What is a managed service provider?

That's actually kinda funny, because there actually isn't one standard definition that fits everyone. But that won't stop us!

An MSP is a third-party company that a business can collaborate with to help manage part or all of the IT for a business, both locally (aka "on prem") or in the cloud.

An MSP provides technology and expertise to boost the organization's ability to scale. Working with MSPs can have tremendous benefits for an enterprise. For instance, their understanding of cutting-edge technology can help improve performance, operations, and security while reducing overhead. In addition, they can offer several creative solutions to help navigate the evolving landscape of the big data world.

A successful MSP should be able to deliver tailor-made solutions that fit a company perfectly using tools and strategies that they're very familiar with. And let's talk about specialized skill. Some organizations might need specialized skills, but not enough for a full-time person. It's really hard, for example, to hire 20% of a Senior Database Analyst. Believe me, we've tried. That's especially true when it comes to strategic planning. If an organization isn't large enough to have a Chief Information Officer (CIO) position, the MSP should be able to fulfill that role. Often this is called a virtual or fractional CIO.

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