Best Managed IT Services Providers
Managed IT services provider oversight into the entire IT operations of another organization. This includes IT professional services, consistent monitoring, on-demand IT support, and problem resolution. These services offer more support than a traditional IT professional service, as they provide additional resources such as IT implementation and consulting services. Organizations generally use managed IT services to reduce IT management risk as well as provide support in instances of technological disruption in the workplace. Managed IT services can be implemented alongside other IT support services such as IT outsourcing services, IT infrastructure consulting providers, and IT strategy consulting providers.
To qualify for inclusion in the Managed IT services category, a services provider must:
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Imagine having a personal technology concierge who can help you with all your IT challenges, regardless of the size of your business. Trusted by leading technology brands like Microsoft, Dell, HP,
- Overview
- Software Expertise
- Pros and Cons
- Manufacturing
- Hospital & Health Care
- 12% Enterprise
- 8% Mid-Market
- Cybersecurity
- Infrastructure
- Cloud Services
7 Layer Solutions is an IT and Cybersecurity Managed Services Provider supporting businesses across North America. We enable our clients to focus on their business while we take care of securing thei
- Overview
- Software Expertise
- Pros and Cons
- Logistics and Supply Chain
- Venture Capital & Private Equity
- 44% Mid-Market
- 39% Small-Business
- 18% Enterprise
- Managed IT Services
- Cybersecurity
- Infrastructure Projects
We are the startup IT experts that specialize in scaling your technology for rapid growth. As an extension of your team, we take on all the IT work, including onboarding employees, handling day-to-day
- Computer Software
- Non-Profit Organization Management
- 50% Small-Business
- 47% Mid-Market
- Onboarding & Offboarding
- Network Support
- Cybersecurity
Azure Managed Applications provides an ecosystem that enables Managed Service Providers (MSPs), Independent Software Vendors (ISVs), and corporate central IT teams to deliver turnkey solutions through
- 50% Enterprise
- 29% Mid-Market
- 21% Small-Business
Navisite, part of Accenture, is a trusted digital transformation partner for growing and established global brands. Through our highly specialized teams, industry solutions, business process expertise
- Overview
- Software Expertise
Corsica Technologies is a strategic technology partner that specializes in consulting and managed services, designed to assist businesses in navigating the complexities of the digital landscape. This
- Overview
- Software Expertise
- Pros and Cons
- 52% Mid-Market
- 43% Small-Business
- 4% Enterprise
- Cybersecurity Services
- IT Managed Services
- Business Transformation
Cortavo is a managed IT services provider built for growing small and mid-sized organizations that need a simpler, more reliable way to manage their technology. Acting as a full-service IT departme
- Overview
- Software Expertise
- Pros and Cons
- Staffing and Recruiting
- Construction
- 65% Small-Business
- 33% Mid-Market
- Helpdesk & Endpoint Mgmt
- Business Networking
- Cloud & On-Prem Support
Cygnus Systems helps small and mid-sized companies plan, implement, and support their IT and Voice systems. With an offering that includes: IT support, cyber security, wireless networking, hosted pho
- Legal Services
- Insurance
- 59% Small-Business
- 39% Mid-Market
- 2% Enterprise
Nexgen is a digital solution provider, headquartered in White Plains, New York with over two decades of experience serving businesses around the world. From research management to process automation,
- 58% Small-Business
- 50% Enterprise
- 25% Mid-Market
Built for accounting and tax professionals, Cloud Premier brings all your apps, tools, and IT support into one secure cloud platform, so you can work smarter and build a more modern firm. Get access t
- Overview
- Software Expertise
- Accounting
- 87% Small-Business
- 13% Mid-Market
- Quickbooks Hosting
Magna5 is a comprehensive managed IT and cybersecurity solution provider designed to assist businesses in safeguarding their digital assets and optimizing their IT operations. Headquartered in Pittsbu
- Overview
- Software Expertise
- Pros and Cons
- Education Management
- Information Technology and Services
- 58% Mid-Market
- 29% Small-Business
- 12% Enterprise
