What Is A Managed IT Service Provider?

A managed IT service provider is a company that helps businesses take care of their computer systems and technology from a remote location.

Today, almost every business uses technology to run smoothly and serve their customers. But when something goes wrong with that technology, it can stop work completely and lead to expensive delays.

One of the best ways to avoid these problems is by hiring a third-party company to manage your IT needs, this is called managed IT services. But how do you know which services are right for you, or what they will cost?

That’s why we’ve created this helpful guide, to make it easier for you to understand your options and choose what’s best for your business.

What Is A Managed IT Service Provider?

A managed IT service provider (MSP) is a third-party company that helps businesses take care of their technology systems from a remote location, usually over the internet.

Many small and mid-sized businesses, nonprofits, and government organisations hire MSPs to handle everyday IT tasks. These can include managing networks, keeping systems secure, and monitoring everything to catch problems early.

By outsourcing these services, companies can focus on their main goals without having to worry about tech issues or unexpected downtime slowing them down.

Some MSPs specialise in specific areas of IT, like data storage or cybersecurity, while others focus on certain industries like healthcare, finance, law, or manufacturing. For example, a managed security service provider might handle things like firewall protection, while a managed print service provider takes care of printers and supplies.

Most of the time, MSPs manage everything remotely, which makes it easier and faster to provide support.

History Of Managed IT Services

In the early days of using computers for business, people followed something called the “break/fix” model. This meant that if a computer broke, a technician would come and fix it, but only after something went wrong. Often, this was the same person who had set up the computer in the first place.

This way of working took a lot of time, cost a lot of money, and made it hard for technicians to help more customers or grow their business without hiring more people and buying more tools.

As more and more computers were used every year, it became too much for technicians to keep up with using the old method.

That’s when managed IT services became popular in the early 2000s. Instead of waiting for problems to happen, this new way focused on checking systems regularly, keeping them updated, and fixing small issues before they became big problems.

This approach helped save time and money, improved customer satisfaction, and made it easier for businesses to offer more services and support more clients. Because of this, managed IT services became the new standard for taking care of computer systems.

What Are Managed IT Service Providers Used For?

Hiring a MSP can help a business or organisation work better.

Smaller businesses often don’t have their own full-time tech team, so they use MSPs to get expert help with their computers and technology. But even bigger groups, like government agencies, sometimes use MSPs when they don’t have enough staff or need to save money.

MSPs take care of the hard, time-consuming, or repetitive tech jobs so the business can focus on what it does best. Here are some of the things MSPs usually do:

• Manage the company’s computer systems and networks.
• Help staff with tech problems.
• Add cybersecurity tools to keep systems safe.
• Set up and manage user accounts.
• Keep track of contracts and important documents.
• Help make sure the company follows rules and stays out of trouble.
• Sometimes even handle payroll.

How Do Managed IT Services Work?

MSPs can include things like watching over the computer network, keeping systems safe from hackers, backing up data, fixing problems, updating software, and helping employees with tech support.

Using managed IT services helps businesses save money and get help from experts, so everything runs smoothly. These services come in different plans, depending on what the company needs.

MSPs can work alongside a company’s own tech team, help with special projects, or just be there when extra support is needed. They also give advice on the best ways to manage technology and take care of things like computers, programs, and systems, either for a short time or as an ongoing part of the team.

What IT Services Are Most Commonly Used?

There are many different jobs you can give to a MSP, depending on what your company needs. To choose the right services, a business should look at how things are working now, find any weak spots, and see where getting help would give the best results.

Here are some popular services businesses often choose:

• Cloud Services: Older companies often work with MSPs to move their data and systems to the cloud. This helps them access information quickly and work more easily from anywhere.
• Managed IT Support: Help Desk services give employees 24/7 tech support. This saves time and helps everyone get more work done, while letting the in-house team focus on more important projects.
• Cybersecurity and Data Backup: MSPs help keep a company’s information safe by adding protection software, training employees on safety, and watching the network for any problems.
• Network and Infrastructure Management: MSPs can set up and manage the company’s computer networks, often using equipment outside of the main office. This saves money and space.
• Regulatory Compliance: Some industries have strict rules for using technology. MSPs can help companies follow these rules and stay up to date.

