IT Capability Framework

How We Help Organisations Get More from Their IT

Most managed IT services focus on keeping systems running, resolving issues and maintaining a basic level of security. That work is essential – but on its own it limits what technology can contribute to the organisation.

Manx Technology Group uses an IT Capability Framework to guide how IT is supported, reviewed and improved over time. The model starts with strong operational foundations and security, and builds upwards into productivity, optimisation and strategic enablement – ensuring each layer is strong enough to support the next.

By working in this way, IT moves beyond day-to-day operations and becomes a capability that supports confidence, better decision-making and longer-term objectives, rather than simply a cost to be controlled.

IT Capability Framework

Level 5

Strategic Enablement

Level 4

Operational Optimisation

Level 3

Collaboration & Productivity

Level 2

Security & Business Continuity

Level 1

Technology Essentials

Level 1 : Technology Essentials

Technology Essentials

01

Level 1 consists of the essential IT services every business needs to operate reliably.

User and identity management – User accounts, licensing and access are set up, managed and removed in a controlled, auditable way throughout their lifecycle.
Device provisioning and management – Laptops, desktops and other endpoints are configured, secured and managed consistently from day one.
Patching and monitoring baselines – Operating systems and supported applications are kept up to date, with proactive monitoring to identify issues early.
Core cloud platform administration – Microsoft 365 and associated cloud services are administered, governed and kept aligned with best practice.
Site infrastructure and connectivity – Networks, internet connectivity and on-site infrastructure are managed to provide stable, secure access.
Email, domain and DNS management – Core services such as email flow, domains and DNS are maintained to ensure reliability and trust.
Application deployment and access – Business applications are deployed and access is managed securely and consistently.
Data and document management – Files and data are stored, accessed and managed in a structured, supportable way.

This is the baseline every organisation needs. Without it, higher-level improvements are fragile and short-lived.

Level 2 : Security & Business Continuity

We take a layered approach to security and business continuity – all designed to reduce risk without slowing your people down.

Security & Business Continuity

02

Level 2 is about protecting against threats and ensuring resilience in the face of disruptions.

Endpoint protection and threat detection – Devices are protected against malware and advanced threats, with active monitoring and response.
Secure network design and firewalls – Networks are segmented and protected to reduce attack surface and limit the impact of incidents.
Backup and recovery readiness – Data and systems are backed up and monitored so recovery is possible when failures or incidents occur.
Identity and access controls – Multi-factor authentication, Conditional Access and least-privilege access are enforced to reduce compromise risk.
Email and domain protection – Controls are applied to protect email domains from spoofing, impersonation and abuse.
Security awareness and phishing resilience – Users are supported with training and controls to reduce the likelihood of successful attacks.
Vulnerability management – Weaknesses are identified, prioritised and addressed as part of ongoing operations.
Continuous monitoring – Infrastructure and security signals are monitored to detect issues before they escalate.

This layer turns reliability into resilience – ensuring disruption does not become business impact.

Level 3 : Collaboration & Productivity

We help you make the most of Microsoft 365, SharePoint, secure remote access, and mobile tools – so your teams can collaborate fluidly, whether they’re in the office, at home, or on the move.

Collaboration & Productivity

03

Level 3 enables your team to collaborate, communicate, and get work done – from anywhere.

Microsoft 365 collaboration tools – Teams, SharePoint, OneDrive and related services are structured and managed to support everyday collaboration.
Remote and hybrid working enablement – Users can work securely from different locations without compromising control.
Backup and recovery readiness – Data and systems are backed up and monitored so recovery is possible when failures or incidents occur.
Mobile device and application management – Corporate and approved mobile devices are managed to protect data while supporting mobility.
Telephony and meeting integration – Voice, meetings and conferencing are integrated into the wider collaboration platform.
Consistent email signatures and branding – Communication standards are applied centrally to maintain professionalism and compliance.
Third-party application support – Business-critical applications are supported and vendor relationships coordinated where required.

At this stage, IT removes friction from how people collaborate and communicate.

Level 4 : Operational Optimisation

MTG helps you monitor system performance, manage IT lifecycles, support compliance, and introduce automation – aligning your IT environment with the needs of the business.

Operational Optimisation

04

Level 4 is optimisation through efficiency, performance, and alignment with best practices.

Performance and trend analysis – Systems are reviewed over time to identify bottlenecks, risks and improvement opportunities.
Technology Business Reviews – Regular reviews provide visibility of performance, lifecycle planning and emerging priorities.
Compliance and assurance support – Controls and evidence are aligned to regulatory, insurance and assurance requirements.
Data governance and protection – Information is classified, protected and managed in line with organisational policy.
Data loss prevention controls – Measures are applied to reduce the risk of accidental or inappropriate data disclosure.
Automation and AI guidance – Opportunities to improve efficiency through automation and AI are identified and introduced in a controlled way.

This is the stage where IT earns organisational confidence – not by promise, but by evidence, visibility and consistent outcomes.

Level 5 : Strategic Enablement

We guide innovation, help define your digital roadmap, support process automation, and unlock insights through data – helping you use IT to shape what comes next.

Strategic Enablement

05

At Level 5 technology becomes a driver of innovation and unlocks competitive advantage.

Strategic IT planning – Technology roadmaps are aligned with business goals and future direction.
Digital transformation support – Processes and systems are reviewed to enable better ways of working.
Business system integration – Critical applications are connected and aligned to reduce friction and duplication.
Cloud and cost modelling – Cloud usage and costs are planned and reviewed to support sustainable growth.
Insight and intelligence enablement – Data is better positioned to support reporting, insight and decision-making.
Emerging technology advisory – AI, automation, IoT and other technologies are explored pragmatically, not speculatively.

At this level, IT supports change, growth and competitive advantage rather than simply operations. When the lower layers are stable and governed, technology can focus on what comes next.

How ITaaS Is Delivered

Now that you understand what’s included and how we approach IT, the next step is seeing how ITaaS is delivered in practice. This includes how your environment is brought up to MTG’s standard, how onboarding is handled, and how the service operates day to day with ongoing review and governance.

How ITaaS Is Delivered

When IT Becomes a Competitive Advantage

Reliable IT is expected. What sets leading organisations apart is how far they take it.

Manx Technology Group works with organisations that want more than operational support – providing the structure, visibility and guidance required to operate at higher levels of maturity.

If that reflects where your organisation is headed, we should talk.

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