- Managed IT
- Cybersecurity
- Private and Public Cloud
Meter provides internet infrastructure for businesses. We build enterprise-grade networks that are faster, more accessible, and more secure. Our full-stack approach combines hardware, software, and op
- Computer Software
- 56% Mid-Market
- 38% Small-Business
Magnetar are here to help innovate business and improve peoples lives with technology. Our purpose is to dedicate ourselves with enthusiasm and heart to offer efficient, sustainable solutions with un
- 94% Small-Business
TCS iON is a strategic unit of Tata Consultancy Services focused on Manufacturing Industries (SMB), Educational Institutions and Examination Boards. TCS iON provides technology by means of a unique IT
- Education Management
- 50% Mid-Market
- 40% Small-Business
- 10% Enterprise
CyberDuo is a leading IT and Cybersecurity consultant based in Los Angeles. We make businesses more productive at the same time protecting them from external and internal cyber threats. Our services i
- Overview
- Software Expertise
- Pros and Cons
- Information Technology and Services
- 47% Mid-Market
- 40% Small-Business
- 13% Enterprise
- Managed IT Services
- Cybersecurity
- Microsoft Cloud
NetWize is a leading Managed IT Services Provider (MSP) out of Salt Lake City, Utah, delivering managed IT support, cybersecurity, cloud solutions, and strategic IT consulting to businesses that deman
- Overview
- Software Expertise
- 71% Small-Business
- 29% Mid-Market
- Managed IT Services
- Cyber Security
- Hardware and Software
As an IT consulting company that prides itself on versatility, we are tasked with designing IT strategies for a variety of companies. While there is no uniform approach to scaling and ensuring maximum
- 83% Mid-Market
- 17% Enterprise
#1 Ranked Salesforce & AI Consultancy Coastal helps businesses turn data and AI into real results with Salesforce. Whether you're looking to automate smarter, connect your systems, or get more
- Overview
- Software Expertise
- Pros and Cons
- Non-Profit Organization Management
- Information Technology and Services
- 49% Mid-Market
- 32% Small-Business
- 19% Enterprise
FUJIFILM MicroChannel sells, implements, supports, and facilitates continuous improvement of business solutions, covering a full range of end-to-end operational and back-office systems, including ERP,
- Overview
- Software Expertise
- Pros and Cons
- 61% Small-Business
- 39% Mid-Market
- ERP Implementation
- CRM Implementation
- Business Intelligence
From startups to Fortune 500 companies, one aspect they all have in common is the need for quality reliable IT support. GeekSupport provides best-in-class, fully remote, IT Support and Tech Services f
- Overview
- Pros and Cons
- 88% Small-Business
- 13% Mid-Market
Vision33 (www.vision33.com) empowers growing businesses worldwide by implementing, integrating, and supporting leading cloud ERP and business software solutions. We believe in the power of technology
- Overview
- Software Expertise
- Wholesale
- 55% Mid-Market
- 38% Small-Business
- 7% Enterprise
- Digital Transformation
- ERP Software Consulting
- Integration Services
CBIZ, Inc. is a leading professional services advisor to middle market businesses and organizations nationwide. With unmatched industry knowledge and expertise in accounting, tax, advisory, benefits,
- 64% Mid-Market
- 33% Small-Business
- 3% Enterprise
Stratix designs, deploys, manages, and supports end-to-end mobile technology solutions for business, healthcare, and education. With our industry-leading expertise and resources, you get just one hand
- Overview
- Software Expertise
- Pros and Cons
- 54% Enterprise
- 46% Mid-Market
- Managed Mobility Services
- Help Desk Support
- Device Repair Services
At Adastra, we transform the Data & Analytics space by providing smart Artificial Intelligence, Big Data, Cloud, Digital, and Governance services and solutions. Our mission is to manage, control a
- Overview
- Software Expertise
- Pros and Cons
- 67% Mid-Market
- 27% Enterprise
- 7% Small-Business
- Artificial Intelligence
- Cloud Consultancy
- Data Analytics
With offices in the US and India, Atlas Systems is a trusted partner helping companies on their digital transformation journeys – expanding their capabilities and delivering added value. Leveraging in
- 63% Enterprise
- 25% Small-Business
- 13% Mid-Market
COMPANY on Cloud Managed Service (CCMS) is the ultimate enterprise cloud created to achieve cloud operation of ERP quickly, simply, safely, and at optimum cost.
