Telstra Business launches Telstra’s Managed IT Services - a first-of-its kind offering from the Australian telco industry to help small-mid sized businesses boost productivity and security

The new offering is designed as a one-stop shop for businesses with up to 500 employees to help them simplify their tech by bringing together a complete suite of essential IT services including IT support, security and maintenance into a single package.

Today, Managed Services is a $5b market serviced by thousands of providers with many of them providing some of what small businesses need, but not all. Yet research shows small and medium a recent survey we undertook indicates that small and medium businesses prefer to work with 1-2 partners for all their technology and connectivity needs and are increasingly seeking integrated, predictable IT support to keep staff productive whether they’re on the road, in the office or on site. 

Around half also agreed that support from external IT experts helps them focus more on running their business. 

Telstra Business Executive, Nick Handley, said: “Australian businesses are telling us the same thing: technology has become harder to manage, not easier. Complexity is growing, expectations are rising and security is no longer a nice to have, it’s essential. While every small business has a telco partner, many don’t have in‑house IT support, which leads to extra complexity, security risks and unpredictable costs to their business.”

Businesses can choose from a Basic, Standard, or Premium bundle of managed services, or a selection of standalone managed services, giving them flexibility to match their needs and budget. All services include a 24/7 service desk. The bundle is aligned to the ACSC Essential 8, which helps businesses strengthen their IT security and reduce risk.

Strengthening security is particularly important given the known challenges small and mid sized business have keeping up with the changing cyber threat landscape. The Victorian Managed Insurance Authority’s research shows that 84% of cyber incidents could have been prevented with at least one of the Essential 8 controls in place. 

The bundle of managed services addresses common pain points for small and medium businesses by providing: