When you started your business, you probably didn’t bank on micromanaging every little aspect of it.

From payroll to marketing, to IT, sometimes you can lose track on what’s important in your business when you’re caught in the weeds.

You may have heard rumblings about managed service providers (MSP). But what is an MSP?

Today, we have a complete guide for you on managed services and why they’re important to your business.

What Is An MSP?

The idea of MSPs really took off in the 1990s when they were called application service providers (ASP).

Their primary focus was on remote monitoring and management. Basically, these service providers were able to keep track of a client’s network and update it or fix issues as necessary.

This was all done from remote locations, too.

Along with the name change to “managed service provider,” the duties grew to include mobile management, security, and firewall administration, as well.

In 2006, the first detailed book on MSP was published by Erik Simpson.

Basically, if you’re one of the 58 percent or more with a video streaming service, it’s sort of a similar concept, except that it involves a managed service for your business.

Just like you pay a subscription for a streaming service to be able to watch movies or TV shows on demand, you pay an MSP for on-demand services. For example, you might pay an MSP specifically for as-needed services to your IT network.

How Does an MSP Benefit My Business?

Now that we’ve established what an MSP is and where the idea comes from, how does it help you?

Predictable Support Costs

Probably one of the biggest benefits of managed services is the reliable costs involved.

IT support issues can be erratic, unforeseeable, and costly. When you use an MSP it gives you the peace of mind knowing that your IT service needs are met on a case-by-case basis and also for a regular price that you can count on.

Better Hands

You started your business for a specific purpose, but every facet that branches off from that business is not necessarily your forte.

When you use a managed service provider, you’re putting a specific function of your business in more capable hands.

For example, if you’re outsourcing IT, you gain access to better infrastructure and security.

The Bottom Line

Any quality provider will provide comprehensive reports from time to time.

If you’re a business owner, you’re concerned with every aspect and function of your business. An MSP will be able to keep track of and document all issues and services.

in the long run, this will help you understand the bigger picture of your company.

A Managed Service Provider (MSP) For Your Business

Whether you were wondering what an MSP is or not, hopefully, this guide gave you some helpful information.

It’s a cost-effective solution to your business needs that will only help you in the long run.

If you want to know more about managed services or would like to ask us more IT question at The Ame Group, feel free to get in touch with us now!