Technology has the ability to empower every part of a school. However, it also has the potential for disaster if IT functions aren’t properly managed. While having a reliable and secure IT setup is crucial for success, managing IT in-house can be overwhelming. Outsourced Managed IT Services provide a solution that is specifically designed for the challenges schools face, giving staff confidence that the technology they utilise will always function optimally and not disrupt lessons, allowing them to focus on delivering the best educational experience possible. But what does the service entail and is the expense worth it? In this article, we’ll answer those questions and explore the many benefits of Managed IT Services that specialise in educational institutions.
What is a Managed Service Provider?
An education Managed Service Provider (MSP) is a third-party company that remotely manages a school’s IT infrastructure and end-user systems. Education MSPs handle daily IT-related tasks, allowing schools to focus on improving their quality of education without worrying about extended system downtimes or interruptions to their daily operations.
What is included in Managed IT Services for schools?
While staff focus on the day-to-day operations of a school, education MSPs are completely focused on the IT functions of the school. This is incredibly valuable for identifying potential issues before they happen and helping a school to respond appropriately if they do. Below are the most beneficial services an education MSP provides –
- MSPs continuously monitor your school’s systems for potential issues, preventing downtime and ensuring optimal performance.
- 24/7 Help Desk Support for any technical difficulties or assistance with IT-related issues, minimising disruption to teaching and learning within your school.
- Enhanced security in the form of robust security solutions, including firewalls, intrusion detection, and vulnerability management, safeguarding your data and systems from cyber threats.
- Strategic IT planning, where your service provider will assist you in the development of a long-term IT roadmap aligned with your school’s goals, ensuring your technology infrastructure adapts and scales to meet your evolving needs.
- Improved efficiency, cost management and budget allocation, allowing you to focus on core educational activities.
- Data backup and disaster recovery, ensuring your student data is protected and readily recoverable in case of unforeseen events.
- Compliance management and assistance in navigating and complying with relevant data security regulations in the education industry.
- Vett third-party vendors such as Learning Management Systems (LMS), and optimise the vendor hiring process, by offering proven solutions designed specifically for schools.
External Providers vs Internal Management
While some educational institutions take on the responsibility of managing IT internally, the benefits and expertise of outsourcing managed IT services cannot be overstated. Here are the key advantages of seeking an external provider:
Protection against single-person (staff) risk and continuity
Schools that take on the responsibility of managing and developing their own team run the risk of single-person and continuity risks, should those staff members resign. On the other hand, Managed IT Services offer schools the surety that they are buying a fixed outcome, where the educational MSP is responsible for the consistent education of staff. This approach also includes a Service Level Agreement, that gives a school even more confidence in the knowledge that the responsibility of consistent education doesn’t fall on their shoulders.
Expertise and resources
Education MSPs provide access to a team of IT professionals with diverse skill sets, ensuring expertise in various areas. They are also able to provide insights into best practices in schools to ensure they operate more optimally while taking on the responsibility of training staff so the school doesn’t have to. On the other hand, internal teams may be limited by their expertise and the resources available to handle complex IT challenges.
Cost-effectiveness
Apart from a wealth of knowledge and expertise, external service providers offer predictable monthly costs, potentially leading to overall savings when compared to internal IT staff salaries and the required training expenses. Additionally, internal IT teams may require extra hardware, software licenses, and ongoing maintenance costs that an external provider already possesses or may have recommended as part of your IT plan.
Scalability and flexibility
Outsourced managed IT services are designed to easily scale up or down to accommodate changes in your school’s size and subsequent technology-based needs. While internal IT teams might require additional hiring or face challenges adapting to rapid growth or new technology adoption, an external provider can immediately offer the services required, regardless of how fast your school grows and your technology needs change.
Response time
Where a staff member may have conflicting priorities and cannot immediately attend to day-to-day IT issues, an outsourced education MSP is available 24/7 and can offer the quickest, most effective solution, ensuring the least amount of downtime.
What issues does an education Managed IT Service Provider solve?
Here are just a few of the most common issues that education MSPs help schools overcome –
Technical difficulties
24/7 help desk support assists with various technical issues, from software glitches to hardware malfunctions. This immediate assistance minimises downtime and ensures that staff can continue their work without prolonged interruptions.
Software and application support
Staff often encounter difficulties with software applications essential to their roles. Help desk support provides guidance and troubleshooting for these applications, ensuring that teachers and administration staff can utilise their tools effectively and efficiently.
Network connectivity problems
An education MSP provides teachers with the confidence that technology will work in the classroom, and not disrupt lessons – enabling them to try new things for the benefit of the students.
Network issues severely disrupt school operations, and since teachers have preplanned lessons based on a specific curriculum and timeline, disruptions to a class may mean that learners fall behind. A help desk provides immediate support for connectivity problems, ensuring that staff maintain access to the internet and internal networks necessary for their work.
Security incidents
IT help desk support is crucial in addressing security incidents such as malware infections, phishing attacks, and other cybersecurity threats. They can guide teachers and administrative staff on immediate actions to take and initiate further security measures to protect the business.
User access and permissions
Managing user access and permissions can be complex, especially in larger schools. IT help desk support assists with issues related to login difficulties, password resets, and access permissions, ensuring teachers and administration staff have the necessary access to perform their duties.
Email and communication problems
Email and communication tools are vital for daily operations. IT help desk support assists with issues such as email configuration, troubleshooting sending/receiving problems, and ensuring that communication platforms are functioning correctly.
Data backup and recovery
In case of data loss, IT help desk support can guide the recovery process, ensuring that critical school data is restored quickly and accurately, thereby minimising the impact on operations.
Software Installation and Updates
Keeping software up to date is essential for security and functionality. Help desk support assists with the installation of new software and updates, ensuring that all systems are current and secure.
Specialised Managed IT services for schools
By outsourcing IT management, schools can access specialised expertise and technology without the need to maintain and pay for a large in-house IT department. This approach can lead to improved efficiency, better security, and significant cost savings.
We understand that navigating IT management can be complex and resource-intensive, diverting your attention away from trying new things and excelling at education. Our Managed IT Services are specifically designed for schools, to provide scalable and cost-effective IT solutions that prevent technology from disrupting learning. Our Managed IT Services include –
- Crafting IT roadmaps that seamlessly integrate technology with your school’s vision.
- Optimising networks for speed and security, while monitoring and maintaining them to prevent downtime.
- Protecting your data with advanced threat detection and response cybersecurity measures.
- Offering comprehensive 24/7 Service Desk support
As IT and cybersecurity experts for schools, NetStrategy is trusted by nearly 400 of the country’s leading educational institutions to manage, organise and protect their data and IT infrastructure. Contact a member of our team today to see how our Managed IT Services can benefit your school, starting today.