A Managed Service Provider (MSP) is a third-party company that remotely manages a customers information technology (IT) infrastructure and end-user systems. MSPs offer a range of services, including network and infrastructure management, security and monitoring, technical support, cybersecurity, user access account management, contract management, compliance and risk management, and payroll services. They are hired by small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs), nonprofits, and government agencies to perform a defined set of day-to-day management services, allowing the clients to focus on improving their services without worrying about IT operations.
MSPs typically provide ongoing and regular support, active administration, and real-time monitoring of various applications, network devices, servers, or websites. They can deliver services on customers' premises, in their own data centers (hosting), or in third-party data centers. MSPs may offer their own native services or include services from other providers, depending on their focus and expertise. The term MSP originally applied to infrastructure or device-centric services but has expanded to include any continuous, regular management, maintenance, and support.
