Maintaining an efficient and secure IT infrastructure is crucial for businesses of all sizes in today’s digital landscape. But managing it internally can be a daunting task, requiring dedicated expertise and resources. That’s where managed services come in. By outsourcing specific IT functions to a managed service provider (MSP), you can free up internal resources, improve operational efficiency, and gain access to specialised skills. In this beginner’s guide, we’ll explore the various types of managed services available and provide insights into successful ICT outsourcing.

Nowadays, practically everything relies on a complex ecosystem of IT infrastructure, apps, and security mechanisms. And for some businesses, managing this landscape in-house may be a costly and time-consuming burden, diverting resources from key business activities.

That’s where managed services come in, offering a solution to outsource vital IT functions to managed service providers (MSPs). 

Managed services, a growing industry that alleviates this burden, have gained traction among organizations looking for effective methods to oversee their IT infrastructure while focusing on their key strengths. These services offer comprehensive solutions to handle various aspects of IT operations, allowing businesses to optimise performance, enhance security, and reduce operational costs. There are different types of managed services, which offer a range of different benefits, such as access to specialised expertise, making them an appealing choice for organisations of any scale.

Understanding the Types of Managed Services vs. Outsourcing 

Managed services refers to the practice of outsourcing IT functions to third-party service providers, also known as managed service providers, or MSPs. These providers assume responsibility for the management and maintenance of a company’s IT infrastructure, applications, and services, allowing organisations to focus on their core business objectives. By outsourcing ICT (information and communications technology) functions, businesses can leverage the expertise and resources of MSPs to improve efficiency, reduce unnecessary costs, and mitigate the risks associated with managing complex IT environments.

Outsourcing and managed services are often used interchangeably, but they actually have distinct differences in terms of scope of services, focus, level of control and engagement. Let’s discuss these differences briefly.

     1. Scope of Services

• Managed services involve the continuous oversight and assistance provided by a third-party provider for an organisation’s IT infrastructure and technology resources. These services usually include providing services like network monitoring, cybersecurity, cloud management, data backup, and helpdesk support through a subscription model.
• Outsourcing involves contracting specific business functions or processes to an external service provider. These functions can vary widely and may include IT services, customer support, HR functions, manufacturing, and more. Unlike managed services, outsourcing can encompass a broader range of activities beyond IT.

     2. Level of Control

• With managed services, the third-party provider takes on the responsibility for managing and maintaining the IT infrastructure while the business maintains control over strategic decisions and overall direction.
• In outsourcing, the organisation typically relinquishes direct control over the outsourced functions to the service provider. The provider assumes responsibility for executing the tasks according to the agreed-upon terms and conditions.

     3. Focus

• Managed services focus on delivering ongoing support and optimising IT infrastructure to improve efficiency, reliability, and security. The goal is to proactively prevent issues and ensure the smooth operation of technological systems.
• Outsourcing is often driven by the need to reduce costs, improve flexibility, or access specialised expertise. The focus may be on streamlining operations, increasing scalability, or gaining access to resources not available internally.

     4. Engagement Model

• Managed services are typically structured as long-term partnerships between the organisation and the service provider. The provider becomes an extension of the organisation’s IT team and works closely with internal stakeholders.
• Outsourcing engagements can vary in duration and structure, ranging from short-term contracts for specific projects to long-term strategic partnerships. The level of collaboration and integration with internal teams may vary depending on the nature of the outsourced functions.

💡If you’re still relying on your in-house IT team to maintain your systems, you might be interested in this blog: Benefits of Switching to a Managed Service Provider Instead of In-house IT.

Types of Managed Services

The world of managed services is vast, encompassing a wide range of offerings. Here are some of the most common categories:

     1. Infrastructure Management

Infrastructure Infrastructure management forms the bedrock of managed services, encompassing network management, server upkeep, data centre operations, and disaster recovery. In other words, MSPs oversee the day-to-day operation of IT infrastructure components, such as servers, storage systems, and virtualization platforms, ensuring optimal performance, reliability, and security. This managed service is for businesses of all sizes seeking reliable IT infrastructure and proactive maintenance.

• Network monitoring involves continuously monitoring network devices, such as routers, switches, and firewalls, to identify and resolve performance issues, security threats, and other network-related issues proactively.
• Server Management services involve managing and maintaining server hardware and software to ensure uptime, performance, and data integrity. This includes tasks such as provisioning, configuration, patch management, and backup and recovery.
• Data Storage Solutions encompass the management of storage resources, including storage area networks (SANs), network-attached storage (NAS), and cloud storage, to optimize data accessibility, security, and efficiency.

     2. Security Services

With cyber threats constantly evolving, managed security services provide real-time monitoring, intrusion detection, and incident response, safeguarding your critical data. Security management focuses on safeguarding an organization’s IT infrastructure, data, and sensitive information from cyber threats, breaches, and unauthorized access.

