What is a Managed Service Provider?

In today’s fast-paced digital world, businesses rely heavily on technology to stay competitive and efficient. Managing complex IT systems can be overwhelming, especially as companies grow and their needs evolve. This is where Managed Service Providers (MSPs) step in. MSPs offer expert support, proactive solutions, and cost-effective strategies to ensure that your IT infrastructure runs smoothly, allowing you to focus on what you do best—growing your business.

In this blog, we’ll explore what a MSP is, the services they provide, and how they can transform the way your company operates.

What is an MSP?

MSP, or Managed Service Provider, specialises in offering managed IT services to businesses. MSPs focus on proactive tactics to stop problems before they begin. Companies using MSPs pay a fixed monthly cost, which allows them to control costs more predictably.

Evolution of MSP

In the 1990s, application service providers (ASP) appeared on the tech scene. The forerunner of the MSP, ASPs offered limited remote application hosting services to businesses. The in-house IT department followed, putting staff on site to help with tech. Unfortunately, both ASP and traditional IT functioned reactively. If something went wrong, then it would be fixed. MSPs suggested that preventing problems was much better than reacting after the fact.

Key services that MSPs provide

IT Service Management

IT service management involves overseeing and coordinating an organisation’s IT operations to ensure efficient service delivery. This often includes managing support ticket systems, streamlining issue resolution, and providing visibility into service performance for improved decision-making.

Managed Service Desk

A managed service desk serves as the primary contact point for users seeking IT support. It typically handles Level 1 support tasks, such as resolving technical issues and addressing service enquiries, ensuring that users receive timely assistance.

Network Management

Network management focuses on monitoring and maintaining a company’s network performance. This includes tracking demand, ensuring optimal capacity, and making necessary adjustments to prevent downtime and ensure smooth business operations.

Managed Infrastructure

Managing IT infrastructure involves maintaining storage systems, servers, and network environments. Whether the infrastructure is cloud-based, on-premise, or hybrid, it requires careful oversight to ensure data security and operational efficiency.

Managed Cloud Replication, Storage and Backup

This service involves using backup management and data replication techniques to protect cloud data. Performance monitoring helps ensure that data remains safe, accessible, and recoverable in case of any issues.

Managed End User Computing

End user computing management supports the devices used within a business, such as desktops, laptops, and mobile devices. The goal is to ensure smooth operations across all user devices by providing timely updates and support.

Managed Security

Managed security services help protect an organisation’s IT infrastructure by implementing tools such as VPNs, firewalls, and antivirus solutions. These services also include monitoring for potential threats and responding to security incidents.

Managed Unified Communications

Unified communications management involves ensuring the reliability of communication systems, such as email, messaging platforms, and voice services. Proactive monitoring and tuning help maintain seamless communication across the organisation.

Benefits of MSPs

Cost Efficiency

The cost of hiring an IT team can be surprisingly high. Aside from salaries, you must provide workspace, worker’s compensation insurance and other amenities. If your company suddenly experiences rapid growth, you may need to hire more employees and adjust your workplace infrastructure.

When working with an MSP, company changes do not need to stress you. Just reach out and explain your situation, and the company will do the rest with no hidden charges.

Scalability

In business, even the very best estimates can be off. MSPs allow for this by offering unparalleled scalability. If you see a sudden, unexpected uptick in your business, your MSP can respond quickly to ensure you remain efficient. This approach is far more effective than a reactionary response that may take weeks and cost thousands.

Focus on Core Business Functions

You began your company as a businessperson by focusing on what you did best. Over time, many additional tasks were added to your to-do list, possibly including IT. By working with an MSP, you can focus on your talents and skills on what you do best: running your business.

Improved Cybersecurity and Compliance

MSPs provide peace of mind because all new regulations are monitored in real-time. Likewise, your data is also securely guarded from cyber threats. Operating with a preventative focus enhances our clients’ security.

Related article: 10 Benefits of Managed IT Services

Key differences between Managed Service Providers vs. Traditional IT Departments

MSPs offer businesses distinct advantages by complementing and enhancing the capabilities of in-house IT departments. While traditional IT teams often focus on day-to-day operations, MSPs bring specialised skills and cutting-edge technology that enable a more proactive approach to managing IT infrastructure. MSPs help reduce costs by offering scalable solutions, allowing businesses to adjust resources without the need for significant investments in additional staff or equipment upgrades.

Managed Service Provider	Traditional IT Department
Focus on Prevention – MSPs continually scan for potential issues and do what is necessary to stop them before they begin	Reactive Approach – Traditional IT departments respond after a problem occurs
Broad Knowledge Base – MSPs access a wide range of specialised skills and data often unavailable to in-house teams	In-House Operations – Expertise is based on staff size and skills
Scalability – Increase or decrease services based on the client’s needs	Limited Scalability – Increasing IT staff to expand resources typically requires a sizeable investment
Planned Costs – MSPs offer predictable monthly charges because they usually work based on a subscription basis	Inconsistent Costs – Unpredictability causes charges to fluctuate based on the number and type of issues that are addressed

Industry Specific Use Case and Services for Managed Service Providers

Mining

MSPs serve the mining industry in several ways to increase safety and efficiency while controlling costs. For example,

Communications– Create infrastructure needed to ensure reliable communications via satellite links, wireless networks, and high-speed internet
Remote Monitoring and Support– Help mining companies with maintaining assets in remote locations, including diagnostics and technical support
Cybersecurity– Use vulnerability testing, monitoring, and security assessments to keep mining companies safe from cyber-attacks, data breaches, and other security threats
Manage Data– MSPs assist in managing the large amount of data mining companies generate. This includes analysing, storing, retrieving, and determining the value of collected information. Mining companies can make better decisions based on this data.

