Difference & Benefits: Managed IT Services Provider vs. Cloud Service Provider

Written by Layer One Networks Published August 5, 2022August 16, 2022

The IT industry is snowballing, and we are in the midst of a digital transformation. Many businesses must keep up with the latest technology trends to stay competitive in this ever-changing marketplace.

But many don’t have in-house IT staff to care for their network and other IT infrastructure needs and this is when they rely on outside help.

It can lead to confusion over what company you should use for your business — cloud solutions or managed IT services provider? Of course, both offer similar services, but there are some critical differences between them that you should consider before making a decision.

So in this blog, we’ll guide you through the services offered by both types of providers and choose the best one for you.

What is a Managed IT Service Provider (MSP)?

A managed IT services provider (MSP) is an IT services company that provides technical services to its clients. These services can range from cloud hosting to cybersecurity and include data backup, security monitoring, and maintenance of networks.

So, what’s the real value of IT managed service?

Well, the main advantage of outsourcing your IT needs to an MSP is that they deal with all the technical aspects of your business, so you don’t have to worry about them.

MSPs can provide both hardware and software solutions and offer these services on a subscription-based or pay-as-you-go basis. They support your network, servers, computers, and any other hardware devices in your business. In addition, the MSPs have the infrastructure to provide these services, which include managing data backups, security patches, monitoring, and maintenance.

What Can You Expect from a Managed Service Provider?

Many managed service providers focus on specific verticals while others provide a broad range of services across industries. Some common types of managed services include:

Network Diagnostics & Monitoring

Network diagnostics and monitoring ensure that networks are working properly and quickly alert them when there’s a problem with any aspect of their network connectivity. It’s also used to detect unauthorized access attempts or virus infections on your network and stop them before they cause harm.

Cybersecurity

Managed IT services providers can help with all aspects of cybersecurity, including incident response, risk management, compliance, and audit readiness. MSPs can offer cloud security platforms that provide enterprise-grade protection from cyber threats, malware, and ransomware attacks. The platforms also work to prevent data loss, ensure compliance, and much more.

24X7 User Support

There are various managed IT services you can avail of. While some handpick a few benefits, the best MSPs can provide a comprehensive solution that can typically replace an entire IT department.

And this is when the 24X7 support solutions come in. You’ll get round-the-clock access to the help desk to answer questions and extend support for any issue in your IT infrastructure. They can also troubleshoot issues with the network or computer systems instantly and help resume your work.

System Administration

Many MSPs take complete charge of your IT networks and server and run it as an in-house team does. They provide end-to-end solutions with admin access to client computers to troubleshoot problems or offer system upgrades. These solutions also include additional features such as network security monitoring, creating new modules, applications, and software, enabling integrations between multiple applications, and managing the day-to-day operational workloads.

Maintenance of IT Infrastructure

Managed IT services providers offer regular maintenance plans for different types of hardware and software. They also provide ongoing support for your IT infrastructure to remain operational without downtime or disruption in business operations due to technical issues or outages caused by malware attacks, viruses, or other malicious attempts.

What is a Cloud Service Provider?

Cloud Service Provider (CSP) is a company that provides cloud computing solutions. CSPs are IT service providers specializing in cloud solutions for their clients. They offer their clients different types of cloud products and services, including storage, data backup, disaster recovery, and other related services.

Many small businesses don’t have the resources or expertise to manage their IT infrastructure. They may have a limited budget, meaning they can’t afford the cost of hiring an in-house IT team. It is where IT consulting firms come into the picture with managed cloud solutions.

So this is when CSPs help companies manage their IT infrastructure by providing them with access to various software applications and hardware devices. These companies can then use these tools to perform multiple tasks related to their business operations. Through a multi-tenant model, the CSP consolidates and assigns computing resources based on the needs of multiple clients.

Managed cloud services providers are responsible for designing, building, and maintaining the hardware and software that comprise the cloud computing environment. They also provide users access to these resources through their data centers or third-party data centers.

What are the Different Types of Cloud Service Provider?

Software-as-a-Service (SaaS)

SaaS is a type of cloud computing where applications are hosted remotely and accessed via the Internet. You can use this solution on a pay-per-use basis. SaaS providers use virtualization technology to enable users to access their applications from any device with an Internet connection. Some examples of SaaS include Salesforce, Google Apps, Office 365, and Concur.

Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS)

PaaS is another cloud computing model that allows customers to build their software applications on top of an existing platform. In this model, there are no restrictions on what can be done with these platforms while users are using them. Examples include Windows Azure, OpenShift, and AWS Elastic Beanstalk.

Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS)

IaaS allows customers to rent virtual server space from a provider and manage it themselves. It is a service where the provider offers the client virtual machines, storage, and networking resources. Examples include Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, and Google Compute Engine.

What Can You Expect from a Cloud Service Provider?

Cloud computing is a type of computing that provides shared resources, software, and information to computers and other devices on demand. With this model, users can access a shared pool of configurable computing resources (e.g., networks, servers, storage, applications, and services) on demand, with minimal effort or interaction from global cloud computing service providers.

Cloud Computing Services

The cloud service provider helps to store your data on the servers or share it with other users across the globe. It’s a cost-effective way to access software applications and hardware infrastructure as a service, including storage, networks, software, virtualization, and more.

Remote Data Backup Services

A data backup is essential for businesses that require continuity of services in case of emergencies like natural calamities or technical glitches. Cloud providers offer remote data backup solutions that allow you to store critical files and folders online so that you can access them from anywhere at any time.

Cloud Storage Services

Cloud storage refers to storing data remotely instead of on your computer hard drive or local server. Businesses use cloud storage services to store their critical files in an offsite location where they can be accessed anytime from anywhere without additional effort.

Cloud Computing Consulting Services

Many small businesses don’t have enough technical knowledge about cloud computing. This is when the consulting sessions can help navigate the world of cloud computing, integrate it with the existing IT infrastructure, and facilitate smooth migration.

Cloud Management Services

Cloud-managed service providers help with various aspects of cloud management — like setting up new spaces, creating templates, and integrations, and conducting regular security and maintenance. Such providers will ensure you don’t have to worry about backend operations and cloud management.

Similarities and Benefits of MSP and CSP

A managed IT services provider is a company that offers support for the IT infrastructure of your business on an ongoing basis. It may include hardware, software, and networking equipment, as well as repairs if something breaks down. Cloud service providers offer similar services but also provide access to technology that can be stored in servers at their location or accessed remotely by a user.

The primary benefit of using an MSP is that it can provide various services, including support, maintenance, and upgrades. Many providers also take care of security measures, including network monitoring and antivirus software updates. They will help you choose what kind of hardware you need for your business based on your needs and budget requirements.

CSPs work with multiple companies at once so they can offer different types of services to different clients. For example, they may offer storage space, email accounts, management tools, or online databases. Cloud computing has broad capabilities and is accessible through standard mechanisms that promote use by heterogeneous client platforms.

Differences Between Managed IT Service Providers vs. Cloud Service Provider

Managed IT services providers and cloud service providers are two different types of companies that offer similar services. While both provide IT support, they differ in how they provide it, what they offer and how much it costs. The following are major differences between these two types of service providers:

The Way They Provide the Service

Managed IT services providers offer more than just a few hours of help from an onsite technician. They offer a full range of services, including management, maintenance, and computer systems monitoring. They also provide remote support and assistance for your company’s employees.

Cloud service providers typically only offer their services through a cloud-based platform. You don’t need to hire staff or buy equipment — you simply subscribe to their service and pay them a monthly fee to use their software or hardware.

The Services Offered

Managed IT services providers usually offer more extensive services than cloud providers. Still, there is some overlap between the two companies offerings due to competition in this tech industry sector.

For example, both service providers may offer backup storage space for your data if you have multiple computers that need backing up regularly throughout the week or month. However, global cloud service providers are restricted to your infrastructure’s cloud section and can’t extend the services to your on-premise storage. On the other hand, a managed IT services provider takes complete charge of your IT infrastructure. Also, a fully managed IT service provider is directly linked with your business needs, whereas CSPs can be linked to any type of business needs through their network infrastructure.

The Flexibility of the Services

Another difference between managed IT services providers and cloud service providers is that MSPs are more flexible than CSPs. is because MSPs provide you with all types of flexibility regarding software upgrade and maintenance services at an affordable price — custom-made to fit your needs, infrastructure and budget. But CSPs are not as flexible as they provide a set of solutions to choose from.

How Can You Choose the Best IT Service Provider for Your Business?

The challenge you face when choosing between these two types of service providers is that they have similar names, but there are important fundamental differences between them. What’s more, most businesses will need both types of services at different times during their lifecycle, so it’s essential to understand how each one works and what they can offer you.

The choice between MSPs and CSPs is entirely dependent on the type of infrastructure you have as well as the capability of your in-house IT team.

