How managed IT services for schools make your life easier

Managed IT services for schools take pressure off of overworked staff while offering you better network reliability and eliminating the stress of ongoing upgrades.  

What you’ll learn from this post:

• A look into IT support for education, what it is, and why it’s important to schools
• Some of the challenges that schools without IT managed services face and their solutions
• Some of the key benefits that managed IT services for education provides
• Reasons schools should consider IT managed services
• How Meter can simplify your school’s IT with our NaaS

What are managed IT services for schools?

Managed IT services for schools are like having a tech team on speed dial. Schools can focus on teaching instead of tech issues, as these services manage the:

• Network
• Security
• Troubleshooting
• Updates

Outsourcing these tasks helps schools avoid the stress of managing it all on their own.

From lesson plans to protecting student data, schools rely on technology daily. Managed IT services keep everything working, helping teachers avoid disruptions during lessons. With reliable IT support for education, schools can breathe easier knowing that tech problems won’t derail the day.

What challenges do schools face without managed IT services?

Many schools have a hard time keeping up with fast technology changes. The result is an overwhelmed IT team. Here are some common challenges schools face without managed IT services.

Limited in-house IT resources

Many universities rely on tech for online classes and campus systems, but not all have large IT teams. Most of the time, schools have a skeleton crew of an IT team. The team is then responsible for handling everything. It's common for teams to apply a "don't fix it 'til it's broken" mindset. Not great when thousands of students and faculty are expecting things to work.

Managed IT support for schools, specifically universities and campuses, step in to bridge that gap. These services provide proactive support, catching problems before they turn into major disruptions.

Instead of scrambling to fix things after the fact, universities can focus on education, while the tech side is handled by experts. It’s a lifesaver for schools that need reliable IT without the complication of managing it all in-house.

Outdated hardware and software

Old hardware and software can be a real pain for schools. With tight budgets, it's not uncommon for schools to hang onto outdated tech far longer than they should. The result? Slow systems, more breakdowns, and a big target for cyberattacks.

Meter provides scalable, up-to-date solutions that keep schools running without breaking the bank. We check for outdated systems, suggest upgrades, and take care of installations so schools stay up-to-date. Plus, Meter’s services keep schools current without big upfront costs for new equipment.

Old tech may seem like a money-saver, but the slowdowns and security risks often end up costing more. Managed services keep everything secure and working well, allowing schools to focus on education.

Increased security risks

Cybersecurity has become one of the biggest headaches for schools, including ransomware attacks. With sensitive data like student records and staff payroll info in their systems, schools have become prime targets for cybercriminals. It’s like putting a big “hack me” sign on their networks.

Without proper monitoring and regular security updates, schools face a much higher chance of falling victim to data breaches or ransomware attacks. A shaky IT setup just makes it worse, leaving the school and its students vulnerable.

IT support for education offers a simple solution to this growing problem. Schools can outsource their IT needs for expert protection. This includes real-time monitoring and regular security updates to block cyber threats. As a bonus, the internal IT team can focus on bigger tasks without worrying about security all the time.

Meter’s managed IT services can help with all of this. Schools receive real-time monitoring, advanced threat detection, and automated security updates. We help keep your data safe from breaches and unauthorized access, so educators don’t have to worry about cyberattack disruptions.

Slow response to tech issues

When tech problems pop up—like a network crash or a software glitch—it can throw the whole school day off. Teachers get stuck playing amateur IT while students sit there waiting, and that’s not helping anyone. Managed IT services for schools tackle this problem by offering fast response times. Instead of leaving teachers frantic, issues get sorted out quickly, so the learning doesn’t stall.

Now, where does Meter come in? We offer managed IT services that include real-time network monitoring and tools that help catch issues early, making troubleshooting easier. If something does go wrong, our support team steps in fast, reducing downtime so classes can keep moving.

Added benefits of outsourcing IT management for schools

Schools that outsource their IT management gain a number of additional benefits.

Cost savings and predictable budgeting

Managed IT support works on a subscription basis, so schools can skip large upfront costs for hardware and software. They pay a set monthly fee that covers all services, making it easier to keep IT costs predictable. Schools with tight budgets get the benefit of stable pricing without the stress of surprise expenses.

Over time, managed IT services provide a strong return on investment (ROI) by reducing unexpected repair costs and extending the lifespan of technology infrastructure. As such, it guarantees that schools get the most out of their tech budgets.

Aside from the predictability, cost savings add up in other ways. Expensive repairs or sudden hardware replacements become a thing of the past, as maintenance and troubleshooting are included in the subscription. No more panic to find funds when the server decides to give up during finals week.