- 100% Enterprise
Headquartered in Richmond, Virginia, EDI Partners services customers in all industry verticals across the United States to help them maximize the value of EDI. For 30 years, we have helped organizatio
- 50% Enterprise
- 50% Mid-Market
Since 2002, ITECS has provided customized turn-key services to a variety of high-profile clients, including Frito Lay, Pizza Hut, Miller Brewing, Kraft, and more. We scale our services to any business
- Overview
- Pros and Cons
- 64% Small-Business
- 36% Mid-Market
- IT, Cybersecurity & Cloud
IT GOAT is an IT Managed Services Provider that is focused on Business Outcomes for our clients. Everything we do at IT GOAT, we do to give our clients a competitive advantage. The way we give our cli
- Insurance
- 100% Small-Business
Urolime Technologies is an ISO-certified Software Development and DevOps service company, established in 2011. We have executed more than 500 projects for Startups, SMEs, Enterprises, and Governments
- Overview
- Pros and Cons
- 40% Mid-Market
- 20% Small-Business
CMIT Solutions is the leading provider of information technology (IT) services, support, and solutions for small and mid-sized businesses (SMBs) nationwide. With more than 1,000 consultants and techni
- 67% Small-Business
- 33% Mid-Market
At CompuCom, we’ve seen the “office” as we’ve known it for decades change rapidly. Without reliable support, collaboration, and connectivity strategies for their increasingly distributed workforce, or
- Overview
- Software Expertise
- 50% Mid-Market
- 33% Enterprise
- 17% Small-Business
When your clients need support, they would much rather talk to a person on the other end of the phone instead of a robot. But hiring new technicians is time-consuming and expensive. Even if you find t
- 100% Small-Business
Bit-Wizards provides full integration solutions with Kentico websites using responsive design, custom intranet development, custom e-commerce development, enterprise marketing implementations, cloud d
- 67% Enterprise
- 33% Mid-Market
Netgain is a strategic IT business partner to organizations in the healthcare, financial and legal verticals that require stringent regulatory-compliance adherence.
- 67% Small-Business
- 33% Mid-Market
Acuative provides the world’s leading companies with a complete range of advanced technology and managed services, enabling customers to utilize a single source provider for all of their network requi
- Overview
- Pros and Cons
- 75% Enterprise
- 13% Small-Business
- 13% Mid-Market
- Managed Network Services
Computer Services, Inc. (CSI) delivers core processing, managed services, mobile and internet solutions, payments processing, print and electronic distribution, and regulatory and compliance solutions
- 100% Mid-Market
Founded in 2001, Entara, formerly YJT Solutions, is an eXtended Service Provider (XSP) focused on providing cutting edge technology and cyber security solutions to companies in regulated industries, i
- 67% Small-Business
GTM Plus provides IT outsourcing services since 2014. Located in Lviv, Ukraine and Prague, Czech Republic, we're a team of 200 tech experts in software development, management, and marketing. Now,
- 83% Small-Business
- 17% Mid-Market
Hexaware is a global technology and business process services company driven by a singular purpose: to create smiles through great people and technology. Guided by the company’s vision to be the most
- Overview
- Software Expertise
- 67% Small-Business
- 33% Mid-Market
- AI Services
- Data Mgmt. & Analytics
- Software Development
We are Software Developers helping companies spin up their toughest projects. Based in Dallas, TX, matching top firms with our inch-perfect talent.
- Overview
- Software Expertise
- Pros and Cons
- 50% Small-Business
- 33% Mid-Market
- 17% Enterprise
Managed IT Service : Outsourced Support for Enhanced Efficiency - Level 1 & Level 2 IT Support service - Tailored support for every stage of business - Save money on IT and avoid hiring extra sta
- 50% Small-Business
- IT Engineering
- Cybersecurity
- Intelligence Artificial
Managing technology (and its users) is an everyday task. Yet, despite technology’s critical importance in keeping your business and systems running smoothly, effective management is often overlooked.
- 100% Mid-Market
Presidio is a leading IT solutions provider assisting clients in harnessing technology innovation and simplifying IT complexity to digitally transform their businesses and drive return on IT investmen
- Overview
- Software Expertise
- 50% Mid-Market
- 25% Enterprise
Customized Microsoft Dynamics 365 CRM deployment service, can be deployed on premise or on cloud.
