“Managed service provider” is a generic term that gets thrown around a lot, but isn’t always explained as thoroughly as it should be. In this blog, we’ll provide a few examples of things managed services providers do in order to clarify.
What is a Managed Service Provider?
A managed services provider is an outsourced, third-party company that handles a designated section of your IT operations. This can include a wide or narrow range of services, depending on the service-level agreement that works best for your business.
What a Managed Service Provider Does
1. Tech Support
Tech support is usually the first thing that comes to mind when businesses think of their managed service provider.
A good managed service provider should offer tech support that keeps your company’s IT network running optimally at all times. When issues do arise, they should be addressed promptly.
2. Backup and Recovery
Data loss, whether it’s due to human error, a cyber security breach or a natural disaster that destroys physical servers, is more common than you might think.
Your managed service provider should have a proven system in place to create consistent backups of your network’s data, and retrieve those backups whenever necessary.
3. Cyber Security
In a world where threats are constantly evolving, cyber security is more important than ever. Businesses of all sizes and industries are prime targets for hackers.
Cyber security should be a key provision of any managed service provider. This includes not just software like behavior monitoring and threat detection, but education for your employees, so they’re able to recognize and avoid cyber threats.
4. Technology Strategy
Similarly, technology solutions are constantly evolving. It’s important to have infrastructure and software that are up-to-date and capable of supporting your workers to be productive.
A manage service provider can also act as a Chief Information Officer or Chief Technology Officer to make sure your company is using the latest and greatest technology.
5. Vendor Management
If you buy directly from a major technology vendor, you’re probably not going to get a significant discount unless you buy in serious bulk.
However, a managed service provider who has spent years building valuable relationships with key vendors can likely get better prices for you.
These are just some of the many things that managed service providers do. Sure, small businesses can do them on their own, but the expertise and cost savings that managed service providers deliver are unmatched.
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