These are just a few of the services that companies like Shift Computer Solutions specialise in, helping businesses work smarter and safer every day.

What Do Managed IT Service Providers Do?

There are many different technology services that an IT company can offer. Each service helps a business run more smoothly and safely. Some of these services include:

• IT Consulting
• Managing Infrastructure
• Network Services
• Help Desk Support
• Customer IT Support
• Supplying Hardware and Software
• System Design
• Database Administration
• App Development
• Staff Training
• Cybersecurity Services

That’s not the full list, managed IT services can help with almost any tech need a business has. This includes moving to cloud computing or replacing old equipment with newer systems. Some MSPs also focus on helping companies follow important rules in certain industries.

Most of the time, MSPs work remotely over the internet, but some can also visit the company in person if needed. Businesses can team up with MSPs to support their own IT staff by adding special skills or taking care of certain tasks regularly.

This kind of support helps employees get more done, keeps things running smoothly, and can save the company money by reducing problems and avoiding downtime.

What Are The Types Of Managed IT Service Providers?

There are different types of MSPs, and how they are grouped can depend on things like the size of the businesses they help and how much responsibility they take on. Here are three common types:

• Pure-Play MSPs: These are usually smaller companies that focus on watching computer systems and making sure everything is working well. They mostly send alerts and reports when something needs attention.
• Staffing Legacy MSPs: These MSPs often work with medium-sized businesses and very large companies. They offer more services, like watching over systems, sending reports, and helping with installing or updating software.
• High-Level MSPs: These can be small or large companies that offer lots of different services. They allow businesses to let them handle as much of their technology as needed, from small tasks to full IT support.

MSPs can also be grouped by the kind of services they provide. Some examples include:

• Monitoring: These MSPs keep an eye on apps, websites, servers, and network devices in real time to make sure everything is working properly.
• Remote Support: These MSPs use internet-based tools to fix problems on computers or devices without being there in person.
• Proactive Support: These MSPs help prevent problems before they happen by doing regular checkups and updates on systems.
• Centralised Management: These MSPs make it easier to manage large or complex computer systems. They offer tools to track updates, check security, and monitor devices.
• Scheduled Maintenance: These MSPs set up regular times to check and maintain networks so everything runs smoothly.
• Simplified Billing: These MSPs help with sending bills, collecting payments, and keeping track of the technology budget.

Why Partnering With A Managed IT Service Provider Is Essential

Some IT service providers focus on helping certain industries or working with specific types of technology. Hiring one of these trusted experts has many benefits, like giving businesses access to flexible teams and solutions that can grow with them.

It’s hard for a company to build an in-house IT team with every skill needed, especially since technology is always changing. It would cost a lot of money to hire and train people with all the right skills and keep them updated.

That’s why working with MSP is a smart choice. MSPs give businesses access to expert help, tools, and services like cybersecurity, cloud computing, and printer support. This saves money, improves efficiency, and helps companies keep up with new technology.

With this kind of teamwork, businesses can reach their IT goals, work better, and stay strong in today’s digital world. A service level agreement (SLA) makes sure the company gets high-quality support, including remote monitoring and fast help when needed.

By combining all these services with smart tools to automate tasks, businesses can manage their technology more easily and get more done.

What Managed IT Services Should I Choose?

MSPs can help with many different technology jobs, like running your email system or watching your network to keep it safe from online threats. Since they take care of your IT ahead of time, they can stop problems before they happen, making things a lot easier than trying to handle it all yourself.

Today, many businesses rely on managed services to keep everything running smoothly. But when you’re choosing a provider, it’s important to think about what kind of help you really need. You might not need every service they offer, so it’s smart to pick a provider who can customise their support to fit your company.

Here are some important services you might want to consider:

Cybersecurity

Cyberattacks are happening more often, and they can be a real danger to your business. A managed service provider can help protect you and give you peace of mind. They watch for threats, respond quickly to problems, and keep your systems up to date.

To keep your business safe, they use special tools like firewalls, systems that spot and stop attacks, and checks to find weak spots before hackers do. All of this helps make sure your technology stays secure.