- Overview
- Software Expertise
- 100% Mid-Market
Qualysoft facts: ✓ Over 24 Years of experience ✓ 9 locations: Switzerland, Germany, Austria, Sweden, Hungary, Slovakia, Serbia, Romania, and Indonesia ✓ Professional and experienced team: our dev
- 100% Mid-Market
SCC is Europe's largest independent technology solutions company
- Overview
- Software Expertise
- 100% Small-Business
ScienceSoft is a Texas-based provider of software development solutions and services, with offices in the EU and UAE and clients in 40+ countries around the globe. Since 1989, ScienceSoft has been sol
- Overview
- Software Expertise
- 33% Enterprise
- 33% Mid-Market
- 33% Small-Business
Server Management and Monitoring Backup monitoring and audits Security audits and hardening Enhance Performance Troubleshooting hardware problems Monitoring and rescue of websites Our support team is
- 100% Small-Business
Sirius is leading national solutions integrator focused on helping organizations transform their business by managing their operations, optimizing their IT, and securing it all. The Sirius team specia
- 43% Enterprise
- 43% Mid-Market
- 14% Small-Business
- 100% Small-Business
Speridian is a global business and technology solutions provider, headquartered in Albuquerque, NM, with 16 regional offices across the globe. Speridian with its 1,700+ industry consulting experts, he
- Overview
- Software Expertise
- Pros and Cons
- Information Technology and Services
- 56% Mid-Market
- 33% Small-Business
- 11% Enterprise
Aimed at simplifying IT management, All Covered Assurance integrates all the fundamental tools, services, and applications in a single platform to keep your business running efficiently, plus the adde
- All Covered Care
- All Covered Assurance
- Microsoft 365
Everything we do at Alternis IT is based on partnership. We pursue relationships not transactions. The result is a thriving community of entrepreneurs and professionals who value integrity and transpa
- 100% Small-Business
Avaap is an industry-focused management and technology consulting firm with experience in Workday, Tableau, and other applications. We offer full life cycle expertise from system selection through pos
- 100% Mid-Market
As a B Corp business and IT leader of 19 years, our mission is to help your mission. From disaster recovery to cybersecurity, managed IT services and telecom solutions, our customized products and all
- 100% Small-Business
Billennium is a global technology consulting and outsourcing services company that provides top-quality IT solutions for enterprises. Founded in 2003, we have a global presence with 12 offices world
- Overview
- Software Expertise
- Pros and Cons
- 33% Enterprise
- 33% Mid-Market
- 33% Small-Business
- Staff Augmentation
- Managed Services
- Technology Solutions
BlackPoint IT Services provides unparalleled managed IT and consulting services, including infrastructure, security, storage, virtualization, business continuity, portals and collaboration, print and
- Overview
- Pros and Cons
- 50% Enterprise
- 50% Small-Business
CapB is a global leader in providing IT and Management consulting solutions to Fortune 500 organizations & state and local governments. CapB's services address specific needs of enterprise IT init
- Overview
- Software Expertise
- 100% Mid-Market
CCNA offers a full suite of Network based products and services catering for solutions with Switches and Routers, Wireless Networks, WAN Accelerators and Optimisers, and VPNs and Firewalls.
- 100% Small-Business
- 100% Mid-Market
Centric Consulting is a business consulting and technology solutions firm that delivers innovative and balanced solutions
- Overview
- Software Expertise
- Pros and Cons
- 47% Enterprise
- 35% Small-Business
- 18% Mid-Market
Communication Square drives your firm to digital horizons. With a digital footprint across the globe, we are trusted to provide cloud users with ready solutions to help manage, migrate, and protect th
- Overview
- Software Expertise
- 100% Mid-Market
We build and manage scalable, reliable, and secure architecture and let you focus on business growth.
- 100% Small-Business
Cybage is an information technology company specializing in outsourced product engineering and IT consulting services. With over three decades of experience, we are a leader in software development, p
- Overview
- Pros and Cons
- 100% Enterprise
Deka Technology is a leading provider of tailored technology solutions, specializing in software development, cloud infrastructure management, and advanced analytics and business intelligence. With a
- Overview
- Pros and Cons
- 100% Mid-Market
At Praesto Pro, we build IT solutions that keep your systems running, your data secure, and your costs in check. Our consultative security-first approach makes tech simple, helping you understand your
- Overview
- Software Expertise
- 100% Mid-Market
- Managed IT Services
Located in the heart of Southeast Europe (SEE), at the crossroads of Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, GDC Services is an IT services company with 300+ experts focused on helping organizations and
- 100% Mid-Market
Via multiplatform expertise, flexible solution plans and cutting-edge automation, HorizonIQ gives you time back, so you can move innovation forward.
