Do you want to take your business one step further? Managed service providers are the answer. Managed service providers offer a multitude of services, from networking and infrastructure to security support services. Managed service agreements can be tailored depending on what the customer needs. Managed service providers have been around for many years but recently have seen an uptick in popularity because they provide the benefits that today’s businesses require. In this guide, we will explore what Manages Services Providers are, who might choose them, the different types of Managed IT Service Providers available, and the benefits of using one, and how to choose an ideal one for yourself.

What does a Managed Service Provider mean?

Managed Service Providers (MSPs) provide an alternative to having in-house IT departments or needing on-site help. Managed services providers offer the benefits of reduced costs and expertise that companies need today while still allowing businesses to focus on their core competencies. Managed service agreements are tailored for each customer based upon what they require from the service provider. They can provide services from their facility or provide them over a cloud.

What all services do they provide?

MSPs provide a wide range of services. Remote IT support can help companies with remote support, networks and infrastructure, security, software as a service (SaaS), wireless & mobile computing, communication services or data analytics. They will tailor these types of agreements to your company’s needs based upon what you require from them.

Managed service agreement

Like all other agreements, a Managed Service Agreement defines what services are being provided. Managed Service Agreements represent the types of equipment to be serviced, how it is supported and any other requirements for each organization involved in this agreement.

For example:

A company may have a Managed Network & Infrastructure Agreement that’s tailored towards their IT infrastructure needs. They can look at what they need from an MSP and then agree on those specific demands. This could include everything from servers, computers or mobile devices to networking equipment like routers or switches along with wired or wireless connectivity between them all and the software running on these devices within your network environment. The Managed Services Provider will monitor bandwidth usage across different departments for optimal performance, among many other things which you probably don’t have expertise or time for.

Who all might avail of the services of an MSP?

Outsourced IT support might be a good choice for companies with little or no IT expertise on staff. An MSP can be chosen even as an extended unit to the already existing in-house IT department. Managed service providers offer to take care of all your business’s needs around technology and information systems, from security, networking, hardware support, and software management & monitoring.

Types of Managed Service Providers

1) Networks and Infrastructure

It entails managing and monitoring all aspects of your connectivity, including network infrastructure, security systems and remote access. Managed service providers also support your company’s server environment on-site or remotely, depending upon your organization’s needs.

2) Security

This ensures the security of your systems and data from unauthorized access and protects your systems from viruses, malware, and other cyber threats. Managed service providers make sure that all updates are implemented and install security software to help keep the system safe.

3) Support Services

They provide off-site support through a remote help center. Managed service providers offer your employees around-the-clock support to get help whenever needed. Managers can monitor what is occurring on their end in real-time, which means issues are solved faster and more efficiently.

4) Cloud Infrastructure

A Managed Service Provider offers virtualization and on-demand services. If your organization is interested in cloud computing, this could be a good option for you because managed service providers provide the infrastructure needed to set up a private cloud. Managers don’t have to worry about purchasing hardware or software licenses that they may not use; instead, MSP takes care of all of that for them.

5) Software as a Service (SaaS)

Software as a Service is delivered through the Internet and allows organizations to use pre-configured applications without installing them on computers. Managed service providers can provide this type of software for your organization, which means you don’t have to worry about upgrading or maintaining it yourself.

6) Many more Services

Other services include wireless and mobile computing, communication services and data analytics. Managed service providers can help with all of these, which means you don’t have to worry about them or spend time researching what might be best for your company’s needs.

Managed Service Provider Benefits:

1) Cost Reduction

Manage your IT infrastructure without high upfront costs or taking the time to find the right solution for your company’s needs. An MSP can provide you with a customized IT infrastructure that meets all of your requirements while saving money and reducing complexity in the process.

2) Cultivate your Core Competency

Manage your IT infrastructure so you can focus on what’s essential to grow and scale your business.

3) Scalable

With the growth of the business, IT needs will also rise. An in-house IT team might not be competent to do this, but an MSP would be able to tackle this issue with its expertise and experience.

4) Quick and Real-time Support

The support of the Managed Service Providers is no less than a boon. Availing of their services ensures that you receive support for your issue, no matter the time or nature of the problem occurred.

Things to Consider before choosing a Managed Service Provider

The Managed Service Provider you select should be able to offer services that fit your business needs. Be sure to consider factors like services offered, security, the expertise of Managed Service Provider team, customer service, including response time and quality of support.

Start Right

Get Professional Help from ITsGuru on how to get started and the right way to do so. Getting a Managed Service Provider is a big step and getting the right provider is pertinent as this step is the difference between smooth functioning and a disaster. So start right with the help of professionals at ITsGuru with years of experience in the industry.