What is a Managed Service Provider (MSP) and How Do They Differ from Traditional IT Support?

New Zealand Computing Solutions
3 min readApr 6, 2023

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If you own a business, you probably use some kind of technology. As businesses evolve, the systems that are needed for daily operations become more complicated. This is where the appropriate kind of technology comes in. Both traditional IT support and Managed Service Providers (MSPs) ensure the security of your computer systems against a wide range of viruses and other online threats. However, you need to understand their differences.

A managed service provider (MSP) is a third-party company that provides a wide range of technology services and support to businesses. These services can include everything from network monitoring, security to data backup and disaster recovery. MSPs typically provide their services on a subscription basis, allowing businesses to pay a monthly fee for ongoing support.

One of the key differences between MSPs and traditional IT support is the way they deliver their services. With traditional IT support, businesses typically call in a technician when they have a problem, and the technician provides a fix for the issue. This approach is reactive, meaning that IT support is only provided when there is a problem.

MSPs, on the other hand, take a more proactive approach. They provide ongoing monitoring and management of a business’s technology infrastructure, with the goal of preventing problems before they occur. MSPs use a range of tools and technologies to monitor networks, servers, and other critical components of a business’s IT infrastructure. By doing so, they can identify potential issues and address them before they turn into major problems.

Another difference between MSPs and traditional IT support is the level of expertise they provide. With traditional IT support, businesses typically work with a single technician or a small team of technicians who have a broad range of skills. MSPs often have specialists in different areas of technology, allowing them to provide a higher level of expertise and more comprehensive support.

Overall, the key benefits of working with an MSP include:

  1. Proactive Support to Prevent Problems Before They Occur

MSPs use advanced monitoring tools and technologies to proactively monitor a business’s technology infrastructure for potential issues. This proactive approach allows MSPs to identify and address problems before they become major issues that can impact business operations.

2. Ongoing Monitoring and Management of a Business’s Technology Infrastructure

MSPs provide ongoing monitoring and management of a business’s technology infrastructure. This includes managing servers, networks, and other critical components to ensure that they are performing optimally.

3. Access to a Team of Specialists with a Range of Expertise

MSPs typically have a team of specialists with different areas of expertise. This allows businesses to access a wide range of knowledge and skills without having to hire their own in-house IT staff.

4. Predictable Monthly Pricing for Technology Support and Services

MSPs offer their services on a subscription basis, which means that businesses pay a predictable monthly fee for ongoing technology support and services. This makes it easier for businesses to budget for their technology needs and avoid unexpected expenses. This differs from traditional IT support, where businesses may be charged on a per-incident basis, leading to unpredictable costs.

5. Improved Technology Performance and Reliability

MSPs work to optimize a business’s technology infrastructure to ensure that it is performing at its best. This can result in improved performance, increased reliability, and a more efficient IT environment.

6. More Time for Businesses to Focus on Their Core Operations

By outsourcing technology support and services to an MSP, businesses can free up their own resources to focus on their core operations. This can help businesses to be more productive and efficient, and to achieve their goals more effectively.

Overall, the proactive approach, access to specialists, and predictable pricing offered by MSPs make them a compelling choice for businesses looking to optimize their technology infrastructure and improve overall performance and reliability.

Want to learn more about the benefits of managed services or got a specific question? Get in touch with us to discuss anything you need.

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New Zealand Computing Solutions

Expert Small to Medium Business Computer Consulting, IT Outsourcing, Software Development and Managed IT Services. https://nzcs.co.nz/