Data Backup And Disaster Recovery

If something goes wrong, like a power outage or computer crash, a MSP can help make sure your business doesn’t lose important information or have to stop working for too long.

MSPs offer services to protect your data, like data backup and disaster recovery.

Data backup means making a copy of your important files and saving them in another safe place. That way, if something happens to the original files, you can get them back.

Disaster recovery means getting your systems and data working again after something bad happens, like a fire or a cyberattack.

A managed service provider helps businesses prepare for these situations and recover quickly if disaster strikes.

Cloud Services

Cloud computing means using computer services over the internet. Instead of storing files and running programs on your own computer, you use powerful computers in other locations, called remote servers to do the work for you.

One big benefit of cloud computing is that you can use what you need, when you need it. You only pay for what you use, and you can easily get more or less depending on what your business needs.

Another great thing about cloud computing is that it’s reliable. Your data is backed up, so even if something goes wrong, you can still get to your files when you need them.

If you’re thinking about using cloud services, a MSP can help. They’ll make sure everything works smoothly and can help you fix any problems that come up, so you get the most out of your cloud experience.

Network Infrastructure

A company’s network infrastructure is like the backbone that helps all its computers and devices talk to each other and share information. It’s a very important part of how a business runs.

If the network is planned and set up the right way, it can help the business succeed and stay ahead of the competition. But if it’s not, the business might fall behind.

There are different ways to set up a network. It can be located in the office (on-premises), use the internet to connect everything (cloud-based), or be a mix of both (hybrid). The best choice depends on what the business needs and how complicated its systems are.

MSPs can help a lot with this. They can design, set up, and take care of the network to make sure it works well and supports the business in the best way.

The Benefits Of Managed IT Services

Managed services offer many benefits to businesses, like giving them access to a team of experts who know a lot about technology. When a company decides to get help from an outside provider, it’s important to think about what they want to achieve.

If the goal is to fix or improve one specific part of the business, it’s smart to work with a MSP that specialises in that area. But if the business might need more help in the future, it’s a good idea to partner with a full-service MSP, one that can support many different needs and help the business grow over time.

Benefit 1: Cost Savings

One of the biggest benefits of using managed services is saving money. It costs a lot less than hiring a big team of full-time workers to do the same jobs.

But the savings don’t stop there. With fewer tech problems and better support for employees, businesses can help their customers faster and better. This makes customers happier and happy customers often mean more money for the business.

Benefit 2: Increased Productivity

When a company works with a MSP, the MSP takes care of certain jobs so the company’s own tech team doesn’t have to.

This means the internal IT team doesn’t have to spend time on simple tasks, like helping people reset passwords or fixing small problems. Instead, they can focus on more important projects. Because of this, they can come up with new ideas and get things done faster and better.

Benefit 3: Improved Business Continuity

With proactive services, your company can avoid long delays when something goes wrong. If there’s a problem, like a system crash or data loss, your MSP can fix it quickly and get everything working again.

When systems are down, it can cost the company a lot of money and make customers unhappy. That’s why it’s important to fix issues fast and keep everything running smoothly.

Benefit 4: Specific Expertise

An MSP can give your company access to the right experts for each type of tech job. For example, if you need a programmer for a project, they’ll have someone with that skill. If you need help with computer systems and networks, they’ll have someone who knows all about that too.

Not all tech experts know the same things, so it’s helpful to have different specialists available. This gives your company more flexibility to start and manage different kinds of projects successfully.

Outcomes Of Proactive IT

Finding problems early and giving advice on how to fix them helps businesses plan better, set priorities, and manage their budget more wisely.

Doing regular check-ups and maintenance helps catch issues before they become big problems. This kind of preventative planning keeps everything running smoothly.

Proactive support means the MSP warns you about new problems and quickly takes action to protect your business.

Because MSPs look at your business from the outside, they can often spot hidden issues or things that slow you down.

They can also suggest new or better technology to help you work faster and save money. That’s why if you want better results, choose Shift Computer Solutions to help you stay ahead.

Disadvantages Of Managed IT Services

While MSPs offer many great benefits, it’s important to know there can be a few downsides too. Understanding both the good and the bad can help you make the best choice when picking a service and provider.

