What is an MSP or MSSP?
What is an MSP or MSSP?
You may have come across the acronyms “MSP” and “MSSP” and wondered about their significance. These terms stand for “managed service provider” and “managed security service provider”, respectively. This concept entails the outsourcing of certain services to specialized companies. Outsourcing has traditionally been viewed as a cost-saving measure. This article will explore the advantages of using MSPs and MSSPs and delve into the inner workings of these businesses.
What functions does a Managed Service Provider (MSP) or Manages Security Service Provider (MSSP) perform?
The terms MSP and MSSP primarily refer to outsourced IT services, encompassing the following areas of business activities:
- Managing IT infrastructure
- Implementing cybersecurity measures to IT systems
- Providing technical support to staff
- Managing user access accounts on clients’ systems
- Offering fully managed hardware solutions
MSPs often provide remote support, Cyber Security, and Software-as-a-Service, and can also offer hard-to-find IT expertise to prevent problems on a client’s system or assist users with usage difficulties.
Contracting M(S)SPs brings operational advantages and cost benefits, such as:
- Providing staff on call at a reasonable cost
- Clearly defining the scope of IT support in a binding contract
- Covering for in-house staff shortages and on-premises disasters
- Including data backup management to prevent data loss
- Offering cybersecurity management to help protect businesses
- Providing scalability by adding extra resources incrementally or temporarily
- Eliminating the risk of company disruptions caused by industrial action
- Reducing competition for scarce qualified IT experts and driving up wages
- Making highly qualified staff available to businesses worldwide
- Providing access to experts in lower-wage locations to companies in high-cost areas
MSPs and MSSPs can either replace a company’s IT department entirely or provide a single niche service. The industry is evolving to provide expertise to all corners of the world and offers cutting-edge technology at an affordable price.