Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Have a working knowledge of managed service provider acronyms and services

Common acronyms and terms within the managed service provider circle include IT (information technology), CPE (customer provided/premise equipment), SLA (service level agreement) and outsource/out-task. IT refers to the hardware and software used when storing, retrieving and manipulating information, while CPE is the equipment and wiring located at the customer's place of business. An SLA is a written agreement between the MSP and client that states standards of service and management, and may include guidelines addressing outsourcing/out-tasking (contracting with another business to perform a service).

I recommend: If you are looking for more technology definitions, Marios Alexandrou provides a list. For explanation about managed service providers and outsource/out-task, see Everest Partners.

Be familiar with Internet terms used in IT managed services

Acronyms you commonly hear in context of the Internet and with MSP providers are ASP, ISP, IP, LAN and WAN. An ISP (Internet service provider) is usually a telephone company that leases Internet connections to other companies, and IP (Internet protocol) is how the data moves from one computer to another on the Internet. A service that provides remote access to a program is an ASP (application service provider). LAN (local area network) and WAN (wide area network) are both a network of computers, but differ in geographical spread.

I recommend: For a database of abbreviations and acronyms in the field of computers, technology and telecommunications, check out Acronym Finder. BusinessDictionary.com provides subject-based search tools which include topics in computers and the Internet.

Use the most common managed services as a starting point

Among managed services, three areas - IP VPN, IP Communications and security - tend to be the most popular. IP VPN (Internet protocol virtual private network) provides a secure network connection to branch offices with secure remote access to teleworkers, remote workers and global partners. IP Communications (Internet protocol communications) is a converged voice-and-data network, and security features decrease vulnerability on local, regional and global infrastructures with 24-hour monitoring and management.

I recommend: Cisco Systems provides a brochure with information describing different options for managed service. In addition to these options, consider Mansueto Ventures as a source to improve your knowledge before choosing a managed hosting service that works for your company.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Learning terms associated with managed IT services is an ongoing process, so ask experts questions and also do your own research to understand terminology.

1. Management of web servers;
2. Managed IT services for data storage;
3. IT security managed service provider.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Turn over server headaches to a managed hosting service

Web servers can be some of the most intricate pieces of your IT puzzle. There are several key pieces of software that regularly need updating to function optimally. And let's be honest--knowing what kernel you're currently running tends to get lost in the day-to-day activities of running your business.

I recommend: There are several companies that offer managed hosting service for their hosting clients. Host Gator consistently ranks highly in many IT publications, and offers you a fully managed server. If you prefer to maintain your own server but allow someone else to feed you the updates, SilverBack supports a huge list of software programs and can feed your IT people the updates in a timely manner so that they determine when the updates happen.

Give managed service providers your storage woes

One of the most expensive portions of IT is in data storage. Between backing up your systems at appropriate intervals and storing information that you may not need but don't want to lose, it can take massive amounts of computing power. Instead, allow a managed service provider, MSP, to take over your data storage.

I recommend: When it comes to agent-less backups, Asigra Televaulting is considered to be among the best available. It’s a fully-scalable solution that can be right-sized for almost any business. If all you need is an ability to store and remotely access your data, Amazon.com offers Amazon S3, a data storage solution that can be easily customized for your business.

Secure your IT world using a managed service provider

'IT security' is one of those phrases that can strike fear in the hearts of even the most seasoned business professional. Security breaches can range from minor to catastrophic, but keeping up-to-date on the latest issues can seem impossible while trying to manage your business. Luckily, there are several IT managed service companies who are willing and able to assume these worries for you.

I recommend: Radware, a leading IT security managed service provider, offers its DefensePro software that can be used with or without its managed IT services. If you prefer an MSP with a more hands-on approach, Internet Security Systems offers Managed Security Services. This award-winning suite of IT managed services is flexible to business while being rigid against intruders.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  When you're considering hiring a managed service provider, also be sure to look for local options. Often, a local company may be able to come to your office to do the work that would require a remote MSP to access your systems otherwise at a higher cost.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Cover many IT areas with managed services

Nowadays a managed hosting service is capable of handling just about any IT issue or need within your business. You choose what services you want them to manage, such as: email service, server upgrades, maintenance, network monitoring, security and Voice Over Internet Protocol (VoIP). They then find the best network service to meet your company's needs.

I recommend: For information about network service options, see internet.com. TechTarget clarifies "managed service provider" definitions.

Save time by outsourcing to a managed service provider

If you decide to outsource the high-cost, high-time areas of your IT department, MSPs act as outsourcing agents for you. MSPs find the fastest, most up-to-date products at a reasonable price by outsourcing areas of technology that require expensive,frequent updates and special security protocols. Given the cost of technology today, outsourcing makes economic sense because it may cost money for the specialty service, but it saves you time so you aren't constantly searching for the latest tech to meet your needs.

I recommend: WiseGEEK provides an overview of outsourcing technology and explores the benefits of it. For an article that presents outsourcing details and examples, see xchange.

Take the load off your employees with managed IT services

Technology changes at a rapid rate, and the cost of keeping up is expensive. IT managed service companies reduce these costs by providing the most up-to-date technology available for a predictable fee. By implementing IT managed service to handle day-to-day operations and management of your network, you provide more time for your IT employees to focus on core business issues.

I recommend: Kubernan presents a good case describing the advantages of managed services while explaining some changes in the industry. For another in-depth report on changes and advantages of managed service, see neoIT.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  What managed service providers offer may not meed your needs. Challenge managed service providers to find ways to help your business, even if it sets a new precedent. That's one of the benefits of changing technology.