The value of managed services is evident in companies that have a computer department, or even just a specialist. This is especially true for smaller businesses without specialized IT staff. A corrupted computer or an email-based virus that was sent through a joke chainmail can put an entire company or one of its employees out of commission. When things go wrong in industries that are heavily dependent on computers, they need the security of managed IT service. But with budget concerns and the fresh memories of the recession, it is difficult to determine a budget, article source?

This article offers some advice on how to budget for IT managed services.

Calculate your IT budget

Budgeting becomes more important as cutbacks are made, projects delayed, and capital expenses reduced. It is important that businesses find ways for all departments to quickly and easily reduce IT expenses. The spending should be prioritized, similar to personal budgets or company budgets. Businesses should identify the essential services for IT, determine which are not as important and what can wait. Other words, Sally, the receptionist, may need a new computer hard drive, but gaming software is not as urgent.

• Develop an action plans for each department

Write down the top five IT concerns for each department. Meetings with the heads of each department should be scheduled to address current concerns. It will be easier to identify the areas that need improvement and what should be taken into consideration for a more focused approach.

• Develop standard allowances to be used by each department

The need to buy unnecessary software, hardware and IT services will be reduced. Each department can send a report outlining their situation, and why they are in need of the IT services. Considerations like cheaper and open-source alternatives, as well as other options such as free software can all be taken into consideration to find the right course of action.

Working with Quality Management department

It is important to have this department. Alternatively, the department responsible for business can fill this position. If there is an IT department in house, the quality manager will be able to identify improvements that can be made in current working practices. Managers are able to examine current processes, and then select plans that will work for each department.