In today's digital world, having reliable and efficient IT infrastructure is crucial for the success of any business. Housing associations, in particular, face unique challenges when it comes to managing their IT systems. This blog will explore how managed IT services can help housing associations overcome these challenges and reap the benefits of reliable and efficient IT infrastructure.
What are Managed IT Services?
Managed IT services are a form of IT support where an external provider takes on the responsibility of managing a company's IT infrastructure. This differs from traditional IT support where an in-house IT team handles all aspects of IT management. For housing associations, Managed Service Providers (MSPs) can provide comprehensive IT services at a fraction of the cost of an in-house IT team, as well as result in a number of other advantages.
Benefits of Managed IT Services for Housing Associations
Managed IT services offer a range of benefits for housing associations, including:
1. Cost Savings: Managed IT services can help housing associations save money by providing predictable, flat-rate pricing with no unexpected IT expenses. It also removes the need to hire expensive IT specialists internally, which is particularly difficuly currently with the tech skills shortage. This can help housing associations free up their budget to invest in other areas of their business.
2. Access to Expertise: Managed IT services provide housing associations with access to a team of experts with specialised knowledge. The technical expertise provided by MSPs can help housing associations in many ways. MSPs can advise housing associations on the latest technologies that could optimise existing systems, such as cloud computing, virtualisation and artificial intelligence. This enables housing associations to reduce costs and increase efficiency without having to reconfigure existing processes or purchase expensive hardware.
Additionally, MSPs can assist in the implementation of new technology and integrating it into existing systems. This includes helping with development and testing of new software, setting up secure networks for remote working environments or deploying cloud-based platforms to store sensitive data securely.
Furthermore, MSPs can provide ongoing maintenance and support services to ensure that the system remains secure and up-to-date. MSPs can also help with improving communication between tenants and landlords using digital tools, enabling efficient management of property portfolios while reducing time spent administering paperwork. Additionally, they can help with automating rental payment processes, which further increases efficiency whilst providing an added layer of security for both tenants and landlords alike.
3. Improved Uptime and Reliability: Managed IT services can help improve uptime and reliability for housing associations through proactive monitoring and maintenance, regular software and hardware updates, and faster response times to IT issues. Managed IT services providers can monitor and maintain a housing association's IT infrastructure to ensure that it is functioning optimally. This can help to minimise downtime and improve uptime and reliability, allowing housing associations to operate smoothly and efficiently.
4. Improved Security: MSPs can help housing associations to strengthen their security by providing advice on the latest security measures and best practices. These could include the implementation of two-factor authentication, secure networks for remote access and the deployment of cloud-based platforms to store sensitive data securely.
They can provide ongoing maintenance services such as monitoring for suspicious activity and patching any identified vulnerabilities, as well as help with implementing encryption protocols to ensure that tenant and landlord data is kept safe from unauthorised access. Finally, they can offer advice on relevant laws and regulations to ensure compliance with local legislation.
Conclusion
Managed IT services offer a range of benefits for housing associations, from cost savings and access to expertise to improved uptime, reliability, and security. By partnering with a managed IT services provider, housing associations can improve their IT infrastructure and stay competitive in today's market.
Why Advanced?
We provide mission-critical services and support that helps our customers focus on their core activity while accelerating and transforming digitally.
By outsourcing services to Advanced, organisations can free capacity to rapidly adapt to the changing user needs users and market fluctuations.
“We now save huge amounts of time, boosting productivity and profitability on each case.” Charlotte Corbyn, Taylor Rose Solicitors
At Advanced, we understand that every industry faces unique challenges and requires tailored IT services to meet specific needs. With extensive cross-sector experience, Advanced are able to support, design, implement and manage your IT environment and empower your organisation. Learn more about our IT Services for Housing Associations.
