infrastructure and improve the delivery of services to their communities.

Cogent Infotech is a global, award-winning technology consulting firm headquartered in Pittsburgh, PA., USA. The CMMI ML3 & ISO certified company works with 65+ Fortune 500's and 100+ Federal & State agencies and helps them solve complex problems by providing innovative technology solutions. Visit our website and learn more.