In this article, we will reveal some important things you need to know about a Managed Service Provider (MSP). We will discuss what an MSP is, uses, types, and the benefits of hiring this provider. Therefore, it services Seattle refers to the technical expertise to ensure all the IT related tasks run smoothly always.
Without further delay, let’s get started…
What are Managed Service Providers?
Managed Service Providers (MSPS) are third-party companies that manage the IT (Information Technology) organization and systems of their clients. This management is done remotely and doesn’t require the provider to be physically in the same location as the client’s business.
MSPs are usually hired by a wide range of clients which include small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs), government agencies, and nonprofit organizations.
The services they provide range from the management of network and infrastructure, network monitoring and security. These services are handled daily to ensure that the clients can pay attention to other areas of the business without having to worry about service interruptions and other technical issues that could affect the work for the day.
Some Managed Service Providers might choose to specialize in certain aspects of information technology. Some of these areas of specialization include data storage and vertical markets like financial services, manufacturing, legal, or healthcare.
They also provide some special kinds of services like data security services or firewall administration. Some of these MSPs can help your organization in the management of printers and will also aid in supplying the necessary consumables needed by your organization.
As we mentioned earlier, all of these services are done remotely via the internet. Hence, the providers don’t have to be in your face to get their jobs done.
What are the Uses of Managed Service Providers?
Like most third-party services, with an MSP, you can enhance the overall operations of your organization. They exist to ensure efficiency as far as IT is concerned.
The most common clients of MSPs are SMBs (Visit https://www.throttlenet.com/blog/technology-news/big-benefits-of-managed-services-providers-for-small-business/ to learn why they are great for your small business). The reason is not far-fetched as these businesses do not have the kind of IT unit that large conglomerates have. Hence, to ensure that they stay relevant in this ever-changing technological world, they have to hire these third-party companies.
When SMBs hire an MSP, the intention of the business owner(s) is to acquire information technology expertise that they do not possess. Hence, they gain counsel and advice in this area that they know little or nothing about.
Although small and medium-sized businesses are known to be the highest customer base of Managed Service Providers; however, larger companies do contact these IT-based companies. Government agencies also contract MSPs to help them with budget issues, hiring problems, etc.
When large companies and government agencies employ these providers, their purpose is to bring about cooperation between the company or agency’s IT unit and that of the hired help. The objective of this cooperation is to bring out better results which the IT unit would be unable to achieve if they were to work alone.
The kind of work done by an MSP is usually repetitive yet complex. Some of their tasks include:
- Providing their client’s staff with technical support
- IT infrastructure management
- User access account management
- Addition of IT cybersecurity software
- Handling contract management
- Providing payroll services
- Risk management and compliance
Types of MSPs
MSP types differ since there are different categorization criteria. Hence, we will look at two major criteria used when categorizing these services:
Types of MSP According to Target Customer Size
This criterion looks at the capacity of the target client the MSP caters to. In this category we have:
1. Pure-play
These are smaller Managed Service Providers that deal majorly with application performance and network monitoring. Hence, they provide reports and alerts mainly.
2. Staffing Legacy
This group focuses on mid-level companies as well as Fortune 500 companies. Click here to learn more about Fortune 500 companies. Hence, their service range is wider and will include monitoring, reporting as well as installation and upgrade of software.
3. High-level
Small as well as large MSPs can fall under this type. With these companies, clients can outsource a lot of IT needs to these providers. They can handle this sort of workload because of the vast service range they offer.
Types of MSP According to Services Provided
This is another way to categorize Managed Service Providers. Here’s a list of the types according to this category:
- Monitoring
- Remote support
- Proactive support
- Centralized management
- Simplified billing
- Scheduled maintenance
Benefits of Hiring a Managed Service Provider
Below are some of the benefits of hiring an MSP:
- Helps with the shortage of staff
- Offers business continuity
- Provides expertise
- Enhances data security
- Boosts cost-efficiency
- Provides continuous network monitoring.
Conclusion
With the aid of an MSP, you can outsource most of your IT needs while you focus on other areas of your business. To ensure that you get the best provider, find out if their specialization suits the project or task at hand.