Disadvantage 1: Culture Fit

The people who work at your MSP might team up with your own IT staff or just help with certain projects. Even though they’re experts, they might not know a lot about your company or the kind of work you do. They also might not fit in perfectly with your team’s way of working or company style.

Disadvantage 2: Decreased Internal Knowledge

If you let an MSP handle a whole process for your company, you might not have anyone on your team who fully understands how it all works. That’s why it’s smart to have at least one person on staff who knows the process well, even if they’re not working on it every day. This helps keep things on track and makes sure everything runs smoothly.

How Shift Computer Solutions Deals With Disadvantages

Whilst these disadvantages do seem concerning, we get to know our clients well. We also find that clients benefit from a strong cultural alignment and typically have no internal IT staff, making our external expertise essential.

What Is The Pricing Model For Managed IT Service Providers?

MSPs usually charge for their services in a few different ways:

• Per-device pricing: The company pays a set amount for each device, like a computer or phone, that the MSP takes care of.
• Per-user pricing: The company pays a set amount for each person using the service, even if that person uses more than one device.
• All-inclusive pricing: Also called the “all-you-can-eat” model, this means one flat fee covers all the IT support and services the company needs.
• Tiered pricing: The company can pick a bundle or package of services that works best for them. This is a popular choice for many MSPs.
• Monitoring-only pricing: The MSP just watches the company’s systems and sends alerts if something goes wrong, without offering full support.

What Type Of Industries Are Suited For Managed IT Services?

MSPs can help businesses in all kinds of industries. Big companies can use them to add extra support to their tech teams, while smaller businesses often rely on MSPs for full IT help if they don’t have their own team.

Some MSPs focus on certain types of software or industries, and many are experts in things like cybersecurity and managing computer systems.

Managed IT services offer a lot of great benefits, like help with cloud services and other tech tools. But it’s also important to think about possible challenges—like whether the MSP fits well with your company’s style or if your team will lose some hands-on knowledge by outsourcing.

Thinking about these things will help you make smart choices and find the right MSP for your business needs.

How To Find A Managed IT Service Provider

Choosing the right MSP is very important if you want to get the most out of outsourcing your tech needs. Here are some easy steps to help you find the best one for your business:

• Figure out what you need: Make a list of the specific services your business needs help with.
• Look for MSPs: Search online, check directories, and ask other businesses for recommendations.
• Check their reputation: Look for certifications, read reviews, and see what other customers say about them.
• Compare their technology: Make sure they use modern tools and have strong partnerships with trusted tech companies.
• Ask about security: Make sure they take cybersecurity seriously and keep up with the latest threats.
• Check their support: See if they’re available during emergencies and communicate regularly.
• Read the details: Carefully go over contracts and service level agreements (SLAs), and ask for demos or proposals to compare prices and services.

Following these steps will help you find an MSP with the right skills and support to meet your business needs.

You can even start your search with Shift Computer Solutions, a trusted partner in managed IT services.

How To Choose A Managed IT Service Provider

Choosing a MSP is different for every company. You should look for MSPs that have the right skills and a good reputation. Picking the right one is a lot like hiring a new team member, you want someone who understands your needs and can help you reach your goals.

For example, if you need help with backing up data and recovering from disasters, you should look for MSPs that are experts in those areas. You might also want to find a provider that has experience working with businesses like yours.

Some companies need 24/7 support, while others want someone who can visit their office in person. Most MSPs work online (remotely), and choosing one that offers both in-person and online help (a hybrid model) might cost more and limit your choices. So, it’s important to know what you need before you decide.

Is My Business A Good Fit For An Managed IT Service Provider?

Most businesses can benefit from working with a MSP. Trying to handle all of your technology needs by yourself can be tough and use up a lot of time and energy.

If your IT team is so busy with everyday tasks that they don’t have time to work on new ideas or projects, it might be time to get outside help. It’s also smart to have another company look at your systems and processes to find any weak spots. They can give you honest feedback and spot problems your team might miss.

