If you’re new to Managed IT Services, the terminology can be confusing! Here is a glossary of the most common terms and acronyms to help you navigate the world of Managed IT!

Business Continuity (BC) – Business continuity ensures that the critical functions of your business will still be able to operate after a crisis, such as a fire, natural disaster, or power outage.

Backup and Disaster Recovery (BDR) – If your business experiences a situation that compromises access to your data, the backup and disaster recovery plan you have in place will allow you to restore your data and get your systems back up and running quickly.

Recovery Time Objective (RTO) – A recovery time objective is the span of time that you need to get your business functioning again after a disaster to ensure business continuity.

Recovery Point Objective (RPO) – A recovery point objective is a designation of what data must be recovered in order for your business to be functional after an unplanned outage. This can help determine how frequently you need to backup your data.

Strategic Business Review (SBR) – An SBR is a periodic review of your business to identify new opportunities and ways to improve your company with new technologies. This review helps determine the path your business should take, and technologies to invest in.

Virtual Chief Information Officer (vCIO) – A CIO is responsible for the management and implementation of a company’s IT infrastructure. However, many companies cannot afford a full-time CIO. A Managed IT Services provider can offer a virtual option also known as a vCIO.

Remote Monitoring Management (RMM) – RMM is a system that a Managed IT provider can use to monitor your systems remotely, in order to help identify and resolve problems quickly.

Network Operations Center (NOC) – The network operations center is where the RMM happens. Here the team monitors your system, making changes and fixes as necessary.

Security Information Event Management (SIEM) – This software helps monitor the security of your IT systems, both in real time and from log files, identifying issues and helping to ensure compliance.

Security Operations Center (SOC) – The SOC is the team that monitors your security and responds to issues that arise.

As a Service (AAS) – Some services can deliver remotely, such as through the cloud, rather than bought outright as a service (AAS). This can include hardware, software, and infrastructure. It is typically paid for based on usage.

Understanding these terms can help you get the most out of your Managed IT Services.