On top of that, schools can focus their budget on other important areas like new educational tools or programs, rather than pouring money into tech emergencies. Not needing a full in-house IT team also cuts down staffing costs. Reliable support, predictable pricing, and no surprise tech bills? It’s a practical choice for schools looking to maximize their resources.

Improved network reliability and performance

With constant network monitoring in place, schools enjoy the peace of mind that comes with reliable systems. Regular monitoring helps keep systems running well and reduces disruptions. A stable network allows teachers to focus on their lessons without getting distracted by tech issues or sluggish Internet.

Nobody wants a lesson interrupted by tech problems. When the network performs as it should, you can expect a flawless learning experience. Teachers can stay focused on teaching, students stay engaged, and everyone avoids the frustration of unexpected glitches.

Focus on education, not technology

Focusing on education instead of wrangling with technology is a no-brainer for schools. Managed IT services help teachers and administrators focus on students instead of fixing tech issues.

Without worrying about technology, staff can focus on teaching and running the school. When IT services take care of the tech, everyone is less frustrated. Reliable support means staff won’t waste time solving tech problems during lessons.

No one wants to become an accidental IT expert when they’re meant to be shaping young minds. Managed services keep the tech in good hands, so teachers can stay focused on students, not servers.

Why schools should consider managed IT services over in-house solutions

While an in-house IT team might seem like a go-to option, managed IT services come with some big advantages that are hard to ignore.

Reduced pressure on internal IT staff

Managed services can feel like a weight has been lifted off the shoulders of an internal IT team. Instead of piling on more tasks like routine updates, monitoring, and security, managed IT services take care of these. The in-house staff now has more time to focus on bigger projects like rolling out new educational tools or upgrading classroom tech.

Faster issue resolution

Nobody enjoys waiting for tech support to swoop in, especially when a class is trying to log in for an online quiz. Managed IT services tend to fix problems faster because they offer around-the-clock support.

With proactive monitoring, many issues are caught and resolved before anyone even notices. Fewer interruptions and faster fixes mean teachers can focus on teaching, not troubleshooting.

Long-term scalability

As schools grow, so does the need for tech support. Managed IT services grow with the school, adapting to new needs without expensive upgrades or extra hires. It's a budget-friendly option that’s much easier than handling everything in-house.

Access to the latest technology

Keeping up with new education tech can be hard, especially for schools with tight budgets and limited resources. Managed IT services give schools access to the latest software, tools, and systems without the trouble of constant updates or research. Instead of dealing with old tech, schools get up-to-date solutions that fit their needs.

AI-driven solutions may be included in these services. Features such as:

• Personalized learning experiences
• Improved administrative processes
• Real-time data analytics to enhance educational outcomes

Managed providers help schools stay current without worrying about falling behind.

It's like hitting a refresh button for your whole system—easy, stress-free, and with the latest tools to help everyone work better. It’s like moving from chalkboards to smartboards but without the hassle of tough decisions.

Disaster recovery planning

Tech disasters are inevitable, but schools don’t need to be caught off guard when they happen. Managed IT services come with solid backup and disaster recovery plans ready to go at a moment’s notice. Instead of rushing to figure out what went wrong, schools have experts ready to resolve the situation.

Disaster recovery planning is something you hope stays in the background, but when things go off track, it’s a relief to have it in place. Schools can rest easy knowing their tech is in good hands, no matter what happens.

Simplify your school’s IT with Meter’s NaaS solution

At Meter, our managed IT services for schools simplify IT management and ensure everything stays on track. Our Network as a Service (NaaS) model provides end-to-end solutions, from hardware setup to ongoing network maintenance. We provide ongoing support, so you're never left without help when you need it.

Schools can move beyond the limits of outdated systems and understaffed IT departments. We specialize in meeting the unique needs of educational environments, offering network setup, continuous monitoring, cybersecurity, and proactive maintenance—all aimed at keeping your school’s technology going strong.

Key features schools can expect from Meter's NaaS solution:

• Scalable infrastructure: We provide flexible network design that grows as your school expands.
• Proactive monitoring: We identify and address issues before they impact the classroom experience.
• Automated security updates: Meter offers DNS security to keep student data safe and protected.
• Expert hardware setup: We manage the installation of switches, access points, and more for an easy setup.
• Continuous support: Meter provides ongoing support to free up your in-house IT team.
• Real-time insights: The Meter dashboard delivers clear reporting to track network performance and health.

Request a demo today and see how Meter can enhance your school’s technology infrastructure.