A Managed Service Provider (MSP) is a third-party that delivers a range of IT services and support to businesses, typically on a subscription or outsourcing model. MSPs are responsible for managing and maintaining an organisation’s IT infrastructure, including servers, networks, devices, and applications. Services provided by MSPs often include proactive monitoring, security management, data backup and recovery, help desk support, and strategic IT consulting. The goal of an MSP is to ensure the reliability, security, and efficiency of a client’s IT environment, allowing the client to focus on its core business functions. The MSP model typically offers businesses the benefits of cost-effective, scalable, and specialised IT services without the need for an in-house IT team.

What services does a Managed Service Provider manage?

Traditionally, businesses outsourced critical IT processes, such as infrastructure installation, management, networking, security, and data warehouses, to MSPs, ensuring access to essential capabilities while managing costs effectively.

This outsourcing principle has expanded beyond IT to encompass any business processes where organisations lack in-house expertise or setting up capabilities internally would divert resources from more strategic activities. For example, in the era of hybrid work models and diverse employment categories, managing human resources (HR) has become intricate. Many organisations opt to outsource different HR activities to professional employer organisations (PEOs).

Key business processes commonly outsourced to MSPs include:

1. Payroll
2. IT services and infrastructure
3. Workforce management
4. Recruitment
5. Vendor management
6. Contract management and compliance
7. Human resources

By using an MSP, businesses benefit from streamline operations, enhance efficiency, and focus on core activities, leveraging external expertise to manage diverse aspects of their processes effectively.