When considering IT support for your business, it’s important to know the difference between professional services and managed IT services. Professional services are typically one-time, project-based engagements that can be tailored to meet specific goals or needs. Managed IT services, on the other hand, provide ongoing maintenance and monitoring of a company’s networks, software, and hardware.
Professional Services
Professional services are often used to address a specific issue or provide a solution to an immediate problem. Examples of professional services include IT security assessments, network installations, migrations and upgrades, penetration testing, and project management.
Professional services providers typically work closely with the customer on-site throughout the duration of the project. This leaves the overall structure and monitoring of all online procedure and protocol up to the business once the project is finished.
Managed Services
Managed IT services, in contrast, are designed to provide ongoing oversight and maintenance of an organization’s technology systems. Examples of managed IT services include cloud-based backups, antivirus protection, patching and security updates, hardware monitoring, and help desk support.
Managed IT providers work remotely with customers on a regular basis to ensure that their networks and computing systems are operating correctly. Having managed services in place allows the customer to focus on their core business functions, while leaving the IT systems in the hands of a trusted provider.
Essentially, professional services are used for specific projects or goals, while managed IT services provide ongoing maintenance and monitoring of a company’s technology infrastructure. Both can be valuable tools for any organization looking to increase their efficiency and performance in the digital age. Deciding which is best for your business is a crucial part of establishing your online presence as it will determine the structure and maintenance of your IT and will drastically affect your yearly budget.
When selecting an IT service provider, it’s important to consider both professional services and managed IT services to determine which option best suits your organization’s needs. With the right combination of expertise and technology in place, you can have peace of mind knowing that your business is running efficiently and effectively.