Managed services are outsourced IT and technology services that are provided and managed by a third-party service provider. These services help businesses offload specific tasks and responsibilities to experts, allowing them to focus on their core operations.
The most common managed services include:
- Managed IT Services: These services encompass a wide range of IT-related functions, such as network management, cybersecurity, server and infrastructure management, helpdesk and user support, and more.
- Managed Security Services: Security is a critical concern for businesses. Managed security services include services like firewall management, intrusion detection and prevention, antivirus and anti-malware protection, and monitoring for security threats.
- Managed Cloud Services: These services involve the management of cloud infrastructure and resources, such as cloud server management, data backup and recovery, and migration to cloud platforms like AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud.
- Managed Network Services: This includes the management of a business’s network infrastructure, such as routers, switches, and wireless networks, to ensure optimal performance, security, and availability.
- Managed Hosting Services: Businesses can outsource their web hosting or application hosting needs to a managed hosting provider. This can include website hosting, application hosting, and database hosting services.
- Managed Backup and Disaster Recovery: These services ensure that a company’s data is regularly backed up, and there are recovery plans in place to minimize downtime in case of data loss or system failure.
- Managed Print Services: For businesses with extensive printing needs, managed print services help in the management of printers and copiers, including maintenance, supplies management, and cost optimization.
- Managed VoIP (Voice over IP) Services: These services provide businesses with voice communication solutions, including IP-based phone systems and unified communications tools.
- Managed Workplace Services: This includes managing end-user devices, such as laptops, desktops, mobile devices, and software applications used by employees. It ensures that these devices are updated, secure, and functioning optimally.
- Managed Database Services: Database management services include the administration, optimization, and security of a company’s databases, whether on-premises or in the cloud.
- Managed Unified Communications: These services integrate various communication methods like voice, video, chat, and email into a unified platform, improving communication and collaboration within an organization.
- Managed DevOps Services: Businesses can outsource their DevOps practices to streamline software development and IT operations. This includes automation, continuous integration and delivery, and infrastructure as code.
- Managed IoT (Internet of Things) Services: For businesses leveraging IoT devices, managed services can assist in the deployment, management, and security of IoT infrastructure and data.
- Managed ERP Services: Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems can be complex to manage. Managed services can handle the administration, maintenance, and updates of ERP software.
- Managed Analytics and Business Intelligence (BI) Services: These services help businesses manage and analyze their data, offering insights and reporting to aid decision-making.
- Managed Compliance and Regulatory Services: This involves ensuring that an organization complies with industry-specific regulations and standards, such as HIPAA, GDPR, or PCI DSS.
The choice of managed services depends on a business’s specific needs and objectives. Many organizations opt for a combination of managed services to offload various IT and technology functions, allowing them to focus on their core competencies.