Over the last couple years, you may have heard the buzz term MSP in regards to technology support. What it stands for is “Managed Service Provider”. A Managed Service Provider (or MSP) is usually your computer people, the person or company that manages all of your technology.
So I know what you’re asking yourself? How is an MSP any different than the IT support person I have today?
There are two main differences between a Managed Service Provider and your typical computer guy. First, a MSP usually bills a flat monthly fee that never changes. Second, a MSP usually utilizes a different business model than your typical computer guy. This model requires a different set of technology tools that many IT organizations do not possess. Some of those items are:
-Help Desk
-Comprehensive ticketing system
-Monitoring right down to the application level
-Reporting – Executive reporting on usage, licensing, hardware, etc.
-Remote support – Tools to remotely support and maintain your equipment.
-Automation- Tools that allow the MSP to auto heal some of your issues before they become a problem.
A MSP has more of a partner / consulting role than your typical computer guy. So when considering which MSP to go with, definitely take into consideration the type of technology they utilize to deliver their services, because often times it can be what sets them aside from the pack!