As a Managed Service provider working with businesses in Central Ohio for over 15 years, we are always surprised when ...
As a Managed Service provider working with businesses in Central Ohio for over 15 years, we are always surprised when someone asks us what we do. I guess I feel like we work with so many different people, companies, industries and company size, more people would know what we do. But that's not the case. So I thought it would be good to write a blog with frequently asked questions that I have personally been asked in my time with Cloud Cover.
What is a Managed Service Provider (MSP)?
In the simplest terms and most straight forward definition, an MSP is a company that fully manages a customer's IT infrastructure and/or end-user systems, typically on a proactive basis and under a subscription model, charging the same, flat rate every month. MSPs offer services such as network, application, infrastructure, and cybersecurity management, even providing solutions that allow businesses to focus on their core operations.
How do Managed Service Providers differ from traditional IT support?
Unlike traditional IT teams that typically operate on a break-fix model, MSPs use a proactive approach. They monitor and manage your IT systems to prevent issues before they disrupt business operations. This method often results in higher uptimes and less unexpected downtime. We are also more of a partner when it comes to your business growth and consult on a regular basis to help scale your operations.
What types of businesses can benefit from an MSP?
Businesses of all sizes and from various industries can benefit from MSP services, especially those lacking in-house IT capabilities or those needing to free up their in-house IT team to focus on more strategic initiatives. Small to medium-sized businesses find particularly high value in MSPs due to their cost-effective method of gaining advanced IT support. We work with clients in almost every industry and from 5 employees to 500.
What services do MSPs typically offer?
MSPs offer a variety of services including but not limited to network setup and monitoring, cybersecurity protection, data backup and disaster recovery, cloud services, and help desk support. The scope can be customized based on the business’s specific needs and resources. We also offer Co-managed IT support for companies with their own internal IT teams, project support, VCIO consulting and reporting and vendor management.
How can MSPs help with cybersecurity?
MSPs are equipped with the tools and expertise necessary to protect businesses from emerging cybersecurity threats. They can implement robust security policies, conduct regular security assessments, and provide ongoing monitoring and incident response to ensure your data and systems are secure. We are a security forward MSP so we put security first in our practices. We take that into consideration for everything we do.
What is the typical cost structure of MSP services?
Most MSPs operate under a subscription-based model where businesses pay a regular fixed fee every month. This model provides predictable IT costs and can often be scaled depending on the level of service a business requires. We do have some clients that are still on a Time and Materials payment model and for some businesses, that makes more sense. For more about what it should cost for a business to hire an MSP, check out our blog post: https://cloud-cover.me/hollis-blog/what-should-it-support-cost-small-business or our Managed IT Services Pricing Page.
How does an MSP help in scaling a business?
As businesses grow, they often need additional IT resources and more sophisticated systems. MSPs can help scale their support to meet increased demands without the need for businesses to hire additional permanent IT staff. This scalability supports growth while controlling IT costs. We also allow your staff and even your internal IT team to focus on the areas they were hired to spend their efforts. This allows your team to focus on their expertise, not the daily IT woes that stop them from doing what they should be doing. You and your team are able to truly focus on the core of your business allowing you to grow and succeed.
I hope this helps answer some of the questions about what a Managed service Provider does and how we partner with businesses to help their operations. If you want to know more about what we can do for your business, set up a call with me. I would be happy to answer any questions.
And for an overview on Cloud Cover, check out our video: