What Is Managed Services Provider (MSP) and Does Your Business Need One?
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Technology is an increasingly important part of all businesses, large and small. But with technology comes security concerns. This means processes and policies need to be put in place to help keep the company and its employees safe from cyber threats, which is were an MSP comes in.
One such way to make sure your technology remains safe is to use a managed service provider (MSP). So what is an MSP and can it help improve your business?
The term MSP stands for Managed Services Provider. Let’s dig in to see how they can help.
What is an MSP?
An MSP is a company that partners with yours to make sure your technology infrastructure and applications are running efficiently. In addition, an MSP will support your business goals and can help to plan for the future.
Your MSP remotely monitors your network around the clock, ensuring your data and applications are secure and healthy. This allows the MSP to find — and fix — potential problems before they can affect you or your customers.
MSPs protect your company from disaster by providing backup and recovery services for your hardware and software as well. A managed service provider can also take on IT support/helpdesk responsibilities. This allows your staff to focus on the other important aspects of your company including providing top customer service to your clients.
Other services an MSP may provide to your company include cloud computing, mobile phone and tablet management, network design and implementation, office 365 managed services, and VoIP phone services.
MSP Examples
- include network monitoring
- security
- virtualization
- disaster recovery
- application and infrastructure management
Which Companies Benefit From Using An MSP?
If a company depends on technology to run its business it can benefit from having a Managed Services Provider on its side. And MSPs customize their services depending on whether it’s for a small company or a large, multinational corporation. But what remains the same from client to client is an MSP’s mission of giving the people who run a business peace of mind when it comes to technology so they can focus on running the company’s day-to-day operations.
Small- and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) benefit from using MSPs because it allows them to have top-of-the-line IT services without having to break the bank. Hiring an in-house IT staff often doesn’t make good financial sense. Additionally, best practices suggest an IT strategy should have an amount of redundancy that ensures companies are not held hostage by single password holders or exposed to the many risks of losing their single IT person.
Even larger companies sometimes need to supplement their in-house IT departments by off-loading various projects or tasks to the MSP. When done correctly, the internal IT staff is able to focus on more critical parts of the business.
What Does an Managed Services Provider Cost?
Rates vary for each provider and the final cost depends on the size of a client’s business and what services the client needs.
In general, though, companies find great business value in paying monthly for outsourced IT expertise. The client pays the MSP a monthly service fee for around-the-clock monitoring and security services. This way you can take full advantage of an MSP’s ability to manage your company’s infrastructure at all times.
If something breaks down, the MSP comes out to fix the equipment at no extra charge because it’s all part of your contract.
MSP Offerings
In the end, Managed Services Providers may offer several different ways to structure a partnership and to help your business succeed. Here are the most common subjects, features, and models to consider:
- subscription model
- business owners
- pricing model
- types of services
- level of service
- services including
- MSP pricing
- pure play msps
- business continuity
- service level agreement
- day to day management
- term MSP
Best MSP Software
Managed Service Provider (MSP) software typically encompasses a range of solutions that assist in delivering IT services. A top MSP software solution should facilitate functions such as Remote Monitoring and Management (RMM), Professional Services Automation (PSA), and backup and recovery management. Here are several reputed MSP software solutions available in the market:
ConnectWise Manage
ConnectWise Manage is a popular professional services automation tool that is widely regarded for its comprehensive features, encompassing CRM, help desk, ticketing, and project management capabilities, which help in streamlining IT services and support.
SolarWinds MSP
Recognized for its strong RMM and security offerings, SolarWinds MSP provides a suite of products including SolarWinds RMM and SolarWinds N-central, offering robust monitoring, automation, patch management, and security features.
Autotask (Datto RMM)
Autotask offers strong PSA and RMM solutions, merging business processes and technology. It provides seamless integrations and a centralized dashboard to manage all aspects of IT services, including billing, service desk, and project management.
Kaseya VSA
Kaseya VSA is renowned for its RMM capabilities, offering IT automation, patch management, and network monitoring. It provides an integrated solution to manage IT infrastructures efficiently and is suited to both small and large-scale MSPs.
NinjaRMM
NinjaRMM offers a user-friendly interface and robust functionalities, including remote control, patch management, and network monitoring. Its intuitive design makes it a suitable choice for MSPs looking for simplicity without compromising on features.
Atera
Atera is a cloud-based RMM and PSA solution designed for small to medium-sized MSPs. It provides an all-in-one platform with a straightforward pricing model, allowing MSPs to manage, monitor, and automate tasks efficiently.
Accelo
Accelo is a cloud-based service operations automation tool designed for small to medium-sized IT service businesses. It offers solutions such as project management, CRM, and team scheduling to streamline operations.
ManageEngine Desktop Central
ManageEngine offers comprehensive endpoint management functionalities like patch management, software deployment, and IT asset management, which are essential for managing and securing enterprise networks.
Syncro MSP
Syncro MSP combines RMM and PSA functionalities and offers a range of features, including remote access, invoicing, CRM, and ticketing, allowing MSPs to streamline and automate their workflows.
IT Glue
While IT Glue is primarily a documentation platform, it is integral for MSPs for managing information and ensuring smooth operations. It is used extensively for its robust documentation and knowledge management capabilities.
Choosing the Right MSP Software
When selecting the best MSP software, consider your specific needs, such as the size of your organization, your budget, and the specific features you require. Some companies may need robust automation and monitoring tools, while others might prioritize helpdesk and ticketing features. Always opt for software that scales with your business and aligns with your long-term goals.
Do you have questions about what MSPs offer, or rather, what Kelley Create offers? Give us a call with any questions and we’d be glad to help.