Managed Services vs. Professional Services: A Closer Look

More businesses are outsourcing IT for cost and time savings, but there are different ways to outsource. Some companies need to outsource their whole department while others just need an extra pair of hands for a one-off project. That’s the foundation behind comparing managed services vs. professional services.

Each one’s scope of work is similar in many ways. Both services can address specific challenges and prevent burnout by giving your employees more time. Where they differ is in how they offer these benefits.

Understanding the key differences will help you make an informed decision about how you need to outsource your IT. You may need one, or the other, or both. So, let’s take a closer look at these services to help you decide.

What Can Managed IT Services Do For Your Business?

 

What is The Difference Between Managed and Professional Services?

The main difference between managed and professional services is time. Professional services are project-based, while managed services offer long-term support. Professional services firms help with specific projects and managed service providers help with day-to-day IT tasks.

In many cases, a company may need both forms of assistance. Some will need to contact separate vendors for each service, while others may get both services from one vendor.

There are pros and cons to each approach. One vendor may provide quick help, but multiple vendors offer diverse perspectives. Ultimately, the best decision depends on your needs and budget.

Another difference is how business owners pay providers. Professional services typically charge a one-time fee or hourly wage. Comparatively, managed services are usually subscription-based.

 

A Closer Look at Managed Services

Managed service providers (MSPs) are expert IT professionals who offload the burden of your regular IT maintenance tasks. Generally, businesses turn to MSPs for help with tedious daily duties such as support, network monitoring, and data backups.

Sometimes, an MSP will take the helm on a long-term, one-time project that may be beyond the scope of a professional service. This is especially true for intensive cloud migration and digital transformation projects. They may also continue to manage related resources after the project.

 

When Should You Choose Managed IT Services?

Here are a few examples of instances when an MSP will be your best choice.

 

1. You Want to Increase Response Times

Even with a well-staffed helpdesk, your team can easily get overwhelmed by a high ticket volume. This is a problem. Too many tickets lead to slower response times which has a drastic effect on customer satisfaction.

Fortunately, 84% of MSPs in Canada offer managed support services. Augmenting your service desk with MSP technicians helps you resolve more tickets faster.

 

2. You Need to Enhance Your Cybersecurity

Small-and-medium-sized businesses are a big target to cybercriminals. Hackers know that smaller businesses typically have fewer security measures. Therefore, they see them as easier to exploit.

Most MSPs offer managed cybersecurity services. Partnering with one can help small business owners gain large enterprise-level protection. This way, hackers are left with a misdirected target.

Tip: The Canadian Centre for Cybersecurity offers a comprehensive guide on discussing security with a potential MSP partner. 

3. You Need Assurance That All Your Resources Are Managed

Some companies are challenged by finding suitable hires and making sure everyone is meeting expectations. This makes it too easy to let important IT management tasks slip through the cracks.

MSPs typically offer a service-level agreement (SLA) to highlight what you can expect. This way, you have clear assurance that all assets are being managed up to set expectations

 

A Closer Look at Professional Services

Professional services offer many of the same services as MSPs, but on a shorter and more intensive basis. While an MSP focuses on your whole IT environment, a professional service provider would zero-in on one specific aspect.

It’s ideal for businesses with strong IT teams that require short-term scaling. You may also get professional services while also working with an MSP if you need someone to be laser-focused on a certain project.

 

When Should You Choose Professional Services?

Here are a few examples of instances when professional services will be your best choice.

 

1. You Need Hyper-Focused Help With a Specific Initiative

MSPs give your team more time to work on new initiatives. Yet, you may also need additional help with that initiative. A professional service is a great way to get it. They provide dedicated attention and laser-focused help for your project.

 

2. You Could Benefit From Temporary Consulting

Although many MSPs provide longer-term consulting services, some companies don’t need them for that long. If you only need shorter-term, temporary consultation, then you may opt for professional services.

 

3. You’re Launching New Business Technology

Since professional services focus on one initiative, they’re great for new technology launches. They can help walk you through procurement, launch, and adoption without other distractions. MSPs can do this work, too, but may juggle it with other tasks.

 

Managed Services vs. Professional Services: Which One Should You Choose?

As mentioned, it’s not unusual to need both. If your company requires short-term assistance with complex projects and regular IT maintenance, you might be one of them.

Sunco Communication and Installation Ltd. is a managed and professional service provider based out of Edmonton, Alberta. Avoid the headaches involved with juggling multiple vendors and save costs by partnering with us for both needs.

Request a quote today and find out why thousands of business owners across Canada trust Sunco for their IT needs.

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