Managed Service Provider (MSP): What Are You Actually Paying for?
When tech is working right, few give it a second thought – and that’s a good thing.
That’s because managed service providers are in the business of keeping things running. We want those silent times. The quiet humming of the server room, computers doing what they’re supposed to, and a kick-ass internet connection. It means we’re doing our jobs well – reducing risk while keeping everything running.
But it’s during that silence that we hear one question:
“What are we actually paying IT for?”
Let’s clear that up.
The TLDR: What Your Managed Service Provider Actually Covers
- 24/7 Expert Support – Immediate IT help anytime, without hiring an internal team.
- Cybersecurity Services – Antivirus, MFA, encryption, and continuous monitoring to keep your business safe.
- Compliance Upkeep – Track regulations, maintain documentation, and support audits to avoid fines.
- Software & Cloud Management – Reduce SaaS sprawl, manage licenses, and scale storage and cloud resources.
- Hardware Procurement & Setup – Expert guidance, configuration, vendor discounts, and smooth deployment.
- Disaster Recovery & Backups – Protect your data and maintain business continuity during crises.
- Onsite & Project Work – Bundled support and project services in one predictable monthly fee.
- Business Growth Consultation – Data-driven insights to plan technology adoption and scale operations efficiently.
What Is a Managed Service Provider?
A managed service provider is an outsourced IT provider that acts as your in-house IT team – but with more resources and services than a small internal team. Beyond simple tech fixes, MSPs handle security, maintenance, risk mitigation, and growth consultation.
Simply put, MSPs do far more than fix your computers. When you partner with an MSP, like The 20 MSP, here’s what you’re really paying for.
24/7/365 Expert Support
Issues don’t respect business hours. And when critical systems break (like a hosting server, website, or important software), they need fixing ASAP. Every ticking second adds up fast.
Well-managed IT services are always available. 24/7/365, they make sure problems get resolved as fast as possible. That means no more all-nighters or wasted weekends – your managed service provider has it covered.
What you’re paying for: Access to an entire IT department that is available 24/7/365 without needing to hire or train an entire internal team.
Always Updated Cybersecurity
Layering your security is critical to staying secure. From antivirus, multifactor authentication (MFA), encryption, and more, it all stacks up. These tools aren’t set-and-forget. They require consistent attention and regular updates – all things that an MSP manages.
What you’re paying for: Modern security solutions monitored and maintained, so your business stays secure from evolving threats.
Compliance Upkeep
Through endpoint detection, remote monitoring, and cloud management software, MSPs provide a unique, holistic view of your company. This makes organization easier and improves transparency during compliance audits.
Even better, managed service providers stay on top of evolving compliance trends – such as California’s new AI laws – so your business doesn’t fall behind changing requirements.
What you’re paying for: A team of compliance experts who monitor regulatory changes, maintain accurate documentation, and support audits so that you can avoid costly fines and reputational damage.
Software and Cloud Management
Without consistent oversight, software as a service (SaaS) can pile up – known as SaaS sprawl. MSPs remove redundant program licenses, breaking down your sprawl and saving you money.
MSPs also manage and adjust your cloud services as needed. Adding or removing employees? License updates can be built into the onboarding and offboarding process. Running low on storage? Your MSP can expand capacity when needed and alert you in advance when storage gets tight.
What you’re paying for: Ongoing management for your software and cloud environment to control costs, avoid storage issues, and improve scalability.
Hardware Procurement, Configuration, and Installation
You might wonder why an MSP is needed to purchase computers. After all, can’t you just go out and buy yourself a laptop when needed?
While this is technically true, MSPs select devices that match your business’s actual needs. They avoid systems that are overpowered, underpowered, or incompatible with your software and security requirements. This prevents purchasing mistakes, such as buying the wrong operating system or hardware that can’t support critical tools.
Many MSPs also negotiate vendor discounts, configure systems before delivery, and handle installation onsite or remotely.
What you’re paying for: Expert guidance on hardware purchase, professional setup, and easy deployment without minimal disruptions.
Disaster Recoveries and Backups
Disasters happen with or without an MSP. Trying to recover from a disaster without a plan is like trying to find your way out of a burning corn maze – blindfolded. A disaster recovery plan and a dependable backup system give you a clear path forward, even in the worst situations. Whether it’s a flood, a cyberattack, or a system failure, the cause matters far less than how quickly your business can recover.
With an MSP, you’re equipped with reliable backup systems that consistently protect your critical data. These are paired with clear recovery plans for all your critical data, along with step-by-step instructions for getting up and running again.
What you’re paying for: Data protection and business continuity, so when something goes wrong, you can get up and running as soon as possible with minimal downtime and data loss.
Onsite and Project Work
Onsite support and project work are charged differently between managed service providers, but the best ones – like The 20 MSP – include these services in a single, predictable monthly fee.
Make sure you clarify what your provider covers when signing a contract. Bundling projects and support into one monthly payment not only simplifies budgeting but can save you money over time.
What you’re paying for: An all-in-one pricing package that covers onsite support and projects, giving you predictable costs and peace of mind.
Business Growth Consultation
MSPs gain a unique understanding of your operations through ongoing monitoring and management. This insight, combined with the increasing complexity of technology and business environments, allows MSPs to provide meaningful guidance for growth.
From expanding office space to adopting new tech, an MSP can use data-driven insights to help you make strategic decisions that fit your business needs.
What you’re paying for: Data-backed guidance that supports your company’s growth and scalability while keeping your technology up to date.
MSPs Keep You Running
Managed IT services provide far more than reactive IT support. Sure, they’ll handle your tickets like an in-house IT team, but the real value of a managed service provider comes from their proactive services and risk reduction.
By continuously monitoring, updating, and securing your systems, an MSP keeps your technology from misbehaving. And what does that all look like? Not much at all.
And that’s the point.
Constantly calling for fixes means your technology isn’t getting the care it needs. At The 20 MSP, we’ve been working behind the scenes for decades, monitoring, updating, and defending systems.
If you want to think a little less about your tech, let’s talk. We’d be happy to help.
FAQs: Managed Service Providers (MSPs)
Q: What is a Managed Service Provider?
A: A Managed Service Provider (MSP) is an outsourced IT provider acting as an in-house team, offering support, cybersecurity, compliance, cloud management, hardware setup, and growth consultation.
Q: How does a Managed Service Provider improve business operations?
A: MSPs ensure smooth operations, minimize downtime, maintain cybersecurity, manage software and hardware, and provide data-driven insights for growth.
Q: Are Managed Service Providers worth the cost?
A: Yes. You pay for proactive IT monitoring, 24/7 support, compliance upkeep, cloud management, disaster recovery, and business growth consultation—all without hiring a full internal IT team.
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About The 20 MSP
As a leading provider of managed IT services, The 20 MSP serves thousands of businesses nationwide, including single and multi-location organizations, delivering white-glove service, secure and streamlined IT infrastructure, and 24/7/365 support. We believe in building lasting relationships with clients founded on trust, communication, and the delivery of high-value services for a fair and predictable price. Our clients’ success is our success, and we are committed to helping each and every organization we serve leverage technology to secure a competitive advantage and achieve new growth.
