A Managed Service Provider (MSP) is an Information Technology company that manages all aspects of a client's IT infrastructure, usually including end-user systems The ‘earmark’ of a true MSP is that the bulk of the service is provided through 24/7 remote monitoring, maintenance and repair (Help Desk), while on-site visits by field technicians are provided as well. Both remote and onsite services generally operate under a specific ‘guaranteed’ time frame for response.
The model for the MSP arrangement is typically on a monthly subscription basis, supported by a detailed Service Level Agreement (SLA) which itemizes the entire scope of the services provided. A true MSP operates on a proactive basis, taking a more ‘holistic’ approach to the network infrastructure as a whole organism, as well as each individual device on the network: workstations, servers, printers, scanners and other devices which are unique or proprietary to the business.
With the prevalence of the MSP model in today’s IT landscape, it has become a ‘catch phrase’ for most IT providers, even when they do not meet the criteria for a bona fide MSP. It is important for any potential client to read over the SLA thoroughly to be certain what they are getting for their money. For example, if remote monitoring and repair is not included, the offering is not that of a true MSP.
Today, many firms interchange the term "Cloud Service Provider" with "Managed Service Provider", and while not necessarily mutually exclusive, they do not denote the exact same scope of services. Many MSP clients choose not to have applications or data backups hosted in the cloud.
It was the emergence of the Internet that allowed for the debut of offsite Managed Services, which began to arrive on the IT scene in the 1990s. The early practitioners of the developing web-based service model were Application Service Providers (ASPs), which offered remote application hosting services. As the technology advanced, MSPs, providing remote support for customers' IT infrastructure, and Cloud Computing companies began to appear.
Today more MSPs than ever have added services to differentiate themselves from their competition, bundling technologies such as Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) telephone systems to their offerings menu.
True top-notch MSPs will continue to anticipate the future of technology, expanding their services in kind.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do IT inhouse or outsource IT?
If you evaluate the salary and benefits for a single, qualified in-house IT person (average about $90k) it seems quite clear that you get better service by outsourcing to a reputable MSP – not just anyone who hangs out an ‘IT sign’. You get much more, much faster, and for much less money, and your MSP doesn’t take sick days, vacation days, or holidays off.
What do managed IT services cost?
No matter how the price breakdown is presented, it typically boils down to a per-user price. According to Gartner, the price range is between $100 to $250 per user per month. If you poll reputable MSPs in the IT community, it will be rare to find one that charges more than $175 per user. The $250 figure must be from a place where there is no competition.
What do managed IT services cost?
No matter how the price breakdown is presented, it typically boils down to a per-user price. According to Gartner, the price range is between $100 to $250 per user per month. If you poll reputable MSPs in the IT community, it will be rare to find one that charges more than $175 per user. The $250 figure must be from a place where there is no competition.
What is the break-fix process?
An MSP is proactive while break/fix purveyors are reactive. Because it’s extremely rare for break/fix IT companies to have remote monitoring and repair, here’s how it usually works:
Something breaks, you call your IT guy, and then you:
WAIT for a callback, then you
WAIT for the tech to show up, then you
WAIT for him/her to troubleshoot the problem, and then you
WAIT for him/her to fix it.
Does that sound like a lot of downtime?
It is.
What is the break-fix help desk?
It is extremely rare for break-fix guys to have any kind of help desk. Repairs typically happen in the manner described in the previous FAQ.
How secure is your network?
As a reputable member of the IT Support Los Angeles community since 2002, we offer a FREE, no-risk network and security assessment. It is a non-intrusive scan that allows us to deliver a comprehensive report that is yours to keep. No strings, and no obligation to ever use our Managed IT Services.
The best defenses are expert network security to protect your data from theft, and a top-notch Managed Services Provider (MSP) to ensure continued reliability and defenses against newly emerging threats.
With our 100% Money Back Guarantee in writing, we offer a risk-free way for prospective clients to try us out. Because we do not require a ‘hard’ contract, our clients can fire us at any time with 30 days’ notice. We have to be good.
Among the Managed IT services we provide:
IT HelpDesk Service
Onsite IT Support
Cybersecurity
Cloud migration and management
Email migration services
Backup and disaster recovery
VoIP phone systems
IT disposition and recycling
Office moves
White label services (IT to IT)
IT Support LA is an award-winning Managed Services Provider (MSP):
o 3 Years awarded Best IT by the Small Business Expo
o Awarded 2nd best company of any type in the US by the Small Business Expo SB100
o Awarded Best IT in California by Channel Futures
o Winner of Best IT in Los Angeles by Channel Futures
o Listed as one of the world’s Top 501 MSPs by CRN and in the top 250 in the ‘Pioneer’ listing
o 4 years listed as one of the Top 501 MSPs in the World by Channel Futures
o Listed as #21 MSPs in the World in Channel Futures NextGen 101
o Globee 2021 Bronze Award winner for Chief Technology Officer of the Year
o Globee 2022 Gold Award winner for Chief Technology Officer of the Year
o Named one of 2022’s 50 ‘Best’ businesses in California by UpCity
o Named Best of IT winner by UpCity
o Winner of Local Excellence Award for 2021, 2022 and 2023 by UpCity
o Named Best of Cloud Consulting winner by UpCity
o Certified as Top MSP and Cybersecurity Pro by UpCity
o Named Best IT in Los Angeles by Expertise.com.
Contact Us to Discuss Security Training & Technology
Need help with email filtering or security rules setup? Would you like someone to handle your ongoing employee security training? We can help you reduce your security risks in many ways.
Contact us today to learn more and take advantage of our FREE no-risk network and security assessment, just fill out the form on this page or call us at:
818-805-0909
