MSPs (Managed Service Providers): What does it mean?

What is an MSP or MSPs?

MSPs, or Managed Service Providers are companies that provide IT services and solutions to other businesses. Basically, MSPs handle and take care of all your IT infrastructure, systems, and technology so that you can focus on the main part of your business without getting worried about your IT infrastructure needs. Whether you are a small business or a big company, MSPs can help you leverage technology and stay competitive in the market.

Features of MSPs

• Services:

MSP manages and provides all types of IT services as per the needs of the client. It may include network management, server management, cloud services, cybersecurity, data backup & recovery, helpdesk support, or it can be the whole IT infrastructure.

• Proactive Strategy:

MSP follows a proactive approach towards IT management. They follow the concept that “prevention is better than cure,” and thus they constantly monitor and manage the IT infrastructure so that no problem occurs rather than acting later when the problem has occurred.

• Security & Compliance:

MSP provides robust cybersecurity and data protection to businesses and ensure that they are following the compliance rules and regulations of the industry.

• Data Backup & Recovery:

MSP provides data backup and recovery services. At the time of any data loss or any IT issues, they are preplanned for recovery measures.

• Subscription & Billable Hour Model:

Most MSPs follow the subscription model, where the business pays regular subscription fees on a monthly basis and the MSP manages the IT infrastructure all year and beyond. Some MSPs also use billable hour model, where fees is paid on total billable hours.

• PSA & RMM:

Usually, MSPs use PSA and RMM software to manage and monitor IT systems remotely. With the help of these softwares, they can check the system’s health and detect any issues or errors if they arise.

• Cost Reduction:

With the help of an MSP, businesses can lower their IT costs. The MSPs are specialized in IT management, and you just need to pay subscription fees. On the other hand, if you don’t use MSP, then you will have to hire various IT professionals specializing in various tasks on a salary basis; you will also have to spend money on training them, and it will be more expensive.

How a Managed Service Provider (MSP) is different from a Cloud Service Provider (CSP)

MSPs and cloud service providers both provide IT services, but they serve different purposes and are specialized in different areas. The cloud service provider offers companies cloud computing resources over the internet and not on-premises, and on the other hand, MSP focuses on managing and maintaining the whole IT infrastructure of the company, which may include on-premises, cloud-based, or hybrid-based. MSP may work with a variety of cloud service providers to help their clients integrate the cloud services into their overall IT environment. Using a cloud service can be part of an IT infrastructure, and an MSP manages the whole IT infrastructure.