What is the Difference Between IT Support and Managed Services?

it support and managed services

The question here is to describe the difference between IT support and managed services and, to be honest, it’s all a matter of terms. To many, IT support is a more generic terms of which managed services is a subset.

But, of course, there’s a bit more to it all than simply a matter of terms. So, let’s check out the difference.

The Difference of Managed Services and IT Support

With managed services, you are looking at it often describing a complete department within a company whereas IT support is primarily linked to the idea of a solitary project at a single time.

Here’s an example from an IT support perspective.

In this sense, IT support may relate to a website being built. The company wants that website, and then once it’s live, the project is over. The job has been completed, and there’s no requirement for continual support.

This would be the situation if a website was being built for say a barber shop. Their website is plain and simple with information that doesn’t really change. The one site works for them, so they don’t require that ongoing help.

That is the perfect situation for IT support.

Managed services will be different from this. Here, these services are related to something that is ongoing. If we use the website example, then managed services would mean the ‘support’ is continual. The website would perhaps be maintained or updated on a regular basis. Alternatively, it may be monitored from a technical side of things.

This would work best when databases are required, or email lists with emails being sent out. E-commerce websites with payment details being accepted would be another example of a website where this ongoing support is sort of essential.

But, of course, this is only one example.

IT Support is Narrow, But Managed Services is a Broader Term

So, what we are already saying here is that one option is a rather narrow, focused term while the other encompasses so much more.

When services are being managed on a larger scale, it may cover a number of different things all under the one roof. It may involve email traffic being monitored, it could involve dealing with security, checking all of the different systems from a technical perspective, or anything else that falls under the individual auspices of managed IT support services.

But this time, the one department is capable of not only doing one thing in one area at a time, but is a continual source of help.

How Do You Choose?

You now see the difference between the two terms, but how do you choose which option is best for you? Well, it all comes down to having an understanding of what you need, and also what the company in question offers.

Think carefully about what you are looking for. Then, see if the company in question provides that sort of support. If they primarily focus on offering long-term help, but you only need assistance with a small project, then chances are that this will not be a good match.

Finally, do remember that managed services will be a longer commitment. It’s not a one-off job and then everything is completed. If your company has managed to run into some sort of problem that needs to be resolved, then IT support may be best. However, if you need to continually work at preventing a problem developing, then working with a company, or department, that can help on a constant basis will prove to be more appropriate.

Of course, if you are in any doubt as to which option is best for your company, then asking the professionals for guidance will always be the best way forward.

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