What's the difference between an IT provider and a true MSP?

In today's digital age, businesses of all sizes have to cope with an ever-increasing number of cyber threats. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are particularly vulnerable due to the lack of in-house expertise and resources. Therefore, many SMEs outsource their IT and cyber support services to third-party providers.

However, it's not always clear what the difference is between an IT provider and a true Managed Services Provider (MSP). In this blog post, we will explore the key differences between the two and help you make an informed decision.

Scope of Services

The main difference between an IT provider and an MSP lies in the scope of services they offer. An IT provider typically offers a reactive, break-fix service, which means they only step in when something goes wrong with your IT systems. On the other hand, an MSP takes a proactive approach and offers a wide range of ongoing services that are designed to prevent issues from occurring in the first place. These include monitoring, maintenance, security, and disaster recovery, among others.

Level of Expertise

Another key difference between an IT provider and an MSP is the level of expertise they bring to the table. An IT provider may have a general knowledge of IT systems, but they may not have the specific expertise required to solve complex issues or implement advanced IT solutions. An MSP, on the other hand, typically has a team of experts with a deep understanding of IT systems and technologies. They can provide strategic guidance, implement new technologies, and help you plan for the future.

Predictable Costs

In general, IT providers charge for their services on a time-and-materials basis, which means you will only find out how much you've spent after the work has been completed. This can make budgeting and forecasting difficult, particularly if you have a sudden IT issue that needs fixing. MSPs, on the other hand, typically charge a fixed fee for their services, which means you will know exactly how much you will be paying each month. This can make budgeting and forecasting much easier and more predictable.

Business Alignment

Finally, another key difference between an IT provider and an MSP is the level of business alignment they offer. An IT provider may know a little about your business, but they may not have a deep understanding of your goals, challenges, and processes. An MSP, on the other hand, takes the time to understand your business inside and out. They work closely with you to align your IT systems with your business goals, help you streamline your processes, and identify areas for improvement.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while both IT providers and MSPs offer IT and cyber support services, there are some important differences between the two. An MSP takes a more proactive approach, has a deeper level of expertise, offers predictable costs, and aligns their services with your business objectives. If you are an SME looking to outsource your IT and cyber support services, it's important to choose a provider that can offer the right level of service and expertise to meet your specific needs. At Ratcliff IT, we pride ourselves on being a true MSP that can help your business stay secure, efficient, and agile.