For example, if you have a hybrid cloud with on-premise storage, then you’ll need the services of both MSPs and CSPs. Many MSPs provide cloud maintenance support, so you can choose such an extensive option from a single vendor who can manage it all.

On the other hand, if you have only on-premise storage and need additional security and disaster management support, then you can work with an MSP for those additional needs.

If you’re unsure about choosing between both, reach out to our experts offering managed IT services in Corpus Christi. We can help you make the right choice and handpick the required services to maintain a robust IT infrastructure.

Cloud Services

Understanding The Difference Between Cloud Computing and Traditional IT Infrastructure

Written by Layer One Networks Published June 29, 2022June 29, 2022

Confused about choosing cloud or your traditional on-premise IT infrastructure?

Well, cloud computing and traditional IT infrastructure are different methods of running an enterprise. The former is a model where a third-party provider hosts your data and applications, while the latter is where you own and maintain your hardware and software.

In this blog, we will dig deep into some of the differences between these two types of infrastructure models in terms of setup, costs, flexibility, and scalability.

Infrastructure Setup

Cloud Computing: Cloud computing refers to delivering hosted services over the internet. It allows users to access applications and storage over the internet without purchasing their hardware or software licenses. This makes it possible for companies to scale up or down as needed, which helps them save on costs associated with IT infrastructure maintenance.

It also helps with compliance because you don’t have to worry about keeping your data secure from hackers or malware attacks since everything resides in a secure offsite location managed by a third-party provider.

Traditional IT Infrastructure: Traditional IT infrastructure refers to an on-premises setup where all applications and data are stored on company-owned hardware and software licenses. This setup can be expensive because businesses need to invest in new equipment every few years to keep up with demand for new features, not to mention all the additional costs associated with operating systems.

Scalability

Cloud Computing: The ability of cloud computing to scale up or down as needed without any downtime or disruption is one of its key benefits. For example, if you need more storage space or processing power, you can simply add more resources by increasing the number of virtual machines (VMs) in your server farm. As you reduce your usage, you can shut down VMs and free up those resources for other uses.
Traditional IT Infrastructure: In a traditional IT infrastructure, data is stored locally on your company’s servers or storage devices. In other words, all your data is stored in one place where it can be accessed locally by everyone who needs access. This means that if your business grows bigger and you need more storage capacity, you will need to buy more hardware and invest in expensive upgrades to keep up with demand.

Remote Flexibility

Cloud Computing: Cloud computing allows you to access all your data from anywhere at any time without worrying about where it’s stored or how much space it takes up on your hard drive or server. This makes it easy for employees to work remotely since they don’t have to carry around laptops or tablets anymore; they just log into their PCs via VPN or some other secure connection method so they can access their files from their homes or while traveling on business trips.
Traditional IT Infrastructure: Traditional IT infrastructures are rigid as they are difficult to change without significant cost implications or downtime associated. It is not flexible enough to meet the changing needs of businesses.

Costs

Cloud Computing: Cloud computing solutions tend to be cheaper than traditional ones because they require less upfront investment on your part as well as reduced ongoing expenses such as maintenance fees or power bills. The pay-per-use model makes it easier to scale up or down your usage as needed without paying large setup fees or monthly minimums.
Traditional IT Infrastructure: Traditional IT infrastructures are owned and operated by an organization directly. The organization owns all the hardware, software, operating systems, and applications needed to provide its employees with IT services. The organization also hires IT support staff members responsible for maintaining the infrastructure.

You may even need to hire an IT consultant service for managed services to handle your infrastructure. All of this contributes to a huge amount in the installation as well as the operating costs of the traditional IT infrastructure.

When Should You Choose One Over the Other?

Cloud computing has numerous benefits over traditional IT infrastructure

It is flexible and scalable, meaning it can grow or shrink as needed based on your business needs.
Cloud computing also offers increased security since your data is stored in a central location rather than on your computer.
Cloud computing provides access to and uses IT resources as a service rather than building and maintaining them in-house. Cloud computing allows organizations to focus more on business innovation than IT maintenance and support.
Additionally, it reduces costs by eliminating the need for equipment purchases and maintenance costs.

A traditional IT infrastructure has some advantages over cloud computing as well.

A traditional IT infrastructure allows you greater control over your systems.
Such control can be critical if you have sensitive data that must remain confidential or if there are compliance issues like HIPAA regulations requiring certain security measures that a public cloud service provider can’t fulfill.

If you want more information about the best choice for your organization, reach out to our IT consulting firm. Our IT support specialist is an expert in all things cloud computing and IT infrastructure and can guide you to make the right choice.