If there are cybersecurity problems your team can’t fix, hiring an experienced MSP should be a top priority. Cyberattacks and system outages can cost a lot of money and cause serious problems for your business.

As Technologies Evolve, So Does The Managed IT Service Provider

As the world becomes more digital, MSPs are more important than ever. They help businesses use technology in smart ways, work more efficiently, stay safe from cyber threats, and focus on what they do best.

By choosing the right MSP, businesses can turn their IT problems into helpful tools that support their growth. As technology keeps changing, MSPs will play an even bigger role in helping companies succeed. Providers like Shift Computer Solutions are here to make sure you stay ahead of the game.

Here are a few more things to think about:

Are You Continually Experiencing Technical Issues?

Technology is great, when it works. Some systems run so smoothly that people don’t even notice them… until something goes wrong. And over time, something usually will.

If your IT team is able to keep everything running and fix issues before they become problems, you might not need extra help. But if tech problems keep slowing things down or causing trouble at work, it could be a sign that it’s time to get a managed IT service to help you stay ahead.

Does Your IT Team Have Everything It Needs?

Your IT team helps your business grow and come up with new ideas. They support important things like teamwork, communication, and solving problems. But it works both ways, they need the right tools and skills to do their job well.

If your IT team is missing certain skills or doesn’t have enough people, you might need to bring in extra help from outside to fill those gaps.

Do You Need A Tactical Shift?

Working with a managed IT service provider can help your tech team stop spending so much time on small, everyday tasks and focus more on big-picture goals.

If you only need help for a short-term project, it can be cheaper to use outside experts instead of hiring new full-time workers.

Many businesses use something called co-managed IT, where their own IT team works together with outside experts. They share tools and responsibilities to get better results and make the most of their resources.

Can You Measure IT Results?

Managed IT providers use detailed reports and data to track how well things are working. These reports are really helpful, especially if your business doesn’t already have tools to show what’s going on in your IT systems.

For most businesses, the reports from a managed IT provider give a clearer picture of what’s working and what needs fixing.

If you’re thinking about using a managed service provider or want to learn how one can help your business run better, reach out to Shift Computer Solutions! Our expert team has the knowledge to help you decide if our services are the right fit for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Are Managed IT Services Different From Regular IT Tech Support?

Managed IT Services are when a company hires outside experts to handle their technology. Unlike regular tech support that usually steps in only when something breaks, managed IT services work ahead of time to stop problems before they start.

They also help with things like cloud services and follow a set agreement that explains what’s included and how much it costs. This way, businesses pay a monthly fee and get steady, expert support to keep everything running smoothly.

In What Ways Can Managed IT Services Help Businesses Streamline Operations And Boost Efficiency?

Managed IT Services help businesses work better by taking care of important technology tasks, like cloud management and fixing issues before they cause problems. This gives the internal IT team more time to focus on bigger projects.

By outsourcing these jobs, businesses can make their work easier, save money, and keep their tech running smoothly and reliably.

What Are Some Common Jobs That Managed IT Service Providers Do For Businesses?

Managed IT Service providers help businesses by taking care of different tech jobs. This includes proactive support (fixing problems before they happen), on-site help when needed, and managing cloud services.

They’re experts in technology, and businesses can hire them to do these jobs instead of handling everything on their own. This helps companies save money, work more efficiently, and keep their systems running smoothly.

How Do IT Services And Managed Services Differ From Each Other?

IT services usually help with one-time tech problems or projects when you ask for it.

Managed services are ongoing, they take care of your tech all the time. This includes watching your systems, keeping them updated, and fixing problems before they get big. Businesses usually pay a monthly fee for this, so everything stays running smoothly over the long term.

Are Managed IT Services Worth It?

With traditional outsourcing, a company only calls for help when there’s a project to do or a problem to fix. The service provider doesn’t have much reason to stop problems before they happen, because fixing those problems is how they get paid.

Managed IT services work differently. In this model, the service provider is in charge of keeping your technology running smoothly all the time. If problems happen, they have to use more time and resources to fix them.

So, it’s in both your best interest and theirs to prevent problems before they start. When everything runs well, your business saves time and money and so does the managed service provider. That way, you both want the same thing: a tech system that works great with fewer problems.