The various types of managed services have become critical to the success of business operations around the globe. A managed service provider (MSP) is a business that oversees a company’s technological needs. The services an MSP provides can entail many things such as network, help desk, and cybersecurity support.

From small start-up businesses to established enterprises, many businesses use the assistance of managed services. There are eight common types of managed services, each of which serves specific business needs.

1. Network Infrastructure Management

Infrastructure and network management are critical to most business operations, which is why managed infrastructure services are so popular. This service can cover everything from managing networking hardware to servers, storage, and software. Infrastructure management includes network monitoring as well as optimizing and maintaining networks to ensure smooth and dependable performance. Both wired and wireless networks can be managed.

There are many benefits to choosing these managed services including:

1. Improved uptime: Constant monitoring and a fast response to alerts reduce downtime.
2. Scalability: MSPs allow for scaling with smooth transitions.
3. Cost efficiency: Can help prevent unnecessary capital investments.

Router, switch and firewall management, VPN setup, and LAN/WAN monitoring are specific examples of tasks this type of managed services provider performs.

2. Managed Security Services

Have you ever wondered how many cyber attacks occur each day? Every 24 hours, 30,000 websites are attacked, costing businesses $6 trillion in expenses in 2022 alone. Cyber security services are in high demand to reduce the chances of being hit with a cyber attack. This type of managed service provider focuses on protecting businesses from cyber attacks, breaches, malware, and other vicious activities. Security services include firewalls, antivirus software, intrusion detection systems, and more.

There are many benefits to choosing managed cybersecurity services including:

1. Proactive threat management: Regular vulnerability scans show potential issues before real problems appear.
2. Compliance: The MSP makes sure businesses are compliant with current laws.
3. Enhanced security and data protection: Remote monitoring helps safeguard sensitive data and file infrastructure from data breaches.

Multi-factor authentication (MFA), encryption services, firewall management, and security information and event management (SIEM) are specific examples of services this type of MSP provides.

3. Help Desk Services

Managed services can specialize in help desk and IT support services to offer immediate technical assistance to businesses. Instead of an internal IT department, businesses can outsource this task to a third-party service provider (such as an MSP).

The third-party call center can be offered for partial or 24/7 support covering everything from straightforward software glitches to complex software issues. Help desk and technical support service providers may deliver services even after regular business hours.

Help desk support services are much more efficient when support problems can be communicated with the MSP directly from the company’s current communication platform. Collaboration platforms like Thread integrate with companies’ in-house communication tools like Slack and Microsoft Teams to streamline communication.

Thread also cuts down resolution times compared to traditional ticketing systems using AI capabilities that categorize, prioritize, and assign support issues to technicians automatically, quickly, and directly.

Help desk managed IT services—especially those that integrate with your in-house communication software—offer several benefits including:

1. Round-the-clock support: Some MSPs offer 24/7 support.
2. Expert assistance: MSPs provide highly skilled personnel.
3. Cost savings: Can be more cost-effective than having a full-time IT in-house staff.

Remote troubleshooting, hardware and software issue support, and onsite support for complex issues are some possible tasks performed by this type of MSP.

4. Cloud Services

Cloud computing is a revolutionary upgrade to how businesses store and access data. Choosing stellar cloud-based services helps to keep cloud infrastructure running smoothly and optimized for performance, security, and cost-effectiveness. Public, private, and hybrid cloud models can be utilized by MSPs in the cloud computing service arena.

There are many benefits to choosing a managed cloud service provider including:

1. Cost efficiency: Optimize storage resources.
2. Flexibility: Scale up or down depending on power, storage, or app-hosting needs.
3. Security: Provides robust security measures.

Virtual server management, backup solutions, and cloud security services are specific areas that an MSP specializing in cloud services could cover.

5. Disaster Recovery and Backup Data Storage

Cyberattacks, human error, and disasters can and do happen. Having a strong disaster and backup data program helps to ensure those setbacks do not put a stop to a company’s existence. Data storage may be included in other MSP plans, but some MSPs have a more robust backup and disaster recovery (BDR) option for businesses that want a comprehensive option to restore lost data.

There are many benefits to choosing a managed service provider that specializes in robust BDR strategies including:

1. Data integrity: Managed IT services provide secure data backups.
2. Quick recovery: MSPs provide fast recovery to prevent further data loss.
3. Peace of mind: Knowing the managed services provider has the data stored safely provides peace of mind for business owners.

Cloud-based backups, on-premise backups, disaster recovery plans, and redundant server setups are all examples of services these types of managed service providers offer.

6. Managed Communication Services

Managed communication services, or unified communications refer to managed digital communication tools such as email, mobile devices, video conferencing, and Voice over IP (VoIP) systems. This type of managed service supports the quality work of these specific tools. Whether set-up, troubleshooting, or general tool management is involved, MSPs keep communication tools up and running.

There are several benefits to choosing managed communication services including:

1. Improved collaboration: MSPs provide communication tools to allow for more effective communication.
2. Cost reduction: Bundled solutions often reduce overall price tags.
3. Security: MSPs make sure communications are compliant with regulations.

VoIP setup and management, email services, and unified communication platforms are all examples of managed services for communications.

7. IT Consulting and Strategy Planning

Some managed IT services offer IT consulting or strategy planning for clients. This type of consulting helps businesses plan for their future technology needs and ensures that the IT department supports the business’s growth and progression.

There are several benefits of choosing managed services that specialize in IT consulting including:

1. Expert guidance: Receive counsel on up-and-coming technologies.
2. Long-term planning: Anticipate tech changes and challenges.
3. Cost management: Consulting can include budgeting assistance.

Technology audits and assessments, strategic planning sessions, vendor management, and IT budgeting and forecasting are all specific areas of specialization for this type of MSP.

8. Data Analytics

It is common to find managed services that focus on collecting, analyzing, and protecting clients’ data. This data management is crucial as businesses grow because companies often struggle with managing a large amount of customer data. Data management companies offer programs that help with storage optimization, tracking web-based customer traffic, and even advising on how to increase online traffic.

There are several benefits of choosing data analytics managed IT services including:

1. Expert insight and strategy: These MSPs help businesses make data-driven decisions.
2. Faster time-to-insight: Data-driven MSPs streamline the data collection process, which helps leaders make data-driven decisions very quickly.
3. Scalability and flexibility: MSPs can scale their services to meet the business’s needs.

Data governance and compliance, data integration, and data archiving are all specific examples of services provided by data-analytic-focused MSPs.

There Are Many Types of Managed Services

Nearly any type or size of business can benefit from managed IT services. MSPs provide a cost-effective and dependable solution for practically any aspect of technology. Outsourcing certain IT tasks gives the business more time to focus on core goals and business ventures, and allows experts to concentrate on the intricacies of the tech world.

The different types of managed IT services focus on different aspects of companies’ technological needs. Partnering with an MSP that offers one or all of these services maximizes IT functionality and dependability, which is essential in today’s digital landscape.