A Managed Service Provider (MSP) offers software that helps you coordinate your organization’s IT network devices and infrastructure, virtually. With an implemented MSP, you can boost the productivity, streamline procedures and minimize costs for your customers’ IT requirements. It is important to note that an MSP does not actually provide IT support or maintenance; however, an MSP also coordinates with Microsoft Exchange Server (ES) and Microsoft SharePoint (SS) servers for tasks that are web-based. In addition, a good MSP will offer application services, application testing/quality assurance, data recovery/security management, and e-mail management.

An MSP will typically provide application services such as application performance monitoring, real-time remote diagnosis, device diagnostics, network monitoring, device optimization, network management, and security management. Managed service providers also help you reduce administrative costs by automating network devices and infrastructure setup, reducing telecommunications costs, simplifying maintenance and integration, and improving employee training. Through the Network Management Information Center (NIMC), a managed service provider can even route, classify and debug traffic to help your business optimize its deployment. Through NIMC, you can send alerts and notifications to your MSP immediately and track and trace problematic network traffic.

There are two basic types of managed service providers – the on-demand and the subscription model. The former uses a central database to manage and synchronize all client computers while the latter implements different layers of service providers into the cloud computing platform. Some service providers use virtualization technologies to create a virtual private network for your organization. However, many businesses prefer to use the subscription model because it allows them to customize and manage their own networks and devices. Here are some of the benefits of subscribing to cloud computing services through a managed service provider:

The biggest advantage of subscribing to cloud computing services through a managed solution provider is the fact that you can gain access to a wide variety of tools and applications without paying a large amount of money for the technology. Since most managed service providers offer software as a service (SaaS) solutions, you can be assured of an easy and affordable way of managing your computer devices. This means that you can enjoy greater control over computer network devices and software programs without having to shell out a large amount of money for the solution. In fact, most managed solutions providers offer free trials so that users can try the service first-hand and ensure that it meets their needs before committing to a long-term contract with the provider.

Another major advantage of Managed Service Provider is the fact that it offers excellent remote network monitoring and diagnostics. When working with managed solutions provided by a service provider, you can expect to enjoy complete Op Manager visibility and functionality. This includes both desktop management, which include managing icons, desktops and quickbars; Quick Network Monitor (QMP) performance monitoring; and device management, which include automatic device recovery when network devices get damaged. And because all these functions are delivered through a common application, the entire process gets simplified, thus greatly reducing the time it takes for network administrators to oversee these aspects. For example, by configuring the exclusive Managed Service Provider portal on a client network, administrators can quickly identify problematic network devices and quickly make the necessary fixes before any damage occurs to the device.

One final advantage offered by managed solutions providers is the fact that they are generally less expensive than traditional software solutions. This is because managed service providers usually offer a flat fee per month to cover hardware and software costs. Thus, instead of paying for a license every time you bring a new computer or add software to your existing infrastructure, you only pay a flat fee for months to come. This flat fee also makes the managed service providers one of the least expensive options for getting network monitoring and diagnostics. The flat fee also allows for a large number of clients to be added at a relatively low price. Lastly, with a managed solution plan you are almost always guaranteed to be working with quality products and solutions.

Another great benefit offered by managed services is the fact that they are flexible enough to meet the needs of almost any size of business. If you need your managed service provider to help you monitor and manage different departments within your organization (such as human resources, manufacturing, shipping, etc.) then you would simply need to list the departments and the types of tasks they require managing. Then, once a day, your managed service provider would perform these tasks, reporting on activity and providing any requested reports.

There are several things to think about when choosing a managed services provider for your msp. First and foremost, if you have a company with a large volume of customers, you may want to consider a managed services provider instead of a stand-alone msp. However, in case you only have a small number of customers or if you don’t have a good relationship with your contact person, you may wish to consider a stand-alone msp. Once you have determined what type of managed support you require, you can call or email your prospective msp requesting company and discuss pricing and services.