What is the Difference Between Managed Services and Outsourcing IT Services?

Managed services and outsourcing IT services are two different approaches to providing IT support for businesses. Managed services involve hiring an external organization to provide comprehensive support, while outsourcing IT services involves delegating specific tasks or operations to third parties. Managed services are a more proactive approach to IT support, as they involve a service provider taking charge of the management of a company's IT infrastructure and offering advice on improvements that could be made. This type of service is often seen as an extension of the company, as it functions as an IT department dedicated to the company's needs.

On the other hand, outsourcing IT services is a more limited approach, as it involves delegating specific tasks or operations to third parties. This type of service does not involve proactive or preventive maintenance. It is important to note that a fundamental difference between subcontracting and managed services is the degree of foresight they show. A managed service provider will be interested in the long-term success of their business and will propose solutions that are effective and durable, rather than interim measures that are merely timely.

Managed service providers are also more than just outsourcing with a more attractive name. They offer a range of services that may include a one-stop-shop for a complicated project or different types of technology services that can help alleviate some of the stress of an overloaded in-house IT department, such as 24-hour troubleshooting services or updating infrastructure. For companies operating in and around London, Fifosys offers a full range of managed IT services, including business IT support, NOC monitoring, cybersecurity solutions, IT infrastructure management and cloud computing. Choosing the right managed services provider is important, so make sure you know what to look for in an IT consulting firm.

If you run an SME and need an IT service provider, managed services are the best option, since they manage infrastructure, monitor networks proactively, develop a disaster management plan and focus especially on cybersecurity.