The Ultimate Guide to Managed IT for Biotechnology Companies

Who is This Guide for

Our guide is for biotechnology companies that:  

• Want to know more about managed IT  
• Are wondering if managed IT is right for their business
• Are looking for comprehensive IT solutions 
• Would rather outsource their IT department
• Want to leverage their technology for their business 

By the end of this guide, you should have everything you need to know about getting managed IT for your business. So sit back with your coffee, it’s a long one! 

Managed IT services are broken down into several different categories: 

Managed Communications Services 

Managed communication services are services that provide businesses with a way to manage their communication needs, such as telephone and internet services. Some services MSPs provide are Voice-over Internet Protocol (VoIP) networks, virtual private networks (VPNs), and managed email and messaging services. 

Managed Cybersecurity 

Managed cybersecurity services provide companies with a way to manage and protect their networks, systems, and data from cyber threats. These services may include threat monitoring and detection, firewall management, and security incident response.  

Managed Data Analytics  

Managed data analytics services are a way for businesses to manage and analyze their data. Services such as data warehousing, data mining, and data visualization can help businesses make better, more informed decisions by providing them with insights into their data.  

Managed Print Services  

Print services ensure businesses maintain their printing systems and equipment. Managed IT companies specialize in document workflow analysis and printer integration into the IT network, while working in tandem with printer manufacturers to ensure hardware capabilities. 

Managed Mobile Device Management (MDM) 

Managed mobile device management (MDM) is a service that allows businesses to manage and secure their employees’ mobile devices. MDM services involve device enrollment, configuration management, and security policy enforcement, and may be done remotely, with the internet as the only barrier.  

Read more on Managed Service Types

There are several advantages to using managed IT services for biotechnology companies. These include: 

1. Improved security  

Managed IT providers have expertise and experience in IT security and can help businesses implement and maintain effective security measures. They provide access to advanced security technologies and solutions, such as firewalls, intrusion detection and prevention systems, and encryption.  

Managed IT services can also help businesses stay up-to-date with the latest security threats and vulnerabilities and provide guidance about protecting against them. Additionally, MSPs can help businesses maintain compliance with industry regulations and standards, such as USDA requirements and any HIPAA regulation overlap. 

2. Increased efficiency 

By outsourcing their IT management to experts, businesses can free up their own staff to focus on core business activities rather than spending time managing and maintaining their IT systems. This can help improve productivity and reduce the need for in-house IT staff.  

Managed IT services can also help businesses streamline their processes and improve their operations with their available technology. For example, MSPs may offer cloud computing services to help biotechnology companies access and share data and applications more quickly and efficiently.  

Lastly, MSPs can help businesses optimize their IT infrastructure and identify and resolve any issues hindering their efficiency. 

3. Enhanced support 

Managed IT service providers inherently practice proactive IT and typically have a team of trained and experienced IT professionals. This can include technical support for hardware and software, as well as assistance with IT-related issues and problems. 

MSPs also have resources, such as online knowledge bases and support forums, which can help them find answers to their questions and resolve any issues they may be experiencing.  

4. Cost savings 

Managed IT offers multiple avenues to save money, such as:  

• Saving on labor costs 
• Avoiding the cost of purchasing, maintaining, and upgrading IT infrastructure 
• Creating economies of scale, allowing bulk purchase discounts for enterprise-level equipment 
• Avoiding the costs of downtime and lost productivity 

5. Access to expertise 

Managed IT providers have the expertise and experience to provide high-quality IT support for your biotechnology company. This can include helping you identify their current and future IT requirements and developing a roadmap for implementing and upgrading IT systems.  

Managed IT service providers can also help businesses stay up-to-date with the latest technologies and trends, and provide advice on incorporating these into their IT planning. Additionally, managed IT service providers can help businesses ensure that their IT systems are flexible and scalable, so they can adapt to changing business needs and support future growth. 

Learn More About How Managed IT Can Benefit My Biotech Company

While there are several advantages to using managed IT services for biotechnology companies, there are also some potential disadvantages to consider. These include: 

1. Loss of control 

When you use managed IT services, you rely on an external provider to manage and maintain your company’s IT systems. This can lead to a loss of control over your IT operations. 

2. Dependence on the provider 

If your managed IT provider experiences problems or goes out of business, it can disrupt your company’s IT operations and cause downtime. 

3. Limited customization 

Managed IT providers may have limitations on the level of customization they can offer, which could be a problem for companies with unique or specialized IT needs. 

Overall, the decision to use managed IT services for your biotechnology company will depend on your specific business needs and budget. The advantages typically outweigh the disadvantages of using managed IT services for biotechnology companies.  

However, it’s important to carefully consider your company’s specific needs and evaluate whether managed IT services are the right fit for you. 

Read: 7 Problems with Managed IT for Biotechnology Companies

The decision to use managed IT services should be based on the specific needs and capabilities of the biotechnology business. If a company is able to manage its own IT operations effectively, it may not need the services of a managed IT provider.  

However, if the business requires specialized support or lacks the necessary expertise to manage its IT operations, managed IT services can be a valuable resource. 

Find Out If My Business is Ready for Managed IT

If you’re looking to choose an MSP for your biotechnology business, there are a few key steps you should consider:

1. Find an MSP with biotechnology industry experience.

You’ll want to look for an MSP that has experience working with businesses in the biotechnology industry. This will ensure that they understand this type of business’s unique needs and challenges and can provide tailored solutions that will meet your specific requirements. 

2. Check their offered services.

You’ll want to look for an MSP that offers a wide range of services, including IT support, data backup and recovery, cloud services, and cybersecurity. This will ensure you have access to all the tools and resources you need to keep your business running smoothly and securely. 

3. Evaluate the quality of their customer service.

Another critical factor to consider is the MSP’s customer service and support. You’ll want to choose an MSP that offers 24/7 support and has a reputation for providing fast, efficient, and helpful assistance when needed. 

4. Look for clear pricing structures.

Finally, you’ll want to look for an MSP that is transparent about its pricing and can provide a clear, detailed breakdown of its services and fees. This will help you understand exactly what you’re paying for and ensure you’re getting good value for your money. 

Choosing the right MSP for your biotechnology business will require research and careful consideration. But by looking for an experienced provider with a wide range of services, great customer support, and transparent pricing, you can find the right partner to help your business thrive.