I came across an interesting article in the New York Times about the growth of the Managed Services Provider industry here in the United States. In the article, it paints an interesting spin on the idea that the small business owner is taking some direction from corporate America - outsourcing their IT needs to MSPs. In the corporate world, large multinational enterprises have been leveraging the benefits of a global economy to help reduce operational expenses. The New York Times describes how small businesses are leveraging a similar model to support their IT infrastructures via outsourcing buy using local companies.

I found this article interesting because Artis IT operates in the managed services provider space. As a full-service information technology solutions provider, Artis IT can help small businesses offset the expense associated with running and operating their IT networks. By leveraging a IT managed services provider, a small business can reduce its human resource overhead and increase the amount of subject matter expertise available. This is primarily based on the MSP’s collective ability; what resources does the MSP have at its discretion. Therefore, my advice to small business owners, is to do your homework when considering a managed services provider. Check their references, ask for credentials and certifications, and by all means, use your gut instinct! All in all, managed IT services can be a great way to save money for small business owners.