We provide comprehensive IT support services that ensure your technology runs smoothly, efficiently, and securely, enabling you to focus on your core business functions. Our team of experienced profes
- 100% Small-Business
- Managed IT Services
- Cyber Security
- Disaster Recovery
Infomatics is a Small, Woman, and Minority-Owned business with 15 years of experience providing corporate and government clients with the staff and solutions needed to advance their business objective
- 50% Mid-Market
- 50% Small-Business
Infracore improves your existing IT efforts and takes them to the next level. We provide best-in-class IT services.
- 100% Small-Business
Integrate Cyber is a cybersecurity company that deals in professional cybersecurity and IT solutions for small to medium-sized businesses. We cover cybersecurity awareness training, vulnerability mana
- 100% Small-Business
- Pentesting
- Managed IT Services
- Cybersecurity Consulting
ComputerSupport.com ITAnyWhere WorkSpace (former ITAnyWhere Cloud) revolutionizes the way your business operates by allowing instant, secure, compliant access to your hosted IT infrastructure from any
- 200% Mid-Market
- 100% Small-Business
Our range of IT services are here to assist your business. Whether you need to improve network performance, rollout new laptops/workstations or put together an IT plan/budget, we are here to help.
- 100% Enterprise
Founded 25 years ago in Manchester, UK, Arrk Group has undergone substantial growth, proudly establishing branches in both the UK and India. At Arrk, our mission is centred around empowering businesse
- 100% Mid-Market
- AI/ML development
- Cloud Computing
- Business Intelligence
Experience unparalleled peace of mind with ITgurus' Managed IT Services. We handle the complexities of your IT infrastructure, so you can focus on what matters most: growing your business. Our dedica
- 100% Small-Business
i.t.NOW has provided Managed IT Services to businesses for over 20 years. With a wealth of technical experience and customer first approach to IT management, we've allowed our clients to focus on wha
- 100% Mid-Market
Cozumtek Information Technologies provides a wide range of professional consulting solutions for your business. Our services are designed to harness the power of virtualization, backup and replication
- 100% Mid-Market
Javosec champions technology that empowers businesses to thrive. At Javosec, we offer a spectrum of services designed to simplify the technological experiences of businesses. Our solutions are crafted
- Overview
- Software Expertise
- 100% Mid-Market
- IT Engineering
- Network Engineering
- Automation & AI
We believe software should be built around your business, not the other way around. Your processes are unique, as should be the software the drives them. JDLT build bespoke software to help your busi
- 100% Small-Business
We are software development company that focuses on cutting-edge technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML/AI), and Artificial Intelligence (AI) microservices (OpenAI/D-I
- 100% Small-Business
- AI Services & Development
- AR Games Applications
- DevOps
Green House Data delivers VMware cloud hosting, colocation, managed IT services, and disaster recovery solutions.
- 100% Small-Business
Founded in 2005 by first-generation entrepreneur Piyush Somani, ESDS is one of India’s leading Managed Data Center Service and Auto-Scalable Cloud Solution provider. ESDS has already moved aggressivel
Ntiva is a US-headquartered top 30 managed IT services provider (MSP) providing secure and compliant IT solutions. We have been in business since 2004, but we have the energy and enthusiasm of a start
- 100% Small-Business
Regardless of where you are in your product stage – hiring, training, and managing a dedicated development team is one of the biggest costs to your go-to-market strategy. Not to mention the threats of
- Overview
- Pros and Cons
- 75% Small-Business
- Software Development
- IT Team Augmentation
- Dedicated Remote Teams
We are a 100+ award-winning, official Vue and Laravel partner software design, development, and creative growth agency in Tbilisi, Georgia. Starting as a 4-person boutique in 2014, we are now an ever-
- Overview
- Pros and Cons
- 71% Small-Business
- Web Development
- Software Developmet
- Web Design
We help companies get laptops back from remote ex-employees. You provide the employee's address. We handle the box, postage, printing, shipping, and reminding to get your company laptop returned to yo
- 100% Mid-Market
Revolution Group is a technology consulting firm delivering comprehensive IT, CRM, and ERP solutions to organizations of all sizes and its diverse offerings include managed services, network infrastru
- Overview
- Software Expertise
- 100% Mid-Market
