In the face of increasing digital demands, more and more organizations must grapple with the challenges of effectively managing IT systems and optimizing operations. But you don’t have to work towards transformation alone. Partner with a managed services provider and outsource these responsibilities to the experts. 

What is a managed services provider?

A managed services provider or MSP is a third-party company that offers ongoing and proactive management for a client’s technology, applications, systems and day-to-day processes. MSPs operate through subscription-based models under service-level agreements. By using monitoring tools to uncover and resolve issues before they escalate, the business can continue without costly disruption. 

What does an MSP do? 

It helps to view MSPs as your business partners, rather than vendors, as they assume shared accountability for outcomes. Rather than working on a “break/fix” model, managed services providers focus on prevention and optimization across customer-facing and administrative functions.  

Core capabilities of managed services providers:

  • Proactive monitoring and maintenance: With around-the-clock surveillance, security patches and routine system checks, MSPs ensure infrastructure runs efficiently and identify potential issues before they occur. 
  • Cybersecurity management: By implementing firewalls, anti-virus and malware protection, MSPs can detect and respond to cyber threats as they arise, and ensure compliance with industry standards. 
  • Help desk support: In offering 24/7 end-user support to internal staff experiencing software, hardware or network bugs and acting as a single point of contact for other vendors so that issues can be resolved at any time.
  • Cloud services: By leading the transition from outdated services to cloud-native architecture, MSPs make it easy to move towards modern technology.
  • Data backup and recovery: By ensuring backups are regular, automated and secure, MSPs ensure critical business data remains safe and accessible. 

Common offerings for IT managed services

Though their exact purpose can vary from organization to organization, managed services providers mainly provide off-site support, leveraging and 24/7 monitoring of traditional IT infrastructure through end-to-end managed IT services. 

Common IT services from an MSP:

  • Anomaly detection
  • Performance optimization
  • System administration
  • Licensing, configuration and user support
  • Help desk support
  • Routine maintenance
  • Tailored solutions and frameworks
  • Enhanced security controls
  • Real-time data insights
  • Automation capabilities
  • Generate efficiencies in business
  • Business and IT alignment

How do MSPs relate to BPS? 

While there can be some overlap, managed services providers and business process services (BPS) are typically implemented for separate purposes. MSPs offer a structured infrastructure-based approach to managing and monitoring the vital technologies and systems. BPS encompasses a wider range of business functions, from sales to support and beyond. 

If a managed IT services provider extends its focus beyond technical infrastructure into HR, payroll, marketing or supply chain management, it may provide additional BPS-based services. These specifics should be worked out between you and your managed services provider at the outset of your partnership.  

Common business process services handled by managed services providers:

  • Analytics: Aids in the analysis of business data to drive decision-making and operational efficiency.
  • Communication platforms: Manages and supports voice, video and messaging systems for internal staff and, occasionally, customer-facing systems.
  • HR system management: Handles the technology and administrative side of human resources, including various software applications and employee databases.
  • Data backup services: Provide, monitor and manage backup solutions for data services.
  • Disaster recovery plans: Create, test and execute disaster recovery plans.

What are the benefits of partnering with a managed IT services provider?

Working with MSPs gives you access to the specialized expertise and innovative solutions you need to grow your organization. Rather than hiring new staff or training existing employees, MSPs enable you to tap into high-level IT talent that is already well-versed in the latest technology trends and practices. 

Offloading certain responsibilities to managed IT services providers also frees more time and energy for internal teams to focus on strategy and initiatives. When you consider the boost in productivity and cost efficiency, partnering with an MSP is the obvious choice for scalability. 

In-house vs. managed services providers

While it may sound good on paper, the reality of hiring and maintaining an in-house IT team can quickly get expensive. Especially when you consider that most businesses need multiple specialists on staff to handle compliance, cloud computing and cybersecurity. 

Outsourcing tasks to a managed IT services provider gives you access to a larger team of experts at a fraction of the cost. The fixed and transparent pricing models mean organizations can avoid unexpected costs and stay within budget.  

MSPs can also consult and advise on which technologies or tools are right for your business. In the initial stages of your partnership, they’ll be able to tailor a plan (as well as oversee implementation and operation) based on your organization’s specific needs and objectives. In-house staff do not have access to this level of real-world expertise.

Which industries benefit from MSPs?

The best MSPs have a versatile understanding of what it takes to achieve transformational success across major industries. If you’re in leadership in one of these industries, consider switching to managed services today.

MSP offerings by industry:

  • Financial: Maintains always-on systems, secures sensitive transactions and ensures strict regulatory requirements.
  • Healthcare: Protects electronic health records, keeps HIPAA compliance and handles staffing management.
  • Manufacturing: Minimizes production downtime, strengthens systems against ransomware and covers communication between vendors. 
  • Retail: Ensures uptime for POS systems, protects customer data and provides scalable cloud-based systems to support seasonal fluctuations in demand.

Considering working with an MSP? 

The best MSPs prioritize transparency, communication and proactive approaches in everything they do. If the idea of outsourcing sounds appealing, don’t wait to shop around for a managed IT services provider. Start your search today with these seven simple steps. 

7 steps to finding an MSP that’s aligned to your business needs:

  • Step 1: Identify the specific needs and services you require
  • Step 2: Ask for recommendations from peers and identify potential MSPs 
  • Step 3: Check the MSP for relevant credentials and read client testimonials
  • Step 4: Ascertain whether or not the MSP uses up-to-date technology platforms
  • Step 5: Discuss security concerns to ensure cybersecurity practices are well-rounded
  • Step 6: Assess whether or not they offer adequate levels of support for both emergent and non-emergent issues
  • Step 7: Examine the SLAs and compare costs and value before signing

CGI as your managed services provider

With decades of experience as a managed IT services provider, CGI is among the best MSPs. Our consultants are thoroughly trained in each industry and operate on a human-centric model, implementing solutions such as CGI DigiOps and our Onshore Delivery model to deliver long-lasting success and support. 

Why wait? Connect with us today to discuss all your strategic options with our managed IT services providers.