What is an MSP?
An MSP provides managed services to organizations, typically involving the remote management of their entire IT infrastructure or parts thereof, as outlined in the service-level agreement (SLA) between both parties. Services such as 24×7 monitoring, problem-solving, network security, and IT asset management fall under the scope of MSPs. MSP pricing models are based on pre-agreed terms.
Unlike traditional IT service providers, MSPs tend to take full 360° responsibility for the outsourced services rather than working on a project-by-project basis. You can think of an MSP as an extension of your business, offering expert advice when clients need to make strategic IT decisions. More organizations are choosing MSPs in recent years to mitigate risks and prepare for future technological growth.
The Difference Between an MSP and a Break-Fix Provider
Break-Fix Service Providers
Break-fix providers are ideal for organizations that do not require extensive IT support. They address each issue as a standalone problem. A break-fix provider responds when you experience an issue but does not act proactively. As a result, you remain entirely responsible for the daily operations of your IT environment.
Managed Service Providers (MSP)
The role of an MSP is to proactively ensure that the client's business operates and innovates smoothly 24/7. To achieve this, MSPs:
- Perform routine hardware maintenance to prevent problems
- Provide continuous helpdesk and remote IT support
- Automate security patches and software updates
- Assist with IT consultancy (vCIO).
What Are the Priorities of a Managed Service Provider?
Security is a Priority
MSPs understand that securing a client’s data is their top priority. This is because the entire operation of an MSP depends on the trust clients place in them with their IT infrastructure and data. Any security breach would damage both the client’s and the MSP’s reputation. That’s why MSPs go above and beyond to protect their clients' data by implementing fully managed and layered network security. This prevents cybersecurity threats, ensures business continuity, and avoids data loss. MSPs also play a significant role in data backup and disaster recovery.
Helping Clients Meet Business Needs
The primary goal of an MSP is to prevent problems and ensure business continuity. To achieve this, MSPs implement and manage solutions tailored to their clients' needs, assisting with budgeting, planning (understanding long- and short-term needs), and implementing the latest technologies.
Helping Clients Innovate
For businesses to scale, innovation is essential. Organizations often need to undertake time-consuming, stressful activities like migrating to the cloud or switching software. MSPs can be a blessing in such situations. They save organizations valuable time and resources by managing IT projects, implementing best practices, and offering cost-effective ways to adopt new technologies.