An increasing number of businesses are choosing to outsource tasks to managed IT services . There is a good reason for this trend. Working with a managed IT service provider (MSP) can decrease a company’s IT costs by 40% and increase productivity by 50-60%.
However, managed services are not always a one-size-fits-all solution. There are many different types of managed IT services that support varying business goals. This is why partnering with the right MSP is important. Most MSPs will offer a few different types of managed services , but they may or may not have the one you need.
In this article, we’ll list 7 different managed service types, explore how each one functions, and what it can do for your organization.
1. Managed IT Support
What is it?
A managed IT support service does the same work as an internal tech support team. Their duties may include troubleshooting, system monitoring, or IT support outside business hours.
Most managed support services will monitor your helpdesk and work with clients or staff members to resolve their IT issues. Usually, managed support will include patching any discovered issues and upgrading software as necessary.
Benefits
Managed support is the most common reason why companies hire an MSP. Many small to mid-sized businesses do not have sufficient internal resources to cover their IT support needs. An MSP that offers managed IT support can fill this gap.
Outsourcing support to an MSP will also provide plenty of cost savings on overhead. Generally, paying an MSP based on their contract is more cost-effective than paying internal employees a regular wage.
2. Managed Cybersecurity
What is it?
Managed security services provide 24/7 protection of your sensitive data. Managed cybersecurity providers may offer vulnerability scans, malware detection, disaster recovery , or cybersecurity training.
A consultant from your MSSP (managed security service provider) monitors your network traffic and antivirus tools. If a threat is detected, the MSSP consultant will neutralize the threat and patch the exploited vulnerability for you.
Benefits
In 2021, the number of enterprise security breaches increased by 27.4% . Now more than ever, companies need a high level of protection and cybersecurity experts who stay on top of hacker trends.
When you outsource your cybersecurity to an MSP, top-notch experts who have spent their careers following cybersecurity trends will protect you. You will save time and resources on threat detection and employee upskilling.
3. Managed Network and Infrastructure
What is it?
There is some cross-over between managed IT infrastructure & network services and managed cybersecurity. Both types of MSP heavily focus on security and network traffic monitoring.
However, this type of MSP extends the scope of their service beyond cybersecurity. They will take full responsibility for all aspects of your infrastructure management .
A managed network provider will install and maintain your network connections, including your LAN, WAPs, and VPN. In most cases, they will also find data storage and backup solutions for these networks.
Benefits
Managed infrastructure and network providers are ideal for companies with a robust network and complex security needs. They will help you find the most cost-effective infrastructure solutions that meet your requirements.
Expertly managed networks are less susceptible to cyberattacks. Trusting an MSP to monitor, maintain, and continuously update all of your networks keeps your network vulnerabilities to a minimum.
4. Managed Cloud Services
What is it?
Cloud – based data is more secure and more accessible to a wide range of users. However, planning an effective cloud strategy that keeps your information secure without sacrificing accessibility takes some skill.
If you’re new to the cloud, managed cloud service providers can help you map out your cloud infrastructure . Once your data is in the cloud, the MSP will continue to provide services , including data migration, server maintenance, and storage.
Benefits
Managed cloud service providers are becoming increasingly in demand as more companies move their data to the cloud. Outsourcing cloud management to people who are already cloud experts is usually more time and cost-efficient than upskilling internal staff.
The level of service that cloud MSPs provide may extend to cybersecurity and network monitoring. Most cloud service providers will manage your cloud security and monitor your bandwidth usage to prevent network slowdowns.
5. Managed Software as a Service (SaaS)
What is it?
A managed SaaS provider provides software programs or tools your employees can use throughout your agreement timeline. These software tools may or may not have been designed by the MSP. For example, a managed SaaS provider may promote their own CRM or an external one like Salesforce.
Typically, the MSP will offer you a subscription to the program and consultation as you implement and use it. You will usually have a specific point of contact to reach out to if you face any challenges using their provided program.
Benefits
Working with a managed SaaS consultant can help you find the best software tools for your budget. Although many consultants will focus on promoting specific products, good ones are also knowledgeable about the industry and will give you insightful information about your options.
Managed SaaS providers are usually open to negotiation and may offer product subscription deals. If you already have a software tool in mind, finding an MSP who promotes that tool might be an excellent way to get more bang for your buck out of it.
6. Managed On-Site Services
What is it?
Also known as managed field services , managed on-site service providers visit your office to help you with your hardware. The most common reason why a company hires managed on-site services is for desktop and monitor maintenance. However, most MSPs can extend their service to all your operating systems .
Some on-site MSPs specialize in a specific type of hardware. For example, managed print services focus on the health and energy efficiency of your printers. Other on-site MSPs specialize in the health, security, and maintenance of mobile devices .
Benefits
An ongoing contract with an on-site MSP is more cost-effective than hiring a hardware repair company whenever an issue arises. Repairs will also happen comparatively quicker because you’ll know exactly who to call and when they’re available.
Additionally, having a relationship with an on-site managed service provider will decrease the number of repairs you need. The MSP will provide ongoing maintenance of your equipment and spot issues before they affect your business.
7. Managed Communication
What is it?
A managed communications provider can create, monitor, and maintain your messaging systems. Typically, managed communication services focus on video and voice over IP (VoIP) , but many will also support your chat-based instant messaging features.
Generally, communication MSP will establish a centralized contact center and manage all of your communication channels from that center. Types of managed communication services include:
- Email monitoring
- Answering a phone
- Collecting fax machine messages
- Monitoring your instant chat widget on your website
Benefits
The main benefit of managed communications is that your employees or customers can access all of your communication channels through one login. They would not need different credentials for your email, video conferencing, chat, or anything else.
Another significant benefit of communication MSPs is that you can be sure that there will always be someone monitoring your lines of communication. Many managed communication providers offer 24/7 service so customers can easily interact with your company outside business hours.
What Types of IT Managed Services are Best for You?
Your business goals are unique and constantly evolving, so the types of managed services you need may change.
Kearns Technology (KTI) is your one-stop shop for a wide range of flexible and extendible managed services. With us, you can access several types of managed IT services all in one partnership. Everything in your network, from your cloud data to your cybersecurity plan and business communication, is safe with our experts.
For new initiatives, KTI partners can get customized software application development from our sister company, Dapphaus .
Contact KTI to learn more about how our suite of managed services can benefit your organization.
Featured image credits: Tima Miroshnichenko