Managed Services: The Key to Efficient and Secure IT

Introduction

Managed services are a third-party MSP (Managed Service Provider) management tool that supports and manages all businesses’ IT needs. In this rapidly changing technological world with a complex business environment, it can be challenging for IT leaders to effectively manage their portfolio of technology applications, maintain operational excellence, and maximize efficiency at a controlled cost. 

Managed services relieve the organization’s internal IT team of some of the burden, allowing them to concentrate on more strategic IT initiatives with better efficiency and focus. These services help enterprises to stay on top of the game, maintaining and taking preventative actions to keep the organization’s system secure and up to date.

Managed Service Provider (MSP)

A managed service provider (MSP) is a type of IT service provider (IBM, Accenture, Infosys) that assists end users and enterprises with the following tasks;

 

  • Advanced technology
  • Communication
  • Infrastructure
  • Network administrations and security
  • Operating speed
  • Reducing downtime
  • Data backup
  • Maintenance
  • IT support
benefits-of-managed-services

Type of Managed Service

Business and IT executives can combine different services to suit their needs, and frequently choose a fully managed IT solution in which the majority of IT-related tasks are delegated to an MLP. The common managed services include.

  1. Support services
    The widely used support-managed services include helpdesk services and troubleshooting. The MSP handles routine issues like software updates or password resets with the help of support services. The majority of support services include tablets and mobile devices. Some services offer on-site assistance when required.

  2. Managed Communication
    Managed Communication means combining voice, video, chat, and email into a single service. Instead of logging into multiple different applications, all of the organization’s employees can connect on a single platform by using managed communication services. Managed communication provides services like; instant messages, file sharing, video conferencing, virtual room and spaces, emails, and calendar sharing.

  3. Networking and Infrastructure Support
    Some MSPs can manage servers virtually, performing off-site backups and maintenance. Others will rent out space on their servers or and maintain servers in their data centers. Services in this category include network security, network management, and, data backup

     

  4. Desktop as a Service (DaaS)
    DaaS can be accessed online or using software applications. DaaS is simple to access, and the Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) adds a layer of security. The best solution for companies working with sensitive data.

     

  5. Security as a service(SaaS)
    MSPs provide its client with secure cloud-based real-time security protection that prevents security breaches. The SaaS package includes; Anti-Malware, Security reporting, system monitoring, and testing, log management, and analysis.

     

  6. Backup as a Service
    The focus of Backup as a Service is backups and recovery. All of the data on organizational infrastructure is copied and stored on secure off-site servers during backup processing. Backups are regulated by recovery plans.

     

  7. Software as a service
    By distributing applications through the cloud in the context of software as a service, managed services providers serve as a bridge between your business and the software developer.

     

  8. Managed packages Package Management
    Full-service managed solutions known as Managed Packages are created to function as an internal IT team. These packages incorporate many Managed Services technologies.

     

  9. On-site Services
    On-site services entail a managed service provider sending specialists to a specific area to carry out several IT jobs, such as setting up or fixing equipment, carrying out cabling or wireless projects, or conducting site inspections for the smooth completion of on-site work.

     

  10. Data Analytics
    With data analysis as a service, a company can assist clients in implementing more efficient business solutions by monitoring, capturing, and analyzing network data. Anything ranging from a change in procedure to an increase in revenue can result from the proposed solutions.

Purchasing and Delivery of Managed services by MSPs

Pricing

The real costs of Managed Services depend on a variety of factors; the services a firm wants, the company’s size, etc. The price structure or model utilized by an MSP may be more predictable. Five pricing models are:

  1. Flat Rate: A single, all-inclusive fee that a company pays on a monthly, quarterly, or occasionally annual basis.
  2. A la Carte: Organizations pay separately for each component of a service they choose and receive.
  3. By Device: The business pays a set amount for every device they want the service to cover.
  4. By User: For each user, Companies that want to have access to the service must pay a set cost.
  5. Hourly: Companies pay a certain amount for each hour that they use the service.

Managed Services Service level agreement (SLA)

MSP is bound under SLA and is responsible for the functionality of the service provided. SLA documents cover the following aspects;

Provided Services: The brief breakdown of the services and products, the MSP provides to the client.

Availability: SLA document contains a brief discussion of the service availability. Some of the important points include:

  • MSP’s services UpTime
  • How to consult MSP during DownTime
  • Technical assistance
  • Specific managed services availability and unavailability
  • Disaster recovery

Performance: The level of service you can anticipate from your Managed Services Provider is outlined in this section of your SLA, along with the metrics used to assess that performance.

Legal Points: Such as how to handle third-party claims, warranties, indemnity, and exclusions.

Scalability: As companies expand, so do customer needs. The company and/or Managed Services Provider may decide that it is necessary to modify or amend SLA at some point. SLA provides scalability so that it can be altered in time of need.

Delivery

Most managed services are virtualized and supplied over the cloud. The customer will download software or log into a portal to connect with the provider. The sole drawback of the cloud is its entire reliance on the Internet. An MSP wouldn’t have access to their client’s environment if there were a network failure.

How to Choose the Best Managed Services for Your Company

Although managed services are a great strategy that makes it possible for your company to be secure, highly resilient, and cost-effective, it’s crucial to pick a partner who is committed to service delivery and who can offer a plan that will help your company advance. Don’t be reluctant to discuss all the ways an MSP may assist you in a conversation. Keep in mind that you are in charge.
Add operational capabilities to your team, including monitoring, incident detection and management, backup, security, and cost optimization with Arcana. The managed services we offer include Saas, Infrastructure Support, Application Services, and cloud services. Visit our website to learn more about the offering.

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