Rimini Street, Inc. (Nasdaq: RMNI), a Russell 2000® Company, is a global provider of end-to-end enterprise software support, products and services, the leading third-party support provider for Oracle
- 100% Enterprise
- IT support
Founded in 2001, RKL eSolutions provides business software and IT/Networking solutions for our clients. Our headquarters is in Lancaster, PA but we have a national presence and support clients coast-t
- 67% Mid-Market
- 33% Small-Business
- Sage ERP, Managed IT
SCS Cloud is a leading NetSuite, Salesforce & Smartsheet Consulting Firm that specializes in implementing, supporting and enhancing these technologies for organizations in a diverse range of indus
- Overview
- Pros and Cons
- 56% Small-Business
- 44% Mid-Market
SoftClouds | IT, Cloud, CRM & CX Solutions Provider. Oracle | Salesforce | DevOps | Cloud | Mobility – Innovative Solutions. SoftClouds is a top IT, Cloud, CRM & Customer Experience (CX)
- Overview
- Software Expertise
- 100% Mid-Market
STAAR Technologies is a Managed Services Provider (MSP) dedicated to small, medium businesses and government organizations. Our dedicated team partners with executives to deliver services that are in
- 100% Small-Business
Strategic Response Systems provides IT services to start-ups, mature mid-size and enterprise level organizations with an eye on success, growth and scalability. Successful companies understand the imp
- 100% Small-Business
- 100% Small-Business
SWK Technologies is an award-winning software and business services company headquartered in East Hanover, New Jersey. We employ a dynamic nationwide team with internal subject matter expertise an
- Overview
- Software Expertise
- ERP Implementation
- Secure Cloud Hosting
- Managed IT Services
Tatvic is a Google-certified data and marketing intelligence partner, helping businesses drive growth through Agentic AI, Conversion Rate Optimization (CRO), and advanced analytics. From optimizing di
- 100% Small-Business
- Agentic AI Marketing
- Conversion Rate Optimize
- GA4 & Analytics
Ticomix provides managed IT services, service desk software & consulting, CRM software & consulting, and custom software development.
- 100% Enterprise
TierPoint is a leading provider of secure hybrid IT infrastructure solutions, managed cloud services, and enterprise-class data center colocation. We help businesses optimize, scale, and protect their
- Overview
- Software Expertise
- Pros and Cons
- 40% Mid-Market
- 40% Enterprise
- 20% Small-Business
- Cloud Solutions
- Managed Services
- Colocation & Data Center
Learn More About Managed IT Services Providers
Organizations turn to managed IT services to outsource responsibilities related to their IT infrastructure. This gives businesses more time to focus on their essential operations knowing their technology functions smoothly and efficiently.
What are managed IT services?
Managed service providers (MSPs) offer proactive support, continuous monitoring, and rapid response to IT issues in efforts to minimize downtime and maximize productivity for a range of businesses. By taking advantage of the expertise and resources of MSPs, companies get access to IT services outsourcing without the need for in-house advisors or infrastructure investment. This model provides scalability, flexibility, and cost-effectiveness that businesses use to tailor their IT support systems.
Additionally, managed IT service providers enhance cybersecurity, compliance, and overall operational efficiency, which clears the way for organizations to focus on strategic initiatives for future growth.
How do managed IT services work?
The process delegating IT operations to managed IT services typically follows these steps.
- Assessment: The MSP conducts an assessment of the current IT infrastructure to understand your systems and business needs. This assessment helps tailor services to company requirements.
- Implementation: Based on the assessment, MSP sets up necessary hardware, software, or additional systems to integrate with your operations. This may include implementation of tools for remote monitoring.
- Ongoing management: The MSP then focuses on maintaining the IT infrastructure with continuous monitoring, maintenance, helpdesk assistance, and backup and recovery services.
- Strategic planning: Managed IT service providers also contribute to strategic planning such as education for new technologies, scaling current infrastructure, and improving processes.
- Reporting and communication: Your MSP provides regular status reports on the performance of services.
- Service level agreements (SLAs): SLAs define parameters by outlining the response times and other important metrics you expect the service provider to meet.
What’s the difference between managed IT services and cloud services?
