What Is a Managed Cloud Service Provider?

Managed cloud service provider

A managed cloud service provider, known as MCSP for short, refers to an IT provider that offers cloud IT services. Cloud services have become a core part of modern business operations and MCSPs can be used to outsource cloud services, while businesses focus on their core offerings. Recruiting, hiring and training cloud professionals can be very costly, so many businesses choose to outsource their cloud work to a managed cloud service provider. Some of the responsibilities of managed cloud service providers include security, cloud migration, server maintenance and client support.

In addition to those responsibilites, many managed cloud service providers offer subscription based services and this allows more flexibility for businesses. Some of the subscriptions provided by MCSPs cover a variety of services such as utility services, infrastructure as a service (IAAS), web-based computing, platform as a service (PAAS), service commerce, managed services, and software as a service. The services offered by managed cloud service providers ultimately helps businesses get cloud services in a more cost-effective manner.

What does a managed cloud service provider do?

  1. Cloud service management: A managed service provider will help offload all cloud management responsibilities off your business. They will be the main point of contact for all cloud services that your business operates on.
  2. Infrastructure as a Service (IAAS): The managed cloud service provider will help provide your business with the cloud infrastructure it needs to power operations. They can help you use on-premise, off-premise or hybrid cloud infrastructures to help with your business’ needs.  
  3. Cloud migration: Your MCSP will help you migrate from your current systems to cloud services and this will help you run your business’ systems more cost-effectively while leveraging the scalability of the cloud.
  4. Cloud consulting: Your MCSP will help you with any decisions related to using cloud services for your business. Whether you’re looking to upgrade your infrastructure, make a hire or use a new software, a MCSP will help you make the right decision.
  5. Cloud security: A managed cloud service provider will ensure that your business’ cloud systems are protected 24/7. This will allow you to focus on your business’ core operations while the managed cloud service provider takes care of cloud security. This helps you prevent cyberattacks like phishing, ransomware, etc.
  6. Cloud storage: The managed cloud service provider will ensure that your business has all of the storage needed to support your applications and networks. This is one of the benefits of using managed cloud service providers because you can have virtually unlimited storage when you use cloud storage.
  7. Cloud deployment: Many businesses use the cloud to deploy applications through services like software as a service (SaaS), platform as a service (PaaS) and infrastructure as a service (IaaS). Your managed cloud service provider will help you pick which deployment model is best and they will help you deploy and manage your application
  8. Backup and recovery: Since the managed cloud service provider helps store your data, they are help backup your data and recover it in case anything occurs. This ensures all of your data is secure and it can be retrieved at any time by your business.

Benefits of working with a managed cloud service provider

1.       Integration Support

Businesses require many systems to be integrated, especially when using new products. A managed cloud service provider helps with integrating your existing business systems to your new ones. This helps avoid any of the operational or security problems that can arise from poor system integrations. The managed cloud service provider can also ensure that your new systems are supported in multi-cloud or hybrid environments.

2.       Optimization of Resources

MCSPs assist organizations in determining the most cost effective way to do projects and select systems. Since MCSPs have a lot of experience with running IT teams and managed IT services, they can help you pick the best strategies and most cost-effective tools to achieve your business’ goals. This can help save your business thousands of dollars from making common mistakes.

3. Controlled expenses

The pricing models of MCSPs are tiered and flexible. Some providers also offer a credit system for their services, which means that organizations with a seasonal schedule can request more or less support based on the demand and workload. The predictable billing nature of working with a managed cloud service provider makes it easy for your business to control your expenses and ensure that you avoid costly expenses that can come it cloud management.

Considerations before picking a managed cloud service provider

It is essential to choose the right managed cloud service provider in order to get the best cloud services for your business. Some factors you should keep in mind when choosing a managed cloud service provider includes:

Transparency

It’s crucial to choose a provider that is clear and transparent about their policies and methods of handling the services. Trust is an essential foundation since the provider will have complete access to the your data, and the operation of cloud services will be highly reliant on the provider at all times. Healthy communication should be set up by the provider with the in-house team. The MCSP should actively you about any changes or maintenance projects to be undertaken and be willing to share regular performance statistics and metrics. In addition to this, providers should also help train clients on how to use new systems and ensure operations run smoothly

Certifications

The vast majority of managed cloud service providers are certified in many security and compliance programs. The MCSP you work with should also be aware of the compliance requirements in your industry. This is crucial because they will be handling your data and the data of your customers. For example, if the MCSP is working with a healthcare client, they should be aware of HIPAA and any similar compliance requirements to keep working with the client.

Track record

A managed cloud service provider should have a history of working with clients that are similar to you. This means they should have at least some experience with working with a company of your size or with a company in the same industry as you. Proven managed cloud service providers have a track record of delivering great cloud services to clients. Make sure to ask about the track record of your MCSP prior to working with them. This will give you a good idea of what you can expect when you work with them.

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