What is a Managed Service Provider?

‘Managed Service’ is a term that is rapidly becoming more prominent in the technology industry, but what does it actually mean?

Put simply, a managed service provider (MSP) is a third-party company that remotely manages IT infrastructure and end-user systems on behalf of your business.

What is involved in being a Managed Service Provider?

A good Managed Service Provider will handle complex, consuming or repetitive work involving the management of your IT infrastructure or end-user systems.

Managed Service Providers typically do the following:

• handle the management of your IT infrastructure

• offer technical support to your staff

• add cybersecurity software to your IT

• manage user access accounts

• handle contract management

• offer compliance and risk management

To engage a Managed Service Provider is to gain the expertise, experience and efficiency of a dedicated IT department.

Services Our Managed Service Providers Offer

Managed Service Providers do not replace your existing staff, rather they complement and free those valuable resources and lead and deliver on the strategic IT programs necessary to advance your businesses goals.

When it comes to IT setup, every business has its own needs and requirements; there is not one single solution to suit every business. For this reason, an MSP will provide many different service options, including:

• Monitoring. Real-time monitoring software for different applications, network devices, servers or websites.

• Remote support. Cloud-based software that supports devices and troubleshoots technical issues remotely.

• Proactive support. Preventative maintenance to stay ahead of any device or network issues that may arise.

• Centralised management. A management console for complex networks, remote monitoring, patch management and security software.

• Scheduled maintenance. Regularly scheduled network maintenance.

Our Managed Services Assist Small & Medium Businesses

The typical Managed Service Provider customer is a Small-Medium sized business. Many smaller companies have limited in-house IT capabilities or often none at all. It is these kinds of businesses that would use a Managed Service Provider as a way to obtain IT expertise.

Small and medium-sized businesses generally hire Managed Service Providers to perform a defined set of day-to-day management services. These services may include network and infrastructure management, security and monitoring.

Larger enterprises may also seek out the services of a Managed Service Provider; budgetary pressures and hiring limitations can leave gaps in large companies that are eased by enlisting the help of a Managed Service Provider.

In these cases, the Managed Service Provider will be brought in to supplement and complement your in-house IT staff, allowing them to focus on more strategic projects.

We Provide End-to-End Managed Services Assessment & Solutions

A typical relationship between a business and a Managed Service Provider will begin with a full on-site assessment. From here a report will be compiled with a full analysis of your current set up, outlining everything from gaps to risks, recommendations and next steps.

If you have ever found yourself concerned about network downtime, cybersecurity risks or whether you are using the best systems and software possible, but don’t have the time to research or implement the solutions yourself, it might be time to look into engaging the help of a Managed Service Provider.

For more information, call us on 1300 350 292, or book an appointment online.