Managed IT Services

What is Fully Managed Service and Why is it Important?

Written by Layer One Networks Published May 26, 2022May 26, 2022

A fully managed IT service can be a great option for companies that don’t have the time or resources to manage their servers or are looking for experts to manage and maintain the infrastructure without any hiccups.

A fully managed service can provide everything from proactive IT operations and streamlined ticketing for all IT issues to remote monitoring and management software for key IT infrastructure. It frees up your time from managing the IT-related tasks so that you can focus on your core business.

In this blog, let’s look at how managed IT services can help you and everything that’s included in it.

How Can a Managed IT Service Provider Help?

Streamlined, Efficient Support

We can help you with everything from setting up your new computer, to upgrading your software and hardware, to fixing issues (if they do occur) daily. We’ll take care of all the technical support tasks, so you don’t have to.

One person will be assigned as your primary contact for all IT needs — from troubleshooting an issue in the office or fixing your home network connection at night when you get home from work. This means no more getting passed around between different teams and departments!

Proactive Reporting and Analysis

Fully Managed Service also includes proactive reporting and analysis. This is regularly monitoring your business to ensure that everything is running smoothly and efficiently and identifying any problems before they become more severe. In addition to checking key metrics, our team will conduct in-depth reviews of your business to make sure everything’s on track—or if there are any changes, we can optimize performance.

Vendor Coordination and Management

Vendor coordination is one of the critical foundations of IT managed services. This function ensures that your vendor partners work together to deliver consistent service quality across different areas, such as network operations, customer support, and billing. Your IT consulting firm offering managed IT services will operate as a central point of contact for all issues related to service delivery, including:

Vendor selection: Work with an expert in managing vendors to find the right partner for each component of your cloud infrastructure or application stack. This may include setting up contracts with third-party vendors like power companies or Internet service providers (ISPs).
Vendor evaluation: Get help from experts who can review your current vendors’ offerings against industry benchmarks and standards. They’ll identify opportunities where you might get better value by switching suppliers or renegotiating contracts on price or other terms of service.

High Availability

As a managed service provider, our goal is to deliver high availability, high security, and high performance.

High availability refers to the ability of a system to be available for use during a specific time period. In other words, it’s the amount of time your service will remain accessible before you have to start worrying about it being down.

We don’t want anything less than 100% uptime for all of our clients so we work hard every day towards making sure that their websites are live and serving customers around the clock without any interruptions whatsoever.

What is Included in a Fully Managed IT Service?

There are several functions included in fully managed IT services, but here are a top few:

Network security & risk mitigation: This service ensures that your network is safe from any kind of attack or intrusion. It also helps you to manage risks by identifying potential vulnerabilities in your network.

Endpoint detection & response (EDR): EDR helps you to detect malware on all of your devices so that you can remove it before it causes any damage or infection to your system.

Desktop virtualization: Desktop virtualization allows you to access your desktop remotely so that you can work from anywhere and everywhere. This also helps to improve productivity by reducing travel time and costs associated with having multiple locations for businesses.

Data backup & recovery: Data backup & recovery ensures that all of your important data is safe, even if something happens to the device on which it was stored or if someone accidentally deleted it accidentally or maliciously deletes it intentionally!

What are the Different Types of Fully Managed IT Services?

Managed Cloud Services: Some businesses prefer to outsource their IT support while others choose to manage it independently. With managed cloud services, your company gets full-service IT support with the flexibility of using a public cloud to have security and cost-effectiveness. You can consult with the provider to find the best plans.
Managed Hosting: A managed hosting solution combines web hosting, server management, and disaster recovery into one package. It provides all the necessary hardware and software to run your website or application in an environment where someone else monitors its performance, maintains backups, and patches any vulnerabilities as needed — all at a low cost per month compared to other options like hiring in-house personnel or purchasing expensive dedicated servers yourself.
Managed Security: We conduct regular security checks on your system and protect against malware, virus, and other online threats. Each device always has up-to-date protection against viruses, worms, and spyware—no matter where those threats originate.

Hire a Trusted Fully Managed IT Service Provider

As your needs grow, you will look for a reliable and trusted provider. You want to know your provider is dependable. You want a provider with the experience needed to take your business to the next level. An ideal IT service provider can help you through challenges and make sure everything runs smoothly in the background.

This is where our IT consultant service shines. We provide managed IT services for our clients in Corpus Christi, helping them maintain their IT infrastructure so that it doesn’t get in the way of their everyday operations.

Want to know more about how we can help you? Reach out to us now to discuss your need for IT services.