• Threat Detection and Response services involve monitoring IT systems for suspicious activities, identifying potential security threats, and responding promptly to mitigate risks and prevent data breaches or cyberattacks.
• Firewall Management services entail configuring and maintaining firewall devices to control incoming and outgoing network traffic, enforce security policies, and protect against unauthorized access and malicious activities.
• Endpoint Security services aim to protect endpoints, such as laptops, desktops, mobile devices, and servers, from malware, ransomware, and other cyber threats through antivirus software, encryption, and endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions.

     3. Application Management

This involves maintaining business-critical applications, including updates, security patches, and performance optimisation. It focuses on managing and optimising software applications throughout their lifecycle, from deployment and updates to performance monitoring and troubleshooting.

• Application Deployment and Updates services involve deploying new software applications, managing software licenses, and applying patches and updates to ensure applications are up-to-date and secure.
• Performance Monitoring and Optimisation services entail monitoring application performance, identifying performance bottlenecks, and implementing optimisations to enhance user experience and productivity.

     4. Cloud Services

Migrating to the cloud offers scalability and cost savings. Managed cloud services can help you plan, migrate, manage, and optimise your cloud infrastructure. From managing cloud infrastructure (IaaS), like Azure or AWS, to migrating and optimising applications (SaaS), managed cloud services ensure smooth cloud adoption and utilisation. If you’re planning a cloud migration strategy or want to leverage technologies, then this managed service is for you.

• Cloud Migration Services assist businesses in migrating their on-premises infrastructure and applications to the cloud, ensuring a seamless transition while maximizing the benefits of cloud technology.
• Cloud Infrastructure Management services focus on managing and optimizing cloud infrastructure components, such as virtual machines, storage, and networking, to ensure reliability, security, and efficiency.

     5. Additional Services

• Data Backup &  Disaster Recovery services entail the regular backup of critical business data as well as the implementation of procedures to restore data in the event of a disaster or data loss incident. Managed service providers ensure regular, secure, and easily accessible backups for efficient recovery, minimising downtime and reducing the risk of data loss.
• Help Desk and User Support services include technical assistance, troubleshooting, and ticket resolution for end-users experiencing IT-related issues. Managed service providers also offer remote assistance and onsite visits to resolve user 
• IT Consulting is for businesses seeking to optimise their IT investments and stay ahead of the technology curve can benefit from managed IT consultants. They can assess your business needs, recommend solutions, and develop long-term IT strategies. They can also provide expert advice on budget planning and future-proofing your IT infrastructure, software selection, and project implementation, empowering informed decision-making. 

Considerations for Choosing the Right Managed Service Provider

It’s essential to partner with a trusted MSP that can tailor solutions to meet specific business needs and objectives. 

When selecting a managed service provider, businesses should consider the following factors:

1. Experience and Expertise: Look for MSPs with a proven track record of delivering high-quality services and expertise in your industry or niche. Check to see if they have case studies, and carefully read their client feedback.
2. Service Level Agreements (SLAs): Review SLAs carefully to ensure they align with your business objectives and performance expectations.
3. Scalability and Customisation: Choose MSPs that offer flexible service options and can scale their offerings to accommodate your evolving needs and requirements.

And to ensure the successful implementation of managed services, businesses should:

1. Clear Communication: Maintain open and transparent communication with MSPs to match expectations and objectives
2. Continuous Monitoring and Improvement: Determine areas for optimisation or improvement by periodically evaluating the managed services’ performance.
3. Collaboration with MSPs: Foster a collaborative partnership with your MSP to effectively leverage their expertise and resources.

     Have more questions? Contact Hexicor today.

• What qualities and skills should you look for in a managed IT service provider?
• What questions should I ask a managed service provider?
• What do managed service providers really do?
• How do managed service providers reduce downtime? 
• How do MSPs impact business productivity?
• How much do managed IT services cost?
• Is my business at risk without a managed service provider? 
• How do I know if I need a managed services provider?

Your next steps… Partner with a managed service provider today.

Managed services play a crucial role in helping businesses streamline IT operations, improve efficiency, enhance security, and drive innovation. By outsourcing IT functions to experienced MSPs, organizations can access specialized expertise, allowing them to focus on their core business activities while leveraging advanced technologies and expertise to achieve their goals.

By utilising managed services and cooperating with a trustworthy MSP, businesses may achieve effective IT outsourcing and drive boost growth. Remember, managed services are an investment, not an expense, and choosing the right partner can unlock significant ROI for your organisation.

Discover how a managed service provider can transform your business’s digital landscape. Contact Hexicor today for more information about our managed IT services or to discuss your specific IT needs.

Visit Hexicor Managed Services Case Studies for more insights into the transformative benefits of Managed Services and how it can elevate your business.

Frequently Asked Questions about Types of Managed IT Services