Managed IT services can include taking care of cloud resources and services, but they may also encompass a broader range of IT management and support activities, including on-premises infrastructure, network management, and security services. Cloud services, on the other hand, specifically focus on providing computing resources and applications over the internet, often as part of a subscription-based model.
Benefits of managed IT services
Managed IT support services lead to several significant benefits that help businesses focus on their core objectives Some advantages of managed services are as follows.
- Cost efficiency: Since managed IT services operate on a subscription-based model, businesses can avoid the expenses associated with hiring and training IT staff, as well as the costs of purchasing and maintaining hardware, software, and infrastructure.
- Focus on core business: Companies can redirect their resources and energy toward vital business goals, ultimately enhancing their competitive advantage.
- Access to expertise and advanced technology: Managed IT service providers employ experienced professionals with specialized skills and expertise in various areas of technology. Businesses benefit from access to a team that’s ready to offer guidance, support, and strategic advice.
- Proactive support and maintenance: Managed IT services include proactive support to identify and address potential issues before they escalate into major problems. This approach minimizes downtime, disruptions, and productivity losses to make it easier for businesses to operate smoothly and efficiently.
- Enhanced security and compliance: MSPs implement robust security measures to protect their clients against cyber threats, data breaches, and compliance risks. They conduct regular security assessments and establish multi-layered security defenses. They also maintain compliance with industry regulations such as General data protection regulation (GDPR), Health insurance portability and accountability act (HIPAA), payment card industry data security standard (PCI DSS), and others, reducing the risk of fines.
- Scalability: Whether scaling up to accommodate business growth or scaling down during periods of decreased demand, MSPs adapt their services to meet the evolving needs of their clients.
Managed IT services challenges
On the other side of the coin, here are some of the challenges involved with IT managed services.
- Finding the right provider: Choosing the right service provider that aligns with organizational needs, goals, and values can be challenging as the pursuit requires extensive research and evaluation.
- Cost management: While third-party providers offer cost savings when compared to an in-house IT team, unexpected costs, hidden fees, and unclear pricing structures add to financial challenges. Read the fine print.
- Loss of control: Businesses must establish clear communication channels, performance metrics, and a governing structure to ensure zero loss of control over IT operations and decision-making processes.
- Data security concerns: Entrusting sensitive information to third-party managed IT support services raises concerns regarding privacy and security. Make certain robust security measures are implemented.
- Service downtime: Despite protective messages, system failures, human errors, or technical issues that lead to service interruption and downtime can still happen.
- Integration with existing systems: Understanding compatibility issues, data migration concerns to confirm that the new tools integrate well with the existing systems is a crucial step in planning.
- Contractual and SLA understanding: Making sense of the terms, conditions, and SLAs is essential for managing expectations, resolving disputes, and ensuring accountability. Businesses must review and negotiate contracts carefully to clarify responsibilities.
Managed IT services cost
Pricing for managed IT services varies based on the size and complexity of client requirements, types of services offered, technological expertise, and geographical location. There are various pricing models available; some of them are as follows.
- Per-device pricing charges a fixed or flat fee per device, such as a server, a computer, or a printer. It’s a straightforward pricing model, but it doesn’t account for services required per device.
- Per-user pricing charges a flat fee per user per month. This can be a more scalable option for businesses, as it aligns costs with the number of employees.
- Tiered pricing provides a different bundle of services at different price points. Clients choose the tier that best suits their needs and budget.
- All-inclusive pricing, also known as the flat-fee pricing model, involves a single, fixed monthly fee for all IT services. Companies appreciate this model for its predictability and simplicity.
- A la carte pricing lets clients pick and choose specific services. Each service is priced individually. This provides flexibility, but can also make costs less predictable.
- Value-based pricing is less common, but involves pricing based on the value or return the service is expected to bring to the client's business.
- Project-based pricing is for specific projects outside the scope of regular IT management, like an IT upgrade or a cybersecurity audit. MSPs might charge a one-time fee.
Factors influencing price:
- Service Level Agreements (SLAs): A demanding SLA such as 24/7 support will typically increase the price.
- Technical complexity: Complex environments or specialized technology service requirements may lead to higher costs.
- Location: Prices vary based on geographic location, reflecting local market conditions and cost of living.
- Additional services: Advanced services such as cybersecurity, data analytics, and custom software development may come at a premium.