Energy Companies

MSPs assist energy companies in improving sustainability, becoming more efficient, and optimising their operations. This includes,

Efficiently Use Energy– By monitoring and optimising energy usage, MSPs help control costs and increase efficiency.
Compliance– MSPs help energy companies achieve environmental regulatory goals by adding renewable energy sources, enhancing energy efficiency, and practising sustainability.
Cloud Services– Energy companies can safely access important data from anywhere using cloud-based solutions for managing, processing, and storing data.
Cybersecurity– MSPs protect energy companies’ infrastructure from cyber threats. Using cutting-edge monitoring and threat detection creates a fast response to any cybersecurity incidents.

Education

Schools from primary through to universities benefit from MSPs in a number of ways, such as,

Hardware and Software Maintenance– MSPs ensure that all devices are up to date and working as they should.
Planning and Consultation for Technology– All educational institutions can benefit from MSPs helping them plan and implement cutting-edge technology. Assisting with understanding the latest advances in tech is vital.
Security Management– MSPs protect the personal and professional data entrusted to schools of all levels.
Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) solutions– MSPs allow educational institutions to manage and integrate their core business processes while ensuring a centralised platform with real-time data. These insights help with decision-making, removing duplicate information, and ensuring data integrity.

Government

MSPs are essential to government agencies. They protect agencies from cyberattacks and improve overall function. More specifically,

Infrastructure Management: MSPs make sure infrastructure operations are secure and reliable by managing and optimising servers, networks, and data centres.
Contain Costs– Government agencies benefit by using MSPs because they are cost-effective. An MSP can oversee more than an IT team at a fraction of the cost.
Cloud Services– MSPs help to improve data accessibility for government agencies by using and managing cloud solutions.
Data Analytics: MSPs improve government agencies’ abilities to make informed decisions based on optimising performance, identifying trends and predicting necessary maintenance

Healthcare

MSPs assist in security, efficiency, and compliance by providing a range of IT and administrative services.

Regulatory Compliance– Healthcare organisations benefit from MSPs managing their systems. Regular updates and monitoring ensure compliance with various regulations.
24/7 Support– Disruption and downtime are minimised because MSPs offer consistent support to ensure that healthcare systems operate smoothly.
Infrastructure Management– MSPs make sure healthcare infrastructure is optimised by monitoring networks, servers, and data centres.
Cost Efficiency– Outsourcing IT services to MSPs allows healthcare organisations to lower the costs of recruiting, training, and retaining specialised IT staff.

The Role of MSPs in Disaster Recovery and Business Continuity

In an uncertain world, your company needs to be able to rely on an MSP with the ability to step into any situation and implement a plan that will respond to incidents like cyber-attacks and other business disruptions.

Regardless of the circumstances, your company must be able to continue operations at an acceptable level. Creating individualised disaster recovery plans to help maintain steadiness in your procedures is a vital role of Managed Service Providers. The last thing you want in the face of business disruptions is panic. Zetta builds safety and security into all facets of your business.

How to Choose the Right Managed Service Provider

Picking the best MSP to work with your company may seem challenging, but that does not have to be the case. There are a few boxes your MSP should tick off, including,

A customer-centred company with high marks for customer satisfaction
A key solutions partner (e.g. Microsoft Solutions Partner)
Industry accredited with credentials like ISO
Highly skilled and agile, capable of adapting to your business needs
Possess local knowledge and expertise, as well as operating within your timezone or has the capability to support on-site

Here at Zetta, we are pleased to say that our business fits this picture. Our team members are experts who are committed to providing exemplary service to every customer. Whether you are a company of 150 or 1,000, you can be confident that you will receive the attention and focus your business deserves. Our Western Australian company is convenient in the same time zone for calls and within reach if you need someone to assist you onsite.

FAQs

What is a managed service provider (MSP)?

An MSP, or Managed Service Provider, is a company that offers managed IT services to businesses, focusing on proactively maintaining and optimising IT systems. They provide solutions such as network management, cybersecurity, and infrastructure support, typically on a subscription basis, helping businesses operate efficiently while controlling costs.

How do MSPs work?

MSPs work by offering businesses IT services through a subscription model, where companies pay a regular fee based on the services provided. The pricing model is typically structured around the specific needs of the business, and the scope of services is outlined in a service level agreement (SLA), which ensures clear expectations on service performance, response times, and support.

How can an MSP help businesses achieve their objectives and goals?

An MSP plays a crucial role in helping businesses achieve their objectives and goals by providing tailored IT solutions that align with the company’s vision. By managing essential IT services, an MSP ensures that businesses can focus on their core operations while using technology to meet specific business objectives.

Whether it’s through enhanced cybersecurity, improved network performance, or scalable IT infrastructure, MSPs support the achievement of both short-term and long-term business goals, helping companies remain efficient and competitive in their industries.