Pricing may vary on terms and conditions depending on the provider. It is crucial to understand that each pricing model and provider's technical support varies from one another.
How to choose the right managed IT service provider
By following these steps and considering these key factors for your IT Infrastructure, you’ll be able to select the right service provider that meets your organization's needs and helps drive success.
- Assess IT needs: Recognize the IT needs of your company, including the current infrastructure, technology goals, budget, and any issues or problems at hand.
- Research potential service providers: Dive into extensive research to find possible MSPs. Take into account elements like credentials, client testimonials, industry experience, and reputation.
- Evaluate services: Examine each MSP's portfolio to make sure their offerings meet your IT requirements. Look for suppliers who provide customized solutions.
- Consider technical capabilities: Evaluate the MSP's technical expertise, certifications, and experience with relevant technologies and platforms. Ensure they have the skills and resources to support your IT environment effectively.
- Examine SLAs: Review the SLAs each MSP offers, including response times, uptime guarantees, resolution procedures, and escalation protocols. Verify the SLAs align with your expectations.
- Review support structure: Educating yourself about help desk availability, technical support team size, and communication channels. Make sure the MSP can provide timely and effective support when needed.
- Consider pricing models: Compare pricing models and structures offered by different MSPs. Look for transparency, flexible payment options, and value-added services that work with your budget and IT goals.
- Assess cultural fit: Consider the MSP's company culture, values, and communication style. Choose a provider that shares your organization's values and can collaborate effectively with your team.
- Check flexibility: Assess the MSP's ability to adapt to changing business needs, technology trends, and growth opportunities. Choose a flexible, agile, and proactive provider that addresses evolving IT requirements.
- Data management and backup strategy: Ask about the MSP's data management practices, IT strategy, data backup plans, disaster recovery plans, and security measures. Ensure they prioritize data protection, privacy, and compliance with relevant regulations.
Who uses managed IT services?
Managed IT services find use over a broad spectrum of organizations that require reliable technical support and wish to explore automation.
- Small and medium-sized businesses: Small and medium-sized organizations often lack the resources required to maintain an in-house IT department. Managed IT services provide access to expert technical support without the overhead costs of hiring.
- Large corporations: Although large corporations usually have in-house IT departments, they use additional services to handle specific tasks, like network management or cloud computing services, to let them focus on core activities.
- Startups: Startups adopt IT managed services for rapid scaling of their IT infrastructure, allowing them to focus on innovation.
- Healthcare providers: Hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare facilities use managed IT services for secure and efficient management of their IT needs and to comply with health regulations like HIPAA.
- Financial institutions: Banks, investment firms, and insurance companies turn to managed IT services for enhanced cybersecurity, data protection, and compliance requirements.
- Educational institutions: Schools and universities often outsource IT management to handle infrastructure like student databases, learning management systems, and campus network security.
Questions for a managed IT service provider
When considering a managed IT service provider, you want to guarantee they can meet your business needs and provide the level of service you require. Here are some questions you might consider asking when vetting a managed IT service provider.
- What IT services do you offer?
- What kind of support can we expect? Is it 24/7? How do you handle after-hours support requests? What is your average response time for support requests?
- How do you safeguard our data?
- What security measures and protocols do you have in place?
- What is your disaster recovery plan?
- How often do you perform data backups?
- What is your process for restoring data in case of loss?
- Are you compliant with industry regulations relevant to our business (like HIPAA for healthcare, GDPR for European data, etc.)?
- Which SLAs are in place?
- What metrics do you report to clients?
- Are there any hidden costs or potential fees we should be aware of?
- Do you have partnerships with specific hardware or software vendors?
- Can we expect a dedicated account manager or point of contact?
- How will you communicate with us regarding updates, changes, and issues?
- What is your onboarding process for new clients?
- How do you handle the transition from an in-house IT team or another managed service provider?
- If we choose to end our contract, what is the process for a smooth transition?
- Are we able to retrieve our data easily?
Is managed IT services typically a short-term or long-term engagement?
Managed IT services are generally designed to be a long-term engagement. The idea is to establish a partnership where the service provider acts as an extension of your IT department. This ongoing relationship allows the service provider to thoroughly understand your IT infrastructure, your business processes, and your technology needs, enabling them to manage your systems effectively and efficiently.
Researched and written by Rachana Hasyagar
Reviewed and edited by Aisha West
